Who's Your Daddy

I preached a sermon this past weekend titled "Who's Your Daddy", speaking into one's identity. Realizing your identity isn't just about knowing who you are, but also whose you are. For far too long, we have let society determine the way we view ourselves, our worth, importance and value. For students today, social media has given a numerical value on which they base their social standing. For the first time ever, young people can determine their 'worth' using actual numbers provided by their peers. Social media however, is not the problem. The problem is people really don't know who their Daddy is!

We act like we have all our problems in order, as if God doesn't already know that you are a complete mess! We know He knows, but we act like He doesn't. We think we have to be perfect and we rarely show our weaknesses because we believe the lie that exposing our shortcomings actually makes you weak. But my Bible says in 2 Corinthians 12 that when I am weak, Christ makes me strong. So why do we try to cover up our weaknesses?

Did you know that most people believe that they have to start acting 'better' before they walk into a church? The problem is most Christians believe this about their own walk with Christ. They say things like, "I need to get right", "I need to pray more", "I need to read my Bible", etc. When did Christianity ever become about getting 'right' or doing 'more'? Let's just be honest for a minute. We hardly ever dwell on how much God is in love with us right now. We rarely bring to mind what our Daddy calls us. If you trust Jesus with your life, He actually calls you His child (1 John 3:2). You are a son of the Most High King. You are a daughter of the Creator of the Universe. God is proud of you! So much so that He adores you, even though you are a mess! That's the beauty of His love. It's unconditional, meaning it's not based on your choices. He loves you regardless if you believe or obey. God is not in love with a future you. He is crazy about you right now! As Brennan Manning says, "I dare you to trust that [God] loves you just as you are and not as you should be because you'll never be as you should be."

When you dwell on the reality of what God calls each of us, the more passionate you'll become about Him and the less attractive sin will be. We as humans start to base our identity on how well we are doing spiritually rather than what God has declared over us in Christ. My identity means that I am beloved, a child of God, delighted in, forgiven, washed clean, free, a temple of the Holy Spirit, adopted into God's family, co-heir with Christ, righteous, new, a saint, set apart, an ambassador of Christ, a co-laborer with Christ, a sweet aroma, never alone, a masterpiece, wonderfully made, bold, having guaranteed victory, holding a secured future, whole in Christ. My identity isn't what people call me. It's what my Daddy calls me!

Turn The Other Cheek

Have you ever been frustrated by the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5 about turning the other cheek? So if I get punched in the face, I'm supposed to let my attacker punch me again? Is that really what it's saying? This is just the beginning of people not understanding exactly what is being taught. Just because I'm a Christian does not mean I have to let people walk all over me. Let's look at the context...

When Jesus speaks in Scripture (words in red), you have to understand that His audience are Jews. They are Jews who are living under the Mosaic law. That is, the 10 commandments and the 613 other laws that the Jews put into place to 'keep' one holy. (365 laws of things not to do, 248 laws of things they are to do). Talk about a list of rules! Therefore, when Jesus starts talking about turning the other cheek, these Jews would have known exactly what He was talking about. In this culture, the cheek was the symbol of relationship. To kiss one's cheek was a sign of peace and fellowship. To strike someone in the face meant that you were attacking the relationship. This is why in some cultures still today, to slap someone in the face is the ultimate sign of disrespect. When slapped, you were no longer friends. How dare someone disrespect you like that! But what Jesus is teaching is actually offensive to this crowd because He was challenging their pride and forgiveness. To turn the cheek meant to re offer the relationship. This kind of grace was unheard of! In fact, isn't it odd that Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek (a sign of peace and fellowship) when he was actually coming to betray Him. Have you ever noticed Jesus' response? In Matthew 26:50 Jesus says, "Do what you came for, friend." What?! Jesus calls Judas: friend?! If you didn't understand the meaning behind turning the other cheek, you would have missed Jesus doing so right here in this verse. The moment Judas goes to betray Jesus, Jesus still offers him grace. Jesus turned the other cheek immediately. Jesus re offered him the relationship right there on the spot. Notice that Judas was so filled with shame and condemnation that he missed the grace that God was offering. It wasn't that God didn't forgive Judas, it was that Judas couldn't forgive himself. This is where many Christians live today...

