This was my second Sunday attending the services at Infinity Church here. Pastor Aaron really brought the word this morning and gave me a new perspective on a popular passage. Also included in this blog are reflections from a chapter I just finished in a book I'm reading.
Pastor Aaron finished his series through the New Testament book of Ephesians today. His sermon was on the Armor of God in chapter 6. His message was incredible and I want to share what I pulled out of it. Much of it was refreshers on what I had heard before, but the first point I found intriguing was Pastor Aaron's s statement that the Armor of God WAS God. Each of the pieces of Armor describe a characteristic of God and provide for us the protection from the enemy. He referenced passages like Genesis 15:1 and Psalms 18:2, 30, 35 and 28:7 all referencing God as our shield. In John 14:6 Jesus claims to be the Truth, which is what we're supposed to attach around our waist.
Where this all became real for me is when Pastor Aaron made this passage a proactive stance, not just a passive defense. The phrase "stand firm" becomes key. This of course implies resistance, giving resistance to evil. I have always considered a struggle with sin to be a bad thing, but as Pastor Aaron addressed, we will always be in a struggle with sin. Pastor Aaron went as far to say that if we are not struggling with sin, then we've already surrendered. The Christian life is full of constant battles against sin, evil, and the Devil. There is no sitting back and chillin'. It is a constant struggle against the principalities and powers of darkness. But there will always be a struggle.
This spoke to what I had been reading in the book unChristian by David Kinnaman. Kinnaman and a friend, formerly part of the Barna Group, decided they wanted to find out what the world's perspective on Christianity really was and why there seemed to be such a disconnect from Christianity. They took special note to several areas and took a chapter to address each. The first area Kinnaman addresses in hypocrisy. He does not take this chance to defend Christianity, but describes how we were tagged with this title and what we as Christians need to do to remove this label from us. Essentially Kinnaman concludes that this perception comes from the importance that Christian's place on appearance. What happens is Christians preach a Gospel that puts so much importance on being good, not sinning, and doing good deeds. Interestingly many "outsiders," and even many "insiders" who are classified as "born-again" Christians believe that good deeds and behaving will get them into Heaven. It seems that Christianity portrays that doing good will get you into Heaven, instead of the reality that a relationship with Jesus Christ will cause you to love and live a better life. "Our passion for Jesus should result in God-honoring, moral lifestyles, not the other way around (45)."
Because Christians, along with the rest of society, have such a high view of appearance, it seems that many in Christianity feel like they need to demonstrate that they have it all together. You see, the problem is not speaking of striving for a moral lifestyle, the problem is pretending like we have it all figured out, when everyone knows we don't, including outsiders. What Kinnaman calls for is Christians to humble themselves and become more transparent. We need to be open and willing to discuss the problems we have as a church and as a body of believers. Not only will this help the church progress, but the transparency is respected and helpful for those on the outside. They already know we have problems, so why pretend like we don't? Teaching the world about the love of Christ will save them, not telling them what they must do or how they must act.
The most powerful part of all this comes when Kinnaman begins to conclude this chapter. "Our research shows that Christians believe the primary reason outsiders have rejected Christ is that they cannot handle the rigorous standards of following Christ (45)." You see Christians have elevated good works so far above God's grace that many people don't even get the chance to experience that grace and freedom from sin and bondage because our message has been expressed in a way that they many are convinced they must be good and holy before coming to Christ. Christians should become more transparent and open about our own problems and struggles with sin and elevating God's grace over our good works. "The Gospel-the Good News of Jesus-is that God has released us from the endless striving to measure up to God's standards, let alone the expectations of other human beings." You see, the expectations and moral goals we place on each other have become similar to that of the Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus' time. I'm not completely dismissing the importance of a moral lifestyle, and neither is Kinnaman. But he does suggest that the balance has perhaps swung too far in the wrong direction.
Well that went a lot longer than I intended and I still have so much more I want to say. So instead, get the book and read it. Kinnaman says it all a lot better and more clearly than I could ever hope to say it. I hope it raises awareness and at least causes you to think. I would love for you to leave comments and tell me what you think. Discuss it. I'll leave you with this quote from author Jim White at the conclusion of the chapter that really clarifies everything. "We must stop presenting ourselves as the message and begin presenting Jesus as the message (58)."
