Tonight I'm joining my Methodists brothers and sisters down the street for a prayer service for our country. I've been asked to pray about the church in America. I plan to read Paul's prayer for the Ephesians in Eph. 3:14-21. Here it is: "14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

I pray that God will answer this prayer for my church and for your church....that's what America needs...more healthy churches, and less "ME churches" like the one advertised in this video:
Instead may we who call ourselves, "Christ-followers," pray for our churches to be more like this...

It's the National Day of Prayer - Pray to be More Loving!!!

It's the National Day of Prayer! Exercise your freedom to pray! Exercise your freedom to obey 1 Timothy 2:1-8: 1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the manChrist Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Ouch....I guess I could have left out verse 8, but I didn't because God wants us all to be aware about how much anger and disputing can cripple a person's relationships with Him and with others. It can even cripple a nation's ability to move forward. Make sure you're being the best American you can be by being serious about your walk with Christ. Don't use your precious freedom as an American and as a Christ-follower to just sit there griping and being mad. Do the most important things today (as Christ told us in Matt. 22:34-40):love God and love others, especially those who might not be so easy to love!

Check out this video to remind you as you pray to be thankful for the freedom you have!!!!

Seeing the Poison of Stagnation

I read this quote today:

Expect poison from the standing water.

   -- William Blake
 

I sent it to a friend today who is grieving the loss of his wife with the following thought to encourage him, for though he is in great pain, he is also trusting Father to sustain him...and Father is doing that, and more...He is growing him. I wrote:

Though your pain is great, there are many around you who are experiencing the unknown (to themselves) pain of stagnation...some even putting effort into maintaining their stagnation, never seemingly aware that there is much more before them if they would only open their eyes.

Revelation 3:15-18:I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Open your eyes; see what Father is showing you; and grow!

101 Years Ago Today - A Titanic Collision

Note: Yes, I know this post is too long, but I got carried away with Jesus' invitation to join Him in His great mission. I hope you will, too.

I don't know why I became fascinated with the Titanic when I was in middle school, I just did. As a pastor, I have joked that my church limits me to one Titanic illustration a year in a sermon. Well, it will be hard not to do that today. Not only is today the 101st anniversary of the Titanic's collision with the iceberg at 11:40 pm on April 14th (It sank two hours and forty minutes later.), but April 14th, 1912 was also a Sunday.

Here is the best computer animation of the collision and sinking (make sure you view it in at least 720p; you do that by clicking on the video and you'll see a control strip at the bottom of the frame with a little "gear" icon. Click on that and it will give you the view options, click on the little box in the bottom right corner and you can view it full screen, which I also recommend!):

Today I'm preaching on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), with a focus on some of the "details" believers tend to overlook. It's easy to think of the Great Commission in terms of going into all the world to share the Gospel, often defined in narrow terms of sharing some kind of "plan" of salvation. Though witnessing to the gift of salvation through Christ is essential, Christ's words clearly indicate becoming a Christian is the beginning of the "commission," not the completion of it.

Of the four "verbs" in the commission, the only clear imperative (command) is the Greek verb meaning "make disciples." The other three verbs (GO, BAPTIZE and TEACH) are all participles which describe the main command "to make disciples." In other words, "making disciples" Christ's way includes "going," "baptizing," and "teaching." All are essential to the goal of transforming people from being outside of God's family to being adopted into that family through Chist, and then GROWING UP IN THAT FAMILY TO BECOME MORE AND MORE LIKE CHRIST...you know, like being a "disciple!"

All members of the family are "called" to be a part of helping other people to either grow in their faith and obedience if they are already family members, or to help them see (as the Holy Spirit works on them) that they are not adopted, but can be through Jesus Christ.

It's easy to see the Great Commission as focused only on evangelism; i.e. saving people and then  moving on to the next lost person. Think about it: how cruel would it be to adopt a new baby and then leave him or her alone. The Great Commission means that as we live, as we go, we should be so enthralled with Jesus Christ and what He's doing in and through our lives that we want to help others become Christ-followers, too. This means we must GO (across the street or across the planet), to share Christ (BAPTIZE), and then TEACH what it means to FOLLOW HIM. Every member of the family of God is called to this amazing privilege, and every member is equipped to function in the family for that purpose.