Understanding that the cheek was a symbol of relationship will help you understand exactly what Jesus was teaching these Jews in this culture and how this applies to us today. Grace is a beautiful thing because we do nothing to earn it. God is constantly turning His cheek to us as His grace covers us daily. Where in your life do you need to be offering grace to others? Or as Jesus would say, "where do you need to turn the other cheek?"

He Said What?!

Just heard the new Lil Wayne album and think it's funny how things change. I used to love jammin' to his songs claiming that I don't pay attention to the lyrics. I'd say things like, "I'm just loving the beat!" or "This one's good, it don't cuss." As if cussing is what makes his music 'explicit'. Do we even pay attention to what we listen to anymore? Or do we not notice because he uses different verbiage to make it sound cool? For example, his intro song talks about having sex with a shark. That ain't cool, that's weird. He talks about murdering people because that makes you tough and respectful, right? He talks about abuse like it's normal, sex like it's a game to see how many "hoes" you can sleep with, and drugs like they're cool and get you places in life.

The crazy thing is, we buy this stuff as if they're talking about something new! The reality is, we've heard all these songs before. It's not hard to talk about how many women you've conquered, how many overdoses and 'close calls' you've had, how hardcore you are, or how money has bought you happiness (which it clearly hasn't since you are constantly trying to escape reality with drugs). HELLOOOOO... Is that entertainment? Last time I checked, the most insecure people I know have to continue to let everyone know how awesome they think they are. As if killing people and slappin females makes you awesome.

This kind of music does not speak to real life nor does it benefit society. But our young people love it! It's a problem because there aren't a lot of awesome beats with positive messages that aren't corny and suck. In fact, Christianity has sat too long in the back seat, putting out rappers with poor flow and style and claiming it as music for God. I'm sorry, you just suck. Where are the artists that know how to speak truth in a raw and talented way and do it with excellence? Well, let me introduce you to one. His name is Andy Mineo and he is changing the game with strong lyrics and head banging beats. Oh, and the best part about his music? You leave encouraged and strengthened. In this culture of Hip Hop, we've allowed the same garbage to flow through our minds. As Andy puts it in his song 'You Will' he says, "Them strip clubs, money, drugs. Come on cuz, you borin us. We've heard it all before and I'm still unimpressed with that sort of stuff..." and he's right. It's time for this generation to talk about stuff that actually gets you places in life. His album drops April 16th. Go get it and support this 116 movement of being unashamed for the Gospel of Christ. This is real life! This message changes lives!

I'm No Orphan Anymore

It's heartbreaking to watch some students chase after things that don't really matter. They get wrapped up in their looks, grades, sports, who they date, where they work, and who they hang out with. As they get older, they continue to find their worth in what they do rather than who God says they are. As I talk with Christians and listen to the words they use to describe themselves, I'd be curious to find out how many actually believe that they are children of God. Pause and think about that for a moment. If you are in Christ, you are actually a child of God, a son or daughter of the Creator of the universe (1 John 3:2, Galatians 3:26).

There is a song called "All He says I am" by Gateway Worship and the lyrics to the bridge says, "Chains are broken, scales are on the floor, truth is spoken, I'm no orphan anymore." The truth spoken to us through the Word of God breaks chains of sin and bondage and when we realize that we are children of God, we realize our identity...that we're not orphans anymore spiritually. Christ calls us His own. Now that is something to be encouraged about! That is something to celebrate!