To God be the Glory.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
New Experiences
Well last night was my first Wednesday nights with the kids of Infinity Church of Baltimore. This will be one of the consistent jobs while I'm here. Where as everyday I have something different to work on, hanging out with the kids on Wednesday nights will be a weekly activity. I am excited for this opportunity because I have plenty to learn in the area of children's ministry. It's pretty much going to be a baptism by fire kind of thing.
The first night with the kids went well overall I do believe. There are a few other volunteers who are in there with me. Ms. Lilly knows the kids well, she's been working with them for a while at this point. I hope that getting to know the kids will help make me more effective. I'm in there for enforcement more than anything. But I hope that this summer I will be able to have a positive influence on the kids and show them Christ's love and leave them with a good example.
I've had the privilege of meeting with the deacons on Tuesday night also. This will become a weekly occurrence as well. The men have been reading and working through a workbook that helps instruct them in what Scripture says about being a deacon. It was great to be surrounded by such a great group of men with the goal of seeking the will of God for the church. I know that this will teach me a lot also. I know I will learn lessons here that I will be able to use if God ever places me in a pastoral position.
There is not much more going on right now. Deacon Jeremy has me working on some administrative type stuff. Working on creating documents and applications for different ministries. You can keep praying for my spiritual growth while I'm here. I've been given the chance to spend a lot of time in the Word and in prayer. Pray for my relationship with the kids, and that God would give me patience when working with them. Pray for wisdom in the administrative responsibilities that Jeremy has given me to do. Ultimately pray for God to show me new ways to bring His Kingdom to Baltimore.
To God be the glory.
The first night with the kids went well overall I do believe. There are a few other volunteers who are in there with me. Ms. Lilly knows the kids well, she's been working with them for a while at this point. I hope that getting to know the kids will help make me more effective. I'm in there for enforcement more than anything. But I hope that this summer I will be able to have a positive influence on the kids and show them Christ's love and leave them with a good example.
I've had the privilege of meeting with the deacons on Tuesday night also. This will become a weekly occurrence as well. The men have been reading and working through a workbook that helps instruct them in what Scripture says about being a deacon. It was great to be surrounded by such a great group of men with the goal of seeking the will of God for the church. I know that this will teach me a lot also. I know I will learn lessons here that I will be able to use if God ever places me in a pastoral position.
There is not much more going on right now. Deacon Jeremy has me working on some administrative type stuff. Working on creating documents and applications for different ministries. You can keep praying for my spiritual growth while I'm here. I've been given the chance to spend a lot of time in the Word and in prayer. Pray for my relationship with the kids, and that God would give me patience when working with them. Pray for wisdom in the administrative responsibilities that Jeremy has given me to do. Ultimately pray for God to show me new ways to bring His Kingdom to Baltimore.
To God be the glory.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Finally Here
Well I have finally made it to Baltimore and moved into my apartment. Pastor Aaron and Deacon Jeremy have really been a great help in getting me moved in and situated. Everyone here has been so kind and welcoming. I got here late Saturday night and stayed the night with Jeremy and his family. Sunday morning I went to church at both campuses and met a lot of the people I will be working with this year.
The church is very mission oriented, which plays a big part in my being here. I thought it was interesting that Pastor Aaron introduced me to both campuses as a missionary from Knoxville. One of my big tasks this summer is helping Jeremy plan and carry out their first mission conference that is based largely on the mission conference held at First Baptist Powell this past fall. I have been working on some of that today.
I am also understanding better what other responsibilities I will have this summer. I will have the privilege of serving in the children's ministry on Wednesday nights at the Baltimore campus. As I mentioned earlier I will have a role in planning and carrying out the missions conference at the Laurel campus in July. I am eager to do the work God has for me to do here around Baltimore. I will keep you guys posted. Your prayers are still much appreciated! Thanks.
To God be the glory.
The church is very mission oriented, which plays a big part in my being here. I thought it was interesting that Pastor Aaron introduced me to both campuses as a missionary from Knoxville. One of my big tasks this summer is helping Jeremy plan and carry out their first mission conference that is based largely on the mission conference held at First Baptist Powell this past fall. I have been working on some of that today.
