Risk?

Would our lives be characterized as risky? Does Jesus call us to an element of risk as His followers?

Check out this video and be at Vann tomorrow as we look to Luke’s gospel and the parable of the Good Samaritan.

You also might like to check this short article out called A Call for Christian Risk.

Is Christ Enough?

Reading from the eleventh chapter of Hebrews this morning reminded me of this song.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called…not knowing where he was going…For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”

“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin…for he was looking to the reward.”

“Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword.”

I had no hope. And if you had, not loved me first, I would refuse you still. You looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross. You suffered in my place. Now ALL I KNOW IS GRACE! 

Jesus is MY LIFE!

AND LET MY SONG FOREVER BE, “MY ONLY BOAST IS YOU!”

There have been those who have been labeled no earthly good because they’re so heavenly minded. May I be so heavenly minded, so that I can be earthly good.

Why Conflict Resolution is Possible

 I wanted to make you aware of this new resource. I have not read this book yet, but I intend to. You can buy the book here or read a short overview of the book here. As we continue to talk about and teach from the Bible the topic of Conflict Resolution, it helps me to be more aware of conflict in my own life. Conflict that I might often pass over as insignificant,  I now see as having the potential for growth or devastation.

We will introduce the concept of reconciliation this week. The dictionary defines reconciliation as restoring friendly relations between two people. In fact the origin of the word helps us understand its meaning as well. From the Latin re-“back” + conciliare-“bring together”. Reconciliation is a bringing back together.

Paul reminds us in Romans 5:10-11, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

For those of us who have experienced this reconciliation through a relationship with Jesus, Paul says to the Corinthians, “All this is from God (new creation in Christ), who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation (the gospel).

As we continue with the topic of conflict resolution, we must understand and remember the greatest conflict that stood between us and God. We must never forget the great cost of God Himself in reconciling us to Himself. If we get this wrong, or neglect to keep this truth (God’s reconciling us to Himself through the death and resurrection of Jesus), then we will probably fail at most of our attempts at conflict resolution (if we even attempt them at all).

Take the time to watch this short video. Take the time to be freshly amazed at the Savior’s love for you.

Sunday Recap

Here is a little recap for all those curious about what went on in the youth ministry yesterday. First, the youth took on Chris Reich, Jeff Wagner, and the TeamKID kids in kickball last night. The youth held their own, despite being intimidated and roughed up by Mr. Chris. He came to play and left it all on the gym floor, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. The youth went upstairs after all of that fun and then squared off in a noodle gladiator battle. Once again the youth held their own, but Sister Polly took it to them as well. Besides all that fun, here is some recap from Scripture…

Sunday morning small groups looked at James 4:1-2. Our topic again this month is Conflict Resolution. Here are a couple observations.

First, relational conflict is worse than you think. From the verses above we have the view from God when He sees conflict among people. The language from James goes from quarreling and fighting to war and murder. We may think our disputes with others is only a small matter, but God shows us different.

Second, we learned that relational conflict is not only worse than you think, but also simpler than you think. James locates the root of the issue for us and it isn’t the other person, it’s us. My cravings and desires are at the root of the problem. I want and don’t get, so I fight and quarrel. Conflicts don’t create they reveal. Unfortunately these conflicts occur in many different arenas. They occur at home, at school, and even at church. One might say, “they should never take place at church.” Remember James is written to the church. We above all people should realize we still live in a fallen world and sin still has influence.

I drew tons of help in looking at these verses from a message delivered by CJ Mahaney. You can access the message here, but about the 40 minute mark it begins to quit. Still a great resource for 40 minutes.

Some other observations.

#1 These desires we have do not always mean their evil. However, whenever we elevate a good desire to the level of a ruling demand, then it has become an idol of our heart.

#2 Many times these conflicts do not involve biblical teaching, meaning you probably can’t point to biblical teaching to prove this is commanded. I mean, you might try but it won’t be consistent with Scripture as a whole. These are often preferences that we elevate to the throne of our heart.

#3 Many times these conflicts will prevent us, the church, from doing what Jesus commanded us to do. We will be so preoccupied with what I want that Loving God and Loving Others is the farthest from my mind and heart.

Well, there’s the recap. As we continue down this road of conflict resolution, we will soon set our gaze upon the topic of forgiveness. We want to look at this topic from both the perspective of the one asking for forgiveness and the one responding with forgiveness. What does true biblical forgiveness look like? Till then, have a great week!

Conflict Resolution

Who enjoys conflict? For most of us the answer is a resounding no one. However, if we really don’t enjoy it, then we ought to know how to deal with it. For example, I do not enjoy fixing things around the house. I really am no good at it and often the situation ends up worse than when I started. I can’t avoid the problem though. In fact, if I do choose to avoid the problem, then all that happens is the problem gets worse. Conflict is going to happen. We are people created by God to have relationships with Him and with others. Relationships will almost always involve a form of conflict.

Now, I don’t believe our greatest need today as husbands, wives, children, students, or pastors is better communication skills. I believe our greatest need today is to understand how God has told us to handle conflict. Many people have helpful tips, but only God knows what we need for growth in Christ and stronger relationships with others.

