Inauguration Sermon

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual…

Dan 3:16-19 (NIV)

We experienced a momentous moment in our nation’s history this week. One of the little known events was a church service just prior to the inauguration at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington which the Obama’s and Biden’s attended. The sermon was shared by T.D. Jakes. I wanted to share with you his powerful four points from Daniel 3:16-20.

• "In time of crisis, good men must stand up. God always sends the best men into the worst times."
• "You cannot change what you will not confront. This is a moment of confrontation in this country. There's no way around it. ... This is not a time for politeness or correctness, this is a time for people to confront issues and bring about change."
• "You cannot enjoy the light without enduring the heat. The reality is the more brilliant, the more glorious, the more essential the light, the more intense the heat. We cannot separate one from the other."
• "Extraordinary times require extraordinary methods. This is a historical moment for us and our nation and our country, and we enjoy it and are inspired by it and motivated by it."

Uncomfortable

Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, "God is in this place—truly. And I didn't even know it!" He was terrified. He whispered in awe, "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy..."

Gen 28:16-17 (MSG)

I enjoy being in the presence of God. I benefit from worship, time in the Word, and prayer. Whether in solitude, in a small group, or in a church service, I want to experience the presence of God. There is something inside each of us that craves connecting with God. I believe it is because we were all created for a relationship with God.

When we fulfill a life calling we feel good. There is nothing like the feeling you get when you’re doing what you’re suppose to be doing. Our connection with God feels good because we were created for that connection. God’s presence is a great place to be whether alone or at church. But sometimes I wonder if we get too comfortable in the presence of God?

When you think about it, when anyone in the Bible experienced the manifest presence of God they were terrified. People got scared in the presence of angels let alone the very presence of God. The question is, “Should I be so comfortable in the presence of the living God?”

I believe there are times we should be uncomfortable. When we focus on God’s holiness and justice. When we think about His omnipotence and glory. If you don’t feel uncomfortable maybe, in the words of J.B. Phillips, “your God is too small.” Perhaps you’re staying at a safe distance, not drawing as near as you should.

Draw near to God. Uncomfortably near. Get terrified. And when you do, remember His great love and grace that covers our sin and invites us into an intimate relationship with the living God. The relationship you were created for!

Prayer

Prayer is one of the key components to our mysterious relationship with God. Here are some of my favorite prayers from great Christians.

O Holy Spirit of God, abide in us; inspire all our thoughts; pervade our imaginations; suggest all our decisions; order all our doings. Be with us in our silence and in our speech, in our haste and in our leisure, in company and in solitude, in the freshness of the morning and the weariness of the evening; and give us grace at all times humbly to rejoice in the Thy mysterious companionship.

John Baillie

Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth; help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart.

Martin Luther

Lord, make my life a window for Your light to shine through and a mirror to reflect Your love to all I meet. Amen.

Robert Schuller

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.

Augustine

Lord, teach me to listen. The times are noisy and my ears are weary with the thousand raucous sounds which continuously assault them. Give me the spirit of the boy Samuel when he said to Thee, "Speak, for Thy servant heareth." Let me hear Thee speaking in my heart. Let me get used to the sound of Thy voice, that its tones may be familiar when the sounds of earth die away and the only sound will be the music of Thy speaking. Amen.

A. W. Tozer

For more inspiring prayers pick up the Great Prayers of Great Christians sheet in the church lobby.

Pilgrimage

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,…

Psalm 23:6 (NLT)

Our time here on earth is a pilgrimage. All of our days are meant to be filled with the “abundant life” Jesus promises in John 10:10. We just celebrated the Christmas season where we looked back at Christ’s birth. We recently ended a sermon series called The End where we looked ahead to Christ’s future return to earth. As we begin a New Year we need to look around to discover Christ’s work in our midst now.

Our journey with God is a day by day adventure. God is at work all around us inviting us to join Him. God has more for you and your life than you could ever imagine. When we are close to God we will experience the relationship and abundant life we were created for.

