Gary Rohrmayer's Blog, page 9

The Better Together Formula

So How Can We Be Better Together?

I have been studying and preaching Paul’s prayers for the church. In them we find a great source of vision and encouragement for the church and the greater movement of God. Paul in the midst of his teachings on the strong and weaker brother offered this prayer as a conclusion.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude 
of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

In this text we can see what I call the Better Together formula: Grit + Grace = Unity

Let’s consider grit first.

Many writers and speakers are lamenting over the absence of grit in our culture today.  Some would say we are in the midst of a gritless generation of leaders… from pastors to lay leaders.

Leaders at rapid rates are giving up on their marriages.
Leaders are giving up on their churches.
Leaders are cashing in on their calling.
Leaders are compromising on the gospel.
Leaders are giving in to cultural pressures.
Leaders are conceding on their biblical convictions for convenience.

Grit is a combination of passion and persistence. Demonstrating grit could involve finishing what you begin. Staying committed to your goals.  Working hard even after experiencing failures or set- backs.   Pushing through quitting points. Sticking with a project or activity for more than a few weeks.  Being a person of your word, honoring commitments and being faithful in your relationships. Showing up when no one else does.

Jessy Padilla was a man who showed up when no one else did.  Fifteen years ago I gathered together four key leaders among our Hispanic churches to dream about and discuss church planting among the Spanish-speaking people coming to our area.  As we discussed, dreamed, prayed and scheduled our next meeting, I challenged each leader to come back with a financial gift to start our Hispanic Church Planting Fund and that I would match dollar for dollar what each of their churches gave.  The next meeting was put on the calendar; the reminders were sent out, the day came and only one leader showed up.  It was Pastor Jessy Padilla with a check of $400.00.  Grit is showing up when no one else does.  The gift from his church started our Hispanic Church Planting Fund that has been the foundation for our new resurgence of Hispanic Church Planting.

The biblical idea for grit is endurance.  Endurance is rooted in the character of God and is received through the Word of God (Romans 15:4).  We have an enduring God who endures with us.  Endurance is the God given ability for us not to veer off God’s purposes no matter what we are facing.  For the follower of Jesus the phrase, “I can’t take it anymore!” need not be in our vocabulary.  As we learn to rely on God’s enduring power, His empowering word, and the strength of His presence, we can push through the quitting points in relationships and in pursuing His mission.  Enduring grit cultivates a deeper trust in God and a greater reliance on each other (James 1:2-4). Enduring grit shapes our character and transforms our faith (Romans 5:3-5).  The rewards of enduring grit are beyond the temporary pain we experience (James 1:12). 

When grit is evident then trust is established and unity is experienced because people are drawn to a tenacious spirit and leaders with resolve and courage.  

Grace is the second equation in this formula. 

When God extends grace to us He freely gives us what we don’t deserve, in this we see the word encouragement. 

Encouragement is also embedded in God’s character and is experienced through His Word (Romans 15:4).  We have an encouraging God who speaks perfectly into our life situations.  The original word for encouragement can be translated to comfort, to bring correction or to challenge others to a new level of faith.   So encouraging one another is the God-given ability for us to get so close to one another that we can confidently speak God’s promises, warnings and concerns into each other’s lives.  When we rely on and share the word of God with others we can breathe life and hope into our souls. When we cling to God’s word and point others to his promises we can refresh God’s vision in our hearts and increase our faith.  Paul wrote early “…faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” 
(Romans 10:17). 

Four years ago at our biennial gathering I challenged our partner churches to increase their ownership in our shared mission by raising their financial commitment to a new level.  Not knowing which church would receive that challenge, I believed that at least one church could raise their support to us to  $100,000 a year.  At the time no church was giving over $50,000 a year.  As soon as I was done with that message, Darryn Scheske came up to me and said that by faith Heartland Church was going to be that church to give $100,000 a year in support.  For the last four years, they have averaged over $100,000 in support to our shared mission and have experienced the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35). 

When grace is evident, encouragement happens!  The grace of giving nurtures unity and results in thanksgiving to God. (II Corinthians 9:10-12) 

So what is unity in this equation?  

First, I want to say that “unity in not uniformity”.  

Mary and I are in a different church over 40 Sundays a year, and believe me no two churches are alike. This fall we have traveled from the southside of Chicago (Compassion Baptist Church) to a small resort town in northeast Michigan (Oscoda Baptist Church) to a multi-site church in the sprawling suburbs of Indianapolis (Heartland Church).  From there we went to the university town of Bloomington, IN (Redeemer Community Church) in central Indiana to a multicultural church meeting in downtown Indianapolis (Indy Metro).  Then we ministered to a new Hispanic congregation in Lake County (Case de Oracion) to one of our historic African American churches on the southside of Chicago (Bellevue Baptist Church) and then onto one of our thriving African American churches in the southwest suburb of Bolingbrook, IL (Jubilee Baptist Church).  

