Harvest Pastor's Blog

Together for the Gospel Conference

2010-04-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Here's another great preacher at the conference called "Together for the Gospel." Mark Dever is a Baptist preacher in the DC area and the title of his sermon is "The Church is the Gospel made visible." Give it a listen...

T4G 2010 -- Session 1 -- Mark Dever from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.

2010-04-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Together for the Gospel conference is going on and here is Piper's sermon. This may be a challenge to fully understand but try to stick with it. You will be blessed...

T4G 2010 -- Session 6 -- John Piper from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.

Prophecy for Today?

2010-02-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I preached through Eph. 4:11-13 which says,

"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ."

Paul is talking about offices in the church (with their accompanying gifts) that are to equip the church body for the work of ministry. The question that arises is whether the office of Apostle or Prophet should be in operation today? Did they serve their purpose in the 1st century and become extinct?

Briefly, I believe Apostles were unique to the 1st century because of their qualifications. When Judas defected, the rest of the Apostles wanted a replacement and the criteria for that office would eliminate everyone of us today - they had to have followed Jesus from the time of His baptism and had to be an eye-witness of His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22; 1 Cor. 9:1).

What about a prophet? Is that for the church today? Yes and no. Scripture level prophecy, add it to your Bible kind of prophecy, no! The canon of scripture is closed, but a prophecy given to a particular person, group of people, or a local church, yes!

Sound crazy? Listen to my sermon on Feb. 21 "Body Building - Doing Church" to hear more. If you would like to read more on the subject, click here to see what Sam Storms and what John Piper have to say.

Offering for Haiti and Abort73.com!

2010-01-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

The total offering collected this Sunday for Haiti and Abort73.com was...

$25, 229.07!

$24,586.52 Offering of both services
----$642.55 Kids bake sale
__________________________
$25,229.07 Total

Harvest Leadership Team (elders) decided that 60% of the funds would go to Haiti through Children's Hunger Fund which amounts to $15,137.44 and 40% would be given to Abort73.com which amounts to $10,091.63

Amazing generosity!

2010-01-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday's offering (1/24) totaled $16,500 which is an amazing response of worship to God. Wow!

Just to give you the backdrop of this story: On Sunday January 17, I told the congregation that the leadership group (Elders) of the church felt led to dedicate the entire offering we receive on Jan. 31 to help in Haiti and to support abort73.com in their effort to bring an end to another tragedy - abortion. As soon as we decided this and got the word out on Facebook and Twitter, our roof began to leak and the estimate to fix the thing was scary. Now we needed the offering we had just committed to Haiti and abort73.com!

We decided to go forward with what we had promised and I told the church that we needed a generous offering on Jan. 24 so that we could keep "Basecamp" (our church) operating. Last Sunday (1/24) our offering was $16,500. That is $4,000 over our weekly need! I am so pumped. What an amazing response of worship to God!

I can't wait to see what God enables us to do for Haiti and abort73.com next Sunday!

"Now to Him to able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus..."
(Eph. 3:20-21).

Initiating Gospel Conversations

2010-01-25T14:14:00.000-08:00

Check out this helpful article by J. D. Greear!

When Reconciliation Does Not Work

2009-12-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

Two messages in the last month and a half have addressed the topic of reconciliation (Peace in the Blended Family, Advent - Peace) in which I urged people to move towards relationships that have been damaged with a heart for peace. My great concern in addressing this topic is the ease in which Christians today discard or push away from a relationship without the necessary effort to reconcile and work through differences. They will talk to others about their grievances but not to the right people and then distance is created and hard feelings linger. No matter how painful it is to sort through the wreckage, I believe God is greatly glorified by healed relationships. It testifies to the reconciling God of the gospel.

Nevertheless, there are instances where reconciliation between parties may not work. Consider the follow examples...

A sexually abusive father towards his teenage daughter - Though she will need to release her desire for taking her own vengeance (Rom. 12:19; 1 Pet. 2:23), and forgive her father when he asks repentantly (Mt. 18:21-35), reconciliation of the relationship may never occur especially if the father is impenitent.
A destructive family member - There are situations within families where a member will choose a destructive path in drug abuse, physical abuse, alcoholism, or repeated infidelity that will make reconciliation impossible...or at least until they stop. The manipulative nature of their lifestyles may make separation necessary until they are penitent.
A malicious co-worker - There are some people who are just down-right dangerous and must be guarded against. If they are bent on destroying you, precautions must be made. However, most people have reasons for their aggressions and if you can ascertain the reason, you might be able to reconcile.

If we find ourselves in a situation that seems irreconcilable, let us follow the Lord's instruction:

Be at peace with all men so far as you are able (Rom. 12:14-18). Do everything in your power to reconcile with them. Eliminate offenses that you have caused!
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6:27-28). I believe Jesus said these things to people who find themselves in a irreconcilable situation. Even in that case, He give us some things to do.

May God grant us divine wisdom to discern the right coarse of action and divine love to make reconciliation possible. "To Him to the glory in the church..." (Eph. 3:21).

Meaning of Advent

2009-12-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

“As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow” (1 Pet. 1:10-11).

These Old Testament men yearned to know something about the Messiah and the time of His coming. They yearned for the day when Israel’s glory would return like in the time of King David. Just like their ancestors in the land of Egypt, they cried out for a deliverer to come to free them from their enemies and for Him to reign in righteousness. They did not know what that would look like or what timetable God was on. They just longed for it.

You see the same spirit of anticipation and longing in the NT in the hearts of Simeon and Anna, the two elderly saints who were simply waiting, longing, praying, and fasting for the appearance of the Messiah. Simeon was promised by the Spirit that he would not see death until he had beheld the Messiah. Think of the yearning in his heart that was set ablaze by this. Anna was a woman who never left the temple but continued in serving night and day with fastings and prayers. Look at verse 38. “And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” There were many who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem, the advent of the Lord.

That is what advent means - coming. Advent means the Lord’s coming. Throughout church history, the celebration of Advent spanned the four Sundays leading up to Christmas in which we look back to the OT in order to relive the anticipation for a deliverer. Why? To stir afresh a heart of gratitude for the blessings received in Jesus. It calls to mind the longings in our heart before we were brought to Jesus to find deliverance from sin.

There is another reason to celebrate advent. We, like Israel in the OT, await the Lord’s coming. All is not right. There are many things still left undone and we await the Lord’s return to set things in order and for righteousness to reign.

Trouble with blogging

2009-11-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

As you probably guessed by now, my plan to blog during my trip to Israel fell flat due to the outrageous prices of wireless internet even at decent hotels! I love America... Here are some pictures that I took...

What a long flight!

2009-11-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

We are finally in Tel Aviv where we stay the night. We will try to catch up on some sleep after a 11 hour flight! Tomorrow the tour begins and we head up to Caesarea.

Questions concerning Divine Election

2009-10-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Are we God's possession when He elects or when we believe?

I think this issue can be pictured as a coin with two sides – one side is God’s vantage point (which He has given us a tiny glimpse of) and the other side is our vantage point. From God’s point of view from eternity past, He elects/predestines those who will be saved and from that standpoint they are His by virtue of election. From our vantage point, we don’t know who God has elected until they believe in time, and from that viewpoint, they become His possession at the moment they believe.

Here’s the tension – Election is unconditional (without reference to deeds) yet justification is conditional (you must believe!). That’s how the Bible speaks about salvation. God elects before time without reference to our deeds (Eph. 1:4; Rom. 9:10-16) and we, in time, must believe the gospel if we are to escape judgment.

Here’s the bottom line: I must affirm both but I believe that God is the initiator of salvation because of the language of Eph. 1, Rom. 9. He is decisive in the saving enterprise and we respond in time because of what He has done.

Making Room

2009-09-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

As of October 4, Harvest Bible Chapel will officially go to two services at 9 and 11 AM. It will be an important transition for our church and one that we all want to be ready for. How do we do that?

Choose a service - Have a talk with your spouse, your Life Group, and your friends and decide which service you will attend. Do this ASAP so you can think through your Sunday AM routine.

Lock in - Try to avoid switching your attendance times from week to week, attending the first service one Sunday to attending the second service the next Sunday. Lock in to one so that you begin to connect with your church family.

Don't worry about the Children - Harvest Kids (children's ministry) will be offered both services, staffed with wonderful, loving teachers and caretakers. Our children are the most flexible with life changes so if you are settled with a change of service time and routine, so will your children. Set the standard for them and they will follow.

Arrive 10 minutes early! - Arriving on time means that you will be 10 minutes late for the service after you have found a place to park, checked in your kids, grabbed a cup of coffee, and talked to a few people. Prepare your heart to engage with God and others by arriving early.

Meet someone new each week - The reason we are going to two services is to make room for more people. All these new people are looking for Christian community and fellowship so our hearts need to be large enough to love and receive them.

Are you ready? Get set...

Sign up to pray this week at Harvest

2009-09-04T11:23:00.001-07:00

Gearing up for two services

2009-09-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

October 4th is going to be a cultural shift for our church. We are going to two services on that date - 9 AM and 11 AM!

God is adding to our number week by week it seems and we need to make room for the growth. Perhaps you've noticed the crowded parking lot or our expanding children's ministry. My office gets converted into a nursery every week to make room for all the babies. Even the auditorium feels full!

All of this is exciting but I know there is a temptation in our hearts to be annoyed and inconvenienced by the expansion to two services since it means that we won't be able to see everyone each week. Those of you who serve on Sunday know that it means more work and sacrifice. Yet, God has given us a mission to fulfill at Harvest Bible Chapel:

Spreading a passion for the supremacy of God and liberating a generation through the life and love of Jesus Christ.

We cannot fulfill the mission if we bar the doors, circle the wagons to protect our intimate fellowship. If we did, we would find ourselves pushing against God who "desires all to be saved and come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). If we desire to impact the city of Rockford with the gospel, we must continue to put aside our personal comforts in view of the kingdom of God and its expansion (Mt. 6:33).

This is a crucial juncture in our church. Will we complain about the inconveniences or praise God for the vibrancy He is giving our church? Will we pull back because of insecurity or step forward in love to serve those who are yearning for Christian fellowship? Will we look longingly backward or forward with eager expectation?

I say we step forward in faith! Just watch God be faithful. Just watch God do "exceedingly beyond all we could ask or think" (Eph. 3:20-21).

God's Word is transforming!

2009-08-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

You've got to read this quote by Carl Trueman. I ran across it again while preparing for this Sunday. He is talking about the power of criticism to shape our reality and how we need to hear from God to counteract the various voices.

