The Impossible Mission of Faith

In September 2009, I published my first blog called "The Radical Christian." That first blog was motivated by an increasing conviction that God wants both more from us than most of us are willing to give and more for us than most of us can really comprehend. It was based on a conviction that the life God really wants us to lead means a constant struggle to keep Him at the center of our lives through relentless prayer, through an insatiable hunger for His word, and through a continual desire to teach the gospel, disciple believers, and reach out to the poor and the hurting.

I just started a book called "Radical," which has the subtitle "Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream." I have not gotten too far into it yet, but it is pretty easy to see where this book is going. And the place its going is, well, uncomfortable.

The first part of the book gives specific examples of people in far off lands who literally risk their lives to both share and receive the good news of Jesus Christ. It talks about people whose "churches" meet in secret places -- people who will spend hours on end for weeks at a time learning as much as they can about the same Bible that too often collects dust on our night stands.

It also talks about another group of people -- a people who worship God in fancy buildings, with state of the art music and comfortable chairs. It describes people who have become adept at ignoring the parts the teachings of Jesus that interfere with their comfortable lives.

I have struggled with these issues for a long time, and I have to say that reading this book is not helping. But, I digress. I really didn't intend to write about me today.

What I really want to talk about is my daughter's school -- Grapevine Faith Christian School. I am sure that Faith looks at first glance like a lot of other Christian schools. The students wear uniforms and look like fairly typical kids. In fact, at first glance Faith probably looks a lot like many public schools. Faith has its share of successes, and its share of problems. It has students who are zealous about their relationship with God. It has students who are not. It has parents who are zealous about their relationship with God. It has parents who are not.

But Faith has taken on what seems to me an impossible mission -- which is to "develop and graduate authentic Christian leaders." Why do I say "impossible"? I just don't see many people who really have the time, desire and inclination to look hard at what it means to have an authentic relationship with Jesus, much less many people who strive to be authentic Christian leaders. How does the discipline of a life devoted to God compete with the quick fixes readily available in everyday life in America? How do you get high school students to get past the complexities of life as a teenager and to see the bigger picture? How do you challenge these young people to put things like proms, football games, cheer leading, grades, and college applications into perspective? For that matter, how do you get them away from video games, Facebook and texting long enough for God to capture their imagination?

What amazes me about the leadership and faculty at Faith is that they really think they can accomplish this seemingly impossible mission. They really think that they can take ordinary teenagers and turn them into leaders who understand that Jesus has called us to a radical faith. They think that they will graduate young men and women who will never settle for quaint Sunday services and ice cream socials, but instead will embrace an authentic relationship with Christ -- including the sacrifices that necessarily come with that relationship. Young people who will count the cost of following Jesus and who will forge ahead, undeterred, as leaders in the church of the future, in their communities, in government and in the business world.

As I mentioned before, Faith is far from a perfect place. It is, after all, full of people. But it also has a faculty and staff who are full of faith. And faith, as we know, can move mountains.

I am guessing that most Faith graduates don't seem all that different from graduates of countless other schools. But I am also guessing that, for most of them, sometime, somewhere and somehow the blood, sweat, tears and prayers of a dedicated group of Christians at a place called Faith will make an eternal difference in not just the lives of these students, but in the lives of the many people these future Christian leaders will touch. The mission may seem impossible, but maybe it just takes a radical faith.

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Matthew 17:20-21.

A Journey Through The Past

It is a little hard to describe the last couple of weeks. I have had some pretty high "highs" and some pretty low "lows."

A couple of weeks ago I had a chance to meet up with an old friend from college named Tim Krumal. It was great to spend time with Tim and to get to know his family a little. I probably hadn't seen Tim in over twenty-five years.

Tim has a beautiful wife, Jana, and four really great kids. Tim's kids are quite a bit younger than ours, and I was definitely reminded of how fun it was when Pam and I had kids that age. (They are not so bad now either). It was great to see the wonderful things that God has done in Tim's life.

We did some reminiscing and had a few laughs. We talked about challenges we faced after college and I had a chance to tell Tim about my spiritual journey -- a journey in which Tim played an incredible role.

My family had gone to church until I was in about the sixth grade. By the time I met Tim it had been a long time since God had been a part of my life in any meaningful way. I had known two or three people in high school who I was aware were "serious Christians," but other than that, I had all but forgotten about God.

I had been around "Christians" all my life (over 80% of Americans would say they are Christians) -- but Tim was different. Tim had a level of seriousness about his faith that I had only seen from a distance. It was something I really had not experienced before -- and it was both odd and refreshing at the same time. For Tim talking about Jesus came as naturally as breathing did for me. He tried in subtle, and sometimes not so subtle ways, to lead me back to faith in Jesus.

