THROW ME A BONE..

Parenting 1

2011-11-23T13:07:00.002-06:00

This weekend at Gateway Baptist church we are teaching on Parenting. I felt the greatest thing to begin with is - what we spoke on last weekend - Marriage. This is the key to parenting well. I am the product of a divorced home and even 35 years later live out of that. Praise God for His healing power to heal and redeem. I am grateful for all that God is going in my family and how he helps me in marriage. HOWEVER there is a cost.

Below is a vital interview for our culture from Judith Wallenstein who has studied our Divorce culture. Read or watch online:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/conversation/july-dec00/wallerstein_12-19.htm

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: One-quarter of the adults in this country under the age of 44 are children of divorce. A new book, "The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce," by Judith Wallerstein, Julia Louis, and Sandra Blakesly, explores how divorce continues to shape the lives of young people, even after they reach full adulthood. The book builds on therapist Judith Wallerstein's 30-year study of 131 children and adolescents from 60 divorcing families in Marin County, just North of San Francisco. Wallerstein is the founder of the Judith Wallerstein Center for the Family in Transition.

You've been looking at these kids-- and now adults-- for 30 years. What's the legacy now that they're adults of divorce?

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: The legacy-- and it's a very surprising legacy to me, but I think it's one that has really hit a chord throughout this country-- is that the major impact of divorce is not, as we thought, at the time of the breakup, although that's very hard, but the major impact of divorce happens when they enter young adulthood and they... when the man/woman situation, man/woman relationship moves center stage, and that's when the ghosts of the parent's divorce rise from the basement.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: So you really learned a lot about not only what happens to them as adults, but looking back, you learned more even about what they had suffered as kids when you talked to them now, right?

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: I learned a lot. But I learned it in many ways. I knew them as children, so when they described their childhood memories, I could check with what I knew and remembered. And I happened to remember everything they told me-- although sometimes I can't remember what I did yesterday. But when they talked about having children, they all... Many of them said, in a surprising number, "I wouldn't want any child of mine to have my childhood," which was one of the most telling statements they made.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: Many of them felt they had no childhood after the divorce, right?

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: They really felt they had sacrificed their playtime, their childhood friendships. They had to spend a lot of time going back and forth from mother's house to father's house. They wanted to see their parents, but they wanted to see their friends, and they wanted to participate in the activities of the playground, and so on. And they did feel that they sacrificed a lot to their parent's divorce.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: So what is it that you most notice and know about them as adults that this divorce led to?

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: They have a lot of trouble in believing that they can love somebody, or that somebody is going to love them, and that it's going to be a relationship that's going to last. And they're very convinced that they're going to go down the same path, and that their relationships are going to fail, and they say so very openly. One young woman says, "you can hope for love, but you can't expect it." Another: "Any relationship I'm in, I know I'm going to jinx; any relationship, any family I would be in would be a failure."

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: And this time, you had another group you looked at, people now adults who had lived through maybe difficult times, but their families didn't divorce. What did you find? What differences did you find?

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: Oh, I found striking differences that I didn't expect: That these young people, many of whom lived across the street and were friends of the people who participated in the study, when they reached adulthood, they had some templates, some internal images about what marriage was about, that marriage has its ups and downs; that it's a serious business. And they said, you know, "my dad told me anything that's worth having is worth fighting for." And they knew how people related to each other. And when they went looking for partners, they got into affairs, they got into all kinds of issues. I mean, it's an anxious time for everybody in our society. But they had in their minds what a marriage is about, and they didn't have the conviction that -- this is so tragic -- that their relationships would fail.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: Mm-hmm. Why did this surprise you? I would think it would be fairly obvious, that if your parents are divorced, you might expect that you would be... have the same bad luck.

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: Because what we all believe now in America-- and all of our resources have gone into this-- that it's the breakup that matters. And we tell parents-- attorneys tell them, mental health people tell them-- that if you can settle your problems between you with civility, if you can settle the financial affairs with some justice, and if the child will continue to have contact with both parents, the child is home free. That's what we say, and that's what we've been believing. And I have to confess, I've contributed to that, because my work has shown that it is an upset for the children at the time. But I didn't expect that the greatest upset -- I'm talking now about divorce as a cumulative experience-- that the greatest impact would be in their 20s and in their 30s; that's scary.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: I found the book a devastating critique of divorce. Some people out there listening might be thinking, well, this is so hard on people that are children of divorce, but I have to get a divorce; there's something in my marriage that makes it necessary. What do you say to those people?

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: I'm not taking a stand against divorce. I'm saying nobody from the outside can quantify the suffering of any man or any woman. But I am saying, and I show in my book, that a number of people who were disappointed in the marriage and disappointed in each other but found parenting rewarding-- not that they were martyrs, but that the parenting was rewarding and were able to do it together-- that their children felt protected and nurtured, and the children in the divorced families felt somehow exposed.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: Is your group... Marin County is a wealthy county, one of the wealthiest counties in the country, and your group is all from Marin County -- can you really draw conclusions that work for the whole country based on your sample?

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: My group represents divorce under the best circumstances. I chose youngsters who were psychologically sturdy. They weren't in any trouble before the breakup. Their parents are well-educated, and they didn't...there was nobody on welfare, there was nobody who really suffered poverty, like many, many families do after the breakup. And so, I think I was able to see the psychological impact with great clarity. Does this apply to all families in America? Nothing applies to all families in America. But so far, every one of my findings has held up with large studies, and that's a record of 30 years.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: What do you say to that person out there listening who does feel it's most necessary to get a divorce? What do you say that might help limit these really negative consequences?

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: Well, there are a lot of myths I think are unfortunate. Many parents are told that if you're unhappy, the child is unhappy. A child is not a mirror of a parent. A child has a stance of his own, and many children... most children, when there's a divorce, are very surprised by the parents' action. So my first message is, don't jump, stand still. Get whatever help you need. There are many situations where divorce is the best choice, but there are many more where it isn't. And it's hard for me to believe that 45% of marriages are so bad that they really need to divorce, and that's what's happening in this country.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: And then what? If you do decide you have to get one, what can make the situation better?

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: I think parents have to realize they're in it for the long haul; that their children are going to need their help in separating their fates from the fates of their parents; that the parents need to say, our marriage is not representative. They can go out of their way perhaps to enlist the help of grandparents or other members of the family or friends who have good marriages, because these young people grew up with the sense that they had never seen a man or a woman on the same beam, to use their language, and they didn't... weren't sure that that existed anywhere.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: What's at stake here for the nation as a whole?

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: I think the nature of our society, I think we are very fortunate that this is not a very cynical group. These are young people who want love, they want marriage, they want lasting relationships. A lot of them are staying single. A huge number are staying single. These are national statistics, and these are mine. Second divorces are higher than first divorces. And if we can come to some consensus that we need a protection to bring up children, then we have to in some way reverse direction.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: Well, Judith Wallerstein, thanks for being with us.

JUDITH WALLERSTEIN: Thank you.

PRAYER ENGINE FOR GATEWAY

2011-10-13T18:12:00.003-05:00

Its hard to be a prayerless pastor - its also hard to be a prayerful pastor, but I am committed to being the latter. We know there will be no breakthrough without it, personally or corporately. We want to see a great move of God in our city in our lifetime. It is great to see the small signs in our midst - keep watch and pray.

Here is a helpful resource from my wife's favorite author - Andrew Murray.

CONQUERING PRAYERLESSNESS
By Dr. Andrew Murray
The greatest stumbling block in the way of victory over prayerlessness is the secret feeling that we shallnever obtain the blessing of being delivered from it. Often have we put forth effort in this direction, but invain. Old habit, and the power of the flesh, our surroundings with their attractions, have been too strong forus. What good is it to attempt that which our heart assures us is out of our reach?
The change needed in the entire life is too great and difficult. If the question is put: “Is a change possible?

Our sighing heart says: “Alas, for me it is entirely impossible!” Do you know why that reply comes? It is simply because you have received the call to prayer as the voice of Moses and as a command of the law. Moses and his law have never yet given any one the power to obey. Do you really long for the courage to believe that deliverance from a prayerless life is possible for you, and
may become a reality? Then you must learn the great lesson that such a deliverance is included in the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, that it is one of the blessings of the New Covenant which God Himself will impart to you through Christ Jesus.
As you begin to understand this, you will find that the exhortation, “Pray without ceasing,” conveys a new meaning. Hope begins to spring up in your heart, that the Spirit – who has been bestowed on you, to cry constantly, “Abba, Father” – will make a true life of prayer possible for you. Then you will hearken, not in the spirit of discouragement, but in the gladness of hope, to the voice that calls you to repentance.
Many a one has turned to his Inner Chamber, under bitter self-accusation that he has prayed so little, and has resolved for the future to live in a different manner. Yet no blessing has come – there was not the strength to continue faithful, and the call to repentance had no power, because his eyes had not been fixed on the Lord Jesus. If he had only understood, he would have said, “Lord, Thou seest how cold and dark my
heart is. I know that I must pray, but I feel I cannot do so, I lack the urgency and desire to pray.”

He did not know that at that moment the Lord Jesus in His tender love was looking down upon Him and saying “You cannot pray; you feel that all is cold and dark; why not give yourself over into My hands? Only believe that I am ready to help you in prayer; I long greatly to shed abroad My love in your heart, so that you, in the consciousness of weakness, may confidently rely on Me to bestow the grace of prayer: Just
as I will cleanse you from all other sins, so also will I deliver from the sin of prayerlessness – only do not seek the victory in your own strength. Bow before Me as one who expects everything from his Saviour.
Let your soul keep silence before Me, however sad you feel your state to be. Be assured of this – I will teach you how to pray.”

Many a one will acknowledge: “I see my mistake; I had not thought that the Lord Jesus must deliver and cleanse me from this sin also. I had not understood that He was with me every day in the Inner Chamber, in His great love ready to keep and bless me, however sinful and guilty I felt myself to be. I had not supposed that just as He will give all other grace in answer to prayer, so, above all and before all, He will
bestow the grace of a praying heart.

What folly to think that all other blessings must come from Him, but that prayer whereon everything else depends, must be obtained by personal effort! Thank God I begin to comprehend – the Lord Jesus is Himself in the Inner Chamber watching over me, and holding Himself responsible to teach me how to approach the Father. This only He demands – that I, with child-like confidence, wait upon Him and glorify
Him.”

If fear and hesitation still remain, I pray you by the mercies of God in Jesus Christ, and by the unspeakable faithfulness of His tender love, dare to cast yourselves at His feet. Only believe with your whole heart – there is deliverance from the sin of prayerlessness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). In His blood and grace there is complete deliverance from all unrighteousness, and from all prayerlessness. Praised be His Name forever! Rev. Andrew Murray, in The Prayer-Life (1920)

ACTS 29 - Story of Gateway

2011-09-12T11:24:00.003-05:00

Sept. 11 - 2011 At Gateway we read the following - several asked for a copy..

Sometime thereafter… the good news of Jesus had spread to many lands and great multitudes of people of all nations had come to know him.

Eventually that Good News came unto an island far off from the city of Antioch, in the Sea of the Pacific. Yea and verily, there were in that city many great flower baskets and much beauty, which attracted large numbers of Cruise ships!

In that garden city, were various religions and idols of many kinds, which had blinded the populace to God’s truth. Some of the inhabitants worshipped their dwellings and their surrounding property; others worshipped the beauty of their Island, often at the shrine of Butchart. “Aphrodite” the goddess of sex held power over many., and low, some worshipped themselves or the goddess - Oprah…. The delusion of living, when actually only existing, was upon the land.

There were however in that city, a small band of disciples who gathered by the “Way of the Gate”. These had been set free from the island powers, by giving themselves to the mighty power of Jesus. Miracles were seen among them - one by one they told of the power of Jesus that had healed their lives. Old burdens were taken away, broken hearts healed, entangling sins stripped free.

The surprising impact of this band of believers in their city was the result of their imitation of the earliest Christians. Like the believers of old, they too gathered to DISCOVER God’s truth in worship and the study of His word, choosing to obey their Lord however He directed. (during those seasons strange utterances were given by the Mystic McRaild, often translated for all into English! Aaron, he of the strange hair, also spoke God’s word to all who would hear…) many others shared in the joy of DISCOVERING.

They often CONNECTED with one another in homes and places of food service. In these gatherings they shared and cared for one another tarrying often. (often they could be found drinking a strange brew known as ‘cough-he’ - a certain tavern called St. Arbux was popular, though some of the lesser classes drank at Tim-Hees!).

These believers would also gladly SERVE their master Jesus by generously giving their time, talents and treasures to His cause. Those in need, both near and far were touched by their sacrificial gifts.

Some considered them fools, yet they believed that God could change their city if they would work with Him to REACH their friends, family and neighbors with the good news of Jesus.

In this way many who came to that city were cheered and changed with the news of God’s love.

ARE THERE PROOFS FOR GOD....???

2011-06-13T14:25:00.004-05:00

At Gateway Church in Victoria Canada we have been looking at FAQ's - questions that need answers. Over the next few posts I'll give some of the info we have looked at.

A. Four Reasons to ask the Question:
1. Personal Pain - Woman loses a child - where was God?
2. Natural Disasters - Haiti -Turkey - Chile
3. New Atheists Certainly throw doubt on this:

Richard Dawkins: The God Delusion
One of the things that is wrong with religion is that it teaches us to be satisfied with answers which are not really answers at all.

Daniel Dennett, Darwin's Dangerous Idea, p. 18
The kindly God who lovingly fashioned each and every one of us and sprinkled the sky with shining stars for our delight -- that God is, like Santa Claus, a myth of childhood, not anything a sane, undeluded adult could literally believe in. That God must either be turned into a symbol for something less concrete or abandoned altogether

Christopher Hitchens (God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything)
"Thus, though I dislike to differ with such a great man, Voltaire was simply ludicrous when he said that if god did not exist it would be necessary to invent him. The human invention of god is the problem to begin with."

4. Our Cultural Climate :
Victoria has questions: National Census: “No Religion” - Canada 20% - Victoria 42%

Certainty that God exists is more than a curious question - it is the basis of how we answer the great questions of existence:
o Where did I come from?
o Why am I here?
o Where is History headed?
o How can I know?

Grace enables our obedience and growth

2011-04-11T13:05:00.001-05:00

The disobedient cannot believe; only the obedient believe."
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Discipleship)

Prayer Mountain at Gateway!

2011-04-05T18:35:00.004-05:00

Last night in the pouring rain, gale force winds and near freezing temps we had some 30 men from Gateway turn out to pray over our city!! Way to go guys, I know that God is honored and the city is different because men would brave the elements to storm the heavens.

The bible says -
1 Timothy 2: 8 I desire then that(O) in every place the men should pray,(P) lifting(Q) holy hands without anger or quarreling

We are thrilled to see MEN taking up that challenge and know there is breakthrough coming at Gateway and in Victoria.

What is hard to beleive...

2011-03-31T15:42:00.002-05:00

A friend who works in Africa sent me this today:
Brennan Manning says in his book, “The Furious Longing of God,” “the revolutionary thinking that God loves me as I am not as I should be requires radical rethinking and profound emotional adjustment...its easier to believe God exists than that God loves me.”

At Gateway Church in Victoria we are seeking to be a community of people that model this wonder.

Why doesn't god always heal?

2011-03-19T12:32:00.002-05:00

I read this blog and enjoyed some Good thoughts on why God does not always heal
WHY DOESN'T GOD ALWAYS HEAL

There are undoubtedly times and seasons in the purposes of God during which his healing power is withdrawn or at least largely diminished. God may have any number of reasons for this to which we are not privy. Deut. 29:29

THE GOSPEL FOR VICTORIA

2011-03-19T12:21:00.003-05:00

WE are continuing this week to learn about Spiritual Gifts. The big idea is that Jesus is Good news for all and that we are invited to join Him in His Rescue Mission. When we join him he gives us tools for the task.
It is heart breaking to see the situation in Japan - esp. the Heroes who are facing death as they seek to rescue others... Will there be those who equally will live at risk to reach lost people in Victoria?
The Gospel is the news that Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, died for our sins and rose again, eternally triumphant over all his enemies, so that there is now no condemnation for those who believe, but only everlasting joy. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. The essence of faith is being satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus” Piper

Mission Possible

2011-03-14T18:48:00.003-05:00

I spent time with youth this week and discovered most had not seen Mission Impossible! Then I realize it was made in 1996 - when they were 1 yr old. Well we watched it. we talked about Jesus has a mission that He calls us to and there are special tools for the task - GIFTS.

Gateway is a church committed to living in MISSION - reaching 1% of the unchurched of Victoria for Jesus in the coming decade. There is no way that is possible if we don't use the tools that the Holy spirit gives us for that task.

The gifts were never intended to be for a “privileged few”, or left behind in the early church, but ongoing expressions of the Holy Spirit in us. Where the church today is exploding/progressing around the world the gifts are evident.

1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

God’s love is best seen in Jesus’ actions (Heb. 1:3),
1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
ACTS 10:38
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen

His love is still be shown through the Spirit’s actions in the lives of His followers (John 14:12) .
12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

DWJD: DOING WHAT JESUS DOES

2011-03-11T14:39:00.002-06:00

During March at Gateway we are going to be exploring what it looks like to live with Jesus in Mission and why he gives us Spiritual Gifts.

The call of Jesus is much more than a call to be nice, middle class, Liberal, Conservative or NDP, homeschooler, good citizen, environmentalist …. It is a call to join him in His mission that has the destiny of the Human race at stake.

There is a war going on for every human being and their eternal destiny - He has made a devasting breach in the enemy lines, but is looking for followers who will pour through the breach and show others the way out.

That call begins will a response to personal transformation - we celebrated that with some wonderful Baptisms last week.
The Call continues with a complete re-orienting of all of our lives for his mission.
Once on the mission He gives us special tools for the tasks - “Spiritual Gifts”
These gifts are a means of helping others to know and experience God’s love.
Prayer - Care - Share

JESUS, GENDER, SEXUAL WHOLENESS

2011-02-07T12:41:00.003-06:00

At Gateway we have been doing a series called "SEX IN THE CITY OF GOD" our final message was about Homosexuality and what the Gospel says to us.
Listen in - http://www.gatewaybaptistchurch.ca/discover/sermons-3?sermon_id=126

Sex in the City of God

2011-01-08T23:35:00.000-06:00

HAITI

2010-12-28T10:04:00.002-06:00

Bev and her team have just left for Haiti - where they will work with SAMARITANS PURSE to help victims of the Cholera epidemic. Pray for her team to have strength to work long days and to be safe in a very broken environment. Pray that the work of Christians there will be a means for change in the nation.

