Archive for May, 2008
May 27, 2008
After giving my other blog-friends lots of lip for not blogging enough, I have been crazy-busy the past week and am just now checking into the blogosphere. Here’s what’s happening.
My brother James, who has worked for me this past year, packed up and moved home to Oklahoma for a new job. He worked hard and did a great job here, but home seemed to be calling a little too strong, he and his wife had the opportunity, and they took it. God bless them.
We added a secretary/administrative person (Rhonda) to our staff to help manage and accomplish alot of the detail work around the office—the bigger we get the more there is to do, which is very exciting actually. We also promoted a part-time person to full time (Christine) to work in our children’s ministry department, replacing brother James. Today was the first day for both ladies in their respective roles.
Today we also received bad news that a fellow church planter (Steve) passed away. He planted his church the same month we planted Crossroads. He was 32 with a wife and small daughter. He was diagnosed with an agressive form of cancer just weeks before his Church Launch. He belonged to our church planting assocation. Likewise, he was the mentor of our Student Minister (Mike), so his loss hits very close to home.
Today I feel a bit tired and weary. It’s 6:30pm and I’m still at the office. But I serve an awesome God, have my health, my family, and lead one of God’s churches. I am blessed—so very blessed.
On a very cool note, Dr. Jack Cottrell, a leading Arminian Theologian in America visited my weblog and offered some comments on my post “The Existential Centrality of Grace.” He agreed with most of what I wrote, appreciated and affirmed the main theme, but always the teacher he corrected some of my theological mistakes. He visited the blog per my invitaiton. As Wayne Campbell would say, “I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy!” Thank you Dr. Cottrell for your great legacy and influence.
Blessings to everybody in the blogosphere.
PS: I will be making some corrections to the post in question when time permits.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged crazy-busy, Crossroads Christian Church Joliet, Jack Cottrell, Steve Szoke, Update | Leave a Comment »
May 20, 2008
Argh. We have two weeks left of Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. I love the program. I recommend the program. It’s an awesome program. And I’ve learned a lot because of the program. We’ve learned about CDs, Mutual Funds, Debt Burning, Wealth Building, Insurance, Stock Markets, and that Dave Ramsey loves saying “Stuu-pid.”
I suppose we’re better off today than we were several months ago when we started the campaign. BUT IT SURE DOESN’T FEEL LIKE IT! It’s been “Murphy’s Law” every since the program began. I think there are evil, spiritual forces in this world that don’t want us to be better stewards of our finances. Seriously. We’ve had doctors’ bills like you wouldn’t believe. Extra travel expenses. More birthday parties than we can shake a stick at. “AND OUR PET’S HEADS ARE FALLING OFF???!!!” (See Carey, Jim; Dumb & Dumber). Like I said, “Murpy’s Law.”
But we’re going to keep it up. Except for our house and two cars, we are out of debt. We’re snowballing our car payments (Baby step two? or three?). And within a couple of years we’ll be investing like a thousand dollars a month! Eurika! And when it’s all said and done, I think we’ll be doing okay for a preacher and spouse with… kids, etc.
Posted in Family, church, religion | Tagged baby steps, budget, church finances, dave ramsey, financial peace university, invest, money, stewardship | 2 Comments »
May 19, 2008
Yesterday we had our first annual Baby Dedication day at Crossroads. A number of families participated in the Dedication Service and 16 ”three-and-under” children were dedicated to the Lord by their families. Each family introduced themselves to the entire church during the 10am Worship Service. Each introduction was met with a round of applause and a lot of excitement. We took individual family pictures and we will give those pictures along with a certificate to each participant.
Likewise we read several appropriate scriptures such as Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Psalm 127:3-5, Proverbs 22:6, and Ephesians 6:1-4 and we prayed over the children. We reminded the parents that each child must ultimately choose to accept or follow Jesus of their own volition, but our job as parents is to set them on the right track and lead them as close to Jesus as possible. It was an enjoyable Service to say the least.
What really stood out to me was the diversity of the families who dedicated their children to the Lord. The Crossroads Staff has prayed that we might be able to appeal to all kinds of people with diverse national heritages, social heritages, and ethnic heritages. And yesterday it was evident that God is answering our prayer.
