Go into all the world?

(This will appear in the 1/2012 Wacoan)  The great commandment of Christ was a simple, yet profound message that has been repeated in countless sermons and debated by theologians for ages past.  I will not presume to tackle the weight of teaching that can be found in these three verses, but I do want to focus on one little word that has huge implications for all those who believe in Jesus Christ.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

Jesus establishes his credibility as he proclaims his God-given authority and then proceeds to outline the ministry plan for his followers.  You can sum up the foundation for Christian ministry in these three simple words – Discipleship.  Baptism. Teaching.  However, before we get busy with the 3-point commission we need to deal with this little, yet powerful word… GO.

No doubt the disciples had plenty of places to go in their missionary journey as they changed the world one sermon at a time.  Now fast-forward 2000 years to a country far from the birth place of Christianity to my birthplace, America.  A relatively small country (when compared to China) and home to the richest and most free people in the entire world.  A nation only 235 years old and teaming with industry, finance, entertainment, agriculture and innovation.  Fueled by a constitution unlike any other on the planet and capable of meeting the needs of it’s people, while impacting the lives of millions worldwide.  The United States of America is the greatest political experiment in history and has proven to be a wellspring of prosperity and compassion.

You may be wondering what all this has to do with Jesus’ command to GO!  It’s simple really.  Most people don’t want to leave America.  In fact, we are so popular millions of people risk their life and liberty just to get in our country, and they never want to leave.  Like many of you, I’ve never considered going anywhere beyond our borders for more than two weeks.  For 45 years I’ve been content to let other people do the “going” part of the Great Commission.  Ben and Meredith went to Serbia.  Bret is in Mongolia.  Shannon went to Germany and Paul lives Africa.  I went down the street.

However, last year I spent time contemplating the far reaching and never ending implications of Jesus’ call on His people to “go into all the world.”   I spent two weeks in Africa training pastors and ministry leaders and visiting orphans, all the while wondering if two weeks shouldn’t become two decades.  I listened with wonder at the account of Katy Davis as she shared her story of moving to Uganda and becoming a foster mother to 13 girls at the age of 21.  In August I told Baylor students, including my two children, that if they don’t have a clear and compelling call to work and do ministry in America perhaps they should go to a nation that has a compelling need for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  At the very least, we must all consider how our lives and resources can impact a nation far away.

To put our American life in perspective, consider this: 30 million people live in Uganda and 50% are under the age of 16.  Only 30% of children can afford school and have access to clean, safe water.  51% of the Ugandan population lives on less than $1 a day (in contrast to our $90 a day average) and there are only 8 physicians for every 100,000 people.   Fortunately, the gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached and salvation has come to millions in Uganda, but their material needs are great and there are billions in the world still in need of the gospel.

It’s now 2012 and I’m saying to the Lord;  “Here I am send me.  Send me across the world or down the street, but send me to a compelling need for the sake of your name.  Send me with a mission for discipleship, baptism and teaching.”   I believe every Christian has to be prepared, and willing, to say goodbye to their homeland for the sake of carrying the gospel to a world in need of a Savior.  Remember, the end of the gospel is not merely our enjoyment of His grace, but the extension of his grace to the world.  Are you ready to go?

A case for Continuationism

This link will take you to a blog entry by Dr. Sam Storms.  It’s a direct and Biblically based teaching on Continuationism (in deference to Cessasionism).

The Case for Continuationism

Apr 30, 2007, by Dr. Sam Storms

Dogs and Kids?

If my dogs weighed 80 lbs they would rule my house, but since they are only 12 lbs I rule them.  I walk them on a leash when it’s time to poop. I lock them in a kennel at night and put them in the laundry room when it’s time to eat.  If they don’t stay when I say stay I simply pick them up and put them where I want them.  I rule them with my God-given authority!!  I’m the judge, the jury and the enforcer over their life.   Ahhh.  It’s good to be King.  (Right now they are at my feet chewing on bones and looking at me with fond affection)  I really like my little pups!

With that being, what I’m about to say regarding dogs might upset some of you, and probably has no clear Biblical defense.  And yet, here I go!

