tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28389958228080553602024-03-13T23:56:49.814-07:00Musings of A Rural PastorAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-68225164574977971632015-06-17T08:47:00.002-07:002015-06-17T08:47:11.188-07:00God Says ‘Go’ But I Say ‘Whoa’
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
happens when God moves faster than what you’re ready to move?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s your first response?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it ‘Let’s go!’ or is it ‘Wait God, I need
more time’?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m in the
process of preparing our Bible studies for next year’s Community Groups at T<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he Bridge </i>in which we’ll begin going
through the book of Acts—the story of the 1<sup>st</sup> Century Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the first few chapters of Acts, I’m struck
with the quickness of how God moved and how many people were added to the
church in such a short amount of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
sure none of the church leaders had planned or anticipated that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last
night, my wife and I had a meeting with a core group of people in Jiggs (about
30 miles from where I live).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had
been preparing the soil out there for the past six months to begin a new church
work in this ranching community (a satellite campus of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bridge</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have
to cajole, convince, or plead for the group to do something. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I met with these folks and we discussed
timing for our first church service—the group overwhelmingly wanted to start
next month. 30 days from now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My first
internal reaction was: ‘Are you crazy?!’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>I</u></b> thought of all the
things on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>my</u></b> to-do list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the tasks and responsibilities<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <u>I</u></b> already have on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>my</u></b> plate. Everything else that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>I</u></b> considered a priority. Besides—who
in their right mind starts a church during the summer? Haven’t they read all
the books about strategic church planting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But the
Holy Spirit grabbed my tongue and I allowed myself to be swept along with the
wave that God was obviously creating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
reflecting on the events of last night, I realize more than ever that I must
yield control to God so that worry and anxiety don’t become my thought-partners
over the next 30 days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have been
a part of so many churches over the years that quench God’s Spirit by putting
on the brakes and slowing down when God is moving. Usually, it is because what
is happening is beyond our ability to control and manage it. It moves us
outside of a comfort zone of ‘standard operating procedure’ that no longer are
we able to recognize and respond to the revival call of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am
grateful to be part of a church at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bridge Baptist Church</i> that is willing to venture into the unknown and ‘surf’
the wave of the Holy Spirit’s moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go
God!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in audio format can
be found at www.NVbridgechurch.com.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-37247705632328531042015-06-04T13:06:00.002-07:002015-06-04T13:07:26.501-07:00Why I Care About Elko (re-posted)<br />
This is a re-posting of a previous blog (the subject which I made reference to at the GREAT Network prayer meeting last night):<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8/21/13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why I Care About Elko, NV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My wife and I moved to Elko, Nevada a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that time, we have enjoyed the rugged
beauty and pace of life in a rural environment--but that is not why I care
about Elko.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have many friends and are
part of a great family at Cornerstone Baptist--but that is not why I care about
Elko.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why I care about Elko is based on
something written almost 2,600 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 586 BC, Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed by the Babylonian
army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the politicians, educators,
religious leaders and other persons of note were dragged off to Babylonian
exile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Settling in Babylon, this Jewish
remnant was discouraged, frightened and didn't know what their future
held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their natural tendency was to
withdraw into their own 'safe' Jewish community to preserve what little religious
and sociological culture they had left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But God had a different idea. He sent them some specific instructions
that are found in Jeremiah 29. In verse 7, we read this, "<span class="text">Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have sent you
[carried you into exile]. Pray to the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> for it,
because if it prospers, you too will prosper."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Hebrew word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shalom</i>
is a word rich in meaning. We often translate it using the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">peace</i>, but it means so much more than
the absence of conflict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can also be
translated (and often is depending on context) to wholeness, completeness,
peace, prosperity, health, wellness--that which is a gift from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shalom</i>
in its original context, verse 7 reads as...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Seek the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shalom</i> [wholeness, completeness,
prosperity, health, wellness, peace] of the city to which I have sent you. Pray
to the Lord for it, because if it has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shalom</i>,
you too will have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shalom</i>."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I care about Elko because God cares about Elko--and He has commanded me
(and every other follower of Christ) to care about the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shalom</i> of our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shalom</i> involves so much more than just
the spiritual--it also includes the physical, psychological, emotional, and
relational aspects of our community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I read in the paper daily about the problems we have in our
community--there are many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as lovers
of God, we are to insert ourselves into the community to be salt and
light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we become actively involved
in being <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shalom</i>-makers, we not only
benefit as members of our community, we have positioned ourselves as a people
who can "give a reason for the hope that we have." (1 Pet. 3:15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For that reason, I was involved in recently chairing a Community Ad-Hoc
Homeless Task Force. We issued our report last month (you can request a copy
from me at PastorJohnElko@gmail.com).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
organized this group specifically because I saw a need (after God revealed it
to me) where I could bring some leadership to bear and be an instrument for
bringing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shalom</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not know how God may use this
report--but I do know that the experience was invaluable for the community
connections that were made as well as the opportunity for my own personal
growth and understanding of this tremendously complex issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being a carrier of God's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shalom</i>
usually means that one has to go into the community because the community
probably won't come to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love God,
love others, love Elko.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(If you want to be notified of future blog postings, friend me on
Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent
sermons in both an audio and video format can be found at
</span><a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.NVbridgechurch.com</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-26249487401657770002015-06-04T12:57:00.002-07:002015-06-05T11:10:32.857-07:00Strongholds in the Church<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last night
was the first prayer meeting of the GREAT (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>GR</u></b>eater
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>E</u></b>lko <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>A</u></b>rea <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>T</u></b>ransformation)
Network. We used 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 as our foundational text for last night’s
prayer. In this passage, Paul talks about how our battle is waged in the
spiritual realm and, as such, we need to pray to demolish strongholds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of our love for the local church and
The Church of Elko/Spring Creek, we identified specific strongholds fighting
against the unity that Jesus prayed for us to experience (John 17:20-23). I
thought I would share our list that we created last night (admittedly, this is
only a partial list and many of the items overlap or are related to each other):<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Complacency/apathy/loss of first
love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Competition/jealousy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer-lessness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Self-centeredness/pride/lack of
humility</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fear of change, getting hurt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Relational brokenness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Independent spirit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Legalism</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lack of servant hearts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lack of God-vision (we become
comfortable with our own vision)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Busy-ness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lack of commitment to relationships</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bad leadership (prideful, abusive,
ungodly/unspiritual) – pastors, elders/deacons, others</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Concern about self-image (i.e., more
interested in pleasing people than pleasing God)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lack </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">of knowledge (i.e., ignorance)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Unconfessed
sin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lack
of love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Past
hurts giving rise to unforgiveness, bitterness, distrust of leaders, anger,
suspicions, misunderstandings, rumors, gossip, assuming the worst in others,
etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Church
splits (which we love to call ‘church starts/plants’) arising from
disagreements, unresolved conflicts, pride, selfishness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">More
interested in building our individual church kingdoms than His Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My experience
has been that this list could apply to almost any city in this country. Satan
doesn’t have to employ any other strategies because the above list is all he
needs to render the church spiritually impotent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">‘God help us’
is more than a cry out in desperation—it is a recognition that only He can
provide the power necessary to break the strong-hold on our city (and your
city). God help us!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in audio format can
be found at www.NVbridgechurch.com.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-47409277467437571712015-03-19T08:46:00.003-07:002015-03-19T08:46:59.319-07:00On Being A Shrewd Christian
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we hear the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shrewd</i>,
we have a tendency to think of it only in the negative (devious, abusive,
severe). Yet, in giving instructions to His followers in interacting with the
world, Jesus said that we are to be “as <u>shrewd</u> as snakes and as innocent