Among the families represented were Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Africans, Native American, and inter-racial families. It was colorful and it was wonderful—I think much more representative of the hue of heaven than what one sees in most American churches, and for that I am thankful.
And certainly it is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote in Galatians 3:28 that “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” For a lily-white country boy from Oklahoma (me) this is all very cool.
Posted in church, religion | Tagged American church, baby dedication, Black, church, colorful, Deuteronomy 6:6-9, diverse, diversity, Ephesians 6:1-4, Galatians 3:28, Hispanic, inter-racial, Native American, Proverbs 22:6, Psalm 127:3-5, race, racial, White | 1 Comment »
May 14, 2008
Recently I was talking to a dear friend and mentor. We were discussing the subject of God’s grace (or at least I was), and he said, “I think grace is an over-emphasized idea.” My friend is a Bible Scholar and a defender of sound doctrine. He understands the content of biblical law and yet he apparently thinks grace should be deemphasized and law reemphasized? I suppose he thinks that adherence to the law makes one holy; not saved, but holy once saved. Therefore, I suspect that he sees obedience to the law as the existential center of the Gospel.
I don’t like to argue (as much as I used to) but I must disagree. I believe that Grace, as the gifted extension of God’s love, is the existential center of the Gospel. In fact, I am convinced it is our faithful acceptance of God’s grace that makes us holy.
Furthermore, I am convinced that Biblical Law (both Old and New) is utterly powerless to make us holy in any way, shape, or form. Only the divine decree of God to justify (pardon) me will make me holy (different than Sinners on a collision course with hell). And justification comes by grace through faith, not by keeping Biblical Law (see Romans 3:21-24 and Ephesians 2:4-10), if I am incorrect on this point then the Apostle Paul is a heinous liar and the Scriptures are not to be trusted.
What then is the purpose of God’s law, if not to make us holy? For one, it is for the purpose of bringing order out of chaos, to bring civility out of barbarianism (a civilization cannot exist without rules). But more pertinent to our discussion, the purpose of God’s law is to teach the unsaved that they are unholy (see Romans 7:6-13 and Galatians 3:24) so that they can repent and cry out to God in faith, calling on the name of the Lord, thus receiving the gift of God’s grace (which is normally applied at baptism, see Acts 2:38, but that is a discussion for another day).
For the Christian, the law further reminds us of our continuing need for God’s grace upon our life. As we carry on in our struggle against our flesh, the law humbles us and reminds us that we need to remain connected to Jesus Christ (the True Vine, see John 15) if we are going to be productive and fruitful as Christians.
I conclude that God’s grace is the starting point, the continuing point, and the finishing point of our redeemed relationship with God. God’s grace may not be the most fundamental aspect of His divine nature, but it is the most important aspect for the Christian. It is the bridge in our relationship with Him and therefore the existential center. And if it is the existential center, then it must permeate our lives and our churches. Thus God’s grace, more than His law, governs and leads us, saves us, and motivates us into holy Christian living and effective Christian service.
Posted in religion | Tagged Biblical Law, existential Christianity, God's grace, God's Law, God's love, justification by faith, salvation by grace | Leave a Comment »
May 13, 2008
I’m probably not a very flexible person. I believe in my way, am confident in my way, and have experienced success in my way. Of course, I believe that my way is the best way, and that the best way is my way. Sound arrogant? I suppose it is. Yet, I have my way of preaching, my way of leading a church, and my way of doing church. And I do it my way because its the best way I know how; and I want to do every thing I do to the best of my ability (which by definition makes it my way!).
More importantly, I want my way to be under the umbrella of God’s way. I want my way to be submitted and committed to God’s way. If I do it my way, I should do it because I feel that it is actually God’s way. Sometimes my way proves not to be God’s way, and sometimes God’s way proves not to be my way; most notably when failure is obvious (because God’s ways never fail).
But, despite my hubris, I want to open my mind to new ways. I often pray for humility, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I want to know when my way is less than the best so I can repent and get in tune with God’s ways.