God doesn’t care about your dogs.  (I’ll probably get in trouble  for this!)  God doesn’t command them to sit, stay or lay down.  He doesn’t command them to submit to His Holy Word or spiritual authority.  They have no soul, are not a product of the fall, and aren’t in need of redemption.   They are furry little creatures that bring us happiness and live about 12 years before they are buried in a hole in the backyard.  (Unless you buy a plot at a pet cemetery, which is creepy)

So lets talk about what God does care about.  God does care about your children! He wants their submission to His Word and spiritual authority… He commands it.  They are the product of the fall and are in desperate need of redemption.  They aren’t furry little creatures for us to have dominion over.  They are future adults who will either be the next generation of self-centered hedonists or a generation of Christ-exalting, God-honoring adults who take up their cross and follow Jesus.

And God has ordained YOU to guide the ship of their life to the truth of His Word.  Ed Noll said; “Parents are God’s gift to children to teach them how to live under authority”… namely, God’s authority.   We have the task of disciplining, loving, training and discipling children with one main purpose in mind…  That they bring glory to God almighty by submitting to His sovereign authority.

Do you see the dramatic contrast?  Jax and Lucy only have to submit to me, but Jarrod and Lawrie must submit to the God of heaven and earth if they are to know Him as their Lord and Savior.

Our job is huge and the consequences are great and eternal.  We are charged with training up our children in the way they are to go. (Prov 22:6) We are to teach them about the oracles of God.  (Deut 6:67)  We are to discipline them, love them and not provoke them. (Eph 6:1-4).  Unfortunately, everyday the window of time is closing and believe me, it closes fast.  My kids are rapidly becoming adults and they no longer live at my home.  When I’m with them I take joy in seeing godly fruit in their character and genuine love for Jesus.  However, I often wonder what more we could have done.  I suppose that is a common thought of every parent whose children have left the nest, so I encourage you to redeem the time well.   We only get one pass through childhood and adolescence before they become men and women.

Love them today. Teach them today. Correct them today (if needed) and show compassion today.  Play with them. Talk to them. Watch them. Affirm them. Listen to them. Endure with them.    Do not delay in establishing your authority and exalting God’s authority.  Win the battles at meal time and bed time so they will know how to submit to God for a lifetime.

My dear friends, being a parent is the highest calling on your life and is your “great commission”.  Live these brief years well and walk in faith as you lead your little ones to the cross of Christ.

Bethany Village… diamond in the rough

As we rode on the backs of motorcycles (Boda Bodas) to this remote village across the lake from Gaba, we did not know what to expect.  As we drove on the narrow dirt rode we were greeted by children waving as they played in the mud in front of their homes.  Small shacks with no running water, no electricity and little hope for repair or improvement.  The goats, chickens and pigs we probably their only source of income and food, along with small gardens.  The land is perfect for rich agricultural, but unfortunately the means to farm is limited.  Ironically, there is sweet joy on the face of these children as they waved eagerly to us.   As we passed we wondered… what is my role in their life?  What can the church do to aleviate their suffering? We also wondered why our rich, healthy American children often lack the simple joy these children seem to possess in the midst of poverty.

And then we entered Bethany Village.  ”A diamond in the rough”, Julie Zakhary told the Founder of Africa Renewal Ministries.   He had not heard the phrase, but when it was defined he knew exactly what she meant.   This 10 year old village began with 1 little home and today is alive and vibrant with over 400 children learning, living, and laughing.  11 orphan homes, a farm, classrooms for neighboring children, and so much more.  The land looks like something out of a travel magazine with it’s lush green vegetation, palm trees, rolling hills and a playground for the children.   The Director and his staff have set aside higher salaries of the city, and it’s many modern conveniences, to pour their lives into the lives of children.   Their vision is simple… Be a self-sustaining Christian village that raises up leaders to impact society.  They know it is not enough to provide their necessities, but to truly rescue these children they must implant in their hearts and minds the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They must educate them in all areas of study.  They must be courageous leaders to children who have no leadership.  They know they hold in their charge the awesome responsibility for the future of their lives…. and they are fulfilling their charge with grace, humility and radical love!