Not one church did their service the same way as the others. We sang different songs, experienced different orders of services, some have no greeting time and others had extended greeting times.  Each had its own culture and traditions but one thing is evident in them all…we saw the Grace of God at work.  People were experiencing the awe of God and they were expressing their love and devotion to Jesus.   People hungry for God’s word and growing in their understanding of the Gospel.  We heard stories of life change … people for all types of backgrounds experiencing new life in Christ … broken families made whole and marriages saved from the brink of destruction all reflecting the power of the gospel of 
Jesus Christ. 

In our text Paul defines unity as “so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:6) 

“One mind” reveals that unity is singleness of purpose.  Unity leads us to think the same thoughts, agree on the same goals and to cherish God’s desire for the church above our own agendas.   

“One Voice” reveals that unity is singleness of affection.  Unifying love for Jesus, our commitment to His word, our passion for His mission and our love for one another. 

“Glorifying God” reveals that unity is singleness of resolve.   John Piper defines glorifying as the “means in feeling and thinking and acting in ways that reflect his greatness, that make much of God, that give evidence of the supreme greatness of all his attributes and the all-satisfying beauty of his manifold perfections.”  The ultimate end of unity is not to make us feel better about ourselves or happier about our working relationships but to bring glory to God.  To see His fame spread, His mission proclaimed and His kingdom advance.  It is never about us but always about God. 

A unified church glorifies God and puts all its focus on the work of His Son and the mission of the church.  

A unified network of churches celebrates its differences, lifts up Jesus and embraces its joint mission for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. 

For this unity to take place there needs to be both grace and grit.  An over emphasis on one can lead to disaster.   Grace without grit can lead to softness of convictions; it can lead to an entitled attitude or unwillingness to speak the truth in love.  Grit without grace leads to harshness of faith, to a merciless religion or an us against the world attitude. 

Let’s remember that our text is a prayer.  It is an appeal to Heaven for the church to know God in a deeper way. In it we see a plea for the church to experience Jesus in their relationships, to follow His example and to seek the unity He desires for the church.   Jesus prayed, “…that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:23).   A unity that is missional in nature reflects our Father’s love and glorifies His Son.  

 

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The Better Together Formula

So How Can We Be Better Together?

I have been studying and preaching Paul’s prayers for the church. In them we find a great source of vision and encouragement for the church and the greater movement of God. Paul in the midst of his teachings on the strong and weaker brother offered this prayer as a conclusion.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

In this text we can see what I call the Better Together formula: Grit + Grace = Unity

Let’s consider grit first.

Many writers and speakers are lamenting over the absence of grit in our culture today.  Some would say we are in the midst of a gritless generation of leaders… from pastors to lay leaders.

Leaders at rapid rates are giving up on their marriages.
Leaders are giving up on their churches.
Leaders are cashing in on their calling.
Leaders are compromising on the gospel.
Leaders are giving in to cultural pressures.
Leaders are conceding on their biblical convictions for convenience.

Grit is a combination of passion and persistence. Demonstrating grit could involve finishing what you begin. Staying committed to your goals.  Working hard even after experiencing failures or set- backs.   Pushing through quitting points. Sticking with a project or activity for more than a few weeks.  Being a person of your word, honoring commitments and being faithful in your relationships. Showing up when no one else does.

Jessy Padilla was a man who showed up when no one else did.  Fifteen years ago I gathered together four key leaders among our Hispanic churches to dream about and discuss church planting among the Spanish-speaking people coming to our area.  As we discussed, dreamed, prayed and scheduled our next meeting, I challenged each leader to come back with a financial gift to start our Hispanic Church Planting Fund and that I would match dollar for dollar what each of their churches gave.  The next meeting was put on the calendar; the reminders were sent out, the day came and only one leader showed up.  It was Pastor Jessy Padilla with a check of $400.00.  Grit is showing up when no one else does.  The gift from his church started our Hispanic Church Planting Fund that has been the foundation for our new resurgence of Hispanic Church Planting.

The biblical idea for grit is endurance.  Endurance is rooted in the character of God and is received through the Word of God (Romans 15:4).  We have an enduring God who endures with us.  Endurance is the God given ability for us not to veer off God’s purposes no matter what we are facing.  For the follower of Jesus the phrase, “I can’t take it anymore!” need not be in our vocabulary.  As we learn to rely on God’s enduring power, His empowering word, and the strength of His presence, we can push through the quitting points in relationships and in pursuing His mission.  Enduring grit cultivates a deeper trust in God and a greater reliance on each other (James 1:2-4). Enduring grit shapes our character and transforms our faith (Romans 5:3-5).  The rewards of enduring grit are beyond the temporary pain we experience (James 1:12). 