as doves.” (Matt. 10:16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally,
in Jesus’ Parable of the Shrewd Manager, He commended the manager, not for his
dishonesty, but how he had acted <u>shrewdly</u> (Luke 16:8), noting that
believers often have difficulty in properly relating to the world. Jesus’ use
of the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shrewd</i> was obviously not
to give a license to sin but was to encourage us to be discerning, deliberate
and intentional in our dealings with those in our community who don’t know
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In bringing the Kingdom of God and its message of
transformation into our community, we as believers need to understand the
mindset and value systems of the world as well as the tactics of the
enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A community and its culture will
not be changed unless people are transformed from the inside out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can they be transformed unless they
accept and respond to the Good News? And how can they embrace it if they
haven’t seen/heard it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And how can they embrace it if they don’t
like the messenger</i>? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most people will automatically reject a messenger’s message
if they don’t want to listen to the messenger. Christians have a hard time
understanding that we only have as much influence in people’s lives as they are
willing to give us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they don’t like
us (for the wrong reasons) or think very highly of us—our ideas are rejected
and our ability to influence true change is lost. Any persuasion we attempt to
do beyond our boundaries of influence are seen by the world as manipulative and
irrelevant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One aspect of being a shrewd Christian is understanding that
the enemy seeks to reduce our circle of influence in the world so as to contain
the message of Good News which can transform lives and a community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many tactics the enemy
employs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to briefly mention
three of them:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
enemy wants us to focus on doing things that may sooth our conscience but are
ineffective in influencing others to repent and seek after God. We
intentionally do things to offend the masses, thinking we’re taking radical
stands for righteousness, when all we are really doing is pushing those away
who need to hear the Good News the most. When this rejection occurs, we then
like to think of ourselves as martyrs of the truth, furthering a sense of subtle
self-pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This rejection can often be
the sought-after goal rather than seeking to introduce people to a loving, holy
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At
the other end of the spectrum are those that seek to avoid offending <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anyone</i>. Christians will either withdraw
into their ‘Christian bubble’ where all of their interactions and relationships
are only with those who think and believe like them (thus, not ever running the
risk of offending anyone) or the truth of God’s Word has been altered so as to
embrace sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many
Christians believe that community transformation primarily happens by passing
certain laws or legislating certain moral guidelines. But this approach fails
to realize that culture is a reflection of the heart—not the law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>When one focuses on the heart, the law
falls into place</u>. This was the whole emphasis of both the Old and New
Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is our option as believers? To learn how to sincerely
love and embrace our community with agape love (see 1 Cor. 13) while still
disagreeing with someone’s sin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need
to reexamine our motives, our strategies, our relationships so that we can be a
God-honoring, shrewd follower of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in audio format can
be found at www.NVbridgechurch.com.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-51931929792398966352015-02-06T09:33:00.001-08:002015-02-06T09:33:32.679-08:00No Man Is Greater Than...
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Read this recently that I wanted to share with you. I read it over and
over and just let it sink in. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"No man is greater than his
prayer life.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
pastor who is not praying is playing.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
people who are not praying are straying.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
pulpit can be a window to display one's</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">talent--the
prayer closet allows no showing off.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Poverty-stricken as the Church
is today in many things, she is most stricken here, in the place of prayer.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
have many organizers, but few agonizers.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many
players and payers, few pray-ers.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many
singers, few clingers.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lots
of pastors, few wrestlers.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many
fears, few tears.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Much
fashion, little passion.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many
interferers, few intercessors.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many
writers of books, but few fighters.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Failing here, we fail everywhere.</span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We...mistake action for unction
[the pouring out of God's Spirit], commotion for creation, and rattles for
revival."</span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Leonard Ravenhill,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why Revival Tarries</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Wow!</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in audio format can
be found at www.NVbridgechurch.com.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-21783832770978755622014-11-20T10:01:00.000-08:002014-11-20T10:01:57.402-08:00Church Bullies
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It's been a little while since I've posted a blog. No excuses--just
been busy!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I've been preaching through the book of Nehemiah looking at some of his
experiences/responses that we can apply towards rebuilding our lives/rebuilding
our churches. This past weekend, we spent some time talking about the bullies
that Nehemiah was dealing with in rebuilding the wall (focusing on Nehemiah
6).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among a number of applications, I
mentioned dealing with bullies in churches.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all have seen bullies in the church (maybe some of us have even been
a bully!). Bullies are those who give ultimatums: "There will be trouble
if ____________ doesn't change!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I will withhold my
giving if _____________"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I'm going to leave if
______________".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastors often
have to deal with real or implied threats if people don't get their way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a subtle (or not so subtle) attempt
to intimidate (i.e., bully) the pastor or other leadership into getting their
way.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But there is another type of bullying that is even more common and more
insidious to the unity of the church: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rumors/gossip</i>
(which, by the way, Nehemiah was dealing with also).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don't often think of this as bullying but
consider some of the characteristics of rumors/gossip:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.
The s<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ource is rarely quoted. [I heard
that...]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. Exaggeration and inaccuracy are involved.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. They are designed to hurt rather than
build up.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Almost never shared in the proper setting (i.e., face-to-face with the
involved party).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So how to deal with church
bullies who spread rumors/gossip:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Understand the real enemy behind this. It is <u>not</u> the
gossiper/rumor spreader--it is Satan himself (John 10:10).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is spiritual warfare--and must be
approached as such.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Practice loving rebuke (Eph. 4:29).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Refuse to listen or participate. Lovingly rebuking someone at the point
of gossip/rumor is the most loving thing you can do for the gossiper (allows
the Holy Spirit to do a work of conviction) and for those being gossiped about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Make a choice to <u>not</u> yield to temptation. Yielding to listening
to gossip/rumors or responding to them in the flesh (e.g., anxiety,
frustration, depression, anger, desire for revenge) all play right into the
enemy's hands.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Persist and experience God's strength. If one is in the middle of God's
will, keep on doing and being what you have been. The power to harm and to
divert you is stripped away from those who gossip and spread rumors.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God has already given us a road map for dealing with the sin of
bullying (see Matt. 18:15-20).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let God
deal with the bully--He will always be much more effective than you could ever
be!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in audio format can
be found at www.NVbridgechurch.com.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-78936395869748298042014-09-02T15:15:00.001-07:002014-09-02T15:15:17.033-07:00Experiencing A Different Kind of Marriage
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past weekend, I got married again--sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church I am pastoring voted to merge with
another church--creating a brand new church, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bridge Baptist Church</i>. I will have the privilege of being the
pastor for this new endeavor as the pastor of the other church is retiring.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a pastor, I have seen my fair share of unhealthy
relationships and unhealthy people (spiritually, emotionally, psychologically,
relationally, physically) during my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One truism that almost always holds: unhealthy relationships can only
breed additional unhealthy relationships (i.e., an unhealthy person cannot
easily pass 'health' on to another person). The Bible refers to this dynamic as
generational sin. What is true of people is also true of churches.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this day and age, far too many new churches are
born out of church fights, splits, disagreements, and general
disgruntlement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, these
unhealthy births have a tendency to breed unhealthy churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And unhealthy churches breed more unhealthy
churches.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Too often, Christians enter church relationships with
the same mindset that the world has towards regular marriages--"If it
doesn't work out, we'll just get a divorce." But just as a Christian who
desires to honor God enters a marriage relationship with the mindset that
divorce is not an option, believers should enter into relationship with one
another with a mindset that this relationship cannot be easily walked away
from. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, God permits divorce in a regular marriage when
there is a gross violation of that covenant relationship (i.e., adultery), but
His heart is still on reconciliation. For Christians, our covenant relationship
with fellow Christians in a church should be taken seriously as well--short of
a gross covenant violation (e.g., heresy), divorce (i.e., walking away) should
never be an option kept on the table as a possibility. Rather, God's heart is
for reconciliation and restoration.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we begin this new journey of a post-merger church
(i.e., a new marriage), our desire is to live out the hope of a God who can
bring restoration and renewal even from the brokenness of the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bucking the trend and uniting rather than sub-dividing
is something I hope we see more and more of in the Kingdom in the future.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christians setting aside their differences and
opinions. Christians willing to give preference to others over themselves.
