The Parables

The Parables of Luke are really stretching me right now. I have read them many times in the past but am getting so much out of them during this series in particular.

I continue to be amazed by Jesus' intensity and constant focus. He never looked for affirmation from those around him but only from His heavenly Father. He led with courage and spoke the truth. He called a "spade a spade." He loved and challenged at the same time. These parables are such perfect examples of Jesus' commitment to bringing the truth to light.

I want to be changed by hearing them once again.

Rob

Truth in Image

I am still chewing on John's message from this last weekend. He had 4 main points: truth in silence, image, comfort, and heart. All hit home with me. All brought conviction in my life.

Today I am focusing on image. There are so many different aspects to image. I am not sure of your struggle but mine is in the area of being a "fool" for Jesus. In fact I even hate the word. In the Hebrew Scriptures foolishness is described in detail as behavior we should avoid. Those proverbial scriptures remain intact for me. But Jesus introduces a different way that is labeled "foolish" as well. However, it is foolish only because it radically goes against the norm of society. This is the good "foolishness" of the Bible.

The aftermath of this kind of "foolish" living for Jesus typically involves being labeled as extreme, radical, unintellectual, non-mainstream, sectarian, "other side of the tracks," out of touch, irrelevant, and other even more disparaging remarks. And I confess that those labels have been a serious hang up for me. And this is where "Truth in Image" hits me between the eyes.

So my response today? It's time to embrace foolishness. It's time for me to get my marching orders from Jesus and not societal norms. It's time for me to say, "Thanks for the compliment!" the next time I receive one of the above mentioned labels. It's time to grow and mature in this area. It's time.

Rob

Inconvenience

This past weekend we identified four areas of inconvenience: time, messiness, money, and reputation. Each one of these are deeply inconvenienced when we step out to help our "neighbor" (as Jesus identifies neighbor in the parable).

For me I have been focusing this week on surrendering over my time to the Lord. This doesn't mean I have given up on planning and organization. God made me that way (I am an off-the-chart "J" on the Myers/Briggs)! However, it does mean that I am capable of responding with grace and mercy to "curves in the road" that I did not anticipate. God does not seem to warn us of them. It's as if God knows that the navigation of an unexpected turn produces something in us that would not develop if we were informed that the turn was coming. So let's get busy holding tight to the steering wheel and being ready for wherever God leads.

So this has been my focus this week from the sermon. I hope you are joining in with us and becoming ministers of inconvenience!

Rob

Fast and Ashes

The Lenten season is upon us. Last night's Ash Wednesday worship gathering was particularly meaningful for me. Dr. Ken Priddy began our series on the Parables of Luke with a message about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. This morning I still have ringing in my heart the following line from his message: "Mardi Gras is for the Pharisee. Ash Wednesday is for sinner."

As I sat there last night in worship feeling hungry from 3 days of Daniel fast, challenged to allow the Holy Spirit to realign any areas of my heart that have gone adrift, a little tired, and most of all moved to tears, I sensed a freedom and weightlessness come over me. As I repeated those words to myself, "Father, I am a sinner. Have mercy on me, " I enjoyed the resulting awareness in my heart that total dependence on God is the most "freeing" posture in which one can be.

May these 40 days draw us closer to our Holy God, be a "tipping point" in our Call to mission at ComChap, and cause us to be people of prayer not people who pray.

I look forward to hearing how God is showing up in your life!

Rob

Remember the Word

I challenged us this past weekend to commit an entire chapter of Scripture to memory between now and Resurrection Day (April 4th). It can be any chapter you want from any version of Scripture.

This morning I decided on Colossians 1. It is a chapter I have admired for years so why not just have it memorized. It has a total of 29 verses so I can memorize one per day.

As you select your chapter let me know. I will keep a running list of them. We will get back to you with a Tuesday night in April to present them (if you want to do that - no pressure).

Let the Scriptural Renaissance begin.