"In other words, others might tell me I am a failure, an idiot, a clown, evil, incompetent, vicious, dangerous, pathetic etc., and these words are not just descriptive: they have a certain power to make me these things, in the eyes of others and even in my own eyes, as self-doubt creeps in and the Devil whispers in my ear. But ...God speaks louder, and his word is more powerful. You may call me a liar, and you speak truth, for I have lied; but if God declares me righteous, then my lies and your insult are not the final word, nor the most powerful word. I have peace in my soul because God’s word is real reality. That’s why I need to read the Bible each day, to hear the word preached each week, to come to God in prayer, and to hear words of grace from other brothers and sisters as I seek to speak the same to them. Only as God speaks his word to me, and as I hear that word in faith, is my reality transformed."

On the Road in Washington St.

2009-07-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! My family and I are having a blast seeing old friends, family, and beautiful sights. I've got a few sights that I want you to see with me. God's works are stunningly beautiful! For our last day in Washington State we took a scenic drive over the North Cascades Highway, then took a ferry out of Seattle to Bremerton and then ended up in Astoria, OR. Spectacular! Check it out...

Here's some shots from the ferry going out of Seattle heading to Bremerton...

I've heard so many good things going on back in Rockford at Harvest. It does my heart so well to hear that the church is thriving in my absence because the church is so much more than just one man. I thank God that Sundays have been great, worship has been awesome, and the Summer Gathering rocked. Just wait to see what God has in store for the Fall! See you soon...

Additional recollections of Czech Republic

2009-07-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

Final updates from CR

2009-07-11T00:37:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. We are doing our final packing and finishing up English Camp today. All of us are full of rich experiences - sharing our faith, deepening friendships with people we will never forget, praying for their hearts to soften. It has truly been awesome.

The beauty of a camp like this is that you become good friends with people who have never been close to a single Christian by learning together, playing together, and eating together. It is a perfect environment to share the faith because they begin to trust you and listen to you. Each night after the message, the people gather in small groups to discuss it. These groups can last a whole hour and more. These are atheists or agnostics willing to talk about their objections to Christianity.

Two nights ago, I had the opportunity to speak to a married couple about their spiritual quest. Their questions were very deep but sincere. They were coming to believe that there must be an intelligent force out there since the world around them is designed with such complexity, but they were not ready to accept the Christian God. Last night we continued to talk about God as the wife had tears in her eyes. She was visibly touched but did not "feel" that she was a sinner. God is on the move here and I believe this couple will trust the Savior in time.

The Czech work is slow but steady. One does not advertise in a newspaper or on the radio to plant a church and opening Sunday have over 200 in attendance. You wouldn't even have one! You must plant a church the old fashioned way - one-on-one evangelism. Seeing this has been so invigorating to me. They are reaching people that would never come if they only received a brochure in the mail. Even in Rockford where mass mailings do work, the majority of the people will not want to come. They need someone they can trust to tell them of Christ which means that we need to befriend them.

Research reports that new believers will lose contact with their unbelieving friends in 12 months. They will not know any unbelievers after that. This must change for us if we are to fulfill the mission of God.

Well, that's all for now. Thanks for your prayers. God is Great!

Here's an update from Ron...

On a lighter side...

2009-07-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

Andy and Luke made the ultimate sacrifice out on the mission field. Click here to find out more...

Soul Stirring

2009-07-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

In about 3 hours I will be presenting Jesus as more than a man...that he is Savior of the world. This will be the fifth message out of six and I plan to call them to a decision. Each night they listen and then sit in groups to discuss questions that I have put together. The majority of them are agnostic or atheistic and will talk about Jesus' life and its significance but will refuse to believe that the Bible is more than just an over-embellished tale. Many of them do not know one Christian outside those who put on the English camp!

Nevertheless, it has stirred them to think and to ponder Christianity and eternity. I will be meeting with a couple tonight after the service to talk about spiritual matters with them. They sit with me at meals. We have had good conversations but nothing spiritually deep yet. When they arrived for breakfast they mentioned to me that they did not sleep much because they were talking into the night. When I asked what they were discussion they said it was about God. They had deep questions to ask me but needed a translator so we have arranged to talk tonight through a translator. Souls are being stirred. This couple is just one of several people who want to know more.

Thank you for praying for us...keep it up!

Updates from Matt and Sarah

2009-07-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

English Class Small Groups

2009-07-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

Andy's class

Ron's Class

Sarah's class

Nick's class

Progress report from English camp

2009-07-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

We finished our first full day of English Camp. Our schedule each day consists of the follow:

9 AM-12:00 English class - the whole camp is broken up into small groups for learning and everyone is around a table in the cafeteria. I do not teach but sit at a table by my self with a sign that says "table talk with John." It is for anyone who wants to ask me a question or whatever. One lady came to talk and was distressed about some guilt that she carried about her grandmother's death. She wanted to know if God would forgive and wanted to know how she would know for sure that He did forgive her. She is not a believer but God is drawing her through her pain.

1 PM - 5 Free Time/Activity - Today, most of the people went on a loooong hike and so did I. My daughter hiked with me and we joined Courtney who was also on the hike. I interviewed her about how things were going...

Tonight at the evening meeting, I presented to the camp that Jesus is creator of the universe from John 1. I sensed the group warming up to me and my tandem effort with the translator went incredibly well. We had discussion groups after the message concerning what they heard and most people vocalized their disbelief in God. KEEP PRAYING!

Leaving for the English Camp

2009-07-05T00:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! We've leaving for the English camp this afternoon which is about 3 hours away from Prague. Prague is such a beautiful city that I am going to be sad to leave it. Every building is as old as Moses...or at least older than America. We visited Jon Hus' church called Bethlehem Church which is a reconstruction of it and his statue that stands in a prominent place in the town square. Jon Hus was an early reformer in the 14-15 Century. He precedes Martin Luther by about 100 years. In fact, Luther was indicted by the Catholic inquisitors as being a Hussite.

Thanks for praying for us. We have met many of the church members of this small church plant here and have been encouraged by what we see. Two nights ago, one of the women in the group came bounding up to the lead missionary, Mark Potma, and announced that she had just recently trusted Christ! Her husband had committed his life to Jesus about a year ago. Both of them were Jehovah's Witnesses before turning to Christianity. They have now a passion to reach this cult. The husband already has a website focused on reaching JW's!

Prague at night

2009-07-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Prague is a magnificent city and especially so at night. It is one of the few old cities that didn't get bombed in WWII.

After we prepared for our English camp, had dinner with the Potma's (lead missionaries), it was 9:30 PM and we hit the town square and didn't get back until midnight. Wow, check out the pictures....

More sight-seeing is planned for tomorrow and then on Sunday, we are heading up to camp.

Day 2 in Prague

2009-07-03T05:39:00.000-07:00

After a good night sleep, we all arrived at the ministry center/church to learn how to teach English and learn more about how the days at camp will go. (For those of you who do not know, we will be teaching English up at a week-long camp in the mountains. The Czech people are eager to learn English in order to open greater opportunities for employment and social interaction.)

Our apartment where we are staying while in Prague is about a five minute walk to the church so the pictures below show you what we saw walking this morning to the meeting.

For lunch we ate pizza, Czech style, which wasn't too bad and some carbonated water and tea. With a full stomach, I almost fell asleep in class because of the jet-lag. Later tonight we will be heading to Mark and Gretchen Potma's house (lead missionaries) to meet the rest of the English camp team around a fire...should be good fun. Tommorow we hit the town for sightseeing.

Leaving and Arriving

2009-07-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! We arrived in Prague safe and sound...and groggy. Wow, I think I slept all of 45 minutes during the flight. Here's a couple of videos that I made during our travels...

Pray for Czech Republic Trip

2009-06-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

2009-06-25T12:18:00.001-07:00

Pray for our churchs mission trip to the Czech Republic. We leave July 1.

Follow Pastor John on Twitter!

2009-05-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, I finally started Tweeting. To be honest, I really like it because it is easier than Facebook or blogging - I don't have to write very much and I can update it by my phone!

If you want to follow what's going on with me, jump on Twitter and find me

Re-entering the City

2009-05-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

In preparation for this Sunday's sermon, I have done quite a bit of reading that has kept my mind buzzing this last week concerning the Christian's role and responsibility in the public square.

After the defense walls were erected around Jerusalem in 445 BC under the direction of Nehemiah, it was important to repopulate the city with God's people (Neh. 11). The place was empty except for a few.

Similarly, our cities in America must be repopulated by Christians and strong churches who stay in the center to "seek the welfare" of the city (Jer. 29:4-7). When I think of the center of the city, I don't necessarily mean the physical center of the city, but its social, economic, and cultural center. Christians need to be where the ideas, plans, dreams, and values of the city are being created and that isn't necessarily the downtown area; much of that happens in the suburbs, too. As the city goes, so goes the culture.

Here's some articles that have stirred my thinking:

Tim Keller, A New kind of Urban Christian

James Davison Hunter, To Change the World

Harvest's Vision for Counseling

2009-05-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 9:6 calls the Messiah “Wonderful Counselor” and so He is. Jesus said the Father would send “another Helper, the Holy Spirit, [the Intercessor, one called alongside to help] … that He may be with you forever.” (John 14:16,17) This is the foundation for our ministry of counseling at HBCR. As we minister in the power of God, to the glory of God, and for the Son of God, Who is preeminent in all things, we can summarize the ministry in six principles.

God-centered. It is focused on our God; it is localized in our relationship with Christ Jesus; it is Spirit-empowered, or energized by the work of the Holy Spirit. Rather than emphasizing problems or personal benefit, God’s transforming work in our lives is our concern.

Oriented toward Holiness. Christ-likeness is the goal of sanctification, which counseling serves to advance, rather than relief from problems or the promise of comfort. As the Apostle James (1:2-4) reminds us, trials are to be a joy for us because they produce endurance whose perfect result is maturity. The goal of the body of Christ is that “we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” God said it like this: “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Tempered by Love and Compassion. As God is love, so Jesus told us that others would know we were His disciples by our love for one another. We abide in faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love. “A new command-ment I give to you, that you love one another…” (John 13:34) And “as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”(Col 3:12)

Spiritual in Nature. Believers are alive in the Spirit of God because they have been born of the Spirit and this new life is enabled by His indwelling presence. Our obligation is to live according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh (Romans 8:12f). Scripture makes clear that the flesh and the Spirit are in conflict with one another (Galatians 5:17), that we are to make no provision for the flesh in regard to it’s desires (Romans 13:14), and that we are not be taken captive by philosophy, deception, tradition, and other elementary principles of the world (Colossians 2:8). In contrast, 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 and 2 Corinthians 3:18 provide us the perfect portrait: “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God…we have the mind of Christ…We are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”

Founded on the Word of God. The Word of God is both Authoritative and Sufficient for all our needs. 2 Timothy 3:16 reads ”All scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;” The word is “living and active and sharper than any two- edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints marrow, able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart”(Heb 4:12)

Directed by Biblical Wisdom. Divine wisdom as preserved for us in God’s Word is what directs our lives. Rather than relying upon human wisdom and knowledge, we are to heed the Bible’s call for wisdom. Prov 2 “…Make your ear attentive to wisdom… if cry for discernment… seek her as silver…then you will discern the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God…For the Lord gives wisdom; He is a shield…guarding the paths of justice…then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course…wisdom will enter your heart…discretion will guard you… understanding will watch over you…” Wisdom guards our counsel.

