Update On Our Status December 22, 2005

WOW–I HATE being sick!

I am doing much better today…I am actually in the office and hope to get a few things accomplished. I haven’t been to the gym in two days–which, if you know me, is MAJOR! (I might go this evening if I continue to feel better.)

‘Cretia is feeling better as well. However, for some strange reason, her right shoulder is really bothering her. She told me about it last night right before we went to sleep–and then at around 1:30 this morning I woke up to an intense smell of icy hot!!!

Keep us in your prayers–and once again, we ARE feeling much better.

Sick December 21, 2005

I am posting late today…actually, I am not at work yet–I am still in bed. NO–I am not getting lazy…I am sick!

(“What’s wrong,” you ask? Two things…the first being I feel as if a truck ran over me & then backed up to see what that was in the road. The second being my stomach is not right…and that’s all I’ve got to say about that!!!)

Yes, it is true that my wife is a doctor–BUT she’s sick too! In fact, we both have the same thing, whatever it is. However, she does have a slight fever–I don’t.

Saying all of that to say this–pray for us! I HATE being sick–HATE IT…and she does as well. I will keep you posted as to our condition!

Christians Can Just Be Plain Stupid At Times–Can’t We? December 20, 2005

For some reason I am in a “list” mood this week. (Thanks for the responses from yesterday…I will try to post some of them later on–as well as any e-mails I may get concerning this post.)

Some of the most challenging verses in Scripture are found in John 13:34-35 where Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Ouch–every time I read that I am challenged–and not just intellectually–but in the deepest part of my soul. Jesus plainly said that people should be able to look at people who claim to be following Him and they should be identified by radical, outrageous love for one another.

Uh, yeah–I think we’ve done a good job at quoting this verse–but not necessarily applying it. In proving this point I would love to make a list of the dumbest things that Christians fight over. These are things I have either personally witnessed and/or been involved with–here we go…

#1 – The version of Scripture that MUST be used.

You might think I am kidding–but this one is SERIOUS–there are websites dedicated to the “King James Only” argument–and they are serious–they claim, “If it was good enough for the apostle Paul then its good enough for me!”

And then there are websites dedicated to tearing down the KJV. WHAT? People–do you REALLY think God cares? Do you REALLY think He is bothered by someone picking up the NIV or The Message?

But we will fight about this–with thousands around us that could die and go to hell–we wage war on the version of Scripture. I had a friend tell me once of a class he was in at a school that will remain nameless where the teacher took an NIV Bible, spit in it–and then kicked it across the room…I am so sure God smiled!

#2 – Predestination verses Free Will

Oh my gosh! I remember a couple of years ago a front page article appearing in a local newspaper about the churches in the upstate that have SPLIT over this issue. I must say my heart was broken.

Now for me this is an incredibly fun discussion to be involved in…and I usually find out what a person believes and then will present the arguments for the other side–just because I can. I have studied the subject extensively and have came to the following conclusion–it doesn’t matter! I know that is blasphemy to some of the readers here…but I am serious–I will NOT argue with anyone over this matter to the point of ending a friendship.

I have very close friends who are incredibly smart on both sides of the issue–and I love them all dearly. I can’t, no, I won’t end a friendship with someone, nor will I bash another person or organization for what they believe on this matter.

Let me use an example here–how about John Piper. I have said it before–if I meet one more college student who reads a Piper book (or two) and thinks he is now the defender of predestination and wants to argue with people who are already in the kingdom I will throw up–ON THEM!

AND–if I meet one more person who criticizes John Piper for his stance and his teachings I will also vomit–on them. I highly respect Piper–the man has more intellectual knowledge in his pinkie than I have in my entire body–and he can defend his position on this with very convincing arguments.

However, he does not hate those who disagree with him! Seriously people–the Christian community has been fighting about this for hundreds of years–do you think you are going to be the ONE person who comes up with the ONE statement that is going to end the argument forever?

And do you think those who do not know Christ are drawn to Him when we hate other believers because they differ in theology?

#3 – The type of music used in a church service.

We’ve experienced this one first hand–from time to time we will have people say, “I like NewSpring–but I don’t like the worship.” My response is always, “Well–maybe the worship at NewSpring isn’t about you–maybe it’s about God–and maybe He likes it–just a thought!”

Some churches don’t use any music–they say it isn’t natural or Scriptural (and yet they have air conditioners and heaters–which are neither natural or Scriptural!)

Others use organs and pianos–some use an orchestra–and then some use a rock and roll style. (That’s my preference!) Do you think it matters to God? Can you play an evil note on the piano?

I once heard a pastor say that songs played in 4/4 time were evil…and yet when you pick up a hymnal many of the songs are in 4/4 time. WOW!

Once again–I think if you sing to the Lord–and you are singing your guts out–He likes it.

#4 – End Times Prophecy!