Tim poured into my life during our season together. And, although I felt no closer to God when our season together ended, looking back now I know without any doubt that God placed Tim in my life for a reason. Tim was knowledgeable about the Bible and had his arguments for faith together and all that. But, more than anything Tim was an just a great example of someone who lived what he preached. Tim showed me what it looks like when someone is sincere about their faith -- when someone really puts God first in their life and really works hard to live a life worthy of His calling.

Tim is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Auburn Grace Church, which is near Sacramento California. Not surprisingly, he and Jana have a real passion for teaching spiritual leadership in the home, and it was evident that they practice what they preach. I love Tim and his family and thank God for the seeds that Tim planted in my life.

After seeing Tim and his family I drove through the town in California where I did most of my growing up. It was fun to drive through the old neighborhoods and by the houses where my friends once lived.
Then, last week I learned that one of those old friends, who I was particularly close to late in high school, had unexpectedly passed away. I had not kept in touch the way I wish I would have -- although we did speak on the phone a few months ago. I am thankful for that.
Memories of the time we spent together have been flooding through my mind. They were all good. Ridiculous times; lots of laughs.

One Way, Jesus

"I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6

If you look under the "What We Believe" section of the Heartland Church web site you will find this statement on the "Salvation of Man":

"We believe that sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ as both God and man is the only One who can reconcile us to God. We believe that in order to receive forgiveness and "new birth" we must repent, by expressing repentance toward God, faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ and submission to His will."

I hope that Heartland Church is never ambiguous on this critical point. There is only one way to salvation -- through Jesus.

These days, though, there seems to be a reluctance on the part of Christians to speak directly about this truth. At the end of this blog are links to excerpts of interviews of Joel Osteen and Billy Graham on the Larry King show. I am not trying to single these two out -- I certainly have great respect for both men. But when you see the clips there is an unmistakable uneasiness with this subject.

I am sure that part of the reason Christians are uncomfortable with this essential salvation question is an understandable desire not to offend people who hold other religious beliefs, or even no religious beliefs at all. I get that. And, let's face it -- the media has done a good job of painting Christians as an intolerant lot. Speaking plainly that Jesus is the only way probably feeds into that perception, and I think that some of us are just tired of getting beat up.

There is also a growing segment of our society that really believes there are many ways to "salvation" -- whatever that means to a non-Christian. Unfortunately, I am afraid that even many "Christians" have bought into that idea. Below is a link to a clip from the Oprah Winfrey show, where Oprah suggests the idea that Jesus is the only way is foolishness.

I guess that non-Christians see the statement that "Jesus is the only way" as an arrogant, superiority type thing. It is not. It is the truth according to the Word of God -- the Bible. It is a truth that we need to talk about in love, and which we cannot afford to be bashful about. I believe that, apart from the Great Commission, each of us has a moral obligation to spread the good news of Jesus to others. I believe just as strongly that each of us has a moral obligation not to give people false hope that there is some other way to reconciliation with God or to salvation. Standing firm that Jesus is the only way is not a way of saying "I am better than you" -- it is a way of saying "I love you so much that I will tell you the truth even if its costs me."

On more quick comment and I will let you go. A common question I get when I talk about Jesus being the only way is: "what about all the good people in the world who have never heard the name of Jesus?" I don't have time here to really get into this, but there is a fundamental problem with the premise of the question. And that is this -- what does it mean to be "good"? Who decides what is good? When we really think about it, I doubt that there are many Christians who would claim to be good, and virtually none who would claim to be good enough to inherit the Kingdom of God based on their own merits!!

It is recorded in Luke that a certain ruler asked Jesus "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Before answering the question (which was asked by a man who obviously did not realize he was speaking to God) Jesus said "Why do you call me good? No one is good -- except God alone." Luke 18:19. Something to think about.

Oprah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-HNNAqJrxw&feature=related

Joel Osteen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfwYU2pmWYQ

Billy Graham
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx29MRL4L6c

Revelation

Do you ever wonder where God is taking you next? Are you sometimes anxious about that? Does it seem like sometimes the answers come way too slowly. Maybe it even seems at times like the answers never come at all?

Good! That means I am not alone!!! See, sometimes I think maybe its just me. I feel a whole lot better now.

There is a song by Third Day I have been listening to some lately. There is a link to it at the end of this blog if you're interested. The song is about leaving the anguish of trying to figure out everything on your own and learning to lean on God for direction in your life. Ultimately, its about trust and its about faith.

