Bryan Stupar

Easter Celebration Promo

2011-03-08T13:28:00.001-08:00

"I Don't Want Free Will" by Martin Luther

2011-02-23T05:08:00.000-08:00

“I frankly confess that, for myself, even if it could be, I should not want ‘free-will’ to be given me, nor anything to be left in my own hands to enable me to endeavour after salvation; not merely because in face of so many dangers, and adversities and assaults of devils, I could not stand my ground …; but because even were there no dangers … I should still be forced to labour with no guarantee of success … But now that God has taken my salvation out of the control of my own will, and put it under the control of His, and promised to save me, not according to my working or running (Rom. 9:16), but according to His own grace and mercy, I have the comfortable certainty that He is faithful and will not lie to me, and that He is also great and powerful, so that no devils or opposition can break Him or pluck me from Him.

Furthermore, I have the certainty that I please God, not by reason of the merit of my works, but by reason of His merciful favour promised to me through Jesus; so that, if I work too little, or badly, He does not impute it to me, but with fatherly compassion pardons me and makes me better. This is the glorying of all the saints in their God”
- Martin Luther, The Bondage of the Will (Grand Rapids: Revell, 1957), 313-314.

HT

Christianity + Buddhism; thoughts on both.

2011-01-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

The following is based on an email question I received.

Q: Do you have any quick thoughts about Christianity vs. Buddhism?
A: Buddhism was formed as a means of addressing personal suffering by the unnatural act of emptying oneself of all attachments to this world (relationships, possessions, etc.) For example, if loving someone could lead to a broken heart (suffering) then, perhaps it's best to empty oneself of this desire to love. Even though the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, were a worthy attempt to liberate oneself from the pain and misery, they fail to diagnose the real problem and thus discover the paradoxical solution.

Christianity, on the other hand encourages us to love deeply, give generously, enjoy completely, as this is what our Creator God, does. It also warns us to love the proper things, not by way of outward effort, rules or pure grit (religion) but by way of a renewed/regenerated heart (Jer. 31:31-33) which is gifted by a gracious God. Our suffering happens not because we love things, as Buddhism asserts, but by loving the wrong things inordinately. For example, we were made to love God & rule over His creation, instead we love what's made more than God (Rom. 1) and in turn are ruled by creation. The bible calls our reversal of God's order, "sin". So, instead of us dancing over creation, while enjoying God, creation dances over us while we lay under a curse (Eph. 2:3). Sin causes suffering.

The level of our suffering is attached proportionately to that which we lose and it's intrinsic value. God kindly tells us not to love the things of this world, because it's passing away (1 John 2:15-17), but He never tells us not to love...quite the opposite. He tells us to love Him, as He will never pass away. If we love that which will never rusts, breaks or dies, then our joy has the potential of lasting forever, which is exactly how the bible describes it -- "everlasting life". Jesus's mission was about bringing life to those who formerly lived in death (John 10:10)

One final thought -- perhaps this was why Jesus' suffering was so horrific. Certainly there was far more going on in Jesus's soul that lead him to sweat great drops of blood beyond the excruciating pain of the cross. Ultimately He would willingly subject himself to being crushed by (Is 53:5) and separated from God (Matt. 27:46), who is of immeasurable value and worth. Suffering for Jesus was on an infinitely eternal level. No one has ever suffered like Jesus, as no one has ever been that intimately close to something as valuable and worthy as God, and then torn away from it. Jesus willingly suffered what we deserve, "eternal death" so we could be benefactors of what He alone deserves, "eternal life". God did this because of His dual commitment to both His holiness + love. Jesus was God's solution whereby he could destroy sin w/o destroying the sinner.

peace
bryan

7 Counterfeit Gospels

2010-11-26T07:42:00.000-08:00

In his book "How People Change" (co-authored with Tim Lane), Paul Tripp identifies seven counterfeit gospels– ways we try and “justify” or “save” ourselves apart from the gospel of grace. I found these unbelievably helpful. Which one (or two, or three) of these do you tend to gravitate towards?

1.Formalism. “I participate in the regular meetings and ministries of the church, so I feel like my life is under control. I’m always in church, but it really has little impact on my heart or on how I live. I may become judgmental and impatient with those who do not have the same commitment as I do.”

2.Legalism. “I live by the rules—rules I create for myself and rules I create for others. I feel good if I can keep my own rules, and I become arrogant and full of contempt when others don’t meet the standards I set for them. There is no joy in my life because there is no grace to be celebrated.”

3.Mysticism. “I am engaged in the incessant pursuit of an emotional experience with God. I live for the moments when I feel close to him, and I often struggle with discouragement when I don’t feel that way. I may change churches often, too, looking for one that will give me what I’m looking for.”

4.Activism. “I recognize the missional nature of Christianity and am passionately involved in fixing this broken world. But at the end of the day, my life is more of a defense of what’s right than a joyful pursuit of Christ.”

5.Biblicism. “I know my Bible inside and out, but I do not let it master me. I have reduced the gospel to a mastery of biblical content and theology, so I am intolerant and critical of those with lesser knowledge.”

6.Therapism. “I talk a lot about the hurting people in our congregation, and how Christ is the only answer for their hurt. Yet even without realizing it, I have made Christ more Therapist than Savior. I view hurt as a greater problem than sin—and I subtly shift my greatest need from my moral failure to my unmet needs.”

7.Social-ism. “The deep fellowship and friendships I find at church have become their own idol. The body of Christ has replaced Christ himself, and the gospel is reduced to a network of fulfilling Christian relationships.”

As I said a few months ago in one of my sermons, there are outside-the-church idols and there are inside-the-church idols. It’s the idols inside the church that ought to concern Christians most. It’s easier for Christians to identify worldly idols such as money, power, selfish ambition, sex, and so on. It’s the idols inside the church that we have a harder time identifying.

For instance:
We know it’s wrong to bow to the god of power—but it’s also wrong to bow to the god of preferences.
We know it’s wrong to worship immorality—but it’s also wrong to worship morality.
We know it’s wrong to seek freedom by breaking the rules—but it’s also wrong to seek freedom by keeping them.
We know God hates unrighteousness—but he also hates self-righteousness.
We know crime is a sin—but so is control.
If people outside the church try to save themselves by being bad; people inside the church try to save themselves by being good.

The good news of the gospel is that both inside and outside the church, there is only One Savior and Lord, namely Jesus. And he came, not to angrily strip away our freedom, but to affectionately strip away our slavery to lesser things so that we might become truly free!

article by Tullian Tchividjian (pronounced cha-vi-jin). A Florida native, and pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, a visiting professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, and a grandson of Billy and Ruth Graham.

Words of a fiery Scotsman

2010-11-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

John Knox

"We confess and acknowledge that the law of God is most just, equal, holy, and perfect, commanding those things which, when perfectly done, can give life and bring man to eternal felicity; but our nature is so corrupt, weak, and imperfect, that we are never able perfectly to fulfill the works of the law. Even after we are reborn, if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth of God is not in us.

It is therefore essential for us to lay hold on Christ Jesus, in his righteousness and his atonement, since he is the end and summation of the Law and since it's by him we are set at liberty so that the curse of God may not fall upon us, even though we do not fulfill the Law in all points. For as God the Father beholds us in the body of his Son Christ Jesus, he accepts our imperfect obedience as if it were perfect, and covers our works, which are defiled with many stains, with the righteousness of his Son. We do not mean that we are so set at liberty that we owe no obedience to the Law--for we have already acknowledged its place--but we affirm that no man on earth, with the sole exception of Christ Jesus, has given, gives, or shall give in action that obedience to the Law which the Law requires.

When we have done all things we must fall down and confess that we are unprofitable servants. Therefore, whoever boasts of the merits of his own works or puts his trust in works or performance, boasts of what does not exist, and puts his trust in damned idolatry."
-John Knox (1505-1572)

Justification by Grace - Gal. 2:15-16

2010-11-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

I took a whole Sunday to spend some time unpacking the hugh doctrine (teaching) of "Justification", which is the big word for, "how a person's made right with God?". Over the years much blood + ink have been spilled over this teaching. Among other things, it was over this doctrine that the Protestant Reformation (circa 1517) even happened.

The question of how a person is made right with God is an important one, as it not only effects the way he/her lives in relation to God, but also how they live in relation to others (Gal. 2:14-15).

E.g. if I have a conviction that God accepts me on the basis of these two truths:
1. Jesus
2. Membership in a particular brand (denomination) of church. (or Bible translation, or comprehension of certain theological truths, or certain dress code, or morality, etc, etc)

I'll then naturally avoid & perhaps look condescendingly on those who don't attend the same brand of church I do. This attitude though all to common, is completely out of step with the Gospel, and distorts the means by which I've been accepted by God. Justification, is a very practical teaching.

I've provide my sermon notes for this, as there's a lot of content. My notes are usually just a minimal outline (as I normally don't preach from notes) and my seem somewhat difficult to follow if you've not heard the message. So, as soon as the message is uploaded I'll provide a link to it here.

Contending for the Gospel - Gal. 2:11-14

2010-11-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

One of the primary benefits the Gospel provides is freedom (Gal. 5:1). Not just freedom from sin and it’s eternal consequences, but also freedom to walk away from cultural taboos and traditions which are destructive and dehumanizing. In Gal. 2:11-14 Paul refers to a time when he rebuked Peter for walking out of step with the gospel because he segregated himself from the non-Jewish believers out of fear of what the more hard-lined teachers/spiritual bullies would say. There are times when the Gospel needs to be contended for...this was one of them. (Phil. 1:27)

Contending against those teachings which stand opposed to the Gospel is NOT necessarily the same thing as contending FOR the Gospel. I was reminded of this recently when watching an Imam provide a decent apologetic against Mormonism...yet as you'd imagine he never get around to the freedom found in the Gospel.

There's at least 3 reasons why one must contend for the Gospel:

1.THE THREAT OF CONTRADICTION [Gal. 2:12-13]

As seen in the text, it's possible to mentally know about the grace of God, yet not have it as the driving reality of your life. Peter's action contradicted the gospel by his pulling away from his culturally/ethnically non-Jewish brothers.

If God didn't choose to have fellowship with us on the basis of our race + culture, then why do we often choose to have fellowship w/ others on the basis of their race + culture? Or, if God didn't treat us according to what our sins deserve, why do we treat others according to what we feel their sins deserve?....contradictions!

2. THE TREAT OF CORRUPTION [Gal 2:11,13]

Not surprisingly this threat came from supposed leaders on the team (or seemingly). There are many ways in which corrupted leaders/religious thugs spread corrupted messages. These broken messages can be as blatant as a false Jesus, or as innocuous as a special interest group pushing their ideas, apologetics, causes and speculations while marginalizing Jesus himself. Remember, this specialized group of people come from James we're not denying the biblical Jesus or his redemptive work, they we're just adding to it.

The two types of errors which generally have a corrupting effect on a body of believers is:

Legalism - to many rules

Liberalism (antinomianism) - not enough restraint

3. THE TREAT OF DEVIATION [Gal. 2:14]

The word Paul uses in the Greek is, "orthopodeo", which generally means to, "walk straight". The Gospel in not a new set of laws to abide by but it does send out straight lines whereby, under the Holy Spirits' power/influence we walk according to them motivated by love, not fear. The Gospel is easy enough for a child to get right, yet difficult enough for even an apostle to get wrong. This reality ought to at least humble us enough to move carefully when contending for the faith, lest we veer out of step with the very thing we claim to be contending for.

Download the message here.

Amateur vids of Calvary SLO worship

2010-11-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

Balanced musings on: vocation, ministry + acceptable service to God

2010-11-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

I read a quote from Dorothy Sayers, the author/play-write from the 1940's, that I felt worth posting. It comes from this book.

Dorothy Sayers

I've long felt that when church leaders elevate the role of pastor/teacher as being exclusively synonymous w/ "ministry" and "true service to God" that this action has a devaluing effect upon the more "common" vocations of life, say: architect, mom, musician and Nascar driver. This is unfortunate, as this mindset consolidates the call/work of "ministry" solely unto the "vocational class" of church-people (which apparently is a fine choice, 1 Tim. 3:1). A better approach is to equally see ALL people as image bearers of God & ALL forms of work as potentially "good" work, able to to be redeemed by Jesus and used by his people as sacred service unto God. (excluding work which is exploitative & dehumanizing)

...and now for the quote:

"Let the Church remember this: that every maker and worker is called to serve God in his profession or trade—not outside it. The Apostles complained rightly when they said it was not good they should leave the word of God and serve tables; their vocation was to preach the word. But the person whose vocation it is to prepare the meals beautifully might with equal justice protest: It is not good for us to leave the service of our tables to preach the word."
-Dorothy Sayers (circa 1942)

El Salvador Day 1

2010-10-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

Pastor Jaime Melendez + his wife

As I write this it's about 4pm, and the weather went from being beautiful and sunny to suddenly becoming violently windy with thick thunderous clouds on the verge of a mean downpour in the space of about 10 minutes.

THE TOWN OF THREE QUARTER MILLION PEOPLE
We arrived in San Salvador about 45 minutes late due to an, "inability of getting one of the engines started" back in LA. Immediately after gathering our goods we traveled first thing to visit some dear saints living in a town of 800,000 people, called Zacateculuca...yup, thats what they call it, "a town". I was able to deliver the 65 lbs. of goods (band-aides, toothbrushes, toothpaste, aspirin, etc) to Pastor Jaimie, and he was almost brought to the verge of tears and couldn't restrain himself from continuously shaking my hand.

School Kids at Zacateculuca

They showed us the dirt lot which they just closed on a few weeks ago, which they've already begun preparations to construct four more classrooms which will seat 25 students each. The almost $14,000 Calvary SLO contributed just over a month ago was what helped to nudge this much needed project forward.

CAMPUS CRUSADE FOR CHRIST
Several years ago Campus Crusade for Christ in San Luis Obispo, lead by Jamey Papas, took on the challenge of making fresh inroads into the Universities in San Salvador. Many of the students which have come here to be a part of this team have gone to Calvary SLO. So, tonight I was invited to go eat papusas, with them and attempt to bring a little SLO away from home. (you like that little rhyme?)

Construction of new classrooms

What I've Learned About Raising Daughters

2010-10-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

Realizing I need as much help as I can in raising my two daughters, I read as much as I can & pray a lot not only for them, but also for Sherry and I, as our parenting plays a pivotal role in their understanding the gospel. At the end of the day, I want my girls to know Jesus, not a moralism that dubiously masquerades as Christianity. Which means I must set the stage for what it looks like to be humble and quick to confess my sin. The modernistic approach that seeks to depict the leader as maintaing strength and poise w/o weakness and flaws promotes an unrealistic perfection, while marginalizing Jesus. The following article writen by Dave Bruskas and posted on the Resurgence, does a great job at spelling some of this out.

- - - - - - -

I am the leading man to five wonderful women. My wife, Kara, and I have been entrusted with loving and raising four daughters. Of course, my girls aren’t really girls anymore: they’re 20, 17, 15, and 12 years old. I have learned much about raising daughters. I have much to learn still. But here are my two most poignant lessons.

TRANSLATOR NEEDED

I grew up in a home with my dad, my mom, and my little brother. It was a masculine home, filled with guns and smelling like bacon. So when it was my turn to be a dad and I found my quiver filled with girls, I needed help. I really needed a translator.

Enter my helpmate and guide in all things feminine, my wife Kara. Even with the best of intentions, I am clumsy when it comes to communicating with my girls, and if it weren’t for Kara, I’d be lost. She is my trusted counselor on understanding perspectives and emotions that I don’t see or feel. She helps me understand, for example, why I can’t say things to my girls like, “Sweetheart, you OK? You look really tired today!” In my mind, I’m saying that I’m concerned for them, but what my girls tend to hear is “You don’t look good.” Kara has showed me how to simply say, “I love you and want to know if you’re OK today.” Besides Jesus, she is the absolute best thing in my life and home.

Kara models biblical womanhood for my girls, and I do everything I can to call attention to her display. Raising daughters is a team effort. If I am to lead, I need someone to follow. Kara isn’t perfect in following, but she is awfully close. My girls love her and get in line behind her as she follows me. Womanhood is both taught and caught. I do most of the teaching. My wife does all of the modeling.

TRANSFORMATION REQUIRED

As a pastor, I have met too many women who grew up in Christian homes but don’t love Jesus, hate men, and are angry at the church. I have found a consistent answer to the question, “What happened?” Most of these lost, angry and disillusioned women were raised by religious dads, men who outwardly went through the motions of Christian morality without a heart for Jesus beating beneath. I don’t want to be that guy.

I will be a man, a husband, and a dad shaped by repentance rather than religion.

I have asked three things of Jesus for each daughter: that she would love him, that she would love her family, and that she would love the church. So far, it would seem Jesus has honored my requests.

This has been my strategy: I will be a man, a husband, and a dad shaped by repentance rather than religion.

REPENTANCE, NOT RELIGION

Religion is a doing more and trying harder to live according to the rules of the Bible. Repentance is being honest about falling short of those rules, owning how much it hurts both Jesus and my family, and then turning to Jesus and trusting him for forgiveness and change.

My daughters have seen my tears when I have sinned against God, against their mom, and against them. They have forgiven me too many times to count. They know I’m not perfect. They know I am a work in progress and have a front row seat to my failures. They get to see and feel that I love Jesus, am crazy about their mom, and enjoy them. And that seems to be enough.

Money Idolatry, Materialism + Generosity

2010-10-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

This is a video with authors Randy Alcorn + Wayne Grudem, with very practical financial advise.

C.S. Lewis: 3 Kinds of People in this world

2010-10-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

Tim Keller mentioned the below quote by C.S. Lewis in the video I posted previously

There are three kinds of people in the world.
1.The first class is of those who live simply for their own sake and pleasure, regarding Man and Nature as so much raw material to be cut up into whatever shape may serve them.

2.In the second class are those who acknowledge some other claim upon them – the will of God, the categorical imperative, or the good of society – and honestly try to pursue their own interests no further than this claim will allow. They try to surrender to the higher claim as much as it demands, like men paying a tax, but hope, like other taxpayers, that what is left over will be enough for them to live on. Their life is divided, like a soldier’s or a schoolboy’s life, into time “on parade” and “off parade”, “in school” and “out of school”.

3.But the third class is of those who can say like St Paul that for them “to live is Christ”. These people have got rid of the tiresome business of adjusting the rival claims of Self and God by the simple expedient of rejecting the claims of Self altogether. The old egotistic will has been turned round, reconditioned, and made into a new thing. The will of Christ no longer limits theirs; it is theirs. All their time, in belonging to Him, belongs also to them, for they are His. 