Christians holding on to heritage and traditions loosely--willing to let go
when God moves. Christians stepping out into the unknown because God told them
to.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow--will that make God smile!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in audio format can
be found at www.NVbridgechurch.com.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-5571083671197341782014-07-17T06:38:00.000-07:002015-06-04T13:09:25.074-07:00Making Unpopular Decisions<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past week, I buried my mother-in-law who died
suddenly. Not only are my wife and I dealing with the grief, we are also
dealing with trying to take care of my father-in-law long-distance (Florida).
They both were adverse to lawyers, writing things down, etc. Not only is there
no will but my wife is having to deal with a father who has dementia
(combative, forgetful, belligerent, etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The financial affairs are a mess and my wife is having to make decisions
that are extremely unpopular with her father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But decisions have to be made by my wife that have his best interests in
mind--even if he doesn't see or accept it.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am reminded that this is often what spiritual
leadership is about: making decisions that are not always popular and accepted.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many years ago, I played on a worship team that had a
motto of "Playing for an audience of One." We even had t-shirts made
with that saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to
making decisions, we are to have the same focus--"What is God's
desire/will?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing else matters.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry Blackaby defines spiritual leadership as leading
people to where God wants them to be, not where they want to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without true spiritual leadership, Moses would
never have led the Israelites to the Promised Land because they kept whining
about wanting to return to Egypt. Without true spiritual leadership, Jesus would
never have gone to the cross because His followers wanted to crown Him the
political king.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without true spiritual
leadership, Paul would never have confronted the carnal Corinthian church
because the people seemed quite content to wallow in the mud of their fleshly
pursuits.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spiritual leadership with backbone can come from two
sources: (a) a stubborn, prideful spirit, or, (b) a resolve born out of a
conviction that this is what God wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Guess which option glorifies God?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does your work seek to please God and God alone, or is
it to satisfy some innate need to achieve results that others will approve
of?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to serve for an audience of
One.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to lead for an audience of One.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our only desire should be to hear Him say to us:
"Well done good and faithful servant."</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-29904429067504891272014-06-30T12:57:00.000-07:002015-06-04T13:09:51.568-07:00The Prayer of Pastors for Your Community<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week, a group of pastors from the Elko area gathered to pray for
ourselves, our churches, and our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We spent half a day together and hardly scratched the surface of what we
were praying for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I would
share with you some of what we prayed and discussed, realizing that our prayer
points are universal for churches in virtually every community.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our first prayer point surrounded the following passage:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Who among you
fears the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord </span>and obeys the word
of His servant?<br />
Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><br />
and rely on their God.<br />
But now, all <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> who light fires and <u>provide
yourselves</u> with flaming torches,<br />
<u>go</u>, <u>walk</u> in the light of your fires and of the torches <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> have set ablaze.<br />
This is what you shall receive from My hand: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You will lie down in torment</b>." (<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Isaiah 50:10-11)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes, God doesn't show us the future, intending
that we learn to wait on Him to show us the next step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We recognized that we (pastors, church
leaders, congregations) often take matters into our own hands (i.e., <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">make our own fire</i>) and operate on the
basis of our strategic plans, good ideas, the latest 'must-do', etc. God has
said He will let us go the way of "our own fires"--but it will be
without His blessing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God forgive us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our second prayer point focused in on us n</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ot taking seriously enough our ministry and message of reconciliation
(2 Cor. 5:18-19). We identified some problem areas that we as a Church needed
to pray into (1 Cor.):</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. (1 Cor. 3:5 ) Dividing into camps based on
personalities.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. (1 Cor. 6:7) Emphasizing individual
rights/desires more than the reputation of Jesus.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1
Cor. 6:7) Fighting with each other over non-salvation concerns--distracting
from the gospel of truth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1
Cor. 9:19-22) Not willing to do whatever it takes (short of sin) to reach the
lost.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1
Cor. 9:23) We fail to see people as God sees them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. (1 Cor. 13) We have forgotten what it
truly means to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">agape</i> love one
another.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7. (1 Cor. 10:31)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are more interested in hearing the praises
(or avoiding the criticisms) of congregants, boards, etc.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus said</span>: "On
this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail
against it."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Matt. 16:18)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How have we as pastors and churches engaged
in "making our own fire" or not taking our ministry and message of
reconciliation seriously enough? Could this be the reason we fail to take enemy
territory--causing a dilution (or even withdrawal) of God's full blessing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God help us! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As pastors, we know that we often spend a lot of time building
"our kingdom" that we fail to build His Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be meeting again for a prayer retreat
in September for God to continue to do His work in us.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take this list and commit to praying for your pastor and church leaders
regularly regarding these prayer points. [By the way, pray these same items for
yourself also.]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let Jesus build His
Church!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-57135671860965677072014-06-25T06:54:00.004-07:002015-06-04T13:10:10.976-07:00Uncommon Knowledge<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark McCormack, in his leadership book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The 110% Solution</i>, states that leaders need to lead from a position
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uncommon knowledge</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, plans and strategies
shouldn't just be based upon information available to anyone (i.e., 'common
knowledge'), but that which is out of the normal, the expected, the routine.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In reflection, this is how Jesus led and functioned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">common</i> knowledge: One boy's bag
lunch is enough to feed one boy. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uncommon</i>
knowledge: With God, one boy's bag lunch could feed a multitude.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Common</i>: The young girl was dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncommon</i>: Her death was turned into
'just asleep' by Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Common</i>: Lazarus in the tomb for four
days, "Lord, he stinketh!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncommon</i>:
He's ready to bound out of there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Common</i>: With the crucifixion--the
Jesus movement was dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncommon</i>:
With the resurrection--WOW!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You see this in numerous examples elsewhere in the Bible:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Common</i>: Egypt was a great power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncommon</i>: Egypt will be brought to its
knees by seven years of famine--but God will work in and through Joseph to
accomplish His plans.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Common</i>: A young shepherd boy has no
business going to battle with a Philistine giant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncommon</i>: David has to slingshot only
one stone and God will guide it to kill Goliath.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Common</i>: Gideon going to battle with
300 men against an army of 132,000--CRAZY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncommon</i>: The battle had already been won.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God's Word is full of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uncommon
knowledge</i>.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But one thing I'm struck with is that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uncommon</i> knowledge does <u>not</u> mean <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unknowable</i> knowledge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"You
shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Call
to Me and I will answer and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not
know." (Jeremiah 33:3)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance
about what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)</span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The faith walk is not a walk based on what we see and already know--the
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">common</i>. It is based on the world of
the unseen, the spiritual, the supernatural--the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uncommon</i>.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God wants us to follow Him (and lead others) out of the relationship of
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowable </i>Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowable</i>
Truth always reveals <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uncommon</i>
knowledge. And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uncommon</i> knowledge
takes us to the place God wants us to be--<u>and there is no better place to be</u>!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-50406406951845402402014-06-19T14:54:00.002-07:002015-06-04T13:10:29.102-07:00Despise Not the Small Things<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been traveling to West Wendover, NV once a week on Wednesday
nights for the past 4 months or so to assist a small church there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip is about 2 hours each way--which
provides for plenty of reflection time.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This church has struggled over the years and become a church of 5
members with a smattering of other people who consider it their church home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why in the world would I consider investing my time in such an isolated rural community?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The likelihood of 'success' (i.e., more numbers) is questionable--the