I was really challenged by a thought last week from Reggi, our Worship Pastor. He said, "Rather than think about who I am in Christ, we should think more about who Christ is in me." When we think about who we are in Christ, the thought is still revolved around us. Our strengths. Our weaknesses. The things we've done and want to do. When we shift that thought to think about who Christ is and then realize that He actually lives IN us, it changes the game. Christ calls us sons and daughters. Christ calls us righteous. Christ calls us worthy. Christ calls us good. Why? Because if He is IN us and if He is those things, then that makes US those things! Jesus' identity is now our identity and if God is for us who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? There is no shame or condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1, John 3:18). There is only love and grace. A grace that accepts you long before you believe or behave...

Rebel

As a pastor's kid growing up, I unfortunately added to the stereotype. I rebelled without having a reason to rebel. I bought into the lies the devil sold and chased after meaningless pleasures. Although those mistakes have shaped the man I am today, I still wish I wasn't such an idiot. I believe many young people buy into the lies thinking the activities of the world are fun. But those lies never satisfy. Just look at the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The son rebelled and in verse 17 it literally says, "When he came to his senses..." The son realized that the lifestyle he was walking in wasn't fun and he was acting like an idiot. He comes up with a plan to return to his father's house. In the next several verses, we see an incredible picture of the grace of God. But before the grace could be received, the son still had to make a choice...do I continue to live like the world or will I choose Christ?

As a youth pastor, I witness students making the same mistakes. I am heartbroken over how many students would rather follow their friends to failure than stand alone in their faith with Christ. Our society makes it seem like being a rebel is cool. But a rebel is doing something that nobody else is doing. In today's culture, it seems like most students are involved in illegal or wrong activities. We claim it as being a rebel or risky or cool because we do what we're not supposed to do. But again, a rebel is doing something that nobody else is doing. A very small amount of students are living for Christ. If you want to be a true rebel, then do something that no one else is doing. How about being a rebel for Christ. It seems like very few are standing alone or standing up for what they believe, actually living to make an impact for the Gospel. It only takes one student to make an impact...

Are you willing to take a stand for Christ even if that means standing alone?

Everlasting vs Eternal

Have you ever realized that the words everlasting and eternal don't mean the same thing? Yet they are interchangeable in some of the verses that talk about life after death. Everlasting life is really talking about the life we will have with or without God forever, but eternal life has no beginning. (Mind Blown). So, when we accept Christ and are given eternal life, whose life do we now possess? My physical body had a beginning but now that I am spiritually united with Christ, I have eternal life - life with no beginning or end. Having eternal life means that you now possess God's divine life. Andrew Farley puts it this way, "Eternal life is not your life made better. Eternal life is not your life made longer. Eternal life is an altogether different life - a life not your own now imparted to you. Eternal life is Christ's life." John 14:19 says because Christ lives, I also will live. Colossians 3:4 says when Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

It doesn't matter that your family jokes about you being an "oops baby". You were God's idea before you were your parents 'mistake'. Before the world existed, God knew you (Jeremiah 1:5). And now that we have eternal life in Christ, we are able to live a new life. A life united with God. A force that had no beginning!

The Right Question

As I read the Gospels, it's interesting to note how many times Jesus answers a question with a question. The disciples ask Jesus how they are to respond when people ask them who He is...Jesus responds by asking them who do you say I am? The Pharisees question Jesus' miracle on the Sabbath...Jesus responds by asking them if it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath? The list goes on...

In my own experiences in ministry I have often found that if I can respond with a question, most people will be able to digest and discern for themselves the answer. However, learning to ask the right question is the most important yet challenging thing to do.

In order to keep a conversation going, questions that only require a yes or no answer are absolutely the worst kinds of questions. And when dealing with students, this usually ends the conversation. Asking questions differently can get to the heart of what actually needs to be discussed. I say this because usually when I am asked a question that causes controversy or is a grey issue, there is a hidden reason behind the motives of the question. Most people are looking to get around the 'rules' or push the boundaries in what they believe. They want to know things like how far is too far and how close can I get to the line without crossing over. Instead of sharing our own convictions, we need to ask better questions in response to the things people ask us. Andy Stanley writes a whole book on this subject titled, "The Best Question Ever". Spoiler Alert: The best question ever is to ask yourself: What is the wise thing to do? A lot of regrets can be avoided if we replaced our questions with the thought of, is this wise?