Every (obedient) Believer Competent. According the grace God has given each one, he can and should minister the manifestation of the Spirit of God which is given for the common good (1 Cor 12:7; Rom 12:6-8; 1 Pet 4:10,11), teaching and admonishing one another (Col 3:16); not turning aside to human philosophy (Col 2:6-9), nor the counsel of the wicked(Ps 1:1) for wisdom or insight; any and all ability of the believer to counsel is dependent upon the Holy Spirit’s influence and power. The obedient believer continues to abide in the Word of God and the Word abides in him and he will be fruitful. (John 15:4-11)

Bible Reading for the Summer

2009-05-12T05:11:00.000-07:00

If reading through the Bible in a year is too aggressive of a reading schedule for you, try one of the following for the summer months (June through August):

Psalms.............(approx. 2 chapters per day)

John, Acts........(approx. 1/2 chapter per day)

Proverbs..........(approx. 1/3 chapter per day)

Ephesians 6x (approx. 10 verses per day)

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Just got home from our city-wide prayer meeting at the Coranado Theater. There was about 1000-1200 people in attendance and it was a real treat to pray with so many and to worship in song. I am thankful to live in a city where the Mayor and Chief of Police attend a prayer meeting and publicly pray to God! Part of the sweetness of the night was having Luke, my son, with me.

Keep praying for Revival!

How to H.E.A.R the Word of God preached

2009-05-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

As I prepared to preach Nehemiah 8, I couldn't help but notice the eagerness of the listeners in Nehemiah's day. God was truly preparing the soil of their hearts to receive the Word. Is there a way to prepare our hearts to hear the Word preached or is the tenderness of our hearts completely up to the Holy Spirit?

Certainly, the Holy Spirit can break the hardest heart without people preparing for it. If that were not true, no one would be saved. Nevertheless, believers can ready their hearts for the Word preached by the following:

Humble your heart - Remind yourself how much you need Him
Engage your emotions - Use song to lift emotions to match the gravity of the biblical themes
Ask for help - Pray for divine assistance in hearing the Word - attentiveness and tenderness
Ready to write - Bring your Bible and a journal to take notes (active listener)

Gospel Coalition Conference

2009-04-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

Last week was spectacular. I attended a conference and heard some world-class preaching with the likes of John Piper, Tim Keller, and Mark Driscoll. These men along with others were preaching through the book of 2 Timothy. Though they were preaching to an audience of primarily pastors, I believe the content of these messages would bless any of you who are eager to hear them.

Follow this link and click onto to any message that interests you. You can click on video or just audio.

www.thegospelcoalition.org/conferences/2009#t=schedule

Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Electrifying. That's the word I would use to describe this weekend at Harvest. Our Good Friday service was packed. People began the night perusing the art that was placed in the foyer depicting the Christ's atonement for sin. All the art was created by people within our church! As we entered the auditorium, all of our hearts were moved as we heard passage after passage being read to us concerning sin, atonement, and salvation. Near the end, the passages were from the crucifixion narrative which culminated in partaking the Lord's Supper. Songs were interspersed amidst the readings...I believe Christ was exalted.

Resurrection Sunday was also a high moment for all. It was our first Sunday doing two services which created extra work logistically but God was our help and strength. For me, I loved preaching twice and worshiping Christ again with everyone. The worship and praise was magnificent!

May God continue to be favorable to us as we seek to please Him and may He grant us all the boldness to speak freely of His saving grace among our acquaintances in Rockford!

In the world but not of it, pt. 2

2009-04-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

The church ought to be a great demonstration of how good it will be in the Kingdom of God when it becomes the dominate culture. We are to participate in the present world, living openly before men while embracing the Kingdom culture. We are trying to communicate through words and actions that the longing of their hearts for love, peace, tranquility, and community can only be found in Jesus.

In the world but not of it

2009-03-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is paraphrase of what we find in Jn. 17:14-18. We are left in this world for a time to represent the King and His Kingdom until He returns for us. While we wait, He has sent us to his enemies as ambassadors, proclaiming to them the terms of peace.
As such, we live in two cultures - the Kingdom culture and the culture of this present age. The Kingdom culture is the one that is outlined for us in the scriptures and its influence upon us grows as we embrace the scriptures and allow it to shape our life patterns. We are a sampling of the great Kingdom culture which will eventually be the dominate one.

We are to cultivate the Kingdom culture and redeem the current culture
Cultivating the Kingdom culture means that we at Harvest are cultivating an environment that encourages and stimulates the values that the Bible speaks of: holiness, goodness, wholeness, faithfulness, masculinity, femininity, hard work, selflessness, etc. at the same time as working for the good of the city around us so that Christ’s love is seen. We are not merely promoting a moralism but loving our neighbors and our city with Christ’s love – making this a better place to live rather than preaching at it or against it like Jonah while hating the city. It means learning as much as possible, staying in touch with the culture enough to understand its yearning so that we can show them how Jesus meets the deepest longings of their hearts.

Praying about your part?

2009-03-06T22:20:00.000-08:00

One month ago, I gave a challenge to pray for three things at our church...to care about God's glory about our private pursuits...for revival in our church and city...to discover what part God would have us as individuals play in His great work.

If we are to have an impact in our city for Jesus' sake, consider involvement in one of the following opportunities:

Prayer at the abortion mill this Tuesday, Mar. 10, for 6 -7 AM.
ECFA Foster Care
Safe Families for Children - a temporary (3 months max.) pre-foster care program
STUFF - Mentoring parents of children in the foster care program
Rockford Rescue Mission - leading Bible studies and mentoring guys, serving meals, childcare for women.
Tutoring Club - providing meals, becoming a tutor of elementary kids
Children's Hunger Fund - delivering food to needy families on weekly basis
Summer Outreach to Chicago (June 22-26) - Still room for more on the team
Foreign Exchange Students - open your home to one
Spring Clean - Helping our church neighbors in cleaning up their yards - date TBA.

"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jer. 29:7)

Liberate?

2009-02-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

The second half of our mission statement at Harvest goes like this: "...and liberating a generation through the life and love of Jesus Christ." What does it mean? What kind of ministry would we do in order to liberate people?

Simply put, we would share the gospel which liberates people from their bondage to sin and delivers them from the judgment of God. This is ultimate liberation.

Having said that, most lost people do not see their separation from God as the biggest problem. They would much rather obtain help for their financial crisis, or emotional crisis stemming from some kind of loss. This is what's closest to them and if we address those needs, their hearts may open to hear the Good News. Instead of inviting someone to Easter or Christmas services, think about how you can love them, listen to them, help them, support them. Think about how Christ ministered to people - He helped them up on their feet (Luke 5) and gave them their dignity (Luke 7, John 8). In so doing, they had a better idea of God the Father's love for them.

Liberating people from bondage is simply alleviating suffering where we can in this city and in our church which will point people to the ultimate liberation in Christ.

Jesus proclaimed to the hometown crowd in Nazareth that His ministry would fulfill Isaiah's prophecy:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19).

Let's follow His lead...

Calling us to pray

2009-02-11T11:07:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, we started a new series called City of God, Arise and Shine. It is a study through the book of Nehemiah which will take us through June with one break for Easter.

What moved me as I read the narrative in ch. 1 was the fire that kindled in Nehemiah's heart when he heard the disturbing news about the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem's walls were destroyed and her gates burned which reflected poorly on the glory of God. Up until this time, Nehemiah was content to stay in Susa with his cushy job tasting the king's wine, but something snapped within and he dropped to his knees to pray. Something had to be done. He must act. He could no longer live only to protect his own private interests. There were greater things to live for and perhaps to die for...but the first thing he did was pray.

For Harvest Bible Chapel to display the greatness and glory of God in Rockford, we must care about the collective witness of this church.

I want to challenge us to pray for our church for one whole month (Feb. 8 to Mar. 8) 3 times a week for 10 minutes. Pray for the following with your spouse, family members, and friends:

To care about the glory of God above my private pursuits

For revival (spiritual awakening) to come in our church and in the city of Rockford

For God to reveal to me my part in this great work

Gospel Living

2009-01-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

I came across a great quote the other day reading a book I highly recommend, The Prodigal God, by Tim Keller.

"Religion operates on the principle of 'I obey - therefore I am accepted by God.' The basic operating principle of the gospel is 'I am accepted by God through the work of Jesus Christ - therefore I obey.'"

We believe this principle at the moment of salvation when we cry out to God to be saved but then it must be worked into our lives at the practical level. I call it gospel living. We must take it out of our doctrine file and put it to work every day. If we don't make an effort to do this, we will inevitable go back to our old way of thinking and doing. Listen to Keller again:

"We habitually and instinctively look to other things besides God and his grace as our justification, hope, significance and security. We believe the gospel at one level, but at deeper levels we do not. Human approval, professional success, power and influence, and family and clan identity - all of these things serve as our heart's 'functional trust' rather than what Christ has done, and as a result we continue to be driven to a great degree by fear, anger, and a lack of self-control...we only change permanently as we take the gospel more deeply into our understanding and into our hearts. We must feed on the gospel, as it were, digesting it and making it part of ourselves."

This has been such a good book for me to read since my tendencies are to do spiritual things to be approved by God instead of basking in the finished work of justification through his Son's cross.

Pro-choice arguments addressed

2009-01-17T21:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a great article that addresses most of the Pro-choice arguments. Check this out and keep it handy... 39 Pro-choice arguments

Right to Life Sunday - Jan. 18

2009-01-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

I'll be preaching on the evil of abortion on Sunday which is "Right to Life Sunday." While preparing the sermon, I came across a great article out of World Magazine giving a history of the fight against abortion. The bottom line is this: more must be done than simply working to overturn Roe vs. Wade. May God give us insight into what that means for Harvest Bible Church here in Rockford.

Take a look at the article...

Sacred Exhange - passing the faith to another

2009-01-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

This Sunday starts our new series that focuses the attention on parenting and discipleship. I really sensed that after speaking about the roles of men and woman I needed to say something about parenting. I am making this a four week series but it will also touch on the need for discipleship (mentoring). Whether you are married with children or not, all of us are commanded to "disciple the nations." Parenting is just one form of discipleship.

For all you parents who have not read these books by the Tripp brothers, you need to pick them up. I have been helped by them...

You will be able to purchase these books in our lobby starting Jan. 18.

God at work!

2009-01-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

I have been praying and asking others to pray for revival for our church, not because I don't see God at work among us, but because I want to see more.

What is revival anyway? It used to be that a church would have on its calender a week long event every year where a special preacher would come and deliver messages on personal holiness (kind of a "camp experience" for adults) and call it "revival." That is not what I have in mind. God may use a week long event to bring revival but what I'm talking about is more organic and less structured.