May I ask you a question? How do you intend to stretch and grow spiritually in 2009? Our relationship with God is the most important relationship anyone of us will ever have. It is essential for us to be near to God in order to hear and follow Him every day of our lives.

Here’s an ancient prayer we can use as a guide as we begin 2009…

• Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being. We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget You, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  

Only Nuns Change Habits Overnight

My Book Shelf – Every now and then I like to share with you what I’m reading. My hope is that it will be a blessing and help to you as well.

Only Nuns Change Habits Overnight by Karen Scalf Linamen

You know I love a great book title and I just couldn’t pass this one up. Now I know it’s a book for women but we all need a little help in getting to where we want to be in life so I thought this would be the perfect book to review as we end 2008 and begin 2009.

We all long for change in our lives. That’s why we use the New Year to make our list of resolutions. Too often we forget about our list within the first few days and sink back into our old habits and emotions. Either we are just too comfortable to change or we’re too afraid. True positive change often seems out of our reach so we give up on our dreams and goals and settle for what we know is less than best.

We all need a little help. In Only Nuns Change Habits Overnight, Karen examines 52 powerful actions readers can apply to any change they long to embrace. Her insights apply to career, finances, personal health and fitness, relationships, faith—in fact, every facet of life. She is able to blend great stories, laugh-out-loud humor, and practical wisdom to help each of us transform our life. She provides the help we need to end bad habits, stop procrastinating, and generate the energy we need to pursue the life we desire.

God has so much more for you. Don’t settle. Strive for your personal best in 2009 and honor God with your life!

Author Bio: Karen Scalf Linamen is a popular speaker and the celebrated author of ten books for women, including Due to Rising Energy Costs the Light at the End of the Tunnel Has Been Turned Off and Just Hand Over the Chocolate and No One Will Get Hurt. She has been featured on more than one hundred radio programs, including FamilyLife Today. Publishers Weekly describes her as “funny, forthright and unforgettable.” Linamen lives with her family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Visit her website at www.karenlinamen.com.

Cold & Snow

The cold and snow has arrived this first week of December. While I don’t like the bitter cold I enjoy this time of year as we give thanks at Thanksgiving, prepare our hearts for Christmas, and we look forward to a new year. Like the cold or not, this is an important time of the year in our lives.

There is one thing that I am going to miss now that it’s cold. I have gotten into the habit of taking the farthest parking spot at stores and such. It’s not about the exercise, although I know that’s beneficial. I have been using that extra walking time for prayer. Sometimes we are in such a hurry in our everyday lives that we miss little opportunities to connect with God. This was one way to add a little extra time with God each day.

Amazing things happen when you make room for God. I heard God speak to me as I was walking, and the feeling of being closer to God and an amazing opportunity to minister to someone at the store were just a few of the results of walking a little farther each day.

Now I have to find a new way to find those extra minutes with God each day. What do you do to connect with God? Let me know, I am looking for suggestions.

Push and Pull

It seems like life is endless game of push and pull. I feel like my alarm is pushing me out of bed each morning into a day with a “To Do” list that is impossible to accomplish in 24 hours. And everyone said, “Amen.” Our stories are probably similar: constant demands, overwhelming schedules, too much to do, too little time.

By the end of each day I look at my Palm and see all the things I didn’t get done. I begin moving the mountain of tasks to tomorrow’s “To Do” list. So before one day is over I already feel pulled into tomorrow by my subtly increasing time debt.

There is nothing wrong with a lot to do. It’s part of the world in which we live. Everyone is pushed and pulled through life. The important question to ask is, “Who is doing the pushing and pulling?” While I believe we are responsible for the choices we make in life, it seems at some point we lose control and something or someone else takes over.

Who is doing your pushing and pulling? As Christians, the answer should be God, His Word, the example of Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When asked about what He was doing Jesus responded, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” Jesus was in tune with the Father’s will. It wasn’t about what He wanted to do. It wasn’t about what people expected Him to do. It was all about what God wanted Him to do.

Our lives are not our own. We are stewards of our lives, our time, and all that we have been given. At some point we will stand before the Judge and give an account and the question will be, “What is your relationship to the Judge?” Take time this week to reflect on the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about your work with and relationship to Him.

