Do all conversations seem to lead to the 49ers or Ravens? Sunday night is the Super Bowl - the most watched sports event of all-time. Commercials cost the most during the Super Bowl, players have played to win the ring their entire careers and CBS will rake in millions. New Orleans will host hundreds of thousands of people this weekend. There's so much on the line.
Jesus experienced a Super Bowl crowd in Luke 8:42, "the crowds were nearly crushing Him." Then, He stopped in the middle of the crowd and wanted to know who touched him. Jesus said, "I know that power has gone out from Me." Jesus knew that someone used the crowd to receive a healing. A lady who had been bleeding for 12 years was healed.
This lady used the crowd. How are you going to use the excitement and crowd of the Super Bowl to show people their real need?
1). Say, "I'm passionate about football, but I'm more passionate about Christ." Use football as a bridge to share your testimony. Football fans are crazy for the game - Christians should be crazy for their Lord. He saved, healed & forgave you - that's the best message worth sharing.
2). Tell people you love the Super Bowl, but don't care for the commercials. Then wait for the person to say, "Why?" Then say, "Ephesians 4:24 says to 'put on the new self' which includes purity. Super Bowl commercials aren't pure." Don't respond like a Pharisee - rather someone who's striving to live a life pleasing to God.
3). Ask someone, "What's the greatest event in your life?" Listen to their response and they'll likely ask you, "Why do you ask?" or "What's yours?" Use the opportunity to state, "For the 49ers & Ravens this is theirs, but for me, it was when I trusted Christ as my Savior." Bridge the biggest game of a team's franchise to the greatest day when Christ saved you.
This is a huge weekend - Christians need to be looking for opportunities to share their faith in Christ with people centered on the Super Bowl.
On Friday nights my favorite TV show, Shark Tank, airs. Entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to 5 "sharks" hoping one or more will offer them money in exchange for proprietary of the company. Mark Cuban is the shark most entrepreneurs are hoping to hook a deal with.
Last week's episode, Mark Cuban made a statement that every growing church must wrestle with. He said what keeps companies small is their lack of cash. An entrepreneur was standing before the sharks asking for $150k to grow his business and Cuban said the man needed $300k to sustain the business' growth. Cuban is saying the absence of cash will keep a business from growing. He offered the man double his request.
How would this apply to a church? A church begins to grow...all of a sudden you need more literature, more office supplies, more staff members, more support staff, more janitorial staff, more maintenance men, more sound equipment, more building space, more electricity, more kitchen supplies - ultimately more cash to sustain the growth of a church.
"To make more money, you have to plan to make more money. Some people's problem is income, not spending."
A church isn't going to sustain growth with budget cuts. The lack of cash will prevent a church from: starting a Saturday night worship service, planning a community mission project, buying new pew Bibles, sending leaders to conferences, or having an app for the church.
Want to identify the biggest obstacle to your church's growth: cash. It's true - you can do more ministry, reach more people, witness more changed lives - all with more money.
2 Corinthians 9:6 says, "The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously."
The giving of your church effects the harvest.
People tend to think of alcoholics as homeless winos who have lost everything. That is an extreme - and a functional alcoholic would compare himself to that person. A functional alcoholic drinks all the time - yet rarely misses work, is funny and successful. On the outward appearance, they're perfectly normal - but they're hiding a secret.
1.) Denial. This is the number one sign. People seek help for their drinking problem when the consequences catch up with them - loss of job, spouse leaves them, liver problems. The functional alcoholic hasn't experienced any negative consequences - therefore, they feel they're fine.
2.) You seldom show signs you're intoxicated. A functional alcoholic can drink just as much, if not more, than a "full-blown" alcoholic - yet they've built such a tolerance for alcohol - it takes larger amounts to feel the effect. Years of drinking has erased morning hangovers. They can even drive with high blood alcohol levels. You would look at this person and never know they've had 4 or 5 beers - no outward signs.
3.) You drink at home to "unwind." When you get off work you want to relax, so you stop by a grocery or convenience store for one purpose. Alcohol becomes an award - you did well today at work, you deserve another beer. You have to keep drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms - you don't feel normal unless you drink.
4.) You're skilled at the double life. You're able to separate your professional, personal and drinking life. You have work friends, church friends, and drinking friends. You frequently change the stores you buy alcohol from, so no one would suspect you're a daily drinker. You regularly go out to the garage or shed to "work on something" - while you're really hiding how much you drink.
Prohibitionists – drinking is a sin and alcohol itself is an evil.
Abstentionists – drinking is not sinful but Christians should avoid drinking out of love for others and a desire not to cause anyone to stumble. (This is what I believe).
Moderationists – drinking is not a sin and each person must let their Christian conscience guide them without judging others.