They need our help my friends.  They need our presence in their village to encourage and train teachers/staff.  To build structures and provide skill training so that they can become self-sustaining.   I hope you will go back with me… you will love it!   Yes… we will be going back in 2012.  Before then I will tell you other ways you can help right now!   What a diamond in the rough God has given us!

The Slums…

Lydia and a few others delivered food to one of Kampala’s worst slums.  I hope she will be able share her experience, but I think it is hard to comprehend unless you see it, smell it, and gather in the 8 x 8 shacks with a mother and her 5 children.  They have nothing.  The government does nothing.  The world does nothing.  Aide sent to Africa seldom makes it to this level of humanity.   Sewage running down the dirt pathways that seperate the shacks, children naked in the mud hoping to find food for another day, women raped and then abandon by men.  Death, disease, and hunger abound in a slum city of 40,000 people and in shock we wonder what can the world do.  As Lydia returned she was speechless, unable to express with words what her eyes had seen.

Americans have seen the poor, but this kind of abject poverty is radically different than anything our eyes have seen…unless we journey to nations that suffer from oppression, famine and violence.  How good it is to step outside our context and experience life that we only see in National Geographic.  To see the heartache and pray with the “least of these” is emotional and yet humbling, and to be among the wealthiest in the world and to pray with the poorest is overwhelming.  It compels us to consider our role in this world and wrestle with tragedies that surround us.

Fortunately, hundreds are being lifted out of this poverty and despair.  Pastor Deo was a slum child and now serves those he once lived with.  He and other slum children have grown into men and are ministering daily to women and children… and a few men.  Their church service near the slums draws 700 children and about 500 adults each week.  They have women to teach sewing skills and raise money for sewing machines (which you can donate!).   For $30 you can buy a piglet that will allow a family to generate income for food… and the hope of leaving the slums.  Pastor Deo is a God send, as are many others who labor in these fields of poverty.

Uganda Pastor Training

Okay… Thursday was awesome!  For the first time in 3 years I was able to combine my gifts/calling as a pastor with the leadership training I have provided for corporate America.  30 Ugandan pastors gathered for a 7 hours of “high performance leadership” training.  What a joy to spend time with fellow pastors who so desperately want to make a difference in their country.  Their passion for Jesus and love for their flock is so evident and they are hungry for tools, skills and ideas that can help them effectively lead their church.   In fact, the more I shared ideas with them the more I realize what I  need to be doing at Grace!  (I better get busy).   I’m sure I will fly back to meet with these guys again!

 

Uganda Day 2

As tAs the hours pass in Uganda my heart for all nations grows with compassion and desire… compassion for those trapped in poverty and desire to see the gospel extended to all. That truly is the heart of Christianity and the call on our lives… to relieve the suffering of others and proclaim the good news of Christ. This is my 3rd international mission trip and I must say my view of missions has changed radically since I traveled to Brazil. At that time I did not feel burdened, as I should. I did not think about the Biblical mandate of going to the world. I did not understand the radical nature of Christianity that calls those with much to give to those with so little. This trip feels different. I’m thinking differently about the Word and I am beginning to understand the extent of the Great Commission and how it must shape our Christian practice and prayers for the world.

All too often our American blinders keep us from fully connecting with Christian families overseas. It prevents us from seeing that their need is our opportunity to give. That our wealth can empower ministries to reach into the slums and villages of a nation we may seldom visit. Our resources (teaching, Bibles, health care, education) can help lift a nation out of poverty when their government turns a deaf ear. What great things we (American Christians) can do! And… what great things we ARE doing.

Africa Renewal Ministries in Uganda is funded almost exclusively by Americans! This of course is just one example of what our American wealth is doing around the world. However, only 1-2% of church budgets are allocated toward international relief and evangelism. Let us strive to raise that percentage as we co-labor with our foreign brothers/sisters in ministry. Yes, I said “co-labor”. We are united by faith in Christ and therefore part of the same church, which means we are to labor with them! Consider my role this week.

I will spend 4 full days training pastors and non-profit leaders in “High Performance Leadership”. I have taught this course 6 times in America but have never seen the level of engagement that I’ve seen in these men and women. They truly want to change the world and are hungry for sound leadership training. The concepts I am teaching are revolutionary here, because I may be the first person to ever present the material. In America, I am one of many to facilitate programs on time management, leadership roles and team building. Tuesday one of the participants said; “What you are teaching us today will have an impact on the world”. The world? The CEO of Africa Renewal Ministries said I should lead this course all over Africa! Do you see what I mean??

