Unchurched America

WHO ARE THE MOST UNCHURCHED IN AMERICA?

Yesterday I went to a pastors conference put on by an organization called Building God's Way.  They specialize in the construction of new churches.  They have built some amazing buildings and you can see their work here.  What struck me the most at the conference was the statistics they gave on the two most unchurched people groups in America.  I think you will be surprised at who they are...(click the link below to see)

Is Chick-Fil-A Right or Wrong on Gay Marriage?

ANTI-GAY OR ENTITLED TO OPINION?

As you have probably heard, fast food chain Chick-Fil-A has been in some hot water recently for comments made by owner Dan Cathy in regards to his views on marriage.  Both the mayors of Boston and Chicago have vowed to stop Chic-Fil-A from starting new businesses in their cities.  Hollywood celebrities have turned to Twitter and Facebook to express their hatred towards Cathy.  The Jim Henson Company, which supplies Muppet toys inside Chick-Fil-A kids meals, have cut off their services.  As the backlash continues, the general public has been divided on the issue.  Some continue to support the fast food chain, while others are protesting it.  I believe a major question needs to be addressed: Is Chick-Fil-A an anti-gay company or is the owner entitled to his opinion? (Click below to continue reading)

Did Jesus Ever Claim to be God? (Part 2)

"Jesus never claimed to be God, 

that was an invention of the church centuries later!"

Last time we looked at how today's skeptics of Christianity lay claim to the fact that Jesus never claimed to be God and his disciples never thought of him that way, it wasn't until four hundred years later that Christians forced the deity of Christ into the Bible.

However, Jesus made repeated claims to be God.  He never came out and said "I am God," instead he used language much stronger.  We saw last time that Jesus claimed to possess all of the attributes God, including omniscience (all-knowing), omnipresence (everywhere-present), omnipotence (all-powerful), and eternality (always-existing).  

This time we will look at Jesus' claims of equality of God.  He didn't just claim to be sent by God, or empowered by God, but he claimed absolute equality with God.  These are some of Jesus' strongest claims of deity.  Check them out by clicking below:

Did Jesus Ever Claim to be God? (Part 1)

"Jesus never claimed to be God, 

that was an invention of the church centuries later!"

Many people skeptical of Christianity today ask a very poignant question: did Jesus ever claim to be God?  Christians seem to believe that Jesus was God, but why didn't he ever say he was?  

A popular theory today is that Jesus only thought of himself as a good teacher (a rabbi), as did his disciples, and it wasn't until the fourth century that Christians began exaggerating Jesus' claims to make it sound like he claimed to be God.  

How do we as Christians respond to this argument?  Simple - look at Jesus' statements.  Jesus claimed to be God in five different ways.  Follow the link below to find out the first way:

Is It Right for a Christian to Judge Another Christian?

  
"Who are you to judge me?"

"You call yourself a Christian?  Stop judging me!"

"Do not judge, lest you be judged!"


Ever been told something like that?  I certainly have.  It seems like most people today who claim to be Christian know one single bible verse: "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1).  And they quote it to you anytime you try to point out something about their life!

Which begs the question, is it right for a Christian to judge another Christian?

(Find the answer by clicking "READ MORE" below)

Revelation 1-11 (Q & A)

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS:

Ch. 1

  1.     Why would we be blessed by reading this book? (v.3)

A.    Because it is all about Christ

B.     Because it provided encouragement to those who were suffering

  2.     What are the “seven spirits”? (v.4)

A.    Fullness of the Holy Spirit (or)

B.     Angels

  3.     What is the “alpha and omega”? (v.8)

A.    The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet

B.     Symbolize eternity

  4.     What is the divine outline of the book? (v.19)

A.    Things which you saw – Jesus Christ (ch.1)

B.     Things which are – seven churches (ch.2-3)

C.     Things after this – future events (ch.4-22)

  5.     Who are these “angels”? (v.20)

A.    They could be angelic beings

B.     They could be pastors

1)    Jesus writes to each angel, not to each church

Ch.2

  1.     Did Jesus say the Ephesians would lose their salvation? (v.5)

A.    No, they would lose their witness as a church

  2.     What is the second death? (v.11)

A.    The first death is the separation of our bodies from our souls/spirits

B.     The second death is the separation of our souls/spirits from God

  3.     What is the hidden manna and white stone? (v.17)

A.    Both symbolic of rewards in heaven

B.     Hidden manna probably refers to the banquet in heaven

C.     White stones could symbolize victory in heaven

  4.     Will the church go through the Tribulation? (v.22)

A.    This is not symbolizing the future

B.     This symbolizes reaping what we sow – sow to the flesh, reap corruption

PROVERBS 31 (PART III)

“The Virtuous Woman” Part III
CHARACTER TRAIT COUNTDOWN #9-1

I.                   Intro

1.   This is our last look at the virtuous wife.  She is rare but finding her or becoming her is the greatest gift this world has to offer.  Her worth is far more precious than the treasures of this world.