We are passionate about this because we don’t want to be Left Behind…

Sorry!

What is the deal? Jesus said that no one knows the time or date–JESUS said that…and so why do we spend so much time trying to figure it out? We do in depth studies on the book of Revelation–and that cracks me up! Revelation is not about end times–it’s about praise and worship and it basically says three things…

- Jesus is Lord
– You are NOT
– He is coming back

And I will not get caught up in this one–if He comes back today I’m ready…and it is my job to make sure that His message is introduced to as many people as possible so they will be ready to.

#5 – The Way The Bible Should Be Taught!

This one bothers me–BAD! There is a group out there that thinks the Bible should be taught line by line, verse by verse…and that is the ONLY way.

Don’t get me wrong–I LOVE teaching that way…it is easier for me to do so…but to call that type of teaching right and every other type of teaching wrong–isn’t that arrogant?

Where is the Biblical mandate to teach that way? I look at the teachings of Jesus–He didn’t teach line by line–but rather told stories and used modern illustrations to prove His point.

If someone wants to teach line by line–AWESOME–go for it–but don’t argue with others who don’t do it your way.

#6 – Whether or not to have services on Christmas Day when it falls on a Sunday…

Sorry–I had to do it! :-)

Folks–we are supposed to be known for our love for one another–period. I believe it is healthy for Christians to discuss differences in theology behind closed doors in an arena where Christ can be honored. We are challenged in Scripture to know what we believe and why we believe it. However, we cannot personally attack other people through newsletters and/or blogs because they simply do not share our beliefs on everything and then claim we are doing so because the LOVE of Christ forced us to.

(The only thing that Biblically needs to be confronted is when someone is in CLEAR violation of Scripture.)

Those are just my thoughts…any arguments that I missed?

Now THAT’s Funny! December 19, 2005

I have to laugh to keep from crying! I love this stuff…

Before I begin let me say that the purpose of this post is two fold…

#1 – For those who are members/attenders of NewSpring…I am going to address some things I have heard about me and our church that are…well…funny if you think about it.

#2 – For pastors/leaders of other churches who swing by here from time to time…I hope this post encourages you to hang in there–no matter WHAT others may say or think of you.

Basically the thesis is this–people talk…and when they don’t know all of the information pertaining to the subject they are discussing they begin to fill in the blanks with their own idea–thus the birth of a RUMOR takes place.

Rumors are started by stupid people–that’s right…I said STUPID! :-) These people either do not care enough to investigate information to see whether or not it is true–or they KNOW the information probably isn’t that reliable–but they talk about it anyway.

Leaders–understand that if you are doing something significant for the kingdom people will say things that are untrue about you and/or your church. It’s a fact of life–saying all of that let me share my favorite rumors of the year so far–these are great…

#1 – In order to join NewSpring a person/family has to present us with their tax return information for the past five years.

Now that’s funny! Where do people come up with this stuff? And if this were true–I could not be a member–I have no idea where that information is.

And no–I didn’t make that up–that is really a rumor in our community! We teaching Biblical stewardship; however, I don’t want to know about other people’s tax situation…I have my hands full dealing with my own.

#2 – We don’t teach from the Bible OR even allow them in the service!

That’s right! One of the teams you can join at NewSpring is the Bible police team. This is a group of dedicated individuals who guard the doors and force Bibles out of the hands of people who would dare to carry God’s Word around…

Just kidding!

First of all–people who say we do not teach Scripture have NEVER attended a service at our church–if they had they would know that the rumor above is a lie. And secondly–a few months ago I did a sermon on reading Scripture–and then we GAVE Bibles away at the end of the service.

WHAT WAS THAT? Do you think we actually gave away Bibles and said, “Here you go–now don’t bring this back!”

Where did we get the Bibles that we gave away? From the Bible police, of course. (Actually–we bought them!!!)

#3 – We are putting ATM’s in our new building!

I just heard this one yesterday! Fortunately, a church member heard this and called a trustee to ask if the information was true–and he was told it wasn’t.

Where do people get this stuff? We do have some really cool modern inventions in the church–lights, heat, and elevator–and yes–indoor plumbing! However, we did not install ATM’s.

(On a side note–I was joking with someone earlier this morning about this rumor and he said that he wished we would because he always has to go by an ATM on Sunday’s after church to get money for lunch!)

#4 – I have a $30,000 a year food expense budget!

Uh, yep–this is about the dumbest thing I have ever heard! I do love to eat! However, 30k a year?

I do have an expense account; however, I assure you it is WAY under 30k.

Someone in the community trying to defend this rumor has said, “But he always eats at Sullivans–why is he always eating there?”

Uh, maybe I like the food! :-) And maybe I can afford it! :-) When you are not maxed out in debt you can eat there once or twice a week–and enjoy it!