I am laboring with brothers in Africa for the sake of the gospel because as they transform their ministry they transform lives for Jesus! How has God equipped you to co-labor with the church internationally? Lydia taught women how to study the Bible inductively, offered childcare advice at the baby home and will paint a mural for the nursery. Our other team members used their gifts and abilities to do many other projects. You too can offer your gifts and talents to nations who need so much… and we have the “so much” they need. We have resources, wealth, talent, ideas and abilities that we must share generously with the world. When we share it with our Christian family they are empowered to change their nation for Christ! That is how we co-labor with them.

Btw… I met a couple today from Manchester, England. They retired from their jobs and asked the Lord… “How should we spend retirement.” That was 3 years ago and they have been in Africa ever since. They stored their worldly belongings in their attic and rented their house to a friend. WOW! Who does this?? Who trades a home in Manchester for a rented house in Uganda? That’s radical!

I don’t know what you and I will do with our future minutes in this life, but I pray we not waste them simply on our own pleasure and comfort, but give away our life to Christ that we might be the poured out people of God… sharing our life with the world! he hours pass my heart for the nations grows. Oh how I want all my friends to travel into the world and spend time with those who need ou

Uganda Day 1

This morning the devotional was from Joshua 1… “Be strong and courageous”.  Today we worked with men and women who embody the strong and courageous life.  Uganda Christians are so proud of their country and labor daily to lift people out of poverty and offer them hope.  From the baby homes to the many ministries that serve the poor, Christians here are passionate about their love for Christ and their calling to care for those in need.

The first thing we noticed on our arrival was the passionate prayer of our host.  Olive is 23 years old and were it not for the love of Gaba Community Church she would have been left to suffer in the slums with so many others.  Now she is working, going to school and walking with Christ.   She is an example of what the power of God working in the lives of His people can do.  Before the bus left the airport she prayed for us and the passion in her prayer revealed her deep love for King Jesus. In fact, her prayer continually referred to the “King of glory”.  Such an expression of love and respect for her King brought us joy and comfort. (After riding 1 hour on a dark road with few traffic laws we were really very grateful for her prayer!)

I spent all day with 25 managers of non-profit organizations.  There zeal for learning was tremendous!  They soaked in all the information from our High Performance Leadership training program, and were so anxious to apply the principles to their personal and professional life.  I will be training groups for the next 3 days while the rest of our team works construction, assists in the baby home, teaches, and works in the medical clinic.   And no, I am not building anything!   The goal is to leave this country better than when we found it.  I’m afraid they would have to rebuild whatever I started.

Well, I’m off to bed now and will try to get caught up on my sleep.  Peace to you all.

“My Bags are Packed I’m ready to go…

I’m standing here outside your door…”. Can’t remember who sang this but it was popular back in the early 80′s… or maybe late 70′s. Well that’s pretty much where we are now. Bags packed, passports in hand and ready to make our way to Uganda.

For 90 days I have been reading Radical, by David Platt and even preaching through it. In addition to many other topics covered the message of the Great Commission came through loud and clear. A message that I have known my entire adult life and affirmed heartily… But am I living it? Making disciples has been an active part of my life and teaching them to obey Gods Word is, I hope, a defining characteristic of my ministry at Grace. However, the “go” part has always made me pause. Oh I know what you are going to say… “Jay, going isn’t a geographical command. Someone has to stay in Waco”. Yes, I know, but in every generation someone has to go, which means everyone else has to send.

The advancement of the gospel depends on believers following this command. We either go or we send the goers or, as John Piper says; we are disobedient. Okay John… I get it! This time I will go. I will spend the time and money and loss of sleep to impart Gods Word to the world. And when I return I will ask others… Will you go or send?

I am humbled by the labor of missionaries from America who have left the comforts of our Disney lifestyle to share Jesus with the world. May we all surrender our lives to the cause of the gospel and keep a “go bag” on hand so that when the call to go is put before us we don’t delay, but run to the nations with the hope of Christ on our lips. In the meantime, find a way to give sacrificially so that others can go.