I am also understanding better what other responsibilities I will have this summer. I will have the privilege of serving in the children's ministry on Wednesday nights at the Baltimore campus. As I mentioned earlier I will have a role in planning and carrying out the missions conference at the Laurel campus in July. I am eager to do the work God has for me to do here around Baltimore. I will keep you guys posted. Your prayers are still much appreciated! Thanks.
To God be the glory.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
This is Me
It was suggested to me that I give a short bio/testimony for those reading that may not know me all that well. So here we go.
I was born in Roanoke, Virginia 21 years ago this month. My sister was born three years later right after my dad left my mom to raise me and my sister. A few years later my mom moved us to Knoxville where my grandparents lived so they could help. We started attending Black Oak Heights Baptist Church which is where I spent all of my childhood and youth years growing and learning in the Lord. The people at Black Oak played a huge role in who I have become today. There is where I accepted Christ, was baptized, committed to the ministry, and preached my first sermon. Through growth and change in my life I was lead to a new church community at First Baptist Church, the Fountain City campus where I have been worshiping for the past couple of years. First Baptist is also who has put me in contact with Infinity Church in Baltimore.
A critical time in my life began my senior year of high school when my mom called me home to give me and my sister some of the hardest news I had ever received. My dad had passed way unexpectedly while at the grocery store. That was the last thing I expected my mom to tell us that night. My dad and I did not have the best relationship, and we never spent much time together. He stayed in Virginia going from job to job as a painter. The last thing I remember about my dad was falling asleep talking to him the last time I was at his house during the Christmas before. I was devastated and that turned into one of the hardest and most emotionally draining weekends of my life. Earlier in the year we had received the news that my grandmother had cancer in a number of different places including her brain and colon. After a long fight including several surgeries and months of chemotherapy she passed away almost a year after my father. Her passing came much easier to handle. It was expected, the whole family was by her bed when she took her last breath, and I knew that her death brought her ultimate peace for the pain and struggle she had been facing.
This was undoubtedly the toughest year of my life. Two deaths with completely different implications and lessons for my life. At the time my dad's death caused so much pain and sadness, somehow my grandmother's death brought peace to her and our whole family. God taught me of His sovereignty and wisdom. My dad's death was one of the lowest points of my life, and somehow just one year later the death of my grandmother became one of the highest points in my life. I miss her like crazy, but I'm so happy for her now and am certain I will worship with her again one day.
I have had many different career ambitions throughout my life including, but not limited to an astronaut, park ranger, search and rescue, professional basketball player, and fighter pilot. But one thing has remained consistent in my life, and that is my eagerness to minister and share Christ with others, especially youth aged kids. Right around the time of my graduation from high school I made the commitment to go into vocational ministry. The LORD led me to Johnson Bible College, now Johnson University. I have learned more here in the last three years than I had learned my previous 12 years of school. Most of what I learned has not been academic, although I have learned a great deal that will help me in my ministry down the road, but what I have learned the most about is the Kingdom of God. The importance of bringing near the Kingdom of God and how to do this. I understand better than ever that you do not have to be a preacher or youth minister to bring the Kingdom of God to the world. As a matter of fact, I often wonder if it is the people sitting in the seats at church who are the most important part of bringing the Kingdom of God. It does not take a degree from Bible College or a paycheck from the church to be a witness for Christ. All it really takes is to have Christ in your heart. I hope in my future ministry to help grow a Kingdom focused body of Christ whose greatest concern is bringing glory to God through spreading His Kingdom where they are. This summer I hope that I am able to bring the Kingdom of God closer to the city of Baltimore and that I am able to encourage others there to serve as a witness to what Christ has done in their lives.
To God be all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen
I was born in Roanoke, Virginia 21 years ago this month. My sister was born three years later right after my dad left my mom to raise me and my sister. A few years later my mom moved us to Knoxville where my grandparents lived so they could help. We started attending Black Oak Heights Baptist Church which is where I spent all of my childhood and youth years growing and learning in the Lord. The people at Black Oak played a huge role in who I have become today. There is where I accepted Christ, was baptized, committed to the ministry, and preached my first sermon. Through growth and change in my life I was lead to a new church community at First Baptist Church, the Fountain City campus where I have been worshiping for the past couple of years. First Baptist is also who has put me in contact with Infinity Church in Baltimore.