Conflict Resolution is the topic for the month of May in the Youth Ministry. Quite frankly it could be the topic for the year and we would still need more to learn. I am really praying for God to teach us all how to understand conflict more Biblically. I will frequently be updating this with material on this topic. I will be referencing different resources as well.

Chances are, you and I were in some type of conflict today with another person (someone we probably care a lot about also). What was the root issue of the conflict? Did I handle the situation in a way that honors Christ? Is there something I can do to help avoid it next time? Is it still unresolved and influencing bitterness in me? Does it have an impact on other people in my life?

I hope this month’s topic will be helpful to you and your walk with Christ.

Peacemaker Ministries–Good website with lots of information

Relationships: A Mess Worth Making–A book written from the realistic perspective that conflict is an opportunity for growth.

Family Ministry

I watched this and thought it was powerful. However, if true then what next?

A Place of Security

It has been quite a week in the Evansville area. As many of us look at the paper, the news, or even in our own backyards, we see the flooding that continues to devastate our communities. In fact, even as I write this, there is the threat of continued rain and rising waters. If the flooding weren’t enough, we seem to have continual tornado watches and warnings.

A few evenings ago, when a particular storm was approaching, the news had strongly encouraged residents to find shelter for fear of a tornado that could develop. A place of shelter for our family, and our neighbor’s family, this particular evening was in the basement of our home. In fact, when the storm had arrived and the winds began to grow very strong, our power was knocked out and it seemed like the roof of our house was about to come off. We all went to the basement and almost immediately the tension dropped and we were calm and having normal conversation. In the basement of our home you cannot hear what is going on outside. In fact, you almost forget there is even a storm going on outside.

As I was reading the Bible this morning I came across these verses from the book of Hebrews.

“So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizidek (Hebrews 6:18-20).”

These verses reminded me this morning of the refuge I have in Jesus amidst the storm. These verses reminded me of hope that I have because of Jesus. Now, I am not just talking about a thunderstorm outside. What do we need hope from?

First, we need to recognize the storm. By this I am referring to my rebellion against a holy and righteous God. The Creator of the universe, and you and me, has every right and a responsibility to respond justly to my sin in judgment. This is the storm I refer to symbolically.

Second, we need to face the storm or seek refuge from it. The writer of Hebrews says we can flee for refuge “safety” if we hold fast “a strong grip” to the hope set before us (v 18). What is this hope? This hope is not a “what” but a “who.” Our hope is Jesus. Now Jesus doesn’t find me a shelter or a basement and hide down there with me! No, Jesus knows that the storm is coming because I have chosen to go my own way and not follow God’s ways. Jesus knows that the storm cannot be avoided. However, Jesus says He will go through the storm for me. I get safety because Jesus willing takes destruction. Jesus takes the cross and all the just wrath from the Father in my place.

Now the readers of this book would have understood the role of the high priest in the days of Israel. His role would have been to go before God in the Holiest of Holies. The priest would have represented the people before God. The priest would have sacrificed an offering for his sins and then for the sins of the people. The priests would continually do this year after year. Now the writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our High Priest who goes behind the curtain and offers Himself as the sacrifice and no other sacrifice is necessary (vv 19-20).

In Jesus (His life, death, and resurrection) the storm has been dealt with. No, the air current didn’t move and the storm avoided, but Jesus our Savior and God took the storm for us. Now I have peace. I, like in the bottom of my basement, am not worried about the Day of Judgment and the storm that used to wage in my mind and heart. I have peace knowing the Lion has fought the battle and is victorious. Do you? Do you have a place of security? Do you have a “Person” of Security? Are you trusting in Jesus?

If you are interested in learning more about what that means, you might want to click the link The Story.

D3 Conference this Summer

We are excited to offer this opportunity to any student at Vann currently in the high school. This week is going to be an action-packed week complete with worship, fellowship, personal growth, and life-shaping opportunities. The four day event (June 27th-June 30th) will include general sessions led by Albert Mohler and Eric Bancroft, with worship led by Dave Hoffman. There will also be late night socials, small group devotionals, awesome team games, a concert with Grammy nominated Christian rap artist FLAME (A Boyce graduate and SBTS student), and a trip to Holiday World amusement park!

If you are a parent or guardian and know that your student IS planning to go, please contact me no later than May 15th. If you want to check it out on-line click this link D3 Conference.

Here is a short video highlighting some of the events of last years D3 Conference.

Youth Spring Jam

If you live with or know a student between the grades 7th through 12th, then you will want to encourage them to be at Vann Avenue this Saturday night, April 23rd from 6PM-10PM. We are going to have a great evening of pizza, dodgeball, and music. We will also be giving a couple gifts away through a drawing. We hope you will plan to be here. If you want a little more info, click the link…Youth Spring Jam.

Do I Look Like the Majority?

As we continue on Wednesdays through Crazy Love in the youth, we arrive at chapter 7. This is a challenging chapter where we are confronted with the question, “What am I doing right now that requires faith?” Am I living the comfortable Christian life? In speaking about the life Jesus calls us to Chan says, “This place of trust isn’t a comfortable place to be; in fact, it flies in the face of everything we’ve been taught about proper planning. We like finding refuge in what we already have rather than in what we hope God will provide. But when Christ says to count the cost of following Him, it means we must surrender everything.”