God condemns divorce and remarriage (Mark 10:9-12). There are two exceptions for divorce and one exception for remarriage. It used to be hard and expensive to get a divorce - but no more. Google "divorce" and you can find an online divorce "on sale" for $149.
If your spouse commits "sexual immorality" you're permitted a divorce (Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9). These are the only two references in Scripture that permit divorce for sexual immorality - Jesus said we're permitted divorce because of the hardness of our hearts - divorce was never God's plan from the beginning (Matthew 19:8).
Second exception - if you're married to an unbeliever and the unbeliever leaves - you're to "let him leave" (1 Corinthians 7:15). God has called us to live in peace, not chase down your unbelieving husband.
These are the only two exceptions for biblical divorce - sexual immorality and if your unbelieving spouse leaves you. What about remarriage? If you're divorced, should a Christian remain single?
There is one exception for remarriage. If your spouse passes away you're released from your marriage vows (Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39). Jesus said marrying a divorced person is "adultery" (Luke 16:18). Deuteronomy 24:4 considers remarriage "detestable to the Lord."
1. Discourage Divorce – it's not God's will – only permitted.
2. Discourage Remarriage – only death allows a person to remarry.
3. Encourage Biblical Marriage – encourage people to observe God's standards and being faithful to their current spouse. If a divorced person has remarried, they need to remain in their marriage - keep your promise, don't break your vows a second time. Only God can end a marriage.
Have you been baptized as a Christian? Baptism is one of the most important steps you'll take a follower of Christ. Jesus told His disciples to baptize others (Matthew 28:19). The church is instructed to baptize believers (Acts 2:41).
Do you need to be baptized as a believer? I walked the aisle, said the prayer and got baptized 4 weeks later as a 5th grader. Nothing changed. I was saved when I was 15 - God revealed to me I had my baptism out-of-order - I had been baptized before I was saved.
1). Baptism is the initiation into the Christian faith. Matthew 3:15 says Jesus was baptized to "fulfill all righteousness." If Jesus submitted to baptism, shouldn't you?
2). There is no record of child baptism. There are references to households receiving baptism (Acts 16:15) - but the specific reference to a child receiving baptism is not found in Scripture. Baptism is an adult decision - if a child is baptized - the parents and pastor should examine the child to explain the meaning of salvation and baptism.
3). Baptism is all about obedience. Acts 22:16 asks us, "why delay?" Rejecting baptism is a sin of great disobedience. You're disobeying Christ by giving Him reasons you can't be baptized. I would never want to stand in front of God as an unbaptized believer. Only the thief on the cross wasn't able to get baptized (Luke 23:42-43). There's no such thing as an unbaptized Christian.
Baptism symbolizes our relationship with God - our old life going under the water, the water as the cleansing power of God, and our new life coming up (Romans 6:4).
Which Children's Bible Should You Buy?
Do you frequently visit friends at the hospital? Most people appreciate friends from work and church stopping by when they're sick or having surgery. There are several guidelines you need to follow when visiting - you always want to leave with the patient thinking, "I'm glad he stopped by."
1). You can get sick or you'll get the patient sick. The flu and staph infection are hospital friendly - using hand sanitizer before entering and leaving should be a law. Children and elderly people should avoid visiting friends at the hospital - there's no better place to become sick.
2). Knock on the door and wait. Do not walk right in your friend's room. Patients wear hospital gowns and could be receiving a bath or using the restroom. You want to respect their privacy - let them tell you when to enter the room.
3). Don't stay longer than 10-15 minutes. Your friend is sick and needs rest. A couple of years ago someone griped to me about a church friend who stayed nearly 3 hours talking away. The patient said it was nice he stopped by, but he needed rest and it was exhausting listening to him. The purpose of your visit is to show you care. Your friend probably isn't going to remember what you said, rather that you stopped by.
4). If the doctor comes in, you need to leave. Your friend shouldn't have to ask you to step into the hall to respect her privacy - you should take the initiative. Remember, you're the unexpected visitor - privacy and rest are priorities for patients and you want to respect them.
Here's a guest blog post from Cathy Lee Phillips - Cathy is speaking at First Baptist Moreland's upcoming women's conference. She's an award winning author, singer and speaker who lives in Newnan, Georgia. She's published Silver in the Slop! and frequently writes for The Newnan Times-Herald. Follow her on Facebook and come hear her speak at the 2013 Women's Conference.
Imagine that you are minding your own business when Clinton and Stacy, hosts of "What Not To Wear" approach you with good news and bad news. The bad news is that everything you are wearing is all wrong for your style, hair color, complexion, and body type. It gets worse. They have videos, made without your knowledge, of you wearing your comfortable but hideous clothes. Your friends are watching, not to mention all who watch the show.