Revival is the extraordinary awakening of desires for God within a church that liberates people from enslaving sins, causes hunger for God's Word, and emboldens the church's witness in the community.

I just want to say that last Sunday as Andy was teaching on the sin of homosexuality I sensed God breaking and humbling us over our own particular sins. During the Lord's Supper, I continued to sense God at work among us. I believe that these are gifts from God and initial flickers of revival. Revival always starts with an awareness of sin and a humbling before God.

I am so thankful. Keep praying!

Through The Bible in a Year on Your iPod

2009-01-07T07:43:00.001-08:00

The post below comes from Justin Taylor's blog "Between Two Worlds." What a blessing!

Someone asked about getting the ESV audio daily as a podcast to coincide with the reading schedules. Here's how to subscribe to this in iTunes:

Go to the ESV Reading Plans page.
Right-click (Ctrl-click on a Mac) the “RSS” link of the feed you want.
Choose “Copy Link Location” or “Copy Shortcut.”
Start iTunes.
Choose Advanced > Subscribe to Podcast
Paste the URL from step three into the box.
Click OK.

For the original post, click here.

The Bible condones homosexuality?

2008-12-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

You might have seen the cover article in Newsweek about homosexuality and the Bible. Lisa Miller, the religious editor for Newsweek says that you can be Christian and gay and that time will prove that "Fundamentalists" were wrong.

Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Seminary, responded to the article in his own blog. It is worth reading...

http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=2881

Also, he was then interviewed on NPR (National Public Radio) with Lisa Miller who wrote the article. Check it out!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98279341

By the way, Andy Tobin will be addressing the topic of homosexuality when he preaches Jan. 4.

What Does Jesus Want for Christmas?

2008-12-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

This Friday the nursery and preschool children at Harvest will be throwing a birthday party for Jesus. That raises the question, What does Jesus want for Christmas? It may sound like a silly question, but I think Scripture offers us a very serious answer.

I get my answer from Titus 2:11-14 (ESV) - 11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

These verses give us the reason for Christmas, which is when God’s saving grace in Jesus first appeared. Verse 11 tells us that God’s grace is meant to train us to live godly lives, and verse 14 says that Jesus gave His life not only to forgive us of our wrongdoing (“redeem us from all lawlessness”) but also to transform us into a people characterized by righteousness (“zealous for good works”). Jesus’ aim in coming wasn’t simply to offer sin-pardoning grace (as wonderful as that is!) but also to make for Himself a people who live out sin-conquering grace as we wait for sin-eradicating grace at His return.

On the basis of this Scripture I think it is safe to say that what Jesus wants for Christmas is for His blood-bought people to live holy lives that point the watching world to the glory of His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and imminent return.

Waiting on God...in Prayer

2008-12-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

Should we expect revival, empowerment, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, bold witness without tarrying in prayer? Should we expect vibrancy, a passion for the supremacy of God in our midst without a devotion to prayer among us? All that we want for our church cannot be created by careful planning and programming. It is birthed by God through the prayers of His people. There are no substitutes. Jesus told His disciples how to pray and implied rather strongly that some blessings His Father desired to give were reserved for those who persevere in prayer (Luke 11:1-13). James 4:2 tells us that “we have not because we ask not.” I am quite sure we will be surprised to find out all that God would have supplied us if only we would have asked. I am concerned for us at Harvest. Numerical growth is wonderful but numbers can easily become a false hope for pastors and their people. We are full on a Sunday morning but scanty at prayer meetings. We are pumped for God in song but puny in prayer, and therefore vulnerable to the Devil’s attacks.

Jesus told the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power on high (Luke 23:49). Later you find them in the upper room in Jerusalem “devoting themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14). Waiting on God meant for them a devotion to prayer. Should we who long to see an outpouring of the Spirit in revival do any less? Even after Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church) the people gathered for prayer. Acts 2:42 tells us that “they devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching…and to the prayers.” The way it is stated in the verse, “and to the prayers” indicates that there were set times when the saints gathered to pray. They gathered as a body to seek God, not just individually. This is what I’m pleading for at Harvest. Just so you know the state of things…

Men’s prayer meeting (Wednesday 6:00-7:00 a.m.) has around 8 guys committed to it. Our Sunday morning prayer (9:00-9:30 a.m.) has around 4 people committed to it. The women have their prayer meeting once a month with approximately 5 people showing up.

I am thankful that our Life Groups (Small Group ministry) are seeking to be devoted to prayer each time they gather and that prayer is offered at the beginning and end of every ministry meeting. This is a good start but only a start. What would it look like for Harvest to be devoted to prayer? What does it look like for you to be devoted to prayer?

I want our church to be a God-dependent praying church, don’t you? Join us and let’s get this thing ignited!

If God is spirit, why refer to Him with masculine pronouns?

2008-11-30T13:33:00.000-08:00

I believe the main reason God is addressed in the masculine gender is precisely because of the gender distinction at creation. God designed that the men should lead, provide, protect which would be a picture of what God is like to us. He is like a father who protects, provides, leads; submission, honor, respect are due to him because of that position. The Bible is speaking to us in language and pictures that we can understand. He has to use images that we are familiar with and therefore the man's role is the closest picture of what God is like.

If women were given the lead role in the marriage partnership then you would probably find God described for us in the female gender.

How can you survive with one income?

2008-11-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

I've been in a lively sermon series on roles of men and women called, "Male and Female He Created Them" and spoke two weeks ago on the topic of "Caretaker." The big idea of the message was that God has designed the woman in the partnership of equals to be the caretaker of the home - loving their husbands and loving their children, thus "helping" her husband to fulfill God's command to fill the earth and subdue it. He is primarily the provider, protector, leader and she is primarily the helper, nurturer, caretaker which is focused on the domestic area.

One of the statements I made in the sermon which caused a bit of controversy was this: "It is almost impossible to raise your children to hope in God when both parents are pursuing separate careers, all coming home at the same time (dad, mom, kids). The home becomes a frantic factory of activity to prepare dinner, help with homework, finish domestic chores that call for attention, converse as a married couple, and to have some meaningful time with the children, all from 6 - 9 PM. Normally, the parents are in no mood to deal with the kids and the urge is to get them in bed as soon as possible. In that environment, either the marriage suffers or the children suffer, and many times it is both." My point is that the mom needs to be home to provide a loving sanctuary to raise the next generation to hope in God.

One question that may arise from this statement might be: How is it possible to survive in this day and age with one income?

The first step towards change is being convinced that you need to. If you sense the Lord's promptings to stay home with your child during these crucial years then you are half-way there because 'where there is a will there is a way." It may take awhile to arrive at if you've made financial choices that lock you in (house, car, education, etc.), but over time you can make the changes.

The bottomline is: Either your husband gets a better paying job or you down-size. If you decide to downsize, consider the following...

Rent instead of own a home
Find an older or cheaper car
Eat at home rather than going out to dinner ("brown bag it" for lunch)
Unplug the cable or be more disciplined with cell phones

Does that sound too radical? Just remember something: you get your kids at home for only short time and then they grow up and leave. Make the most of it while you can...

Home Is Where the Heart Is . . . Exposed!

2008-11-09T05:24:00.001-08:00

The home can be a remarkable place. It is where we experience life’s most intimate moments, share uncontrolled laughter over the most comedic events, endure seasons of deepest sorrow, celebrate our highest achievements, and twiddle our thumbs in absolute boredom – all of this with those we love most.

Our homes are usually where we feel most comfortable and relaxed, where we’re able to unwind and catch our breath. They’re where we let our guard down and make ourselves vulnerable. There are things we do at home which we don’t usually do elsewhere, and appropriately so. We might wear old, worn-out clothing around the house that we’d never sport before the general public, but that’s not all we confine to the home and conceal from the public. There are also thoughts, attitudes, actions, words, and habits that are only fully revealed in the comfort of our own home. For this reason I’m arguing that a home is a remarkable place because it has the unique ability to expose what is truly in our hearts, whether that be love, anger, lust, humility, or whatever.

Let’s consider in greater detail how the home exposes what is truly in our hearts so that we’re better equipped to recognize our sin, run to the Cross, and repent of it instead of writing it off as something less serious.

First, remember what Jesus says about the source of ALL our behavior, namely, that if flows out of our hearts, that is, it is the outward expression of who we really are on the inside: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure [of the heart] produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). This principle is important because it forces us to recognize that, although we are influenced by our environment and circumstances, our actions are the direct result of what is in our heart.

Let this truth be the lens through which you view all that goes on in your home. Your attitude toward food, sleep, and relaxation in your home reveal your heart. Your habits with TV and Internet both in content and quantity of time spent, disclose what is in your heart. Whether or not your hobbies around the house and your use of free time crowd out time for fellowship with God through Scripture and prayer unveils the values of your heart. In the context of our homes we see if we have a heart for the lost, if we’re storing up treasures in heaven, if our service to others in public is matched by service to others in private.

Furthermore, consider how James elaborates on this truth in the context of conflict. James says that the source of all interpersonal conflict is our hearts. More specifically he says it is our passions and pleasures, which come from our hearts, that cause quarrels and fights (see James 4:1).

Do you ever experience conflict in your home? I know, dumb question! Did you ever stop to think that God uses that conflict to expose what is truly in your heart? Think about it for a moment. After a long day’s work you probably desire to enjoy a relaxing, stress-free evening – sounds reasonable. But what happens when a spouse or child interferes with your plans by way of requesting your assistance on a project, asking for help with homework, or by requiring your intervention due to sibling warfare? Does your heart treasure your relaxation such that you get demonstrably angry with whomever jeopardizes your enjoyment of it, or do you treasure Christ such that you’ll continue to humbly and selflessly serve Him in your home even when temporal pleasures are withheld?

Watch over your heart in that remarkable place called “home,” for whether in comfort or in conflict home is where the heart is exposed!

Post Election Thoughts

2008-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have mixed thoughts and feelings today after staying up late watching the election results and I'm sure many of you have the same. I voted for John McCain because of his wisdom in foreign affairs - a pretty important topic given the fact that our troups are in Afghanistan and Iraq and the reality of global connectivity at almost every level among nations.

Another reason that I voted for John McCain is because of his Pro-Life postion (Barack Obama is radically Pro-Choice). Abortion is a dark evil in our land and this issue should be a deciding factor for Christians going to the polls. I also think of the Supreme Court Judges soon to retire which Barack will be able to replace with people with his ideology. This concerns me a great deal.

On the other hand, I cannot help smiling with joy that an Africa-American is going to be president of the United States when 45 years ago Barak Obama would have had to sit in the back of public transit, drink water from a different fountain, and be excluded from certain establishments. This moment in history has given hope to an oppressed people, people whose dreams have been suffocated for so many years. The sybolism of this moment is huge for them and for our country as illustrated in Barack's speech when he mentioned the 106 year old African-American woman who voted. When she was born, stories of the Civil War were still told by eyewitnesses, a woman could not vote and certainly not a black woman. This change is monumental and to be celebrated.