Top 7 Christian Movies

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons upon us I thought I would blog about something fun that could also be beneficial for gift giving or family times around the TV during the holidays.

Why only 7 you ask? Well, I don’t have a lot of room on the back of a bulletin and it seemed to be the right number when discussing “Christian” movies. Now I know there are some that would ask, “What makes a movie ‘Christian’?” Well, I’m running out of room, so we don’t have time for a philosophical discussion right now.

Here are my Top 7 Christian Movies in no particular order:

1. Fireproof – Moving movie from the makers of “Facing the Giants” (another great movie). Still in theaters!
2. The Nativity Story – Authentic look at the first Christmas.
3. Left Behind – Got to love Kirk Cameron missing the Rapture.
4. The End of the Spear – Powerful!
5. Peter & Paul – Nothing better than Anthony Hopkins as Paul.
6. The Cross & the Switchblade – 70’s cheesy cool movie with Eric Estrada.
7. The Passion of the Christ – One of my all-time favorite movies ever.

Honorable Mention:

• A Thief in the Night (Part 1) & A Distant Thunder (Part 2) – End Times movies from the 70’s that scared me to death as a kid. I pretty much love all End Times movies from every era.

So many more great Christian movies so little time. Let me know what your favorites are and let’s build a list.

Following & Obedience

Following Jesus requires obedience. You can’t call yourself a disciple if you’re not willing to follow the guidance of the teacher. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

One of the ways that we follow Jesus is by being baptized in water. It is a step of obedience to the Lord following conversion. It is part of becoming a disciple (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:38). It is also the answer of a good conscience toward God (I Peter 3:21).

This public event tells God and everybody else (the church, your family, and friends) that you are a true follower of Christ. Jesus identified with sinful man when He was baptized by John. We are identified with Christ when we are baptized in Christian baptism. It is a symbol of your new life in Christ. Baptism is an act that demonstrates you have buried your former sinful life and have been to the cross, just like Jesus. It shows you want to put an end to the old life, and then to be resurrected “to walk in the newness of life.” (Romans 6:34)

I want to personally invite you to follow the Lord and be baptized in water. Take this crucial step in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ! A Water Baptism Information Sheet is in your bulletin as well as available in the lobby. Everyone is invited to our Worship, Prayer, & Baptism evening at Christian Life Church on Sunday, November 23 at 6PM. It is one of the most inspiring evenings of the year as we watch young and old follow the Lord in water baptism.

If you have been baptized in water are you walking in the abundant new life God has given you? Take time this week to evaluate your discipleship. Are you following God and His Word? Are you close to the Teacher heeding His guidance for your life? Let’s be Christians who hear God say "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)

Simple Discipleship

…love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.

Mark 12:30 (The Message)

Jesus makes things simple for us. By the time Jesus shows up in history the religious leaders had accumulated over 600 laws that you needed to follow in order to be in right relationship with God. It was impossible for anyone to remember all of the laws, so they were constantly trying to distinguish between the major and the minor laws. When asked which is the most important, Jesus answers, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Jesus goes on to teach that the second most important law was to, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

Jesus lets us know that the ultimate Christian creed is to love God and love others. That’s it. Period. Simple isn’t it? And yet, so difficult to accomplish.

I believe more than ever, in our moment in history, we need to be reminded to follow the Great Commandment. Sometimes we have the tendency like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day to make discipleship tedious. The reality is Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30) Ultimate discipleship is simply loving God and loving others. Take time this week to check your heart. How is your passion level for God? How’s your heart toward your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, schoolmates, etc.? Let’s be doers of Jesus’ words this week.


One final thing I would like to ask you to do this week… please sign up to pray for our nation and President-Elect Barak Obama at www.presidentialprayerteam.org. You can also join others at Christian Life praying in the prayer room on Tuesday Evenings at 7PM.

Pray. Vote. Change.

Change is coming. This week our nation will elect the 44th President of the United States. No matter what happens on November 4th, there will be new leadership in Washington, DC.