Because there are three classes, any merely twofold division of the world into good and bad is disastrous. It overlooks the fact that the members of the second class (to which most of us belong) are always and necessarily unhappy. The tax which moral conscience levies on our desires does not in fact leave us enough to live on. As long as we are in this class we must either feel guilt because we have not paid the tax or feel poverty because we have. The Christian doctrine that there is no “salvation” by works done to the moral law is a fact of daily experience. Back or on we must go. But there is no going on simply by our own efforts. If the new Self, the new Will, does not come at His own good pleasure to be born in us, we cannot produce Him synthetically.  The price of Christ is something, in a way, much easier than moral effort – it is to want Him. It is true that the wanting itself would be beyond our power but for one fact. The world is so built as to help us desert our own satisfactions, for in reality, they desert us. War, trouble and finally old age take from us one by one all those things that the natural Self hoped for at its setting out. Begging is our only wisdom, and want in the end makes it easier for us to be beggars. Even on those terms the Mercy will receive us.
(Lewis, C. S. Present Concerns. Harvest Books, 2002. 21-22)

Tim Keller: The Gospel, Moralism + Irreligion

2010-10-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

3. Called by God - Gal. 1:11-24

2010-10-18T22:12:00.000-07:00

After laying a groundwork for the Gospel, Paul immediately addresses the misinformation that was intent on criticizing:
1.The Message of Paul
2.Paul the Messenger

His defense was in the form of the retelling the story of how he once lived according to the strictures of elite Pharisaic Judaism and yet he was changed by Jesus. His life can only be the result of God's intervention and transforming grace.

In today's world many confuse "Christian culture" w/ genuine grace, that truly changes ones life. Churches are filled w/ people who live under the illusion of being a Christian, yet in reality they've merely been overshadowed by Christianity and never penetrated by it.

There are at least 4 universal evidences of true saving Grace in Paul's life, from these verses.

1.The Gospel's received as revelation, not just Information (1:11-12)
The bible claims God has revealed himself. The Gospel is the ultimate unveiling of the good news as to how God can both be "just" and judge sin and simultaneously "loving" by warmly embracing sinners, all because of the cross. Saving grace transforms the heart by enabling it to trust that this story is not just information created by clever people but rather, God's special revelation. (2 Pet. 1:16)

2.Your spiritual depravity is clearly seen (1:13-14)
Ironically, Paul's depravity was not the typical socially unacceptable sin's of, public drunkenness, spousal abuse, or drug trafficking. Rather, he was morally upright, and would have been well respected by all. Yet, his great sin was an idolatry which feverishly devoted ones-self to "the traditions of his fathers" (Gal. 1:14) a mistake many seemed to make in the 1st century (Matt. 15:7-9). When Paul met Jesus, even his righteousness was seen as an offense, before God (Phil 3:8)

3.Jesus becomes your everything (1:15)
A Christians life becomes re-centered around Jesus, rather than one-self. Paul's message was Jesus, his life was Jesus, his everything was Jesus.

4.Destructive habits/biases are transformed into redemptive opportunities (1:16)
Prior to conversion Paul most certainly would have had a cultural prejudice against non-Jews and would have viewed them with contempt. Yet post-conversion, Paul's biases we're challenged & ruined by the Gospel. His world suddenly was enlarged. People he once despised, now become the spiritual family he'll spend the rest of his life serving/loving.

Religion & religious people like their world small where it's easily managed and controlled. Their micro-managed environment is hemmed in by their rules, causes and traditions.

One of the marks of a true encounter with God's grace, is your world becomes big...like Him. Culture, now becomes something which is in line for being redeemed and transformed rather than avoided and shunned, and people of all races and cultural backgrounds can now be treated with dignity, value and respect, instead of arrogantly despised.

The Gospel liberates people, while religion/religious leaders enslave them. Those who live in their small world, with a small circle of approved friends and feel the need to be critical and look with disdain on those from the outside, demonstrate their lack of intimate knowledge of the humbling effects of the Gospel.

2. Gospel Distorters - Gal. 1:6-10

2010-10-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION Galatians 1:6-10
Since the beginning there have always been antagonizers, preeminently the devil, who stood opposed to God and the objects of His special affection, humanity. His primary means of attack has been to distort and manipulate God’s word, which brings life.
Things were no different for the Galatians, only for them the opposition came in the form of gifted teachers/preachers, who Paul identified as “false apostles” (2 Cor. 11:13). They came into the congregation, slandered Paul, and established there own edited version of how one “truly” finds favor with God. The result among the believers was theological confusion, burdened consciences, a moralistic verbal cannibalism, and ultimately, an unknowing departure from God’s gift of freedom, which had originally brought a deep joy to these Gentile believers. (Gal. 1:6)
It’s been said that one of the ways you know grace is being preached properly is that it will be susceptible to abuse and corruption. This seems to be the case here.

- - - - - - -

Ironically, the "walking away from God" that was happening in these churches wasn't to, prostitution rings, drug addiction, witchcraft, or even line dancing, but rather a religious traditionalism that turned this once joyful group into circumcision inspectors. This was the big deal! The gospel became marginalized in exchange for these cultural traditions.

Curiously, through the ages, even though traditions have changed (i.e. circumcision is not an issue today), the enforcing of said rules, stipulations, methods, and non-essential theologies have sadly continued to divide church families. Legalism and religion are real threats to the freedom delivered via Gospel. Unfortunately, there are those, who given the opportunity to speak to a church would abuse that position to preach their opinions, traditions/anti-traditions, causes and specialized doctrines which result in confused hearts and troubled minds (Gal. 1:7) while the Gospel momentarily gets placed in the margins. Paul was upset because of the chasm between Jesus' message, of "my yoke is easy and my burden is light" and the religious traditionalists' message, that was "spying out our freedom & bringing us into slavery".(Gal. 2:4)

Here's a few ways we could keep the Gospel central.

1. Discern the difference between: non-essential & essential doctrine.

In most toxic church environments and Christian circles, you'll find that believers have become divisive, not over the Gospel, but of non-essential items which in their confusion, fearfulness and ignorance, get elevated to Gospel.

Some of these non-essential items may include:

+drinking alcohol

+bible translations

+tongues/prophecy

+end-times belief

+church government

+causes

+specialized ministries

+culture

Some examples of essential items include:

+The Trinitarian God

+The inspiration/authority of the scriptures

+The incarnation of Jesus (God became man)

+Jesus's death + resurrection for our forgiveness, cleansing and life

+Jesus's second coming, etc

Failure to distinguish between these, often leads to an unhealthy elevation of say, e.g., end-times belief, over the Gospel itself. What you end with is the perennial preaching of ones opinion on this subject while relegating Jesus's Gospel to the footnote, while the people walk away with the impression that the most important truth to get right is when the rapture (or tongues/bible translation, etc) happens. Paul's contention is that Christians should live as if the Gospel (which he preached) is the most important truth to get right, everything else is footnote. Ironically it's in this vein that many who run discernment based ministries, actually lack discernment themselves & inadvertently wound other believers, not due to the Gospels' sharp edge, but to their inability of discerning between these two groups.

Division in the body over preferences, non-essential doctrinal issues, causes, specialized ministries is a "desertion from Him who called you in the grace of Christ and a turning to a different gospel".

2. Be in biblical community frequently & ask if your life/message is Gospel-centric

Perhaps you've strayed. Perhaps the message/impression your life communicates is one of:

+needing to know certain insights about peripheral (and even important) matters

+exercising certain disciplines

+acting according to a certain way

If these are the "important truths" your life communicates it's not Gospel (good news), because convictions, though perhaps good for an individual, may not fit the exact way upon another. In the same way, forcing once pagan Gentiles into 1st Century Jewish custom/ culture is not good (Gospel).

3. Get to know the Gospel

Read the 4 Gospels, see Jesus and be amazed by him. Watch how he treats societies sinners. Hear how he rebukes the religiously arrogant, who made an idol out of the Temple, and were willing to even kill God, just to preserve it. Read Paul's commentary, and the working out of the Gospel in practice via his letters (Epistles).

The Gospel ought to humble us. It reveals God as being big, and us as desperately in need. It shows that we are great sinners, but that God is a Great Savior.
...Pick up any Time Keller book, or download any message...you will actually find that the Gospel IS good news!

1. No other Gospel - Gal. 1:1-5

2010-10-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION - Gal. 1:1-5

The letter of Galatians, was likely the first of many letters written by Paul the Apostle. Galatia was a region in the Central/Southern part of modern day Turkey, and was one of the first places Paul was privileged to take the good news (Gospel) of Jesus’, life, death & resurrection to. After leaving that region, tradition bound religious leaders came in, discrediting Paul’s ministry, challenging Paul’s message, and confusing the believers with a list of new instructions to follow. This letter is not a happy one. Paul is greatly concerned for these believers, that they return to the Gospel he shared with them. Having been a Pharisee himself before conversion, Paul was well aware of the destructive nature that a moralistic legalism, poses. In short, Paul wanted to make sure that these believers were living in the freedom that Jesus brought, and not getting entangled into a rules based religion.

Musings from a 15th century Monk

2010-09-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

JESUS has always many who love His heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His cross.

He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial.

He finds many to share His table, but few to take part in His fasting.

All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for Him.

Many follow Him to the breaking of bread, but few to the drinking of the chalice of His passion.

Many revere His miracles; few approach the shame of the Cross.

Many love Him as long as they encounter no hardship; many praise and bless Him as long as they receive some comfort from Him. But if Jesus hides Himself for a while, they fall either into complaints or into deep dejection.

Those, on the contrary, who love Him for His own sake and not for any comfort of their own, bless Him in all trial and anguish of heart as well as in the bliss of consolation. Even if He should never give them consolation, yet they would continue to praise Him and wish always to give Him thanks. What power there is in pure love for Jesus—love that is free from all self-interest and self-love!

Thomas a Kempis, The Imitation of Christ.

Faith, in a better resurrection!

2010-09-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

(a story of 7 heroic brothers + their mom)

...Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. (Hebrews 11:35)

This passage in Hebrews references an event (circa 150 BC) which took place during a time scholars call the intertestamental period. The writing below which the reference is drawn is from the Book of Maccabees. This book though not canonized provided a wealth of historical insight and heroic inspiration which would've been very familiar to those receiving the letter we call "Hebrews".

After reading through the below passage, I was moved by the faith of these 7 Jewish men and their mom, in the great God of the Bible and his future promise of resurrection (which we know was ultimately unveiled in Jesus).

The account is graphic and macabre, but their words and testimony are challenging and faith provoking! The whole story is moving but I highlighted some of the statements that inspired me.

- - - - - - -

2 Maccabees 7: [1] It happened also that seven brothers and their mother were arrested and were being compelled by the king, under torture with whips and cords, to partake of unlawful swine's flesh. [2] One of them, acting as their spokesman, said, "What do you intend to ask and learn from us? For we are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our fathers." [3]The king fell into a rage, and gave orders that pans and caldrons be heated.

1st BROTHER
[4] These were heated immediately, and he commanded that the tongue of their spokesman be cut out and that they scalp him and cut off his hands and feet, while the rest of the brothers and the mother looked on. [5] When he was utterly helpless, the king ordered them to take him to the fire, still breathing, and to fry him in a pan. The smoke from the pan spread widely, but the brothers and their mother encouraged one another to die nobly, saying, [6] "The Lord God is watching over us and in truth has compassion on us, as Moses declared in his song which bore witness against the people to their faces, when he said, `And he will have compassion on his servants.'"

2nd BROTHER
[7]After the first brother had died in this way, they brought forward the second for their sport. They tore off the skin of his head with the hair, and asked him, "Will you eat rather than have your body punished limb by limb?" [8] He replied in the language of his fathers, and said to them, "No." Therefore he in turn underwent tortures as the first brother had done. [9] And when he was at his last breath, he said, "You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws."

3rd BROTHER
[10]After him, the third was the victim of their sport. When it was demanded, he quickly put out his tongue and courageously stretched forth his hands, [11] and said nobly, "I got these from Heaven, and because of his laws I disdain them, and from him I hope to get them back again." [12] As a result the king himself and those with him were astonished at the young man's spirit, for he regarded his sufferings as nothing.

4th BROTHER
[13]When he too had died, they maltreated and tortured the fourth in the same way. [14] And when he was near death, he said, "One cannot but choose to die at the hands of men and to cherish the hope that God gives of being raised again by him. But for you there will be no resurrection to life!"

5th BROTHER
[15]Next they brought forward the fifth and maltreated him. [16] But he looked at the king, and said, "Because you have authority among men, mortal though you are, you do what you please. But do not think that God has forsaken our people. [17] Keep on, and see how his mighty power will torture you and your descendants!"

6th BROTHER
[18]After him they brought forward the sixth. And when he was about to die, he said, "Do not deceive yourself in vain. For we are suffering these things on our own account, because of our sins against our own God. Therefore astounding things have happened. [19] But do not think that you will go unpunished for having tried to fight against God!"

The MOTHER
[20]The mother was especially admirable and worthy of honor. Though she saw her seven sons perish within a single day, she bore it with good courage because of her hope in the Lord. [21] She encouraged each of them firing forth a woman's reasoning with a man's courage, and said to them, [22] "I don’t fully understand how you came into being in my womb, It wasn't I who gave you life & breath...[23] but is was the Creator of the world. It was He who shaped the beginning of man and devised the origin of all things, He in his mercy will give life and breath back to you again, since you now will give yourselves for the sake of his laws."

The true source of good works

2010-09-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

It's solely by the action of God's "good works", inherent in His goodness + kindness that He saves us (justifies), and not because of any "good work" we've done. Yet once we've been rescued and cleansed from our sin (and any delusion of our own good works) God's heart, along w/ His actions will begin to become apparent within us, because He makes our newly cleared temple his home. In other words, we'll begin to mirror the similar pattern of "good works" which were shown to us.
"Good works" come from God because He's "good".
"Good works" will come from us because He who is "good" has taken up residence w/in us.

Hence, Paul's "trustworthy saying"
"those who have believed in God, ought to be careful to devote themselves to "good works", because these are excellent and profitable to all people" (Titus 3:8)

Luther was correct,
"We are save by faith alone, but faith that saves is never alone" (implying that it will be accompanied by good works)

Blessing: product of Grace or Street Smarts

2010-09-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

I received a good question from an email, and thought I'd post the answer I gave.

QUESTION:
Hi Bryan, I really have a hard time understanding/agreeing with how Jacob stole Esau's birthright and blessing from Issac. It's seems awful that God would award this type of conniving behavior. If you have any words of wisdom please share them with me.

ANSWER:
Good question. In short, God's grace stands alone/apart from our actions.

[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

Grace is a gift (free gift) to be distinguished from a wage (an earned payment). God had predetermined even before Jacob was born that the inheritance was to be gifted to him.

[11] though they were not yet born (Jacob + Esau) and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— [12] she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” (Romans 9:11-12 ESV)

God would have given Jacob the birthright (inheritance) regardless of his deceptive actions, simply because He decreed it. In other words Jacob did not need to act cunningly to receive it...yet because he's a sinner (like us) he did, he lapsed in confidence in God, like we do, and God still blessed him (like he still does). The glory story is centered on God and our being brought into it (Jn. 17:22-23). This is the beauty of what happened w/ Jacob. What he really deserved was justice, yet God gave grace.

The key to understanding this text (and more fundamentally, our salvation) is to not see it as you had put it, how, "could God award this type of conniving behavior?" but rather see the answer in God's predetermined desire to bless Jacob (and us) through His Son.

Jesus was good + was unjustly slaughtered
Jesus was just + received wrath
Jesus was glorious + was shamed
Jesus was honest + was lied about
Jesus was life itself + received death

yet, because of His righteousness and how he lived, though he was unjustly murdered for sins he did't commit (Is 53:6) God vindicated him and rose him from death itself.

So, Thru the 1st Adam's sin, judgement + death came upon all.

Thru the last Adam's righteousness(Jesus), grace + life comes to all, who trust God's Solution.

[14] death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. [15] But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. [16] And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. [17] For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:14-17 ESV)

Hope this clarifies the fog of confusion surrounding God's blessing a scoundrel like Jacob. The glory goes to God's grace in spite of Jacobs' perverted use of street smarts.

peace, Bryan

Memorial Day Baptism...the video

2010-06-04T14:49:00.001-07:00

Baptism 2010 from Calvary SLO Church on Vimeo.

We had the joy of hearing over 50 unique testimonies of grace and seeing over 60 people baptized on a crowded Memorial Day weekend at Avila Beach.

We hope you are blessed to see the work God has done in these folk's lives.

Music by kristopherstipech.com
Filming by canavp.com/

Baptism: The sign-ification of God's grace!

2010-05-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I taught on baptism, with the hopes of helping our church family better understand this great act.

Through-out the bible, God unveils himself not as a God of theory, but activity.   He's an "active God", even when paradoxically he's seen as a "resting God." In the grand narrative, it was not uncommon for God when after doing some great feat of redemption or creation, to establish some sort of activity or tradition intended to be sign pointing back (or forward) to that initiating activity.

3 SIGNS POINTING TO GOD
1. The Sabbath - Just so that man would never forget that God created the heavens and the earth, and rested afterward, He told man to do the same, rest that is...after his creating. This sign and gift was given by God as a pause from his/her work week, so they could enjoy God and his good creation.

2. The Passover - This annual meal was to be a vivid reminder (or sign) of God's kind act of redemption over the harsh tyranny of Pharaoh, by means of a slaughtered lamb.

3. The Communion - This sacrament given by Jesus was intended to be a two way sign, looking backward to His loving sacrifice on the cross, and forward to His second coming.
   "as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
   (1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV)

Think of various practices, traditions, actions + expressions as signs, intended to direct peoples’ attention to God’s greatness in creation + redemption (new creation)

The list of signs intended to point to God is virtually inexhaustible, especially when you rightly understand to full-orbed intention of gospel, and its redemptive effect upon humanity and all of creation.

WHAT BAPTISM SIGN-IFIES

Like the above given examples, baptism fits tightly into this biblical context. Baptism SIGN-ifies at least the following four things.

1. Cleansing from Sin
Acts 22:16 Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins...

1 Cor. 6:11 you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Eph. 5:25 Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word

2. New life
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

3. Indwelling of God
Ephesians 1:13-14 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body

4. Union w/ Jesus’: death, burial + resurrection
Romans 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
[5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

We practice baptism becasue it IS a sign which points to the reality of God's redemptive process at work in us, personally and corporately.