Haiti the last 200 years....

1801: Napoleon Bonaparte despatches an army of 34,000 to tru to subdue the slave armies and retake the colony for France; this mission was unsuccessful. The leader of the army Leclerc ultimately had Toussaint L'Ouverture seized and deported to France. He died within a year.
May 1802: Convention in Paris reintroduces slavery, which brings on more rebellions and massacres.
January 1804: Jean Jacques Dessalines proclaimed the independent black Republic of Haiti in the northern half of the island. Dessalines was unpopular with the mulattos and was assassinated in 1806. His death led to civil war again between the south (under General Petion) and the north (under Henry Christophe).
1820: Henry Christophe commits suicide by shooting himself with a silver bullet; he had been a tyrannical ruler, crowning himself "king", and building a palace and citadel (at Cap Haitien in the north) at great cost to Haitian lives. At his death Haiti was taken over by General Boyer, and civil war ceased. Boyer obtained official Haitian independence from France at the price of 150 million French francs.
1843 to 1915: Haiti sees 22 heads of state, most of whom leave office by violent means. Rivalry continues among the whites, the mulatto elite, and the blacks.
1915: Presdient Guillaume Sam is dismembered and the Americans invade the country. They remain for 19 years. Despite improvements made to the infrastructure by the Americans, the Haitians opposed their presence.
1934: The Americans leave Haiti, which is now prospering once again.
1957: François Duvalier, a doctor and union leader, was elected president. Duvalier, also known as 'Papa Doc', terrorized the country, rooting out any and all opponents to his administration. He was a practicing vodunist, his loa being Baron Samedi, the guardian of cemeteries and a harbinger of death. He ensured his power through his private militia, the tontons macoutes (which means in kreyol, "uncle boogeyman").
1964: Duvalier changes the constitution so that he can be elected president for life.
1971: François Duvalier dies and is succeeded by his son Jean Claude, age 19 (also known as 'Baby Doc'). By this time Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere (and remains so to this day).
February 1986: The Duvalier regime collapses under Operation Deschoukay and Baby Doc flees to France.
December 1990: Jean-Bertrand Aristide (a religious priest) is elected in a landslide victory.
Military coup deposes Aristide's government; Organization of American states imposes an embargo lasting three years.
1994: Aristide returns to Haiti to serve out his term of office, facilitated by the US military and UN troops.
December, 1995: René Préval elected in a landslide victory

2009 Eatherquake kills 2000000 and destroys national infrastructure.

Victoria Flash Choir

2010-12-23T14:42:00.002-06:00

WE took part in a great event - Wonderful to see a mall turned into an Cathedral!!

HELP IN HAITI

2010-12-12T19:08:00.003-06:00

WE have decided as a family to say YES to an invite for Bev to join an emergency team going to Haiti. We would appreciate your prayers for her Dec 28 - Jan 4. Following is a 2 minute video showing the context that she is going into.

The Saving Life of Christ

2010-11-29T15:12:00.002-06:00

I was very blessed to have a time in life to travel and learn from Major Ian Thomas. I wish much more would have stuck in my heart and mind... Here are some of his great thoughts..

To be in Christ–that is redemption; but for Christ to be in you–that is sanctification! To be in Christ–that makes you fit for heaven; but for Christ to be in you –that makes you fit for earth! To be in Christ –that changes yours destination; but for Christ to be in you–that changes your destiny! The one makes heaven your home–the other makes this world His workshop.

Major Ian Thomas, The Saving Life of Christ/The Mystery of Godliness (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1988), 22.

DEBATE on Religion - Tony Blair vs. Chris Hitchens

2010-11-27T20:19:00.003-06:00

Hear Tony Blair and Chris Hitchens debate the question "Is religion a force for good in the world?" The opening segment is a bit long but keep going - there are several parts on youtube. I wish I found this before I paid to watch it!

GATEWAY - Prayer this SUnday for PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS

2010-11-18T20:20:00.002-06:00

The following story tells of what many Christians around the world endure. We in the WEST must not ignore them - ask God what you are to do. I met with a believer from Bethlehem recently and he told me that the city was 80% Christian only a few decades ago but violence has caused Christians to flee. Now only 3% of the birthplace of Jesus are Christian.

GATEWAY GOES 3!

2010-11-10T11:27:00.002-06:00

At Gateway our vision is to reach 1% of the unchurched in Victoria in the coming decade. That is 3000 new people that currently do not know that God made them to worship Him and loved them so much that he gave his SON for them.

We believe part of the strategy for that is to be one church with multiple gatherings. Our focus has been to develop creative worship Gatherings (larger groups) and engaging CARE groups - (smaller contexts) for community to foster.

This Month we are launching a new Gateway Gathering - "LEGACY" - Authentic Faith through a classic lens. Please pray for this to become a place that brings the power of the gospel to those that have a high-culture background that are seeking to re-connect or discover faith.

NOT SELLING CHEAP TV's!

2010-11-10T11:19:00.003-06:00

Sadly my email was hacked this week by some dear entrepreneur in China! All of my contacts have been offered fantastic prices on TV's direct from the manufacturer - alas I cannot make my fortune from that great deal, perhaps I will by helping a new friend from Nigeria to claim his inheritance that is ready to be claimed with my help!

I wish that I could have sent all those contacts a much more important message that I was reading this morning - take a moment to check this out!

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that can be invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1

Doug Koop's Blog from Lausanne Conf in Cape Town

2010-10-30T01:49:00.000-05:00

Padilla decries "superficial" evangelism
Posted by Doug Koop | October 26, 2010 @ 3:06pm

Key contributor to Lausanne Covenant keeps pushing buttons

“Superficial evangelism is not going to get the job done,” says René Padilla, a renowned evangelical scholar from Latin America, currently living in Argentina. “Jesus talked about making disciples who learned to obey everything He has taught.”

Padilla, a long-time champion of a holistic approach to mission, is highly critical of some of the presentations from the platform at Cape Town 2010, the third Lausanne Congress on Word Evangelization. He was a key figure at the first Congress back in 1974, when he and several colleagues lobbied long and hard to include radical discipleship and social responsibility into the influential Lausanne Covenant.

In Cape Town, Padilla referred to a plenary session on evangelization led by Paul Eshleman of Campus Crusade for Christ International to be largely “a waste of time.”

The key question, according to Eshleman, is: “Where is the Church not present and what are we going to do about it?” To that end he provided information about 632 “unreached” or “unengaged” people groups “with populations of more than 50,000 who are still beyond the reach of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” And he asked participants to commit themselves or their organizations to finding ways to evangelize specific groups.

To Padilla, however, Eshleman’s session demonstrated “the syncretism of American evangelicalism,” which he characterized as “the market mentality and the obsession with numbers and calculation.” He and others were also surprised by the data itself. “It shows that no serious research was done,” he said, citing several errors from Argentina.

Padilla was also unhappy with John Piper’s strongly stated desire for the global Church represented by the Lausanne movement to agree, “for Christ’s sake, we Christians care about all suffering—especially eternal suffering.”

“Why especially?” asks Padilla. Why are the needs of people after they die a higher priority than their needs now? “This doesn’t mean we don’t proclaim. But proclamation is not the first thing.” He points to Ephesians 2:14-18: “Jesus is our peace, does our peace and proclaims our peace. To be; to do; to say. Why say that the most important thing is to say? To be; to do; to say. Put them in that order. Christ is our peace.”

Padilla is encouraged that “a lot of Third World people at the congress are critical of the strategy for the evangelization of the whole world.” The three key global issues, he contends, are discipleship, globalization (poverty) and stewardship of creation. “In a congress like this, these are the key issues we should be exploring to see what we can do about it.

“But here we are again with the obsession for numbers—how to make more converts; how to build megachurches. I wonder when U.S. people are going to learn to listen to what others are saying, all over the world?” says Padilla.

BURNING PRAYER NOT KORANS

2010-09-11T09:27:00.002-05:00

I am concerned that this event by a "pastor" in Florida may have dire consequences for many innocent Christians around the globe. Christians in Muslim lands are already greatly persecuted - one scholar (Socci) estimate that since 1990 some 160,000 Christians are killed annually in Muslim lands for faith in Jesus! See more info at www.idop.org - We are to pray and support those who are persecuted.

Church Colson has some good commentary on this Koran situation too...

"International Burn a Koran Day - A

September 08, 2010

Pastor Terry Jones’s thoughts about Islam are simple and direct. The title of his book says it all: Islam is of the Devil. The same thought is on a sign outside of his church, the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida, and on the T-shirts and coffee mugs the church sells.

In order to raise greater awareness of the dangers of Islam, Jones has designated 9/11 as “International Burn a Koran Day.” According to their Facebook page Jones hopes, and I quote, “To bring awareness to the dangers of Islam and that the Koran is leading people to hell. Eternal fire is the only destination the Koran can lead people to so we want to put the Koran in its place—the fire!” End quote.

Every Christian believes that no man can come to God but through Jesus Christ. That’s not a bigoted remark, that’s simply the truth claim that underlies Christianity. And I would expect that Muslims would tell me that my religion, Christianity, is a false religion.

The unique thing about the United States is that we are prepared to fight for and defend every single individual’s right to his or her choice to practice the religion of their choice. We learn to respect our differences in a free, pluralistic society.

I have also referred repeatedly on BreakPoint to the dangers of the Islamist movement, which is an ideologically extreme perversion of the Islamic faith. And this is why so many armed conflicts around the world involve Muslims—often fighting other Muslims.

And the attempts to inject parts of Sharia Law in the United States and Britain are a hazard to our constitutional order.

All that being said, I find Jones’s plan to burn the Koran foolish and contemptible. It poses dangers Jones has either overlooked or chooses to ignore.

As Dr. John Rankin, president of the Theological Education Institute correctly notes, if Jones burns the Qur’an, “the images will reverberate on the Internet internationally, and this could lead to unparalleled fury in the Muslim world.”

And most of that fury will be directed into violence against Christians in Muslim areas throughout the world. If Jones goes through with this horrid plan, people—Christian people—will suffer and some will die.

General Petraeus has even expressed fear for our troops in Afghanistan.

Second, Rankin comments, “The Gospel would thus be slandered.” The Apostle Peter tells Christians that we are to be good apologists, but as we give people reasons for our hope in Christ, it has to be “with gentleness and respect.”

Burning the Koran will be taken as the height of disrespect by the Muslim world where copies of the Koran are treated as sacred objects and are handled with the utmost care and reverence. Nothing in the Bible encourages us to treat Muslims or any other religious group with this kind of contempt.

Rankin concludes, “The stakes are high in terms of the reputation of the Gospel and protection of innocent lives in tinderbox sections of the Muslim world.”

My most fervent prayer is that Jones will reconsider and cancel the Koran burning in the name of the Gospel of Peace.

Part of a Christian worldview is the ability to articulate what we believe and why we believe it in the face of competing worldviews like Islam. But we detract from our witness if we allow anything except the Gospel to offend our unsaved neighbors.

Chuck Colson

MORE ON PREACHING

2010-08-31T19:44:00.003-05:00

No that is NOT Moron Preaching! I have been so enriched by listening to the teaching of Dr. Tim Keller and Ed Clooney. Make sure to listen to the Q& A also as they are packed with helpful advice on a variety of matters.

Preaching course is here - you need ITunes - http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewiTunesUCollection?id=378879885#ls=1

BONUS!!: I located a PDF of the course Syllabus - http://www.endangeredleadership.com/?p=67

Have blast - PREACH JESUS!

MOVEMENTS AND MUSEUMS

2010-08-28T10:38:00.001-05:00

Movement or Museum?

What is the difference between a Movement and a Museum? The former evokes images of action, change, progress, sacrifice and forward motion. The latter, which certainly has its place, but it suggests images of quiet, stability lack of motion, rules, ropes and focus on the past. The constant gravitational pull in every organization is from a movement toward a museum. This is especially true in the life of a church, ministry or mission agency, what often began, as a dynamic and inviting movement becomes a stolid monument with quiet visitors and curators keeping it alive.
This is not new to the church of Jesus Christ; in fact the New Testament is replete with examples of the pull away from functioning as a dynamic movement. For example look at the following well-known passage from Acts 15:
1Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 3The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. 4When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.
5Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."
6The apostles and elders met to consider this question.

To be sure this account has significant theological issues to wrestle with, but it also alerts us to the fact that the leaders resisted the tendency towards codified behaviors and structures that would stop this movement in its tracks. The leaders were able to navigate the challenge and keep focus on the things that really mattered - the progress and passion of the movement.
At the end of our lives, most want to know if they have given themselves to a cause that was significant. How can you tell if you are giving your life to a movement? There are some clear ways to distinguish the direction you are moving. A movement has a clear vision that inspires those involved to live, give and sacrifice for the completion of that vision - which is really about a preferred future. A church that is a movement will have a strong outward focus, - its primary concerns are around its effect on the outsider. The museum church in inward focus and battles with turf wars related to the desires of its stakeholders. If this is occurring now, it may be too late to turn the corner. What is needed is a return to the vision that initiated the movement in the first place. This return will need adjusting for the current reality, but will none the less be rooted in that original passion.
Dr. Tim Keller in a recent article suggests the following marks of a Movement with clarity about its vision:
Vision-marked movements experience a generous flexibility. “The accomplishment of the vision is more important than power and position; everyone is willing to make allies, be flexible, and cooperate with anyone sharing the basic vision and values.” In contrast, institutionalized organizations are very turf conscious. “Members are suspicious of anyone encroaching on their area of responsibility. Positions and power have been hard-won and jealously guarded.”
Vision-marked movements are innovative. Unified and empowered by commonly shared vision, movements are “flatter” by nature and thus ideas “flow out of the whole organization, top to bottom, bottom to top.” Anyone with a good idea about how to accomplish the vision is welcome to give it.
A movement is marked by spontaneous generativity. - Keller writes, “spontaneous combustion means energy generated from within — a conflagration without the need for external ignition. A movement is able to generate its own resources, recruit its own new members and participants, and (especially) raise up its own new leaders.” In contrast, institutions devoid of vision must recruit staff raised up in other environments and attract them mainly with good compensation. (Redeemer church Blog)

It would be easy to over-react and push for an organization that has no structure and few guidelines, but what is needed is clarity, Again Keller comments:
“Part of what makes a movement dynamic is a unified vision, and that always requires some codification and control. As time goes on, to maintain the main engine of movement-dynamics - a unified vision - a ministry must adopt some of the aspects of institutions. A strong movement, then, occupies the difficult space between being a freewheeling organism and a disciplined organization. A movement that refuses to take on some organizational characteristics - authority, tradition, unity of belief, and quality control - will fragment and dissipate. A movement that does not also resist the inevitable tendency toward complete institutionalization will lose its vitality and effectiveness as well. The job of the movement leader is to steer the ship safely between these two opposite perils. “
Leadership Questions:
• Can I articulate in a brief sentence what our vision is?
• Am I eager to sacrifice to see it accomplished?
• Do I listen eagerly to the contrary ideas of others that will accomplish our vision?
• Will I inspirer others to join the cause?
• What Does God need to address in me today?

Keller blog article: http://redeemercitytocity.com/blog/view.jsp?Blog_param=203

2010-08-16T11:21:00.002-05:00

I have been taking a FANTASTIC course on Preaching via Itunes University -
Tim J Keller and Ed Clooney do a masterful job - it is worth doing and it is FREE!!

Here is a short piece he gives on Jesus in the OT
“Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:27)

* Jesus is the true and better Adam who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is imputed to us (1 Corinthians 15).
* Jesus is the true and better Abel who, though innocently slain, has blood now that cries out for our acquittal, not our condemnation (Hebrews 12:24).
* Jesus is the true and better Abraham who answered the call of God to leave all the comfortable and familiar and go out into the void “not knowing wither he went!” to create a new people of God.
* Jesus is the true and better Isaac who was not just offered up by his father on the mount but was truly sacrificed for us. While God said to Abraham, “Now I know you love me because you did not withhold your son, your only son whom you love, from me,” now we can say to God, “Now we know that you love me, because you did not withhold your son, your only son, whom you love, from me.”
* Jesus is the true and better Jacob who wrestled and took the blow of justice we deserved, so we, like Jacob, only receive the wounds of grace to wake us up and discipline us.
* Jesus is the true and better Joseph who, at the right hand of the king, forgives those who betrayed and sold him and uses his new power to save them.
* Jesus is the true and better Moses who stands in the gap between the people and the Lord and who mediates a new covenant (Hebrews 3).
* Jesus is the true and better Rock of Moses who, struck with the rod of God’s justice, now gives us water in the desert.
* Jesus is the true and better Job, the truly innocent sufferer, who then intercedes for and saves his stupid friends (Job 42).
* Jesus is the true and better David, whose victory becomes his people’s victory, though they never lifted a stone to accomplish it themselves.
* Jesus is the true and better Esther who didn’t just risk losing an earthly palace but lost the ultimate and heavenly one, who didn’t just risk his life, but gave his life to save his people.
* Jesus is the true and better Jonah who was cast out into the storm so that we could be brought in.

jesus-star-of-david-1Jesus is the real Rock of Moses, the real Passover Lamb – innocent, perfect, helpless, slain so the angel of death will pass over us. He is the true temple, the true prophet, the true priest, the true king, the true sacrifice, the Lamb, the Light, the Bread.

The Bible is not about you — it is about him.

Victoria Talk

2010-07-08T20:01:00.002-05:00

I was asked to speak about what we have found so far here in Victoria for a group of pastors. Here is the quick view so far.

Dan Rutherford - Spiritual Pulse of Victoria from City Reach Victoria on Vimeo.

ARE WE READY?

2010-06-02T20:39:00.001-05:00

HI

Next week a very unusual event is happening in Victoria - it is not just a big conference but focused on prayer and preaching that will bring about revival. Charles Price is speaking Tuesday and Thursday and several others of great note. All are coming at their own expense believing it will be a turning point for us.

What if this is God's moment for us to see a great in gathering? Are we prepared to go? Are we prepared to disciple? Are we prepared to do whatever is needed?

Plan to attend all that you can and see what God does - we may see that 1% sooner than we thought - then the work begins!
SEE DETAILS
http://www.revivalfellowship.com/revivalconference_victoria.html

NT Wright - God and Suffering Lecture given at Seattle Pacific Univ.