#5 – I have a personal bodyguard!

This is funny! Quick question…and I am not bragging…but have you seen me? I am 6′ 6″ tall and weight 220–does it LOOK like I NEED a bodyguard?

There is a dude named Jake who hangs out with me on Sunday’s. Why? Because Jake is responsible for pastoral care AND does a great deal of counseling in our church.

Often times people will approach me on Sunday’s and wish to discuss an issue…and instead of telling them all about Jake and then putting them off…right there on the spot I can say, “This is Jake–he handles those issues at our church and would love to speak with you about that.” Jake has had so many opportunities to minister to people, pray with people…and even lead people to Christ because of his role on Sunday’s.

I know, I know–some people think I should do all that stuff. I will not argue–I will just say that if I did do all that around here that our church would probably be at around 100 people. One of the reasons NewSpring has grown is that I am not cocky and arrogant enough to think that I can do it all–I know my strengths and weaknesses…I develop my strengths and delegate my weaknesses–that is how it’s done…in my opinion. :-)

That’s about it–any “rumors” that I missed?

Church Is Happnin’ December 17, 2005

For all you peeps in Anderson–YES, we are going to have church tomorrow. (Or today if you are reading this on Sunday!)

AND we will be having our services at normal times – 8:30, 9:45, 11:15 & 6pm.

I saw on the news that a snowflake might fall tonight–don’t let that keep you away…and call as many people as you can to let them know! :-)

AMAZING! December 16, 2005

It is about 11:30 pacific time right now and I am getting ready for bed…I am not sure why, the crew and I are meeting in the lobby to leave for LAX at 3:45AM!

Today was awesome–I will try to trace it very quickly!

First of all–there is a NewSpring member in LA! His name is John and he is a retired helicopter pilot for the LAPD. He found out I was headed this way and offered to show us around and maybe get us up in a helicopter!

Well–long story short–we all got to fly around LA today in a police chopper. I am SURE this will be in a sermon in the future…so that’s all I will say about it for now.

Then he took us down “skid row.” I have never seen the sights that I took in–it literally looked like a third world country. My heart was broken and all I could think about was, “These people need Jesus.”

I came back to the hotel to rest up before speaking tonight…and the rest of the crew went to Hollywood. I had a good nap…and then–OF COURSE–had to walk to Starbucks for some coffee–actually it was a peppermint mocha!

Tonight I had the honor of spending time with Tommy and Matthew Barnett and touring the dream center. I WAS SO CHALLENGED! These two men are neck deep in ministry–they are two of the best examples I have ever seen of men who love Jesus and love people.

I was moved by the ministry the dream center does here in LA. They have so many programs and are reaching so many people. Lives are being changed–the crime rate where there church is located dropped over 70% after they moved in and started things up. These guys are serious about taking Jesus to the community–they even have mobile medical trucks and…wow…I can’t even begin to describe what I saw.

Speaking tonight was a blast! This was an incredible group of people to speak to and there were quite a few salvations.

Afterwards we went downtown Hollywood and had some dinner–THAT was awesome, especially the hot fudge cake!

However, as I sit here I am full of joy and challenged at the same time. God rocked my world with this trip. I have spoken of a church blooming where it is planted and making a difference in the community for several years–tonight I saw it firsthand…and if God can do it in LA then He can do it in Anderson. He definitely enlarged my vision.

I was also reminded of how real Jesus is…and how people are desperately lost without Him…and not only will they spend eternity in hell without Him…but are going to have to experience hell on earth as well.

It was awesome for me to be able to hang with these guys–they were all so encouraging! I came out here hoping to be a blessing–but I have received much more than I gave–I promise!
This has lit a fire in me…a fire to fall more in love with Jesus and more in love with people. God brought me out here for a reason…and tonight I discovered part of it. I am making a commitment to move forward with His plans…to go for it…charging full steam ahead…even though I don’t exactly know what that is.

I can’t wait for Sunday! Pray that we have a safe trip home…and pray that we can actually find the airport in the morning. I know it is the place that has all the planes flying into it–but LA has so many different roads!

God bless!

How’s The Weather Back There? December 15, 2005

Hello all–and a HUGE “how’s it going” to my peeps back east. I see on the weather channel that you guys are having some winter weather. And don’t hand me that stuff about enjoying it–if it was snow then MAYBE–but ICE? Seriously!

Oh yeah, it’s supposed to be around 70 degrees out here today…and there is hardly any humidity at all. It’s pretty nice–I think I’m heading down to Starbucks in a minute or two–gotta take advantage of it while I am close to one.

Oh yeah–there is a slight possibility I might get to go up in a helicopter today and fly around LA. That would be AWESOME! I’ve never been in a chopper before!

Tonight I will be speaking at the Dream Center–your prayers would be much appreciated. I will update our travels as interesting things happen!