Rob

Valentine's Day Movie

Jenn and I went to see the new Valentine's Day movie yesterday late afternoon (had no idea the matinee is so expensive, when did that happen?) Afterwards we went to dinner and spent some time talking about the content of the movie.

We live in a culture that has officially joined the ranks of total depravity and carnality when it comes to relationships. Every relationship depicted in the movie represented a complete disregard for biblical morals (the only exception to this involved a young boy in 5th grade and his mother that serves in the army).

I realize that this is nothing new. I did not suddenly see something yesterday in the movie that was "on the big screen" for the first time. Rather I was alarmed that there was not even an attempt to present thematically a higher moralistic option. It was as if the movie was communicating that none exists! Has that part of our meta-thinking as a society completely evaporated? I thought there were at least some small morsels of it remaining? Not according to the how-could-you-be-so-educated-and-stupid-at-the-same-time writers and producers of this movie!

Brokenness and relational pain will continue to get worse the more our world discards the established truth of God and replaces it with immature, cheaply imitated, self-generated, narcissistically based, pathetic examples of relationships. How bad does the pain need to get for us to admit we are wrong and God is right?

If you want to see a good example of what is acutely foul in our messed up world's understanding of relationships, go see the movie. If you want to remain enlightened and focused on God's love and truth, spend your money on something else.

I wish we had.

Rob

Lost and Found Bibles?

We are doing some cleaning up this week at Park/Meadow facility. I am astounded at the amount of unclaimed Bibles we have accumulated over the last 5 years. Perhaps the body that was originally attached to the Bible is not aware of where it was left and he/she has been searching diligently for it for many years!? Or maybe it is tragic to consider that they have not evenly realized yet that it is missing!

So we are going to give the Bibles away this weekend in worship to people who actually want to study them and go deeper in their walk with Christ. Some of you may even want to get one for a friend.

Scriptural Renaissance begins this weekend.

Rob

Holy Scripture

Paul told Timothy that all Scripture is "God-breathed." We will study this together this weekend. I am going to be challenging us to start a "Scriptural Renaissance!"

A renaissance is a rebirth or renewal of thought, idea, and/or practice. It represents that which is not new but in need of reviving, awakening. It's amazing to me that such an antiquated document as Scripture has intense power and relevance for today.

In my lifetime I have allowed many authors, philosophers, "armchair critics," coaches, teachers, acquaintances, media personnel, pop culture icons, athletes, graffiti artists, theologians, and many other communicators to "breath" their message into my life. It's impossible to live in this world and not have this occur on a daily basis. While my goal is not to close my ears to the chatter of this world (for how else will I be in conversation communicating the power of the message of the Gospel) but rather to marinate in "God-breathed" words to dispel the emptiness of "world-breathed" words.

Join me this weekend in starting a "Scriptural Renaissance." Breath on us oh breath of God!

Rob

Pray Together?

Why is it so difficult to convince the Church to gather for a time of prayer together? I have pastored for almost 20 years now and nothing even comes close to the "scattering" and "excuse making" that an announced time of prayer produces. I am left to conclude that one or more of the following is true:

1. Prayer is the greatest weapon God has given us. Satan knows it. So Satan successfully deceives and manipulates us into not gathering together wholly. And we seem to accept it.

2. Followers of Christ are so far gone in their need to be entertained in church that the ability to be together in prayer without entertainment has been completely lost. And we seem to accept it.

3. The designated night for prayer is simply a bad night of the week (accept for personal socials or other things that people choose to do on that same night). And we seem to accept it.

4. People say, "We pray at church or missional community or other places." Really? You intentionally every week pray for 60 plus minutes with a group of people in an intense strategic way? I doubt it. And we seem to accept it.

5. We don't truly believe that prayer makes a difference. Of course, nobody wants to go on record saying this so we say it with our actions and choices. And we seem to accept it.

There is probably more excuses but these are five that come quickly to mind. I'm appalled that we seem to accept it.