2010-04-21T15:23:00.000-05:00

NT Wright: "God, the Tsunami, and 9/11: The New Problem of Evil from Glenn Packiam on Vimeo.

GREAT MESSAGE - NT Wright - Simply Christian

2010-04-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

2010-03-30T17:31:00.002-05:00

(I was asked to post these notes - sorry they are my notes, not edited for publishing, I hope they help...)

you can listen to it online - http://www.gatewaybaptistchurch.ca/?page_id=326&sermon_id=70

PROOFS FOR GOD’S EXISTENCE AND REASONS WHY IT MATTERS TO US

Is there any Proof that God exists?
A. Four Reasons to ask the Question:
1. Personal Pain - Woman loses a child - where was God?
2. Natural Disasters - Haiti -Turkey - Chile
3. New Atheists Certainly throw doubt on this:
Richard Dawkins: The God Delusion
One of the things that is wrong with religion is that it teaches us to be satisfied with answers which are not really answers at all.
Daniel Dennett, Darwin's Dangerous Idea, p. 18
The kindly God who lovingly fashioned each and every one of us and sprinkled the sky with shining stars for our delight -- that God is, like Santa Claus, a myth of childhood, not anything a sane, undeluded adult could literally believe in. That God must either be turned into a symbol for something less concrete or abandoned altogether
Christopher Hitchens (God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything)
"Thus, though I dislike to differ with such a great man, Voltaire was simply ludicrous when he said that if god did not exist it would be necessary to invent him. The human invention of god is the problem to begin with."

4. Cultural Climate :
Victoria has questions: “No Religion” - Canada 20% - Victoria 42%

Certainty that God exists is more than a curious question - it is the basis of how we answer the great questions of existence:
o Where did I come from?
o Why am I here?
o Where is History headed?
o How can I know?

Nature of Proof - is it possible to prove there is a God?
“There is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows for those who don’t” - Blaise Pascal
Right Proof needed:

Various claims have varied means of testing their validity - proofs.

Young woman asks her beau to prove that he loves her… brings out a calculator! - WRONG.

Same young man asked to prove the strength of materials in his engineering project - brings a calculator - RIGHT

• To prove Nero was Emperor in the first century - is not possible in the Chemistry Lab

• To prove that Hydrogen and Oxygen can combine to form water is not done through Psychological testing.

• To prove that the planet Earth has an Elliptical Orbit one does not turn to historical records.

This is the work of an investigator or detective - Data, witnesses, evidence = what is the best explanation - Inferential Proof

Better Question: “Is there valid evidence to believe that God exists?”

5 Proofs For God’s Existence:
5 PROOFS
Telescope - Clock - Gavel - Candle - Cross
1. Cause: (Telescope: Cosmological Evidence)
Everything has a cause... It is illogical to suggest that something had no cause.

The Universe exists - where did it come from?

Dr. William Lane Craig Has revived and championed the Kalam
Cosmological Argument as follows:

1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause of its existence.
2. The universe began to exist.
3. Therefore, the universe has a cause for its existence.

Three alternatives to this conclusion:

1. The universe (matter, time, space and energy) has always
been, that is it is eternal.

The majority of Science now agree - the universe did have a demonstratable beginning. “The Big Bang” where all matter, space, time energy, and matter began, is now attested to by over 20 major research projects.

2. Our universe was created by a powerful being from another universe (Multiverse Theory).

The “Multi-verse Theory” does not resolve the issue of beginnings. Regression problem…If the answer is someone from another universe, then who created this person, and so on.

3. The universe does not actually exist, that is, this universe is an illusion.

The idea that nothing is real might sound feasible in the
Philosophy classroom, but our self-consciousness and
Ability to interact with other people who are similarly self- conscious, immediately dismisses this fanciful theory.

I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host.
Isaiah 45:12

2. Design: (CLOCK: Teleological Evidence - Gk. For purpose/design)

The amazing complexity of design in creation points to a designer.
Teleological Argument - Wm. Paley 18th Century - not first, most famous.
“If a person walking through a remote meadow kicked a stone and asked a friend where it came from? Friend said it was always there. If they kicked a watch - they would ask how did it get there, who made it? Its complexity and design show there must be a complex cause.
… the questions which would come to mind, "Whose watch is this?" would be second after "Where did this watch come from?"

A Staggering Testimony about Design comes from one of Atheisms former defenders- Oxford Philosopher Anthony Flew:

“Perhaps the most popular and intuitively plausible argument for God’s existence is the so-called argument from design. According to this argument, the design that is apparent in nature suggests the existence of a cosmic Designer…Although I was once sharply critical of the argument of design, I have since come to see that, when correctly formulated, this argument constitutes a persuasive case for the existence of
God.”

Anthony Flew -There is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind.

See Romans 1:20

20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

2 Examples:

1. Finely tuned Earth or Anthropic Principle:

For life to exist on Earth is a marvel of precise constants that for many is an overwhelming probability:

Alvin Plantinga Notre Dame Philosopher:
The astronomer Fred Hoyle famously claimed that the probability of life arising on earth (by purely natural means, without special divine aid) is less than the probability that a flight-worthy Boeing 747 should be assembled by a hurricane roaring through a junkyard. -

Wm. Lane Craig:
The universe appears, in fact, to have been incredibly fine-tuned from the moment of its inception for the production of intelligent life on Earth at this point in cosmic history.”

1. Oxygen comprises 21 percent of the atmosphere. If it were 25 percent, fires would erupt, if 15 percent, human beings would suffocate.

2. If the gravitational force were altered by 1 part in 1040 (that’s 10 followed by forty zeroes), the sun would not exist, and the moon would crash into the earth or sheer off into space.2 Even a slight increase in the force of gravity would result in all the stars being much more massive than our sun, with the effect that the sun would burn too rapidly and erratically to sustain life.

3. If the universe was expanding at a rate one millionth more slowly than it is, the temperature on earth would be 10,000 degrees C.3
John Pulkinghorne - Cambridge Un. - visiting U Vic. 2008

2. Design at the molecular level.

…there is a rich narrative drama surrounding our current understanding of the cell…The genetic message in DNA is duplicated in replication and then copied from DNA to RNA in transcription. Following this there is translation whereby the message from RNA is conveyed to the amino acids, and finally the amino acids are assembled into proteins. The cell’s two fundamentally different structures of information management and chemical activity are coordinated by the universal genetic code.
“There IS a God”, Antony Flew, Harper One, 2007:126-127

Probability of DNA arranges itself
Inverse

3. Morality: (Gavel)
Recent story here in Victoria - the murder of a young woman… evil

Conscience = Con with Science knowledge

How do we know what “evil” is?
How do we know what “goodness” is?

These concepts demand either the existence of a standard to make such evaluations, or an understanding what these concepts mean. Each of us are born with an innate sense of morality. We each fundamentally know what is right and wrong. It is incredible to consider that no matter what the time, culture, geographic location, or people, the Moral Law has been universally acknowledged.

• It is good to show kindness
• It is bad to steal
• It is wrong to murder

Moral law in the universe points to a moral law giver - an objective source from which to measure truth.

Without God as a universal moral source there is no basis to judge good and evil, right and wrong. Just consensus - one group says its good to love your neighbor, the other says its good to eat your neighbor…

Dostoevsky - “If God does not exist, everything is permissible.”
Whose morality rules otherwise

Romans 1 :21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

4. Worship: (Candle - )

Whatever corner of the planet you travel to there is worship.
Shrines, temples, idols, places of worship fill the earth - Why?

Universal sign that the human soul has a need for something greater than itself.

Google Answers:
“You see, this afternoon I had a few minutes to kill, so I wondered into an old church in the middle of downtown Toronto. … as I investigated the incredible art & architecture that was inspired by the worship of God, I began to ask myself: "Why do humans (out of all intelligent life on earth) have an innate desire to worship God(s).

• Anthropologists and psychologists generally believe that humans are born with an innate need to worship...and have therefore created gods to worship in order to fulfill some ancient desire.
• "The bottom line is “Religious Instinct” is a very powerful mechanism inborn in the human race.

• "Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered that if one twin is deeply religious, the other is too. (Waller et al 1990 Psychological Science vol 1 p138). …it does suggest that a propensity for religious belief can be hard-wired, genetically, into the brain, and had a selective advantage in the past.

Our universal longing to worship points to an innate awareness of someone greater than
From the Confessions Saint Augustine of Hippo

“you have made us and drawn us to yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

The great tragedy of the human race is that we were made to find infinite joy by admiring God, but have become so blind and so foolish that we spend energy and time and money seeking out things in the world to satisfy our insatiable craving to admire greatness and beauty. - John Piper

Psalm 84:
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

5. The Person of Jesus - (Cross)
Hebrews 1:
1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

a. His Claims - He claimed to be equal to God, accepted worship as God, forgave sins, said he spoke to ancient people - is this insanity or revelation?

b. His fulfillment of Prophecy - Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Matthew 24

c. His Resurrection - (next session)
Essay - One Solitary Life:

Nineteen centuries have come and gone
And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race
And the leader of mankind's progress
All the armies that have ever marched
All the navies that have ever sailed
All the parliaments that have ever sat
All the kings that ever reigned put together
Have not affected the life of mankind on earth
As powerfully as that one solitary life

Doubting Thomas: John 20
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
28Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

3 Reasons WHY it matters.
If in fact God exists - So What?
1. Destiny - John 14:1ff

The God narrative - Gen 1:1 - He has a story with progression and he includes us in it -
2. Meaning - Psalm 139 …

If no God - no meaning - even the New Atheists long for that and try to offer something.

Sartre: “Life has no meaning the moment you lose the illusion of being eternal.

3. Purpose - Designer has a design for you!
Eph . 2:10
10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

GREATEST PROOF - Personal Transformation

1. Probability of nil - not possible, then God would be a human creation. But infinitely small - faith like a mustard seed.
“There is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don’t.” - Pascal
3 kinds of people:
• Non-religious - I am ok the way I am.
• Religious - I work hard to earn God’s favor…
• Genuine Christian - God in his kindness has come to rescue me, I gladly cast myself into the arms of Christ.
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
SAYING “Y.E.S.” to Jesus means…

“ Myrna - Now I see God’s fingerprints in my life everywhere”

TIM KELLER

2010-03-10T21:44:00.001-06:00

I can listen to and read all that Tim Keller has to say. He has the heart of a pastor and the mind of a great apologist. Here is a talk I found very helpful to listen to.

Tim Keller Interview With Here's Life Inner City from Here's Life Inner City on Vimeo.

Did Darwin discover how God did it?

2010-02-22T13:27:00.002-06:00

I have been giving serious thought to the implications and presuppositions of the viewpoint regarding creation that is becoming more common in the faith community.
In the past year I have heard 2 significant figures talk about "theistic-evolution" - one a physicist turned theologian from Cambridge, the other a renowned Geneticist, turned Christian from this side of the Atlantic.

While the strokes of the issue vary some what, the proposition is that Yes God exists, (good for Him) and we have reconciled that with the given truth that evolution is the system that He used to do his creating. At first blush that sounds reasonable, but further reflection will reveal that in fact it is fraught with problems.
1. A growing number of scientists have come out to say the now doubt that classic neo-darwinism is in fact a reasonable understanding of what we know of creation.
2. Neo-darwinism really needs nothing from God - as the real mover of the process is mindless naturalism - this conflicts with God guiding and creating - Psalm 19.
3. It makes God a heartless being who, if using evolution is willing to allow infinite numbers of beings over millions of years to be ground through the system until man arrives on the scene.
4. It negates Genesis 1-11 as history, they have to become myth, because it does not fit the story of neo-darwinism.
5. It negates the NT affirmations by Jesus and Paul that Adam was in fact a real being who we can look back to.
6. It perhaps then calls into question the nature of Jesus - because if there is not a "first Adam" then what about the "last Adam" - see Romans 5:12ff

Well I am sure there are many other issues at hand here and I will work at writing some of this out more fully.

When you accept a train of thought, check the ticket to see where it is going....

Dr. Wade Warren - Darwin Skeptic

2010-01-25T20:49:00.007-06:00

In Victoria had a great visit with Dr. Wade Warren PhD who spoke about "Scientific Skepticism about Neo-Darwinism"

A brief book list for those who asked:

Darwin's Black Box - Michael BeHe
http://www.amazon.ca/Darwins-Black-Box-Biochemical-Challenge/dp/0684834936

Darwin on Trial - Phillip E Johnson
http://www.amazon.ca/Darwin-Trial-Phillip-E-Johnson/dp/0830813241

Signature in the cell - Stephen Meyer
http://www.signatureinthecell.com/

WEBSITES:
Discovery Institute:
http://www.discovery.org/

Reasons to Believe Dr Hugh Ross
http://www.reasons.org/

LibertasForum = God and Science

2010-01-22T11:22:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was the first ever Libertas Forum - an event we organized on the University of Victoria campus to promote a thoughtful Christian worldview, Professor Wade Warren spoke about "Scientific Skepticism of Neo-Darwinism". The lecture was given twice and we saw just over one hundred people attend in total. The question time of the second lecture lasted 2 hours! Clearly there is a great need to engage the culture of the
University with conversation that enables many to see the wisdom of God in all of life.
Thanks needs to go out to all the clubs who supported the effort and especially to Gareth Evans of IVCF who hosted the Libertas Forum for us all.

Be praying about what topic/speaker would be appropriate for the next Libertas Forum event and how we can work together to promote it with as many as possible.

TOO BAD RIDER NATION!

2009-11-30T11:44:00.002-06:00

Well I was cheering for Als and what a finish! Als because - a bomber fan would have to support anyone else. Also I was honored to serve as a Bomber Chaplain in 2006 which allowed me to meet Calvillo in the ALS chapel. We both love Jesus...

TOO MANY MEN on the field!!?? What a terrible way to lose a hard worked for game!

Gotta think of Jesus - Luke 9:25 (English Standard Version)

25(A) For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?

A Grey Cup would be nice, but what about finding yourself at the end of life and not winning the prize?
2 Kings 5 - the Big man "Naaman" nearly missed the most important step of obedience in his life.

Thankful to be in Victoria, had a great weekend celebrating US Thanksgiving with my brother Tim and his wife Julie - thankful God brought Tim through a brush with death.

SHOPPING AS WORSHIP

2009-11-16T13:07:00.003-06:00

Yesterday at Gateway we had STACEY TOEWS of LevelGround Trading company http://www.levelground.com/ speak about "Shopping as Worship" - it was very stimulating adn I believe will inspire some meaningful action. - Listen in at www.gatewaybaptistchurch.ca

Some helpful info can be found at the following

Good Video - (Sent by Shelley M.) http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Good Christian resources on carrying out action in our personal lives - http://breathenetwork.org/

Next weekend we are expecting feedback from Caregroups on what steps for action groups are considering...

WILLIAM BOOTH

2009-11-05T12:49:00.002-06:00

General Booth - Founded the Salvation Army once said

The Chief danger in the 20th century will be
Religion without the Holy Spirit,
Christianity without Christ,
Forgiveness without repentance,
Salvation without regeneration
Politics without God,
Heaven without Hell."

I am sure that is the danger in every age, and the reason why we need to return to God's Word every day to test and see if what we beleive is true and right.

I have really enjoyed the book - Dinner with a Perfect Stranger.

Dan

8 HELPS FOR BETTER SOWING

2009-10-27T19:07:00.003-05:00

On Sunday in the message on Mark 4 - Revolution series I promised to post these point:

We see little of the HARVEST - because we SOW so Little

8 Practical Encouragements to Sowing

(Thanks to John Piper for some of this content)

Good Soil people care - rocky, weeds, hard - won’t care about these…

1. Pray for lost people by name

**Make a list of 3 people in your life begin to pray daily for them…

To pray effectively for the lost, we must first learn to pray with our mind [1 Cor. 14:15], deliberately thinking through and selecting specific verses. This truly is praying in the Spirit [Eph. 6:18] as we allow the Holy Spirit to bring His Word to mind as we pray.

Affirming God’s heart for the lost--
He is not willing for anyone to perish [2 Pet. 3:19].
He wants all men to be saved [1 Tim. 2:13].

Acknowledging what we know to be true of the lost--
They will not seek after God on their own [Rom. 3:11].
They cannot discern spiritual things [1 Cor. 2:14].
Seeking God’s mercy to--
Make them alive with Christ even when they are dead in their sins [Eph. 2:5].
Help them hear His call on their life [Rom. 11:29].

Asking God to--
Rescue them out of the kingdom of darkness and bring them into the kingdom of His Son [Col. 1:12-14].

Support each other - pray together…

2. There is strength in weakness

2 Corinthians 4:7. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us….In short: We have the gospel with its light-giving power. (The Good powerful Seed)

We are the jars of clay. That is, compared to the treasure that is in us, we are clay. We are not gold. The gospel is gold. We are not silver. The news about Christ is silver. We are not bronze. The power of Christ is bronze.

This means that if you feel average or below average in your fitness to share the gospel treasure, you are closer to the truth that someone who feels powerful and wise and self-sufficient.

3. Know that God May Use Many Influences

Coming to faith is not grapping the brass ring, but forming a linked chain..
Many conversations will be had to influence about God’s truth.
Write a card - include a verse.
Offer to pray for needs

**Average Christian heard the Gospel 8-10 times before coming to faith.

4. Take a genuine interest in people

Be encouraged that simply finding people interesting and caring about them is a beautiful pathway into their heart. Evangelism gets a bad reputation when we are not really interested in people and don’t seem to care about them. People really are interesting.

The person you are talking to is an amazing creation of God with a thousand interesting experiences. Very few people are interested in them. If you really find their story interesting, and care about them, they may open up to you and want to hear your story—Christ’s story.

* “We must learn the art of Listening, which is as difficult as the art of speaking” - Grandma Doyle - margin in Mark’s commentary.

5. Give Generous Gifts

Be Generous - Jesus said, “Lend, expecting nothing in return” (Luke 6:35).

• Bible - Bev came to faith reading a new bible.
• Worship Music - that glorifies Jesus
• Christian Artist CD -
• New Book - Dinner with a Perfect Stranger, Reasons for God, 50 reasons why Jesus came to die.
• Movie/DVD - Point of the Spear. The Perfect Stranger,

6. Hone your skills in Gospel telling

We can greatly improve in sharing the gospel with others

• Take a Training Course - XEE coming soon!!

• Ask for help - I have asked an evangelist -Clayton Dougan, help me know how to preach the Gospel.