So, are you "enthralled" with Jesus Christ? Are you doing your Spirit-empowered part of God's mission to "make disciple makers?" Are you sharing and teaching Christ to your kids and grandkids? Are you encouraging your spouse in his or her walk with Christ? Are you modeling a life of love, grace, patience, and KINDNESS that draws others to Christ?

What does this have to do with the Titanic? Well, here are two illustrations.

First, one of the many factors that contributed to the disaster was that the lookouts in the crow's nest did not have binoculars that moonless, calm night when it was difficult to see icebergs. Later it was discovered that the original officer in charge of the binocular locker was replaced at the last minute before Titanic's last port of call (the company wanted a more experienced office on the maiden voyage). He inadventantly forgot to give the key (They only had one key???) to his replacement. 

Some speculate the lookouts didn't want to break open the locker and damage company equipment on the first voyage. At any rate, it is estimated that if they had seen the iceberg 15 seconds earlier, they would have missed it! 

So a small omission can have huge consequences. A small distraction on any given day might keep us from sharing with someone at a pivotal moment, missing an opportunity to participate in God's great mission of rescue and redemption. In other words, we need to be intentional about being involved in "disciple making."

Second, each of us needs to ask what kind of church member am I? On the Titanic I see three main groups of people: the crew, the rich (and reasonably rich), and the poor.

• The crew was on the ship out of duty and for a paycheck.
• The rich (then the first and second class passengers) were on the ship to be pampered on a trip that many repeated throughout their lives
• The poor (then called third class) were on a one-way trip to America to start new lives, full of hopes and dreams. Their tickets were often bought with most or all of their savings for a chance at a new, fulfilling life in America.

Which group would more closely fit your "connection" to your church?

• Like a crew member, do you show up out of duty, just hoping to get something out of it?
• Like a richer passenger, do you look to be pampered, attending more out of habit than faith?
• Or like a third class passenger, leaving all behind to follow Christ as His disciple on an amazing journey to new life. 

I would hope all who call themselves Christ-followers, would be connected (not just attending) to a church as a vital, contributing part of His family with the purpose of being on a journey to the New World of eternity, leaving everything else behind because it's worth it. On this journey, we have the joy of inviting others to join us in following Him, that they may not just "end up" in Heaven, but so they can fall in love with Christ right now. 

As we continue to grow in our love for our wonderful Savior and Lord, we become more and more like Him BY FOLLOWING HIM and we follow Him by OBEYING His commands. Jesus Himself said in John 14:23: “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching." This is why He said in the Great Commission that we need to teach (using our deeds and our words) all He commanded us.

This is the life, the journey that matters, that's filled with joy, love, peace, faith, hope and purpose. The Great Commission is Christ's GREAT invitation to a life that matters; to a life that's going somewhere and doing something great along the way...LOVING PEOPLE and pointing them toward Christ! 

One last thing: don't forget His promise: I WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS. His Spirit and His word and His church all empower, equip and enable us to be Christ-followers and disciple makers! It's not something you do for Him out of mere duty, it is your joining Him on this great quest to love, save, and adopt people!

Don't let anything cause you to forget the wonder of your journey, your purpose, or your wonderful Savior and Lord!

Christ is Alive! ....ARE YOU?

Happy Resurrection Sunday! As you watch this video clip, ask yourself, "Am I awake?" "Am I alive, truly alive, spending my life loving my Father through Christ and loving everyone else?" He died that we might live forever, but also so that we could be awake and alive RIGHT NOW loving Him and everyone (even our enemies)! Make it a Happy Resurrection Sunday for our Savior by being alive in Him, showing the world what He's really like as people experience His love through your fully awake life!!! Click on this right now!

Blessings are Meant to Be Shared...

I am a Golden Retriever fan. I had one, some day I'll have another. Here, this "gang" of Goldens remind us that blessings are meant to be shared.

We are reminded in 1 Peter 3:15,16: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

Tomorrow Christ-followers celebrate the victory of Christ over death, a victory that brings adoption into God's family for all who believe. As God's children, we are equipped daily to say "no" to selfishness, and "yes" to love, generosity, grace, mercy, peace, joy and a whole lot of other Christ-like qualities. Why keep the best thing that has every happened to you to yourself!? Share it with someone! If Goldens can share their blessings, so can we!