lack of recognition and 'glory' is all but certain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This church, this community certainly qualifies
as 'a small thing.'</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Zechariah 4:10, we read, "Who despises the small things?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some thought the work on rebuilding the
second temple was insignificant--especially when compared to the glory of the
first temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we are reminded in
Zechariah that God is in the rebuilding business--and His idea of 'significance
and success' is much different than the world's.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I began a new sermon series last week in which I mentioned that God's
desire is to give us an abundant life (John 10:10) that meets the deepest God-placed
longings of our heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of those
longings is the desire for true success--a success that matters for eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A success that is often found in the 'small
things' found in life.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus did not despise the little things. He invested in the lives of
only a few rather than trying to build a mega-congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn't spend His time writing books that
could sell millions--but hurried to see a sick little girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small things...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
A small boy's lunch that displayed the wonderment and awe of God's power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
An interruption of His schedule to personally minister to a woman who had a
debilitating issuance of blood for twelve years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Breaking every standard of conduct and custom by asking for a drink of water
from a Samaritan woman.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Making sure His mother would be taken care of even as He was hanging on the
cross.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been called to pastor a relatively small congregation in Elko,
NV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am ministering to a much smaller
congregation in West Wendover. Small things that will never make the cover
story of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Christianity Today.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small things that Jesus cares about. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small things that matter for eternity.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you have any small things in your life that you despise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small things that God desperately desires to
reveal His power and glory in and through?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Small things that are really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i>
small at all?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-49489482911359327192014-06-06T11:59:00.002-07:002015-06-04T13:10:48.389-07:00The Kingdom and 'D-Day + 70' <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today marks the 70th anniversary of that remarkable event called
D-Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those whom we have affectionately
called 'The Greatest Generation' were willing to sacrifice all for the next
generation, and the next, and the next. They waded into enemy territory,
willing to put aside all of their desires, hopes, dreams--for those not even
born yet--to achieve that which they may never experience the benefits of.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Isn't that what having a kingdom perspective is also about? Being
willing to put aside ourselves, our comfort, our wants--to build into the next
generation of followers of Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We've all heard it said that 'Christianity is only one generation from
extinction.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, I have to question
myself as to how diligent I really am in preparing and building the church with
the next generation in mind.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Virtually every church I've ever been involved with had leadership that
had been leading for many years, even decades. Leaders that became involved
when they were in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are still the same leaders 10 or 20
years later (or longer!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other
words, the dedicated folks who were a part of providing momentum in earlier
years by diligent service are still the same people doing it decades later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No wonder churches naturally get older and
grayer.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You see this happening in virtually every area of ministry: children,
youth, praise teams, ushers, deacons, Sunday school teachers...the list goes on
and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, there are good reasons (or
at least they're good in our minds) why we allow this to happen: 'We can't find
as dedicated of people as we are.' 'This is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i>
ministry--I enjoy it too much to let it go.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>'Not using all of our experience and what we've learned is a waste.'</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we are slowly implementing a discipleship approach in our church which
looks at every individual growing into becoming a 'spiritual parent' of others,
our responsibility in making disciple-making disciples (i.e., fulfilling the
Great Commission) will force us to confront this tendency to 'age-in-place' in
church.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I recently read a challenge for pastors to compare the average age in their
church to the average age of their community. The wider the disparity, the
farther down the road is the gentrification of their church. And this means that
the church is that much closer to being a 'dying church.'</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We need a new 'greatest generation' made up of those who are especially
in their 50s and older. This generation needs to ask the question: "What
will it take to reach our children and grandchildren?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What programs, ministries, traditions and
practices that worked at one time, but no longer seem to be effective, need to
change?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can we become the next 'Kingdom Greatest Generation'--willing to
sacrifice all for the next generation, and the next, and the next? Ones not
afraid to wade into enemy territory, willing to put aside all of our desires,
hopes, dreams--for those maybe not even born yet--to achieve that which we may
never experience the benefits of?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May it
be done all done for the glory of God and God alone.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-33263035294136854582014-05-23T11:02:00.000-07:002015-06-04T13:11:08.685-07:00The Fear of Failure<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many people can honestly say that they love to fail? No one in
their right mind!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yet a paradox of life is that we usually learn so much more through our
failures than through our successes. So why are we so afraid of going to a
place that may mean that we don't see the results we want or expect to see (in
other words, 'failure')?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The life of faith is a call to walk to places in a way that very
possibly takes us where we don't want to go, don't expect to go, or requiring change
that we don't want to do. And this call may very well be a call to 'fail' (at
least by our usual definition of failure).</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yet the Apostle Paul reminds us,</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"I remind you
to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of
hands. For God did not give us a <u>spirit of fear (timidity)</u>, but a spirit
of power, of love, and of self-discipline." </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(2 Timothy 1:6-7)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instead of worrying about the 'what-ifs', we are to stir up the fire of
Jesus. What counts as 'success' is your passion for Jesus--not a new program, a
strategy, or busyness. If we are smack dab in the middle of God's will, we have
nothing to fear--including the fear of failure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The only thing that can quench this fire is sin or self-sufficiency.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was meeting with our church leadership team last night and we were
discussing an opportunity that God seemed to be orchestrating for our church to
get involved in. A few of us (including myself) shared how this undertaking
would be easier to handle if we only had a few more resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words--WE MIGHT FAIL!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How easy it is to slip into that self-sufficiency mind-set--quenching
the spirit of God--and inviting in a spirit of fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>'Heart check' time!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul reminds us that it is about heart position--not
"results." Walking in obedience to God is always a 'win' in His eyes.
And that is all that really counts in the end!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-3480331912069404432014-05-02T13:22:00.000-07:002015-06-04T13:11:38.232-07:00Shepherding vs. Discipleship<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the past three months, I've been involved with both the church I
pastor here in Elko, NV and with another church in W. Wendover, NV in
understanding what it means to disciple. As part of this process, I've
discovered that people often confuse shepherding a flock versus discipling a
flock. In fact, at one of our sessions in W. Wendover, we spent a part of one
evening discussing this difference.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even though I don't remember all of the specifics of the discussion, I
thought it would be helpful to bring forth a few of the highlights. Since this
part of the country has a heritage that includes sheep herding (Basque) as well
as ranching, many individuals could speak intelligently to this subject. I
asked the group to list some of the responsibilities that a sheep herder or
rancher has. Some of their responses:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Protect the flock/herd from predators</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Ensure that they are fed and watered</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Inoculate from diseases</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Lead them to adequate pastures</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Keep track of the total number and look for those that are missing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
For shepherds, they usually live with their flock</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
For shepherds, discipline immature sheep (lambs) that keep wandering off (i.e.,
'break their leg' with the staff and carry them on one's shoulder)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Eat them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK, this one probably doesn't
belong in this list.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These responsibilities correspond with how Jesus spoke about how we are
to protect and provide for those entrusted to our care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture is replete with references to sheep
and shepherds and clearly teaches that the above responsibilities are for
anyone brought into the fold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are
even called into this special responsibility of a shepherd.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, discipleship is different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of us are called to be disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). But not all are
willing. What is a disciple? Very simply, from Matthew 4:19:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Jesus)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> "Come and follow Me</i>..." - a
person who makes a decision of the will to know and follow Christ.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">...and I will make you..." </i>- a
person who is being transformed and changed on a daily basis to become more
like Christ.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"...fishers of men." </i>- a
person who is committed to the mission of Christ.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A person has to choose to become obedient to the mission of Christ.