• Listen online to training - Sermon Index.com - “Hell’s Best Kept Secret”

• Read books on

o “Tell the Truth” - Will Metzger
o “Evangelism outside the Box” - IVP
o See Library

7) Invite People to Church
In your relationships, invite people to church even before they are Christians. Some of the sheer strangeness of what it means to be a Christian can be overcome by a growing familiarity with how we sing and talk and relate in church. And the preaching of the word of God has a unique power.

Survey in Canada - >60% of unchurched people said they would come to Church if asked!

**If you were inviting - unchurched friends you will think very differently about what happens in worship.

• We want to hear from you
• We want you to use your gifts - Artists create God glorifying works,
Help renew the spaces we have been entrusted with…

8) Use Your Spiritual Gifts

Be encouraged that we all have different gifts and should not try to imitate everything about anyone.
Every Christian should be a servant (Galatians 5:13), but some have a gift of service (Romans 12:7).
Every Christian should have heart of mercy (Luke 6:36), but some have a gift of mercy (Romans 12:8).
Christian should speak to others about Christ (1 Peter 2:9), but some have a gift of prophecy and exhortation and teaching (Romans 12:7).

“The point is: We are all in this together, but some are gifted one way and some another. Find where you fit and stoke the flames of your effectiveness there. Grow in every area, but don’t paralyze yourself because you are not like someone else. God made you and means to use you in evangelism.” - Piper

Speaking the Word of God with Boldness

May this be true of Gateway…

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

TOZER on Leadership

2009-10-20T14:03:00.001-05:00

One of my mentors is AW Tozer -

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept
the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me
on that Day....
--2 Timothy 4:7-8

After more than thirty years of observing the religious scene I
have been forced to conclude that saintliness and church leadership
are not often synonymous....

Were the church a pure and Spirit-filled body, wholly led and
directed by spiritual considerations, certainly the purest and the
saintliest men and women would be the ones most appreciated and most
honored; but the opposite is true. Godliness is no longer valued,
except for the very old or the very dead. The saintly souls are
forgotten in the whirl of religious activity. The noisy, the self-
assertive, the entertaining are sought after and rewarded in every
way, with gifts, crowds, offerings and publicity. The Christlike,
the self-forgetting, the other-worldly are jostled aside to make
room for the latest converted playboy who is usually not too well
converted and still very much of a playboy....

The wise Christian will be content to wait for that day. In the
meantime, he will serve his generation in the will of God. If he
should be overlooked in the religious popularity contests he will
give it but small attention. He knows whom he is trying to please
and he is willing to let the world think what it will of him. He
will not be around much longer anyway, and where he is going men
will be known not by their Hooper rating but by the holiness of
their character. Man: The Dwelling Place of God, 97-99.

Richard Dawkins a man of faith in Nothing

2009-10-06T17:01:00.001-05:00

Richard Dawkins - The Angry Delusionist is at it again.
The recent interview in the Globe and Mail newspaper offered a current sample of the message of ‘atheistic evangelist’ Dr. Richard Dawkins, for many his message leaves much to be desired.
His latest book, “The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution”, rolls out his current diatribes of contempt for those who see ‘the evidence’ for evolution differently than he does. Below the froth and fervor of his message are several of assumptions, which are worth noting.
Ad hommenum attacks: a first year philosophy class reminds those studying fundamentals of reason and logic that it is no rational argument to simply attack the character of a person or their reputation; rather one must deal with their argument itself. Dr. Dawkins refers to a debate with Ms. Wendy Wright of Concerned Women for America as someone who “sticks her fingers in her ears and goes la,la,la…”. One is certainly left with his impression of Ms. Wright, but no idea of her convictions and their faulty foundations.
Interpretation Assumptions: “Evidence is evidence, that’s how we know what is true!...I think a book like mine is probably best aimed at people who are not willfully ignorant, but just pardonably ignorant, as we all are of many things. It’s no sin. (Goodness, Mr. Dawkins please don’t use words like that!) If people who simply don’t know about the evidence are exposed to it, they will understand it and accept it.”
Again, back to the freshman experience, a first year college science class will learn that evidence is not self-explanatory. Evidence needs interpretation by the developed skills of an observer, untimely that interpretation is judged by peers to affirm interpretations of the evidence. The fact is, many notable scientists have seen the same evidence as Richard Dawkins and have come to opposite conclusions. The evidence does not point them to a random, mindless, purposeless evolutionary process, but to a personal designing creator.
An example or two would serve to illustrate this point. Dr. Francis Collins, director of the Human Genome Project, wrote a recent book "The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief." I am a scientist and a believer, and I find no conflict between those world views.” Dawkins charge is that Dr. Collins and so many like him are “Willfully ignorant.”

One more example - Canadian Scientist Dr. Alan Ronald, was awarded the The Wight Award for greatest contributions to Science, who not only has been an international leader in scientific medicine, but has served as an outstanding Christian leader for many medical professionals.
Sloppy Statistics: Dr. Dawkins in his book claims that “40 per cent of Americans do not believe in evolution”. (The Globe and Mail interviewer - John Barber assures us that only about 2 per cent of his readers are such “fools”. Did that number really come from a statistically valid poll of readers?). At first blush that figure may have some validity, but just what does Dawkins mean by “evolution”? Does he mean that evolution is “an observable process that has caused variations within species over time”, if so many if not most, would agree. If however, Dr. Dawkins means evolution that refers to his dogmatic faith in a process which is completely random with no design or designer that somehow produces a cosmic accident called humanity, then, “no” probably many people, even thinking people, do not believe such a thing.
Confusing conclusions: Ultimately Dr. Dawkins argues for a Universe which is accidental, with no designer and therefore existence, but no meaning. At the same time he insists on categories of meaning that are not really possible in such a context. In his Globe and Mail interview he states, “There is a truly pernicious idea going about that every thing is just personal opinion and everybody is entitled to their opinion whether it fits the evidence or not - as if there is nothing special about evidence.”
Why shouldn’t people live “relativistic” lives, deciding for themselves what is true and what is not? With nothing beyond us, there can be no basis on which to base absolutes. That is the logic of the worldview that Dr. Dawkins so eagerly espouses. Existential philosophers of the twentieth century like Sartre and Camus already travelled this road. Many thinking people however believe the “evidence” at both Macro and Micro levels of existence points to a wonderful process of design and purpose that comes from a personal designer.

JOIN THE "TEAM KIVA 50th"

2009-08-28T15:32:00.010-05:00

Sept 9th update: over $200.00 now in!

I am marking my 50th year by asking friends to help me make a global difference!

Here is my plan to help the global poor!

1. I Formed a KIVA TEAM - I recently learned about KIVA - a website that allows the average person to invest in Microfinance - helping some of the worlds poor. I started "TEAM KIVA 50th" - http://www.kiva.org/

2. I invested $100 to enter and prepare for a the Sooke Triathalon Sprint here on Vancouver Island Sept 13th. http://triseries.ca/sooke/index.php

3. I am asking 20 friends to join my team and contribute $20.00 - this will double my investment (good steward story). Together we will decide on a worthwhile project and invest in it and see a difference made on our planet.

MISSIONAL SEXY

2009-07-21T10:34:00.002-05:00

Many of us want some sexy new idea of Church and look for it in every new fad, but the life and power we seek is not in the NEW, but in the original.

In a pluralist shrinking world like ours - to proclaim the supremacy of Christ will be increasingly hard. It is not our option to allow others to believe that sincerity alone or goodness or religion or any sort is enough. Jesus emphatically declares that without his revelation we are lost.
John 8:19 They said to him therefore, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
Don’t go where you are wanted - go where you are needed! (Piper) Die if you have to.
Missional living is not some new fad that is hip, cool and edgey - it is the lifestyle of the early church and that of those who are suffering for the name of Jesus all around the world.
Jesus called people out of all religious backgrounds to meet the God they desired, but did not yet know.
True worship happens in Spirit and in truth means: (John 4:20ff)
1. It is worship of “the Father” - not just any old or new spirituality. (Wicca, Oprah, The Secret, Recycling, Nature…)
2. It comes through the Jews - God has a specific channel of historical revelation - the law and the prophets - finally Jesus the Messiah.
3. “Spirit” - You must be spiritually alive - know “new birth” personally.
John 3:3 - “Natural people are not normal people - not alive in the spirit.”
4. “Truth” - You must come to the Father through Jesus. Now God has clearly revealed himself and look just like Jesus. See Hebrews 1
“but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, …”

Bob Dylan's great reminder

2009-06-08T14:22:00.001-05:00

HIP 2B HOLY

2009-05-30T00:03:00.003-05:00

There is a cloud the size of a man's hand on the horizon.... Elijah could see the faint sign that God was about to act. I am encouraged to see secular media reporting on signs that they can see the resurgence of the church in Canada - May it be so Lord Jesus.

Here on Vancouver Island, in the Victoria Region, there are signs that encourage me as a newcomer.
1. Some 35-40 Churches just joined together to participate in a 52 days of prayer for renewal.
2. A city wide celebration of that prayer movement is being held at Glad Tidings May 31st.
3. We have begun a "Church Planters Network" to encourage greater work in the area of establishing churches.
4. We are hold an event this Monday - "Leading Missional and Multiplying Churches" with Hal Haller - @ Gateway Baptist Church - 10 am. 30 Leaders have signed up!
5. Some spontaneous gatherings are happening where unchurched people are coming to Jesus.
6. Worship Victoria - a gathering for learning and worshipping was held twice this year.

JESUS AND THE UNBORN

2009-05-18T20:01:00.003-05:00

This is the 40th annivesary of the de-criminalization of Abortion in Canada. If we see ourselves in a struggle for survival in the aimlessness of an evolutionary story, then this is a week to celebrate for women, If we see ourselves in a larger story which begins and ends with God, then we have a very different view. At Gateway we spoke about this recently and it was very helpful to many - here is a link to hear Bev Rutherford talk about Faith, Medicine and the Unborn. - http://www.gatewaybaptistchurch.ca/?page_id=326&sermon_id=24

"GOD IS BACK!" ...Good To know

2009-05-07T14:30:00.003-05:00

I was on sitting in the San Francsico Airport waiting to catch a flight yesterday, my mom had an accident and needs some support. I like to travel - it gives me time to read things that I would not normally get to. In the airport bookstore I was drawn to a new title - "Atheist Spirituality" - quite an oxymoron I muse

However I was drawn away to a more intriguing title - "God is Back". A fascinating read and I have outlined some details below for those who are interested. The main thesis is that contrart to the predictions of the past century from the secular elite - faith has not declined, but in fact is exploding in all parts of the world.

God Is Back
- Micklethwait & Woolridge - Penguin Press 2009 Oxford, The Economist
“Since the Enlightenment intellectuals have assumed that modernization would kill religion, and that religious America is an oddity. As “God is Back” argues, religion and modernity can thrive together, and America’s approach to faith is the norm…The global rise of faith will have a dramatic and widespread impact on our century. Indeed its destabilizing effects can already be seen.” - Flyleaf,
The book begins with a scene from China - the great atheist state - in a room full of professionals meeting for worship in a house church! Citing the drastic persecution and purging of religion under Mao, authers cite estimates of 100 Million Christians in China c. 1:10 - most meeting in underground gatherings.
Citing a Pew study that estimates by 2050 China could be the largest Christian and Muslim Nation in the World.
One Chinese house-church group alone - claims 10 million members
The authors trace the changes that are shaping a new century with a glimpse at some history, noting;
Faith is not dying out as the Enlightenment assumed.
Modernity, the offspring of the Enlightenment has 2 main streams - From Revolutions - both quite different;
• The French which despised religion as a tool for control and sought to remove all vestiges of it and believed progress would dissolve it.

• The American - which had a more cooperative attitude, even seeking to protect faith, by severing control of it from the State.

• The European view of progress produced thinkers who touted the ultimate demise of God:
o Marx - opiate of the masses
o Max Webber - “iron law of History leading to secularization”
o Nietzsche - “I wash my hands when I come into contact with religious people.”
o Freud - denounced religion as a distraction from humanity’s real interest - sex.”
The assumption was that modernity would follow the more sophisticated European model to secularization. As Sociologist - C Wright Mills - Columbia University - “The Sociological Imagination” 1959- “In due course the sacred shall disappear altogether, except perhaps in the private realm.” (God is Back, p 11)
The later part of the 20th saw massive decline in faith and belief -
• Time Magazine 1966 - “Is God Dead?” - long the dogma of Europe
• Decline in Church attendance
• Removal of Prayer from Schools
• “The Economist”- published God’s Obituary in its Millennium Issue! (Oops - like Twain the reports of my death are much over-rated.

Signs of Change
Religion and Modernity are growing hand in hand not just in China, but also in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Will the West be the odd one out? (God is Back)
• Religious faith seen among former Marxist leaders and states
• Russia - private chapel for the former KGB HQ
• Gorbechov - expresses affection for Francis of Assi.

Western Academia remains a bastion of protectionism for godless ideals - using the bully pulpit of tenure, grants, the media and even the courts to hold sway on an idea that perhaps the marvel of life has a Designer behind it.
Atheism just has not taken hold as its adherents had prophesied it would.
Is the recent rash of books on atheism merely the “Death Rattles”?
• The End of Faith - Harris
• God Delusion - Dawkins
• God is not Good - Hitchens
1900 10 m xns in Africa - 400 m
Great quote by authors:
Man, whether neo-atheists like it or not, is a Theo-tropic beast; given the option he is inclined to believe in God, not the least because, as studies show religion can increase his well being in material as well as spiritual ways. (God is Back! P 20.)
2 deeply upsetting trends for neo-atheists:

1. The faith that is emerging is not the mild, anemic, tolerant, ecumenical sort of doubting religion that is allowed, but a vigorous, confident historical Christian faith.

2. The types of people drawn to religion - assumed it would be the weak, poor and stupid. Thinkers like Weber assumed this, but not so. Leaders in all fields proclaim their faith -

Ironic views:
• Richard Dawkins interviewed on movie “Expelled” admitting perhaps there were intelligent beings who came from elsewhere in the universe to seed design in our world!?

• New Book - “Atheist Spirituality” - we have a longing for the spiritual realm, while adamantly denying it. How can I acknowledge this powerful spiritual urge while demanding that I be God?

VICTORIA May 04 2009

2009-05-04T18:36:00.002-05:00

Well it is a year ago that we first visited this city and began to consider coming here to serve as a pastor. Many things have happened in the 12 months since then. We said farewells to many friends in Winnnipeg where we spent 21 years as a family. We sold our home and said goodbyes to our neighbors who mean a lot to us. We talked with family to explain the changes that were coming. We packed and packed and tossed... We began to pray and dream about what could be the purpose of our move to Victoria BC.

We found a home in Victoria - staggering costs here.
We began to study the city and see what is happening here spiritually.
We began to get to know the people of Gateway Baptist Church and learn from them.
WE were welcomed and loved well as we have arrived.
We have learned about rowing...

The church has become more focused and stable and roots are going down for many people.
We have established a city wide Worship event.
We have started a regional Church planters network.

In all of this it is easy to lose sight of the Lord and get busy and weary. I have been struck by the words of AW Tozer about the powerless ministry and am seeking to not go there.
We appreciate all who will pray for us and believe with us that this time in our lives is about becoming more rooted in the power of the gospel - which is Jesus.

AW Tozer wrote:
"Let me shock you at this point. A naturally bright person can carry
on religious activity without a special gift from God. Filling
church pulpits every week are some who are using only natural
abilities and special training. Some are known as Bible expositors,
for it is possible to read and study commentaries and then repeat
what has been learned about the Scriptures. Yes, it may shock you,
but it is true that anyone able to talk fluently can learn to use
religious phrases and can become recognized as a preacher.

But if any person is determined to preach so that his work and
ministry will abide in the day of the judgment fire, then he must
preach, teach and exhort with the kind of love and concern that
comes only through a genuine gift of the Holy Spirit--something
beyond his own capabilities. Tragedy in the Church: The Missing
Gifts, 21-22.

The Gospel - Tim Keller

2009-05-01T12:42:00.001-05:00

The following is a summary of a message on THE GOSPEL by Tim Keller - very helpful to me.

Rough notes on Tim Keller's address, "Gospel-Centered Ministry," from the Gospel Coalition conference.

What does ministry profoundly shaped by the gospel look like?

Peter was addressing a church being actively and passively persecuted. Peter is seeking to show how the gospel should shape how we should live.

Text: 1 Pet 1:1-12, 1:22-2:12.

Peter shows us that there are seven features used to describe the gospel:

1. The gospel is historical.

The gospel is good news, not good advice. Lloyd-Jones: Advice is counsel about something to do that hasn't happened yet, but you can do it. News is about something that has happened. If a king defeats an invading army, he sends back messengers (heralders, good-newsers) who bring a report: respond with joy and live in because it's all been the defeat has happened. Every other religion sends military advisors.: rites, rituals, laws so that the people can fight for their lives. One is a response of joy; the other is a response of fear. And in the short run, they look alike.

Ministry implication: the significance of declarative preaching is irreplaceably central. If Tim was teaching an advanced homiletics course, he'd make everyone read C. S. Lewis's Studies in Words. Last chapter: you don't use words to instruct someone how to tie a tie. But words are required to explain a historical event. How-to's require modeling. But if you believe the gospel is good news, declarative preaching will be irreplacably central.

"Preach the gospel--and if necessary, use words." That's a misunderstanding of the gospel.

2. The gospel is doxalogical. Doxology is the basis of the entire Christian life.

Luther's Larger Catechism: the first commandment summarizes all the rest. Underneath every sin is idolatry in general, and underneath that is some form of works righteous. First commandment: believe the gospel and you can't look to anything else for your justification--and that's the basis for everything else.

Everything from eating disorders to racism is functional worship--the heart's imagination dotes on something more than God (my thinness, my race, etc.). The only way to change is to worship.

Sometimes we have X on "video" and God on "audio." When audio and video are on at the same time, video wins. You say it but don't believe it. The solution is worship.

Ministry implication (from Edwards): the purpose of preaching is not just to make things clear, but to make them real. We need to make things vivid. The heart is one's core commitments, capturing our imaginations. JE is rational, persuasive, logical--but he uses images. We must teach Christ vividly and practically, from a change life. We can't just take a narrative approach or a commentary

The first and primary object of preaching is not only to give information. It is, as Edwards says, to produce an impression. It is the impression at the time that matters, even more than what you can remember subsequently . . . It is not primarily to impart information; and while you are writing your notes you may be missing something of the impact of the Spirit.