Our Tuesday ballots are loaded with profound consequences for the future. As Americans, we have a right to vote. As Christians, we have a responsibility before God to pray and vote according to the witness of His Word. Proverbs 14:34 says, Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. It is important, to the best of our ability, that we do things God’s way. The future and God’s blessing of our nation hangs in the balance.

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country…
Deuteronomy 28:1-3

As we begin this historic week don’t forget to pray, don’t forget to vote, and don’t forget to remember that God is in control. On November 5th God is still in control of the universe no matter who is elected president. As we have been learning in our study of the end times Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords and His kingdom is without end. Never forget, we were made for eternity, we belong to God, and heaven is our real home.

As you pray (and possibly fast) this week for the future of our nation read Joel 2 and allow God to speak to you from His Word.


You can also check out my blog and most recent teachings at http://christianlifechurch.org.

The Greatest Words Ever Spoken: Everything Jesus Said About You, Your Life, And Everything Else

My Book Shelf

The Greatest Words Ever Spoken: Everything Jesus Said About You, Your Life, And Everything Else.

Every now and then I like to share with you what I’m reading. My hope is that it will be a blessing and help to you as well.

Since 1993 I have taught Life of Christ at Christian Life College. It is by far my favorite class to teach. There is something special about diving in and studying the words and works of Jesus. It’s as though you receive your abundant life as you study His.

I try to stay fresh each semester by reading the latest books on the life of Christ as well as the Gospels. This fall I found a great new book called The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven K. Scott. I’ve never seen anything like it. It takes all of the sayings of Jesus (over 1,900) throughout the New Testament and organizes them into over 200 different topics Jesus addresses. It’s like being able to ask Jesus any question and get His perfect answer. I have used the book to study Jesus’ words on the End Times for our current sermon series. A wide variety of topics are covered such as: prayer, forgiveness, eternity, anger, temptations, relationships, grace, and many, many more.

There is a great introduction to Jesus’ life and words as well as short introductions to each topic. This is one of the most exciting resources on the life of Christ I have found in a long time and can’t wait to use it as a text for my course next semester. Reflect on this verse next week and allow the words of Jesus to guide you in life and into eternity.

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.” John 5:24-25 (NKJV)

Ungrateful Children

Last Sunday we celebrated Mark’s 5th birthday. There is something special about a child’s birthday. Their excitement is off the charts. For weeks Mark was announcing his birthday to anyone who would listen. The day of he made sure everyone knew. Since it was a Sunday he may have even stopped you at church and let you know with a grin, “Today is my birthday.”

The weeks leading up to his birthday Mark let us know what presents he wanted. As the days passed the list grew and grew, and unfortunately, we did get almost everything he wanted. At the end of the big day after all the gifts were opened he looked sad. I thought it was because the special day was coming to end, instead he announced he wanted more presents. More presents? MORE PRESENTS!?! Doesn’t he understand how much we had spent? How hard we worked to make his birthday special? More presents?

As I have thought about Mark’s attitude toward his birthday, I can’t help but think about our relationship with God. God is our good and perfect heavenly father. He knows exactly what we need and He faithfully provides every good and perfect gift. And yet, it seems like we always want more. We never are satisfied, acting like a child after he has opened all the presents and still wants more. I was so challenged by Steve Sampson’s Sunday evening message to us last week on “Being Thankful.” I think we should all listen to it again, especially as we move toward the Thanksgiving season.

How do you see your life? Are you focused on what God has provided and is doing in your life or are you always complaining about what you lack? Take time this week to reflect on the following verse.

The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad. Psalms 126:3 (NKJV)

False Security

I was reading a number of statistics from Barna Research online this week and I came across one that kind of surprised me. Only 2% of people in the United States believe that when they die they will go to hell. Beyond reaching that 2% with the Gospel, we probably need to warn the other 98% that they may not be as ready for eternity as they think especially since most people spend more time planning their next vacation than they do preparing for eternity.