I spoke with a girl whose mom just died a few days ago. She told me that, her mothers devout commitment to Christian Science ended while on her deathbed, when she realized the lie she had believed for many years, had failed her, and thus trusted Jesus. Her mom wanted to display God's redemptive work of salvation in her life, but was greatly weakened by the cancers impact upon her brain and body. Unfortunately, handing out "the 4 spirituals laws" tract, was not an option for her. So, this girls pastor from home (she's from San Diego, and attends Cal Poly) came to the hospital and baptized her mother in the presence of friends, family, doctors and nurses. This act, boldly and loudly SIGN-ified what Jesus had done for this lady. before she took her final breath.

Piper on Warren - a lesson in love

2010-05-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

I realize this video was done over a month and a half ago. I've been wanting to post it, becasue I feel commendations are due. That said, while I don't agree with much of Rick Warrens "Purpose Driven" methodology, I do feel that much of the attack + slander that has come against him by certain sects of Christians, is just simply unloving + unfair. While slapping someone with a label, making accusations of heresy, and even calling to question ones salvation, may give the vocal "defender of the faith" an allusion of a righteous cause, to most of us it echoes of the power plays of the 16th century Inquisitors.

Firstly, what Piper does here, is he acknowledges that though Warren is vastly different then him methodologically + theologically, they share the same "essential doctrinal beliefs", and common salvation through Christ...in other words, Warren's a brother, and as a such is worthy of dignity, value + respect!

Secondly, Piper sets the stage to engage in meaningful, cognitive + intelligent dialog. Dialog is simply something that doesn't happen enough in today's environment, where many of the most virulent bloggers won't allow for comments, and the blogs that do, can tend to be peppered by anonymous one-sided rancor. My point is, bad theology & methodology ought not be ignored for the sake of "love", for in reality this is not loving. But, the way it ought to be addressed should be in love. Addressing bad methods, with bad methods only gives more territory to the devil.

Piper has been taken to task by many online "discernment ministries" and those who parrot them. For years, he's faithfully preached the gospel, yet becasue he did this video, many have turned their attack on him...this is unfortunate! All said, Piper once again is to be commended for his stance in the gospel, which not only saves from sin, but reconciles people to God and each other. I'm proud to call Piper and Warren, my brothers in Christ!

Memorial Day Baptism...Church at the beach!

2010-05-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

Our baptism is coming up:
SUNDAY, MAY 30th, 11am -Memorial Day weekend
(We'll be combining all 3 of our Sunday services into 1 big family service at the beach. So, bring your towels, lawn chairs + sunscreen.)

The emotion + excitement of baptisms are equivalent to that of being in the delivery room, minus all the stress. Honestly, they are the best events I get to be a part of in the Church. Hearing the stories of evidences of grace in peoples lives of how God saved them and brought them to the point to baptism, never grows old for me. If you're a Christian, and have never been baptized, I strongly encourage you to consider taking the step of faith, and get dunked!

3 things to help you be prepared:
1. Attend this Sundays service (5.23.10), I'll be teaching on baptism.
2. Have a 1-2 minute version of your testimony (how you came to know Jesus) ready to share on the day of the baptism. This is NOT mandatory, but it is a great blessing to all who are there, pray that God would give you strength to speak forth.
3. Show up at 10:30am Sunday, May 30th (Memorial Day weekend). The service will begin at 11am sharp. We'll give you all the logistical details of how the baptism will go.

More Toxic Than Chernobyl

2010-05-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

I guy I've had the privilege of talking to several times on the phone as well as listen to at conferences, is a guy named Tom Stipe. He's the pastor at Crossroads Church in Denver CO. I've always been very encouraged by his balanced and down to earth approach to life and ministry. He posted the following on his blog, I liked it, and thought I'd re-post it here...enjoy!

A verse he mentions below is still rocking me.

"He who does not love his brother abides in death." 1 John 3:14 (NKJV)

This verse shocks me! John the apostle seems to want us to take note that there is something very death-like, working in me when I don't commit myself to love others. I can rationalize my emotions, religious causes, and pursuits all I want, but if I don't have love, then.....gulp!

More Toxic Than Chernobyl ~by Tom Stipe

I am one of those fortunate guys that experience a unique blessing everyday. It’s not the companionship of a faithful dog or a trustworthy pickup truck that starts every morning. It’s my wife telling me she loves me at least once a day. She apparently means it because whenever I challenge her sincerity with an “Oh, come on” or some such refrain she just restates the oft spoken phrase. I’ve actually come to enjoy it…. thrive on it to be perfectly honest.

I’ve discovered that being loved sort of gets me through the day. It silences the many voices of those that don’t exactly share my wife’s feelings for me. Her love is part of the necessary infrastructure that supports and nurtures my very existence.

I’ve also known a few men whose wives have confessed that they actually hate their husbands. There are some really unhappy wives out there. They’ve snarled that they are appalled at the sight and smell of their husbands. Angry spouses so filled with contempt that they can’t stand the thought of intimacy with such a beast. Now those are some unfortunate dudes. Those marriages and families are doomed without some serious help. Resolving such hateful feelings is critical to the survival of such families.

HATE: verb; to express or feel extreme enmity, to find distasteful, Synonyms- detest, abhor, abominate or loathe.

Sounds like ugly stuff. Marriages and families thrive on love and die in an environment of animosity. The family of God is no different.

He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:9-11 (NKJV)

My understanding is that stumbling around in the dark is a bad thing. As old as I am I still have “night lights” everywhere in my house. If the grand kids leave a toy on the floor my big toe will find it in the dark. There seems to be a direct connection between light and less foot pain in my life. It’s a lot easier finding my way around the house with the lights on.

Walking in darkness paints a picture of blindness.

Being blind, while tragic, is not the end of the world. A blind person normally learns to compensate for his or her disability. My wife’s grandfather was blinded when he was struck by a Chicago Tribune truck in the 1930’s. He was a well-known racehorse trainer with connections around the country. I always respected his ability to travel around America with white stick in hand, independently carrying on with his life. How he lit his own cigarettes by himself and counted out his own money. How he found his way to the bus stations and trains that took him around to racetracks everywhere. While I admired his courage and tenacity that didn’t mean I wanted to be blind.

I believe that today, the Church of Jesus Christ, on many fronts, is living a life compensating for its blindness due to hate. I have watched entire movements and groups stridently promoting their own traditions, prejudices and hatreds while striving to find their own way to success. They carefully juxtapose themselves against the “other guy” thinking that divisiveness will bolster their popularity, individuality and significance. There is so much division, hatred and strife over the most insignificant issues that the heavens are darkened by our inability to love each other. And we call that fellowship?

Many Christians can’t seem to see and appreciate the diversity that makes up God’s family. They are blind to the fact that we are all on the same side as brothers and sisters in Christ in the fight against evil. When did our brothers become our enemy anyway? And how many times can we offset all that Jesus said about unity by repeating over and over …“How can two walk together unless they agree?”

Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15 (NKJV)

Who would want to join a family of killers? Too many pastors are finding out the answer to that question with shrinking churches after they join the bandwagon of brother bashing. And too many preachers that I know are offering up eternal life in their Sunday sermonizing while crafting special attacks against other believers who don’t line up with their unique interpretations of scripture.

Then there are the self-appointed “Discernment Ministries.” Those online wanna-be “apologists” who produce more vitriol and poison than the Chernobyl disaster. While establishing dubious doctrinal criteria by which all are to be judged, these so-called discernment “ministries” condemn to hell some of America’s finest leaders and authors.

They are dispensing a commodity that may as well be labeled POISON and exposure to toxic substances can be lethal.

Did you know that for every photograph that you’ve seen of the Russian Chernobyl nuclear reactor meltdown there is a dead photographer? Not one photojournalist survived the massive exposure to radioactivity while capturing images. And likewise, people die spiritually when exposed to hateful, toxic “Christians.”

He who does not love his brother abides in death. 1 John 3:14 (NKJV)

I don’t think I can fully appreciate the gravity of this verse but I’m pretty sure it’s “all” bad. To abide means to “live” there. And death, well you know dead…means dead. I can’t imagine waking up every morning and considering which fellow believers I’m going to destroy before the coffee gets cold. I think the so-called, “Discernment” crowd needs the clarity to determine who is actually in God’s family and treat them as such. If not they will continue to administer toxicity and death to people God loves.

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. 1 John 4:20-21 (NKJV)

Apparently the Apostle John was pretty serious about this subject. He just couldn’t leave it alone. So far we’ve got dead, blind, murdering liars who live on Dead Street and don’t love God. This is a litany of things no one should ever want to be, but apparently can be.

Every self-respecting evangelical I know would like to see a revival in our time. It would be an outpouring of God’s love so vast that multitudes of people are swept into the Kingdom of God as new converts to Jesus. In my opinion, that’s not going to happen any time soon due to the current state of mind harbored by many churches and movements today.

We used to sing “Love, love, love, love…Christians this is your call.”

And we used to mean it!

~ by Tom Stipe on May 17, 2010.

"How great is our Salvation?" A brief thought on, seeing the Kingdom of God + being born again.

2010-04-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

I wrote the below post originally as an email response to a question...which I thought I'd post.

SEEING THE KINGDOM of GOD.
Man is utterly committed to his rebellion, albeit rarely, sees it as such, as it's often displayed as innocuous demonstrations of:
love for nature,
devotion to career,
commitment to religion,
or a tango with substance addiction.

These, and a universe of others, are idols, to which he bows, in the place of the true, good God. (Rom. 1:18-24). So devoted, committed, and I may add, deceived (Rev. 12 & 13) is he to these, he SEES no beauty or need for God, and in many cases actually despises Christ as evil. Ironically, Light is as darkness, Good is as evil, to the eyes of the spiritually blind.

To convince him to turn to God, love God and/or trust God, would take a miracle, this miracle is described as regeneration (or, being born again (Jn. 3:3). Paul elaborates on this great act of salvation from God, by shifting metaphors and using language of deliverance. (of which the yearly celebration of passover classically depicts)

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Col. 1:13-14

So great was our, deception/blindness/commitment to evil and consequently, deadness (both spiritual & eventually physical), that apart from this divine intervention, man would continue in his perennial love affair with darkness for an eternity, even though the effects, dehumanize, disintegrate and shrinks his soul (though rarely, if ever, identifying it as darkness), NEVER coming to the light.

...everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. (Jn. 3:20).

Jesus' words are plain and clear:

"Truly, truly, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (Jn. 3:3).

God's kingdom will not/cannot be seen in any way that's appealing or desirous, to the point of "forsaking all to follow" (faith/belief), apart from the initial working of God, graciously & lovingly opening one's eyes, as Jesus well describes.

It's because of this GREAT salvation we, celebrate/worship and love Jesus!

Farewell emerging church, 1989-2010

2010-04-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

In the recent article from World Magazine, author Anthony Bradley eulogizes the movement that's been the center of much controversy, consternation and, end times fear mongering. For some reason, many of the watchblogs and online "discernment ministries" who tend toward spin versions of the "truth" seem to have a longer lasting voice, and may dismiss this article and the countless others like them, while continuing to imagine things which don't exist, just to keep themselves busy while those innocent enough to follow them, live in fear. The reality is, this movement has lost it's impact, and party lines have been drawn.

I definitely agree with this article, this movement has past. Although the more questionable voices who spoke loudest within the "emergent" camp, who once held many spellbound, will continue to speak, they will be more like a distant echo, without impact.

Hopefully now, the church in America can put its hand to the plow and move forward with the biblical preaching and practice of the Gospel of Life.

-Bryan

Heres the article:

Reading a new book or going to a conference about the emerging church is a waste of time and money unless it’s to understand the movement as a recent historical one. The emerging church movement has ended. Andrew Jones, a leader of the movement in the U.K., wrote about the demise at the end of 2009. Rob Bell, the founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., delivered an April 4 sermon on the Resurrection that marks, in my opinion, the end of an era. Bell recounts how Mars Hill started out to be a different kind of church without the baggage of watered-down “seeker” churches and the religious legalism of “traditional” churches. In a moment of wonderful honesty Bell admitted that Mars Hill had become a big institution that wounded people in similar ways as the churches many Gen-Xers swore they would not mimic. Jones affirms much of Bell’s experience on his blog.

From Brian McLaren to Erwin McManus to Rob Bell to Tony Jones to Mark Driscoll and others, the theological lines have been drawn and are settled. We have all moved on. We know who fits into evangelicalism, post-liberalism, Anabaptism, Calvinism, and so on. If you are interested in the emerging movement as church history, pick up a copy ofEmerging Churches: Creating Christian Communities in Postmodern Cultures by Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger.

Gibbs and Bolger provide a good summary of the short-lived movement:

Emerging churches are not young adult services, Gen-X churches, churches-within-a-church, seeker churches, purpose-driven or new paradigm churches, fundamentalist churches, or even evangelical churches. They are a new expression of church. The three core practices are identifying with the life of Jesus, transforming secular space, and commitment to community as a way of life. These practices are expressed in or lead to the other six: welcoming the stranger, serving with generosity, participating as producers, creating as created beings, leading as a body, and taking part in spiritual activities.

There is a wonderful obituary for the emerging church for those still concerned that we need to spend time trying to understand it and protect people from it. Don’t waste your time.

Bell’s April 4 sermon recounts that Mars Hill entered a process of re-thinking everything about itself as it has grown and matured into an institution over the past 11 years. Mars Hill and other churches born out of the emerging church era are no longer new, trendy, “cool,” nor innovative. These formerly “cool” churches are full of singles, married couples, growing children, balding middle-age men, and so on, who are all trying to figure out how to live a redemptive life here and now while confronting daily struggles with sin, repentance, grace, loving the poor, marriage, raising children, the recession, ailing parents, etc. Bell is launching a new focus on the implications of the Resurrection. Resurrection signals victory over sin, death, and the devil. Bell’s notes read:

Resurrection announces that God has not given up on the world.
Because this world matters.
This world that we call home.
Dirt and blood and sweat and skin and light and water.
This world that God is redeeming and restoring and renewing.

Jesus is victory. God has a redeemed a people to be his intimate allies in the renewal of all things through the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is neither provocative nor cutting edge in the Kingdom. This is simply the teaching of the early church oriented around the Nicene Creed.

Because post-modernism as movement is also dead as scientific realism emerged as a recent culture-shaping philosophical movement, the generation of Christians struggling to meet the challenges of post-modernism, instead of yelling at it hoping it would go way, are shifting as well to address a world asking different questions. While the effects of the emerging church movement will linger for some time we will begin to see books praising and attacking the movement go out of print.

Justification, Regeneration + Sanctification -Big words every believer should know

2010-04-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

Justification is a judicial act:
..of God pardoning sinners (wicked and ungodly persons, Rom. 4:5; 3:9-24), accepting them as just, and so putting permanently right their previously estranged relationship with himself. This justifying sentence is God’s gift of righteousness (Rom. 5:15-17), his bestowal of a status of acceptance for Jesus’ sake (2 Cor. 5:21).

Regeneration is birth:
In regeneration, God implants desires that were not there before: desire for God, for holiness, and for the hallowing and glorifying of God's name in this world; desire to pray, worship, love, serve, honor, and please God; desire to show love and bring benefit to others.

Sanctification is growth:
In sanctification, the Holy Spirit "works in you to will and to act" according to God's purpose; what he does is prompt you to "work out your salvation" (i.e., express it in action) by fulfilling these new desires (Phil. 2:12-13).

-J.I. Packer

Failure to distinguish these concepts can lead to confusion in the believers' life. When a Christian mistakenly thinks the basis of their right relationship with God is dependent upon their actions (sanctification), i.e. the "working out their own salvation", then they'll either be filled with:

1.Despair- due to their regular giving into sinful proclivities. This type of disparity, drives one from the cross into the wilderness, where it's the intention of the Dragon to feast on their insecurities.

2.Arrogance- due to what they falsely assume to be, "acts of righteousness", "holiness", etc. In reality, this breeds the same putrefying stench which emanated from the Pharisees. Religiously arrogant people tend to be tribal + condescending/critical to those outside of their self-fixed boundaries + belief systems. Their love is as small as their world and harsh boldness often replaces all humility.

Genuine Christianity asserts that, our "right standing" with God is based solely upon Jesus' finished work alone (Rom. 3:22-25). Those who respond to it's truth claims, do so only because God has initiated a rearranging of the desires of ones heart (Regeneration), so as to desire light instead of darkness. Trusting Christ for what He's accomplished on the cross sets the stage for a new relationship characterized by peace and right standing with God (Justification), affirming that He died the death I should have died + lived the life I should have lived. Arising from this new heart, is a humble boldness, to love + honor the one who's paid it all (Sanctification) by waging war against sinful desires (darkness) and walking after the renewed desires given by God (light + salvation, Ps. 27). In this renewed heart, there's no room for arrogance or despair, for I who was the "chiefest of sinners" (1 Tim 1:15) was lovingly and graciously gifted with eternal life, forgiveness, right standing, etc.

It's in light of all the above only, I'll be insulated against the dragons' accusations (Rev 12) leading to despair, because I see Jesus, "despised + rejected", in my place. Conversely, religious pride, bearing the fingerprint of the dragon won't plague me either, because I have NOTHING of which to boast...it's ALL a gift from God!

What you end with is a community of, "honored failures" + "justified sinners" who love God, because they're loved by God and who love all that he loves. (righteousness, truth, forgiveness, generosity etc, etc)

John Owen, on the Cross

2010-04-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

“When you set your affections upon the cross and the love of Christ, you crucifie the world as a dead and undesirable thing. The baits of sin lose their attraction and disappear. Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin.”

- John Owen

Myths of the Pastoral kind!

2010-03-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

I just discovered, John Piper will be taking a leave from all ministerial responsibilities until the end of 2010, as per his written statement. In short, Piper felt the need to pull back and realign certain primary ministries he felt had not been given all they deserve, from his marriage to his own heart. Piper has faithfully pastored at Bethlehem Church for 35 years.

I find Pipers' actions refreshing + honorable, especially in light of being surrounded by a "ministry culture", that's often sacrificed marriages and families on the supposed alter of "ministry". Countless times I've witnessed "gifted men" quite literally destroy themselves, their wives, family + church, because somehow the mistaken notion has been posited into their DNA that the churches they pastor are built on them. I know far to many people on the inside track and have had to many "behind the scenes", glimpses to know that the bad examples I've encountered are not just freak accidents, but rather are built upon some bad/false assumptions, that unless they get addressed will continue to provide a fertile breading ground for the dragon to maintain his foothold. (Eph 4:27)

As a pastor in fellowship with other pastors, and a third party observer of many ministry models, I want to seize this opportunity to point out some Myths of the Pastoral/ministerial kind, I've found which bare bad fruit.