Thomas Chalmers:

It is seldom that any of our tastes are made to disappear by a mere process of natural extinction. At least, it is very seldom, that this is done through the instrumentality of reasoning. It may be done by excessive pampering - but it is almost never done by the mere force of mental determination. But what cannot be destroyed, may be dispossessed and one taste may be made to give way to another, and to lose its, power entirely as the reigning affection of the mind.

It is thus, that the boy ceases, at length, to be the slave of his appetite, but it is because a manlier taste has now brought it into subordination - and that the youth ceases to idolize pleasure, but it is because the idol of wealth has become the stronger and gotten the ascendancy and that even the love of money ceases to have the mastery over the heart of many a thriving citizen, but it is because drawn into, the whirl of city polities, another affection has been wrought into his moral system, and he is now lorded over by the love of power. There is not one of these transformations in which the heart is left without an object. Its desire for one particular object may be conquered; but as to its desire for having some one object or other, this is unconquerable....

Thus may we come to perceive what it is that makes the most effective kind of preaching. It is not enough to hold out to the world's eye the mirror of its own imperfections. It is not enough to come forth with a demonstration, however pathetic, of the evanescent character of all its enjoyments. It is not enough to travel the walk of experience along with you, and speak to your own conscience and your own recollection, of the deceitfulness of the heart, and the deceitfulness of all that the heart is set upon....

3. The gospel is christological. Jesus gave an advanced hermeneutics seminar in Luke 24: everything in the OT points to me. Here in Peter there is an echo in 1 Pet. 1:10-12.

Ministry implication: every subject of every sermon should be Jesus. Tim doesn't want to have a party spirit here. (I'm of Goldsworthy; I'm of Chapell; etc.) Kathy's feedback to Tim years ago: when you say "here's what you ought to do" I already know. Sometimes you say, "But you can't do it, here's one who did. If you believe in him, you'll begin to be able to do it, too--to the degree you truly understand the good news." That's when the "lecture" becomes a "sermon." You gotta get to Jesus. If you don't get there, you're just wailing on people's wills.

Read Sinclair Ferguson: Preaching Christ from the Old Testament. Most people not only don't preach Christ in the OT, but not in the NT either. The Bible is mainly about Him, not about you:

Jesus is the true and better Adam who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is imputed to us.

Jesus is the true and better Abel who, though innocently slain, has blood now that cries out, not for our condemnation, but for acquittal.

Jesus is the true and better Abraham who answered the call of God to leave all the comfortable and familiar and go out into the void not knowing wither he went to create a new people of God.

Jesus is the true and better Isaac who was not just offered up by his father on the mount but was truly sacrificed for us. And when God said to Abraham, "Now I know you love me because you did not withhold your son, your only son whom you love from me," now we can look at God taking his son up the mountain and sacrificing him and say, "Now we know that you love us because you did not withhold your son, your only son, whom you love from us."

Jesus is the true and better Jacob who wrestled and took the blow of justice we deserved, so we, like Jacob, only receive the wounds of grace to wake us up and discipline us.

Jesus is the true and better Joseph who, at the right hand of the king, forgives those who betrayed and sold him and uses his new power to save them.

Jesus is the true and better Moses who stands in the gap between the people and the Lord and who mediates a new covenant.

Jesus is the true and better Rock of Moses who, struck with the rod of God's justice, now gives us water in the desert.

Jesus is the true and better Job, the truly innocent sufferer, who then intercedes for and saves his stupid friends.

Jesus is the true and better David whose victory becomes his people's victory, though they never lifted a stone to accomplish it themselves.

Jesus is the true and better Esther who didn't just risk leaving an earthly palace but lost the ultimate and heavenly one, who didn't just risk his life, but gave his life to save his people.

Jesus is the true and better Jonah who was cast out into the storm so that we could be brought in.

Jesus is the real Rock of Moses, the real Passover Lamb, innocent, perfect, helpless, slain so the angel of death will pass over us. He's the true temple, the true prophet, the true priest, the true king, the true sacrifice, the true lamb, the true light, the true bread.

The Bible's really not about you – it's about him.

(HT: audio via gilbert)

4. The gospel is personal and individual. Imputation and the historic understanding of the gospel are in dispute right now. Packer: to understand grace, you have to understand both (1) how great your debt is; (2) the magnitude of the provision. They may only believe that Jesus died the death I should have died ( he died for our sins and paid our penalty, hence I better live a pretty good life"). But you must also believe that Jesus lived the life I should have lived.

Some people are changing the gospel in response to the misunderstanding-distortions of the legalistic moralists and the easy-believing liscentiousness.

The gospel is individualistic: individual sinners are saved from the wrath of a personal God. But...

5.The gospel is cultural. The gospel creates a culture--called the church. It's not just a collection of sinners. The gospel is massively transformational and creates a counter-culture, and also makes us relate to the people around us. Those of us who believe in an individual gospel often miss the communal implications.

1 Pet 2:11-12: "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

The gospel says there are dangers of both cultural accommodation and cultural withdrawal. No one sees your good deeds of those who withdraw from the world. On the other hand, people who accommodate the culture are never persecuted.

We're to go in deeply, but to stay very different. We need to seek the welfare of the city (Jer. 29:7).

Those who want to be prophetic tend not to be priestly. Those who are servant-hearted tend not to talk about hell and wrath.

1 Peter depicts an effective, persecuted counterculture. You'll always be both attracting people and facing persecution.

6. The gospel is the basis for a worldview; it's massively transformational.

7. The gospel is wonderful. 1 Pet 1:12, "It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look." Tim's been thinking about this verse for 20 years. Angels are very smart people! They're like us except they don't die, so they know more. They "long" (Gk. epithumaio) to look into the gospel. Gospel ministry is endlessly creative, ever new, never boring. It's not the ABCs of Christianity. It's the A-Z. The gospel drives everything we do. It's the solution to every problem. Every theological category should be about expounding the gospel.

Murray McCheyne - inspires me

2009-04-08T10:49:00.002-05:00

Murray McCheyne's letters continue to be one of the greatest sources of inspiration to me about a holy life and a passion for the work of Christ in our world. Below comes froma passage I read today as he longs for an awakening to come to his land.

"I am also deepened in my conviction that if we are to be instraments in sucha work, we must be purified from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. Oh cry for personal holiness, constant nearness to God, by the blood of the lamb. Bask inHis beams, lie back in his arms of love - be filled with His spirit - or all success in the ministry will only e to your own everlasting confusion." Letter to WC Burns Sept. 1840

The Party's Over...

2009-04-06T12:39:00.002-05:00

We had a great party here - Bev went all out and we had friends from church, jazz music, party games, prayer and laughter. On the weekend a family from church took us out sailing around the San Juan Islands in a large sailboat it was sunny and beautiful.

Church on Sunday was great - we announced the forming of a new gathering in May and there is a lot of excitement at all that will mean...

TURNING 50…. April 2, 2009

2009-04-03T17:10:00.001-05:00

TURNING 50…. April 2, 2009
Today is my birthday. I am riding a small ferry over to Thetis Island to spend a day in retreat at Capernwray Harbour Bible School. It is important to reflect on where I am going and where I have come from. Capernwray Bibleschool was a very important time in my life over 25 years ago. There I came to understand for the first time what it means to live in grace and not simply emulate religious behaviors of the Christian culture that was familiar to me. It was there the word of God began to come alive and become a fascination to me through men like Major Ian Thomas, Alan Redpath, F.F. Bruce and countless others. There too I began to believe that God had a purpose for my life and that He had given me gifts for that calling. Now granted it has not been easy for me to figure out the particulars of that calling in many of those years. However, that conviction has compelled me to keep persisting and seeking to know the reality of living in calling.
I am also looking forward to visiting with Charles Price - of All Peoples Church in Toronto. Charles was a very formative influence in my early life, as he revealed the power of God’s word and a wonderful gift for teaching it. I look forward to speaking with him about various leadership issues facing the church. (I did talk with him and was encouraged to avoid programs, seek God in prayer to act in our midst.)
I believe that this coming era of my life ) is to be spent in making as large an impact for the gospel as is possible with the gifts that God has entrusted me. For that reason I have been spending my first year here in Victoria, laying wide foundations on which to see great things accomplished by the Lord.
Victoria BC (Canada) is a beautiful garden city, with flowers everywhere. It’s beauty will attract some 4 million visitors this Summer, who come from all over the world. It is a region that is wealthy and somewhat protected from the finanancial crisis in North America. It is a capital city that has influence on the Province and the Pacific Rim. Victoria has a strong British heritage and has a Christian heritage. Today it is one of the least churched cities in North America, yet with a great interest in spirituality. One University professor at the U. of Vic. told me recently that it is acceptable to declare oneself anything under the sun on campus - except a follower of Jesus.
The areas I have been working on in and pray for greater influence with are the following:
• Family: Being a loving and godly husband and father.
• Spiritual Leadership and preaching at Gateway Church.
• Working to see a Church planting network and movement established.
• Helping to strengthen a clear gospel witness at the University of Victoria.
• “Worship Victoria” - A regular citywide gathering for worship, training and prayer.
Dear Lord none of us knows the number of our days - only you know. Many godly people have not been allowed the years that I have been given thus far. Help me to make each one count for you, remembering that every day is a gift from you. Keep me from sidetracks that waste time or energies. Give me a greater hunger for you, your word and to tell others about you. Help me to live as a faithful steward and finally hear you say “well done!”
On the fun side of the Birthday - I tried out my new flyrod that was a gift from family and friends. No fish caught so far!

MAGNIFICIENT

2009-03-22T19:41:00.000-05:00

Who Says there is no good Worship happening on TV these days....

Magnificent
Magnificent

I was born
I was born to be with you
In this space and time
After that and ever after I haven't had a clue
Only to break rhyme
This foolishness can leave a heart black and blue

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar

I was born
I was born to sing for you
I didn't have a choice but to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise...

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar

Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent
Magnificent

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love unites our hearts

Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent
Magnificent
Magnificent

$185,000? AIG

2009-03-19T12:15:00.001-05:00

The news this week has been about the public grilling of AIG CEO -Mr. Liddy. As a leader of AIG he is explaining why in an ocean of red ink it seemed wise to pay employees bonuses of $185 million. Oddly enough many people find that hard to swallow! We are living in unusual times when the poor and selfish choices of a few lead to great hardships for many. Jesus has given great resources to his followers that will either be used to the advantage of many or squandered on a few to the great loss of others.
Easter is the season that reminds us of the price needed for our transformation. It also reminds us that Nothing can stop Jesus’ mission in our world -not even death. It also reminds us He will come again and we should live accordingly.
At Gateway we are aware that more the 250,000 people in the Victoria region do not know God’s great news. We are asking God how we can be best used to help as many of those people as possible to discover that news. Part of the answer is in multiplying what is already blessing many at Gateway:
• Multiply Disciples - in as many ways as possible we are seeking to share the Gospel, using special events, interest and hobby groups, worship services, parties, what can you dream of?

• Multiply Leaders - in the coming year we will offer new ways to help you grow in your leadership potential. This is crucial so that ministry areas at Gateway can be effective in our mission. Is there a way that you could serve this area?

• Multiply Gatherings - we are praying, planning and preparing to begin a new evening worship gathering this year. This new space allows a whole new group of people to be able to explore the claims of Jesus. Should you join the serving team?
Back to Basics - Our strength comes from the Lord. For those who consider Gateway their home, there are spiritual habits we need to develop, ask Jesus to help you in these areas:
1. Personally spend time in prayer and bible reading each day. - One resource is The LIFE Bible reading plan is on our website under “Discovering”.
2. Pray for lost people in your life - neighbors, friends, and colleagues - by name daily.
3. Join a CARE group so you have accountable relationships to help you grow.
4. Find a place to SERVE - around Gateway there are many places where you could do an essential task. We will keep some of those serving opportunities on the website.
5. Ask the Lord what he wants you to give financially to the Mission of Gateway. This frees you from the grip of money, frees the flow of blessings in your life and frees the Church to do all it can to reach those most in need.

LENT - something on your shirt or on your heart?

2009-02-24T16:25:00.003-06:00

Followers of Jesus around the globe will begin this week to choose to reflect on the passion of their saviour Jesus in fresh ways. This season is about a choice to reflect on the servanthood of Christ and the depth of God's gift. Many in evangelical traditions have not been mentored in this area and thereby miss out on a rich heritgage of spiritual developent that has been part of the church throughout its history. Our focus should not be on what we are "giving up", but on where we are creating space in our lives to mediate on the gift of Jesus. Perhaps you have found some new or fresh ways to obsesrve LENT - why not pass them on.
Here is an article on what Lent is:
http://godspace.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/what-is-lent-anyway/

Here is one video -http://godspace.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/reflections-on-lent-a-meditation-video/

Faith and Culture

2009-02-22T10:25:00.002-06:00

How do we find a way to be light in our society? Tim Keller has a few words on this that give some grounds for further discussion and action,

CORE MESSAGE -2

2009-02-09T13:38:00.003-06:00

The Gospel Motivates, Mobilizes and Maintains followers of Jesus. We need to be challenged to think deeply about what that means. This conversation with Keller, Piper, Carson is one I am going through with our staff - looking at its implications for us. Listen in and see what you can apply in your place of serving in life.

CORE MESSAGE

2009-01-27T13:42:00.006-06:00

The Gospel is what motivates, mobilizes and maintains the power of the Church. Among many in Churches today there is great uncertainty however. I am thrilled to discover 3 men who inspire me discussing this topic - Take 10 minutes and listen into Part 1 of 6

TRINITY ICON by Rublev

2009-01-24T23:09:00.013-06:00

From: http://www.wellsprings.org.uk/rublevs_icon/Spirit.htm
The icon of the Trinity was painted around 1410 by Andrei Rublev

It depicts the three angels who visited Abraham at the Oak of Mamre -
but is often interpreted as an icon of the Trinity.
It is sometimes called the icon of the Old Testament Trinity.
The image is full of symbolism - designed to take the viewer into the Mystery of the Trinity.

Although, as we have seen, the three figures can be enclosed in a circle
they are not closed in upon themselves.
There is an open-ness.

They are turned towards the one looking at the icon -
drawing them into their relationship.

All the figures wear a blue garment - the colour of the heavens...
but each wears something that speaks of Their own identity.

The Christ figure rests two fingers on the table -
laying onto it His divine and His human nature.

He points to a cup filled with wine...
Behind the figure is a tree.
This could be the oak tree at Mamre
under which the three angelic visitors rested.

The hospitality of Abraham and Sarah was rewarded in the gift of a son.

Reflect on the paradox of the Cross -
- the place where death and life confront each other -
- where death gives way to resurrection -
and eternal life.

THE FATHER

A figure at rest within Itself.
The blue garment almost hidden by a shimmering - ethereal robe. the One who is Creator who cannot be seen by His human creatures.

Behind the figure is a house
the dwelling place of God.

"In my Father's House are many mansions -
I go to prepare a place for you..."

What is the promise for you in these words of Jesus?

THE SPIRIT

The Spirit touches the table - earthing the divine life of God.

Reflect on that touch and the words of invocation:
"Lord, You are holy indeed, the fountain of all holiness.
Let Your Spirit come upon these gifts to make them holy...."

Reflect on that touch and its meaning for the life of the world...

From: http://www.wellsprings.org.uk/rublevs_icon/Spirit.htm

THEOLOGY OF AN AGNOSTIC HERMIT

2009-01-01T15:30:00.002-06:00

I wrote this last year about my friend Paul - I just had word he has been ill and had to leave his cabin in the woods...

THE THEOLOGY OF AN AGNOSTIC HERMIT

He lives alone in a simple house which he built, it is without running water or an indoor bathroom. This home shelters him through the extreme seasons which include -40 in the deep of winter. Now in the twilight years of life he has much to reflect on in his life, travels around the world as an explorer for an oil company. Working in the deserts of Libya and in the High Arctic of Canada in places where few other humans had ever been. Now he lives a quiet life on the edge of a small village in the northern woods of Ontario Canada.

I met Paul recently as we are staying across the road in the comfortable cottage of a gracious friend. After a few chats from the road we invited him for coffee and a chat. Paul is a man with a large world-view and insights about some of the challenges of our days. He has strong ideas about politics, the price of oil, materialism, and wood stoves. His gentle laugh, great conversation and passion for Cribbage make it easy to spend hours together.

This week we were discussing matters of faith and belief which are not a central topic for him, but not without some of his characteristic insights. Paul has befriended some local nuns who now in their 80's have been a great part of this local community. They have included him in their discussions around the 'Crib' table at the local seniors gathering. He has had little formal church experience but still has his opinions about what is what. Paul would probably be a �passive agnostic� - he genuinely is uncertain about God, Jesus, the human condition, and the afterlife, however he would like to be 'on the right side of things in case there is a heaven'.

When we discussed church in particular, Paul had an observation that is one of serious spiritual gravity. We talked of the usual hurdles to church; greedy evangelists who bilk the simple out of their savings to build massive empires for themselves. Yes there have been a few of those, .....aahhh no comment on that except to point out that is not what Jesus modeled or calls His followers to. Then we could not ignore the Crusades, while I was not there personally I do seem to have to give an account for them all the time! Again we talked about the aberration those acts are in the light of the teaching of Jesus, and how they expose the fallen human condition, which needs God's rescue and restoration. No discussion of church is complete without beating on a few �hypocrites�, which I know the church is full of, being a recovering one myself.

However the real reason Paul finds no need for church he admits is because, �sometime back they dropped the Latin�. "Carpe Deum!" I agreed! Actually, I could not have been more surprised, he certainly is not an avowed Roman Catholic and has little exposure to a Mass. I asked him what was up with that and was given a bit more of his insights. He had visited a church in the past decade or two and was disappointed to see a shortened service ('for those who can't pay attention for 1 hour'), a couple of young beatniks strumming their guitars (Lord, blind his eyes to mine sitting behind the table!) instead of the organ, and most of the great language missing from the service. Then his summary which I can't seem to shake, I just feel that worship should be something above us, not dumbed down for everyone that's all. Paul added one more comment, look it isn't working anyway, they think it will attract people, but it hasn't they are still leaving the church.