I think one of the reasons many people feel they will make it to heaven is they think one makes it by being “good.” We then determine our “goodness” by comparing ourselves to other people. We look around and feel as though we are at least as “good” as everyone else, if not a little better. But comparisons can be dangerous.

The comparison game can lead to a false sense of security. Comparisons should not be made against others but against who God is and what He says in His Word. We should get uncomfortable when we compare ourselves against God and His Word. We just don’t measure up. That’s the power of daily Bible reading, prayer, attending a small group, and coming to church every week. It may be uncomfortable at times but it’s good to face the truth. We just aren’t “good” enough. But God is good and His grace and love outweigh our ugly sinfulness.

The Good News is simply that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, to take our eternal penalty of hell upon Himself. In return, we can be forgiven our sins and have a relationship with God for this life and all of eternity. Take time this week to get uncomfortable with your “goodness” and then mediate on these two verses.

You… must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him! Mark 13:35-37 (NLT)

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT)

My Book Shelf – For Young Men Only

Every now and then I want to share with you what I’m reading. Hopefully, it will be a blessing and help to you as well.

Right now I am reading a helpful little book by Jeff Feldhahn and Eric Rice, For Young Men Only. Jeff’s wife, Shaunti Feldhahn, is the author of the popular “ONLY” series of books, For Men Only, For Women Only, For Parents Only, etc. It’s an amazing series of books that really help to increase our understanding of each other.

As a father of a junior high boy, I have been looking for all the help I can get in raising a moral and godly son. Perhaps you’re in the same boat as a parent, or teacher, or youth leader. This book is great. It is probably geared more for a teenage/high school boy but it has been a tremendous help to me.

Here’s one write up on the book…
Drawing on a fresh national survey of 600 teen girls, as well as hundreds of personal interviews, For Young Men Only reveals the real truth about what teenage girls think, what they want, and how average teen guys can build healthy friendships with high quality girls. Full of surprising revelations and practical advice, For Young Men Only delivers help straight from the girls themselves in a fun, easy-to-read, easy-to-talk about format.

Warm, witty, and honest, authors Jeff Feldhahn and Eric Rice tell plenty of personal stories and draw on solid biblical principles to guide young guys through the often daunting world of the opposite sex. Their goal is to help teen guys build self-confidence and understanding, and show them how to pursue a relationship with a girl while giving her the respect and protection she deserves.

Check it out and the other books from the “ONLY” series. We all need all the help we can get.

A Tendency to Despair

Whenever you study the end times there can be a tendency to despair. The things that are coming can be frightening. Sometimes when we watch the news and see what is happening in our world right now we get scared. But over and over again in the Bible God reminds us not to be afraid. God tells us not to panic or worry. He reminds us He is in control, He is with us, and He will save us.

So the first this to remember when we go through difficult times is don’t be afraid, God is with us. The second thing we need to do is encourage one another. We are meant to build up and help one another. Sometimes the best way to get through a tough time is by lending a helping hand to someone else. By encouraging others, we encourage ourselves.

Another important thing to do when going through a difficult time is to not give up. Keep going, never quit. The enemy is out to stop you and once you stop, he’s won. Don’t give up! Instead of stopping or slowing down increase your relationship with God. Don’t miss church, worship, read your Bible, pray and most of all “Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Always remember God knows your situation. He cares about you. Peter wrote to a church that was facing the harshest persecution, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Don’t fret. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27) Paul writes, “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Continue

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.
Acts 1:14 (NKJV)

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:42 (NKJV)

There is a principle of continuing in the Christian life. Throughout the Book of Acts the Christians continued in the practice of their faith. There is no such thing as a one time experience in the Christian life. We have a salvation experience but then we “work out our salvation” (Philippians 2:12) We are filled with the Holy Spirit but then we are to be continually filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

So many Christians start the race of faith only to stop after crossing the starting line. We will never be all that God created us to be if we don’t continue. We had quite a weekend last weekend at Christian Life Church. We launched our Randall Road Campus. And let me tell you, it was great! We packed out our meeting room. It was a powerful service! But it was just the beginning. Now we continue each week watching Christ build His church in the far northwestern suburbs of Chicago. We had a powerful Miracle Service last Sunday night in Mount Prospect. It was a great time of praying and waiting on God for the supernatural. But it can’t be a one-time experience. We must continue walking in faith.