Myths of the Pastoral kind

1. The Church needs ME: this phrase may sound heroic, but in reality it seeps of pride + self-indulgence. As a church planter, I realize my role is not insignificant, for even Paul saw himself as a spiritual father/mother of sorts, but none of us are irreplaceable. In the past, I've definitely gone through seasons where I felt that ministry would not function without me...I was sorely wrong, and injured people because of my pride. This false assumption is either built upon a deficient Christology, or a highly inflated view of one's own giftedness. In either case Christ gets marginalized. In reality, Christ is the senior Pastor (1 Pet 5:4), and the true Church planter (Heb 3:1), who has entrusted, to enabled men a tangible role, of being faithful, by loving, shepherding and teaching Jesus' church.

2. The said local church is MY church: Far to often I hear pastors refer to the church they pastor as "their" church. This phrase scares me, to be honest. I understand what they're attempting to say, I think. Yet, when mindlessly repeating this oft quoted maxim, one may fall under the delusion that it's true, and begin to feel entitled to certain rights, privileges + honors, which often come at the expense of the sheep...JESUS' SHEEP!
The church doesn't belong to any man. You didn't die for her, you didn't shed blood for her, and any sacrifice you've made has been with strength/resolve that's been gifted to you and not intrinsic.

3. Ministry before family: The amount of times I've watched families crumble and wives grow bitter, as the pastor/husband/daddy (slash, hero) is out attempting to save the world while neglecting his other roles has hit an all time high water mark, in my experience. Aside from omitting passages like:
1 Tim 3:4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive
5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?
there are some observable root causes to this horribly destructive habit, I've noticed.

a. Ministry has become an idol. I've met far too many pastors who love the ministry because it would appear they love the platform. They find their identity in their ministry and not Christ. The true functional savior they serve is not Jesus, but their ego and self-determination in order to get them into their heaven..which is self-recognition, strokes from the people and popularity. Men will sacrifice anything for their savior. This is why it MATTERS what savior you serve. Jesus would NEVER call men to sacrifice their wife/family, but ego will...because it's a wicked master!

b. Ministry has become an escape. This is often a natural coping mechanism in dealing with the consequential fallout associated with, "ministry as idolatry". Numerous times I've watched embittered wives frustrated by the leftover morsels of time/affection their husbands kick over to them. One guy involved in ministry told me, he's tired of his wife being a "drippy faucet", and rather than divorce her, (or repent of being a sinful husband) he did the next best thing, by developing the habit of leaving her at home while he goes off to "preach the gospel". Today, he's divorced, and still doing ministry.

4. People don't come to church when the main pastor's not there: Let me expose a dirty little secret that's like a cancer embedded in American evangelicalism. Sad but true, many churches function like a horse and pony show, with the gospel being more like a bag of popcorn, and not the main exhibit. When the main "super-star" pastor isn't there, less money comes in. There you go, I said it! This is "truth" I've picked up at many a meal conversation at pastor's conferences and also working in the ministry for over 20 years...it's just common knowledge.
So, how do some churches deal with that?
Some, strategically disallow any other speakers..unless they're another "big-hitter".
My suggestion is to readjust the budget. If there is a drop in giving, spend less.
What if that means the church couldn't afford a salary, for the pastoral staff, and needs to give less?
American Christian ministry comes with so many entitlements....it's overwhelming at times!
Maybe the pastor would have to join the ranks of thousands of other faithful servants outside the US by working hard, bi-vocationally. If a church is able to afford a pastoral staff, then great, there's biblical warrant for this. Yet, much of the way the system is built in the modern church has more in common with Drucker, than Paul. There are many dangers in building a church around a personality...See 1 Cor. 10-17

5. Vacations are for wussies: I used to think that taking extended time off for leisure + rest was more of a sign of weakness than strength. I've since come to realize that one of the best things I can do for my soul and the flock I'm called to serve, is to be renewed, physically, mentally + spiritually. This comes in at least 3 ways:
1. Seeking God daily, via the scriptures/prayer/exercise/spiritual disciplines.
2. A Weekly Sabbath. Taking a day off for rest, exercise, extended bible study/reading.
3. Periodic (yearly, biannual) extended days to get away.
Because of the nature of the work, pastoring/ministry depletes the heart/affections/mind/body. For a pastor to do his work for prolonged periods of time without deep affections for God, or God's people, he will dry up, begin to resent his work and become a stench, rather than the aroma of Christ. Sometimes an hour long devotion in the morning doesn't go deep enough to address sin, idols, and coldness of heart, thus, the need for extended periods of time for the purpose of restoration and revitalization.

As John Piper takes time away from his ministerial responsibilities, this shows as, Charity so well stated on my Facebook wall,

"Piper takes his leadership seriously enough to know that his influence is only as great as God allows it to be, AND he knows God can work just as powerfully when he steps OUT of the "public" life to focus on his "private" life".

I will pray for my brother, that God will renew a vision of God's greatness and beauty which would deeply affect him, his wife and his family, and in the season he returns, the church to which God has called him to serve. I'll also pray that Bethlehem church will grow tremendously in this season too, as they find comfort in the fact that their "Senior Pastor", hasn't left at all, but that He's still on His throne and all glorious as ever.

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

2010-03-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

1. O sacred Head, now wounded,

with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown:
how pale thou art with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish
which once was bright as morn!

2. What thou, my Lord, has suffered
was all for sinners' gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve thy place;
look on me with thy favor,
vouchsafe to me thy grace.

3. What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest friend,
for this thy dying sorrow,
thy pity without end?
O make me thine forever;
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love for thee.

Jealousy + Idolatry

2010-03-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

I was asked this question on my facebook page, which I thought I'd reproduce here:

Q:When we are little we always learn that jealousy is bad, yet the Bible says that God is a jealous God, so what is the difference between human jealousy and holy jealousy?

A:That's a great question & often the misunderstanding comes from how the word is used. "Jealousy", (קַנָּא [qanna’ /kan·naw/] can be used in a derogatory sense to denote an all consuming + destructive passion (Prov. 27:4) or in a approving sense to denote intense zeal focused on the person/thing of value. (Ps 69:9).

THE PROBLEM is ultimately one of IDOLATRY!
Calvin (the 16th cent. reformer) was spot on: "The human heart is a factory of idols"

God has zeal/jealousy [these are interchangeable words] for those He loves, however God is not an idolater, because he does all things for HIS glory...including the salvation of the sinner! (2 Cor. 4:6)

Jealousy can become a sin when, rather than making God the object of our worship + using our strong emotion, passion + affection to worship and devote ourselves to Him, we redirect these toward a created thing/person (Rom 1:21-27). This often leads to destructive/possessive behavioral patterns:
e.g.:
+The jealous, stalker boyfriend, who devotes himself, body, soul + mind, to obsess over his glorious object of worship...which given time her beauty will fade (just like all fallen things)

+the girl who steals a t-shirt from forever 21, because she'll do anything for the one thing she loves most...even risk jail (just like Peter + John in Acts 4) etc.

...It's really all about the condition of the heart and the objects of "ultimate value" for which we give ourselves to...see Romans 12:1-2

You see, we are either:

+Worshippers of the Living God, being transformed into his good image

+or Idolaters, distorting His image + being conformed into a lessor image than Imago Dei.

2010 Easter Announcement

2010-03-20T15:36:00.001-07:00

Easter 2010 from Calvary SLO Church on Vimeo.

Don't Waste Your Pulpit!

2010-03-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Questions about Spiritual Warfare?

2010-03-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

I'll be teaching on spiritual/demonic warfare from Revelation 12+13 over the next 2 weeks & would hope to do a little Q/A after next weeks message...time permitting of course! (3.14.10). If you have any questions you've been wondering about this topic, please email them to me (if they're personal) or ask them in the comment section if there not.

thanks

HT- "The War of My Life" musings on: Porn, Playboy + John Mayer's confession

2010-02-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

Firstly, the article is PG-13MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY
Secondly, this article entitled, "The War of My Life" was a good honest look at the interview, musician John Mayer had with Playboy about his candid + honest use of pornography and provides some good insights + solutions for this dirty/destructive habit that many men (and women) normally keep hidden in the shadows. This article is from xxx.church.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

After hearing all the rants about John Mayer's interview with Playboy I wanted to read it for myself. I was not at all shocked at John's answers. Todays culture is filled with sexuality. We have porn but we also have all the shows and music that reference sex. We have the internet and our phones were we "sext" each other. I will have to give John an "A+" for honesty. Most of us would have just stumbled around the questions. I want to take some time and discuss some of John's answers.

One of the first things John said about porn is "I am a self-soother...BTW pornography? It's the new synaptic pathway. You wake up in the morning,open a thumbnail page, and it leads to a Pandora's box of visuals. There have probably been days when I saw 300 vaginas before I got out of bed." John said he is a self-soother. I would call that selfish. I am not trying to be hard on the guy but that is one of the ways porn affects us. It forces you to be selfish. When you are watching porn or looking at 300 vaginas you have started a process that will not be over until you "release the tension." It would be safe to say that this release is a solo effort 99.9% of the time.

John went on to talk about how porn effects relationships. He said "You’re looking for the one photo out of 100 you swear is going to be the one you finish to, and you still don’t finish. Twenty seconds ago you thought that photo was the hottest thing you ever saw, but you throw it back and continue your shot hunt and continue to make yourself late for work. How does that not affect the psychology of having a relationship with somebody? It’s got to". John is telling the truth. We can't stop with one photo. I know before in the past when I have looked a porn I would see something I liked and thought to myself you know I bet if I keep looking I can find something that I like better. Could your relationships end up the same way? I have someone I love now but wait a minute I think I like what I see over there better. Should I gamble and see what happens? This sounds too much like an unhealthy lifestyle. Never satisfied with anyone or anything. John even said that at times when the porn is not enough and he will make up back stories in his mind. He also said about relationships that "When I meet somebody, I’m in a situation in which I can’t run it because another person is involved. That means letting someone else talk, not waiting for them to remind you of something interesting you had in mind". This comment came after he was talking about having unbelievable orgasms on his own. He said "they always end the way you want them to end", yet another selfish comment. Mayer also admitted to running a filmstrip in his head during sex. In his own words he is more comfortable in his imagination than with actually human discovery. Sexual relationships are more than just the motions. Healthy relationships are tough and take time and effort on both parts. No matter how busy you two are, there is always an excitement when you do something together, when you share your precious time. Play a sport, eat at a restaurant, watch your favorite movies together. You will feel the magic of love and connection that you have with each other.

What can we learn from Mr.Mayer other than some killer guitar skills? Class we see that pornography is misleading and can be dangerous to current and future relationships. We have learned that porn is self serving. Experts say men who frequently view porn may develop unrealistic expectations of women's appearance and behavior, have difficulty forming and sustaining relationships and feeling sexually satisfied. A recent study also shows that 30% of porn viewers (magazines,movies,internet) admit to sexual behavior that disrupts their lives. Men become like computers, unable to be stimulated by the human beings beside them just like John said "when I meet somebody, I'm in a situation I cannot run..". In a 2003 study (I know it is 7 years old) two-thirds of 350 divorce lawyers said that the internet played a role in divorces in the past year (2003) with excessive interest in online porn contributing to to more than half of such cases. One lawyer said in the study that "pornography had an almost nonexistent role in divorce seven or eight years ago." I guarantee the stats from this survey have drastically changed in the last 7 years. How is porn affecting your life? How is it affecting your relationships? How is it affecting your daily life?

I want to leave you with one of the saddest things I read in this interview. Here is part of the actual interview. They were asking him about his album and the changing moods he has on the worst night of his life.

MAYER: Yeah, Battle Studies is that feeling between 10 p.m. and two a.m. when you have this wild level of arousal and optimism. It’s about the things people do to each other during those hours. I have wasted four hours of my life refusing to masturbate and believing that somehow the phone would ring and I’d get a call from somebody I hadn’t talked to in years.
PLAYBOY: The phone will ring and your life will change?
MAYER: Yeah. It’s like looking for a fix. I’ll spend four hours not even putting anything into motion, just believing somehow it’s going to come my way.

John your fix is Jesus. To the men and women reading this your fix is Jesus. Jesus will see you through all your struggles. Not just porn and marital problems he will see you through all of them. He never said that he would make it easy. Life is not easy. Jesus is our advocate John 2:1 says " My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous." One of my favorite songs is "Thought The Fire" (not by Chaka Khan) this song reminds me that I am not alone in my struggles and you aren't either.

So many times I've questioned certain circumstancesthings I could not understand.
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
then my frustration gets so out of hand
its then I am reminded I've never been forsaken.
I've never had to stand the test alone
as I look at all the victories the spirit rises up in me
and its through the fire my weakness is made strong.

chorus:
He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
and the hill would not be hard to climb.
He never offered our victories without fighting
but he said help would always come in time.
Just remember when your standing in the valley of decision
and the adversary says give in
just hold on, our Lord will show up
and he will take you through the fire again.

Steve Oh
LoveJesus.LovePeople

The Missional Church

2010-02-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

I like this video, as it embodies the the type of church we want to be, in a medium that I can actually understand...a cartoon!

Abbreviated thoughts on Revelation 8-9

2010-02-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

As the seventh and final seal is broken, it actually sets in motion another sequence of events, commonly known as the “seven trumpet judgments”. Each one of these trumpets blown by an angel, sounds the way for yet another series of calamities upon this earth and it’s inhabitants, while God’s chosen people who are sealed by him remain under his protection (Rev. 9:4).

The trumpet blast has always been used throughout scripture as an instrument preceding the announcement of something about to happen. In this case, the announcement paves the way for great storms and cataclysms to break upon the earth, the seas, the sky, and below the earth.

Reminiscent of the 10 plagues against the Egyptians prior to the exodus (Exodus 7-15), these judgements would appear to be aimed against the false god’s and idols which mankind habitually give themselves to, from the earth, the environment to other activities/lifestyles, which in actuality are demonic.

Intended to display God’s power and supreme authority over all, while seeking to purge the world of its evil, the inhabitants of the earth, rather than repent from their sin/idolatry in order to turn and honor God, like Pharaoh, continue to harden their hearts.

God’s purpose of cosmic, restoration through Christ will be fulfilled (Rom 8). Wickedness embodied by: rebellion, sexual perversion, injustice, abusive power struggles, false religion, demonic oppression and the like, may have had their time on the world stage, but room MUST be made for the Main Character to arrive!

Forgiven + Adopted

2010-02-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

“…adoption is…the highest privilege that the gospel offers: higher even than justification… That justification- by which we mean God’s forgiveness of the past together with His acceptance for the future- is the primary andfundamental blessing of the gospel is not in question. Justification is the primary blessing, because it meets our primary spiritual need. We all stand by nature under God’s judgment; His law condemns us; guilt gnaws at us, making us restless, miserable, and in our lucid moments afraid; we have no peace in ourselves, because we have not peace with our Maker. So we need the forgiveness of our sins, and assurance of a restored relationship with God, more than we need anything else in the world; and this the gospel offers us before it offers us anything else…And as justification is the primary blessing, so it is the fundamental blessing, in the sense that everything else in our salvation assumes it, and rests on it- adoption included.

But this is not to say that justification is the highest blessing of the gospel. Adoption is higher, because of the richer relationship with God that it involves… Justification is a forensic idea, conceived in terms of law, and viewing God as judge…Adoption is a family idea, conceived in terms of love, and viewing God as father. In adoption, God takes us into His family and fellowship, and establishes us as His children and heirs. Closeness, affection and generosity are at the heart of the relationship. To be right with God the judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the father is a greater.
J.I. Packer, Knowing God, pp. 186-188

Brief synopsis of Revelation 6 + the notorious four horsemen

2010-01-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

To say the events unfolding in Revelation 6 onward, can be difficult to understand & interpret is an understatement. In pop culture today it seems as if there are new movies coming out yearly, each with their own take on how the end of the of the world will happen, from cinematic productions like ‘Armageddon’, ‘The book of Eli’ and the horribly nauseating film, ‘2012’. Curiously, there’s a strange fascination with how civilization as we know it, will end.

There are 4 characters in chapter 6 who’ve received more than their fair share of air-time, known to most as the, ‘4 horsemen’. Their arrival into the apocalyptic literature of John, is due to the opening of the 7 sealed scroll, by Jesus (Rev. 6:1-8). Scholars for 2000 years have conjectured as to their “true” identity, while coming to little or no unilateral agreement. Interpretations, are as numerous as the pounds lost by the contestants on the Biggest Looser due to Jillian Michaels' relentless torment!

Because our fundamental aim in studying this book is, “the unveiling of Jesus” (Rev 1:1) & because thousands of godly scholars/pastors for 2 millennia have unsuccessfully come to consensus on the colorful literary details peppered throughout this book we ought to use caution + humility when speculating and forming our own opinions. In other words, “be nice”, because arguing from a position which very well may be wrong, is foolish and to assume your unique interpretation on these details is the only correct one is, presumptuous. To press this point one step further, our identity in heaven will most certainly not be defined by our eschatological (end times) view points, and may very well fade into insignificance in the light of the presence of Christ, our beautiful savior. This may very well come to mean that the countless hours devoted by some in sketching colorful charts and exerting immeasurable energy to maintain divisions within the body of Christ may end up feeling very silly 'in the light of His glory + grace'. This is said not as a deterrent from diligent, study of the bible, but rather, to serve as a sober reminder that we, have been purchased to live in light of ‘ultimate things’, namely, Christ: his coming glory, coming judgement + coming reward!

Ironically, in chapter 6, Jesus is seen as possessing all power + comfort, as he alone sets in motion, cataclysmic events scourging the rebellious (6:15-17), while bringing rest to His faithful (6:9-10).

Evidences of Grace

2010-01-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

This is sort of the 1st fruits of some video testimonies we're working with. We're hoping to do many more, as there are many more amazing evidences of Grace in the lives of God's beautiful people.

There's this great verse in Revelation 12:11

"And they overcame him (the dragon) because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death."

The dragon was actually overcome by both
1. The Blood of Jesus (His death on the cross)
2. The Testimony of God's people (who love God, more than their own lives)

Jesus life/death/resurrection gave His people, "a testimony"!

VUE - Evidences of Grace from Calvary SLO Church on Vimeo.