My mind raced to filter much of what he was saying through the desire I have to reach out to those like Paul and the changes I have made in worship services to enable newcomers to participate. Yet those words, "worship should be something above us" did have a stinging ring of truth. In a somewhat remote way these words reminded me of what the A.W. Tozer said about Worship:

"Worship is to feel in your heart and express in some appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of that most ancient Mystery, that majesty which philosophers call the First Cause but which we call Our Father Which Art in Heaven."i

I think my friend Paul was talking about that ' astonished wonder and overpowering love' when he reflected on the church he no longer attends or is attracted to. I have to ask myself, where my focus is in worship? Have I bought into some kind of marketing method to attract people to a religious gathering only to disappoint them with the absence of wonder and mystery of God Himself?

Perhaps many people like Paul and in fact, many who have been around church for much of their lives, have an experience like the characters Vladimir and Estragon in Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot". They come and stand at the appointed place where they expect to meet "Godot". A messenger boy comes and explains Godot won't becoming this day, but will tommorrow evening. The next night, Vladimir and Estragon again meet near the tree to wait for Godot. Vladimir and Estragon continue to wait. Shortly after, the boy enters and once again tells Vladimir that Godot will not be coming. After he leaves, Estragon and Vladimir decide to leave, they do not move as the curtain falls, ending the play.ii

Church for many can feel like that spot under the tree for Vladimir and Estragon, the curtain is falling and no sign of Godot. We have made our worship gatherings a polished production, with such narcisistic attention to detail that God, 'that most ancient mystery' is nowhere to be found. Hungry souls come in hopes of connecting with their creator, but instead receive trinkets, programs and the promises of more next week. The longing for God will eventually fade as hopes of His appearing are dashed on the rocks of showmanship, entertainment and personalty cult.

Courageous leaders of authentic Christian gatherings will strive hardest to ensure that God himself has room to move in His Church. The voice of Jesus needs to be heard by all his people in the clear teaching of His word, in the choice of Christo-centric music worship and in the spaces of reflection and silence which are a crucial listening place of His gathered people. Indeed, worship should be something that is above us an experience of the presence of our majestic holy God.

WESLEY'S NEW YEARS PRAYER

2008-12-28T10:24:00.002-06:00

The founder of the Methodist movement - John Wesley called all of his people to make an annual covenant prayer to remind them of the basis on which they were to live. He adapted a prayer for this purpose and instructed all people to renew these vows each year.

Look at these words, make them yours, ask God how He would use you in the months to come as together we seek to see His Church grow into greater Christlikeness.

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

thou art mine, and I am thine.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven.

Amen.

Honoring a Courageous Couple

2008-12-27T10:59:00.002-06:00

A fine young couple who have chosen to follow Jesus called last year with difficult news. They were thrilled to be pregnant and yet discovered their little one would not be able to survive long. The resisted the encouragements to abort their child and chose instead to trust God for the outcome. After 5 months together as a family - their first born son - Matthew went to be with Jesus.

I sent them this note for the funeral:

A Hero is someone who chooses to do the right thing, despite the personal risks. Tracy and Derek are heroes to me.

When I watched Tracy and Derek walk the wedding aisle a few years ago it was with all the joy and anticipation that such an event brings. Who would know what life together might bring? Many hopes and dreams slowly unfold.
Last year I was on a sabbatical trip when they called and gave me the bitter sweet news of an uncertain pregnancy. They knew they faced a difficult outcome and yet both of them were wrestling with what is the right response to a situation which is so emotionally difficult. As we discussed the outcomes and the inevitable grief, it was also important for them to know what would honor God in all of this.

We discussed some Scriptures like:
Psalm 139..

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Which reminded us that God is the only one who knows in intricacies of the unborn, the only one who has the right to give or take life and the only one who can be trusted in all these developments.

We also claimed passages like:

1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message)

13No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

Despite the pressures and advice to end their pregnancy they chose to persist and celebrate the result. Matthew Aidan came into their lives and those of most of us and left a definite mark. His brief life in our midst enabled us to see our own mortality in new ways and what it means to love. I am sure many of us who received the weekly photos marveled at the commitment of Tracy and Derek in fully embracing parenting.

As Christians we have a confidence that Matthew is now in heaven with Jesus and able to fully enjoy his complete person hood in ways that, we who are still here, are unable. CS Lewis reminds us that while on earth we only live in the "Shadowlands" - but Matthew is where he sees the fullness of God, Life and Creation. We also want to comfort all who mourn with the confidence that through Jesus you can one day re-united. The words of Jesus in John 11 gives us that certain hope:

25-26"You don't have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?"

Who cares about Worship??

2008-12-17T18:35:00.002-06:00

I recently had a note from a friend - Artist/Worshiper Amanda Falk (www.amandafalk.com)
She was reflecting on worship and her growing understanding of it. Here is some of what she wrote about...

But it all comes down to worship. This is what is going on with me. God has been cleaning house and doing a rewiring on my heart and mind when it comes to worship. What is it? Why do we worship?

Essentially we've reduced worship to a time of songs on a Sunday morning.....or just music in general. We equate a 'worship time' with music time.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but the strong strong sense that doesn't leave me alone is that a lot of us are missing out on the freedom and goodness of God through living in a life of worship directed to God.

In essence, since we've reduced worship into a song style, built an industry around it, strapped a guitar on it and given someone the title of 'worship pastor', we've alienated everyone else into believing that because they're not 'musical', worship is not their thing.

this is a catastrophe.

what i'm being driven to believe is that all of us....every single one of us was created to worship. it is in our nature. we worship whether we know it or not...because in the garden of Eden, we were created to reflect God's image, be fully alive, and walk in direct relationship with him.

So I would love to see lawyers, doctors, surgeons, paramedics, teachers, prison wardens, celebrities, farmers, accountants, government officials, leaders, UN ambassadors embrace the fact that they are first and foremost worshipers and in the gifts that they're given and what makes them come fully alive is an integral part of it. a surgeon worships in fighting for people's lives on the operating table....an accountant worships in dealing fairly with people's finances.......a prison warden's worship is in his interaction with prisoners......a farmer worships with every seed that is put in the ground.

NEW Place for Church people to live...

2008-12-05T14:56:00.000-06:00

What would it be like to live here?

THANKSGIVING VIDEO

2008-11-25T17:11:00.002-06:00

Even if you don't live in the US - this is a good reminder of the contrasts of our crazy cultures. Here in Victoria Canada we can struggle with "AFFLUENZA" and need to be drawn again to what it means to live thankfully...

MISSIONAL CHURCH?

2008-11-20T17:25:00.001-06:00

I have been asked to put the text of my sermon from this past week up - it is not edited so - I hope it will help. We will have sermons online soon I promise!

VIDEO - Waiting on the World to change

“LIVING THE MISSION”
Acts 2 :42-47
RECAP
What are the activities we see in the early church?
GBC CORE VALUES:
a. Discovering - God’s plan and purposes through His Word and worship.

b. Connecting - with Jesus and his followers through intentional relationships.

c. Serving - Investing our time, talents and treasures to extend the influence of Jesus.
d. Reaching (Growing) - continually seeking to establish Gospel- focused communities.

The early church in the face of brutal persecution, no buildings, no programs, no seminaries, few resources - swept the culture with the fragrance of Jesus.
Reaching (Growing) - continually seeking to establish Gospel- focused communities.

Reaching follows the other 3 and results in a church that is growing

ROME - Rom. 1: 13-15
Please don't misinterpret my failure to visit you, friends. You have no idea how many times I've made plans for Rome. I've been determined to get some personal enjoyment out of God's work among you, as I have in so many other non-Jewish towns and communities. But something has always come up and prevented it…
Rome is 1,550 miles (2,510 kilometers) northwest.
How Did the church get there?
Jews from Rome who came on that 1st Pentecost… returned as changed People with an new life mission.
DAMASCUS - Acts 9
1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.[a] So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. -
Paul is not a Christian yet, never been to Damascus…
- How did that church get there?

Following the initial experience of Jesus and the power of the Spirit in their lives there is a growing movement that results:
How - As they heard the Apostles teaching they would have been given the FINAL WORDS of Jesus - Matthew 28:18ff

Commissioned to do life in such a way that new gatherings emerge.
Missing part of the Gospel … you have become a Missionary!

“Hifi “- EXERCISE:
Stand - touch as many as possible without moving - who got most!
• Form groups from those you touched..

• At Gateway we got on /www.joshuaproject.net/ and discovered there are still 100’s of UPG’s - we came to your team and asked you to go to the Lintang people of Indonesia in 3 months to start a Jesus community.

• what would you do to prepare and accomplish the task?
o Learn Language
o Learn Culture
o Meet People
o Start Groups

Thinking Missionally:
Bishop Newbeggin - Challenge:
Church in the 2/3’s world is exploding - The Explosive Growth of Christianity … BUT the challenge to the church in the WEST is to regain its own sense of being SENT - being on God’s Mission.

Philip Jenkins, religion historian at Penn State The Next Christianity (Oxford University Press, 2002).

Jenkins, a, contends that the global Christian revolution already under way will profoundly affect the world throughout the new century in every sphere — from spirituality to politics, from social change to the very existence of nation states.

We’ve arrived “at a moment as epochal as the Reformation itself,” Jenkins writes. “Christianity as a whole is both growing and mutating in ways that observers in the West tend not to see…. [N]ews reports today are filled with material about the influence of a resurgent and sometimes angry Islam. But in its variety and vitality, in its global reach, in its association with the world’s fastest-growing societies, in its shifting centers of gravity … it is Christianity that will leave the deepest mark on the 21st century.”
“If we look beyond the liberal West, we see … another Christian revolution,” Jenkins reports. “Worldwide, Christianity is actually moving toward supernaturalism [and] the ancient worldview expressed in the New Testament: a vision of Jesus as the embodiment of divine power, who overcomes the evil forces that inflict calamity and sickness upon the human race. In the global South … huge and growing Christian populations [now comprise] a form of Christianity as distinct as Protestantism or Orthodoxy, and one that is likely to become dominant in the faith.”
“Christians are facing a shrinking population in the liberal West and a growing majority of the traditional Rest. During the past half-century the critical centers of the Christian world have moved decisively to Africa, to Latin America, and to Asia. The balance will never shift back.”

JENKINS:
The church has become truly global for the first time in its long history. That, in part, is a tribute to the success of the missionary movement over the last two centuries, and especially the last two generations.
EXAMPLES:
• Within twenty-five years the World population of Christians is expected to grow to 2.6 billion with 67 percent living in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
• Some of the most rapid growth is occuring where persecution is the most intense. For example, despite extreme persecution, there are as many as 28,000 new converts a day in communist China.
Bishop Newbigin of India -
Challenge for the church in the West is to re-discover what it means to be a Missional Movement

“The focus of the Missional Church is on being the Sent Church, that the very purpose of the existence of the people of God is to announce and show signs of the in breaking Reign of God.”

HIT REFRESH! :From Programs to Lifestyles:
Decades of Evangelism programs have done little to make the church more effective - take a class, nothing is done.
Evangelism has a bad name in our culture - it is something we do to others!
Evangelism it about Good News - The Good News that God has come to us in Jesus, He has taken the full brunt of our Sins, Jesus’ life of power is now at work in our midst and by the Holy spirit we are called into the power of his Reign.
Acts 1:8 is a promise - You will be my witnesses - you will be GOOD NEWS

MOTIVES FOR A MISSIONAL LIFESTYLE:
1. To Obey the word of God - Mt 28:18-20 - Go into the world (Sent) Make disciples (commissioned) of all
2. To Honor Jesus - 2 Moravian Missionaries - early 20’s ….“That the Lamb show was slain might receive the reward of His suffering”
3. To Love the lost - Video - BRANDIE

Application:
LIFE JOURNALS - prayer:
• For awakening
• For leadership vision @ Gateway
• for 3 friends in your life.

Starbucks and Church - What do you think?

2008-11-17T23:10:00.002-06:00

I saw this and loved the ideas it stirs!

Write some comments -

Bishop Leslie Newbigin of Indi

2008-11-11T08:39:00.004-06:00

Leslie Newbigin on the role of the Pastor

“The task of ministry is to lead the congregation as a whole in a mission to the community as a whole, to claim its whole public life, as well as the personal lives of all its people, for God’s rule. It means equipping all the members of the congregation to understand and fulfill their several roles in this mission through their faithfulness in their daily work. It means training and equipping them to be active followers of Jesus in his assault on the principalities and powers which he disarmed on the cross. And it means sustaining them in bearing the cost of that warfare . . .

[The minister] is not like a general who sits at headquarters and sends his troops into battle. He goes at their head and takes the brunt of the enemy attack. He enables and encourages them by leading them, not just by telling them. In this picture, the words of Jesus have quite a different force. They all find their meaning in the central keyword, ‘follow me’.”

Dan's comment:

Now that is a high calling which is little seen today in the Western Church, by God's grace I hope to see it and be it in my lifetime. There are too many that are following guru's of Corporate Leadership... Lord help me to be one who will follow you and joyfully invite others to follow you leading us.

POST-POST MODERN

2008-10-27T19:01:00.002-05:00

I have wondered when the fad would fade? The Church community has heard more than its share about being an Emergent or Post Modern Church. Writers have made hay in books about the topic, many churches have explored a variety of expressions in worship - some helpful, some questionable. Many others have made forays into areas of theology and praxis trying to find a relevant way to connect with the whole PM deal. Well hopefully it is time to get back to the "Main thing" of following Jesus in His Mission in the world. It really need not be complex, we are given a message, a culture, a community and a leader. Our challenge is to work out together how we make these come together and enable as many of those around us experience the powerful presence of Jesus as possible

At Gateway Church - we have set aside all the extra activity and returned to the call of early church as we find it in Acts 2. We are wrestling with the core activites we see there and seeking to apply them in our lives.

What are the activities we see in the early church in its powerful simplicity?
CORE VALUES:
a. Discovering - God’s plan and purposes through His Word and worship.

b. Connecting - with Jesus and his followers through intentional relationships.

c. Serving - Investing our time, talents and treasures to extend the influence of Jesus.
d. Growing - corporately through establishing Gospel focused Churches.

We are thrilled to see a big resonse to CONNECTION as the vast majority of Gateway have begun new CARE groups for the next 7 weeks. Our prayer is that these CARE groups will carry on for good.

Enjoyed this song today:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VBex8zbDRs&NR=1

CORE VALUES..

2008-10-20T17:39:00.004-05:00

What guides the choices that we make? We face choices 1157 times each day, the outcomes are generally guided by the Values that we have adopted in life. Some of these are clear and intentional, others are the result of influences and environments which we may not even be able to articulate.
At Gateway Church we are working at clarifying these Core Values so that we are all clear on the choices we make and why. As in our own lives, trying to identify these is not always easy, but it is vitally helpful. We turn to Scripture to guide us - as we have looked at the Church in its early days in the Book of Acts - read some of their story and see how ours can be shaped by it.

Acts 2:42-48 (The Message)

The Message (MSG)

41-42That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.

43-45Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.

46-47They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

WE have identified 4 CORE VALUES that we trust will shape Gateway in the choices of how we use the resources we have been entrusted with...

a. Discovering - God’s plan and purposes through His Word and worship.

b. Connecting - with Jesus and his followers through intentional relationships.

c. Serving - Investing our time, talents and treasures to extend the influence of Jesus.

d. Growing - personally and corporately through establishing Gospel focused Churches.

Remind me to write about "SE7EN" - our novel attempt to create buy-in around here in a practical way....

I keep humming...
This is Home - Switchfoot
http://www.myspace.com/switchfoot

I’ve got my memories
Always inside of me
But I can’t go back
Back to how it was

I believe now
I’ve come too far
No I can’t go back
Back to how it was

Created for a place
I’ve never known

This is home
Now I’m finally
Where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I’ve been searching
For a place of my own
Now I’ve found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home

Belief over misery
I’ve seen the enemy
And I won’t go back
Back to how it was

And I got my heart
Set on
What happens next
I got my eyes wide
It’s not over yet
We are miracles
And we’re not alone
Yeah

This is home
Now I’m finally
Where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I’ve been searching
For a place of my own
Now I’ve found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home

And now after all
My searching
After all my questions
I’m gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see
The sunset
I’m gonna call it home
Home

This is home
Now I’m finally
Where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I’ve been searching
For a place of my own
Now I’ve found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home

Now I know
Yeah, this is home

I’ve come too far
And I won’t go back
Yeah, this is home

Secrets in Victoria

2008-10-06T14:28:00.002-05:00

I was amazed to discover that 4.2 MILLION visitors come through Victoria in 3 Months over the Summer season. One Bike Cabby told me most of his clients come on the Cruise ships and are from the US. They are also from a variety of other parts of the world. It seems like that kind of opportunity could be very strategic for a re-vitalized and revived church. Another feature in Victoria is a constant churn of the populaton. People come to retire, then mistt their family elsewhere in Canada and return. Others come to a job that is a 2-4 year post and then transfer. politicians come with their staff from all over the Province and return home. This Churn too is a challenge in the area of relationships, but can be a great advantage to the cause of the Gospel. If the church were to be an attractive community and act as Salt and Light to the world - it would be possible to influence vast areas for Jesus from this small city.

At Gateway we are still very much in the early days of consolidating our vision and expressing it in simple ways so that all can catch on and join in. This Fall we have stopped all activities and focused on beoming Victoria's Secret - as we encourage all to look fresh in to God's word together through a corporate journal excerise and CARE groups that meet in a variety of formats to discuss those journals. We believe that the return to simple church activites is keey to seeing a renewal of the church and its mission.

We enjoyed the weekend visit of Steve Bell, Jon Buller and Kari Wolke from Winnipeg - a great treat. We will be having a visit with Brad Jersak in November and Andy Park - a great worship leader. More on that later....

Victoria this week

2008-09-15T13:01:00.002-05:00

We are slowly getting settled into the new house and finding a place in this city of Victoria BC.
The girls are enjoying Pacific Christian School and making a few new friends. They are both Rowing with the school on Elk Lake - 10 minutes from home. This is where the Olympic Gold Medal team trains too. Bev is looking into some medical practices and will start slowly so that we have time to make the adjustments to a new life here in Victoria.

WE are hoping to get a new website at Gateway that will have teaching podcasts on it - so far not happening. Although we did start the Book of Nehemiah yesterday - titled "Becoming Victoria's Secret" and it did stir a bit of passion! (About the church of course!)