So, I'm sorrowful and rejoicing. Is that possible? I think so because we live in a fallen world. I am ultimately a citizen of heaven waiting for the true King to arrive to take me to a place where righteousness rules and the tension no longer exists. Until then we work and pray...

Lessons Learned from D. L. Moody, pt. 4

2008-10-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

Embrace your modest talent and use it!

One of most encouraging things reading about D. L. Moody is his ordinariness. He was a man of modest talent but his great faith and passion for souls pushed him into greater places of influence and usefulness.

Early in his SS ministry, he received an opportunity to speak and afterwards one of the deacons assured him that he would, in his opinion, serve God best by keeping still! “Another critic, who commended his zeal in filling the pews he had hired in Plymouth Church, suggested that he should realize the limitations of his vocation and not attempt to speak in public. ‘You make too many mistakes in grammar,’ the man complained.” He paused and looked at the man searchingly, adding with his own irresistible manner: “Look here, friend, you’ve got grammar enough – what are you doing with it for the master?”[1]

It was true, Moody did not have much of an education under his belt. His speech was riddled with grammatical mistakes – “Moodyisms” as they were called. Sometimes the press would butcher him over it but he would continue in what he was called to do, and in the end they could not argue with his genuineness. Lord Shaftesbury, the Lord Chancellor of England said to him, “The simplicity of that man’s preaching, the clear manner in which he sets forth salvation by Christ, is to me the most striking and most delightful thing I ever knew in my life.”[2]

During one of the evangelistic campaigns in England, the Pall Mall Gazette wrote: “Moody and Sankey are not, it is true, graduates of any university. They are men of the people, speaking the language and using he methods not of the refined, but of the generality. Yet they have probably left a deeper impression of their individuality upon one great section of English men and English women that any other persons who could be named.”[3]

[1] William R. Moody, The Life of Dwight L. Moody, (Sword of the Lord Publishers: Murfreesboro, TN; 1900), p. 61.
[2] Ibid., 241.
[3] Ibid., 304.

Lessons Learned from D. L. Moody, pt. 3

2008-09-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

By all means, reach people!

Moody never tampered with the timeless message of the gospel but he was an innovator and a fresh thinker when it came to reaching people. In his early Sunday School work, Moody bought a Indian pony known as his missionary horse. The horse was of special enjoyment with the children and aided him in securing attendance. He also kept his pockets full of oranges, candy, or something sweet.

F. B. Meyer, the great English preacher, said of Moody: “The first characteristic of Mr. Moody’s that struck me was that he was so absolutely unconventional and natural. That a piece of work had generally been done after a certain method would probably be the reason why he would set about it in some fresh and unexpected way. That the new method startled people was the greater reason for continuing with it, if only it drew them to the Gospel. But there was never the slightest approach to irreverence, fanaticism, or extravagance; everything was in perfect accord with a rare common sense, a directness of method, a simplicity and transparency of aim, which were as attractive as them were fruitful in result.”[1]

[1] William R. Moody, The Life of Dwight L. Moody, (Sword of the Lord Publishers: Murfreesboro, TN; 1900), p. 158.

Lessons Learned from D. L. Moody, pt. 2

2008-09-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Press men into the Kingdom!

Dr. H. C. Mabie writes: "I first met Mr. Moody in the fall of 1863, in Chicago…As we passed in prayer meeting for the YMCA there was a stocky, bustling, Simon Peter sort of a man standing at the door and shaking hands with all who entered. He spoke an earnest word to each. At the close of the meeting his same man remained to speak and pray with an inquirer or two who had shown signs of interest during the meeting. This honest man was Mr. Moody, and it made an impression upon me for life. I had never before seen a layman so making it his business to press men into the Kingdom as he seemed to be doing. I had learned to expect that of ministers, but I had never seen a layman so dead in earnest; but I like it.”[1]

“There is nothing novel in the doctrine Mr. Moody proclaims. It is the old gospel…yet always fresh and young as the living fountain or the morning sun. It is spoken with most impressive directness, not as by a man half convinced and who seems always to feel that a skeptic is looking over his shoulder, but with a certainty of the truth of what he says, as if, …he did not speak the very stones would cry out.”[2]

“He preaches as if there never was to be another meeting, and as if sinners might never hear the Gospel sound again: these appeals to decide now are most impressive.”[3]

Moody was a possessed man when it came to the gospel preaching. When he talked about eternal realities, they were fixed in his mind as firm as the ground underneath him. Because of it, he pressed Christ upon people with great earnestness so as to convince the hearer of his or her need. The Chicago fires of 1871 had a tremendous impact on him. On Oct. 8th he preached to the largest crowd he had ever preached to up until then. After finishing his sermon, he urged the crowd to turn the text over in their minds during the week, and next Sunday he would continue and give them an opportunity to embrace Christ. That night Chicago was lit ablaze and many of those in the audience were swept into eternity. Moody was heartbroken over the fact that he never gave them an opportunity to respond. In Moody’s own words, “I have asked God many times to forgive me for telling people that night to take a week to think it over, and if he spares my life, I will never do it again…I want to tell you of one lesson I learned that night which I have never forgotten, and that is, when I preach, to press Chris upon the people then and there, and try to bring them to a decision on the spot.”[4]

Though I think Moody did not have a proper understanding of the doctrines of grace, I believe he got it right in this fiery urgency that weighted his soul when sharing the gospel. I think that is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he said in 2 Cor. 5:11, “Knowing the fear fo he Lord, we persuade others.” It happens when the realities are truly pressed upon us.

[1] William R. Moody, The Life of Dwight L. Moody, (Sword of the Lord Publishers: Murfreesboro, TN; 1900), 79.
[2] Ibid., 184.
[3] Ibid., 168
[4] Ibid., 145-46.

Lessons Learned from D. L. Moody

2008-09-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

Consecrate Yourself for God’s work

During his first trip to England while Moody was recovering from a spiritual depression and fatigue, he heard these words, “The world has yet to see what God will do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. ‘He said a man,’ thought Moody; ‘he did not say a great man, nor a learned man, nor a rich man, nor a wise man, nor a eloquent man, nor a smart man, but simply a man. I am a man, and it lies with the man himself whether he will or will not make that entire and full consecration. I will try my utmost to be that man.”[1]

“It has been noted that Moody frequently determined upon a course that did not appear wise to his friends. This meant that their perspective was obscured by what appeared to be insurmountable obstacles. Such obstructions never obscured Mr. Moody’s vision, for if once he thought an object worth attaining, he undertook its achievement with an enthusiasm and vigor equaled only by his determined perseverance. It was this last trait that contributed very largely to his success. Many of this enterprises would have been abandoned by a less courageous and persistent character.”[2]

One evangelist of San Jose` describes an experience with Moody that forever changed his life: “One day the leader assigned did not get there in time, and Mr. Moody came to me, requesting that I take charge. I had just arrived from a journey, hot and dusty. ‘Mr. Moody’, I said, ‘I am just in from a long absence and am not presentable. Excuse me, please, and at some other time I will lead the meeting.’ I shall never forget the incident, for it was the turning point in my life. ‘I thought you were a Christ soldier,’ he said, and added, ‘Go forward and we will pray for you.’ As soon as the meeting was over he came again and thanked me. You did well, he said. But it is all wrong this holding back! Your duty is clear; keep in front. Be a minute man.!”[3]

[1] William R. Moody, The Life of Dwight L. Moody, (Sword of the Lord Publishers: Murfreesboro, TN; 1900), 134.
[2] Ibid., 507
[3] Ibid., 120.

D. L. Moody the Evangelist

2008-09-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

D. L. Moody was born in 1837 and died in 1899. He was the most influential Christian man in late 19th century to the extent that some would give him the title, Mr. Revivalist or greater still, Mr. Protestant. Understand that he lived at the time of great preachers and the golden age of preaching. Moody was not a pastor but an evangelist. The influence that he had during his life was through an itinerate ministry from city to city for the most part. During those years, however, his oldest son estimated that 1 million souls were saved through his preaching. In addition, he established three schools, Moody Bible Institute was one of them, a publishing business, and Christian conferences held yearly. As a layman, he inspired thousands of preachers to win souls and hold revival services. Many of us grew up in the twilight of revival meetings that churches held yearly as a method of calling the church to holiness and unbelievers to Jesus.

“At Moody’s funeral, Theodore Cuyler estimated that at times Moody spoke to 40,000 or 50,000 people a week, an estimate not at all unreasonable in view of the fact that some single services had 10-20 thousand in the audience. This evidence would seem to indicate that A.T. Pierson’s calculation that Moody brought the claims of Christ by voice and pen to the attention of 100 million people, if anything, errs on the conservative side.”[1]

[1] Stanley N. Gundry, Love them In, (Moody Press of Chicago: 1976, 1999), p. 12.

Peer Discipleship - Sharpening Each Other

2008-08-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

It's surprizing how many Christian friendships cruise along year after year without spending much time talking about Christ. Christ is the invisible assumption. "Oh yes, He is the center of our lives" they might say but no one is talking much about Him. There could be a lot of mutual encouragement going on but to do that, someone needs to introduce it into the relationship.

Can I suggest something? Read a book together and then discuss your discoveries taking a chapter at a time. You could say to your friend, "I need your help to become stronger in my faith and I was wondering if you would like to read this book with me. We could read a chapter then get together and talk about it. What do you think?"

Make your friendships an engine for spiritual group. Put Christ in the center of them. Below is a list of resources that would be good for starters:

Disciplines of a Godly Man - R. Kent Hughes
Disciplines of a Godly Woman - Barbara Hughes
Disciplines of a Godly Family - R. Kent Hughes and Barbara Hughes
Spritual Disciplines for the Christian Life - Donald S. Whitney

Sounds like a lot of discipline, doesn't it? Don't let the titles discourage you. These are awesome resources for laying good foundations in your life. Go ahead, call your friend right now...

Halfway thru the 2008; Halfway thru your Bible?

2008-06-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

How often does it occur that you finish reading a 1,000plus-page book one day and begin reading it all over again the next? I found this question to be rather stimulating as I finished my yearlong Bible reading plan only to start all over again (it actually took me more than a year). I’m amazed at God’s word, how it is continually fresh and challenging no matter the number of times read. As I finished reading it through, I’m hungrier to read it through this next time than I was the previous time.

Consider some quotes from some saints who have gone before us:

“In truth you cannot read too much in Scripture; and what you read you cannot read too carefully, and what you read carefully you cannot understand too well, and what you understand well you cannot teach too well, and what you teach well you cannot live too well. . . .” This quote comes from Martin Luther, who, for a number of years, read through the Bible twice a year.