Treasure

I want to piggy-back off the last blog I wrote on 'Rewards' and dive a little deeper on the treasure we have in Jesus and Him alone. In 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 Paul writes, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." This treasure IN jars of clay. What does that mean? It's actually quite simple... Jesus is the treasure, we are the jars of clay. Jesus living IN average and ordinary people. Jesus is IN us and if Jesus is IN us, we are capable of extraordinary things. In fact, 'all-surpassing power' in the Greek means extremely extraordinary or surpassing excellence.

So, Jesus lives IN average, ordinary people. But because Jesus lives IN us, we become extremely extraordinary or surpassing in excellence because He is IN us. We now have power in the name of Christ. Therefore, we are able to conquer any trial, hardship, discouragement, shame, or any other struggle that the devil throws our way. We may be struck down, but we are not destroyed. And this concept is what people need to understand because trusting in Jesus does not make life perfect. In fact, if we sell people on the idea that Jesus makes life perfect, then when their life falls apart, so will their faith. Jesus gives us the ability to endure any circumstance because in His power we have strength. The reward is the life of no fear, living in peace and hope, knowing that Christ has conquered all things! Jesus brings Heaven to Earth! Our reward is the best life now, His life living through us!

Rewards

Ever been told or thought of Heaven as a bunch of mansions? Ever thought of doing 'good deeds' in order to earn Heavenly rewards? Ever said jokingly that you just lost or earned a jewel on your crown or have this fantasy idea of what Heaven looks like?

As I've been challenged lately on my views of Heaven, I've come to find out that you will never find the plural phrase of the word 'reward' in the New Testament. Paul spoke of a reward or prize in running the race and reaching the end but what is the prize? In Matthew, you read of Jesus saying to store up treasures in Heaven but as I've studied that, treasures aren't rewards. In fact, you don't earn treasures...you find them. And once you find them, you can either invest it or leave it as if you never found it. That's an interesting thought.

Pastor Andrew Farley says, "As humans, we always seem to be looking for a punishment or reward-based motivation to keep our behavior on track." And as I've talked to believers, this seems to be a common factor. Farley goes on to say, "God doesn't want us to think and act in certain ways because we're seeking to accumulate heavenly merchandise. Just as Paul was willing to lose all things for the sake of knowing Christ, we too should make it our agenda to know Him! For more wealth in Heaven? No, we want to know Christ simply because it's the greatest thing going on planet Earth."

Wow. Is Jesus enough? Frankly, the reward is Jesus. A life filled with unconditional love, sufficient grace, and a reality that in Christ you are perfect, worthy, righteous, and forgiven...a saint, saved by grace. The reward is allowing Jesus to live your life in the here and now. Will you store up treasures or should I say an attitude, a love (action) that endures forever or will you pursue the unfulfilling success and dead works that don't earn you 'jewels'? The choice is yours, the reward is now!

Making A Difference vs. Making A Point

If you're like me, you like to prove people wrong when they make ridiculous claims. I'll never forget when Brent Boschman claimed he could eat 3 boxes of Mac & Cheese in one sitting. Joe Smith quickly called him out. To our surprise, not only did the man eat 3 boxes of Mac & Cheese but he did it in under 30 minutes. What initially was us trying to make a point that his claim was absurd, Brent threw it back in the face of all his doubters and proved us all wrong. Brent made his point!