Disciples are called to grow in Christ and lead other disciples who will grow
in Christ who lead other disciples who will grow in Christ who will...well, you
get the picture.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We shepherd everyone. We disciple those willing to be discipled (i.e.,
those that are available, faithful, and teachable).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you only a sheep or a sheep who is a
disciple?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-6270664830673477362014-04-11T10:38:00.001-07:002015-06-04T13:11:54.404-07:00Pssst...I Have Something to Tell You!<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">"I'm concerned for _____________ because..."</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">"I'm having a problem with ______________ because of such and
such. What do you think?"</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">"We need to pray for ________________ because they've ..."</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">"I heard 'such and such' about _______________. Do you know if
it's true?"</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Each of these statements I've said innumerable times over my life. Most
of the time, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">felt</i> justified in
saying what I said. I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>usually had
'valid' reasons and could defend my reasons. Almost always, I felt there was a
higher good that I was trying to achieve. Or, I was so emotionally upset about
something that this became my automatic response.</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">But a friend of mine shared with me a definition of gossip that is
probably one of the clearest I've ever heard: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Gossip is to speak (behind someone's back) in a way </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">which raises
questions or doubts about another person or their character.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">This definition strips away all aspects of whether what you are saying
is true, what your motives for saying it are, and what 'greater good' you may
think you are achieving.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">It is gossip. And the Bible has a lot to say about gossip. The bottom
line: it is sin. There is no sugar coating, no 'ends justifies the means', no
wrapping the action in words like compassion or concern. It is sin--and sin
destroys.</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Sin destroys your character. Sin destroys relationships. Sin destroys
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> of a church (see my
10/30/13 blog posting). Sin destroys the unity of a church. Sin destroys a
church.</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Is this kind of talk ever appropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes--but only when done by individuals engaged in a Matthew 18 church
discipline process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than that--all
other instances are sin. Period.</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">I think back on my own life and realize how easily I succumbed to this
sin. Many years ago, I was part of a church where many of the leaders actively
engaged in regularly 'skewering the pastor' with their friends, in 'parking lot
meetings', etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is to my own shame
that I became part of this--whether through active participation or
non-confrontation of other's sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
became such a regular part of church life that the church eventually split.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Note: Many years later, I asked forgiveness
of this pastor for being a part of this.]</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">In our New Member's Class in our church, we stress that, according to Romans <st1:time hour="14" minute="19" w:st="on">14:19</st1:time>,
we should put the maximum effort into peace and unity in the church (but not at
the expense of truth and purity).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
means that <b>ANY</b> attitude that causes disunity—is sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If any attitude or action destroys the
fellowship, it destroys the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are plenty of verses to back this up. [1 Cor. 1:10; 14:33; 2 Tim.
2:14, 23; Ps. 133:1; Prov. 17:14; 2 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 1:27; 2:1-3; 4:2; Col.
2:2; 3:13-15; 1 Pet. 3:8; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:16-18; 15:5-6]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">My encouragement to you is to rethink every
word you speak about others. I think you will be surprised as to how much of it
is really gossip! I know I am when I look at my own behavior!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Do
not let <u>any</u> unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is
helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit
those who listen."</i> (Eph. 4:29)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-78229738972264711842014-03-19T08:54:00.001-07:002015-06-04T13:12:10.887-07:00The New Tolerance or The Old Intolerance?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Note: We have apparently had some
academic bullying at our local college by some science teachers against
Christians that has been personal and vitriolic in nature. Quite a bit of
discussion has occurred in the newspaper's editorial section on this. The
person who brought this to light (Pastor DuSoliel) has been both vilified and
applauded by his stance. Below is my letter to the Editor to try to weigh in on
this issue on a less emotional level and more of a philosophical level:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. DuSoleil's recent letter concerning 'Atheistic Bullies in Academia',
specifically noting certain issues at GBC, highlights a greater issue that is
reflected in society. The word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tolerance</i>
has subtly shifted meaning from "accepting the existence of different
views" to "acceptance of different views." In other words, our
society has found it more and more acceptable to move from a place of
recognizing other people's rights to have different beliefs or practices to a
place that the only acceptable practice is accepting the differing views of
other people and no longer opposing them.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To put it another way, we have moved from allowing the free expression
of contrary opinions to the position that all opinions are of equal value and
worth (as well as truth). Thus, any opinion that makes any sort of exclusive
claim is then widely viewed as intolerant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This especially becomes evident in a subject such as the origin of the
universe/life discussion. One position that states there is intelligent design
(thus, an intelligent Creator) and another position that attempts to explain
away through natural mechanisms and causes any need for such a Creator are at
odds because they are mutually exclusive positions.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Under the older view of tolerance, a person is likely to still be
considered tolerant even if that person believed strongly in their views <u>and</u>
they insisted others had the right to hold a dissenting view. The newer view of
tolerance has now become the belief that you must accept my view on something
(or at least accept that it has the same validity)--failure to do so
automatically labels you as intolerant.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The problem with the new tolerance is that it becomes intolerant of
views that don't match their own. The denigrating and devaluing of those that
hold views inconsistent with the new tolerance (which is really the old
intolerance) have thus become guilty of hypocrisy at the most base level--truth
is defined as to what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">they</i> state
truth is. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But not all truth is found in a Petri dish. Is it possible that there
may be other sources of truth out there? As a Pastor, I certainly think
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To automatically dismiss an opposing
view (as apparently is happening with some in academia at GBC) because one
disagrees, is unable to 'prove scientifically', etc. is academically dishonest
because one is now behaving as if they believe that they are the holders of all
truth. To deny the right of a person to believe something different and
devaluing that person is the ultimate in intolerance.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John Schmidt</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-82137036988814471282014-02-25T11:54:00.003-08:002015-06-04T13:12:26.739-07:00My Struggle to 'Go'<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus' marching orders to every Christian and to every church is found
in what is commonly referred to as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The
primary command is to <u>make disciples</u>--and we are to do this by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">going</i>, baptizing, and teaching others to
obey God's commands.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus commands us to 'go'--but I find it real easy to justify and
rationalize something quite different. After all, I worked hard on the sermon
this week--they should <u>come</u> to hear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or, I have too much to do on my 'to-do-list'. Or, if I'm really honest
with myself--I don't love others enough to get out of my routine and comfort
zone. Ouch! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Excuses are nothing new. When Jesus called out people to follow Him and
be His disciple...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Some insisted that they needed to care for
their elderly parents first (Luke 9:59-60).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Some insisted that other matters needed to
be put in order first (Luke 9:61-62).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Some were willing to follow but not until
they knew all the details (Luke 9:57-58).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sadly, it's the same today. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We fail to 'go' insisting that our priority is at home. Or we are
comfortable where we are. Or we have a fear of failure or rejection. Or we are
so busy in doing other 'good' things that we fail to obey the most basic of
commands given to us (and then wonder why so much of what we do is lacking in
spiritual power!).</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry Blackaby points out that often, we look at the success we're
experiencing doing what we're doing (whether it is church-related or
work-related) and use that as an excuse to not 'go.' <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus often called His followers elsewhere
even in the midst of success. Peter had just pulled in the greatest fishing
haul of his career--when Jesus called Him to leave it and follow Him (Luke
5:1-11). Philip was experiencing great success as an evangelist when God called
him out to the desert (Acts 8:25-40). </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our own priorities, fears, and successes can all be a hindrance to
going where Jesus wants us to go. How willing are you to 'go' and make a
disciple? </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-54910635838682825862014-02-06T10:13:00.001-08:002015-06-04T13:12:43.600-07:00Why Jesus Can Meet Our Every Need<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last Sunday, I preached on the story of the raising of Lazarus (the
brother of Mary and Martha) from the dead (John 11).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the fascinating aspects of this story
is understanding why Jesus responded differently to Martha and to Mary even
though they both came to Jesus and said, "If you had been here, my brother
would not have died."</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Martha came to Jesus first and made this statement. Jesus' response to
her was a mini-sermon (vv. 23-26).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
when Mary came to Jesus and made the exact same statement, Jesus was almost
speechless and His response was: "Jesus wept" (v. 35).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why the disparity in what Jesus said?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apparently the hearts of Martha and Mary were in two completely
different places. Martha seemed to be falling into a pit of 'woe is me'. Jesus
needed to reach down and pull her from that pit by splashing cold water on her
face: "Martha, I am more than someone who has access to power to raise
Lazarus--I am the power! Get a grip on eternal truth and who I am."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is re-enforced in verse 40 when Jesus
has to once more mildly rebuke her.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But for Mary, her grief was based on the profound sadness of death
taking her brother. Instead of 'preaching' at her, Jesus recognized her
greatest need was not spoken truth, but participating in her emotional loss.