As I am reading Alan Hirsch’s book “Forgotten Ways,” my ways are being challenged, and yet his message resonates with me. He doesn’t do church my way, he doesn’t do doctrine my way, and he doesn’t plant churches my way; but I’m still trying to discern what, if anything, God is trying to teach me? What new way is God exposing to me? What new thought does God want me to think? What new application does God want me to employ? And why is God exposing me to these new thoughts?
I don’t know the answer to these questions, but I hope that God is still conforming my ways to His ways. Psalm 128:1 says, “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.”
Posted in religion | Tagged Alan Hirsch, arrogance, best of my ability, Forgotten Ways, God's Ways, hubris, My ways, Open Mind, Psalm 128:1 | Leave a Comment »
May 12, 2008
Most nights it is my privilege to tuck my boys into bed, read them a story from the Bible, pray with them, and give them hugs and kisses. Sometimes, I’m watching a particular television show, or reading a book and I rush through the whole “tucking-in” task, checking off the list before turning out the lights and closing them into their bedroom for the night. But mostly it is a half-hour of father-and-son togetherness.
When sensing that I am not in a rush my Oldest will ask me to tell a story about my life growing up or about his Papa or Grandma but my Youngest will nearly always ask me to sing a song. We always begin singing with something goofy, normally something I invent on the spot, something to get him giggling. Then we sing songs he learns on Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, or (Gasp!) Barnie. And we always, always finish with “Jesus Loves Me,” (not because I’m spiritual but because that’s his favorite song).
But here’s the thing: I’m not very creative, my on-the-spot songs don’t rhyme very well, and they probably are off-pitch and off-key. It wouldn’t be music to any one’s ear, except my son’s. Somehow, such moments comfort him, soothe him, protect him, and endear me to him. They are almost like a prayer language between father and son; an expression of affection, of unity, of loyalty, of togetherness. Maybe that’s why, so often, I hear my son say, “Sing a Song, Daddy!” (Or maybe it’s just a ploy to delay bedtime.)
We need to understand that God offers the same sort of moments to us. He wants us to sing to Him, yes, but more profoundly He wants to sing to us, to comfort us, to soothe us, to protect us, and to endear Himself to us. He has offered us an expression of affection, of unity, of loyalty, of togetherness. He is God, but He is not to busy to tuck us in at night. No, it seems that we are the ones who are too busy.
Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
[The inspiration for these thoughts were unashamedly ripped from Vince Antonucci's book "I Became a Christian and All I Got was this Lousy T-Shirt," (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books) p. 88-90; and from Richard Foster's "Prayer," p. 3-4.]
Posted in Family, religion | Tagged bedtime, Daddy, father, Father's Day, God sings, God's delight, Jesus Loves Me, sing, Sing a song, son, song, Tell me a story, tucking in, Vince Antonucci, Zephaniah 3:17 | Leave a Comment »
May 10, 2008
Yesterday as I shopped for a Mother’s Day gift for Janice, You were on my mind. And as I looked through the greeting cards I couldn’t help but think about You and miss You. Just a year ago I was busy ordering flowers to be delivered to your home to wish You a happy Mother’s Day. But our lives have been altered forever and You are gone.
Strangley enough we somtimes forget. Yesterday, as our Littlest One was speaking with Papa on the phone he asked, “Can I talk to my Grandma?” Then, recognizing his error, he quickly said, “Can I talk to my Mommy?” who he knew was working at the Hospital. And last week when we were wondering about your side of the family I said, “I’ll just call Mom and ask her,” momentarily forgetting that You are no longer a phone call away.
Alhough we forget You are gone, we do not forget that You were here. You are constantly in our thoughts, in our prayers, and in our memories. We are thankful for your life, for your example, for your love, for your faith, and for your faithfulness. We know You are proud of us, and we are proud of You. You were an amazing person and we miss You. But most importantly we know you are at peace in the presence of God–enjoying eternity and waiting for us. Soon enough we will see You again, but until then farewell and happy Mother’s Day.