“Now in brotherly love and affection I would give a few hints to my younger fellow-believers as to the way in which to keep up spiritual enjoyment. It is absolutely needful in order that happiness in the Lord may continue, that the Scriptures be regularly read. These are God's appointed means for the nourishment of the inner man. . . .Consider it, and ponder over it. . . . Especially we should read regularly through the Scriptures, consecutively, and not pick out here and there a chapter. If we do, we remain spiritual dwarfs. I tell you so affectionately. For the first four years after my conversion I made no progress, because I neglected the Bible. But when I regularly read on through the whole with reference to my own heart and soul, I directly made progress. Then my peace and joy continued more and more. Now I have been doing this for 47 years. I have read through the whole Bible about 100 times and I always find it fresh when I begin again. Thus my peace and joy have increased more and more.” George Muller

We’re almost exactly halfway through 2008. You, like me, may not be on your second read through the Bible this year, but if you’re struggling to make it through God’s word once this year, may this serve as some encouragement to that end.

Just are His Judgments

2008-06-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

There is a truth to which my mind turns now and then to help me cherish the grace of God. I was reminded of that truth today in Revelation 16:4-7. During the Tribulation, when the third bowl of God’s wrath is poured out on the earth the result will be that the rivers and the springs of water will become blood. In response to this demonstration of God’s wrath an angel says, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” John then writes, “And I heard the altar saying, ‘Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!’”

This text reminded me that if God did not save me, or anyone for that matter, He would still be praised for all of eternity by the angels in heaven for His perfect justice. My absence from heaven would not result in absence of praise to God. God is not compelled to save anyone on account of foreseeing something missing from heaven were He to not save them. God is moved by His free and sovereign grace to redeem sinners, making them objects of His everlasting kindness instead of wrath, causing the angels to praise Him for His mercy toward them rather than judgment. “Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all my sin.”

Describing a Saint

2008-06-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

As I was reading through Revelation 14 this morning I came across a great little description of a saint (literally, a holy or consecrated one). Verse 12 reads, “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” Notice how John describes the saints: “those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” In the immediate context (i.e., the Tribulation) such a person is notable because faith in Jesus, which produces commandment-keeping is costly. Revelation 12:17 says that Satan makes war on such people.

I find this description of a saint interesting because it overlaps with some the themes we’re touching on in Student Ministry over the summer. The characteristic activity of a saint is keeping the commandments of God. This is also what characterizes a disciple. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus said that making disciples includes “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (v. 20). Jesus also said that obedience is essential to expressing love for Him: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

No matter which title you prefer to identify yourself as a Christian (saint, disciple, lover of Christ) keeping the commandments of God by faith is critical. How are you doing? Are you characterized as one who keeps the commandments of God and your faith in Jesus?

An Old Testament Portrait of Grace

2008-05-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

I love it when I encounter truth in God’s word that contradicts common stereotypes, one of which is the inaccurate generalization that God is a God of wrath in the Old Testament and a God of love in the New.

As I was reading through Daniel I found a beautiful portrait of God’s patience and kindness toward the arrogant, pagan king, Nebuchadnezzar. In chapter 3 we read of Nebuchadnezzar's 90-foot statue, before which he commanded all peoples, nations, and languages to bow in worship lest they be thrown into a burning fiery furnace.

Only God has the right to demand worship like this. King Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself to be like God, making himself worthy of God’s fierce and just wrath. What a perfect opportunity for God to confront this pagan King. He could have said something like, “You threw my servants (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) into the fiery furnace for failure to worship you, a self-exalting man. Prepare yourself for my everlasting fiery furnace on account of your failure to worship me, the living God." But what we see in chapter 4 is not an episode of God’s wrath but rather God’s grace to humble the king through drastic means in order to show him that God alone is the Most High, the King of heaven, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion.

This contrast between the mercy of God, who has every right to demonstrate his wrath, and the arrogant harshness of a man, who has no right to demand worship the way he does, is wonderful. Praise God, that He is not like us, especially in response to our thinking that we’re like Him!

Gospel Warning

2008-05-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

High School Ministry just concluded its series “Understanding Gospel” on Wednesday night. After taking four weeks to examine the topics of (1) God as Creator and Lawgiver, (2) Man as sinner, (3) Jesus Christ as Savior, and (4) Grace and Faith as the basis and means of salvation, the final message came in the form of a warning, a warning to not merely understand the gospel but to embrace it wholeheartedly as the good news that it truly is. Here’s a summary of that warning.

There have been two catastrophic world events in the past few weeks. The cyclone that hit Myanmar could have a death toll well over 100,000 people. The earthquake in China has claimed at least 22,000 lives. The sudden nature of such devastating events should wake us from our spiritual slumber. No one in either Myanmar or China could foresee these events. There were no warnings. Families were not marking their calendars for the coming cyclone. Businesses weren’t planning to close down for the coming earthquake. These events took their victims by surprise.

The urgency to embrace the gospel becomes more apparent with these catastrophes playing on our televisions. They should remind us of our own mortality and the relative ease with which our lives can unexpectedly terminated. There is no guarantee that our next breath will not be our last; tomorrow isn’t promised to anybody. Jesus gives us a strong warning when he was questioned about two tragic events in His day (see Luke 13:1-5). He told his listeners that it wasn’t their superior righteousness that kept them alive and safe from harm’s way. In fact He urged them toward repentance, lest they also perish. We must take this to heart. It isn’t as though our righteousness has kept us from a massive disaster. The reason that our lives have been spared is not owing to the fact that we don’t deserve a devastating encounter with God’s power in nature. On account of our rebellion against God we do deserve for our lives to be swept away, and unless we repent and embrace the gospel, we will likewise perish.

To illustrate with colorful language the precarious condition of the unbeliever and to help create a sense of urgency, I quoted at length from Jonathan Edwards’ famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” (with a little explanation and paraphrase the students followed along great):

“The unseen, unthought-of ways and means of persons going suddenly out of the world are innumerable and inconceivable. Unconverted men walk over the pit of hell on a rotten covering, and there are innumerable places in this covering so weak that they will not bear their weight, and these places are not seen.”

“Your wickedness makes you as it were heavy as lead, and to tend downwards with great weight and pressure towards hell; and if God should let you go, you would immediately sink and swiftly descend and plunge into the bottomless gulf, and your healthy constitution, and your own care and prudence, and best contrivance, and all your righteousness, would have no more influence to uphold you and keep you out of hell, than a spider's web would have to stop a falling rock. Were it not for the sovereign pleasure of God, the earth would not bear you one moment . . .”

These sobering and graphic thoughts aren’t meant to serve as scare tactics but rather as poignant pictures into reality so that we might be roused from our apathy as we observe the horrors in Myanmar and China on the evening news and then head off for a cozy night’s sleep in our comfy beds. Unless we repent and embrace the gospel we will likewise perish, maybe not in a cyclone or earthquake, but nevertheless, we’ll perish.

Growing in Appreciation for the Cross

2008-05-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

In Sunday’s message I spoke of the cross as the greatest display of God’s wisdom, for by it God resolves the greatest dilemma in the history of the universe. That dilemma, posed as a question, goes like this: How will the holy and righteous God of the universe save hell-deserving sinners (on account of belittling and treating as worthless the infinite glory of God) without compromising His justice?

This line of thinking was informed by something I read in John Piper’s book, The Supremacy of God in Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1990). In it he references a sermon by R. C. Sproul on Luke 13:1-5 titled “The Misplaced Locus of Amazement,” wherein Sproul points out that there is an “age-old difference between the way natural man sees the problem of his relation to God and the way the Bible sees the problem of man’s relation to God. Man-centered humans are amazed that God should withhold life and joy from his creatures. But the God-centered Bible is amazed that God should withhold judgment from sinners” (p. 30).

One of the discussion questions for Life Groups this week relates to growing in our understanding of and appreciation for the cross. Understanding the cross as from a God-centered perspective means that we will see Jesus’ saving work as God’s undeserved resolution to the dilemma of our massive sin problem. Let us be reminded that God’s wrath is not by any means an overreaction to our sin. We are worthy of God’s wrath just as God is worthy of glory, but God, in His infinite wisdom (and kindness), chose to bear His own wrath and bring us to glory through the cross. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev 5:12)

I Make Me So Mad!?

2008-04-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you left an argument with a spouse, child, parent, or friend thinking, “I make myself so mad!”? I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure I can remember when that last happened, or if it ever has. My inclination is to trace the root of my anger to the flaw of another. Something that they did or did not do produced anger in me. It seems perfectly logical, therefore, to say that had they not done what produced an angry response in me, then I would have never become mad.

As I read from James 4:1 this morning I was reminded of my sinful inclinations and logic: “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” James will not side with us in placing the blame for our anger on another, for he says that the source of our fighting is our pleasures, our delights, our enjoyments. What he means is that each of us has those things that we hold dear because we think that our happiness is to be found in them (e.g., having a restful evening in front of the T.V., not being embarrassed in front of peers by our child’s behavior, not having to do homework, having a friend let our sin go unconfronted), and when somebody becomes an obstacle to our enjoyment, we get angry and fight for our pleasure.

The real issue behind our unrighteous anger isn’t so much the obstacle to our happiness (i.e., spouse, child, parent, friend) but rather our misplaced hope in circumstances to bring us satisfaction. So, the next time you walk away from a quarrel be sure to pray in repentance to the Lord, “God, I make me so angry. I seek to find my happiness in circumstances instead of You. Forgive me for my misplaced hope, and help me to love you more than __________ (identify the source of contention) so that when it is withheld from me I remain satisfied in you and, therefore, kind toward my spouse/child/parent/friend.

Neighborhood Spring Clean Postponed

2008-04-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Due to the not-so-Spring-like weather forecasted for this weekend, we're postponing our Neighborhood Spring Clean until next Saturday, April 19 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Be sure to spread the word.

Anxiety Fighter Verses

2008-04-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

In last week's sermon I mentioned how we should use the Scriptures to fight unbelief. Some of you were interested in finding more. How about starting with these? I found this list in a John Piper's book, Future Grace.

When I am anxious about…

My ability to continue in difficult circumstances, I fight unbelief with…
"Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you, with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

My ministry being useless and empty…
“So shall My word be which goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

Being too weak to do my work…
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians. 12:9).

Decisions I have to make about the future…
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8).

Getting old…
“Even to your old age, I shall be the same, and even to your graying years I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; and I shall bear you, and I shall deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4).

Dying…
“…not one of us lives for himself and not one of us dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Romans 14:7-9).

That I may make shipwreck of faith and fall away from God…
“He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Taken from John Piper’s book Future Grace, p. 59-61.

Auditorium is finished!

2008-03-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know its sideways, but it was the only way to photograph these 8 ft.+ doors!

Constructing the Stage

2008-03-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

This is our sound and light booth that looks like box seats.

As you can see in the photos, the overhang of the stage is strengthened with steel. This cavity is used to house the subwoofers.

Good Friday Meditation: Isaiah 53:6

2008-03-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 53:6 (ESV) - All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

There is truth about our Savior that radiates with beauty from this verse. This truth can be explored by three simple questions: (1) What have we done?; (2) What, therefore, do we deserve?; (3) How has God treated us?