"Jesus wept."</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These two responses are astonishing because in one short narrative, we
see Jesus reiterating His claim to be 100% God ('I am the power--the giver of
life') while He is also 100% man ('Jesus wept').<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not 50/50 God and man--but 100/100.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We may not fully understand this, but Jesus is qualified to meet our
every need.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -4.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Because He is 100% God, He has the power to meet every need. And because of
that--He sometimes has to 'shake us by the shoulders' to get our attention and
remind us who He is.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -4.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Because He is 100% man, He understands and know exactly how you feel. And
because of that--He can walk with us, hold us in His arms, and comfort us like
no one else can.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My wife pointed out that Mary had the proper perspective of Jesus and
circumstances in life because she spent time at the feet of Jesus (Luke
10:38-42) while Martha was constantly distracted by the cares and concerns of
the world. Martha seemed to struggle with spending time and attention on 'good
things' while Mary focused on the 'best thing.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And when the heartache and tribulations of life happened--Martha had
difficulty coping while Mary was able to turn to the only source that mattered:
Him who was Life!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you have an emotional, or physical, or relational, or spiritual, or
psychological need?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fall at and embrace
the feet of Truth, Jesus--He who is 100% God <u>and</u> 100% man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be a Mary--not a Martha.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-71447790840934411762014-01-16T14:10:00.000-08:002015-06-04T13:13:02.935-07:00A One-Word Sermon<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I recently saw the movie "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel". [I
know, I know--it is a couple of years old and can be considered a 'chick
flick'! What can I say?] </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the hotel, the young man who is the manager of the hotel excuses the
way things currently are by saying: "It'll be alright in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it's not alright, it's not the end <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yet</i>."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pastors have a saying--"That'll
preach!"</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For my first sermon this year, I introduced a word for 2014:
"Yet."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Apostle Paul uses
this little word in Romans 8:25 (NLT):<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
"But if we look forward to something we don't have <u>yet</u>, we must
wait patiently and confidently."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">'I have not received an answer to my prayer' is a statement of current
fact.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">'I have not received an answer to my prayer <u>yet</u>' brings God into
the picture.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That little word 'yet' is a word of hope and anticipation and
expectation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It recognizes that God is
always at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It changes our outlook
completely on our current circumstances.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We can have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope</i> which is
that settled confidence that looks to the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that means today we can have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">patience</i>--that willingness to walk in
faith in the present because of our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope</i>
in the future.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is it that you have been praying for (maybe for years) that you
have not seen an answer--<u>yet</u>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An
unbelieving spouse or child? A turnaround in finances? A healing of some kind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A relationship breakthrough?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a pastor, I can be easily discouraged and frustrated seeing lack of
spiritual growth amongst some in a congregation who should know better (at
least intellectually).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is tempting to
give up, to stop praying, to begin to 'play Holy Spirit.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But by employing that one little word, a
different mindset is established: "They have not changed--YET!"</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can continue to pray in confidence. To persevere despite the lack of tangible
results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To guard against emotions of
anger, bitterness, frustration, discouragement, anxiety, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To recognize that God has not finished His
work: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"No eye has seen, no ear has
heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love
Him."</i> (1 Cor. 2:9)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What a great God when we can say: 'It'll be alright in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it's not alright, it's not the end <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>yet</u></i>.'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-88572913040809184732014-01-08T11:07:00.005-08:002015-06-04T13:13:20.085-07:00Living Life After the 'But'<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be honest--the title caught your attention. I want to quickly point out
that 'but' only has one 't', not two. But read on please--you won't be
disappointed.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last year, I preached out of the book of Jonah and zeroed in on one
word in Jonah's prayer while he was in the belly of the big fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the word 'but' (Jonah 2:6b).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To sum up Jonah's prayer: "Things are
terrible right now, <u>but</u> You brought my life up from the pit."</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This became one of those little words that became a common phrase in
our church during 2013: "But God..."</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The truth is that people always live life after the 'but.' Don't
believe me? Here are two options:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Option #1: Circumstances are terrible, <u>but</u>
God will see me through.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Option #2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God said He would see me through, <u>but</u>
circumstances are terrible.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guess which option one will find hope, peace, the sufficiency of
God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The person who lives in option 2
may have the head knowledge about God but they have failed to translate that
into their life--and the result is worry, anxiety, discouragement, frustration,
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonah prayed under option
#1--because He understood the principle of living life after the 'but.'</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 9pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joseph,
in speaking to his brothers, understood this: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“You intended to harm me, <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">but</span></u> God intended it for good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(Gen. 50:20)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 9pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paul understood this: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing
power is from God and not from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are hard pressed on every side, <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">but</span></u>
not crushed; perplexed, <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">but</span></u>
not in despair; persecuted, <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">but</span></u>
not abandoned; struck down, <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">but</span></u>
not destroyed.”</i> (2 Cor. 4:7-9)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus understood this in the Garden of
Gethsemane: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“My Father, if it is possible
may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">but</span></u> as You will.” </i>(Matt. 26:39)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you struggling with
something in your life right now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you
have worry, anxiety, etc.?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are
circumstances beyond your control (which, by the way, most are!)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spend too much time focusing on hoping
that circumstances will change--rather than focusing on He who lives above and
outside those circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t focus on changing the
circumstances, or wondering why circumstances don't change---because we can’t
change the ‘but’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can only change…<u>what
side we put God on</u>. </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(If you want to be
notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in both an audio and
video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-38133518790865685262013-11-20T11:25:00.001-08:002015-06-04T13:13:36.452-07:00A Biblical Checklist for Government<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was a letter submitted to the Letter to the Editor of the Elko Daily Free Press that they printed. I thought I would go ahead and also put it out as a blog post. [Note: This was written for an audience that is different from my normal blog audience so biblical references are omitted. Also, this is not a complete discussion since it is written for both Christians and non-Christians.]</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An Open Letter to All of Our Politicians:</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There has been a lot of discussion about recent comments made by Mr.