When grit is evident then trust is established and unity is experienced because people are drawn to a tenacious spirit and leaders with resolve and courage.  

Grace is the second equation in this formula. 

When God extends grace to us He freely gives us what we don’t deserve, in this we see the word encouragement. 

Encouragement is also embedded in God’s character and is experienced through His Word (Romans 15:4).  We have an encouraging God who speaks perfectly into our life situations.  The original word for encouragement can be translated to comfort, to bring correction or to challenge others to a new level of faith.   So encouraging one another is the God-given ability for us to get so close to one another that we can confidently speak God’s promises, warnings and concerns into each other’s lives.  When we rely on and share the word of God with others we can breathe life and hope into our souls. When we cling to God’s word and point others to his promises we can refresh God’s vision in our hearts and increase our faith.  Paul wrote early “…faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). 

Four years ago at our biennial gathering I challenged our partner churches to increase their ownership in our shared mission by raising their financial commitment to a new level.  Not knowing which church would receive that challenge, I believed that at least one church could raise their support to us to  $100,000 a year.  At the time no church was giving over $50,000 a year.  As soon as I was done with that message, Darryn Scheske came up to me and said that by faith Heartland Church was going to be that church to give $100,000 a year in support.  For the last four years, they have averaged over $100,000 in support to our shared mission and have experienced the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35). 

When grace is evident, encouragement happens!  The grace of giving nurtures unity and results in thanksgiving to God. (II Corinthians 9:10-12) 

So what is unity in this equation?  

First, I want to say that “unity in not uniformity”.  

Mary and I are in a different church over 40 Sundays a year, and believe me no two churches are alike. This fall we have traveled from the southside of Chicago (Compassion Baptist Church) to a small resort town in northeast Michigan (Oscoda Baptist Church) to a multi-site church in the sprawling suburbs of Indianapolis (Heartland Church).  From there we went to the university town of Bloomington, IN (Redeemer Community Church) in central Indiana to a multicultural church meeting in downtown Indianapolis (Indy Metro).  Then we ministered to a new Hispanic congregation in Lake County (Case de Oracion) to one of our historic African American churches on the southside of Chicago (Bellevue Baptist Church) and then onto one of our thriving African American churches in the southwest suburb of Bolingbrook, IL (Jubilee Baptist Church).  

Not one church did their service the same way as the others. We sang different songs, experienced different orders of services, some have no greeting time and others had extended greeting times.  Each had its own culture and traditions but one thing is evident in them all…we saw the Grace of God at work.  People were experiencing the awe of God and they were expressing their love and devotion to Jesus.   People hungry for God’s word and growing in their understanding of the Gospel.  We heard stories of life change … people for all types of backgrounds experiencing new life in Christ … broken families made whole and marriages saved from the brink of destruction all reflecting the power of the gospel of
Jesus Christ. 

In our text Paul defines unity as “so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:6) 

“One mind” reveals that unity is singleness of purpose.  Unity leads us to think the same thoughts, agree on the same goals and to cherish God’s desire for the church above our own agendas.   

“One Voice” reveals that unity is singleness of affection.  Unifying love for Jesus, our commitment to His word, our passion for His mission and our love for one another. 

“Glorifying God” reveals that unity is singleness of resolve.   John Piper defines glorifying as the “means in feeling and thinking and acting in ways that reflect his greatness, that make much of God, that give evidence of the supreme greatness of all his attributes and the all-satisfying beauty of his manifold perfections.”  The ultimate end of unity is not to make us feel better about ourselves or happier about our working relationships but to bring glory to God.  To see His fame spread, His mission proclaimed and His kingdom advance.  It is never about us but always about God. 

A unified church glorifies God and puts all its focus on the work of His Son and the mission of the church.  

A unified network of churches celebrates its differences, lifts up Jesus and embraces its joint mission for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. 

For this unity to take place there needs to be both grace and grit.  An over emphasis on one can lead to disaster.   Grace without grit can lead to softness of convictions; it can lead to an entitled attitude or unwillingness to speak the truth in love.  Grit without grace leads to harshness of faith, to a merciless religion or an us against the world attitude. 

Let’s remember that our text is a prayer.  It is an appeal to Heaven for the church to know God in a deeper way. In it we see a plea for the church to experience Jesus in their relationships, to follow His example and to seek the unity He desires for the church.   Jesus prayed, “…that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:23).   A unity that is missional in nature reflects our Father’s love and glorifies His Son.

