Level Up Week #2

            If I have mastered one thing in this world, it is the art of procrastination.  I can come up with the best excuses to put things off until later.  This is particularly true when it comes to responding to God's calling.  Why?  Believe me, I have a host of "reasons" to put things on hold.  "I'm too busy" is a frequent one.   Sometimes I like to think that my day is just too full to add God's request onto my plate....then I head over to the couch to watch TV.  Other times I use the excuse of being too tired.  On a steady basis, I must admit that God's plans just don't seem to fit into my plans.  "Sorry, God, but I have my to-do list already filled today.  Check back tomorrow."  Frequently I have avoided committing to Christ because "I'm not ready." "I need to read more of my bible," I tell myself, "Then I'll talk to so-and-so about Christ."  

          When I am really honest with myself, the reason I look to avoid responding to Christ boils down to one factor.  Fear.  Afraid of failing.  Afraid of what people might think.  Afraid of looking like a fool.  Quite simply, afraid of going out on that limb for Jesus.  The very first line listed on our sermon handouts this last Sunday got my attention.  "Life and church finally begin to make sense and have significant meaning when I finally begin to understand it's NOT ABOUT ME!!!!!"  As Pastor Ryan pointed out, we were created for two things.  To bring glory to God, and to evangelize to the world.  My fear is no excuse. 

        This fear holds me back.  And by allowing it to control me, I am giving Satan a foothold in my life.  Even worse, by saying that I'm not willing to take a risk is saying that I don't completely trust in the Lord.  I'm telling Jesus that I am placing more trust on my own understanding than in His power.  I am relying on my own abilities than on His.  How can I hope to grow closer to Him if I don't respond when He asks?  Pastor summarized Luke 14:17-20 in this way:  "We are servants of God.  What is a servant supposed to do?   Whatever the master tells him."  I can't make excuses.  The men in verses 18-20 did.  And Jesus responded, "not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet" (Luke 14:24).  

          Lord Jesus, use me today.  Forgive me of my excuses, of my fear and empower me to respond to your calling.  Show me how to live this day not for myself, but for your glory.  

Comments?   What stood out for you this Sunday?  We would love to hear from you.

--Jim Gerdes

8/19/12 Sermon

“The LORD appeared to Abraham.....while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day” (Gen 18:1).  Abraham was waiting on God.  He was ready.  When God showed up, Abraham went to Him.  He didn’t avoid the heat.  He ran right out.  A 99 year-old man ran to God in anticipation of what God would reveal to him and call him to do.  He was ready and willing to serve.  

Abraham’s actions reflect what God expects every Christian to do.  Be prepared to answer his call.  Perhaps more importantly, be willing to follow.  How are we to be prepared?  Spending time in the Word, and listening for Him.  Regular scripture reading (i.e. daily) is essential.  This is always a goal of mine, though unfortunately I frequently fail horribly with it.  Instead of building my day around time spent with God, I habitually try to fit Him in where it’s convenient for me.  Jesus gets my left-overs.  And when reading through scripture, truly focusing on Him is often not accomplished.  The tasks of the day, the worries of the outside world drift into my mind to offer a variety of distractions.  In a way, God’s voice gets drowned out.  

Abraham’s second example, I think, is even more difficult.  Not only was he prepared, listening and waiting for God, but when the Trinity showed up, he responded.  (And with enthusiasm, I might add.)  “When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance...(Gen 18:2).”  Genesis 18:6 goes on to say “Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah”.  Please keep in mind, this is BEFORE God reveals they will have a son within the next year ;) .  “Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf” (Gen 18:7).  Only the best for his Lord; Abraham did not bother with any left-overs.  “While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.”  Waiting for God.  Ready to answer his calling.  

Are we so willing and enthusiastic about what God has in store for us?  Personally, I know I have not been.  God has provided so many opportunities for me.  My response, unfortunately, has not been with enthusiasm, but with excuses.  “I don’t have time right now”.  “I’m not ready for that yet”.  “I had something better in mind.”  “I can’t.”  “I’m scared.”  Any of these sound familiar?  I hope not, but expect that at least some of them apply.   

Heavenly Father, I have failed to make you first, and have continued to refuse to answer what you’ve called me to do.  Lord, please forgive me.  Please grant me strength and courage to know that whatever you have in store, you will provide the ability.  