The chorus goes something like this:

"Give me a revelation, show me what to do,

'cause I've been trying to find my way, I haven't got a clue,

tell me should I say here, or do I need to move,

give me a revelation, I've got nothing without you."

You notice how there is both a confession and a plea here? The confession is that we have no idea where we are going without God and, just as importantly, that we are nothing without Him. The plea is that God will guide us where we need to go -- "give me a revelation."


I am definitely in a season where its time to ask God what's next. Its a time to be patient. Its a time to be still and quiet. Its a time to immerse myself in His word. Maybe that's where you are too?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEn74zP1glQ

Advice and Counsel

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

Some time ago a friend who was going through some difficult marital issues asked my wife, Pam, for advice. It seems this woman was getting advice from many of her family members and friends -- some of which was conflicting. At the end of the day, all of this "advice" left our friend more confused than anything else.

Pam is really good at helping people sort through issues in their lives. This time, though, Pam did something that I suspect many of us rarely do -- she confessed that she did not know the right answers but agreed to pray about the situation. After her prayers, Pam encouraged this lady to stop listening to all of the advice she was getting and to go see a professional counselor or a pastor. Hard to argue with that!!

Its no secret that we all need the counsel and advice of others from time to time. That need can, and does, exist in virtually every aspect of our lives; our work, our relationships, our finances, our education and, of course, spiritual matters. One thing we need to remember, though, is that not all advice is created equal.

It seems like these days we are inundated with advice and opinions. Everyone from Oprah, to Dr. Phil, to Brittany Spears seems to think they have the answers to life's questions and life's problems. But, whether we are seeking professional help or the counsel of mentors or friends, or [cringe] listening to the "wisdom" of talking heads on TV or the Hollywood types, I think it is increasingly important to be discerning about the sources of advice we solicit and accept.

We need to keep in mind that whenever anyone gives us advice, whether that person is a professional counselor or a good friend, that advice is based on the life experience of that person. It may come from their observations and their own struggles, it may come from their education, it may come from their religion (or the lack thereof), it may come from their personal sense of right and wrong. And THIS is the problem.

I know quite a few people who are really big on giving advice to others. I sometimes find that the view of those folks is obstructed by planks -- meaning they are often the last people who should be giving anyone advice. I also find that the advice given by such people is often built on a shaky foundation, or sometimes no meaningful foundation at all -- meaning that if you asked one of these folks what their opinion was based on they would be hard pressed to give you any real answer.

A few years ago, for example, I heard a very "successful" lawyer tell a group of young professionals that life is short and that they should do whatever makes them happy. At one point in her speech this lady encouraged anyone in a "bad marriage" to just get out of it. As a Christian, it was easy for me to see that this person's advice was not consistent with biblical teaching. But, it's not always that easy to tell.

Before we solicit or accept any one's advice on a matter of importance, we need to know what kind of world view that advice is tethered to. That doesn't mean we should never get advice from non-Christians. It just means that when we do we need to think about that advice in the light of what the Bible says or suggests about the issue.

Even someone who wears the label "Christian" may have views that are shaped more by the popular culture, humanism or astrology than by the Bible. So, that is not a litmus test either.

Counsel and advice are good things. But, if its an important issue I want to get advice from people who look at things from a biblical perspective and who seek God's wisdom first. I guess this is another reason we all need to spend time in God's Word ourselves. Its hard to be discerning if our own views aren't firmly anchored there.

Welcome Home

Its Wednesday night and I just got back from the Church a little while ago. The scene was sort of what I expect will be typical of any week night at Heartland Church in the near future. Mim Davis and Anthony Katongo were leading the first Wednesday prayer group in the sanctuary. Andy Sterie, Harold Hill and others were leading our young people in the equivalent of what was "the loft" in the old building. Sherry Ferris and Shija Puri were in the church offices -- it looked like preparing for the Newcomers Luncheon next Sunday.

It was good to see the building so busy. But, there were a few things that were different tonight than they will be in the near future.

For example, the prayer group met in the sanctuary mostly because the multi-purpose room (we need to find a better name for that room) was being painted. Pastor Dusty and his crew have been busy installing lighting in the sanctuary all week, but happened to be taking a dinner break during our prayer time. So, that worked out okay.

Of course, most of the class rooms for our kids are still being remodeled. But between the foyer and the youth room the students found plenty of space to do what they needed to do. In fact, despite all the work still being done in the children's wing we are still able to provide a full children's ministry on Sundays!

One thing that the church staff quickly discovered after the move (and really already knew) is that we can have whatever time table we want, but God's time table is ultimately the only one that actually counts. And, ready or not, God is moving at Heartland Church.