  

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Denominations and Blended Families

Its been said that denominations and churches are like families, but in reality they are more like blended families.

Today blended families now make up more than half the families in America. It is very rare today for an extended family not to have some blended family members.

According to Cyperparent.com here are some of the characteristics of Blended Families.

A Blended Family Is Appealing:  A blended family is often large. They offer diverse perspectives. They tend to be fun and exciting. They are a place where acceptance and love is extended freely. 

A Blended Family Is Not Perfect:  A blended family can be frustrating.  They can be challenging on all fronts and at times there is often conflicted feeling just below the service. 

Blended Families Are Ever-Changing:  The nuclear make up of the blended family is always changing because family members come and go all the time. Children are gone to stay with other family members on weekends, during different times of the week, for vacations and also for summer breaks.

Blended Families Are Here to Stay
2,100 blended families are formed every day in the America. Since blended family numbers will continue to rise in the future as families experience the loss of a loved one or the end of a marriage through divorce.  Many parents will remarry creating more blended families.  

Converge is like a blended family.

We Are Appealing:  We are getting larger every day through the starting of new churches and through established churches starting to join us at an accelerated rate. We are filled with great diversity, embracing a host of cultural perspectives centered on a strong affirmation of faith and a unifying mission. Our gatherings are often filled with exciting worship and fun interactions.  Our understanding, acceptance and love for each other is growing every year.

We Are Not Perfect: At times we have frustrated others and others have frustrated us.  At times relationships have been stretched, expectations have not been met and misunderstandings occur. It is in these times that forgiveness is sought, forgiveness is granted and relationships our renewed.  The potential for theological and missional tension to occur is greater than we realized, but when we keep the main thing the main thing unity is experienced.  

We Are Ever Changing:  Like blended families churches come in and go out all the time.  New churches are planted and older churches close.  Churches join us and churches leave us.  Leaders come and go.  New leaders are raised up and older leaders retire and move on.  Yet God is faithful to provide leaders for our churches and workers for the harvest.

We Are Here To Stay:  Since 1852 we have been doing ministry in Illinois. Over 163 years ago we were born out of mission and continue to live that mission for the glory of God.  God’s hand has been upon us and his favor has powerfully sustained us.  We are not going away…until the Lord returns and His mission through us is completed. I know that one of my jobs is to see successfully this mission passed on to the next generation, just as all my predecessors have done before me.

A blended family might mean some changes, some conflicts, some challenges, and some compromises, but it also means more people to love and more people to love you.   

Just like blended families, a partnership with Converge can be stretching, sanctifying but ultimately satisfying as pastors, leaders and churches work together to see the mission of God advanced and the glory of God revealed.

When we are #BetterTogether we are fulfilling of Jesus prayer for the church, 

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me (John 17:20-23).

 

 

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40 Inspiring Quotes from Vince Lombardi

Kicking off the football season with some wisdom and inspiration for legendary coach Vince Lombardi.

"Leadership rests not only upon ability, not only upon capacity; having the capacity to lead is not enough. The leader must be willing to use it. His leadership is then based on truth and character. There must be truth in the purpose and will power in the character." - Vince Lombardi

"If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you'll be fired with enthusiasm.” - Vince Lombardi

 "Mental toughness is essential to success.” - Vince Lombardi 

"To achieve success, whatever the job we have, we must pay a price.” - Vince Lombardi

"Success is like anything worthwhile. It has a price. You have to pay the price to win and you have to pay the price to get to the point where success is possible. Most important, you must pay the price to stay there.” - Vince Lombardi

"Football is a great deal like life in that it teaches that work, sacrifice, perseverance, competitive drive, selflessness and respect for authority is the price each and every one of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” - Vince Lombardi

"Once you agree upon the price you and your family must pay for success, it enables you to ignore the minor hurts, the opponent's pressure, and the temporary failures.”  - Vince Lombardi

"Confidence is contagious and so is lack of confidence, and a customer will recognize both.”  - Vince Lombardi

"If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”  - Vince Lombardi

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.”  - Vince Lombardi

 "Once a man has made a commitment to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him. It's something we call heart power. Once a man has made this commitment, nothing will stop him short of success.”  - Vince Lombardi

 "Unless a man believes in himself and makes a total commitment to his career and puts everything he has into it-his mind, his body, his heart-what's life worth to him.”  - Vince Lombardi

"It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men.”  - Vince Lombardi

"In great attempts, it is glorious even to fail.” - Vince Lombardi

" Leadership rests not only upon ability, not only upon capacity; having the capacity to lead is not enough. The leader must be willing to use it. His leadership is then based on truth and character. There must be truth in the purpose and will power in the character.”  - Vince Lombardi