Then the good news. If you agree, they will give you a $5,000 gift card, whisk you to New York, and you will buy a whole new wardrobe. (I thought $5,000 wouldn't even buy a bra in New York City!) You have to give up your old clothes and let these two fashion experts guide you toward a new look, including hair and make-up. You return home looking incredible. Everyone applauds and tells you how stunning you look.
Would you do it? Duh. I would.
Sounds exciting, but what Stacy and Clinton don't share is that our clothing is not just something we can buy with a $5,000 gift card. Proverbs 31:25 reminds us, "Strength and honor are her clothing. She laughs at times to come." More importantly, whatever we wear is not nearly as important as who we are because God doesn't look on our outward appearance. God looks on the heart. Having a heart that reflects the heart of God is priceless! And far more important than anything New York has to offer.
The 2013 First Baptist Moreland Women's Conference will remind us that, whatever we wear, our real goal is to always imitate God because He is our real strength. Expect plenty of laughter. You will see friends you know and make new ones. Above all, we pray you grow stronger in faith and your ability to imitate Christ.
I spoke at the 2012 Women's Conference and am incredibly honored to be asked back! Wow! I probably will have more fun than anyone because I will be doing what God has called me to do and I am sure He will provide just what you need to hear. Come see for yourself.
Over eighty women are registered right now and each one is important. But why can't we open the doors to one hundred or more? Invite your family and friends for a day of worship and the best fellowship anywhere! I can't wait to see you at FBC Moreland on Saturday, January 19, 9:00 til 3:30 p.m. And for only $10.
Stacy and Clinton are so jealous!
Everyone has something to say. You'll read this blog and think, "I need to share this with ___________ who talks too much." If you share this, hence, you felt you needed to speak. Spiritual growth, personal growth and career growth isn't going to occur with what you say. Listening will likely begin the breakthrough you're longing for.
1). You'll miss God. Jesus told us to be careful how we listen (Luke 8:18). God has a purpose, plan and point for your life. It's more than attending church for one hour on Sundays. You shouldn't continually ask God, "What do you want me to do?" "Where do you want me to go?" "Who do you want me to talk to?" God has already spoken to you through His Word, your job is to read and obey it (aka discipleship).
Eli told young Samuel how to hear from God, "If He calls you, say, 'Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening'" (1 Samuel 3:9). Samuel kept missing God speak, and it took an Eli to teach him how to listen.
2). You'll have the same reoccurring problems. If you're on your third marriage, your fourth job in two years, and constantly have high turnover of friends - you have to ask yourself, "Could the problem be me?" Those who are most closest to you can speak most truthfully about you. The same reoccurring problem likely is because you aren't listening - the problem is you.
Blaming and attacking others is a way we justify ourselves. The purpose of listening is to hear the truth and improve.
3). You'll become lost. Not only are you spiritually lost by not listening to God, you'll become lost by wasting hours everyday to the TV, Facebook, drinking and playing games on your phone. You go to work, come home and numb yourself. No goals, no plans, no direction - just waiting around until you have to go to work again.
Do you have teenagers with an attitude? Does your 10th grader know more than you? Parents of teenagers can struggle with how to discipline their teens.
Obviously when a child grows older they earn more freedom - but they're not ready to be treated like they're 25 when they're 15.
Your children needs you the most in middle school, high school and the transition to college. Don't pull back and believe the lie, "He's an adult when he's 18."
1). Structure. Routines are good. They keep you in daily Bible study, keep you at church on Sundays, and keep you going to bed and getting up at the same hour. Your teenagers shouldn't live a "whatever" lifestyle - waiting on a text from a friend for something fun and free to cure their boredom. Structure also improves your teenagers' grades.
2). Consistency. If you threaten to take away their phone for not taking out the trash when asked, and they wrote you off - your teen's phone should be confiscated. Consistency shows you're serious. If you don't come through on your word, you become a noise-maker to your daughter. Power with no punch.
3). Love. You must have the best interests for your teenager. They don't always know their best interests. Two 16 year olds shouldn't be riding around Newnan at 1 a.m. on a date in his truck. They're not doing Bible study at 1 a.m. You must lovingly tell your son, "no." You're not a "yes man," rather his dad.
4). Consequences. She said she was going over to her best friend's - but ended up at her boyfriends'...Your teenager will lie to you - and you respond with consequences. There goes the phone, the Xbox, the car, the basketball team - you take away what they love the most. Remember, it's possible to grow up without a phone - and no one uses a phone, "only for emergencies."
Avoid using church as a consequence. Possibly no Winter Jam or no youth softball - but preventing your daughter to worship and hear the Word ultimately hinders their developing relationship with Christ.