Rob

Snow Rules Christianity

I just heard this phrase a week ago. Unfortunately I loved it. Apparently "snow rules" is the you-don't-really-have-to-obey-the-rules reality that occurs when there is a lot of snow on the ground. It is great: traffic light taking too long to turn green? - run it! - snow rules!; arriving on time at work? not necessary! - snow rules!; garbage needs to go out? - just let it sit there! - snow rules! and on and on the examples could flow.

I have sensed a connection between this fun and light-hearted approach to snow and the very serious reality of "lukewarm Christianity." I have found myself disgusted internally when I consider the ways in which I am tempted to simply "change the rules" on God when I feel like it. It is as if ever-changing circumstances justify a suspension of God's authority in my life.

How ironic that I am quick to admire and respect those "heroes" of the faith who maintain consistent devotion to Christ in the midst of any and everything. And yet, one day where things don't go my way and I'm ready to "lose my religion."

"Oh God, my prayer today is that the resolve of Daniel would reside within me. Even as circumstances may change, may my devotion to Christ be steadfast. I can't do this in my own strength. My humanity seems to be a constant barrier as is it seeks to lure me into self-pity, destructive thinking, fickle behavior, and other related weaknesses. May my life be planted on the rock of your Word and promises. I mean this with all my heart."

Rob

2 Timothy

1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are three very special books in the New Testament. I continue to be amazed weekly (just in 2 Timothy) how relevant and convicting Paul's instruction is to young Timothy. There is so much God is working in my life during this series.

My father recently encouraged me to read these "Pastoral Epistles (as they are technically referred to) once a quarter. I understand now why he recommends this.

This weekend we will be moving into part six "Holy Scripture: 3:10-17." I just finished the teaching notes this morning and am reflecting on the message. I like to "preach" it to myself first. I am praying today that the "scriptural renaissance" I will refer to this weekend will begin in my heart. I so desire to surrender all of my being to God - my actions, my thoughts, my study, my ambitions, my selfishness, my past mistakes, etc... The words of Holy Scripture are life in the midst of a lifeless world.

"Taste and see that He is good."

Rob

Today's Focus: Peace

From our message this past weekend, I am focusing today on taking aim at "peace." Historically, this has been very absent from my life. I have often struggled with worry, anxiety, excessive fixation on problems, and basic discontentment.

Peace is the catharsis we experience when we fully comprehend God's grace and mercy and love towards us. I find, quite simply, that the less I am thinking on these "graces," the less peace I experience. And conversely, the more I think on these "graces," the over-abundance of peace I experience.

My focus today is to remain in a constant state of peace through all that God has for me. I believe that God has wired us to simultaneously engage in the responsibilities of the day while doing so from a posture of peace. Jesus is the ultimate example. He never was content to passively approach his day. Rather he actively pursued the will of the Father and was at peace doing so.

Busyness in the world typically implies stress. Busyness with God is about doing His will and implies peace. "My yoke is easy and my burden is light," said Jesus. I believe him. Do you?

Rob

Holy Living

Holy Living

I am reflecting this morning on our worship together this past weekend. It was a crazy, snowy weekend. I know many of you were unable to make it out but some did. Check out the pic above of the Saturday night crew!

We presented the 5th message on our series Devout: A Study of 2 Timothy. Specifically we studied 2:22-3:9 "Holy Living." The message should be posted for you to listen to by Tuesday night.

A big "take-away" for me this weekend was Paul's instruction on "aim." We are to aim at righteousness, faith, love and peace. We want to be a church community that constantly creates an environment of target practice. It is rare to hit any target the first few times. It takes practice.

Aiming and hitting the target of righteousness, faith, love and peace takes practice. So let's practice together. I would love to hear from you. How are you doing? What questions or suggestions do you have for us?

I am focusing today on faith. I realize that so much of my life is structured and dependable. Where am I walking in faith? How am I trusting God to stretch me in trusting Him for everything? This is what I am chewing you. You?

Rob

The Church: Mission not Destination!

Jesus told his disciples to "go and make disciples." That's it. Why is such a simple closing instruction by Jesus so difficult to keep in focus?