"Leadership is based on a spiritual quality; the power to inspire, the power to inspire others to follow.” - Vince Lombardi

 "Winning is not everything--but making effort to win is." - Vince Lombardi

 "Having the capacity to lead is not enough. The leader must be willing to use it.” - Vince Lombardi

"The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary." - Vince Lombardi

 "A leader must identify himself with the group, must back up the group, even at the risk of displeasing superiors. He must believe that the group wants from him a sense of approval. If this feeling prevails, production, discipline, morale will be high, and in return, you can demand the cooperation to promote the goals of the company.” - Vince Lombardi

"Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”  - Vince Lombardi

"They call it coaching but it is teaching. You do not just tell them…you show them the reasons." - Vince Lombardi

"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." - Vince Lombardi

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will." - Vince Lombardi

 "It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men. Men respond to leadership in a most remarkable way and once you have won his heart, he will follow you anywhere." - Vince Lombardi

"Excellence is achieve by the mastery of the fundamentals." - Vince Lombardi

 "A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done." - Vince Lombardi

 "If you'll not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your lives." - Vince Lombardi

"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi

"I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline. There is something good in men that really yearns for discipline." - Vince Lombardi

"Mental toughness is many things and rather difficult to explain. Its qualities are sacrifice and self-denial. Also, most importantly, it is combined with a perfectly disciplined will that refuses to give in. It's a state of mind-you could call it character in action." - Vince Lombardi

"Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit." - Vince Lombardi

 "Individual commitment to a group effort-that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." - Vince Lombardi

"Teams do not go physically flat, they go mentally stale." - Vince Lombardi

"The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual." - Vince Lombardi

"Success demands singleness of purpose." - Vince Lombardi

 "Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing-the result." - Vince Lombardi

"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." - Vince Lombardi

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle-victorious." - Vince Lombardi

"Perfection is not attainable but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." - Vince Lombardi

18 Old Testament Scriptures Showing Us How God Forgives Sin

The nature and essence of God’s forgiveness

Sometimes we need to be reminded of God’s promise for the forgiveness of sins.

Here are a few Old Testament scriptures that reveal the heart of God in dealing with His people.  All of these ancient texts point us ultimately to Jesus whose very purpose on the earth was to “save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)  This same truth is also found in the book of Hebrews, “But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9:26)

The Apostle Peter tells us how we can experience this forgiveness, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

So if we repent of our sins, confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord. (Romans 10:9-10)  We can stand on God’s promise for the forgiveness of sins.

My prayer is that God’s word will fill our heart, heal our souls, wash our minds and renew our strength as we mediate on the wonderful nature of God’s forgiveness as revealed in the Old Testament.

How does God forgive us of our sins?

1. God’s forgiveness is cleansing in nature.

“…on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.” - Leviticus 16:30

2. God’s forgiveness is pardons sinners.

“In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now." The LORD replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth.” - Numbers 14:19-21

3. God hides our sins and does not hold them against us.

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. - Psalm 32:1-2

4. God forgiveness is purifying at its core.

“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin…Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” - Psalm 51:2 ;7

5. God forgiveness is infinite in nature.

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever, he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” - Psalm 103:8-12

6. God’s forgiveness is redemptive in character. 

“Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.” - Psalm 130:7-8   

7. God’s forgiveness is transformational.

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. - Isaiah 1:18

8.  God moves our sins out of His sight.

“Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” - Isaiah 38:17

9. God chooses not to remember our sins anymore.

"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”  - Isaiah 43:25

10. God dissipates our sins forever.

“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”  - Isaiah 44:22

Special note: “Nothing can more strikingly represent sin in its nature and consequences, than a dense, dark, frowning cloud that comes over the heavens, and shuts out the sun, and fills the air with gloom; and nothing can more beautifully represent the nature and effect of pardon than the idea of removing such a cloud, and leaving the sky pure, the air calm and serene, and the sun pouring down his beams of warmth and light on the earth. So the soul of the sinner is enveloped and overshadowed with a dense cloud; but pardon dissipates that cloud, and it is calm, and joyful, and serene.” –Albert Barnes