(I must admit, I hope he doesn’t offer me a child at 99.....)

Comments?  Critiques?  Please, please feel free.  These are my thoughts.  I would love to hear yours.  Fellowship and exploring the Word together is another way for us to grow in Christ.     

--Jim Gerdes

Church Hoppers

(Borrowed from the Crosswalk.com daily devotion)

By Dr. James Emery White

A man approached one of our Guest Services volunteers and asked, “Where are the Sno-Cones?”

For the past few summers, we’ve offered Sno-Cones following our weekend services as part of our Guest Services experience. The goal was to give exiting kids a final pleasant memory of their time at Meck (Mecklenburg Community Church), as well as create a “linger” factor for parents to connect with each other and the staff.

This summer, we’ve been offering them as a “surprise” on select weekends, but not every weekend.

“I go to another church,” he continued, “but during the summer I come here for the Sno-Cones. So where are they?”

The volunteer explained to him our current approach to Sno-Cones, and he became rather indignant. “Is there any way you can let people know in advance when it’s a Sno-Cone weekend so that we know when to come?”

I guess people really like crushed ice and syrup.

Let’s talk church hopping, shall we?

Actually, I’m not the one bringing the subject up. It was surprising to find two articles on the matter get picked up and carried nationally – in the same week, no less – this past month.

First, a working definition: church hopping is going from one church to another without committing to any one church for any significant period of time (which makes it different than legitimate church “shopping”).

As Betsy Hart writes, hoppers reflect a growing tendency to decide, after they have officially joined a particular church, that “Oh, that pastor down the street is a little more high-energy than mine,” or “Gee, the music here isn’t really meeting my needs right now,” or “I really am not crazy about that new children’s church director.”

So they hop from church to church.

The hard-core hopper never even makes an initial commitment. They perpetually float between churches, pursuing a Beth Moore study at First Baptist, youth group at First Methodist, weekend services at Hope, Grace, or Community Church, marriage enrichment events at …w ell, you get the picture.

What’s driving this?

For some, it’s simply the consumer mindset of our culture at work.

As Hart writes, “Church ‘hopping’ is the ultimate ‘all about me’ experience.” They take from various churches whatever it is they perceive to be of value without committing to any one church either to serve or support.

For some, it’s insecurity.

They have to be wherever they think it’s “happening” in the Christian world. I know of pastors who joke about a “migratory flow pattern” among Christians in their community who are constantly church-hopping to the “next” thing in church life.

They move from one church to another, looking for the next hot singles group, the next hot church plant, the next hot speaker, the next hot youth group.

Many times they end up full circle where they began, because their original church suddenly became “next.”

For some, it’s spiritual gluttony.

They want nothing more than to be “fed,” and when they feel they’ve eaten all a church has to offer, they move on where there is the potential for more food – as if that is what constitutes growing in Christ or being connected to Christ.

For some, it’s refusing accountability.

A pattern of sin is pursued, or a choice made, and they leave for a place where no one knows, and no one asks.

For some, it’s avoiding stewardship.

If they are not committed to any one church, there is no obligation to give or serve at any one church. They can float above sacrifice without guilt.

For some, it’s emotional immaturity.

A decision is made they don’t agree with, a building campaign is initiated they didn’t vote for, a staff change is made they didn’t like, so they take their marbles and go play somewhere else.

I know, I know. None of these reflect well on the person leaving, which intimates that anyone who leaves a church is somehow in the wrong, and that is not fair.

In truth, there can be times to not simply hop, but leap. If there is scandal that is simply not addressed, doctrinal heresy, or patterns of abuse, you should leave.

But for the typical hopper, it’s not time for self-justification, but loving admonishment.

First, church isn’t about you. Sorry, but it’s not. It isn’t one of many stores in a mall that exists to serve your spiritual shopping list. Church is a gathered community of believers who are pooling together their time, talent and resources to further the Great Commission.

Find one and start investing your life.

Second, the very nature of authentic community is found in the “one anothers.” Love one another, serve one another, encourage one another; this cannot happen apart from doing life with people.

You need community.

Third, the absence of a ministry you desire may be God’s call on your life to start it, rather than leave to find a church that has it. Remember, every member is a minister, and has been given at least one spiritual gift for service in the life and mission of the church.