No matter where you find yourself today I believe the word of the Lord to each one of us is… continue. You’re not finished. God’s not finished with you. Remember and hold on to His promise in His Word, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Faith

And without faith it is impossible to please God…
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

This is a historical weekend at Christian Life Church. This Sunday (after years of preparation) at 11:30AM we officially launch our Randall Road Campus. A brand new church has been birthed in the far western suburbs of Chicago. Seventy percent of the households in this fast growing community do not attend church. What an exciting place to plant a church!

This is just one of the many great things happening this fall season at Christian Life. We have a slogan for this time of growth and expansion at our church: “We’re doing the Book of Acts until Jesus comes back.” I believe now more than ever before God is calling Christian Life Church and each one of us to do great things for Him.

To do great things for God requires faith. When we feel good and are experiencing growth it is easy to have faith for more. But what happens when things get bad and we feel overwhelmed? Sometimes we lose our faith when we need it the most. The disciples said to Jesus, “Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5) You and I can make this our prayer to the Lord each day no matter how we feel, “Lord, increase our faith!”

This Sunday (9/14) evening at 6PM we will be having a Miracle Service at our Mount Prospect Campus. Come for worship, the Word, and prayer, but also come expecting God to increase your faith because we need more faith more than ever before. And don’t forget, “without faith it is impossible to please God.”

The End.

…the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut.
Matthew 25:10

As we begin to look at The End (our End Times series) let me ask you a question: Are you ready? If Jesus was to come back today, are you ready? I know that we don’t think about it much, but if we did, I have no doubt it would revolutionize how we live our lives.

How we view the end times is important. A biblical view of The End will shape how we do our family, work, and church lives. It impacts your social and political views. It impacts your prayer life, your work for the Lord, how you spend your time, how you treat others, and what you value. Like I’ve said, thinking about End Times can revolutionize your life.

I hope you are looking forward to Jesus’ return. He could come back at any moment! But what if God waits 10 more years? What about 25? What about 50? I remember thinking when I was my boys’ ages that the Lord would probably return before I became an adult. I hate to be morbid about this, but what if the Lord takes another 50 years to return? The reality is that most all of us will be dead. Not a happy thought, but true.

The Bible is clear, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We need to be right with God right now. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “…the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” As we long for the return of the Lord, let’s make sure we’re ready and those around us are ready for eternity to begin today. Take time this week to reflect on the sobering words in James…

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:13-14

Let me ask you the question again. Are you ready?

Olympic Confession

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
1 Corinthians 9:24

I have to make a confession. I have broken my TV fast. For the past two weeks I have been watching a lot of television. I’ve been watching in the morning, throughout the day, even late at night into the early hours of the morning. I confess. I was addicted to the Olympics.

I loved it when the Americans did well. I taught the boys to chant USA as we cheered on our countrymen. Like most, I especially enjoyed Michael Phelps’ run of eight gold medals in swimming. As the days passed each race became more intense, we sat and watched to see if he could accomplish the impossible. When the final relay was won our family cheered as we realized we had just witnessed a historic sporting moment.

Paul in the Scriptures used various sports as illustrations of the Christian life. His favorite picture was that of a race with the idea that we run with perseverance until we finish the race.

I was thinking about Michael Phelps record setting eight gold medals. While there is no doubt he now ranks as one of the best athletes ever, he couldn’t have set the record by himself. He needed the help of his relay teammates. In fact, it was their extra effort that gained him a couple of those gold medals.

What a powerful example of the Christian life. We do our personal best but we can’t always do it on our own. We need our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our second mission at Christian Life Church is to connect people to people. You weren’t meant to be a Christian on your own. We all need people alongside of us encouraging, challenging, and praying for us as we run the race set before us.

While most of us will never receive a medal in this life, we run the race to win. We run to hear Him say, “Well done!” Keep on running! And run with passion!