2.   We’ve already looked at many of her characteristics.  She is good at being trustworthy, she is good to her husband, she is good with her hands, she is good at finding deals, she is good at managing her time, she is good at saving, investing, and earning money, she is good at keeping herself in shape, she is good at hands on skills, and she is good at helping those in need. 

3.     Let’s look at the rest of her character traits...

II.                 Proverbs 31:21-22

1.       “not afraid of snow…clothed with scarlet” (v.21):

A.    Character Trait #9:     She is good about not complaining.  She does not complain about cold weather or about anything else for that matter.  The Hebrew word for ‘scarlet’ might mean ‘double garments,’ which makes more sense.  She makes sure her husband and kids are dressed warmly for the cold season.

B.     Complaining can be a problem for a lot of ladies.  But remember, God does not enjoy complainers.  The children of Israel complained in the wilderness, and it displeased God and His anger was aroused against them.  In the New Testament, Paul wrote to do all things “without complaining or disputing.”  Jude wrote that a characteristic of false teachers was that they complained and grumbled.  Needless to say, the virtuous wife is not a complainer.

2.            “makes tapestry for herself…fine linen and purple” (v.22):

A.    Character Trait #8:     She is good at presenting herself well.  Tapestry usually refers to sheets for a bed, so she was good with interior decorating.  I think all women naturally are good at interior decorating.  I think it’s a gene that all women have.  But the virtuous woman also dresses nicely.  She doesn’t buy all her clothes at thrift stores and Costco, though there is nothing wrong with that.  But the virtuous wife dresses to impress.  She is not vain or shallow; she just wants to make a good impression on others. 

PROVERBS 31 (PART II)

“The Virtuous Woman” Part II
CHARACTER TRAIT COUNTDOWN #20-10

I.                   Intro

1.     This is the beginning of the description of the virtuous woman.  We will look at the first half of them today, and the second half next time. 

2.     Ladies, would you rather have a full time career or be a stay at home mom?  Neither one is better than the other.  According to this chapter, the virtuous wife does both.

3.     In that culture, women didn’t work.  The men worked and the women bore and raised children.  That’s why the virtuous wife is so special.  She takes care of the home but she also works!  She is truly a fascinating woman.

4.     Top 20.  That is the number of character traits the virtuous wife has.  Guys, these are the characteristics you want to look for in a wife.  Ladies, these are the characteristics you want to have to obtain a godly husband. 

II.                 Proverbs 31:10

1.     “who can find a virtuous wife” (v.10):

A.    First off, finding a virtuous wife is rare.  Her worth is far more than the most precious jewels in the world.  Finding her is finding the greatest gift this world has to offer.

B.     Virtuous can also mean ‘excellent, valiant, noble, and strong.’  Ladies, don’t you want to become that woman?  Guys, don’t you want to find that woman?

C.     In this day and age, it’s hard enough to find a marriage partner who calls themselves a Christian.  And it’s even harder to find a marriage partner who takes their Christian life seriously.  So how much more difficult it is to find that partner who is virtuous, excellent, and valiant?

D.    It can be done.  Ladies, don’t think this is impossible to reach.  It’s just a matter of your will.  Are you willing to become this woman?  Are you willing to let God shape you and mold you into the virtuous wife?

HAS AMERICA STOPPED SENDING MISSIONARIES?

In the past few years I keep hearing rumors that churches in America have stopped sending missionaries to other countries.  I read recently that one reason for this was because American churches have become too selfish and their tithing money no longer goes to supporting missionaries.  I have also heard the American church is no longer missionary minded, focusing more on new building projects within our own communities.  Whatever the case may be, the rumors are not true. 

In a recent study done by Todd Johnson, director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts, America is still the leading country for missions work.  This past year, an estimated 400,000 missionaries were sent were sent abroad.  Of those, 127,000 of them came from the United States.  That means almost one of every four missionaries in the world was sent by the United States.  The next closest country is Brazil, who sent out an estimated 34,000.  Read the full article here.

God isn’t done with using the United States yet!  May we always remember that God has called all of us to further His kingdom.  We don’t have to leave our country’s soil to do His work.  “Whatever you do, do for the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

REVELATION 10 OVERVIEW

“The Mighty Angel and the Little Book”

I.                   Intro

1.     This chapter begins another interlude, a break between the judgments, just like halftime at a sporting event.  This interlude is between the sixth and the seventh trumpet judgments. 