VUE [vision, updates+encouragements]

2010-01-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

You can download the most recent VUE booklet...

This is a little snapshot, emphasizing many of the various, evidences of grace within Calvary SLO, throughout 2009.

Hope you enjoy!

peace

-b

Churches Helping Churches

2010-01-21T06:57:00.000-08:00

Here's another link to an organization set up for the purpose of helping the churches on the ground in Haiti. In the below video, pastors James MacDonald + Mark Driscoll, teamed up and visited the ruined city.
churcheshelpingchurches.com

Fundamental to my understanding of the scripture, I believe that 'the church' (universal) happens to be THE MEANS of Grace by which God transforms the world. Charitable foundations are good, yet true cultural/spiritual transformation comes via the church, on both social + spiritual levels...or at least it should, assuming the salt hasn't lost it's savor.

To be clear, I'm not speaking about religion nor a particular brand of religious organization, but rather
God's people,
led by Godly leaders,
filled with God's Spirit,
in love with God's son,
obedient to God's word,
WILL be both salt + light in a culture filled with decay + darkness.

REASON?.....GOD CARES!
He cares about child trafficking
He cares about pain + suffering
He cares about the oppressed + and marginalized
He cares about those enslaved to sin
GOD CARES...and when the church follows Jesus, they inevitably end up in these dark, dangerous places, not to capitulate to these evil practices, but rather as rays of light, hope + life, both exposing and transforming them.

The hope of a better future for Haiti will come via the dynamic health of strong, gospel centered churches, which can aid in building a better city, within Port-au-Prince, where God is honored and love is visible.

Haitian Relief + God's present hand

2010-01-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

Since I've had many people ask me about our (Calvary SLO) support for Haiti I wanted to take a moment to post some reputable links whereby you can send financial help. Since there are many organizations already mobilized w/ connections + open doors, we'd encourage you to send support to them and not Calvary SLO. The below represents some reputable organizations.

Childhope.org

Saving Grace World Missions

World Vision

World Relief

Please keep praying for these people. New photos keep appearing on the internet, showing haunting images of decaying bodies strewn across the streets, and scores of people with hands over their faces + eyes transfixed on nothingness.

Since suffering is something we Westerners have perfected every antidote possible, ranging from drugs to all forms of entertainment, we unwittingly diffuse the rays of hope which shine brightest against these dark tones. In other words, God loves to show his greatness in response to those who call upon him in difficult moments....but the real question is, do we believe that? Not by way of a creed or a half-convinced affirmation, but by way of action?

In this article, Andrew Perrin rightly says:
'faith is a present affirmation of Gods existence,
and a confidence in His ability to enact change in the world,
and a certainty that His promises will be fulfilled'.
This is a great definition...

Do we REALLY believe that God is:

Present, Capable + Faithful!?
not just somewhere out there in Haiti, but near, in MY life & in MY troubles?

The Greatest Story Ever Told - Shai Linne

2009-12-08T07:28:00.000-08:00

Lyrics:
Alright check it: lets go back in time, brethren. Divine lessons always keep your mind guessing. The glory of the Triune God is what Im stressing. The origin of humankind was fine. Blessings were plenteous. God is amazingly generous. Crazy benefits in a state of innocence. God told the man what he could taste was limited. Not long after came our nemesis in Genesis. He scammed well, man fell, damned to hell. The whole human race—he represented it. Fooled by the serpent, man through his work, woman through birth—even the earth ruled by the curses. But instead of a wake immediately. God said her Seed would be the One to crush the head of the snake. Yo, wait what is this? Whoa, a gracious gift! In Jehovahs faithfulness He clothed their nakedness. This was so they would know their Saviors kiss and bliss. But first, many growing pains exist suffering in the worst form, ugly deeds. Eves firstborn seed made his brother bleed. Indeed things got progressively worse. Every section of the earth is been affected by the curse. And though Gods judgments against sin were gory, praise the Lord! Its not the end of the story.

Next scene: mans sin was extreme. God gets steamed, man gets creamed. The Lord is so Holy that He drowned them in the water. Fire in the valley of slaughter Sodom and Gomorrah. But at the same time, Hes so gracious and patient that from one man He created a whole nation. Eventually enslaved by the mentally depraved, they cried out to the only One with the strength that He could save. He brought them out with signs and wonders satisfied their hunger. Then He appeared on Mount Sinai in thunder. Where He laid down the law for God-ruled government. Commonly referred to as the Mosaic covenant. Sin was imputed. So for man to know hes unrighteous, God instituted animal sacrifices. This was to show our constant need for atonement. And when it came to sin, the Lord would never condone it. And when His people disobeyed and went astray, He raised up prophets and kings to lead them in the way. But they would get foul with their idolatry—wet and wild prophecy—send them into exile. To take their punishment like a grown man. Then with His own hand He placed them back in their homeland. And while in their forefathers land they dwelt, they awaited the arrival of Emmanuel.

After 400 silent years filled with sighs and tears. In Bethlehem the Messiah appears. God in the flesh—Second Person of the Trinity. At thirty begins His earthly ministry. Baffling cats with accurate, exact facts and back-to-back miraculous acts. A stumbling block to the self righteous. But the humbled—His flock, said Theres no one else like this. He came from heaven to awake the numb. Demonstrated His power over nature, son. A foretaste of the Kingdom and the age to come. But the reason He came was to pay the sum for the depths of our wickedness, our wretched sinfulness. Bless His magnificence! He is perfect and innocent. Yet He was wrecked and His death. He predicted it. Next He was stretched, paid a debt that was infinite. He said that He finished it. Resurrected so the elect would be the recipients of its benefits. Through faith and penitence we get to be intimate. His grace is heaven sent, it never diminishes. Now the Holy Spirit indwelling is the evidence for heavens future residents who truly represent Jesus, the Author, Producer, Director, and Star of a story that will never, ever end!

Its the greatest story ever told.
A God pursues foes whose hearts turned cold.
The greatest story ever told.
Restoring all that the enemy stole.
The greatest story ever told.
The glory of Christ is the goal, behold.
The greatest story ever told.
Its the greatest.

A side-note to those who came to church this past Sunday.

2009-12-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I taught from Revelation 3:1-6. It was an stern, open letter from Jesus to a church residing in the ancient city of Sardis. This church appears to have settled into a comatose state of perennial comfort. Jesus had some pretty strong words to say against the majority of this church, with the intention to rouse her from her sleep.

After teaching yesterday, while attempting to stay consistent with the text, I still felt unsettled. The thrust of Jesus' message was a rebuke. And thus my tone had taken on the same characteristic. I confess, I can get frustrated and tend to focus on the flaws. This is an area in me I wish was more sanctified.

There are these propensities which make 'comfort an idol' that are resident in the hearts of all believers, even those in our family. It wasn't until after our 3rd service a good brother came to me and lovingly asked me how I thought some of the younger Christians, or the ones that are working hard for the Lord, and not subjects of these apathetic naps could have felt. It's then I realized the source of my unrest. I failed to acknowledge 'evidences of grace', in the lives of those who are doing the stuff, and inadvertently focused on what's wrong in the church at large and ours, in specific.

I should have at least balanced my tone as Jesus did, with the recognition that not all have 'soiled their garments' (Rev. 3:4). We have some amazing people in our church who serve/give with no desire of recognition...and would be willing to do anything, even the lowliest servant would do. I wish I could say they make the majority, but sadly...

I remembered a message, C.J. Mahaney taught to a group of pastors which deeply impacted me a while back, and I felt convicted. I wish I could re-preach that message, this time proportionally combining Jesus' rebuke with the brushstrokes of 'evidences of grace' at work...but, that's not possible. So perhaps I could attempt this here.

Thanks to those who are cognizant of the hurts of others + care enough to do something, even if it's sitting in a different place outside of your comfort zone to serve + love them.
Thanks to those who sacrifice their early mornings/afternoons on Sunday to set up/breakdown hundreds + hundreds of chairs so people can have a place to sit.
Thanks to those who've taken the care to learn new skills outside of your comfort level, such as multimedia + sound.
Thanks to those who happily + willing use their musical gifts to lead the body in song/worship.
Thanks to those who have responded to a variety of voiced needs from: painting, to cleaning to building, to helping move to many, many other sacrificial needs.
Thanks to those who use their time + energy to invest in the lives of our children, grade schoolers, jr highers + high schoolers.
Thanks to those who are willing to actually spend + be spent by sleeping overnight at the homeless overflow shelter..You're truly selfless + awake.
Thanks to those who joyfully open your homes, displaying hospitality by inviting strangers + others you may/may not have anything in common with, to feed, love + serve. You reflect Christ.
Thanks to those who open your homes to form biblical communities (community groups) in order to teach, serve, pray for, minister to + disciple others.
Thanks to those who make it a point to spend 'one on one' time w/ people you meet on days like Sundays, to pour your life out for them. (Titus 2:3-4)
Thanks to those who on the spur of the moment, invite people you've never known before except on that Sunday AM to join you for lunch after the service.

There ARE those living like Jesus, 'on mission' in our church, while others unfortunately sleep, I pray as we enter into a new year that we would see 'sleepers' become the minority. (I'm speaking of the church universally, here)

peace

Thoughts on being an intentionally good missionary

2009-12-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

I recently spoke at a leadership conference down in Santa Barbara. I was asked to speak on 'reaching the youth culture'. Personally, I found this topic challenging, because I really don't have any tricks up my sleeve to reveal the magic technique.

Even though our church is in the 65-70% range of people being under age 30 (most of these are students), I don't really have any 'hard evidence' to point at and say, 'that's the trick'. After all, we meet in a gym which from Mon-Fri is subjected to, skinned knees, 6th grade boy sweat, and spilled Capri Suns. Our services have no lasers shows, no fog machines, no coffee (we tell people to go support their local barista), no padded seats...just me yelling for most of an hour from the bible + people singing....

In a nutshell, I took the liberty of broadening the topic I was given, and taught on 'what it means to be a GOOD missionary'.

After 16 years of living in SLO, Sherry and I still view ourselves as being missionaries. God is a missionary God, His only son was a missionary, and his charge to his followers was to be like him...'a missionary'. Yea, yea, I get a paycheck with Calvary SLO printed on it, but should that end tomorrow and I need to get a job at Trader Joes....We'd still consider ourselves missionaries to SLO.

What about you?
Do you see yourself as a missionary?
Are you living 'on mission' with God?
What's your take on Jesus' charge, 'As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.' [Jn 20:21]?
Who has He sent you to?
Are you a good missionary or a lousy one?

sermon here: http://tiny.cc/6j6pi

When the skin upstaged the wine

2009-11-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

...each one of you says,
I follow Paul, or
I follow Apollos, or
I follow Cephas, or
I follow Christ.
Is Christ divided?
Was Paul crucified for you?
Or, were you baptized in the name of Paul?

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to
preach the gospel.

Consider your calling, brothers:
not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,
not many were powerful,
not many were of noble birth.
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise;
God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
God chose what is low and despised in the world,
even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are

so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
So because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
so that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord'.

...I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
[1 Corinthians 1, 2:2]

The sum total of Paul's kind rebuke is to say;
"so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
If this be true then why is there such boasting in the way of adherence to the methods of men, who according to Paul's description are, "foolish, weak, low + despised"? This is Paul's way of realigning men and their methods in the proper "Gospel-centerd" order of things.

When one understands that the men/women (and their prospective movements) which delivered Christ to their generation are nothing more than a blip on the screen of 'God's eternal story', only then can boasting be appropriately placed in the Lord, and proper thanksgiving be made for these faithful servants. When this is not viewed, then great energy is exerted to preserve methods, as a means of honoring the servant, though, as in a twist of unfunny irony, whose lives were intended to honor, not themselves...but Christ.

The moral of the story is,
The more like Christ you become,
the more you'll care about the "fine vintage of the Gospel of Christ", and less about the leather skin which carried the choice Wine. Even if it's a name brand skin, designed by: Apollos, Cephas, Paul, Piper or Smith.

Revelation: Jesus' Words to the Church of Smyrna:: Rev. 2:8-11

2009-11-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

Revelation: Jesus' Words to the Church of Smyrna:: Rev. 2:8-11 from Calvary SLO Church on Vimeo.

+INTRODUCTION
Even though the city of Smyrna was smaller than it’s neighbor, Ephesus to the south it nonetheless rivaled it, in it’s prosperity, due to it’s mass trade, resulting from it’s natural seaport and it’s high standing with the Emperor of Rome.

Smyrna derives it’s name from a valuable resin called, myrrh, which was very popular in the ancient world, believed to have healing abilities due of its strong antiseptic and anti- inflammatory properties. It was also used as an embalming agent. This dark-brown resinous sap would normally be hardened on the outside and soft on the inside. When the substance was crushed or compressed it would often give off a fragrant aroma. The word, ‘myrrh’ in the Hebrew is similar to the word ‘marah’ (bitter).

The name Smyrna and what it represents is an appropriate term, as it relates to the Church which resided there. As the Church in that city began to grow and have an impact, so did the hostility of the cities’ inhabitants. Jesus wrote, “I know your tribulation”. Sadly, this church very early on began to suffer, and yet Jesus clearly states that he’s aware of it, and lovingly identifies himself as One who suffers alongside them by saying, “I, died and came to life”. We are promised in the bible that, those who live Godly will suffer persecution or opposition [2 Tim. 3:12].
In the case of this church in Smyrna they suffered in at least three ways: +physically (tribulation), +financially (poverty) and +emotionally (slandered) [Rev. 2:9] yet, they were admonished to be faithful, even unto death, for they would receive from Jesus great honor, as depicted by being offered the crown of life.

Following the pattern set by Jesus, and echoing the very name of their city, the most fragrant aroma ascended from their lives through this painful process of crushing. It was in their time of trial that they shined brightest. In less than 70 years after this letter was sent, one of the apostle John’s own friends Polycarp, (a local pastor) would have been bound to a stake in the center of town and burned to death. His martyrdom would emanate a wave of encouragement to fearful saints to be bold, and to stand strong in the face of trials.

You Will Suffer - John Piper

2009-11-07T18:59:00.001-08:00

When Death is Killed by Life

2009-11-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

I wrote an email to someone going through a tough time due to death in their family. While writing, I was reminded of the great hope Jesus offers, over what appears to be an unconquerable enemy with an insatiable appetite...death! But, as is often the golden theme in the bible, things are NOT always as they appear. This is the letter I wrote:

Hi _____,
I'm sorry to hear about the difficulty your family is facing through this season. Death, always seems to rob life + it's joys prematurely. Death is not natural (no matter how people attempt to excuse it away)...it is the result of sin's ominous presence in this world and a continuous reminder that 'things as they are', are not right.

One of my favorite passages on the painful effects of death and Jesus' sovereign authority + power over this titanic enemy, is John 11. Lazarus, who was one of Jesus' best friends, died. All who were present for this sad occasion were full of mourning + drained of tears....Yet:

...Jesus felt their pain + cried with them [John 11.33,35]
...Jesus spoke to their sorrow + offered hope [John 11.25]
...Jesus acted, reversing death + gave Lazarus life [John 11.42-44]

The aim of the events in this scene were to serve as a sign, pointing to Jesus, who came to invert the power of death (appearing as the final mocker) by actually using death, as the instrument to bring life itself. Jesus points to his own death/resurrection by stating, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.' (John 11:25-26). Ironically, on the cross, Jesus, overcame death, by killing it's root, 'sin'. It's in Jesus, this hope, beyond the grave, is realized!

1 Cor. 15:54,55 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?

Point them to Jesus!
Share with your family, the life Jesus has given you.
Remember, you were once dead in your sins [Eph. 2:1), yet Jesus brought you to life.

I'll pray for you that God would give you boldness like never before to shine bright...even while standing under the mocking shadow of our defeated enemy, 'death'.

peace, bryan

The unveiling of Jesus' words to the church in Ephesus [Rev.2:1-7]

2009-11-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

We've received some video equipment, and are excited about putting it to good use for God's kindgom.

Here's some of the first fruits.

from Calvary SLO Church on Vimeo.

G.R.A.C.E.

2009-10-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

I had this emailed to me. I found it funny + thought I'd share. enjoy
-bryan

Grace, they say, is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. I don’t remember when I first heard that nifty mnemonic acrostic, but I know it was at a young age, and I don’t think I’ve outgrown it. It’s just a hook to hang some teaching on, and it’s a fine, sturdy hook.

But I have studied some more theology since then, and have learned that we can argue about anything, including definitions of grace. So here are some alternative acrostics; something for everybody.

For the Truly Reformed:
God Rejects And Conversely Elects

For dispensationalists:
Getting Raptured After Charting Endtimes

For pietists:
Good Religion = Affective Christian Experiences

For Barthians:
God-centered Redemption Allows Christocentric Eschatologizing

For the Christian existentialist:
Genuine, Real, Authentic Christian Existence

For the Pelagians and Semi-Pelagians:
Go Re-enact All Christ’s Example

For fundamentalists:
Gotta Really Agressively Confront Ecumaniacs

For the Eastern Orthodox:
Greek, Russian, Antiochene Cultural Expectations

For the other Eastern Orthodox excluded from that list:
Giddily Receiving Apophatic Creationless Energies

For Open Theists:
God Reconsiders, And Cooperates Exquisitely

For feminist theologians:
Gender Revolution Anticipates Church Evolution

For the cessationists:
Generally Renouncing All Charismatic Experiences

For pentecostals:
Glossolalia Received After Conversion Experience

For charismatics:
Gombala Ramazoody Alleluia Chombalahombala Essanahanashanahana

For theonomists:
Gospel Requires Absolutely Crushing Enemies

For the emergents:
Generational Resentment Against Conservative Evangelicals

...Sorry if I left you out; or if I didn’t leave you out.

Kris Stipich's Album release party

2009-10-21T11:42:00.001-07:00

...and evening of worship is this Saturday night.

Kris has faithfully served the people of Calvary SLO for the past few years as our worship leader. He's not only a gifted musician but also a truly humble servant devoted to living out the gospel and artistically crafting his music. It would be great to show support for Kris, by coming on Saturday.
...Hope to see you there!

+INFO
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009
Time: 7:00pm -9:00pm
Location:Atascadero Bible Church
Street: 6225 Atascadero Ave
City/Town: Atascadero, CA

Kristopher Stipech CD Release from Kristopher Stipech on Vimeo.

Facebook Event

Jesus, delivers us from...