(1) What have we done?

We’ve gone astray and turned to our own way. As a lost sheep has wandered from its shepherd, so have we wandered from God. He, as our Shepherd, has provided for us lush, green pastures of fellowship with Him, but in defiance we have preferred to graze in the God-belittling pastures of sin. That we’ve gone astray from God is no accident; we’ve purposely turned away from God in pursuit of greener grass.

(2) What, therefore, do we deserve?

As a stray sheep is liable to the dangers of wandering off from the protective care of its shepherd (e.g., being eaten by ferocious animals), so are we subject to the consequences of our sinful straying. The wages of sin is death, that is, eternal separation from God in hell. As those who turn away from God we’re worthy of His wrath. With this in mind, wouldn’t it be fitting for the verse to read as follows: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; therefore, the Lord has laid on us the fierceness of His wrath”?

(3) How has God treated us?

Not as we deserve! Isaiah finishes the second half of this verse in an amazing way. Instead of using the word “therefore” he uses “and” (“but” would even be a better translation like the NASB). We’re the sinful ones worthy of wrath, BUT God has not laid on us the judgment that we deserve. Instead He has laid it on His Son, Jesus Christ. Maybe a better question would have been, How has God treated His precious Son? Answer: as WE deserve!

It is truths like these that we should allow our souls to feast on in preparation for Sunday’s celebration of our Savior’s resurrection. As you’re absorbed with the cross your soul will soar as you sing, “Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave He rose again!”

Websites that I enjoy, pt. 2

2008-02-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some others that are useful to me which cover a wide range of subjects:

News
onenewsnow.com
bignewsnetwork.com
christianitytoday.com
worldmagblog.com

Helps
answers.com - the motherlode site of knowledge
rhymezone.com - dictionary, thesaurus, rhyming (of course), quotations
en.wikipedia.org - encyclopedia
israelimages.com - picture gallery of Israel
holylandphotos.org - picture gallery of Israel
eyeonisrael.com - maps of Israel

Media
pluggedinonline.com - helps parents assess content of current media

Art
christusrex.org - art collection of the Roman Catholic Church
www.oceansbridge.com/artist-lists/rembrandt/index.php - Rembrandt's biblical sketches

Websites that I enjoy, pt. 1

2008-02-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

There are several sites I visit nearly every week. I thought you might be interested in what I find helpful on the web. Here's a start...

Theology
desiringgod.org - Website of pastor John PIper (my hero)
biblicaltraining.org - Free theology courses (MP3 downloads)
monergism.com
enjoyinggodministries.com - Ministry of C. Sam Storms

Blogs
theresurgence.com - blogsite of Marshill Church in Seattle, WA
theologica.blogspot.com - blogsite of Justin Taylor
albertmohler.com

More later...

Top 10 Reasons Why This Will Be A Super Sunday

2008-01-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

10. With the additional opening of the back doors for entry, now every space in the parking lot is a great parking place.

9. Cool parking lot ministry attendants to enhance safety and maximize space.

8. After worship we get to celebrate God and his work as we feast together.

7. The authority of God’s Word will be proclaimed without apology.

6. Amazing children’s ministries that care for our children and lead them in worship.

5. Engaging and believing in the awesome power of prayer.

4. Four letters: XLII

3. The name of Jesus will be lifted high in worship.

2. You will be equipped to add forgiveness to your friendship tool kit.

1. Worshipping God together is the best way to start the week!

Offering to Rockford Rescue Mission

2008-01-28T17:55:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday PM, we purposed to give the entire offering collected (except for the checks marked for Base Camp - building fund) to the ministry of the Rockford Rescue Mission here in town. The Mission's work is to help people move from homelessness and despair to hope and healing in Jesus Christ. When the evening ended I was handed a note displaying the amount raised -

$11,445!

I thank God for the generosity of this church. May God mulitiply what was raised to reach many men and women with the gospel of hope.

My trip with James MacDonald

2008-01-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

Last week I had the privilege of accompanying James MacDonald on a trip to my old stomping grounds, the Master's College and Seminary. He was asked to speak at the Truth and Life Conference hosted by the college. This was a first for James to speak in those circles so I was hoping to help him make a strong connection as best I could. The other reason for me going was to spend some time with him and learn from the man. We have had a blast. James never stops. His mind is always whirling and the sarcastic jokes are continually flying so you have to be on your toes.

Here's a picture of James in a Q/A time with conference speakers, John MacArthur and David Wells...
This is James teaching at the Master's Seminary...

This is me and my mother and father in law with James...

Here a picture of Andy and his wife with James at the conference...

Construction progress

2008-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

As you can see from the pictures, the auditorium is under construction to open it up so that we can get 450 people in there at one time. It also gives us a normal shape to the auditorium which creates better acoustics.

Every time I enter the building I immediately go in to see what work has been done. I love it. It's fun to see the changes and even do church in the "warehouse" look. When it is all done, we will have greater space to grow and greater heigth in the room so that we fix two projector screens left and right of the stage giving better visibility. We should be set for the years to come....in the auditorium. Next step will be extra offices and more children's space when God bring us more people.

All of this focus on facility can be a bit dangerous since our mission is to spread a passion for the supremacy of God and to liberate a generation with the life and love of Jesus Christ. We must understand that the work done on the facility is simply setting up the Base Camp to help us fulfill the mission. It certainly isn't the mission. Let that be clear.

In order to keep it clear it our minds while the work is going on, we are planning to give our entire offering this Saturday evening (Jan. 26) to the Rockford Rescue Mission. The last time we did this we raised 12k for the work of the mission which we partner with. Jesus told us that we should put our treasure where we want our heart to go and that is why we are doing this. At Harvest Bible Chapel, we are on mission and we do not want to be distracted by anything even if it's a good thing - like setting up the Base Camp.

Read the whole Bible this year!

2008-01-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

Being a Christ-follower is a life of faith. We are not watching and listening to Jesus move from village to village like the first century followers. What we know of Jesus comes to us through a book - a book that contains the very words of the Master. Nevertheless, even the those who were eyewitnesses to the miracles and teaching had to take a leap of faith if they were to become His true disciples. The truth had to be digested with their whole being (Jn. 6:48-51). The way in which we see the glory of God in the person of Christ is through the reading of the Bible. The Holy Spirit uses the written word of God (Bible) to show us Jesus and to energize and sustain our faith.

This year let's read our Bibles clear through asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate the glory of Jesus to us. Let's fill our minds with truth that the Spirit will use to change us and make us more like our master. What do you say? Have you ever read the Bible clear through?

Here is a plan that leads you through the Bible chronologically which is a little different than reading it cover to cover. It means that you are reading it from the oldest books to the newest books.

If you would like to take up this challenge and you are an attender at HBC Rockfold, we will purchase you a ESV Bible if you can complete this challenge by December 31, 2008.

If you're starting now, my suggestion to you would be to begin reading at the current date and then try to make up what you missed whenever you can.

California, pt. 3

2008-01-06T16:01:00.000-08:00

As you can see the weather was beautiful. Here we are in Malibu at Paradise Cove on a perfect day.

California, pt. 2

2007-12-31T09:27:00.000-08:00

Betsey and her brother and sister-in-law. These kind people allow 7 people (Dirkses) to live with them for a few days.

Climbing trees in a park in Pasadena waiting for dinner.

The only vehicle that fits two families when you have the Dirkses along for the ride!

In-and Out Burgers - a taste of California

California Christmas Vacation

2007-12-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day when we left Rockford on our trip Christmas morning - clear blue skies...a good preparation for the warm sunshine of Southern California.

It turned out that Christmas Day was one of the longest days of the year for us. We left Rockford 9:15 AM and finally got picked up at the airport at 10:3o PM (that's 12:30 AM Rockford time). We were a little tired after all of that!

Every Christians' Library

2007-12-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

Every Christian is a theologian; how good of one are you? Theology is the study of God so therefore, when you read the Bible you are doing theology - coming to conclusions about who God is and what He expects. There are are ways to improve your ability as a theologian. Learn from others through book reading. Through books, you can have conversations with great Christian leaders from all over the world and with those who lived centuries before. Let them be your mentor by reading their works.

Here is a list of books that I believe are foundational for every Christian's library...yes, everyone should have a library, not just the pastor.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - Edited by Jerome H. Smith
This is a fabulous cross-referencing tool.

Eerdman’s Handbook to the Bible - Edited by David and Pat Alexander
Handbooks like this one will give you historical background material to help you understand the passage along with lots of pictures and illustrations.

Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties - by Gleason Archer
This book gives solid answers for the passages that seem to contradict other portions of Scripture.

Systematic Theology - by Wayne Grudem
Theology is the study of God which is the great pursuit of every Christian. Wayne Grudem is a man who can take you deeper without boring you or confusing you. This is a very readable book. One doesn’t have to read this book from beginning to end like a novel for it to be effective. It can be used as a reference tool when you have a question about the nature of Christ, divine elction, the formation of the canon, angels, demons, end-times, etc.

Evangelical Dictionary of Theology - Edited by Walter Elwell
When you have a specific question concerning theology, this book is helpful and is alphabetized (of course) for easy access. The book also gives a brief biography on key theologians throughout church history.

International Dictionary of the Christian Church - Edited by J. D. Douglas
This book gives you knowledge of Christian leaders, movements, and events from the first century to the twentieth century.

Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 vol.) - by the Dallas Theological Seminary Faculty
Everyone should have a solid commentary of the whole Bible in their library and this is a good one.

Newest Staff Member!

2007-12-14T05:59:00.000-08:00

Back in March, the elders were praying about what to do in the High School ministry as Matt Christiansen was planning to step back after serving for two years. We couldn’t afford to pay a full time HS pastor, and we had no one on the “short list” of potential volunteers. It was at that time that I got a call from Big Harvest in Rolling Meadows. They told me of a man named Mike Warren who was in their School of Ministry and needed a year to season a bit before being sent out as a church planter. It was a godsend for us because the Fellowship promised to underwrite a good portion of his salary and we were provided with a HS pastor and administrative help for an entire year… yet it also meant that another change would occur in the spring of ’08.

As early as May of this year, the elders began planning for this change. I received a call that same month from a friend currently attending seminary (graduates Dec. 07) who had ministered with me in Spokane, Washington. He spoke of his desire to come join me in the work here. The more I talked with him the more excited I became.

The man that I speak of is Andy Tobin. Andy is 27 years old, married to Arianna, has a two-month old son named Liam, and pastored the college ministry back in Spokane. To have him at Harvest is a dream come true because Andy is one of those guys that you just know God will use in big ways. He’s been in the back of my mind to keep watch on out of joyful curiosity, but never did I imagine that God would unite us in ministry together.