A critical time in my life began my senior year of high school when my mom called me home to give me and my sister some of the hardest news I had ever received. My dad had passed way unexpectedly while at the grocery store. That was the last thing I expected my mom to tell us that night. My dad and I did not have the best relationship, and we never spent much time together. He stayed in Virginia going from job to job as a painter. The last thing I remember about my dad was falling asleep talking to him the last time I was at his house during the Christmas before. I was devastated and that turned into one of the hardest and most emotionally draining weekends of my life. Earlier in the year we had received the news that my grandmother had cancer in a number of different places including her brain and colon. After a long fight including several surgeries and months of chemotherapy she passed away almost a year after my father. Her passing came much easier to handle. It was expected, the whole family was by her bed when she took her last breath, and I knew that her death brought her ultimate peace for the pain and struggle she had been facing.
This was undoubtedly the toughest year of my life. Two deaths with completely different implications and lessons for my life. At the time my dad's death caused so much pain and sadness, somehow my grandmother's death brought peace to her and our whole family. God taught me of His sovereignty and wisdom. My dad's death was one of the lowest points of my life, and somehow just one year later the death of my grandmother became one of the highest points in my life. I miss her like crazy, but I'm so happy for her now and am certain I will worship with her again one day.
I have had many different career ambitions throughout my life including, but not limited to an astronaut, park ranger, search and rescue, professional basketball player, and fighter pilot. But one thing has remained consistent in my life, and that is my eagerness to minister and share Christ with others, especially youth aged kids. Right around the time of my graduation from high school I made the commitment to go into vocational ministry. The LORD led me to Johnson Bible College, now Johnson University. I have learned more here in the last three years than I had learned my previous 12 years of school. Most of what I learned has not been academic, although I have learned a great deal that will help me in my ministry down the road, but what I have learned the most about is the Kingdom of God. The importance of bringing near the Kingdom of God and how to do this. I understand better than ever that you do not have to be a preacher or youth minister to bring the Kingdom of God to the world. As a matter of fact, I often wonder if it is the people sitting in the seats at church who are the most important part of bringing the Kingdom of God. It does not take a degree from Bible College or a paycheck from the church to be a witness for Christ. All it really takes is to have Christ in your heart. I hope in my future ministry to help grow a Kingdom focused body of Christ whose greatest concern is bringing glory to God through spreading His Kingdom where they are. This summer I hope that I am able to bring the Kingdom of God closer to the city of Baltimore and that I am able to encourage others there to serve as a witness to what Christ has done in their lives.
To God be all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Beginnings
It has been a long interesting journey to where I am now. I would have not imagined this is where I would be headed; yet, I could not be more pleased with where God has brought me. The main thing I want to do through all of this is bring God glory and praise. I am thrilled that He has chosen me as an avenue to bring Him glory. And I pray that is what I do with every move I make. Let me tell you about what He has made possible for me to participate in this summer.
Last fall at First Baptist’s missions conference I was introduced to several church plants from around the country that First Baptist helps to support. I met Jeremy Dixon who works closely with Infinity Church in Baltimore, Maryland and quickly became intrigued with the possibility of interning with them there in Baltimore. After praying and seeking guidance it was made possible for us to begin working out the details of working with them for 10 weeks over the summer. It's hard to believe that time has already approached and I will be leaving Knoxville in two weeks. While I'm there I will be given the opportunity to participate in planning and carrying out sports camps, vacation Bible schools as well as backyard Bible schools. There will also be various youth groups coming in throughout the summer to help in carrying those out and I will also be involved with these groups. This summer will give me to chance to serve in several different areas in the church and in ministry. It will really help to grow my knowledge and experience regarding ministry.
Right now your prayers regarding preparation would be greatly appreciated. As I said earlier, in only two more weeks I will be on my way to Baltimore for 10 weeks and there is plenty to be done before then. Ask that God would also prepare my heart and attitude before I leave and that while I'm in Baltimore this summer I would be able to focus on the work He has for me to do and not be distracted by other things. Prayer for traveling mercies would also be appreciated. I will be traveling the next two weekends. Thank you for your interest and prayers in what God is doing in my life and in Baltimore, MD. Once I get to Maryland there will be more posts to update and provide prayer requests. To God be the glory.
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