Jim Wheeler (R-NV State Assembly) with respect to his 'obligation' to support
whatever his constituents may want, regardless of his personal feelings--even
if it meant voting for slavery. (See Nov. 4 article in Elko Daily Free Press)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe lost among the uproar is an
underlying issue that has and continues to influence the increasing
dysfunctionality of our governmental system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is the issue of dogmatic ideology.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe in ideology--just as the framers of our Constitution
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also take a "high" view
of the Bible, believing it can provide guidance in these particularly turbulent
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few of the guiding principles
from Scripture that I believe can be useful:</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">•
Government (and public policies) should pursue justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that the government has
responsibility to address evil acts, to protect its citizenry from oppressive
acts of government and others,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and to
address social/economic conditions that unjustly limit people in their actual
opportunities to live lives of freedom and responsible action.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">•
Government (and public policies) should always seek the common good of society
as a whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that public
policies should put the well-being of the whole of society ahead of certain
narrow segments of society (whether those segments are regional, ethnic,
economic, religious, or racial).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
all individuals are provided justice, then the common good is advanced.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">•
Government in and of itself is not evil (even though it can be used for evil purposes).
In fact, Scripture says that it is God-ordained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God says it is part of His plan to provide
order for society. But in carrying this out, recognition must be made that this
role is active yet limited. Social groups and institutions--especially the
church and the family--are also part of God's plan for ordering society.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Bible has many other things to say about government and public
policies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in reviewing these three
principles above, one can see how there has been significant breakdown in the
practical outworking of these principles in modern day politics--and the result
has been chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The comments by Mr. Wheeler seem extreme, but they are indicative of an
underlying value that a politician will say and do anything for a particular
constituency (otherwise, he or she won't get re-elected). We are far down this
road--and the future of properly functioning government seems particularly
bleak (which, by the way, is not the first time in our country's history).</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My urgent appeal to our elected representatives, our political parties
and movements, and to the people who are responsible for electing those
individuals--Stop! Reassess and adjust your underlying values, political
positions, and strategic initiatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be
an ideologue--but use the above three principles as a foundation.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John Schmidt</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spring Creek</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-33396655387866764582013-10-30T09:10:00.000-07:002015-06-04T13:13:53.084-07:00Repairing Broken KOINONIA<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It's been quite a few weeks since my last post. It's
easy for the busyness of life (meetings, activities, responsibilities, out-of-town
company, etc.) to melt one week into the next, into the next...<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to muse a little longer on this subject of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> (see my 10/4/13 post). [By the
way, in my last post, I defined <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>
as a <u>partnering-sharing-fellowshipping-stewarding-partaking-companionship</u>
relationship.] <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understanding <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> puts a whole new light on
commands such as 'love one another deeply, comfort one another, carry one
another's burdens.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is more than just
ministering to another person--it is partaking, companioning, stewarding, etc.
life together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> relationship with God lived out in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> relationship with other believers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cornerstone gathered last week as a church (or at least
a portion of it) to discuss protecting, nurturing, and growing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> relationships in our body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Virtually everyone in attendance has had a
'bad' experience with other believers or churches in the past--resulting in
some break in the relationship, a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>
break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some, it resulted in strained
or estranged relationships; for others, it even resulted in leaving a
particular church body.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my last posting, I spoke about the role of forgiving
others--otherwise our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>
relationship with God is affected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
challenge in all of our lives is not only learning to forgive but living out
what we learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many of us when we
think about a past hurt still get a knot in our stomach? or thoughts of vengeance?
or feelings of despair or disappointment or anger?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many of us, when we see 'that person' in
the grocery store, try to avoid that person by going down another aisle, or at
least pretending to be interested in reading the sodium level on that can of
green beans as they pass by?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many of
us have learned to be civil on the outside, guarding our tongues and demeanor,
while the inside is cringing? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If any of that applies to you, you still may have a dark
corner of unforgiveness in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I write
that last sentence with an 'Ouch!' because I thought I had no unforgiveness
until I immersed myself in this word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How subtle it is to accept, and even embrace, unforgiveness, especially
when the hurt/sin was completely uncalled for and patently unfair.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The group from church discussing the subject of
protecting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> made some
excellent observations I'd like to share with you:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must be a people who
learn how to not <u>easily</u> take offense at what others say or do. If we
learn how to automatically forgive and let go, the seed of bitterness of
unforgiveness never is sown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[This also
applies to not taking on someone else's offense.]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For an offense that
cannot be let go (either because of the nature of the sin, the effect on the
sinning brother/sister, or the lingering effect on you or the Body of Christ),
we must practice Matt. 18:15-20 on a timely basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Failure to do so, regardless of the
reasoning, affects <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>. And the
enemy has a field day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we have failed to
practice #2 above on a timely basis, then our responsibility is to forgive and
let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripturally, we have no wiggle
room for continuing in a state of even passive unforgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[The appropriateness of going back to
practice #2 after an extended period of time has passed should be carefully
considered and determined on a case-by-case basis. This is where godly counsel
should be sought.]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God takes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>
seriously, doesn't He?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn't it be
great to be part of a church who could experience ever-increasing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>--even in the midst of all of
our messy relationships?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easy to preach
about--much harder to live out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
I would say it is impossible to live out without the Holy Spirit's empowerment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May our lives be evident of "Christ in
you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27)--and then <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> will naturally happen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-63193642354983561742013-10-04T10:35:00.000-07:002013-10-04T10:35:38.849-07:00Rethinking KOINONIA<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am currently preaching a series called 'What Church
Is' (a Study in 1 Peter).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last Sunday, I
preached on what it meant to be a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>
people. As part of that study, I came across a fascinating use of the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> in 1 Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll get to that in just a minute.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I've shared with you before how the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shalom</i> is a word so rich in meaning that
it really can't be translated well without using a hyphenated definition (peace-prosperity-wholeness-completeness-wellness-health).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's the same with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had always assumed the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> was translated 'fellowship'--a one-for-one translatable
word. But in 1 Peter 4:13, I read this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Rejoice that you <u>participate</u> (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>) in the sufferings of Christ."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Say what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I quickly discovered that the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> also needs to be viewed as a hyphenated definition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Koinonia
</i>does define a relationship, but in a much more expansive way than just
'fellowship'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good definition would
be: a <u>partnering-sharing-fellowshipping-stewarding-partaking-companionship</u>
relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The implications of this become mind-boggling. For
example, in 2 Peter 1:4, we "<u>participate</u> (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>) in the divine nature."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We share in the very nature of God through
Christ!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The essence of the Church, the
Body of Christ, is found in this word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>.