Fourth, you aren’t going to agree with every decision the leadership of any church makes, regardless of its structure or decision-making process. You either feel you can trust the character of the leadership, or you can’t.

And being able to trust that leadership doesn’t mean they will always do things the way you think they should. In other words, don’t hop every time you disagree. That’s immature.

(And for goodness sake, don’t stay and pout or politic, either. Either get on board once the decision is made, if it was one that didn’t breach doctrine or ethics, or find a place where you can.)

Fifth, don’t worry about being fed as much as learning to feed yourself. Even more, concern yourself with taking what you already know and applying it to your life, and then helping to feed others who are new to the faith!

Finally, spiritual depth isn’t fostered by satiating your sense of felt needs. It’s receiving a balanced diet of teaching and challenge, investing in service and mission, living in community and diversity that you probably would not select for yourself.

If you simply go to where you are drawn, you will miss out on addressing those areas of life where you are blind.

All to say, if you’re ever at Meck, have a Sno-Cone.

But don’t leave your church to come for it.

Start serving them there.

~James Emery White

James Emery White is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, N.C., and the ranked adjunctive professor of theology and culture at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, which he also served as their fourth president. His newly released book is A Traveler's Guide to the Kingdom: Journeying through the Christian Life (InterVarsity Press). To enjoy a free subscription to the Church and Culture blog, log on to www.churchandculture.org, where you can post your comments on this blog, view past blogs in our archive and read the latest church and culture news from around the world. Follow Dr. White on Twitter @JamesEmeryWhite.

WHY WE NEED CHURCH

Great article from Greg Laurie I found at World Net Daily (http://www.wnd.com/2012/08/why-we-need-the-church/) I just had to share.  Enjoy!  -PR

WHY WE NEED CHURCH

I read an article that actually says going to church is good for your health. Among other things, the article revealed that people who had heart surgery and drew comfort from their faith and their church had a higher rate of survival. People who go to church have lower blood pressure than those who don’t. 

People with faith who attend church regularly experience less depression than non-churchgoers. And suicide is four times higher among those who don’t attend church than among those who do.

These are fringe benefits of going to church. The real reason we should come together in worship is because God works in a unique and powerful way when His people gather together in his name. It is in church that we refocus and learn and grow. It is in church where we help one another and use the gifts that God has given to us.

The church exists for three reasons: for the glorification of God, for the edification of the saints and for the evangelization of the world. And Jesus loves the church.

I bring this up because there are some Christians today who say things like, “Well, I love the Lord. I just don’t love the church.”

Sorry. That is impossible. The apostle John wrote, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too” (1 John 5:1 nlt).

When I become friends with someone, I become friends with their kids, too. If I love them, my love extends to their family. And their kids become like nieces and nephews to me. In the same way, when we love God, we will love his children also. And if you don’t love his children, one has to question how much you really love God.

It is popular today to criticize the church.

But understand this:
When you criticize the church, you are speaking critically of someone Jesus loves. The best way to offend me is to insult my wife. You might walk up and say, “Greg, I disagree with this, and I disagree with that.” I have had people do that, and I am willing to talk with them about those things. On the other hand, if someone comes up and insults my wife, that is a different matter altogether. I would take that personally, as any loving husband would.

The church is the bride of Christ. The church belongs to him, and he loves her. The apostle Paul used that analogy, saying, “Husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her” (Ephesians 5:25 nlt).

Some people claim to be Christians, but they don’t attend church. However, a true Christian should long to be with God’s people.

Some claim they don’t go to church because they haven’t found one they like yet. But here is what the Bible says to believers: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Notice this doesn’t say, “Let us not give up meeting together, unless, of course, Sunday is your only day off … or if you have a triathlon … or if it is a great beach day. Then you are excused, because you don’t really need fellowship as much as other Christians do.” No, if you love God, then you will love his people – and love being around them.

And if you don’t love being around the people of God, then are you really a Christian? The Bible asks the question, “For if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?” (1 John 4:20 nlt).

I think someone’s desire for fellowship with other Christians can be a barometer of their love for God. The more someone loves God, the more he or she will love to be in the church – a part of the church, loving the church. The less someone loves God, the less he or she will want to be around other Christians.
Some may say, “Yeah, but I am so over the church. The church is so critical and judgmental. It is so full of hypocrites.” To those who say the church is full of hypocrites, I say, well then, come on. There is always room for one more.