Video Clips to Help Celebrate Easter

Here are a few video clips to help you to have a meaningful Resurrection Sunday! Though it's Friday...Sunday's a comin'! Every day two voices call to us...which one will you listen to? Your relationship with God as Father didn't come cheaply. Though grace is free, it cost Jesus Christ. This will remind you of what He went through so you could know Him! What do you do with your regrets? Believe this...it's your best option!

What Makes Good Friday "Good"

Today is the day we remember the price Christ paid that we might know God as Father, both now and for eternity. Circumstantially, Good Friday was horrible for Jesus Christ. Added to his torture and death was the treatment He received from many of the religious leaders of the day, the Romans, the crowds, and from his friends and disciples who deserted Him in fear for their own safety. He's been through that once, so may we never again act like those disciples, choosing safety over worship and obedience. To help remind you of why Good Friday really is "good" (for our salvation), click on this:

 Also, almost seven years ago I had the privilege of officiating at my father's funeral, on Good Friday. It reminded me that it was a great day to have a funeral, for, like Christ, and because of Christ, my father lives today in Heaven. Read the original post here: http://andyfbcdenmark.blogspot.com/2009/04/application-of-phil-48-my-father.html

Never Underestimate The Influence of Your Life...

Joel is much more like a brother than just a friend. We met at Clemson University as students back in 1976. In 1985, I was in his wedding, as he married his best friend, Patty. He was sick as a dog with the flu and missed his rehearsal dinner and didn't feel better until he and Patty, started home from their honeymoon. Though they didn't have the best honeymoon, the did have one of the best marriages I've ever seen. They had three boys, Matthew, Robert and Benjamin, who have grown into great young men. During the mid-90's, I had the amazing gift of having Joel and his family join my church family  in Denmark.

It was a great honor to ordain Joel as a deacon, and to baptize his oldest son, Matthew. During those  three years, I got another gift...I got to know Patty. Oh, I knew her from those sporadic visits during the first decade of their marriage, but those three years gave us an opportunity to become really good friends. (It also helped me to have a better foundation with the boys, too!) 

Since that time, whenever I had good news to share with Joel and Patty, I'd call and ask to talk with Patty if Joel answered, because she had a much easier time getting excited about my good news. Patty was definitely the Tigger to Joel's Eeyore (not that he's "that" Eeyore-ish, but he'd admit his "style" is a bit more on the sedate side compared to Patty's.) Just as they had done in my church, Joel and Patty became very attached and involved in their new church. Three and half years ago they were serving as Sunday School Co-Directors. Three and a half years ago on their wedding anniversary, they got the news that Patty had lung cancer. 

Patty and Joel valiantly fought the disease for these three and half years, and on Friday, March 8th, a week and a half ago, Patty passed from her suffering to the life Christ promised her many years ago. Though we know she is healed,  and home with the Lord,  she has left a huge hole (crater!) in the lives of those who knew and loved her, especially in the lives of Joel and his family. The hole is huge because the love between Patty and her husband and children was huge. 

I was honored to be a part of the service which praised and thanks God for giving us such a wonderful gift in Patty's life and love. Today as I was looking at videos for Easter, I came across this one. It made me think of Patty, and about how many people Christ touched through her life....people who were moved closer to Christ because of the way her life impacted them, either directly or indirectly. This film is true because we won't know until we get to heaven, how far the love in our lives have traveled to "complete strangers," who may surprise us in heaven as part of our "family" because they were links in the chair of our influence.

I believe one of the joys Patty experienced when she arrived in heaven was to find out how far that love has spread. It is still spreading, even as I am sharing part of her story here. So as Easter approaches, remember that Christ died not only to get us into heaven, but to make us part of a wonderful chain of transforming love, a chain that Patty so wholeheartedly embraced. Her life is a powerful reminder of the reason we're here: to love God and love others. If you are willing to be a part of this amazing chain of love and redemption, you, too, will have an unexpected surprise in heaven to find out just how far that love has gone, and just how many lives it changed. 

This is the best life a person can live, and Patty's life is further proof of that. So may we honor the gift Christ gave us through His death and resurrection by passing the gift to others, so they can pass it on to more people, who will, in turn, be able to pass it on to others....just like this video shows....click on it and find out!

Palm Sunday - Your Way or His Way

Holy Week is upon us.  This is not just a time to remember the most amazing event in human history, but also a time to make sure we are in a healthy relationship with Christ. Click the video for a powerful reminder of how Palm Sunday is an excellent opportunity to take a reality check about what's more important in your life: doing things your way or God's way.