Someone has apparently let out the secret that we moved to Carrollton. Do you know how many first time guests we have had since moving? Well, I don't really know either!! You see, not all first time guests fill out information cards, and even when they do one card might actually represent more than one person. What I do know is that around 112 people turned in those cards in just the first three weeks in the new building. That is incredible!!!

I mentioned that our first Newcomers Luncheon in Carrollton is set for next Sunday. Do you know how many people have signed up for that? Well, I do. As of tonight, we already have thirty people registered -- which means we are quickly running out of space!!! That is a good problem for the church to have -- although if you are interested you need to sign up soon.

You may also have heard that on February 13th Heartland Church is hosting a FREE Valentine's Day event sponsored by KLTY -- America's # 1 Christian radio station. The chance to host this event came, well, out of the blue. Hmmmm? Anyway, renew your wedding vows and enjoy a mini-concert featuring Point of Grace, the award winning Christian Trio, here at Heartland Church. The wedding vow renewal ceremony will be lead by our own Pastor Dan Dean. Go to either www.theheartlandchurch.com or www.klty.com for more information, including directions.

We still have some work to do on the new building, and those projects will continue take some of our time (and require volunteers). But, it sure feels good to see God at work and to see our staff and volunteers focused more on ministry and less on construction projects. Thanks again to everyone who has worked so hard over the last couple of months to make our move a success. God is good!!

A Short Season

Some years ago I read a book called "A Short Season," which was based on the true story of Brian Piccolo -- a full back for the Chicago Bears who played in the same backfield as Hall of Fame running back Gayle Sayers. Piccolo died tragically of cancer at the age of 26. He was remembered not so much for what he accomplished on the football field, but instead for the kind of friend he was -- particularly to Sayers.

The events of the last week have reminded me again that it truly is a short season for all of us.

This last week two people went home to be with the Lord who were on my wife's "Top Five List." To get on Pam's Top Five List you don't necessarily have to be her best friend. You don't have to have a great sense of humor or be one of the people she likes to hang out with the most. What you do need to be is one of those rare people who she thinks of as a model for how each of us should live our lives.

I cannot tell you how many times Pam said how much she loved Jack DeHart. Although she sometimes had trouble finding exactly the right words to describe him, it seems like every Sunday when Jack (Pam actually refers to him as either "Bishop" or "Becky's Dad") was in church I was going to get an ear full on the way home about how wonderful he was!! One thing she would say really stands out to me, and maybe this is as close as words can really get to helping someone understand this man. She always said that Jack made her a better person because she could not stand the thought of disappointing him. There is a man of influence.

Of course, Jack DeHart meant a great deal to me too. He drew me closer to God, he was there praying for me when God forever changed my life, and I never would have considered becoming an Elder in the Church or getting involved in ministry without his blessing. I really don't think I would be serving at Heartland Church today if not for his influence on my life. For that, I will be eternally grateful.

Most of you probably didn't know Nancy Daws. Nancy came into Pam's life when she was a little girl. Although Nancy was a close family friend, I guess Pam thought of her more like an aunt. Nancy passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack last week.

As much as anyone on the earth, Nancy was the model for Pam of what a woman ought to be. She was an incredible wife and mother and had a truly infectious personality. Everyone was drawn to Nancy Daws.

I didn't get to know Nancy all that well myself -- I usually saw her once a year at the best Thanksgiving celebration you can imagine!!! But you didn't have to be around Nancy long to see why Pam loved her so much and why she looked up to her. I read through Chapter 5 of Matthew this morning, and was struck by how the Beatitudes were reflected in what I saw of Nancy's life. Nancy was a beautiful woman who made everyone around her feel special. She was a model of Christian humility and, from what I could see, the ultimate peacemaker. Pam said they are expecting around a thousand people to show up for Nancy's funeral. If you knew Nancy at all, you would want to be there too.

When we take time to celebrate the lives of people like Nancy and Jack, its only natural to compare their lives to our own. And that can be painful. Before we beat ourselves up too much, we also need to remember that God can use our flaws and our mistakes to do incredible things. In other words, we cannot change the past -- but God sure knows how to use our past to touch lives in the future. How great is that?

If I have one regret in life it is that I did not answer God's call sooner. I am not talking about getting formally involved in the church, but just getting to a place where I was at least trying to put God first in my life and was not afraid to witness to others through both my words and actions. I have wasted so much time. Thanks to people like Nancy and Jack, I am really trying not to waste any more.

Our season is short. Let's make the most of it.