I am not excusing hypocrisy. The church has its flaws, because it is made up of people like me – and people like you. However, Jesus started the church. He loves the church. And He died for the church.
To me, a lack of fellowship with other believers is a sure sign of someone who is starting to lose ground spiritually. In the Christian life, we are either moving forward or moving backward. It is either progression or regression.

There is no standing still. So if someone is suddenly withdrawing from church, backing off from reading the Bible, and has an almost nonexistent prayer life, they are regressing, whether they want to admit it or not.
Backsliding always begins with relaxing your grip on that which you need before taking hold of that which will destroy you. So when someone says, “I am just too busy for church,” or “I don’t have time,” or “There are other things I need to do,” that to me is an indication that something is wrong spiritually.

And it trickles down to the next generation.
A study revealed that when parents attend church regularly, 72 percent of their children will remain faithful in their church attendance.

So be a part of the church. Stop critiquing it. Stop maligning it. Don’t be a church connoisseur. Be a church family member. And then watch how things will change for you.

So, make sure you go to Church this Sunday!

Welcome to Central Church's new blog!

Pastor Ryan and the leadership will post random thoughts, rants and occasional articles here. Please feel free to share your thoughts!

From perfunctory to passionate!

By Jon Sampson

perfunctory: adjective – (of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection: he gave a perfunctory nod.

passionate: adjective – showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief: passionate pleas for help; he’s passionate about football.

In today’s church, there are people who exist on a perfunctory level. They attend church more out of duty with no real interest or care about why they’re there.  I believe this is because they’re taught as children that it’s good to go to church. In effect, they’re just “punching their ticket” each week. What they fail to realize, is that if they’re not willing to commit their life -- heart, mind and soul -- to Jesus, they’re just wasting their time. They might as well just be sleeping in each Sunday morning. (I’m not endorsing this course of action!) 

On the other hand, there are those who are passionate about their involvement at church. They live for Sunday mornings and approach the rest of the week with a zeal for bringing more people into God’s kingdom. They are so grateful for what Christ did for them on the cross that they ooze enthusiasm. And the thing about passionate people is, they’re infectious. We want to have what they have and be like them. Right?

As a disclaimer, I know that I’m not as passionate as I should be. I sometimes lack the heartbrokenness for the lost I know I need. I need to work on being selfless vs. my true nature of selfish.

So, how can we improve our passion for Jesus and his will?

Make a commitment to Jesus. You can’t follow Jesus halfheartedly; we’re either for Him or against Him. Pray to begin an eternal relationship with Jesus by repenting of your sin and accepting His sacrifice for it on the cross. Make your relationship with Jesus your top priority in life. Devote more time and energy to growing closer to Jesus than you do to any other pursuit.

Decide to follow Jesus in every part of your life. Rather than limiting your faith only to the times you spend praying or worshiping in church, extend it to every aspect of your life – from your family life to your job. Seek Jesus’ guidance for everything that you say and do, and choose to follow His guidance.

Claim the joy that is yours as a Christian. Remind yourself often of the incredible truth that, as a Christian, you have eternal life in heaven awaiting you. Let the knowledge of that wonderful gift from Jesus give you joy every day.

Become a true disciple. If you’re really going to be a disciple of Jesus, you’ll love Him more than anyone or anything else. Be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary for you to follow where Jesus leads you. When what Jesus wants you to do conflicts with what other people want you to do, choose to follow Jesus. Keep in mind that investing time and energy into serving Jesus is the best investment you can ever make, since it has eternal value. Expect to see results of discipleship in your life if you’re truly following Jesus, such as a growing love for the Bible and for other people, a desire to share Jesus with others, a longing to spend time in prayer, and the courage to endure persecution or other hardships in order stand by your convictions.

Grow closer to Jesus through the Bible & prayer. Make a habit of reading, studying, memorizing, meditating on, and applying the Bible’s words to your life regularly. Pray that God will speak to you in fresh ways through the Bible whenever you read it. Ask yourself thoughtful questions about what you read in the Bible. We’ll get closer to Jesus through prayer. Rather than worrying about whether or not you’re using the right technique when praying or how eloquent your prayers sound to Jesus, simply be honest with Him in prayer. 

In conclusion, these are just a few ways to draw closer to Christ and grow in our passion for him. Let’s choose to be passionate!