2.     This interlude begins with a mighty angel.  What do you guys know of angels?  Do you think there are different classes?  Different ranks?  Who’s the baddest of them all?  Here’s some things you need to know about angels:

3.     Definitions of angels:

A.    Hebrew:  מַלְאָךְ (messenger, courier, class of beings)

B.     Greek:     ἄγγελος (messenger, envoy, class of beings)

4.     Classifications of angels:

A.    Angel of the Lord: Preincarnate Christ

B.     Michael the Archangel: Protects Israel

C.     Angel Gabriel: Protects Messiah

D.    Cherubim: Protects (God’s) Holiness

E.     Seraphim: Worship Leaders

II.                 Revelation 10:1

1.     “another mighty angel coming down” (v.1):

A.    Who is this mighty angel?  We are not told.  This could be Michael, Gabriel, or it could be some other class of angels we don’t know about.  Some even think this could be Jesus Christ.

B.     The purpose of this angel is quite clear – to announce the final judgments upon the Earth.  He introduces the seventh seal judgment, which ushers in the seven bowl judgments, the worst of them all. 

C.     His description is actually kind of similar to Jesus Christ in chapter one, but far too different for Him to actually be Christ.

PROVERBS 31 OVERVIEW

“The Virtuous Woman” Part I

I.                   Intro

1.     Have you ever had your mom or dad sit you down and say, “we need to talk.”  And it’s super awkward.  And they begin to give you some advice on something that you didn’t want to hear.  I had that happen too many times.  We’ll, this chapter is kind of like that.  (Kind of…)

2.     This is part one of a three part series on the virtuous woman.  In this section we will get introduced to a mother and her son.  This mother is giving advice to her son.  Before she tells about what kind of wife he should look for, she exhorts him about what kind of wife not to look for.  She gives him some warnings before he gets to hear the good stuff. 

II.                 Proverbs 31:1-2

1.     “words of King Lemuel…which his mother taught him” (v.1):

A.    We don’t know exactly who King Lemuel is.  There was no king of Israel of Judah by this name.  Lemuel means “belonging to God.”  Some infer that Lemuel is a pseudonym (stage name) for Solomon.  And these are words that his mother taught him. 

B.     His mother, of course, was Bathsheba.  Since we don’t know who this is, let’s just use Solomon and Bathsheba for this story just to make it interesting.  Let’s start with familiarizing ourselves with Bathsheba before we here her advice to her son. (2 Samuel 11:1-17, 26-27; 12:15, 18, 24-25).

PROVERBS 30 OVERVIEW

“Wisdom Using Common Sense” Part II

I.                   Intro

1.     Agur continues his common sense wisdom on life.  He uses lists to grab our attention.  We are going to learn about self-control, repentance, foolish behavior, wisdom, confidence, and reaping what we sow.

2.     A lot of Agur’s examples involve animals, so it’s something we all can observe and relate to.  (story about ‘spirit animal’).

II.                 Proverbs 30:15-17

1.     “leech has two daughters – give and give” (v.15):

A.    Leeches are blood-sucking little creatures.  They are pretty gross.  But they are never satisfied, they drink the blood of its host until it cannot physically hold anymore.  Kind of like how we eat on Thanksgiving or Christmas.  It’s two daughters might refer to its two suckers, who are just asking for “more and more.” 

2.     “three things never satisfied…four never say enough” (v.15):

A.    Just like the leech, there are three other things in this world that are never satisfied.  The grave is never satisfied because people keep dying.  Ben Franklin famously said there are two things every human experiences, death and taxes.

B.     The barren woman is never satisfied because she always desires to have a child.  In that culture, women didn’t have a lot going for them, and bearing children was their only claim to fame.  So it was a big deal if they couldn’t get pregnant

C.     Earth is not satisfied because it always needs water.  Lakes need water, animals need water, vegetation needs water, humans need water.  No one is ever satisfied with enough water.

D.    Fire is never satisfied because it will never burn itself out, it will keep going till it gets put out.  We live in SoCal, we all know how fire can spread every summer.

E.     These examples sum up the evil generation that Agur talked about earlier in the chapter.  A generation that lacks self-control and is never satisfied; always looking for new ways to please their flesh.

3.     “mocks his father…scorns his mother” (v.17):

A.    The Bible doesn’t take disrespecting your parents lightly.  I mean here Agur says creatures will attack you if you mock your dad or disobey your mom.  So watch out next time you back talk your parents, your dog might attack you.  Or your cat might rebuke you. 

Christian movies aren’t half bad!

To the surprise of many, Christian movie Courageous recently took the No. 1 spot of the U.S. DVD charts.  It beat out Ides of March, Abduction, and Moneyball.  It just goes to show that Christian movies are becoming better and better.  All I have to say is…finally!