I will be in Africa in 24 hours. For now, I’ll scrunch up my knees and settle in for a long flight. Peace out.

Forget and Focus on…

From learning to read and write as a child to complex formulas of science, doctrines of faith, events of history, and the beauty of the arts, the increase of knowledge and memorization is vital to our lives.  Certainly we should fill our minds with all that is good, but victorious Christian living requires us to forget as well.  In fact, forgetting can prove to be the key to experiencing true freedom today.  With that in mind I have outlined 12 strategies for forgetting that allows us to focus on living in “The Time” and glorifying Christ till He comes again!

1.    Forget about your obstacles and focus on your opportunities.

Too often we miss the wonderful opportunities God places in our path because we are overwhelmed by the real, or perceived, obstacles in our way.  When we see past the obstacles to the joy set before us we will live with greater purpose and sense of hope.

2.    Forget about your failures and focus on His blessings.

We are all guilty of replaying the past failures of our life, instead of counting the many blessings that God has given us.  When we rid ourselves of those bitter memories we will see clearly the blessings that God has poured out on us and be able to live with greater confidence and contentment.

3.    Forget about your pride and focus on your humility.

Perhaps nothing is more damaging to our lives as the sin of pride. It goes against the very nature of God and His call on our life to humility.  When we reject pride and put on a humble spirit we are not only more pleasant to others, but we enjoy a life of peace and joy.

4.    Forget about your ambition and focus on His mission.

The drive and need for achievement is instilled in us at a young age, and can consume us to the point of a “success at all cost” mentality.  When we set aside worldly ambition for a Christ-centered mission we realign our values and objectives and redefine what it means to succeed in life.

5.    Forget about your guilt and focus on your repentance.

Although as Christians we have been saved through Christ and our sins forgiven, we still battle the indwelling nature of sin daily.  When we recognize the deep compassion of Christ, and His willingness to forgive us our sins, we will not delay in bowing our head in true repentance as we feel His love replace our guilt and shame.

6.     Forget about your fears and focus on His grace,

From terrifying fears that haunt us from past experiences to the seemingly unexplainable everyday fears, it is time we rejected them all and rested in the grace of God to protect us and give us peace.  When we realize that fear is in opposition to God’s design for our life we will forsake them and trust in His provision and protection.

7.     Forget about your ego and focus on your worship,

Identifying an inflated ego in someone else is easy to do, but unless we recognize our own selfish egos we will not be able to truly give our whole self to the worship of Christ.  When we forget about ourselves and all that we desire to be and do, we are able to magnify the living Christ through heartfelt, genuine worship.

8.    Forget about your plans and focus on His will,

It seems that we have become obsessed with planning every aspect of our lives.  From education and careers, health and finances, marriage and family, church and community, we are encouraged to make plans for the future and expect them to succeed.  When we turn our plans over to God, so that His perfect will can succeed, we find that His plans are for our good and will bring us great joy.

9.     Forget about your worries and focus on gratitude.

Worrying has become an acceptable sin in our culture.  So much that we often see it as prudent or caring, when in reality it is nothing more than a lack of faith in God.  When we submit our worries to God through prayer, we experience a spiritual freedom that frees us from the senseless worries that have plagued us for so long.

10.Forget about your pleasure and focus on His glory.

The pursuit of pleasure is known as hedonism, and although it can be a pathway to temporal happiness it always fall short of satisfying our deepest desires.  When we pursue happiness in Christ alone it is then, and only then, do we find true satisfaction and fulfill the meaningful desires of our life,

11,   Forget about your returns and focus on your giving.

The pursuit of greater return on our money can consume us daily, but the notion of giving is minimized and usually considered last in our budge.  When we learn to give generously, willingly and unselfishly to others first, we are blessed and we worry less about our own needs.

12. Forget about your rights and focus on His commands.

Selfishness and greed makes people think more highly of themselves than they should, which leads to the demanding of rights and a sense of entitlement.  When we humbly reflect upon the many commands of Christ we began to demand more of ourselves and less of others.  Letting go of what we think is right and fair for us, leads to greater obedience to God and greater love for others.