11. God’s forgiveness is ultimately substitutionary. 

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” - Isaiah 53:6

12. God’s forgiveness gives us  a right standing before with HIm.

“After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.” - Isaiah 53:11

13. God’s forgiveness does not dredge up our sins anymore.

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”   - Jeremiah 31:34

14. God’s forgiveness washes away all of our sins.

“I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.” - Jeremiah 33:8

15. God’s cleansing forgiveness is restorative.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt.” ­- Ezekiel 36:33

16. God’s forgiveness is merciful in essence.

“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.” -Daniel 9:9

17. God’s forgiveness is profoundly freeing and utterly complete.

“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. - Micah 7:18-19

18. God’s forgiveness removes our sins to replace them with His blessings.

“See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” - Zechariah 3:4

Forgiven for Fellowship

"Forgiveness is essentially God’s way of removing the great obstacle to our fellowship with him. By canceling our sin and paying for it with the death of his own Son, God opens the way for us to see him and know him and enjoy him forever. Seeing and savoring him is the goal of forgiveness. Soul-satisfying fellowship with our Father is the aim of the cross.” — John Piper

May the love of the Father, the work of the Son and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be sweeter, stronger and more satisfying to you as you let the word of God work deep in your soul! Reminding you that you are HIS and you are richly forgiven by HIM.

 

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How to Develop a Biblical Plan for Spiritual Growth

Woody Allen once said, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.”  I find this both humorous and sad. Humorous in a pessimistic way but sad in a spiritually shallow way.

What would God's reaction be towards the goals and plans we have set out for our lives?  Would he approve them, laugh at them or cry over them.

In order to develop a solid spiritual growth plan we must recognize the biblical ingredients for such a plan.  As I toured the wisdom literature of scripture I discovered some great truths for developing a solid biblical plan for spiritual growth.

Five Essentials for a Personal Growth Plan

1. Our plans must be God centered.

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3

Our plans come out of our relationship with God.  When God redeemed us it meant he bought us back at a great price - the death of His own Son, Jesus.  So our lives are not our own.  Doing our own thing leads to estrangement from God, but seeking God's ways leads to great intimacy and awareness of God in all we do. Solomon wrote, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)  The key to living life skillfully and with perspective comes out of our relationship with God.

2. Our plans must be aligned with God's purposes.

"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

What is God's purpose?  Where do we find His marching orders for our lives?

Solomon concluded it this way, "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." Ecclesiastes 12:13

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

When we think of purpose we must take a close look at the Great Commission passages, Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15 ; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21 and Acts 1:8.  It is here we discover the marching orders of Jesus.  He calls us to be a part of his great redemptive purpose. Recent surveys have revealed that 60-70% of those who call themselves followers of Jesus don't think they need to be engaged in evangelistic activities.

We are called to love God and others within His mission.  This is why I love the missional language and why I have infused the concept of Living Missionally into my writings.

3.  An honest assessment must take place.

"For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths." Proverbs 5:21

"Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways." Proverbs 4:26

"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD."  Lamentations 3:40

When I developed the Spiritual Journey Guide I wanted to provide a picture of what it meant to be a spiritually mature follower of Jesus. If leaders don't define spiritual maturity in their churches the definition will always drift to "Who has the most bible knowledge?"  Now bible knowledge is important, we need to know the commands of Jesus in order to obey them, but bible knowledge without transformation will always lead to Pharisaical Christianity.

This is where the concept of living missionally was developed for me. I believe the goal of every follower of Jesus is to love God and to love others, all within the context of God's redemptive mission.  I've narrowed down six areas of life that help us evaluate how well we are living within God's mission.

Craves intimacy with God through spiritual disciplines - Devotional Life (Mark 12:29-31)
Shares their faith effectively with others - Evangelism (Philemon 6)
Mentoring others spiritually - Discipleship  (Matthew 28:19-20)
Gives generously - Stewardship (II Corinthians 8:7)
Serves in their community - Servanthood & Compassion (Mark 10:45)
Understands the centrality of the gospel - Character Transformation  (Titus 2:11-14)

By assessing your spiritual life around these six areas you can easily develop a focused spiritual growth plan that seeks to fully or more fully work out these areas in your life and relationships.

4.  Wise mentors need to be secured.

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

"Plans are established by seeking advice..." Proverbs 20:18

The craze for personal coaching and mentoring really stems from the fact that we have moved from the Information Age to an Age of Implementation. We are so overwhelmed every day with the barrage of information that we struggle with applying it into our lives. This is where a mature wise mentor or experienced coach comes into play to provide accountability, encouragement, and insight while helping you grow in your spiritual your life.

5.  Work out your plan diligently but not hastily.

"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Proverbs 21:5

Have you ever responded emotionally to a situation and made a reckless commitment?  Solomon's advice is that we don't want to just jump into something but we want to thoughtfully develop a spiritual plan by seriously considering and reflecting on points 1-4.  I strongly encourage people to put their plan in writing because you need to think it, then ink it, if you are going to achieve it.