VIEWS from Victoria

2008-09-08T00:14:00.003-05:00

I went to the Inner Harbour last weekend and saw a Vintage Boat show was on - these were wome shots I took there. Today was my first day speaking at Gateway and I think it went well. It takes time to get on the same wavelength, but we are making some headway. Tonight Bev and I heard a talk about a ministry to the Poor based in the Philipines with AIDS children. It is called Precious Jewels. We decided to sponsor a "graduate" who is now going to College to train for a future and provide for her siblings. ">PHOTOS CLICK HERE

GATEWAY - Victoria's Secret Article

2008-09-03T15:21:00.001-05:00

"Becoming Victoria's Secret!"

As we were leaving Manitoba after 22 years I had several people ask me what I would be doing - I told several of them I was going to BC to help direct "Victoria's Secret". One guys said - Wow how did you get to do that? God's blessing I said!

In the book of Colosians it says that the Church is God's greatest Secret - which is now out of the bag! "

Generations of people wondered hos God could resolve the mess of our world and its pain and sorrows - after Jesus came into the world it became clear that God had a plan like no other... It was to create a new community in the midst of a broken one. This community would model to all the world God's grace and power to heal and restore. This community would be possible in the collective lives of all who live in complete surrender to the ruling power of Jesus the risen messiah. From a serverly persectued rable of minorities emerged a force of peace which the world had never seen before. People who loved others of different ethnicites, people who would not walk past the poor and needy, but stop and bind their wounds, people who served a higher authority than the political power of the day. These "Christ people" or Christians as they were nick-named became a movement that today touches vast multitudes of people and gives them hope to live.

Victoria is known for many things, sailing, rowing, athletics, politics, occult, beauty, recreation, retirement, education, ....yet none of these things has has the power to change the brokeness of the human soul. The only SECRET that has the potential to give hope to the region of Victoria is the Church of Jesus in its full vibrancy. This is what I dream of, a a day when Victoria will be known as a "City that Worships" a place for healing for the nations, where a movement has begun that draws multitudes to Jesus, plants many new churches and impacts the culture with the redeeming power of the saviour who rose from the death itself to give hope to all the earth.

Those who whose to make Gateway Baptist Church their home are being invited to live in the wake of Jesus' mission in this world. This means orienting our lives to follow Him and his call on us in such a way that the power of His Secret will be communicated to all around us.
This sort of "Missional" living is much more than doing church - it is a conscious choice to serve His purpose inour world. As the Fall unfolds there will be an opportunity to take new steps for each of us as we together seek to know more of Jesus and his power in our midst. "Under Construction" often means inconvenience in the short term, but better things in the long term - that will be the sign around Gateway in the coming year, but we expect God has great things in store.

Victoria's Secret!

2008-09-03T14:43:00.002-05:00

We have begun to settle into a new home in Victoria. The girls are starting a new school - Pacific Christian School - it seems like a good place for them to settle. Both came home last night asking if they can try out for the ROWING TEAM! Life here is certainly different that way... We have Sea water on all sides of us so I guess rowing is a good idea.

I have just settled into a new role as Lead Pastor at Gateway Baptist Church and am working on what things to do first and which can wait a little. It is a warm church community that has made us feel very welcome. I am excited at what God can do in this city and have begun to meet with leaders in the city to hear about what has happened here and where the challenges lie.

I got lost while riding a bike with my friend Donn from the church - ended up in some woods behind a fence on the back of a hill. We decided to climb a fence and pass the bikes over and make a run for it - the owners woke and yelled at us... it was like my teen years all over....

VICTORIA at last!

2008-08-25T23:28:00.002-05:00

Today we arrived in Victoria after many hours of road whine. We had a great drive through Montana and marveled at the beauty of the Highway to the Sun in Glacier National Park. It is a fairly untouched part of the wilderness of the Rockies and well worth the trip. http://www.nps.gov/glac/photosmultimedia/index.htm
Taking this southern route allowed us to go to the Seattle Area to visit my brother Tim and his wife Julie. Tim nearly died this year when stricken by a Staph infection - it has been a long slow recovery for Tim - who is not able to walk as a result, but he is making a great recovery and with physio, may be able to walk again - of course we are praying for a miracle there or I should say more miracles. It was wonderful to visit with them and to pray and share life together for a 2 days. From Seattle we caught the Anacortes ferry to Victoria - it is a beautiful ride and the scenery is stunning. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

ANSWER TO PRAYERS!! - Celeste's Camera was FOUND! - we called the hotel in Moose jaw for the 5th time to ask them to keep loking and the manager told me he was trying to reach us - because tey found her camera - in perfect shape!! I could not believe it but Bev was confident it would happen -her model was a gift from dear friends who are professional.. -http://www.nikon.ca/en/Product.aspx?m=17041

We move into our house for the next few says and hope to get some sleep....

EN ROUTE TO VICTORIA

2008-08-22T09:52:00.002-05:00

What a blurr - we have sold our home in WPG - said tearful goodbyes to many dear friends, hugged a lot of neighbors and choked back some farewells. It is is hard to say how leaving is affecting us all. I am both excited by going to Victoria and grieving the loss of so much that has been dear to us! Who can know the value of people that love and support you... We are going to a new place that is beautiful and opportunities that we hope will bring scores of people to know Jesus in a life transforming way.. so we keep our focus on Him and the future.

We have had some bumps on the way - a treasured new camera that Celeste just got was stolen from our van at the hotel, Bev got stung on both hands by wasps, the van just broke down in Medicine Hat - but it could have been somewhere else....

God is good and has a great future we - look forward to. Keep us in your prayers and we make new friends, seek to lead the church, find our way in a strange place.

JULY BUZZ

2008-07-07T20:36:00.002-05:00

We are at Star Lake Lodge speaking at a family camp for the week -and there is not good phone or email here. We just moved into our home July 1 - cleaned it - prepared it and it went on the market on Friday! we also sold the RV and our car, bought a nice 1995 Plymouth van and left for this family camp! Quite exhausting! We have been invited to come as the lead pastor of Gateway Baptist church in Victoria BC and have agreed to do so. It seems quite amazing at this point - as I was chosen from a very large list to candidate there first.
With our excitement we continue to be concerned for Celete (16 in August) and Karissa 12 - as it is very hard for them to imagine having to move and make new friends at this time in life. I am concerned that I do not cause them any undue stress..
Bev has been feeling pretty well after a hard year of migranes. She is a fantastic woman who supports us all in many ways - we are enjoying this week away together and trust we will have a few weeks to just relax in our own home come mid-July.
SEE in our home - http://www.webview360.com/wv/Manitoba/Winnipeg/agent/Glen_Williams/110031;jsessionid=E8F53DCEE6E50348C32D6A0199B0F463
I am PREACHING at The Meeting PLace on July 13th - it will be nice to be there after some time away.
We plan at this point to move to Victoria in Mid- August. Still looking for housing which is very expensive there! But trust that God will supply - Start planning a visit to us, it is a beautiful city.

June 28 updates

2008-06-27T09:12:00.000-05:00

After returning to Manitoba in late April and enjoy the last 2 snow storms we focused our search on where we could invest the next stage of our lives.
Many people have been a part of the process and we have explored a variety of options. The outcome is that we are headed to Victoria BC CANADA to take the role of Lead pastor at Gateway Baptist Church. It is an exciting time for us with wonderful possibilities and yet a hard time leaving so much that is familiar and special to us. We have many wonderful friends, colleagues and family in Manitoba whom we will miss, but we trust visits will carry on each way. Victoria is a beautiful city that has spiritual challenges, occult, naturalism, and many distractions - but a great opportunity to see what the impact of Jesus can be in that setting. We will keep posting more details are we get them - so far we a re not sure where to live. We did sell the RV! I will miss it, but few others in my family will. Email us with questions or comments.
Blessings - Dan and Bev

CRAZY LOVE?

2008-06-07T13:21:00.003-05:00

I am constantly amazed at all the resources that are coming out - I had a chance to watch a few short videos about God's "Crazy Love" From Francis Chan. There are many people in Churches that have enough familiarity with the Gospel to be miserable. They think they are Christians and think they are doing the right things, but there is no joy =no power - no freedom. This is not what the Lord has intended for them. The answer to the problem is returning to the first things - seeing afresh who God really is and what He has done for us and WHY we need Him in the first place. Listen to Francis and see what you think - http://www.crazylovebook.com/

SAN DIEGO

2008-05-20T16:12:00.002-05:00

I was privileged to be invited to join a network of Church Planters for a 3 day retreat. These are folks who are working to create new communities of Christians in cities around North America. What a group they are! I met several couples who have gone to Utah to help Mormons discover the real message about Jesus - they have had an incredible time see LDS people find real freedom in Jesus are release from the false religion of their past.
I met a couple who are working North Vancouver reaching out to the 1000's of Mandarin speaking people from Mainland China. Another couple is serving the Arabic speaking people in BC and meting many are coming to know the truth about Jesus.
The sessions here have been lead in worship by Andy Park - who has been a worship leader with the Vineyard for over 25 years - he is a gem. Bible teaching each day from a very dynamic Austrailia Anglican pastor. I hope to add some live interviews with folks from this group.

THROUGH THE VALLEY

2008-05-15T11:54:00.002-05:00

Henry Blackaby has written Experiencing God that has helped many Christians to learn to hear God in the everyday moments. The problem for many of us is that we are not listening or even expecting God to be speaking to us in the small moments of the day. One of the spiritual disciplines I am trying to learn is to listen for His voice in the warp and woof of my normal days. (Some would argue nothing I do is normal, but that is another discussion). Just today I felt inclined to go for a run and while doing so "inclined" to go a certain route. I am learning to follow those inclinations and see what happens - a small thing, but a posture that says "Lord is if you want to lead in this way I am available for whatever reason to follow - even if I can't see an obvious outcome...

I was surprised to meet up with a group of dear friends who had gathered for an early morning prayer time and eagerly asked me to join them. Inwardly I smiled, thanking the Lord that He had guided me in this somehow.

EARTHQUAKE in China, Devastation in BURMA, TORNADOES in the US.... So much heart ache and sorrow - these events are beyond our capacity to understand, we are left with so many major questions, "How are these possible in this world?" Why does God allow it? How can we make a difference? What can I do? Why not us?.... I think of the Psalm 121 "I look to the Mountains (of disasters) where does my help come from? Our help comes from the maker of heaven and earth.... Lord we look to you and we lift in prayer our questions and the sorrows of those who are suffering so greatly, Have mercy on them, use our lives to help in suffering and our resources to honor Jesus.

COMPELLING CHURCH?

2008-04-24T12:18:00.002-05:00

I have begun my book preface with 4 words - "Church Services Bore Me" - This is a confession, but also a challenge to say this should not be the case. Also it is a call to explore what can be done and why it is the situation today.

Leslie Newbigin, the famous British missiologist, said that he thinks the greatest explanation for the gospel in our lifetimes is a community of Christians living as if they believe the gospel is actually true.

This is the challenge for the church today - to move past the bland part time faith that has been called normal and pursue together the heart of Jesus for our lives and community. In the places where this is being done there is a light shining in the darkness, people are coming to a living hope and being born again and joyfully telling others that this good news about Jesus is true!

Tim Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian in New York leads a large community that is seeking to be an example of this in our day. WE enjoyed a brief visit there this year and were struck at what God can do in a place like the Big Apple. http://www.redeemer.com/

JOHN PIPER - MINNEAPOLIS

2008-04-19T21:17:00.002-05:00

WE have traveled all the way to the Twin Cities - MN and are having a visit with our friends The Howisons - former Winnipeg people.

Bev and I attended a wonderful worship service at BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH to hear one of my favorite preachers John Piper. Throughout our travels this year I have listened to him preach online and have found that many times God has used his preaching of the WORD to encourage my own heart. Check out the church - ttp://www.hopeingod.org/

The service tonight was a rich one - great worship in music, great passion in preaching God's word from John Piper. The Service we found to be focused on the greatness of God and the mercy that we are offered through His Son Jesus.

Sunday Morning we are going to attend Wooddale Church - where Leith Anderson is the lead pastor. We look forward to the visit and chance to see another strong church in this community. http://www.wooddale.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=7731

The journey North has gone too quickly - the cold Mid-West has been a shock to the system, but we are adjusting. We visited GRACELAND in Memphis - GO ELVIS! GATEWAY Arch in St. Louis MO - what a structure to visit... Also saw AMAMA Colonies in Iowa - one of Americas great experiments in Communal Christian living - an home of the "Amana Radar Range"...

POEM - GEORGE MacDonald

2008-04-06T08:54:00.003-05:00

CS Lewis and Tolkein were greatly influenced by George MacDonald in writing fantasy. Mac Donald also wrote wonderful sermons and poetry - This week I have been meditating on this verse:

O Son of God, my lot to right
Naught but thy presence can avail
Yet on the road Thy wheel is not
Nor on the Sea Thy Sail
My "How" or "When" thou wilt not heed
But come down Thy secret stair
That thou mayst answer all my need
Yea every bygone prayer.
- MacDonald

There are many gems hidden in these words that only come to the surface through focused meditation. If you find one, please share it with me.

NEW TRIBES MISSION

2008-03-30T08:05:00.004-05:00

We are currently at New Tribes Mission HQ - SANFORD FL www.ntm.org to visit Ken and Sue Plett - friends from WPG and The Meeting Place who are former workers and current seasonal volunteers at the National HQ. It has been wonderful to spend time with them and to be reminded of the urgent task of keeping our focus on the greatest concern of God's heart - see - Matthew 28:16ff.

Another amazing event - while touring NTM - we met a couple Allan and Mandy Caley whom I knew in England in 1982 - they have planted a church in Ivory Coast and now work here helping others find a place to serve.

GOD CARES FOR EVERY PEOPLE GROUP ON EARTH. The clear theme of God's story is that He cares about every single person, and he wants them to hear His truth in their mother tongue. While we visit the church in North America it is evident that many wonderful ways exist for people to hear about what Jesus has done for them. They can visit a myriad of churches that have every conceivable style of worship. (For example today we visited R.C. Sproul - the great reformed preacher and experienced service that was deeply rooted in a European culture of the 1800's - not a bad thing - it was beautiful.) There are several radio stations that have Christian programs here in Florida - that offer many ways to hear about Jesus - most are good. The web - is repleat with every possible faith and cult that one can imagine.

However many people in our world still have no way to hear about Jesus in the "heart language" - they still wait for someone to come and tell them in a way the can understand that God is loving and has made it possible to be free from Satan and Sin's power.

A great Resource to look at about how many people groups have not been reached with the good news about Jesus yet is - The Joshua Project - http://www.joshuaproject.net/index.php
They estimate there are some 12,000 poeple groups in our world and about 42% are reached - have a look! WE sadly keep pouring more resources to reach the reached and barely any for the unreached. I can't tell you how many multi-millon dollar church buildings we have seen in 8 months - not sure these are a great Joy to Jesus who waits to see whole groups still reached with the news of His Cross!

We have wondered if there is some way we should be giving our lives to helping more directly in this effort - it is not an easy one and has cost many their very lives, but as the Moravians used to say it is worth it - "So that the Lamb might receive the reward of His suffering"

11-13Scripture reassures us, "No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it." It's exactly the same no matter what a person's religious background may be: the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help. "Everyone who calls, 'Help, God!' gets help."

14-17But how can people call for help if they don't know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That's why Scripture exclaims,

A sight to take your breath away!
Grand processions of people
telling all the good things of God!
But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: "Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?"
ROMANS 10: The Message

FEAR FACTOR LIVE

2008-03-27T14:59:00.003-05:00

Who doesn't want some free schwag? We were at Universal Studios and they asked for a couple of volunteers for the FEAR FACTOR show - Karissa and I said You bet. After watching a few people jump off high things and reach into tanks of squirmy things we were called up to the stage. 2000 people watched as we were paired against another couple of foooools. A table was rolled out and it had a blender on it with several containers alongside. One by one they dumped things like rotten oysters, raw fish, spoiled meat, curdled milk and blended it up. But wait "there is more" - out came a container full of live crawling grubs - in they went too. Now we are handed a glass to drink in 30 seconds! What am I doing up here I think - I don't want this dumb prize or "bragging rights" it is a frenzy - people are yelling and they are counting down to the big swig.
I told Karissa to hold her nose and close her eyes. "GO!"
I had a sip and started to puke right on the spot! I also inhaled a piece of fish and was dying for a breath right there - the place was crazy with noise and yelling and I was not sure how to get the pieceout of my throat....finally it came out and I survived - so did the awful taste.
Bev was taking a photo and laughing.

WE survived - no prize - not sure what all can be learned by the experience - but we did it.
I guess it shows how easily we can get manipulated into things that we never intended to do and how important it is to think things through before hand...

SHUTTLE LAUNCH THIS WEEK -

2008-03-13T10:43:00.002-05:00

WE got the girls up at 1:30 am this week in titusville FL and went to watch the Shuttle Launch - there were 1000's of people lining the shores to see one of the last night launches. People were from all over the world waiting to see the spectacular. There was low cloud so what we saw was brief - 10 seconds at Mach 2 - but WOW the whole sky lit up, the water looked like fire, the ground rumbled and a massive crowd cheered at the sight and sound of this marvelous event.

I think about the HOPE we have in a greater event - not Ascending, but Jesus Descending - it is spoken of in many places - including 1 Thes 4,5
The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they'll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.

Paul reminds us to live a ready life, keeping focused on this great hope, living like he might come today - giving no room for sin, and a passionate heart for Jesus.

BECOMING A DEADER YOU!

2008-03-07T09:58:00.002-06:00

WOW there is a lot of stuff around called "The Gospel" being taught in churches that is really nothing more than "Tony Robbins With a Suit on". I listened to an entire message by one of the most well known preachers in North America this week - it was about becoming a better you. There were some great stories, warm moments, many references to Christian truths, like being God's child, being "righteous", blessed, loved by God, a variety of bible verses etc. There were many challenges to think new thoughts and expect better things in life and the promise that many of those things were our already, because God loves us.

It was not the presence of those ideas that disturbed me, but the absence of other more crucial terms and truths. in 27 minutes of preaching I did not hear the name of Jesus - stunning! In 27 minutes I never heard that the source of my problems and lack of blessing was my sin. In 27 minutes I never heard that I was lacking Spiritual life and would never have it unless born again. In 27 minutes I did not hear the Cross of Christ mentioned. This kind of preaching is many things, but it is not Christian.

Jesus did not promise us chnage in life by becoming better, but by becoming deader! "If anyone wants to come after me, he must take up his cross, deny himself and follow me. Death to self is the only way that we will ever enter into the blessings that God has given us in Jesus.