We seem at times to have a type of "spiritual A.D.D." that inflicts us with an inability to stay focused on the main deal. As a result, new paths are chartered and explored that were never intended to be our paths. Resources are wasted. Life gets busier without fruitful results.

I am marinating day and night on how God is continuing to draw us into focus. To state it more personally, I am beginning to see that which has always been there with greater clarity - we are to be about mission not destination! We are dynamic not static, a movement not a building, a people passionate about God not "churchianity."

Isn't it frustrating to point to an object in the near distance only to have the person next to us unable to see it? We say, "Right there!" "Next to the tree." "The big tree with the small bush in front of it." But they continue to say, "I can't see it." When they finally do see, they are equally surprised with the trouble experienced in seeing it.

I am praising God the Father this morning for His continual persistence and grace in helping me to see. How many times I have been looking but not seeing! Yet He patiently keeps with me until at last I see.

Rob

Teaching

I have completed my first 3 teaching sessions. We have a total of about 80 Tanzanian Pastors attending the week long conference. They have received the teaching out of 2 Timothy with great appreciation. I am honored to be here speaking into their lives.

I have 5 sessions to go. Please be in prayer as I make final preparations for these sessions. I want to be both a timely as well as relevant teacher in their lives.

I am very impressed with the Tanzanian leadership. They have an aggressive vision over the next 10 years to plant churches among "lost" people groups in certain regions of the country. I can feel the excitement and passion in the air. It is contagious!

Hope all is well in Richmond. I will be home in 6 days. See you soon.

Rob

Arrived

After almost 40 hours of cars, planes, and suv's I have arrived in the southern region of Tanzania called Mgeba. I am very tired and heading to bed. I have my first teaching session in the morning. About 125 pastors will be attending the conference this week. I will write more later in the week!

Rob

Off to Africa

I am leaving this weekend for my 10-day mission trip to Africa (Tanzania). I will be doing one of my favorite things: teaching on leadership in the Church at a conference for Tanzanian pastors. In addition, I am hoping to look at some options for our two Advent Conspiracy wells.

I would deeply appreciate your prayers. Please prayer for strength and endurance (I will be teaching 9 sessions). Also, pray that a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit would be upon me as I seek to understand the culture in which I will be teaching. I want to be convicting and relevant.

And finally, pray that God would continue to stir my heart for us as a church family regarding mission in Richmond and around the world. We desire to be a movement of people propelled by the Gospel - not a building! May God grant fresh vision and excitement.

I will be praying for you all while I am away. I will have limited email access but will do my best to blog and send updates. Blessings.

Rob

Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast

I had the joy and honor yesterday morning of attending the annual Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast. The head table included a number of key leaders in our city and state - Gov. Tim Kaine and Gov-elect Bob McDonnell were two of them.

Hall of Fame member, Art Monk, shared his testimony. As he described a small group Bible study that he attended while a wide-receiver for the Washington Redskins, I could not help but cry tears of joy. In that small group the Holy Spirit touched his heart, and he surrendered his life to Christ.

Mr. Monk said, "The Monday morning following the Super Bowl in which we were victorious, I woke up with an empty feeling in my gut. Is this all there is to life?" God's Spirit was working on him.

The temporary successes of this world are gone in the morning. They are isolated moments that burn off quickly like a "caffeine high." The moments of "success" in the Kingdom of God leave us with a powerful sense of never-ending, eternal, full-of-purpose contentment. We awake in the morning discovering an existence that is full of life, grace, and mercy. Why would we settle for anything less? "Christ holds the words of eternal life"!

Rob

Witness

The early Church did not understand a difference between sharing one's faith (witnessing) and losing one's life for the faith (martyr). Both were the same word. Most early followers of Christ anticipated that their life may be at risk for actively witnessing. Yet, the Gospel flourished.

While there is some apprehension you and I face when sharing our faith, it pales in comparison to the early Church context. And yet, the Gospel is not flourishing in the U.S. Most statistics show the Church losing ground in attracting constituents.