We partner with God in His activity, share in His nature, and steward that
which He has given us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> relationship that we are to
have with each other is literally the practical expression of God's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">agape</i> love (love in action)--the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> that He wants to have with us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">John put it this way in 1 John 1:7: "If we walk in
the light as He is in the light, we have <u>fellowship</u> (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>) with one another..."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see that?--the evidence that we truly
have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> with God is
demonstrated by our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> with one
another!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another way of saying this: If
we are not experiencing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> with
another believer, we are not in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>
with God (i.e., walking in the light as He is in the light).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is impossible to have a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> relationship with God and not
share it with the rest of God's people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Understanding <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>
puts a whole new light on commands such as 'love one another deeply, comfort
one another, carry one another's burdens.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is more than just ministering to another person--it is partaking,
companioning, stewarding, etc. life together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> relationship with
God lived out in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>
relationship with other believers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If what Scripture says is true about a break in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> relationship between believers
causes a break in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> with God
(see Matthew 6:14-15), how many Christians are sitting in a church today with
broken <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> relationships in
their past?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They've left their previous
church because they were upset with the music, or the pastor, or the direction
of the church, or the change in programs, or the color choice of the new
carpet, or...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever the reason (good
or bad), there was a break in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>
relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many churches starting today arise as a result of these
kinds of beginnings--precipitated out of a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>
break. I'm part of a denomination that starts a lot of churches as a result of
church splits/disagreements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even got
caught up in one of these 'new starts' many years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I wonder...</span></span>
</div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 9pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wonder...if we can really expect God's fullest blessing if we ignore broken <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> with each other?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wonder...if so much of the spiritual apathy and complacency we see in the American church is because of us not living out the reality of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wonder...if why we see a lack of distinctiveness (holiness) amongst so many of God's people is because it is the natural outgrowth of being out of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> with God?<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wonder...if churches really understood the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> of believers, would there be a greater unity among churches in a community?<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wonder...if churches really walked the talk about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> and unity, the words of Jesus' prayer would be answered that the world would believe (John 17:21-23) because of our unity and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wonder...if our prayers for revival (which always must start with repentance) should be refocused on praying for restored <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just wonderin' as I sit here musing...</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-39043776577088430492013-09-24T15:17:00.001-07:002015-06-04T13:14:17.193-07:006 Characteristics of a Church on Mission<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my current sermon series out of 1 Peter<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on 'What Church Is'--I recently discussed the
need to love the city and its culture (while not compromising/conforming to it).
Related to this subject, Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in
New York City, discusses six characteristics of a missional church ("The
Missional Church", June 2001).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its members love and talk
positively about the city/neighborhood.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They speak in a language that
is not filled with Christianized self-righteous or technical terms and phrases,
nor using disdainful or embattled language. [In other words, not creating an
'us vs. them environment'--which is a very difficult place to start when
desiring to share the good news of the gospel.]</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preaching and Bible studies
are not disconnected from the core concerns and stories of the people of the
culture.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people of the church are
obviously interested and engaged with the literature and art and thought of the
surrounding culture and can discuss it both appreciatively and yet critically.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church exhibits deep
concern for the poor and generosity with their money, respect with regard to
the opposite sex, and shows humility toward people of other races and cultures.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do not bash other
Christians and churches.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim Keller says that when these characteristics are present, seekers
and non-believers are more likely to explore spiritual issues with that
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If these marks are not present,
then that church will only be able to include believers or traditional,
"Christianized" people.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Become a people committed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to
blessing our community by celebrating creativity and diversity while
recognizing the need for gospel renewal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"<span class="text">And what does the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> require of
you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
(Micah 6:8)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want
to be notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John
Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in
both an audio and video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2838995822808055360.post-89862747258168964902013-09-17T09:07:00.002-07:002015-06-04T13:14:36.506-07:0010 Church Diseases<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A friend of mine forwarded this to me and I thought I'd share it with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following is my summarized repost
of a repost by Thom Rainer (</span><a href="http://thomrainer.com/2013/09/17/10-church-diseases/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://thomrainer.com/2013/09/17/10-church-diseases/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">).
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Interesting list--does <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">your church exhibit any of these early warning signs?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">By Chuck Lawless</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the 1990s, Peter Wagner published <i>The Healthy
Church</i>, a book describing several diseases that churches sometimes exhibit.
Some of his descriptions are quite helpful (e.g., <i>koinonitis </i>=
excessive, inward fellowship), and the list itself challenges readers to come
up with their own descriptions. Here are ten diseases I see as I consult with
unhealthy churches around the country:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 26.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Community Disconnect Disease.</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Churches with this disease meet within a given
community, but they do not know that community. Often, church members drive to
the church building, meet as “church,” and then drive home—without ever taking
note of a changing community around them. In fact, I’ve seen church members
with this disease lock their doors as they drive through the community where
their congregation gathers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 26.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Methodological Arthritis.</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> The name says it all: this church is stuck in doing
things the way they’ve always done them. Change (that is, movement) is painful,
and it’s seemingly easier not to take a step forward. What these churches often
don’t recognize is that standing still is also risky. Eventually, they will not
move at all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 26.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The “Grass is Greener” Syndrome.</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> This syndrome is a malady of leaders who are always
looking for the next church leadership position. They establish no roots, and
their current congregation is only a stepping-stone to the next place. Because
they are always looking elsewhere, they miss the present tense blessings of
their ministry. And, though leaders think otherwise, a church often recognizes
when its leader has this syndrome. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 26.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Professional Wrestling Sickness.</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professional
wrestling is hero vs. villain, right vs. wrong, good vs. evil—<i>but it’s all
fake</i>. The church with PWS talks a good game in standing for righteousness,
but hypocrisy is everywhere. And, as in professional wrestling, most spectators
watching the show know it’s fake, too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 26.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Program Nausea.</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Churches with Program Nausea try a program, toss it
soon, and then quickly try the next one. They never have a settled
“organizational stomach” and direction. Members of this kind of diseased church
are so accustomed to change that they seldom invest in any program. Why should
they invest in what will soon be spit out, too? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 26.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Baby Believer Malady.</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> This congregation is doing evangelism well, but they
have no strategy to grow new believers. Their unwritten, and wrong, assumption
is, “As long as you show up for our small groups and worship service, you’ll
grow.” This church disciples poorly and often elevates leaders on the
basis of attendance rather than spiritual maturity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 26.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Theological Self-Deception Ailment.</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> I am cautious here, lest I leave the impression that
theology does not matter. No church with an unbiblical theology can be healthy.
TSDA, on the other hand, is characterized by a belief that teaching theology is
<i>all</i> that is required to be a healthy church. Teaching theology is
critical, but a theology that does not lead to intentional evangelism, disciple-making,
and global missions is not biblical. Indeed, TSDA congregations tend to be
classrooms more than New Testament churches. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 26.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Unrecoverable Void” Syndrome. </span></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Church leaders and laypersons alike suffer from this
syndrome, characterized by statements like, “This church will close its doors
after I’m gone.” Symptoms include spiritual arrogance and self-righteous anger,
though they may also include hyper-spiritual speech (“This is God’s
church, and we’ll see what He does when I shake the dust off my feet”). Church
members with UVS fail to realize that God’s church will go on without any of
us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Talking in Your Sleep Disease.</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> You may recognize this church. They go through the
motions, but the motions lack energy. They meet for worship, yet the singing is
lifeless. Even the preaching is lackluster, as if the speaker is monotonously
only meeting his obligation. Here is one way to recognize the church with
TIYSD: many of the attenders really ARE sleeping! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Congregational Myopia.</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> The congregation with this condition is nearsighted,
focusing on themselves only. They have no vision for the future, and they fail
to see that their current direction will likely lead to further disease and
decline. Ask the leaders what their hope is for the church five years from now,
and their description will sound strangely like the church in its current
state. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What other diseases come to mind for you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(If you want
to be notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John
Schmidt'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my recent sermons in
both an audio and video format can be found at <a href="http://www.nvbridgechurch.com/">www.NVbridgechurch.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02912301093438793272noreply@blogger.com0