2009-10-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

1. The Sinful ways we inherit from the influence of evil in this world.
Galatians 1:4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age
This world's system is not the friend of God nor of God's children. The influences exerted by this world's system often use the technology of: movies, TV, internet, writing, entertainment industry, etc and can have a destructive effect upon the culture & individual. Yet Jesus rescued us from those destructive effects and behaviors which are so often glamorized.
Now, Jesus' people have been freed from the power of evil in this world, in turn are free to use that same technology used to spread corruption, to artistically & creatively proclaim the story of redemption.

2. The Sinful ways we inherit from our family.
1 Peter 1:8 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers
Destructive habits, patterns + sins, committed by our fathers/mothers are often observed & learned by the children. Thus, the next generation often ends up partaking in their sins, and passing it on to their children. If dad was abusive to mom, the likelihood of son, being abusive to his future wife is greater.
Yet, Jesus breaks these destructive patterns & learned behaviors. The Gospel teaches us to live differently, and gives us the power to do so.

3. The Sinful proclivities I was born with.
Ephesians 2:5 when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved.
Revelation 1:5 To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.
There were learned patterns of harmful behavior I assimilated from my family. Yet, the reality is, I sin because I'm a sinner. Humanity is broken and will continue repeating destructive cycles unless there's a divine interruption. You and I are the unlucky recipients of this nasty DNA, thanks to Adam, and are by nature, "children of wrath" & destruction. (Eph. 2:3)
Jesus breaks the lethal nature of ours, by making us new creatures! (2 Cor. 5:17)

4. The Sinful offense against God.
Romans 5:9 we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
All sin, though negatively affecting us & those on this blue planet, is an offense against God. David knew this following his one night stand w/ Batsheva. He sinned against his own family, wife, empire, himself, yet most notably...God (Psalm 51:4).

At it's center, all sin is born out of idolatry, said the great reformer, Martin Luther. We prefer other, lesser things over the "all-satisfying" God. This recurring format not only brings drought to our souls, damage to our world, but chiefly damnation before God...Our sin, offends God! (Jeremiah 2:13)

Jesus rescues us from this offense, by himself personally, wearing our offense like a garment & taking our punishment. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Deliverance is not complete unless it leads to something greater. God delivered Israel from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, where they were brought into covenant with God. So too, God delivers us from all the above, to Himself. God gifts, "himself" to us.

He takes all our sin, our addictions, evil proclivities, destructive behaviors, and ultimately our divine offense, and in exchange, WE GET GOD!

1. Revelation- The book of Blessings 1:1-3

2009-10-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we began a new series going thru the book of Revelation. This series should end up taking us about 6-9 months. This book has unfortunately lead to more confusion, controversy and chaos than any other biblical book. The irony of it all is that it was written with the intent to comfort and encourage. Yet, I suppose all that runs concurrent with the rest of the ironies found within the book. The chief example being, the mighty dragon was conquered by a weak Lamb, yet we'll talk more about these in the future.

+2 EXTREMES
I find there are 2 extreme mindsets which become distinct when the book of Revelation is brought up.

1. Those who superimpose the newspaper over their bibles and see "prophetic fulfillment" in every earthquake, swine flu outbreak, despotic rule + war. These, tend to resemble a gnostic arrogance, as if they're in "the know", while the rest of Christendom lay blinded & deceived.

2. Those who out of reaction to the former tend to steer away from this book. These, break out in hives and form eye twitches, and speak about the weather (though not tsunamis, floods & global warming), whenever the book Revelation is brought up in conversation.

+3 TYPES OF PEOPLE
All in all there are at least 3 types of people and ways they approach this book.

1. Those who have STRONG OPINIONS.
To whom I would say...BE NICE! There are many Godly men/women who love Jesus and believe the Bible who come to differing opinions. They are not your enemy! My favorite theologian Jonathan Edwards held to a postmillenial view, one which I personally find implausible. It's folly, shortsightedness and immaturity when pastors/leaders make platitudes about their eschatological viewpoint as being the only correct one, while condescendingly verbalize the less informed. I know church leaders who'd refuse any form of leadership to one who differs from them in these secondary matters. Imagine that, the greatest American theologian/pastor, Jonathan Edwards would've been denied any leadership role + would've lost support, from these insular churches.
I feel a better way to approach the subject of "eschatology" is to be more amiable toward one another. Dialog more, listen better, and let love bear more weight than your opinions (which may quite possibly be wrong).
John Piper hosted an "evening of eschatology" a few weeks ago. This move, boosted my respect for him beyond measure. He invited, into his church 3 Godly men, all committed to Jesus, the authority of the bible and the proclaiming of the gospel, who have radically differing opinions about "eschatology". Doing this demonstrated that it is possible to lovingly disagree.

The 2 hour video for this is shown below, and may actually work better than a tranquilizer for most. But for others this whole dialog just may prove beneficial.

mp3 version

I definitely have strong opinions about "end times things". I wouldn't dare suggest distancing yourself from firm convictions, just that you always understand that your perspective could be deficient. This should have a humbling effect upon us...that is, assuming you're not bound to a deferential snobbery.

2. Those who are still FORMING OPINIONS
Most people I feel are in this category...still on journey, forming their convictions. To whom I would say, keep reading your bible! Seek to understand plausible explanations that sync with sound biblical exegesis, context and good logic.

3. Those who are APATHETIC
I totally understand this group, yet I trouble over their response. These have become disheartened by the infighting, and incorrectly assume the REAL problem is "doctrine". Their logic typically goes something like so, "If we just love Jesus and forget theology, we'll be better off". The error is, they fail to properly diagnose the TRUE problem....which is usually, "arrogance + immaturity".
To which I'd say, "don't let the, 'arrogance + immaturity' of some dissuade you from caring about and understanding what the bible teaches, in all it's literary genre from: historical narrative, to doctrinal didactic.

I'll be attempting to keep this up weekly...we'll see if I have the time! ;)

New Evening Service + Teaching Series

2009-10-08T20:03:00.001-07:00

Announcement- 3 services + The Book of Revelation from Calvary SLO Church on Vimeo.

Finishing Well + Beginning again

2009-09-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

Enemies of Eternal Life

2009-09-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

...as inferred by Jesus from his sermon on the mountain (Matt 5-7)

Since "eternal life" is as much a condition/state of existence here & now (sourced in God) as it will be one day in the future, it's safe to assume that there are actions & attitudes that can mar and destroy it's good effects upon humanity. Jesus, in this monologue would seem to have his highest aim be that his listeners come to know this eternal life (which all children of Adam have fallen from) as well as be warned of it's imposing enemies.

Ultimately, his point is that eternal life is the consequence of a genuine encounter with the living God, as God himself is it's wellspring.
The below is a non-exhaustive list of the enemies/antagonist to eternal life, taken from Jesus' single greatest message. This will make you list happy people, even...happier! ;)

ENEMIES OF ETERNAL LIFE ARE:
1. Arrogance of the heart [5:3]
2. Self-assertion of ones personal will as ultimate [5:5]
3. Being unmerciful [5:7]
4. An evil heart [5:8]
5. Attitudes that are argumentative + alienating [5:9]
6. Spiritual darkness [5:14-16]
7. Belittling the Law + the Prophets [5:17-20]
8. Murder [5:21]
9. Anger + Bitterness [5:22]
10. Unforgiveness [5:24-26]
11. Adultry [5:27]
12. Lustful hearts [5:28-30]
13. Divorce [5:31]
14. Broken oaths [5:33-37]
15. Wanting to appear righteous [6:1-4]
16. Loving things that break, rust or can be stolen, more than God [6:19-24]
17. Being a stress case [6:25-34]
18. Using a claim upon God + bible truth as a vehicle for: power, manipulation, control and a means to despise another human...AKA religious morality [7:1-6]
19. Not seeing God as a good Daddy, and his Son as a good savior [7:7-11]

The RELIGIOUSLY ARROGANT person is just as capable of missing this eternal life from God as is the HARDENED SINNER. Hence the charge to be careful to pay attention to our:
1. PATH, we chart in life [7:13-14]
2. ACTIONS + ATTITUDES which flow from our lives [7:15-20]
3. CONFESSIONS + PROFESSIONS we make and claim [7:21-23]
4. FOUNDATION, on which we build our lives [7:24-27]

In summary, the path of eternal life will be marked by opposite attitudes + actions from those listed above. All the while leaving a wide margin of grace + forgiveness for the recovering PHARISEE + SINNER...thank GOD!

Driscoll on Leadership - & some afterthoughts

2009-09-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

HT Peter-John Courson

Leadership is lonely. Anyone who disagrees is likely not a leader.

By definition, a leader is out ahead of his or her team, seeing, experiencing, and learning things before everyone else. On one hand, this causes great excitement and enthusiasm because the opportunity to learn and pioneer is incredibly invigorating. On the other hand, however, the distance between a leader and his or her team is incredibly lonely, even to the point of becoming debilitating.

The more successful a leader becomes, the more extreme the joys and sorrows of leadership become. In extreme cases, the results are akin to being bipolar, with intense mood swings when stress and pressure turn the cracks in our character into fault lines.

For those who are leaders, the question is, what should we do when we find ourselves out ahead of our team? Recently, God has convicted me of sin in my own life and leadership. Specifically, he has graciously revealed to me ways in which I have patterns of sinful response to the feeling of loneliness that accompanies leadership. I am sharing this in hopes of helping other leaders and the people they lead.

For leaders and those who love them and can help them see their own sin, especially their spouse, the following self-assessment statements may prove helpful in diagnosing sinful responses to the loneliness of leadership:

+ I feel that God has abandoned me to an impossible task and have begun to question his goodness.
+ I become annoyed by my team because they do not understand me or the difficulties I face as their leader.
+ I wish someone would just tell me what to do, give me permission to not do so much, and sort out the complexity of my life.
+I am annoyed by others because I believe they are stupid, lazy, slowing me down, and simply unwilling and/or unable to keep up with me and all the work I have to do.
+I question if anyone really loves me and secretly think that almost everyone is simply using me.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Have you ever felt the ways described above?
How have you overcome those feelings of frustration & loneliness?

One of the main munitions I've used recently to fight against these (and more) destructive and non-God-glorifying feelings is:
2 Tim 4:16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.

While Paul felt, hurt + abandoned by the church, he responded by:
1. Praying for those who hurt him, echoing those of Jesus & Stephan.
2. Remembering that God was with him and strengthening him.
3. Remembering that his life was being lived "on mission", like Jesus', to proclaim the gospel. Sometimes that path is lonely and full of suffering. God never promises to take us out of the suffering, but he does promise to be with us through it.

He therefore summarizes the above victory as being, "rescued from the lion's mouth".

How has God rescued you from the lion's mouth?
Are you still in it?

When brothers live in unity!

2009-09-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! - Ps 133:1
These are two men that have faithfully pastored the largest churches in Southern California for 30+ years. pastor Chuck Smith and p astor Rick Warren are both men of God who will be responsible for many who'll be in paradise with God. The have very distinct and different approaches to ministry, yet one cannot deny God's blessings on both. There are those who would waste large sums of time attempting to critique & trash both of their good names, often based on manipulations of truth and misinformation dredged by paranoid bloggers obsessed with sensationalism.
Unity, does not mean uniformity, where one must conform to the other. But it does mean that In Christ, we can rejoice in the others' nuances as they reflect the Lord's character.
I rejoice in the work that both men have put their hands to.

Forward Momentum

2009-09-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is a little info about our new location as well as an OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Update on Prayer+Praise for Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Grace Active

2009-09-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

Lord Jesus, Great High Priest,

You have opened a new and living way by which a fallen creature can approach you with acceptance.
Help me to contemplate the dignity of your Person,
the perfectness of your sacrifice,
the effectiveness of your intercession.

What blessing accompanies devotion,
when under all the trials that weary me,
the cares that corrode me,
the fears that disturb me,
the infirmities that oppress me,
I can come to you in my need and feel peace beyond understanding!

The grace that restores is necessary to preserve, lead, guard, supply, help me.
And here your saints encourage my hope;
they were once poor and are now rich,
bound and are now free,
tried and now are victorious.

Every new duty calls for more grace than I now possess, but not more than is found in you, the divine Treasury in whom all fullness dwells. To you I repair for grace upon grace, until every void made by sin be replenished and I am filled with all your fullness. May my desires be enlarged and my hopes be emboldened, that I may honor you by my entire dependency and the greatness of my expectation.

Be with me,
and prepare me for all the smiles of prosperity,
the frowns of adversity,
the losses of substance,
the death of friends,
the days of darkness,
the changes of life, and
the last great change of all.

May I find your grace sufficient for all my needs.

-A Puritan Prayer

Praying for God to do something great!

2009-08-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Last night at our "Prayer + Praise" we spent some time traveling the world, praying for various people groups who are experiencing political pressure or persecution. The room was charged, while people lifted their voices to God for help & strength. It's hard to put into words what it's like when you get a lot people who are "on mission" together and are desperately praying for God to move.

We heard some incredible testimony of how God has been using various people in our fellowship to spread the Gospel. After praying we began to sing...but it wasn't just, "song", it was worship. The room was filled with God, and the praises of His people.

I want to see God do something great on the Central Coast that flows from the already initiated work of the Gospel!
I pray that God would deliver us from our idolization of comfort instead being in awe of, Him "whose eyes were like a flame of fire." (Revelation 1:14)
I pray that God would reverse our blindness that keeps us holding the withered hand of "impostor joys" rather than, embracing everlasting Life.

Sunday nights have really been a journey that we're all on, whereby we don't claim to know how to pray as we ought, but we want to learn! We're all in this process of growing together.
If you are in the SLO area in Sunday nights, then come be "on mission", and pray with us!

enjoy the below video
peace

Prayer + Praise this Sunday!

2009-08-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to write this whole week about how our 1st night of "Prayer + Praise" went. If you're unfamiliar w/ the new season our church is moving forward on mission together with, then I'd suggest for you to check out this video.

IT ALL STARTED WITH FOOD!
We started the evening with some amazing food from a bro in the church who owns one of the best restaurants in SLO. His gift is hospitality...and he blessed us all!

THE BOOK OF ACTS IS A FRAME
Afterwards I shared briefly about setting a framework for prayer in the New Testament church as seen in the book of Acts. The fact is, the early church prayed together...ALOT, and some amazing things happened, the least of which they were all "unified"! Over these weeks the book of Acts will be our tour guide to praying as a unified body. The first two chapters suggest two reasons why the early church prayed together.
1. To encourage a discouraged people. [Acts 1:14]
2. To receive power. [Acts 2:1]

Then I shared about some hinderances to praying together:
-unholiness: living unlike Jesus + not caring about it
-discord: bitterness + contention + division with each other
-hypocrisy: acting spiritual but you really aren't
-long prayers:
-preaching little sermons in our prayers:
-lack of being direct w/ our prayers:
-lack of real intensity in our prayers:
-lack of faith:

FINALLY
we prayed + worshipped....AND IT WAS POWERFUL! We had almost 150 people lifting up their voices in one accord & singing at the top of their lungs, to God.

I've been to many prayer meetings in my days & this was different, something special is happening! God is calling those in our church who want to be "on mission" with each other to begin by "praying". If you call CALVARY SLO, "your church" my call to you is:

"BE ON MISSION WITH US, by PRAYING WITH US"

PRAYER + PRAISE
SUNDAY, 6:30 PM
Our HIGUERA LOCATION

Great things are beginning to happen!

2009-08-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Firstly:
our friends from "Ives the Band" will be leading our church in
worship tomorrow. Check out their music here: http://www.ivestheband.com/

Secondly:
we'll be starting the season of 7 weeks of Prayer+Praise, tomorrow night at our Higuera locaction. We'll be launching all this w/ a great meal to share with each other. [We have a very gifted chef in our fellowship who has insisted on preparing us a nice meal to enjoy, and enjoy we will!..this is a 1st come 1st served basis as food will be limited! ;)]

Finally:
our Cuesta students have finally arrived back! What a great opportunity for all of us to show hospitality + love to a brand new group of young students attempting to figure out the course of their lives. I gave this metaphor last week, that having all the students back is like having all the cousins come and live with us for 9 months. It's exciting, the furniture gets all rearranged, we get to stay up late, we all get to make sacrifices, there's new "life stories" to learn about, and theres lot's of action. Let's be a "Jesus centered community" filled with love to ALL God brings into our home..even if they're younger than you! ;)

So, if you normally attend our second service & would be able to switch it up by attending our 1st, then we would ask you to kindly make that sacrifice, especially this weekend. Over the next several weeks, hundreds of students will be making their way back to our church and we want to avoid any seating issues. Also, in just a few weeks we will be adding our evening service (3rd) at 6:30 PM.

thanks
peace + love,
pastor bryan

Let me RE-introduce to you, the Christ

2009-08-21T13:02:00.001-07:00

w/ Blair Wingo

Revelation - the last book about Jesus

2009-08-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

John the apostle begins the book of Revelation with some revealing titles of the One whom the book is ALL about. In the fall we will begin a teaching series through this great book. It'll be my hope that Jesus will be seen as more glorious & powerful than ever before.

+Grace to you and peace from him (Revelation 1:4-5)

Peace with God and from God come as a gift (grace). We didn't earn it, yet in spite of us God freely & willingly made the 1st steps towards peace w/ us through Jesus. (Col 1:20)

+who is and who was and who is to come,

This title of Jesus implies that he has always existed. A big word, theologians use is, "eternality" of God, to imply that he alone has been around forever and is the uncreated one, who alone creates.

+and from the seven spirits who are before his throne

Probably a reference to:

Rev 4:5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God

6...I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

the seven Spirits seem to imply something to do with "the eyes of the Lord", and "fire that burns or penetrates".

Perhaps to guide our thinking about God as being "all-knowing", and "all-seeing".

+from Jesus Christ the faithful witness,

Jesus, faithfully portrayed and declared the Father of all Creation. Humanity can NEVER honestly say "God never revealed himself". This is the beauty of the incarnation, the invisible God, robed himself in a body lived among us. (John 1:14)

+the firstborn of the dead

Jesus is the 1st person to die and resurrect, never to die again. He is the prototype of what all believers will one day experience after their deaths.

+the ruler of kings on earth.

This is the inevitable truth that will be shouted from every creature given a voice!

Excellent news (Gospel) for those who love him.

Horrific news for those who don't!

A call to Prayer+Praise

2009-08-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend we'll be starting a new journey together as a church with a "call to pray". We'll be starting promptly at 6:30PM at our new location with some dinner, then immediately after we'll begin to pray. If you call Calvary SLO your church this is a great way of being to be on mission with us!

peace

Bryan

p.s. I came across this cool site on Prayer...check it out!

http://www.matthewhenry.org/

God's Shalom

2009-08-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

Taken out of book by a guy name Cornelius Plantinga,

"Not the Way It's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin,"

is this great passage on the Shalom of God (Peace of God)

Just as a rule of thumb, most dudes named, "Cornelius" generally have pretty profound things to say. And trust me, you won't be dissatisfied by this little excerpt.