For instance, my January goals all have to do with recharging and expanding my devotional habits.  Last year I focused my goals around the discipline of fasting. I read two books on fasting which took my practice of fasting to a whole new level. I practiced several types of fasts throughout the year. I wrote a devotional guide on fasting and recruited over 100 people to join me for a 31-Day Daniel Fast.

This year my focus for January is on my prayer life.  Focusing on upgrading my daily prayer rhythms, expanding intercessory practices, reinstalling my monthly prayer retreats, finding a prayer partner for accountability and reading a devotional on prayer that will expand, inspire and challenge my prayer life. This month I am reading Prayer A Holy Occupation by Oswald Chambers.

You can use this monthly goal setting process to work through each of the six areas that will move you toward a more effective and fulfilling missional lifestyle.

Craves Intimacy with God through spiritual disciplines - Devotional Life (Mark 12:29-31)
Shares their faith effectively with others - Evangelism (Philemon 6)
Mentoring others spiritually - Discipleship  (Matthew 28:19-20)
Gives generously - Stewardship (II Corinthians 8:7)
Serves in their community - Servanthood (Mark 10:45)
Understands the centrality of the gospel - Character Transformation (Titus 2:11-14)

All of us need a plan because there is no arrival point as long as we are traveling in this world, there will always be areas of growth needed.

The Apostle Peter wrote,  "Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."  II Peter 3:17-18

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Barna's Must-Reads on Religious Decline in America

The recent release from Pew on religious affiliation in the U.S. and the continuing rise of the "Nones" confirms the trends Barna Group has identified over the past decade. Based on data from more than one hundred thousand interviews, Barna has found that religious identity is only one aspect of faith's changing landscape. More than 30 years of studying Christian belief and activity in America has revealed that diminished church attendance is one of the first indicators of a waning faith. In other words, people usually drop out of church before they drop out of Christianity.

Dropouts are the canary in the coalmine of declining religious identity. And, while church attendance has been steadily on the decline for decades, Millennials in particular are dropping out of church at an accelerated pace.

To understand these trends—increasing churchlessness across all age groups, growing secularization and young adults dropping out of church and faith—read the most-referenced articles on barna.org that explore our research on these topics.

Churchlessness & Secularization

2015 State of Atheism in America


10 Facts About America's Churchless


5 Trends Among the Unchurched


How Post-Christian Is America?

Young Adult Dropouts

3 Spiritual Journeys of Millennials


5 Myths about Young Adult Church Dropouts


6 Reasons Young Christians Leave Church


5 Reasons Millennials Stay Connected to Church

5 Ideas for Beating the Summer Giving Slump

"God never estimates what we give from impulse. We are given credit for what we determine in our hearts to give; for the giving that is governed by a fixed determination." -Oswald Chambers

Helping our people experience the timeless truth of moving from impulse and haphazard giving to systematically and joyfully giving is a continuous process.  

We see this in Paul's writings, 

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (II Corinthians 9:7)

"On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come." (I Corinthians 16:2)

Summer is an excellent time to reinforce this principle in the hearts of your people in a way that is inspiring and instructing.  Here are five ways to leverage the summer slump to train and motivate your people in the area of consistency in their giving.

1. Get better at vision casting on all levels.

Kennon Callahan writes,  “A clear vision of mission will be decisive in fostering your congregations capacity for giving.”  Vision is always asking the 'why's' not the 'how's.'  A compelling vision moves people on a heart level as well as makes sense on a head level.  Crafting your vision through multiple mediums is critical to the process. 

How are you at telling your vision?

Preaching
2 minute giving talks
State of the church talks


How are you at writing your vision?

Newsletters
Membership letters
Leadership briefings


How are you at showing your vision?

Video
Testimonies


How are you at celebrating your vision?

Give and serve moments
Testimonies
Leadership celebrations

2. Manage your cash flow properly. 

Learning the giving rhythms in your church is critical and maintaining a 120 days of expenses in your reserve account is important for peace of mind.  Stressful appeals very rarely produce the results you desire. You don't want to create a culture that the only time the church speaks about money is because they are in need. Need based appeals reduce your vision to paying bills and not changing lives.  Making mid-course corrections and spending freezes is a better use of the leader's time than spending energy on need based appeals.  This will give you the freedom to deal with the money talks as an issue of spiritual formation rather than "help we are in trouble!"

3. Send out quarterly giving reports.

The whole purpose of sending out quarterly giving statements is to create a deeper vision of ownership throughout the church.  This giving letter should include a well written vision letter and thank you.  It should include a giving statement and some type of teaching on tithing, generosity or ways to give to the church. 