There is nothing wrong with proving your point. I do it all the time. But the question I want to ask is, are you more concerned with proving a point than making a difference? I want to focus on Christians who feel like they need to make a point, proving their faith in Christ at whatever the cost rather than caring and loving people in an effort to make a difference. We shove evangelism in their face or through a track without genuinely loving someone. We talk over others in an effort to 'win' the discussion. We rarely listen, not knowing you can learn a lot about a person by simply listening to them. We think we are making an impact for Christ when we argue with other religious people or agnostics. We think our stupid "Christ-like" bumper stickers or Christianese cliches will attract people to the Gospel. We win 'battles' but in reality we lose the war. Have you ever had a conversation with someone that was overly passionate or unattractively pressuring you into believing what they believed, whether that is Christianity, products, sports, or any other kind of knowledge? Even if you agree with them, more often than not you take the other side just to possibly prove them wrong. I'm afraid our techniques in evangelism is actually causing more harm than good.

Philadelphia Flyer coach Peter Lavoilette says, "Don't just play the game to let it go by, play the game to make a difference." We play sports in hopes of making a difference in the outcome of the game. We've all been there. Thinking about making the last minute shot or goal and becoming the town hero for the evening. Just like in sports, we should be more concerned with making a difference than making a point. Are people attracted to you because you show them the love of Christ? Do people know you actually care about them? Do people feel comfortable telling you what they think or believe, knowing you won't pass judgment? People will never listen to what you have to say about Christianity until they know you genuinely care for them.

Experience

During staff meeting a couple months ago, we were sharing stories of people we talked with after the service. One woman was talking about how great her experience was with our church when a lady on staff responded with a simple question. The question she asked the guest was, "Did you experience God?" The woman went on to explain the things she felt God laid on her heart. That's awesome! But that question started a trail of thoughts for me as we continued our meeting.

As I've experienced great services in other churches and the different ways that people present the Gospel, we can be sure that if people don't experience God we completely miss the point of meeting. Church is not about a spectacular event, it's about a sincere and faithful heart towards God. You impact a community when they know you care, when you present the Gospel in an authentic and raw way, and when you live with an overflowing love that expresses grace to all people. We can do amazing things to attract people but the main question remains: Do they experience God?

The catch is, the word church does not mean 'a building'. You are the church, everywhere you go. When you talk and interact with people, do you draw them closer to Christ or push them further from Him? Do people experience love through their relationship with you? Do you offer the same grace that you have received from Christ?

We can throw facts at people all day long but what they need is to experience Jesus for themselves and see His goodness. Psalm 34:8 says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Well in order to taste something, you need to experience it. And once you experience the incredible grace, unconditional love, and constant pursuit from Him, you'll never be the same!

Compassion

I was listening to a podcast this week and the preacher said something along the lines that every time Jesus was moved with compassion, it forced His involvement. Forced His involvement? I didn't really understand that statement so I looked it up and found that this was actually true. In fact, it happens 5 times (Matthew 14:14, Matthew 15:32, Matthew 20:34, Mark 1:41, and Luke 7:13-15). I started with Matthew 14:14 which says, "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick." He goes on to feed about 20,000 people but the startling reality lies in that word compassion. That word used in the Greek (splagchnon) actually means "inward parts or bowels" a gut-level compassion. 

It's interesting when you think about compassion as bowels. When you get food poisoning what happens? I don't know about you, but the 2 times I've had food poisoning I've been violently sick. Throwing up constantly. When my bowels were messed up it forced an action! That is exactly what happened to Jesus when He felt compassion on people. It's almost as if He got sick to His stomach to the point where He was forced into action to meet their needs. 

This should really challenge us in the way we do life. When we see the needs of others, we should have such compassion on them that it forces our actions to meet their needs. God calls us to love! 1 John 3:17 says, "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" Compassion cannot leave a person in the same condition they were found. Mother Teresa says it best, "I have found the paradox that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love!"

Be Extreme

When you think about worship, most people think of singing. Singing is a form of worship but the reality is, Christians aren't the only ones who worship. Worship is a lifestyle! All of us worship something or someone whether you are aware of it or not. We worship God, but we also might worship money, friendships, relationships, sports, famous people, etc... The question to ask yourself is, do you worship created things over the Creator?