The prophets knew how many ways human life can go wrong because they knew how many ways human life can go right. (You need the concept of a wall on a plumb to tell when one is off.). These prophets kept dreaming of a time when God would put things right again.

The Dream of Something Better
They dreamed of a new age in which:
human crookedness would be straightened out,
rough places made plain.
The foolish would be made wise and the wise, humble.
They dreamed of a time when the deserts would flower,
the mountains would run with wine,
weeping would cease
and people could go to sleep without weapons on their laps.
People would work in peace and work to fruitful effect.
Lambs could lie down with lions.
All nature would be fruitful, benign,
and filled with wonder upon wonder;
all humans would be knit together in brotherhood & sisterhood;
and all nature and all humans would look to God,
walk with God,
lean toward God
and delight in God.
Shouts of joy and recognition would well up from valleys and seas,
from women in streets and from men on ships.

God's Shalom
The webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight is what the Hebrew prophets call "shalom". We call it "peace", but it means far more than mere peace of mind or a cease-fire between enemies. In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness and delight – a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom he delights.
Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be.

God will one day bring about a "new age" of Shalom, through His Son. This "new age" is not to be confused with it's more popular, bizarro sibling, which can only mumble hollow promises of a better world with no aid from Jesus. Paul the apostle recognized that the announcements proclaimed by the prophets of old, found all their present & future fulfillment in Jesus, by saying:

Christ himself is our Shalom (peace). He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. 16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.
...18 Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
Eph 2:14-18

The Gospel & Paranoid Discernment Ministries

2009-08-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is something I've been noticing (and been quite disturbed by) which has been around for some time. The internet has spawned a new era of, "ministries" that tend to operate more akin to a "Christian", National Inquirer. One example came as a reminder from a recent article which actually discredits their own "ministry", thru poor documentation of "facts", and melodramatic reporting that are not only unhelpful but actually, damage the body of Christ, by conditioning it to live in fear & suspicion.

A very worthwhile read.

A while back respected blogger Tim Challies wrote an excellent article called:

Watchblogs: Using Evil as Entertainment

In this world of "Mass Information" it's important to be vigilant by discerning:

false doctrine from the true Gospel,
false jesus' from the true Jesus
but also "spiritual sensationalism/fear" from the beauty/purity of the gospel.

The reason why this matters (as Mark D. pointed out) is, it leads to great fear and suspicion which otherwise ought not to be in the body of Christ.

Discern the 'Discerners'

One way to "discern" if you are being influenced by a "discernment ministry" which leans towards the sensational & fear based is to see how many articles about the greatness of Jesus and the Glory of the Gospel are publicized on their sites in proportion to "discernment" items. I find it disheartening that on several of these sites, rarely will you find any substantial theological articles on say, "the Gospel". Or scarcely any document on "God's greatness", or even any musings on "His beauty". The absence of these essential elements tend toward a great imbalance, and most certainly deviate from the thunder of Paul's ministry.

Doing a Wordle (which by no means is the ultimate litmus test) on every word on one of these sites came up with the top used words being: Emerging Church, New Age, Spiritual, Warren, and yet sadly after scanning the graph I couldn't even find Jesus, Holy Spirit, Gospel.

My point is not the discredit these groups (they do this on their own) but to once again say, what ought to matter MOST to any believer is THE GOSPEL, which has POWER TO SAVE and PROTECT! Believer, beware of ANYTHING that steals you away from THIS!

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
-Colossians 2:8-10

Prayer, Jesus style!

2009-08-08T17:40:00.001-07:00

Many things Jesus did, raised eyebrows and would have been considered "spectacular" even in our modern day with special effects added. Yet, in spite of all he did there's only one thing that's recorded in the bible which his followers wanted to know about. Surprisingly it wasn't;

how to heal leprous skin, or preach a non-boring sermon, or even the secret of walking on water, it was about his praying.

Probably, on a daily basis, they noticed the unique interaction between Jesus & the God they grew up learning about, and their curiosity spiked. So they asked, "Lord, will you teach us how to pray?". [Luke 11:1]

In what's commonly called "the Lords Prayer" Jesus offers some insight to his followers. This prayer is not to be viewed so much as one which ought be repeated verbatim (though you can if you wanted) but rather more like a frame of a house to be built out & elaborated.

There are at least 4 things Jesus emphasizes which have to do with his form of praying.

1. It's MEANINGFUL [Matt 6:7]

Rather than mindless meditation where one empties their thoughts, or the endless recitation of empty words, God wants to have meaningful interaction, with those whom He has made.

2. It's INTIMATE [Matt 6:9]

Jesus uses language adopted from the Exodus narrative (Ex 4:22) to describe the Fatherly relationship God truly wants to have with those who are His redeemed. You can almost summarize Jesus' teaching on prayer by, "what it means to call God, Father".

3. It's full of MOMENTUM [Matt 6:10]

God's not perched motionless on the mantle of a fireplace or positioned on the front step of a house like a carved idol. God is ruling from heaven!

Believe it or not, history is going somewhere. There is momentum! It all started by God. It's presently controlled by God and it will all climax with God.

the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Hab 2:14

To this end, Jesus says, when you pray, ask that God's king-dominion would come to this earth, as it already is in heaven. Shockingly, somehow God's purposes will unfold in collusion with his praying children.

4. It's fueled by FORGIVENESS [Matt 6:12-15]

Jesus' model prayer suggests our need of God's forgiveness. Unlike the pagan religions of His day, where every action carried an eternal & stout consequence from a host of capricious god's, Jesus taught, though we've sinned, forgiveness is possible through God's love. In an act of amazing grace, God surprisingly sends His son to take our offense upon himself and in turn, establishes a way for our pardon.

This is why there is great joy for the one who has had their debts forgiven!

In light of this movement of personal forgiveness, it's not surprising that Jesus would have us also be forgiving, too. Jesus knows that the heart which refuses to open up to forgive others often does so because it stays closed when God offers His own forgiveness.

Read the prayer for yourself. More importantly "pray", or at least have the humility to ask Jesus, "teach me, to pray".

The Promise of Reward...

2009-08-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

...amidst the cry of your dying children!

[a letter to my dear brothers + sisters, suffering for Christ in Pakistan]

To my dear Pakistani brothers & sisters,

who are suffering greatly for your genuine faith in Christ.

It's with tears of sorrow and heaviness I've read the reports of your homes being broken into, your privacy violated and now, most painfully hearing of the family of eight who has been burned alive. Though comforting words are difficult to come by in light of such events there are promises from God which undergird us.

A Puritan Minister, once imprisoned for preaching the Gospel said,

in this life,

"we can expect trial. God's wheat, as long as it is in this land must go through Satan's sieve, but He has promised that our faith will not fail"

"The current, no matter how strong, cannot carry you down the water to hell: The Son of God, His death + resurrection, are stepping-stones and will provide a way for you. So set your feet down by faith upon these stones, and go through as on dry land. If you knew what He is preparing for you, you would rejoice with gladness."

And most importantly, remember the words of Jesus to his followers, who had felt as if that had made great sacrifice to follow Him.

Peter said to him, "we have left everything and followed you." 29 Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life." -Mark 10:28-30

The promise of reward Jesus offers to you (& me) is not,

long life

prosperity

health

or even privilege and comfort*

but, God himself, is our exceedingly great reward.

Those who know Him, know this is "true goodness", those who don't (due to spiritual blindness) wrongly judge this, as "foolishness".

You, my brothers & sisters are no fools to trust a God who is so good, he sent his Son as a forerunner to carve the way for his beloved bride, by suffering with us and for us.

Remember, true victory is certain, for when Christ & Babel fight, it'll only be a matter of time when the host of angels & saints will prepare themselves to sing,

"Babylon the great is fallen

...is fallen!!!" -Rev. 18:2

*Most of the foolish teachings recognized as the "Prosperity Gospel" exported from American churches daily from television & satellite feeds have filled the minds of many vulnerable people around the world with false promise. see Hebrews 11:32-12:2

a call to Prayer+Praise

2009-08-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Pastor Bryan Stupar - Prayer Meetings from calvaryslo on Vimeo.

What if?

2009-07-29T08:51:00.001-07:00

What if the difficulties we face in relationships (marriages, friendships, churches) are meant to teach us a depth of character which can only come through carefully/humbly working through differences rather than running from them?

What if leanness of finances are meant to drive us to re-access our spending habits, and re-prioritize the difference between essential and non-essential comforts?

What if the pinch we feel from leanness of finances are meant to give us perspective of what most people around the world feel on a daily basis? (in other words, to teach us empathy)

What if the person who annoys us most in our lives is meant to change us and not us to change them.

What if the person you saw broken down on the side of the road & passed by was actually Jesus. (Matt. 25:41-46)

What if the clouds we so fear, are actually full of mercy? (reference)

And God spoke thru Bono?

2009-07-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

I just watched this for the 1st time yesterday. I think he carefully & insightfully placed his finger on several areas of significance. I don't necessarily agree with all Bono's views, but to those humble enough to hear God speak through an international mega-rock star, you just may be challenged to think/live differently.

What are your thoughts about the interview?

A few thoughts were sparked in this interview.

Is it possible, the reason why the era we live in has been blessed w/ mass transportation vehicles such as: jets, helicopters, cars and the like is so that we could travel further distances in order to help others in a complete way? (aiding the needy w/ physical necessities & the gospel)

Is it possible that the wealth we Americans live in & are surrounded by is not meant so much for our constant upgrading of devices, cars, appliances & cable television packages, but rather meant to work in cooperation w/ "mass transportation" to be the means of assistance & aid by God's power & for His glory?

just a few thoughts!

peace

bonus goods

The Vested Worth of Humanity

2009-07-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

The "value", humans posses is not intrinsic, but bestowed. In other words, we are valued, because God says, "we are valuable". Any time a human, says to another human, "you are not 'worth', my time, energy or love", is in essence stating, in indirect terms, God has got his perceptions wrong.

Or to use the words of John the Apostle: "we call God a liar".

To speak of 'human worth', apart from God gifting it to man, is to build a house on sand, which will wind up in the humanistic land-fill.

Because of this God-given basis of 'worth', due to being made in his image, we are called to a host of attitudes + actions, reflective of the very character of God himself, from: love | forgiveness | blessing | etc.

This is how God's kingdom *works, as outlined in The Sermon on the Mount, but particularly Matt. 5:44-45. When this foundation is forsaken & these attitudes are not lived, society (interaction between human to human) stays broken, people remain suspicious, hearts turn calloused (as a coping mechanism).

Wilberforce, MLK, Lincoln & others of noteworthy abilities would not have stood a chance in their day apart from this baseline, they fought from.

Humanism, (the 'worldview' associated w/ Darwinian evolution) cannot honestly speak of an intrinsic, 'value/worth' either. Rather, this too has a perspective of 'vested' worth with the only difference being, 'value/worth' are determined on an individual basis, or a committee of consenting minds, and not the Infinite Creator God.

This was the mindset of Hitlers' Germany. He simply deemed: Jews, invalids, & Gypsies (and others sub-groups) as "without value". And acted upon his limitless resources & the firm convictions he held to and the rest is a lesson to all.

If there were a rare moment of transparency & honesty, we may admit that the only thing which would separate us from Hitler's condemnable actions to obliterate or remove, a "without value" person or community of persons are, "the means & materials".

The Gospel, when properly understood/taught, doesn't "dehumanize" us, rather it restores: dignity, value & respect, to humanity!

thus Jesus words:

Matt 5:44 I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

*Scholars call God's indiscriminate outpouring of universal love to all (just & unjust) as "common Grace". This is distinct from God's particular "saving grace" through Jesus, and ought to be protected against all forms of, "universalism" (a false belief that God will save every person, regardless of relation to Jesus]

Why Vengeance belongs to God

2009-07-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

...or at least a court!? (Rom 13:4)

in the earlier article I wrote entitled, "Creative Retribution", I attempted to parse out a better way at handling matters of offense + evil. This is a tough task, due to the way our internal wires are crossed. When offended, everything in us screams.."attack + kill"!

Now, I'd like to explore a few reasons why the bible explicitly states, "Vengeance belongs to God", and not us! Or in other words, why typically we're not capable of handling matters of personal offense, justly. With the assumption being, if we respond to an injustice, unjustly, all we succeed in doing is adding more evil to the situation, by acting evil. Thus, nothing really changes, as evil still wins.

Here's a few reasons I believe God says, Vengeance/Retribution/Justice, belong to Himself & the Civil leadership He appoints and not to us as individuals. (as Romans 12:19 + 13:4 state)

1. We don't have all the information to judge rightly -

When offended, how often do we (if ever) call the person up, and with humility ask if we understood correctly what they said/did, which led to our offense, prior to crucifying them?..RARELY!

We're more prone to:

blog about them (in code of course),

write them off,

distance ourselves,

gossip,

give an evil eye,

silent treatment,

go to another church

...and the list could go on, but I think you get the idea!

I wonder what percentage of the above mentioned forms of retribution are actually rendered based on false or incomplete evidence. Or in other words, how many times have I, "carried out personal justice" based on incomplete or inadequate information?..Sadly, most of the time!

This perhaps, is the main reason why Paul the apostle adds, "Civil Leadership" (the courts, judges, leaders, officials etc) to the queue of qualified entities capable of "bearing the sword" (a euphemism for Justice), and actually calls them, "servants of God".

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. Romans 13:3+4

When the court system works properly, the most lengthy process leading to a rendered judgement of "guilty or innocent", is the "cross examination". Yup, the whole "where were you on the night of ____?" is all a vital part of the process we rarely ever do as individuals, prior to our casting our personal judgements.

The bottom line is this...

we don't have all the information to judge properly, and rarely if ever do we care to do a thorough job in gathering truthful information!

Instead, we shoot first & ask questions later, or consider someone, "guilty until proven innocent"!

2. We're prone to over-punish

This flaw is woven into the fabric of our fallen humanities. "Total depravity", is our DNA.

As a parent of two wonderful daughters ages 10 + 13, I'm often having to referee between these micro blood-feuds, of escalating trouble starting with:

an unwarranted entry into one's bedroom

which leads to shout, "get outta here",

rising to a cold stare in the hallway,

exchanged for a "opps, accidently dropped your toothbrush on the ground"

usually finishing off with a "dad, she pinched me!".

This progression and overcompensation of inflicted pain, just keeps getting more advanced and fine tuned the older we get. This is one area we humans have no problem overpaying for.

Often, we end up becoming so skilled at thinking through scenes of "retributive justice", the only thing that keeps us from being the best, are resources and power. (see, Hilter, Stalin, and virtually any Karate themed movie)

In Short, our propensity to over-punish, not only disqualifies us as inadequate to execute, "just vengeance", but places us squarely in the crosshairs of Paul's aim, when he exhorts, " repay no one evil for evil". Over-punishment IS evil!

3. We're to Look to God.

Believe it or not, injustices/offenses + suffering are meant to be as much a road sign pointing to God as: "the beauty of creation", "a deep red sunset, over glassy 6ft. surf" or a "bible verse". C.S. Lewis famously stated, "suffering is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

This seems to be the point of the meta-narrative driving the Bible. If you step back far enough to feel the pulse of it's principle theme, you'll discover that at the the climax of all injustice, all the offenses, and the sum total of all evil, and the evil powers behind evil are met head on by Jesus at the cross. God, in the flesh, faced them all, suffered at their hands and conquered them all, rising the 3rd day from the grave.

The gospel is not just a nice story.

...it is THE POWER OF GOD TO BE SAVED! (Romans 1:16)

yes, saved sin's PENALTY, before a holy God!

but, also saved from sin's POWER, which among other things, keeps me bound to my small world of self-justifying forms of, "evil retribution".

and one day saved from sin's PRESENCE, where in a new creation will exist, and life will look pretty much exactly as it's outlined in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7) and Rev 21.

Creative Retribution

2009-07-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

As I read the "words in red" from my bible a constant challenge keeps causing me to re-think many of my default thoughts and practices. One passage from the sermon on the mount, is like a spiritual taser gun. It's when Jesus casually address His audience with, the "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" principle. This of course was intended to set a limit to how far "justice/retribution" should go. Mainly as a means of honoring humanity, by curbing "blood-feuds" & "street-justice".

Matt 5:38 You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

It's clear, Jesus is not attempting to degrade this OT teaching, rather He's showing a better way to deal with matters of personal offense. While unchecked, can lead to the potentially lethal game of "retributive, tit-for tat".

Our fallen instinct leans naturally toward retaliation, and depending upon one's temperament may range from the passive-aggressive, "silent treatment" to a flying roundhouse kick. Both, can be summarized as form of conquering, "evil, with evil".

The New Testament offers a different way for the individual to address the evil which leaves one offended. There are at least 3 ways (I realize there are others) the bible calls us to deal with matters of offense:

1. We're to call "evil", "evil":

2. We're urged to not respond by furthering evil, w/ more evil:

3. We're to give place for God to do what God is exceptionally skilled at...Namely, execute Righteous Justice. (in other words, "trust God")

1. We are to call "evil", "evil":

I find that people can often get stuck in a, "black or white", extremism. An example may go something like this, "If I'm not to retaliate with "evil", then I'll just ignore it altogether". Yet, Jesus doesn't teach us to ignore it. Actually, we're to acknowledge it, but when the retributive instinct revs up, it's to be controlled & calculated. Some things which offend us are not necessarily "evil", rather, we're thin-skinned. In short, we're encouraged to call, "evil", "evil", and not just pretend it doesn't exist.

2. We're urged to not respond by furthering evil, w/ more evil:

Responses to the various offenses, Jesus suggests are, innovative! They're intended to drive home truth, with vividness.

For instance, "if anyone would sue you". This illustrates a person who is unjustly & shamefully sued by a powerful individual and this process has proven dishonorable & dehumanizing. It's so bad, that his very underwear (tunic), were taken, and all he had left is his outer-garment (shirt).

What's this guy to do?

He's out gunned! Out lawyered! Out maneuvered!

His options for retaliation are slim!

He may not posses power to turn the tables of Justice. But he does have: dignity, value & respect, gifted by God, to communicate to the evil suer & the courtroom by way of a, living/creative parable, what was done to him was, "shameful", all the while reflecting something of the giving nature of God.