Andy and company will arrive in Rockford the first part of February, and he will be employed full-time as Associate Pastor overseeing High School ministry, Life Groups, and various other things that fall to associates. Andy’s first responsibility will be to speak at our Junior High/High School Winter Retreat (Feb. 8-10). If you would like to know more about them, you could follow their blog – (toblogin.blogspot.com).

Back to Sunday AM

2007-12-11T04:57:00.000-08:00

We plan on returning to a Sunday AM format starting February 3. We have been sharing the facility with the former owner, Windsor Heights Community Church, who will be moving to their new location at the end of January. This frees up the Sunday AM slot for us. Though Saturday evening services have had some advantages for us (people awake, time to linger afterwards), we are finding out that Saturday is not as “sacred” for people as Sunday AM - our attendance has suffered because of school, family, business related things that happen on Saturday.

When there is a second service needed in the future (most likey Fall '08), we will probably lean towards having two on Sunday rather than one on Saturday and one on Sunday.

Advent Starts Today

2007-12-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

About 6 years ago, I was introduced to Advent. Sure, I had seen an advent wreath as a boy growing up around the church but I never really understood the meaning behind it.

Advent means the Lord’s coming. Throughout church history, the celebration of Advent spanned the four Sundays leading up to Christmas in which we look back to the OT in order to relive the anticipation for a deliverer. Why? To stir afresh a heart of gratitude for the blessings received in Jesus. It calls to mind the longings in our heart before we were brought to Jesus to find deliverance from sin.

There is another reason to celebrate advent. We, like Israel in the OT, await the Lord’s coming. All is not right. There are many things still left undone and we await the Lord’s return to set things in order and for righteousness to reign.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (Phil. 3:20-21)

Presently in my home, we celebrate advent with an Advent wreath and calendar. Each day, the kids open up a neatly folded slip of paper in one of the 25 pouches of the calendar to read a passage of Scripture and attach a symbolic ornament. Each week, we light an additional candle on the wreath until the the Christ candle is light on Christmas Eve (5 candles total). We usually light the candle during dinner time and then read an Advent story, poem, or Scripture.

If you have younger kids at home, I highly recommend these Advent story books:

Jotham's Journey or Barththolomew's Passage, both of them by Arnold Ytreeide

Advent Poems that I've found to be breathtaking are by John Piper. I can't say enough good things about them especially one called "The Innkeeper."

Here's the link: www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Poems/ByDate/

Why Life Groups, pt. 6

2007-11-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

It encourages the use of spiritual gifts
It is amazing to me to see the wealth of gifts that God has given to the church. All of us have been given spiritual gifts to be used in building up the faith of others (1 Cor. 12:4-7) but we don’t all exercise them as we should. Some of the reticence is due to the notion that others are better equipped than we are and so we pull back and watch. We become spectators instead of participants. Life Groups make it harder to stay on the “sidelines” because there are no professionals to hand the responsibilities to. Spiritual gifts blossom in this environment, and when spiritual gifts blossom so do the lives of those participating (Eph. 4:16).

"Base Camp" Capital Drive Total

2007-11-21T06:01:00.000-08:00

Praise God!

We raised over $300,000 for the down payment and $531,000 so far in pledges (3 year commitment)

David - After God's Heart

2007-11-16T05:04:00.000-08:00

This Sunday I get to start a new series called "After God's Heart" which will drop us down into the life of King David through 1 and 2 Samuel. Not that I'm going to preach through both books but only certain episodes in his life. I love it. These are my favorite Old Testament books - the ones that I push on my kids when they are looking for a good place to read in the Bible.

Why is David so appealing to read about? I think it is because his faith runs through the same cycles as ours. There is a humanness to his relationship with God so that we read about his bravery in 1 Sam. 17 and then see his fear in 1 Sam. 21. We read his triumphant Psalms and then we read the despairing ones where God seemed far away to him. We know of his high moments like bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6) and of the lowest - his sinful relationship with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11-12).

There is encouragement here. If David is said to be a "man after God's own heart" with his storied past, there is hope for us.

Hard to Believe it!

2007-11-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

It's still hard to believe that we're in a building of our own. I sat studying in my new office today with boxes of books all around, waiting for shelves to arrive, sniffing new paint (whew!), so I decide to snoop in the kitchen...we have a kitchen! There on the island rested the remains of our moving party food last Saturday so I snitch some banana bread...ahh...this is great. It is just starting to hit me. Several times today I looked out on our 10 acre spread and walked around inside the building (it was too cold and windy to go outside) and pondered God's goodness.

Bless this place for Your use, Lord.

Getting out of Debt

2007-10-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I preached on "Eliminating My Debt. As I was researching the web for information, I found several things that were useful but I didn't include in the sermon. Take a look at these links...

Listen to Helen Nelson's testimony of how the Lord helped her out of debt: http://www.crown.org/

Also, this article gives you principles to help you out of debt:
http://www.crown.org/LIBRARY/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=382

Building Update #2

2007-10-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Now that the building is ours, here's what you expect over the next few weeks:

Harvest Bible Chapel sign will be out by the street soon
New paint colors in the foyer area and staff offices
Staff to move their offices into the new building the first weekend of November

The Building is ours now!

2007-10-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night we needed to raise an additional $28,000 to have enough for the down-payment of $290,000 to purchase our new church building. When the offerings were totaled by the end of the service, we had raised $66,000 - more than enough for the down-payment! We are so thankful to God for His incredible love towards us.

Just today, we signed all the papers, and now the building and property are officially ours for God's glory.

What to do with Mark 16:17-18

2007-10-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

According to Mk. 16:17-18, it says that “these signs” with accompany those who believe. What if I don’t experience those signs; what does that say about the validity of my faith?

“And these signs will accompany those who have believed; in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Though there is compelling evidence that 16:9-20 is not part of Mark’s original gospel[1] the question can be answered without discounting its veracity. Consider the following:

1. It does not necessitate that each believer (individually) must perform all these signs.

I believe that Mark is saying that these signs will accompany the believing community. These signs will be seen among Christians. That does not mean that every single church must handle snakes and drink deadly poison to be legitimate, but it does mean that God will work and has worked in this way through the believing community throughout the ages. You would be hard pressed to find many churches that have experienced snake handling and the drinking of poison, because most do not have to. Instead of looking at it as a litmus test for every single believer or every local church, it would make more sense to say that supernatural phenomena accompany the church of God universal; and when you find yourself in a situation while presenting the gospel that you need protection from snakes and poison, God can give it. Furthermore, all of these signs were experienced by the first century church and were written down (with the exception of drinking deadly poison) in Scripture.

2. Making the performance of these signs a litmus test for every single believer would contradict 1 Cor. 12:27-31.

In this passage, God is the one sovereign over the distribution of spiritual gifts which include ministries of healing, miracles, and tongue speaking. He has given them gifts according to His divine will. It is by his appointment (12:11; 12:28) which means that not everyone gets the gifts Mark 16:17-18 speaks of. And if there is any doubt about this, the apostle Paul continues in 1 Cor. 12:29-31:

“All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.”

Paul is using a literary devise called a “rhetorical question.” It is a question that begs an obvious answer. The context in 1 Cor. 12 would urge us to give the resounding answer of “no!” No, not all have these gifts, but you can desire them and even pray for them (14:1) though God may not grant your request.

[1] Though the majority of the Greek manuscripts contain this section, the oldest and most reliable ones do not. John MacArthur, in his notes contained in his Study Bible says, “Fourth century church fathers Eusebius and Jerome noted that almost all Greek manuscripts available to them lacked vv. 9-20.”

Spiritual Gifts - Miraculous Gifts for Today?

2007-10-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday PM I preached on the topic of spiritual gifts and introduced the controversial subject of the miraculous gifts (Prophecy, Healings, Tongues, Miracles). After a year and a half of study with the Elders of HBC, we have concluded that sign gifts (or miraculous gifts) have not outlived their purpose or usefulness but are intended for today. For those who understand the various positions and their names, HBC holds to an "open but cautious" position. If you would like to hear what I said, you can access the sermon via our church's website (www.harvestrockford.org).

For further study on this issue pick up the book, "Are Miraculous Gifts For Today - 4 Views," edited by Stanley N. Gundry and Wayne Grudem which is published by Zondervan. This a wonderful book that has four authors of differing views presenting their own view and critiquing the other three.

Also check out John Piper's sermon manuscript on the subject:

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/1990/711_Are_Signs_and_Wonders_for_Today/

Why Life Groups, pt. 5

2007-10-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

It kindles loving relationships
Love is a defining mark in the life of a believer. Jesus said to his disciples near the end of his life:

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you…You are my friends, if you do what I command you” (Jn. 15:12, 14).

Love has been placed within the heart of every believer (Rom. 5:5; 1Jn. 4:7) by the work of the Holy Spirit and it is to be shared with others. Life Groups give opportunity for the love of God to be manifested because the hurts, pains, fears, and needs of others only become evident in these close relationships. I have seen weeks of meals collected for the families of newborns, hundreds of dollars collected for a member in need, cars fixed, houses painted or repaired, and children of other families watched and cared for over long periods of time while the parents are away or hospitalized. These extraordinary acts of love are in addition to the weekly demonstrations of love through listening, praying, and encouraging.

Why Life Groups, pt. 4

2007-10-05T04:53:00.001-07:00

It knits our hearts together in prayer
Prayer is the oxygen of the soul. Fellowship with other Christians takes on a deeper dimension when you pray. Prayer is intimate. It is the heart’s response to truth. If the heart has been engaged in the study of the word, it will breathe out holy yearnings for God. Our minds and hearts are stimulated by the study of God’s word, but corporate prayer knits our hearts together because we can hear the echo of our own longing for God in the prayers of others which lets us know we are not alone in this journey.

Why Life Groups, pt. 3

2007-10-02T00:08:00.000-07:00

It stimulates dialogue over truth
When you discuss the truth in an interactive format, there is a sharpening of one another that cannot come from simply listening to truth. The process of reading the Word, thinking about its meaning, writing down your discoveries and then sharing them with others is a powerful process that the Spirit uses to change us. All of us who are a part of a Life Group know how many times God uses the insights of others to convict, encourage, and comfort us.

Why Life Groups, pt. 2

2007-09-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

Most of my spiritual mile-markers, the turning points in my life, have come through close interaction with godly people. Rarely, is it otherwise. We need each other for the maturing of our faith. God has designed it this way (Eph. 4:16). The enabling graces that we pray for will often come to us through the vehicle of obedient, Spirit-led Christians. They become the conduit for God’s blessings to flow to us.

However, if we are isolated from healthy Christian fellowship, we can fall prey to the deadening influences of the world and its God-belittling values. I thank God for the men whom He sent to arouse my heart and beckon me upward by their life and testimony. Understand, I would never have been influenced by them had I stayed to myself, hesitant to be vulnerable. Involving yourself in a Life Group is one way to come in close proximity to godly influences. Though Life Groups can be intimidating, they are greenhouses for life-change.