Sample Letter Download S_2_Summer_Giving_Email
Sample teaching document

4. Spend focused time with the 20% who give 80% of your budget.

Too many pastors are afraid to give focused attention to those carrying the bulk of the financial burden of the church.  The stated reasons I have heard are 1) I don't want to be charged with favoritism 2) I don't trust my own heart 3) I'm intimated by people of means.

My response to this objections is...Grow Up Pastor! Or, as the Apostle Paul wrote "act like men" (I Corinthians 16:13).

Investing time in people who are generous to your church in not favoritism it is wisdom.  One pastor I know spends time with each of his core givers to assess that they are serving in the right areas to maximize their giftedness.  If you don't trust your own heart then deal with it by confessing it, and submitting to accountability over the issue.   People of means need shepherds too.  I remember visiting a couple in their home one evening (he had one of the top fifty salaries in our state).  As we chatted over the evening the wife said to me "thanks for coming...you are the first pastor to ever step into our home."

How can you invest in your leaders relationally this summer?
How can you invest in your leaders spiritually this summer?
What could you do this summer to deploy or redeploy them into service?

5. Help people automate their giving.

If your church does not have online giving you are are already 10 years behind. The failure to offer automated giving through online giving or electronic fund transfer (EFT) will hurt you in reaching and capturing the next generation.  Every first time giver should be given a "Ways to Give" document.  One month a year could be an opportunity to  promote "Let's Go Green in our Giving" through emails, letters, announcements and giving talks.

Online giving resources and ideas
Free Download - 10 Things Your Church Should Know About Online Giving
Sample video to encourage online giving

Bonus: Don't give into the summer slump mentality in your church.  Keep the vision and mission red hot through strategic and creative outreach opportunities.  Every summer our church held a 'Friends Sunday' which at times surpassed our Easter attendance for that year and propelled us to record attendance in the fall.  Remember a vision slump will always lead to a giving slump!

Additional Resources:

27 Ways to Stop the YO YO Effect on Your Summer Giving
3 Proven Strategies for Beating the Summer Giving Slump

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20 Inspiring J.I. Packer Quotes

Enjoy these 20 quotes by the thought provoking author J.I. Packer.  As he points you towards Jesus.

“The most excellent study for expanding the soul, is the science of Christ, and Him crucified."  ― J.I. Packer

“Men treat God’s sovereignty as a theme for controversy, but in Scripture it is matter for worship.” ― J.I. Packer

"The battle against pride in the heart is lifelong, so humility should become an ever more deeply seated attitude of living" -J.I. Packer

“Humility is the product of ongoing repentance as one decides...to steer clear of pride in all its forms." -J.I. Packer

"Grace means God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save themselves" ― J.I. Packer

"The sins of God's children do not destroy their justification but they mar the children's fellowship with their Father.” -J.I. Packer

 “Our are speculations are not the measure of our God.” ― J.I. Packer

"We must learn to measure ourselves, not by our knowledge about God, but by how we pray and what goes on in our hearts.” -J.I. Packer

“We think of God as too much like what we are. Learn to acknowledge the full majesty of your incomparable God and Savior.” -J.I. Packer

“The more you praise, the more vigor you will have for prayer...the more you pray, the more matter you will have for praise - J.I. Packer

“The world's greatest need is the personal holiness of Christian people.” ― J.I. Packer

“'Holy' is the Bible word for all that makes God different from us, in particular his awesome power and purity.” ― J.I. Packer

 “The purpose of the church is to make the invisible kingdom visible through faithful Christian living and witness-bearing" – JI Packer

 “Any theology that does not lead to song is, at a fundamental level, a flawed theology.” ― J.I. Packer

 “Creatures are not entitled to register complaints about their Creator.” ― J.I. Packer

“We must seek, in studying God, to be led to God.” ― J.I. Packer

 “Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfolded..." ― J.I. Packer

 “He that has learned to feel his sins, and to trust Christ as a Saviour, has learned...greatest lessons in Christianity.” -J.I. Packer

“The Life of true holiness is rooted in the soil of awed adoration” ― J.I. Packer

“The pursuit of holiness is thus no mere private hobby but a vital element in Christian mission strategy today.” -J.I. Packer

 

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How to Break the 35 Growth Barrier - Podcast

In this episode of the Barrier Breakers Podcast, Jonathan Reitz & Gary Rohrmayer dive into the necessary skills to break through the 35 Barrier.

Don’t underestimate the skill, talent and commitment it takes to GET to 35…but don’t overlook the reality that it takes an entirely different skill set to break through 35.

And that’s what we’ll be talking about in Episode #6 of the Barrier Breakers Podcast.

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Listen to the Complete Series on iTunes
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