Do you watch Ink Master? You get to judge which Tattoo artist will win the competition. In 2005, Miami Ink launched as a new reality TV show popularizing tattoos. Tattoos are common and accepted.
What does God say about tattoos?
Israel had just come out of slavery from the Egyptians - the Egyptians would tattoo pagan gods on themselves - God told the Israelites to avoid this.
Leviticus 19:27 says not to cut your beard - how can you follow verse 28 (no tattoos) and shave every morning?
The false prophet in Revelation 13:16 will require everyone to receive a mark on your right hand or your forehead. This isn't a tattoo, but will be some sort of marking - promising your allegiance to the anti-christ.
Christians who have tattoos of crosses or Christian symbols say tattoos create a good Christian witness or conversation starter.
Christians with tattoos also say if you're going to say tattoos are wrong, then piercings are wrong as well. Leviticus 19:28 says not to cut yourself.
Many people view tattoos as rebellious.They could hurt you in a job interview - especially a job working with the public. People will judge you based on your tattoos.
You could make a decision you later regret. I'm glad when I was 21, I didn't get a tattoo saying, "I love Nicole" but married someone named Sherri 4 years later. Whoops...wrong girl.
What looks good at 22 will be saggy when 62. I don't know many 60 or 70 year olds coming up to me saying, "Look at my ink!"
God has high standards for His followers. One of the outward signs that you're saved is if you obey His teachings. The 7th commandment in Exodus 20:14 is, "Do not commit adultery."
Jesus took this teaching a step further, by stating that married men should not be thinking about other women (Matthew 5:27-30). God knows if you're married to one woman, yet longing for another.
1). Texting. Why would a married man need to text another woman? The problem with texting, compared to other communication, is how quickly the conversation can turn sexual. There's a reason we have the word, "sexting." Wikipedia says 33% of young adults do this.
With camera phones, its too easy to take inappropriate pictures and text them to guys to see their response. You must have open access to your spouse's cell phone.
2). Hugs, back and shoulder rubs. A married man needs to keep his hands to himself. A touchy man could have ulterior motives - he's looking to how you'll respond. Married ladies should purposely avoid touchy men - surround yourself in a group or walk away when he's coming.
3). The conversation is too personal. If you're talking with another man about feelings, relationship issues, troubles, sexual topics or he's giving too many compliments or gifts - you've crossed a boundary. Even worse, if you don't tell your husband what you're talking about with this other man, your conversation is now a secret. Affairs thrive in secrecy.
4). You "cross paths" with your friend. She's always walking down the hall you work on. She stops by your office for no reason - or to ask a "question." If you're crossing paths with someone a little too frequently, another woman is calling to "check on you," or she shows an unexpected interest in your life - these are all red flags.
5). People from your past reappear. Old boyfriends and former guy friends reconnecting with you is dangerous. It brings back memories and thoughts of, "What if..." If you're Facebooking with old girlfriends, the temptation will be to pick-up where you left off.
Do you attend a huge church? Do you worship with not hundreds, but thousands of people every Sunday? The largest church in the world is Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea with 1 million members.
A "megachurch" is defined by at least 2,000 worshippers every week and there are about 1,200 megachurches in the United States.
1). Megachurches establish a brand. Ultra large churches purposely create identities for their niche. For example, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas is known for Joel Osteen and his positive messages and upbeat worship. The Church of Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama has created an identity for radical discipleship and missions to unreached people groups. Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina is known as a hip, college-centered church - including church extensions on university campuses.
2). Megachurches communicate extremely well. Most of them have a Minister of Communications who is always emailing, snail mailing, tweeting, blogging, Facebooking, videos, advertising, publishing - every possible avenue to connect with members and guests - they're aggressive and professional. I know of a church that requires it's staff members to return phone calls/emails/Facebook messages within 4 hours of receiving them.
Logos, mission statements, and new member classes are all used to communicate the vision of the church, how you can be involved, and how you can give. Too much is at stake for a megachurch or any size church to fail at communication.
3). Megachurches master small groups. They know that a church grows larger by growing smaller. Much of their growth is building 5 hallways each with 10 large rooms seating 40 people each and clean restrooms. Whether its Sunday School, Discipleship Groups, Specialty-based classes or Weight Watchers meetings - they use small groups to connect. Megachurches know if people don't assimilate in a small group setting - they don't stick.
4). Megachurches have personalities. The pastor is publishing a book a year, the worship pastor writes the songs they sing, the children's minister is writing the curriculum for the kids. A high level of professionalism and expectation is established. This can be dangerous if a ministry leader sets himself on a higher level than the people in the pew...aka pride.
Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, said his goal was to memorize 3,000 names. He would study the church directory - thousands of people would attend, and he'd walk around saying their names. He knew nothing about them...but he knew their names!