The Apostle Paul found this to be true - in Philippians 3 he tells his story - if better was the way to God then he could have done it. In stead he found dying to those things which were all about making himself better led to new life. In Romans 12:1,2 he calls us to die, so that we might live and experience the transforming power of The Gospel.
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

In Galatians 2:20 we hear it again -

20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

The Christ-less messages that fill the church today are empty of power, give us no hope and need no saviour. When we see the depth of our need we will see the shallowness of such a message and search for that pearl of great price and then sell all we have (die) to gain it.

BACK IN ORLANDO...

2008-02-12T19:01:00.000-06:00

Hey I am back with the family after 2 weeks in Seattle visiting Tim - who has been very ill. Tim is making slow progress in his battle against Staph infection - we keep praying. Bev managed well with the girls and they have been doing just great. Today we had a Tornado warning and had to huddle in a shelter (men's bathroom!) for a while with all the folks from the RV site.

On the Research trail - today I visited the church at the Springs in Ocala. This church was planted 13 years ago and has about 3000 in 4 services. More importantly to me - they have helped plant another 30 or so in that time. Pastor Ron Sylvia has a heart to mentor new church planters and has started networks across the country to give support to those who are planting churches.

We talked about Strategic planning in particular - Springs has come to a plateau and needed a new focus. They brought in outside help and spent intensive time identifying the major strengths to focus on as a church and those areas to stop. Also they spent time identifying what were the major issues that needed serious attention.

The serious issues - were then rated as to what needed attention first. The pastoral team then invited several high capacity leaders to form short term teams to focus on the issues and give potential solutions. These teams were each led by a person from the management team who kept them on target but gave alot of space to dream and work. The result was key people who became excited about being able to use their talents to serve the purposes of the Kingdom of God in their local church.

One example was the issue of Communication - which was identified as very poor in the church. The team suggested a focus on the website - a complete revamp - (due in March 08) weekly spot in the bulletin on key issues, Blog from the pastor, Quarterly journal with goals and highlights of each ministry area at the church. These were all solutions that came from the team and added expertise was given with great enthusiasm....

Have a look at the church - www.thesprings.org

MARS HILL CHURCH SEATTLE

2008-02-04T10:51:00.000-06:00

4:30 on a Sunday afternoon on Superbowl Sunday is probably not the best time to see what a service is like at a church - but I went to hear Mark Driscoll at Mars Hill church. This was the third of 5 services to be held that day - 9,11, 4:30, 6:30, 8:30 pm - in addition there are several "satellite sites" for Mars Hill in the area.

When I arrived at 4:45 pm ( I was late because I got lost on the way from the Hospital where I am visiting my brother Tim) there were several hundred people listening to Mark beginning to preach in Sexual Purity. Mark's message was a bold call to radical holiness. He stressed that we can only worship and serve one god in our lives - either Jesus Christ or Sex. The act of sex is a joyful and wonderful gift reserved for marriage alone. ANY other context is sin and is under the judgement of God. No amount of contrived theology, churches, parades, genetic testing etc will ever make right what God says is wrong.

Visiting Mars Hill Church was very encouraging to hear such clear biblical preaching for almost an hour and such a bold confrontation of sin. The gathering looked to be mostly in their 20's and bearing in mind the was the 4:30 service - I am sure there were 100's more in the other services. LISTEN to MARK DRISCOLL YOURSELF - www.marshillchurch.org

SICKNESS IN SEATTLE

2008-02-01T20:04:00.000-06:00

I am in Seattle to visit with my brother Tim who is battling with a post operation Staph infection.
Unseen within is power that can literally destroy the body if left unchecked. There needs to be a greater power at work in order to rescue him from that condition - in this case the powerful blood of another, and the power of an antibiotic which can overcome.

John reminds us of the power needed to deliver us from the sinister power which is at work in destroying ways in our lives.

7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all^[a] sin.

8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Until we admit there is a problem we are left in our self deception to experience the ruinous power of sin. When we walk in the light with Jesus and his people, admitting a need to be set free and healed, we then can experience th power of His blood.

PRAYER for Tim

2008-01-30T20:15:00.000-06:00

I am in Seattle for a few days with my brother in the Harbour view hospital - he is very ill with a "staph" infection fighting to live. Thanks for all the prayers - below is a prayer written by Tom Chan for Tim:

Dear Father, At this hour of darkness in the Rutherford family, please accept Your Son's intercession for us. By the authority Jesus has re-claimed for us and by the redemptive work He has accomplished on the cross 2000 years ago, by His blood, by the nailing on the cross all our sins, iniquities, and illnesses, Father, come and meet with Tim at his moment, in this place, where he lies very ill and waek, and restore to him your intended future for him in his health and well-being. Lord, You have a plan for Tim, and the plan is not to harm him, but to give him hope and a future, the like of which only You, Father, can see... a future for Tim to work and advance You Kingdom on earth. Father, be with Tim right now, please, and comfort him, his loved ones, Dan, Dan's family, Tim's family and friends. Father, by what Your Son has done on the cross, please yank out from Tim the demons of illness and cast them back to where they belong. Lord, please place a hedge of angelic protection around Tim's recovery bed so that no more evil influences of disease may approach. Thank you, Father, for your faithfulness and glorious promises for each one of us. Thank you for healing Tim and returning him to good health. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our dear Lord, Redeemer, Saviour, and Friend. Amen... and Amen again.

Leadership and the Ministry Jet

2008-01-25T14:28:00.000-06:00

LEADERSHIP - USING THE MINISTRY JET

It's saturday morning, early before the family are up, and I have slipped away to the village donut shop for a coffee and to read the paper. Right there between another attack in the Middle East and the pre-Christmas sales in the nearby town is a large article on the latest Church leader scandal. It seems this leader was removed from his “ministry” for using too many of its assets for himself, including an extravagant shopping trip for the wife and using the “ministry jet” for his daughter and friends on a trip. Certainly he must know you can't use the ministry jet that way? Goodness knows there are other more important uses of the ministry jet, like rushing too and fro for important fund-raising events, traveling with well known personalities - both political and otherwise, and visiting other sites of the ministry, but not Caribbean trips for the high-school girls. No those high-school trips to the Caribbean should only be done in business class on the ministry expense card – what was he thinking?!?

Actually, I take no pleasure in reading about yet another moral exposure of a Christian leader. It is no good pointing a finger at their particular stripe of christian tribe and saying “that's how they are”. As if all the wacky moral landscape belongs to the realms of a certain group – say Catholic or Protestant, or Pentecostal or Presbyterian, or Charismatic or Health and wealth church. No, it seems that no grouping has escaped the sad reach of moral collapse. As another story hits the news, the sad part for me is that it has almost ceased to be news worthy – just what has come to be expected in our current culture of church and leadership in the West. Unless, of course there is the collapse of a particular self-righteous and judgmental leader in whose fall the corrupt voices of the media can take particular pleasure, then there is more use of the ink.

How did we get in such a state for leaders in the movement that claims to be followers of the “son of man” who had “no place to lay his head”? If only Jesus had been born in a more advanced era – he could have had a ministry jet, to get those people of influence around that He always hung with. Maybe God's timing in sneding Jesus was a bit too early – looking back of course – He might have been able to take advantage of the great advances of human ingenuity; to further His cause on earth, the Jesus Jet, the Jesus-Acres campus, lordship t.v ministry... Of course in any age, there have been tools that can be grasped to try to do “God's work” in our way. These modern symbols of success and power may not be necessarily inherently evil, but the idea that we need them or deserve them as leaders in His church certainly is.

Jesus was aware of that human impulse to depend on self and the tools of a fallen world to accomplish the ends of God's kingdom. He actually sought to make it evident to his followers and all those who would follow him through the ages that leadership is rooted in follower-ship and a servant spirit.

One day James and John got their mom to try and “work” Jesus for a position in His movement. This style of nepotism was not uncommon in the culture – pull in some favors if possible. Perhaps knowing Jesus' tender heart for women they thought getting mom to ask might do the trick. She basically asks if her boys could – start at the top and work their way up! Jesus explains with clarity that this is not how it is in God's kingdom, power and control are not the features of those that he calls to lead, but the heart and actions of a servant. Servant-hood is the mark of those that have yielded themselves and all their push for self-promotion up to God's gracious Spirit.

Matthew admits that all of them were feeling ripped off at the gaul of James and John – no doubt each had secretly imagined themselves in those very roles – the nerve of those guys!

24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reading His words brings the following observations to bear on our understanding of leadership in the church.

1.Jesus' style of leadership is a complete contrast to what the surrounding culture pursues.
2.“Bottom up” serving of others trumps “top-down” ruling in Jesus leader
3.Serving is the very heart of Jesus' mission.

If our leadership models in the church are a thinly veiled power positions that allow us to maintain a commitment to self and its kingdom – we should expect little difference in leadership than we see in any other organization of our society. Using others, using money and authority on our own agendas, even if we call them God's, will be common place. However, if we are serious about being a part of God great society and experiencing the reality of it we have to choose His way – the way of the the Cross, the way of death to self, the way of servant-hood.

The Author of “Transformation” Pastor Bob Roberts says quite candidly “people who want to be leaders scare me...”

In their book “Lead Like Jesus” Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges do a great job of exploring what servant leadership looks like and what the head and heart of person must be like to lead in the serving way that Jesus does. The highlight Jesus' words – “Not so among you!” a clear challenge to the worldly way of leading through abusive power that so prevails in our culture.

In Matthew 20 Jesus says:

24-28When the ten others heard about this, they lost their tempers, thoroughly disgusted with the two brothers. So Jesus got them together to settle things down. He said, "You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads. It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage." (the Message)

Blanchard and Hodges comment:

“The call of Jesus to servant leadership is clear and unequivical; His words leave no room for plan B. He placed no resrictions or limitations of time, place or situation that wouls allow us to exempt ourselves from His command. For gollowers of Jesus, servant leadership isn't an option it is a mandate. Servant leadership is to be a living statement of who we are in Christ to the whole world.”i

THIS WEEK on the ROAD

2008-01-20T20:10:00.000-06:00

We are on our journey at the moment we are in Savannah GA - I just spent some time with the leadership at www.seacoast.org - a great place that has planted several churches / satellite sites - very good. They are a generous church that shared many ideas with me about how to develop leaders and plan for growth.

WE are on the way to Orlando FL where we will take some training on Church planting for a few http://www.nextinitiative.net/ then do some shadowing of leaders in another church that is really planting new churches too.

We are enjoying the time as a family and have been so blessed to have time together growing as a family. Bev has been feeling better the past few weeks and seems to be more rested. The girls are progressing with their schoolwork though not as fast as we hoped. We are doing a lot of learning along the way too as we travel we study US history and check out places of significance on the way. We just went through Charleston SC - it is one of the oldest cities in the US. It was great to look at Ft. Sumner where the Civil war started.

It is our hope that all of this travel and learning is going to lead us to a place that will be the right fit for us. WE love the current experience, and do believe God has a place for us.

THE DANGER OF SUCCESS

2008-01-19T08:14:00.000-06:00

Reading Through John's Gospel this week and am struck at a point in the story of feeding 5000
12-13When the people had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted." They went to work and filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley loaves.

14-15The people realized that God was at work among them in what Jesus had just done. They said, "This is the Prophet for sure, God's Prophet right here in Galilee!" Jesus saw that in their enthusiasm, they were about to grab him and make him king, so he slipped off and went back up the mountain to be by himself.

Here is an amazing action that actually gets their attention and affirms Jesus is more than they had thought. He is THE PROPHET - expectations had always been high that God would send his messiah to rescue and now many see that He has, Success at last! How odd then that Jesus sees this and intentionally removes himself from the situation.

Jesus knew he was on a mission and that mission was not about short term kingship on an earthly level. It was Kingship which would have to come through the Cross in order to establish the rule of God on earth.

Up on the mountain - what would he have been doing? One can only guess taht He was with the Father in prayer, asking to be kept from the temptation to embrace the adulation that came form the crowds in order to fulfil the mission that he came to fulfil.

How many times has "success" lead me to failure - instead of keeping to the task, getting drawn off to the side for things that appeal to my self, ego, pride, ease. The way of Jesus is to flee to the Father and seek His approval and direction so as to complete the mission I have been called to.

Defeating a Jealous heart

2008-01-11T07:43:00.000-06:00

The devil has many subtle ways to get a hold of our hearts and steal the blessings that God intends for us. Jealousy of others is a common way that many of us are taken in. John The Baptist is confronted with the success of Jesus and overcomes this temptation - here are several things that his experience teaches us.
John 3:27 ff
1. Confidence in God's sovereign activity - "God in heaven appoints each person's work". He knew that he was in the right place and that God is in control. There is not a need to fear others' success, because ultimately we all serve Him.

2. Clarity about his own calling - "You yourselves know I said I am not the Messiah"
What freedom there is in doing what we are called to do. We need to ask the Lord to help us know his calling in our lives and serve fully in that.

3. Certainty on whose Church we serve in - "The bride will go where the bridegroom is". Too many leaders talk about "my Church" - and while it may be unintentional - we need to be clear that we are serving in His Church.

Are there people serving Jesus that I have a bitter heart towards? Do I criticize the ministry of others because it threatens me or I resent their success?

John says - "He must become greater and greater, I must become less and less" When we give way to jealousy in life when hinder His greatness from being known.
As Rick Warren famously began his book - "Its not about you".

Art, Light and Hope

2008-01-08T10:52:00.000-06:00

My wife Bev and I did a ridiculous thing recently, in our middle age, at the height of our careers, we left our home, friends and jobs and took our 2 daughters on a journey of discovery for several months. (That is another story for another time...) One of the places we visited was The National Art Gallery in Washington DC. It happened that during our visit there was an exhibit of the famous landscape artist JMW Turner. As we wandered through this display of incredible works – I asked my 12 year old daughter Karissa what she noticed in most of Turner's work. She commented that every painting seemed to be dark and stormy, but each has some special use of light. This is of course true, as has been said of Turner's paintings and watercolors they “reveal the astonishing talent and imagination of this artist—whom Alfred, Lord Tennyson called "The Shakespeare of landscape."

Turner's use of light reminded me of the rays of hope that shine throughout the human story as we find it recorded in the Bible. The opening chapters soon cloud over with dark and destructive storms of despair, as though all hope is gone. However, soon small rays of light find their ways onto the pages and begin to give hope that somehow, some way, that story, our story can be filled with light instead of darkness. Hope that God will make this story right again. John begins his record with the a reference to that when he says of Jesus – “in Him was life and that life was the light of men”.

BLOG MOVED TO WEBSITE

2008-01-04T11:15:00.000-06:00

While I really enjoy blogger as a resource - I have moved blogging to our website - www.throwmeabone.ca find more up to date stuff there.

THE BLESSINGS OF ST. ARBUCKS!

2007-06-24T06:28:00.000-05:00

THE BLESSINGS OF ST. ARBUCKS! - Strategies for Missional Christians.

Herald Tribune Article: Starbucks sets its sights on China!

Starbucks already has 120 stores in mainland China, a market it entered in 1999, and another 180 in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The company now has 9,000 stores, with 2,600 of them outside of the United States. The focus of growth is clearly outside the United States, with China assuming a special priority, Coles said. The company's long-term goal - he refused to set a time period - is to have 30,000 stores, with half of them outside the United States and a very large proportion in China.

The growth of Starbucks is no accident - it is the outcome of a strategic plan. I have started to become an observer of the vision, values and strategy of this Global Giant and wondered what if Mission minded Churches applied some of these ideas to God's mission?

As a follower of Jesus I am a part of the greatest mission in history. Sometimes I get discouraged when I see the ineptitude of the Church of Jesus and the waste of precious resources we have. Over the next few months I plan to share some ideas and invite responses to how we can redeem those for the Great Commission - going into all the earth and making disciples - will you join the journey?

Monday -

Okay I am asked this question regarding the above?

Is this just another example of the church trying to copy the world and gain worldly results?

Of course it is - isn't that what we are about! - kidding!!

I think about a few scriptures that help guide us:

Jesus talks about how foolish it is to have light and then cover it over so that no one can see it.
13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

The purpose of the church in the world is to cast a long light in to the darkness, to flavor and preserve a rotting world that has no hope otherwise. This seems obvious but there are many in the church who either explicitly or implicitly teach that the light should stay under the basket. We have to be convinced to our core that the Church is on a mission and that this is where we will walk most closely with the risen of the Lord Jesus. If we are uncertain about the "missional" nature of the church there is not further need to even bother discussing what methods are relevant to the Christian movement.

The Apostle Paul affirms both the missional nature of the Christian movement and the importance of relevant methods in reaching the cultural contexts into which we have been called

1 Corinthians chapter 9

22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

NOTES:
1. Those outside the church shape the context into which the Gospel needs to be communicated - "to the weak, I became weak". The church has often failed to even consider the condition of those it is called to reach, bringing a 'one size fits all' message that fails to connect with listeners.

2. Missional Christians are called to the difficult task of lifestyle change for the purpose of reaching those around them. "I have become all things"
When we realize the cost of this - our only hope is in the grace and power of God to help us.
I once visited a church of middle class people that met in the middle of a very tough working class housing project. They had a big problem for years they prayed that God would send people to their little church. When He answered it was a small mob of youth from the area, they had no social graces, no manners, no middle class values - these were not the kind of people they had been praying for! This situation revealed the shallow depth of their own calling to Christ too many inconveniences were going to hit them.

3. The means of mission can and must be shaped by the world and its wisdom.
The term "the world" in the bible can refer to the system of rebellion to God, from which we want to take nothing - it can also refer the earth all those in it - e.g John 3:16 - God so loved the world. I am using the term to refer to collective wisdom that fallen image bearers have gained and from which we can learn.
The calling to Christ's mission is the highest and most important of any calling in history, that being the case, it is incumbant upon us to discover what are the best and most effective ways to fulfil Christ's misison; some of these methods we will discover from organizations like Starbucks whose only gain is in this life. However what if we could learn from them way in which the gospel can touch the ends of the earth?

Business writing on Starbucks:
http://astore.amazon.com/barrymorrisco-20/detail/0071477845/102-7700614-1910519

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://barrymorris.com/img/eCover.jpg&imgrefurl=http://barrymorris.com/blog/&h=286&w=196&sz=21&hl=en&start=13&um=1&tbnid=BDHjsjoQvjNgoM:&tbnh=115&tbnw=79&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dstarbucks%2Bexperience%2Btraining%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN

GREAT IDEAS to consider - http://www.churchmarketingsucks.com

STARBUCKS