Love, Matt
Posted in Family | Tagged cancer, disease, grandma, grandpa, grief, grieving, loss, miss, mom, mommy, mother, mother's day, papa, terminal, wish you were here | Leave a Comment »
May 8, 2008
I am a conservative. Not that I’m for the Republican party, in fact I am registered as an independent. But I am a political conservative. Not that I am a partisan. Not that I want to take America backward 50 years, 100 years, or 200 years–I do not. Conservative does not mean bigot, racist, traditionalist, or backwoods hick as some would insist. It does not mean “rich white men” dominating and oppressing everybody else. It does not mean that I want to legislate my brand of morality deep into the bedroom of every American home.
But it does mean, among other things, that I believe that the fundamental principals that made America strong, if continually embraced by the popular majority, will keep America strong (And the fundamental principles that made America strong are recorded in the US Constitution as well as the Bill of Rights).
True Conservatism hopes for one nation open to all people seeking to be free. True Conservatism offers freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of self-defense, freedom of the press, freedom to self-rule, freedom to own property, freedom from excessive taxation, freedom from an oppressive government, freedom to earn an income and to own a business. And, possibly and most importantly, freedom to disagree without fear of persecution or threat of hate and ostracism from the fellow citizenry.
What does it mean to be a Conservative? It means that we hope to build and restore a land where freedom abounds for all people, and for all kinds of people. If that’s what it means to be a Conservative, then I am indeed a Conservative–so too should be every person longing for freedom and deliverance from any kind of oppression.
Posted in Politics | Tagged bill of rights, business, capitalism, citizenship, conservatism, conservative, constitution, democrat, excessive taxation, freedom, government, liberal, majority, minority, press, property, religion, republican, self-defense, self-rule, speech, tax, us constitution | 1 Comment »
May 5, 2008
My eyes feel dry. My lids are fluttering. And as I work here in my office, my head is sagging. Why am I so tired today?
First, because yesterday was a very long day, beginning at 5:45am and ending at 12am.
Second, because I have been out of my routine for the past two weeks as we have taken a long road-trip to Orlando, Florida for the National New Church Conference; and then this past week my wife and my oldest child have been out of town for the past 3 days on road-trip to Missouri. So, sleep habits, etc.
Third, because I haven’t exercised in about a month after exercising vigorously for several months prior. I haven’t been exercising because I ran 5 miles one day and my knees starting hurting after that. But just this past week the pain has dissipated, and I will try to get back in the saddle again tomorrow.
Fourth, because I know these next couple of weeks will be a bit more streneous than normal, with two of our Church Staff Members taking vacation, one of our staff members moving to Oklahoma, et al. It makes me tired just thinking about the next month.
But Isaiah 40:31 says, But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Although I feel a bit weary today, I continue to put my hope in the Lord and He will strengthen me.
And I will go home to catch a little R & R this evening. As one minister has said, “Sometimes the most godly thing a man can do is take a nap.” Today, I agree!
Posted in religion | Tagged Exponential 08, hope in the Lord, Isaiah 40:31, long days, National New Church Conference, take a nap, tired | 1 Comment »
May 4, 2008
Every day is the Lord’s day, but we still dedicate the first day of the week to Him.
5:45am, the day began when I got up to study my sermon notes and make final adjustments and changes.
6:45am, I woke up our youngest (as my wife and our oldest took a weekend road trip) and we quickly dressed and showered.
7:15am, Stopped by Duncan Donuts to get breakfast for the both of us, and then on to church.
9am, Classes began and did the usual: prayer requests, introduction of guests, and then study Acts 16.
9:45am, Bob P. pulled me aside before Worship Services to tell me that his Soldier-Brother was in town and wanted to be baptized into Christ (a decision we’ve all been looking forward to and praying for).
10am, Church starts attendance again the 200s, exciting service, good morning, sermon on Prayer.
11am, Outreach Team Meeting, finalizing annual calender of Outreach & Service Events.
12pm, Lunch w/ Student Minister Mike at Applebees, discussing performance review and fall planning (He is doing a great job–especially when assisting in teaching and preaching).
2pm, Pick up youngest from Uncle James and Aunt Lydia’s house and then to Mike M’s house to visit.
3:30pm, Financial Peace University
6:15pm, Back to the Blog
9:15pm, my Wife and Oldest Child return from their Road-Trip to Missouri
12am, Head to the Bed
Posted in Family, religion | Leave a Comment »