Worship is what you do, what you value, and where you spend your time. It's a heart issue. It is public action. It is how you do life. True worship is a life that honors God, doing everything to the best of your ability (Colossians 3:17). We worship when we obey. If you are going to be extreme about something, err on the side of obedience to God!

The New Testament explains 2 commands that wrap up how we should live. They are found in Matthew 22:37-39. Love God, Love People. I've heard people call the Bible a 'book of rules' but frankly that couldn't be more wrong. The Bible is not a rulebook. It's the anointed words of God about His amazing sacrifice through Jesus on our behalf. If we stopped focusing on the 'rules' and focused more on God, loving Him and loving people; your life would drastically change.

Herod

I heard a preacher once say that you will never run out of material if you speak from your weaknesses. One of the things I struggle with the most is discouragement. I've figured out how to defeat it but sometimes I'm not always quick to respond in the appropriate way. You can defeat discouragement through several approaches but two ways that have helped me the most is through encouraging others or praising God. When I encourage others randomly or when I praise God and start thinking of all the blessings He's given me, it's hard to stay in a state of discouragement. I'm soon reminded of how much He loves me.

Discouragement is one of the devil's greatest tools. If he can get you frustrated, upset, or feeling sorry for yourself, he can distract you from what God wants to do in and through you. There is nothing more satisfying for Satan than when we are not making an impact for the Kingdom of God.

Do you remember who was king and what he wanted to do after the birth of Jesus? Herod kept hearing from people that the 'King' was born. It infuriated him because he was king. Status and power was everything to him. In fact, Herod sent out a creed to kill all babies under two years of age in the hope of having Jesus killed. That's odd. At that point, no one really knew who Jesus was going to be. He had yet to do anything great or miraculous. But Satan knew... Again, our war is not a war of flesh and blood. It's a spiritual war (Ephesians 6). Always has been, always will be. Just like Herod wanted to kill Jesus at His birth, before He did anything great; so the devil wants to kill you and your dreams before you make any kind of impact for Christ. Before you even get started in your walk with God the devil is flooding your mind with lies that you will never make a difference. Lies that God can't do anything through you. Be encouraged. Don't defeat yourself. Don't listen to the lies. God wants to use you. God wants to build His Kingdom through you. Keep trusting, keep believing. Don't let the discouragement of the devil keep you from doing what God wants you to do today! You have victory in Christ!

2013

Three days into 2013 and I'm excited, expectant, and grateful for where God has led me and for where He is going to lead me. For many of you, the last year was a time of joy or pain. We all have different experiences, different memories, and different emotions that went along with 2012. They have shaped or molded us into the person we are right now. Pastor Channock Banet said it perfectly this past weekend at Cornerstone Church. As he was recapping 2012, with the joys and pains that went along with it, he said, "Let's not let the memorial of 2012 become a monument that we camp under." That's a pretty awesome statement, yet a serious warning! Regardless of what you experienced this past year, it can keep you from growing and enjoying what God has for you right now. Whether it was a great year or the worst year of your life, you have a choice. You can either set up shop in the joyful or painful memories of 2012, living captive to moments; or you can take whatever circumstances you experienced and use them as motivation or momentum to carry out what God wants to do in and through you this year!

With God's amazing grace and love, we are capable of making a huge impact for the Gospel. God's grace covers you but it then produces faith. Faith requires responsibility and your responsibility is to live like Jesus lived (1 John 2:6). Not under shame or the feeling that you have to earn God's grace through obedience. But under the realization that God is in fact proud of you, loves you, and can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20). When your focus is Jesus, sin is diminished. As a pastor once said, "I want to be known as someone who walks out of the Bible, not out of the Bible belt." 2013 is going to be a year of breakthrough and Jesus is going to get all the glory.