How?

Jesus says, give to him your "outer-garment" too!

By this time, methinks Jesus' audience was chuckling at the thought of this divine version of, "stick it to the man", took the form of a naked guy, standing in a full courtroom of gawkers. This action showed in a poignant way:

+generosity (giving away your goods),

+a shout of attention to what, really happened by saying in essence "look at me...this (naked body) is what you've really done" and was "shameful",

+all while leaving space for God to move.

Jesus' suggestion replaces the default reaction of, "evil retribution" with a more "creative retribution", which paves the way for, evil to be conquered, light to push back darkness, salt to preserve the decay, and for offenders to see a reflection of the goodness of God.

[One final thought here: Jesus' statements are filled with hyperbole, and intended to get the audiences attention (like, cutting off the offending hand in Matt. 5:30) & not intended as the final instruction for your next court appearance.]

3. We're to give place for God to do what God is exceptionally skilled at...Namely, execute Righteous Justice. (in other words, "trust God")

Paul the apostle in Romans 12 + 13, gives sound insight for discerning & distinguishing between two types of offense & means of retribution/justice regarding them. I'll break it down like so:

1. Personal Offense:

2. Civil Offense:

1. Personal Offense - The list mentioned by Jesus in Matt 5:39-41, are not "illegal", but nonetheless, cause great offense and emotional/physical pain... e.g.

+Slap on the cheek: acceptable behavior in the 1st century albeit, insulting & humiliating.

+Persecution: (as Paul mentions) No laws protected Christians from, being shunned, abandoned, mocked or cursed, and this was extremely painful & hurtful to all who felt it.

To this type of offensive & belittling conduct, Paul wrote:

Romans 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. 20 To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

In these instances, ultimate "retribution/justice" or "vengeance" is to be reserved for God & God alone. From His vantage point, He sorts through, "right from wrong" & "intention from action", while we in the meantime called to live out, in parable form, the kindness and generosity of God, by "giving" good things which aim to bless our enemy (food & water). Doing so, will be like "heaping burning coals on their head" (vss 20). The synonymous phrase for this in our culture is, "kill them with kindness". This is what I mean by, "Creative Retribution". It addresses evil in a way which creatively reveals, it's shame, while bearing blessings to the wrongdoer (something God does, everyday-Matt. 5:45).

2. Civil Offense: The second type of Retribution/Justice God executes, happens to be done thru Civil Government....(Yup, Obama, Sotomayer, non Christian legal systems etc, and all those other people, modern Christians feel license to gossip about & hate.) If I understand Paul's reasoning in Romans 13:1-7, this is exactly his train of thought.

These offenses, unlike the ones stated above, have civil/legal consequences and will be tried/tested & judged through a legal system dominated by unbelievers, (though some may not be) considered, "ministers of God" (Rom. 13:1, 4+ 6). Thus when a verdict is rendered, a judgement is passed this, is equivalent to God's vengeance being executed (in an immediate sense, not replacing the ultimate & eternal).

Rom. 13:4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

It is because God, has entrusted Civil Retribution/Justice, into the hands of human government, we ought to do as Paul exhorts...Pray for these leaders, that the judgements they make may lead to a peaceful existence. (1 Tim 2:1-2)

In summary, Christians, (who are privileged with dual Citizenship) may freely & joyfully, submit to all civil leaders, as unto the Lord (Rom 1:1), bless those who offend them, and freely give away what we have, all as a means of, "creative retribution", simply because we are guaranteed that our Just God has got our back!

Laughing with God - Regina Spektor

2009-06-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing video with a thought provoking topic...God!

Regina Spektor is a very gifted + talented musician + song writer.

enjoy!

seen here

Words

2009-06-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some great words from Nenri Nouwen, which point to Jesus.

(snagged from this site)

"Words are important. Without them our actions lose meaning. And without meaning we cannot live. Words can offer perspective, insight, understanding, and vision. Words can bring consolation, comfort, encouragement and hope. Words can take away fear, isolation, shame, and guilt. Words can reconcile, unite, forgive, and heal. Words can bring peace and joy, inner freedom and deep gratitude. Words, in short, can carry love on their wings. A word of love can be the greatest act of love. That is because when our words become flesh in our own lives and the lives of others, we can change the world.

Jesus is the word made flesh. In him speaking and acting were one."

-Henri Nouwen

How to make Christ look good

2009-06-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

Flashes of light

2009-06-12T09:22:00.001-07:00

I few big items going on in the world:

+ A 14 year old kid was whacked by a meteorite going 30,000 mph & survived!

+ Miss California is in the news........(sigh) once again.

+ Surfing just may be the cure for "war"!

+ 12 year old girls are selling the bodies to sexually perverted men for food, in Zimbabwe (this is a heartbreaking + serious problem...please read this article & pray for solutions!)

+ Jesus is ALIVE, and for reasons beyond description He frees his followers from their sinful & destructive lifestyles & calls them to live as lights in this dark world to bring restoration, hope and life. Where, those who were broken, become healers, and those who were blind, humbly lead the way.

Religion vs. The Gospel

2009-06-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Tim Keller has become one of my favorite authors.
In the below quote he contrasts "The Gospel", w/ "Religion".
here's a link to some sermons:

RELIGION: I obey-therefore I’m accepted.
THE GOSPEL: I’m accepted-therefore I obey.

RELIGION: Motivation is based on fear and insecurity.
THE GOSPEL: Motivation is based on grateful joy.

RELIGION: I obey God in order to get things from God.
THE GOSPEL: I obey God to get to God-to delight and resemble Him.

RELIGION: When circumstances in my life go wrong, I am angry at God or my self, since I believe, like Job’s friends that anyone who is good deserves a comfortable life.
THE GOSPEL: When circumstances in my life go wrong, I struggle but I know all my punishment fell on Jesus and that while he may allow this for my training, he will exercise his Fatherly love within my trial.

RELIGION: When I am criticized I am furious or devastated because it is critical that I think of myself as a ‘good person’. Threats to that self-image must be destroyed at all costs.
THE GOSPEL: When I am criticized I struggle, but it is not critical for me to think of myself as a ‘good person.’ My identity is not built on my record or my performance but on God’s love for me in Christ. I can take criticism.

RELIGION: My prayer life consists largely of petition and it only heats up when I am in a time of need. My main purpose in prayer is control of the environment.
THE GOSPEL: My prayer life consists of generous stretches of praise and adoration. My main purpose is fellowship with Him.

RELIGION: My self-view swings between two poles. If and when I am living up to my standards, I feel confident, but then I am prone to be proud and unsympathetic to failing people. If and when I am not living up to standards, I feel insecure and inadequate. I’m not confident. I feel like a failure.
THE GOSPEL: My self-view is not based on a view of my self as a moral achiever. In Christ I am “simul iustus et peccator”—simultaneously sinful and yet accepted in Christ. I am so bad he had to die for me and I am so loved he was glad to die for me. This leads me to deeper and deeper humility and confidence at the same time. Neither swaggering nor sniveling.

RELIGION: My identity and self-worth are based mainly on how hard I work. Or how moral I am, and so I must look down on those I perceive as lazy or immoral. I disdain and feel superior to ‘the other.’
THE GOSPEL: My identity and self-worth are centered on the one who died for His enemies, who was excluded from the city for me. I am saved by sheer grace. So I can’t look down on those who believe or practice something different from me. Only by grace I am what I am. I’ve no inner need to win arguments.

RELIGION: Since I look to my own pedigree or performance for my spiritual acceptability, my heart manufactures idols. It may be my talents, my moral record, my personal discipline, my social status, etc. I absolutely have to have them so they serve as my main hope, meaning, happiness, security, and significance, whatever I may say I believe about God.
THE GOSPEL: I have many good things in my life—family, work, spiritual disciplines, etc. But none of these good things are ultimate things to me. None of them are things I absolutely have to have, so there is a limit to how much anxiety, bitterness, and despondency they can inflict on me when they are threatened and lost.

The Irrelevant Gospel of "felt needs"!

2009-06-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

I've watched a shift happen over the years in pulpits, (or stools) where the Gospel of God has been strategically toned down and in cases replaced with a message aimed at, "felt needs".
e.g.:

"7 keys to Your Financial Freedom"
"Fulfilling Your Destiny"
"Stepping Stones to Success"
"Maximizing Your Potential"

"Felt needs", are those demanding issues constantly haunting us, seeking the control of our affections thru attrition:

Crying babies
Addictions
Crushing debt
Joblessness
Homelessness
Gargantuan Homework loads
Marital struggles
etc, etc!

The misconception is that the "Gospel" (God's redemptive grace upon his children) is irrelevant and over the heads of most to whom the pastor speaks. Hence, a specialized catering to, "felt needs" gets underway as a replacement for a "gospel centered" message/instruction/sermon. It's almost like having commercials promoting, Taco Bell Grandes + Lite Beer in the place of the Super Bowl. This may provide a temporary release from of an uncomfortable sofa and unpleasant company, while one romanticizes, mystery meat and sweaty bottles, but would quickly become a source of anger upon the realization that the game has been hijacked by pure frivolities.

I believe this bifurcation is often born out a genuine concern by a pastors' desire to see his sheep helped. However, his actions become an unfortunate testimony, revealing his ignorance of, and lack of trust in the Gospels' power, "alone". This "teaching/instruction" generally provides neither lasting help, nor an accurate portrayal of God, who genuinely wants to satisfy by intervening (help) and in the end receive the final praise.

"Felt needs" are, "REAL needs", and ought to be viewed through the lens of the Gospel and addressed by the careful expounding of God's written Word. Or, in other words, God ought to be the "ultimate end", through His means of Grace (word + sacrament) and not, merely a means to an ultimate end (debt eradication, marital bliss, etc).

Matt Chandler does a excellent job expounding on the difference between the two in the below video!

Holding Onto Hope

2009-05-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

These are some great guys that have been a part of Calvary SLO.
They're going on tour this summer to play shows, be lights + live like missionaries.
They've asked us to pray for them that God would use em..so, I'm asking you as well.
You can find out more here:
MySpace.
youtube

They're playing in concert next week at our new location...check em out.
I'm stoked to see people using their gifts for God's glory and their joy!

another band that will be playing with these guys on Saturday is,
See the Light.

Jesus' words on _ _ _ _ _

2009-05-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

Over the past few years I've grown a hunger for wanting to hear Jesus' words.

I don't mean, having an esoteric experience full of visions + stuff...though that could be cool!
Nor do I mean that Paul and the other NT writers', interpretation of Jesus words/actions are insufficient, because they're not...(I do believe in the divine inspiration + inerrancy of the ALL scripture.)

I just mean Jesus' words from the gospels are something I especially desire.

One of the greatest treasure chests of such an example is found in Matthew 5-7, more commonly known as, "The Sermon on the Mount".

This Sunday we'll be starting a new series through this amazing and deeply challenging string of messages on various subjects which Jesus found important.

Often, people erroneously read the Sermon on the Mount as a sort of New Testament version of the Old Testament, Mt Sinai. In other words,
"since the law was to hard to keep, try the Sermon on the Mount on for size, cuz it's easier!"

Nothing could be further from the truth. Our "Adam nature", is always trying to rearrange the table in order to find new ways of "doing something" in order to appease our conscience.
The Law was ALL that God DEMANDS!
Grace is ALL that God GIVES!

The beauty of the Sermon on the Mount, is that Jesus sets forth this NEW standard. Or you may say, "this NEW standard is through Jesus". HE, satisfies all the demands of the Law and freely gives grace to those humble (poor in spirit) to receive:
NEW way.....
a HIGHER way.....
a BETTER way....

where God is Glorified and we are Satisfied!

The Internet

2009-05-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

examine this picture, read the captions and think.

This picture actually captures something, I've been thinking about recently.
...the internet!
To some, it's a colossal waste of time, filled many temptations and trivialities, to others it's a place where people hang out, relationships can be made, and people could be ministered to.
My view of the internet has personally changed from the former to the later.
As with anything, boundaries are essential.
I 've come to view the internet (blogs, Facebook, chatrooms etc) as being sort of a neo-piazza, full of people just hanging out. Many good conversations have been had and many new friends have been made.

Whats your take on the above cartoon, and our moderninzed, "online" culture?

Kris Allen doing what he does best

2009-05-22T20:14:00.001-07:00

the preaching heavens

2009-05-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

Galactic Center of Milky Way Rises over Texas Star Party from William Castleman on Vimeo.

"Sri Lanka", a modern parable of an ancient story!

2009-05-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

I've been following this story over the past 2-3 weeks. Sri Lanka has been the location of one of the longest ongoing wars in modern history. Though I'm still in process of learning the context and details surrounding this conflict & battle, what seems clear is that a separatist group called the Tamil Tigers has been wreaking havoc upon the island nation and many people over many years have suffered and died as result.
Of recent, a decisive blow was made by the national Army, killing the Tigers' leader. What's followed since is the routing and conquering of the other rebels. Then the massive restoration and setting to right all the wrongs and evil which have plagued the territory will begin.

Here's the story of the 3rd rock from the sun. (in brief)
...All started well, and was in rhythm & harmony, under it's good King.
...A rebel seduced earth's citizens to treason, through lies & false promises.
...All citizens from the below the earth, to in the sky suffered from this rebellion. All was declared a war zone, all was cursed!
...The King called for surrender, to return, for sedition demanded judgment!
...In time the King came, not as judge to destroy, in humility, he laid aside his royal robes.
...To subject himself, to feel the evil pain his rebellious subjects felt, and ultimately to carry and pay the penalty He justly demanded. He died for them.
...His death, brought the decisive blow as he crushed the head of the rebel leader.
...Death could not justly keep Him (he only carried their rebellion, but never joined in it) and He rose 3 days later, conquering death itself!
...Word has spread to all creation that the Good King has declared pardon and forgiveness to ALL who come humbly with repentance.
...Forgiven rebels have been made friends, even adopted as sons and daughters.
...Former rebels now joyously work alongside their new King, announcing pardon, restoring what was broken, making right what was wrong.
...One day, the King himself will return, in person for one final cleanup of all unrepentant rebels and will once and for all put ALL to right in ALL creation (Rom 8)
...Rejoicing will be heard from one corner of this universe to all parallel universes (if they exist)

(obviously not all in the Tamil story, parallel the Gospel account)

Welcome, Bo Allshouse!

2009-05-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

Two days ago, good friends of ours gave birth to their second child...Bo Allshouse.

Cole and Ryan have been a part of our church for many years.
Cole has worked as our bookkeeper for a long time and has been a blessing to many.

Cole was literally there in the hospital room, moments after the birth of both of my daughters and have spends countless hours with them since. Now we get the joy of reciprocating that blessing by being there and hanging out with her kids.

Here are some pictures welcomming Bo Allshouse into this world.
...he's a big boy weighing in at 10.4!

Abortion + a Prophet's shout!

2009-05-16T09:07:00.001-07:00

Since nobody reads (or comments on) this blog anymore, I'm certain this video will pass with little/no commotion.

This video stirs my soul...
Piper is my modern day hero...
I have learned much from him + have the highest respect for him...
The message in this video is reminiscent of this one, Mark 6:18-20.

While there are things I like about Obama [and wish/pray for his overall success] his stance on "life" (and it's aborting thereof), is destructive to the community we call, "the USA". I'm sure some would fire back (that is, if they actually commented) with..."Christian/religious thought is the real destructive element, to this nation". To which I humby say, "when the matrix of the nation is built on this maxim, 'individual truth & affluence, trump external law & community peace' you will die a slow death".

I like how this guy and his website, articulate the issue by this statement printed on their merch,
"Social justice begins in the womb."
and if I had an extra $14, I'd buy me a med. and wear one.

The ongoing narritive of an adoption

2009-05-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, (not really certain if I have any, anymore due to my blogging MIA'ness) I hope this Monday after Mother's day finds you especially well.

No, I wasn't eaten by a 16ft alligator while surfing in Costa Rica nor was I coaxed to join a secret society of Ninja's (due to my high level of skills), I've just not been diligent in updating this blog... period!

I actually wanted to direct you to a different blog. This blog tells the story of the Willette Family, (Steve, Lydia + 3 daughters) who though finished having their own children decided to adopt one from China. Adoption, is one of those actions which causes me to stand in awe of. It's a lot of work and the process seems endless, but the rewards appear to be great, for both family and child.

The Willettes are some of our good friends, and they bear the special honor of being our 1st "married couple" friendship after Sherry + I took the plunge 18 years ago.

Steve is a teacher at Calvary High School and Lydia works hard to successfully raise their 3 beautiful daughters in the noncorruptable ways of the Lord. They're certainly not your average "OC" family trapped in the deadly vortex of narcissism, endlessly indulging themselves at the buffett lines of clothing racks at Nordstrums + Macy's, like a cow still eating a patch of grass while ignorantly circling to it's death in a tornado.

...They have chosen to live differently
...They have been changed by God, to live out the gospel!
...Read their story and enjoy!

A dash of Do Re Mi

2009-04-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

Don't judge this one by her looks (or shape)

2009-04-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

here

thoughts about the bride!

2009-04-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

I love the church!
There are many things that bother me about her actions which I get embarrassed over.
Nonetheless, at the end of the day I love her.
She is Christ's bride!
She is the fruit of his suffering, rejection, death + resurrection.
She will one day be perfected, within His glory.
Until then, she is prone to foolishness and other fleshly/carnal ways, because she's made up of people like me, who are easily distracted and prone to wander.

Because Jesus loves the church,
...and I love Jesus
...then I too, would want to love what he loves.

Loving, will be painful.
Even redeemed sheep bite + stampede.

Eh, it's easy to sit on the outside and cast cutting remarks.
(I know a few "Christians" who continuously do this)
This "high school like" activity is easy to do for at least 2 reasons:

there is no shortage of "good material", or "substantial targets".
critical hearts are the default mode of broken humanity.

When these 2 ingredients combine, with a dash of militancy, you have the classic "cynic", with tongue, sharpened + ready to slice.

Yet, the essence of the gospel, challenges our "defaults", even criticizes them as being counterproductive to being "truly alive", and "truly human".

I guess this is why I want to serve the church even in the church.
My heart wrestles with my "inner cynic", but I refuse to "tap out".
I want to make a difference...even if it's minor!

what about you?
do you find yourself, "cynical" or "helpful"?
what are you doing with your inner battles, in order to make a difference in the church?

the above cartoon was taken off this site..
the work there is intelligent, sassy, thought provoking, sarcastic...and good!

Who wants a wilted, broken rose?

2009-04-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

nabbed here