There is an irony here. Our “easy” context for sharing the Gospel has the tendency to produce complacency and lack of witnessing in us rather than a greater abundance of it! This is hard to believe. We have more resources, support, money, teaching, revelation, and access than the Church has ever possessed and yet we are declining?

I can only conclude one thing: a sense of urgency and passion has become dormant in the hearts of many Believers. The enemy of our souls has convinced us that we are being and doing enough!

Let's wake up the "sleeping giant." This is our hour in the history of God's salvation work in the world.

Testify to our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

Rob

Stitches

For those of you who don't know, I took a little spill on the stage of the National yesterday. Right before the service, I was walking across to the other side carrying the communion elements and tripped over a monitor. I cut my wrist pretty bad.

We changed the order of worship and I did the message up front and than headed to Patient First where they fixed me up (5 stitches). I am quite sore today!

Thank you so much for all your prayers and texts. I really appreciate it. Holy Suffering: between my computer crash and this accident and this sermon - it has been quite a week!

"Praise Him in the Storm!"

Rob

Crash

My computer crashed this week. The hard drive died. And foolishly, I had not backed up a number of important files. I learned my lesson.

Guarding and protecting that which is essential is true both in the physical as well as spiritual world. Our verse to commit to memory this week speaks to this issue. What are ways you and I can better guard the truth that Paul speaks of? Would love to hear from you.

Rob

Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:14:"¹⁴guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us."

Rekindle

anazoipureo – means to rekindle, inflame, stir –up - 2 Timothy 1:6

-unique double meaning:

a. to rekindle or to refresh a fire that has almost gone out

b.to keep a full flame going – don’t neglect it

I went through a brief season in 2009 where the fire of God had dimmed in me. I was experiencing fatigue, some unusual stress, and became complacent in my daily devotional times with the Lord. It is amazing how quickly and easily it can happen.

As I freshly yielded myself to the Spirit of God, I began to be brought back into that "sweet spot" of continual fellowship with the Father. We worship the God who is constantly drawing us deeper into Himself. Some start far away while others never leave his side. Neither scenario modifies his disposition of love for us.

Perhaps you are in a difficult or spiritually dry season. Rekindle the gift of God that is in you. His grace and mercy are available. Create some space in your life today to respond to him. As we reach out, we discover His hands are already extended.

Rob

Paul's Greeting to Timothy

Keywords and meanings for Paul's greeting

-grace: charis – divine favor, loving-kindness, favorable regard

-mercy: eleos – compassion, pity

-peace: eirene – welfare

-the first two: grace and mercy are acts of God

-grace describes God’s attitude toward the lawbreaker and rebel

-mercy is God’s attitude toward those who are in distress

-the third one: peace is the resulting experience

2 Timothy Background

Paul and Timothy were dealing with a well-known heresy (false teaching) known as gnosticism. Here are some of the characteristics of it as we discussed this weekend. Keep these in mind as we are studying 2 Timothy. You will see different places where Paul is addressing one of these.

1. Speculative Intellectualism – dealt in foolish and unlearned questions; a kind of intellectual filibuster – just meant to waste time – of no value to anyone, the kind of intellectual debate that is only for the purpose of argumentation and division

2. Pride – elitists and clicks emerged actually claiming that only they were exclusively in possession Christian blessing; created false levels of spirituality

3. Unhealthy Asceticism (denying self) – new special food laws, random lists of impure items, and for those already married they even recommended renouncing marriage and leaving their families

4. Immorality – some would break into homes and lead away weak and naïve women into evil desires (2 Timothy 3:6); money gain through false teaching – getting rich on the backs of susceptible early followers of Christ

5. Endless, godless chatter and speech

6. Jewish legalism – especially around circumcision

7. And Denied the resurrection of the body – believed “body or flesh or physical matter” was evil and only spirit was good

Hope this informs your study of 2 Timothy.

Rob