I remember ten years ago when I was a teenager and wanting to listen to more Christian music.  Unfortunately, at the time it was pretty bad.  It was so cheesy and lame.  So I had a really hard time getting myself to enjoy it.  Fast-forward to the present, and Christian music is often times better than secular music.  (If you don’t believe me, just check out Phil Wickham for pop/rock music, Lecrae for rap music, and As I Lay Dying for metal music).

I see the same thing happening in the movie industry.  Christian movies may have lacked in the past, but soon enough they will become on par or better than any secular films.  Courageous is a great example of how this is happening right before our eyes.

JOHN 4:27-42 OVERVIEW

“Hungry to Serve”

She Left Her Waterpot (John 4:27-30):

v.27:    Jesus knew the thoughts of the disciples.  They were shocked he was talking to a woman and a Samaritan (double-whammy!), but they didn’t open their mouths out of respect.  Ever had an experience when you know someone was thinking something but wouldn’t tell you, but its written all over their face?

v.29:    In her excitement she exaggerated.  She didn’t want to report what Jesus actually told her (embarrassing!), but what He was capable of telling her….Notice she left her waterpot.   That was the one thing she wanted to hold onto when talking to Jesus.  She must have come to her spiritual senses.  Living water (eternal life) is far more important than physical water (earthly life). 

Birthday girl =)

Today is the birthday of my wonderful wife. She has officially entered her mid-twenties as she is turning 24. I am so blessed to have her in my life and she truly emulates 1 Peter 3:3-4 which says, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

Happy birthday Brittney!

It’s a Girl!!!

At 11:30am today, I got to experience something that cannot truly be described in words: the birth of our second child. No experience in life comes close to it. All parents would agree that there is nothing quite like seeing the birth of your child. Seeing new life for the first time is an awe-inspiring moment. All I could do is thank God over and over for His wonderful grace.

That’s why it is no coincidence we included "grace" in our new daughter's name. Her name is Abigail Grace Richards. Abigail is named after the story in 1 Samuel 25:1-42. There she called a woman of “great understanding and beautiful appearance.”

Our prayer for our little Abigail is that she would have a great and intimate knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That she would be courageous, virtuous, and modest in everything that she does; just as Abigail in the Bible was.

Thoughts on the Great White Throne Judgment

Yesterday I finished reading an excellent book by the late John Walvoord called Jesus Christ Our Lord. If you want to learn everything there is to know about Jesus Christ in the Bible, then pick up a copy of that book.

In his last chapter, he talks about the Great White Throne judgment. That is, the judgment all unbelievers will face when they die. They will stand before God and give an account as to why they rejected God’s offer of forgiveness and eternal life found in Jesus Christ. Walvoord said something so provocative that I couldn’t get it out of my head:

“The tragic fact of this judgment is that none of these cast into the lake of fire needed to have this destiny. Christ had died for every one of them.”

Radical thought, isn’t it? No one that goes to hell needs to go there. All anyone has to do is confess their sins before God, believe in Jesus Christ for salvation, and repent of their former lifestyle. That’s it! But so many aren’t willing to do something so simple; and it will cost them so dearly.

Keep that in mind…no one needs to go to hell. Christ died for everyone and offers forgiveness to everyone. Do you believe that?

JOHN 4:1-26

The Woman at the Well

“Four Wrong Approaches to God”

v.4:      Samaria = shortest route, often avoided

v.4:      Jesus walked and was led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:25, Rom. 8:14)

v.9:      Samaritan = half Jew/half Gentile (722 Assyria).  Jesus was breaking down the walls of prejudice.  God is seeking to save all (Rev. 5:9-10)

#1:       SHE WAS IGNORANT OF THE SPIRIT (V.11-12)

v.11:    Jesus was talking spiritually, she was thinking physically (1 Cor. 2:14)

v.13:    Never thirst of what?  Thirst for God (Ecc. 3:11).  Unbelievers know this emptiness.  Believers sometime cannot relate.

PROVERBS 30 OVERVIEW

“Wisdom Using Common Sense” Part 1

I.             Proverbs 30:1-3

1.   “words of Agur” (v.1):

A.  We ended the section on Solomon’s proverbs, and finish the book with some wise sayings from other wise men.  Who is Agur?  We don’t know outside of this.  All we know is that he probably was old and close to death (v.7).  So the wisdom he shares is like his last bit of advice before he passes on.      

2.   “I am more stupid…I do not have understanding” (v.2):

A.  This could be a good life verse for some of us.  The point is Agur is trying to show he’s got nothing on Solomon and all these other wise men.  He’s just a regular guy who has made some observations over the years that can hopefully help some people.