Provocations

Sermon for July 17

This past Sunday at Snohomish Community Church I spoke on prayer from Ephesians 6:18-20. We see Paul calling the Ephesian believers to prayer. He begins with a general call to pray at all times. He then narrows the call to praying specifically for believers. Finally, he narrows it even further to call them to pray specifically for him. The following chart shows Paul's narrowing emphasis. The final call to prayer I have broadened to all those who proclaim the good news, not just Paul.

 

After reviewing this text, we spent some time in corporate prayer using the ACTS acronym. This is a great tool for times when you need a little help focusing your mind in prayer. The acronym is as follows:

• Adoration - expressing of your adoration to God for who he is.
• Confession - agreeing with God about your sin.
• Thanksgiving - expressing thanks for what God has done.
• Supplication - making requests of God concerning yourself, others and the advance of the gospel.

People find many different ways to help them focus their prayer time. What helps you in your daily prayers?

Preachers Who Value Their People

I remember a number of years ago teaching a men's group at our Church. Later that week I met with the Senior Pastor to review my message. He asked a simple question: "Why should these men have listened to you?"

I have been through many public speaking courses for both my undergraduate and graduate work as well as a number of seminars. And some questions like this one must be answered by any speaker. Another might be, "Why should they come back next time?" For a Pastor who speaks to basically the same audience every week, it does him well to ask that question in his preparation. There is a danger in taking your audience for granted.

I love the words of Nancy Duarte, "When an audience gathers, they have given you their time, which is a precious slice of their lives. It's your job to have them feel that the time they spent with you brought value to their lives."

This concept goes beyond, "I have something to say and you should listen." It goes to valuing the people with whom you speak. It goes to your heart for people. Not trying to win them with flattery of words (see 1 Corinthians 1-4) but giving them content that connects with their daily journey. That helps make sense of this world and their faith. To add value to their lives.

Kid's Thoughts on Love and Marriage

Michael Duduit the Editor of Preaching Magazine posted these thoughts on the Preaching Now e-publication from kids concerning love and marriage and I had to share them. Some solid wisdom here:

How do you decide who to marry?

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10

What is the right age to get married?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

How can a stranger tell if two people are married?
You might have to guess based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

What do your mom and dad have in common?
Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

What do most people do on a date?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.  -- Martin, age 10

When is it OK to kiss someone?
When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be 18, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
-- Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
-- Howard, age 8

Is it better to be single or married?
It's better for girls to be single, but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child)

How would you make a marriage work?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
-- Ricky, age 10

 

Luther on True Divinity

In reading a section from Luther's Table Talk I came across the following description of those who do not practice and teach "true divinity":

"They follow their own opinions, and what with their five senses they are able to comprehend."

Lord, protect me from the idolatry of my own opinions. May they always be subjected to your revelation. Lord, protect me from overconfidence of my ability to perceive with my natural senses. Reveal your will through your Spirit so that I may not boast in my abilities. Natural men accept only the things of the flesh yet the spiritual man receives what is spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Reflections on Psalm 119: 9-16

During my recent vacation to Florida I began reading through Psalm 119 as part of my time alone with God. I have copied here some of the reflections from my journal:

As in the previous verses, the delight in God's word is still prevalent in these verses. It is interesting that in the Scriptures the study of God's Word is both a discipline and a delight. When it becomes only a discipline it is time to check the heart attitude. 

The unique contribution in these verses above the previous resides in the understanding that the teachings, the a word of God, keep one from impurity and sin. In verse 10, there is a parallel established between the pursuit of God with all our hearts and not wandering from his commandments.

These and so many passages draw together a love for God, his Word and obedience. Is not Christianity really that simple? Understanding who God is, a desire to love and obey him, and accepting Jesus as the only way to forgiveness and empowerment for life.In this I delight, that he loves me, initiates a relationship with me and gives me his word for protection. 

Reflections on Psalm 119: 1-8

During my recent vacation to Florida I began reading through Psalm 119 as part of my time alone with God. I have copied here some of the reflections from my journal. 

I sit on the beach at Carillon as the sun begins to arise from its nightly slumber. The waves have not slept. I know this because I heard them all night outside my window. I am overwhelmed by the greatness of God displayed in his creation. I reflect upon the loving-kindness of God. It is like these waves. It continually roles in morning and night day after day.

The text before me this morning is Psalm 119: 1-8. Here the Psalmist writes of the statutes, law and testimonies of God. There is a focus on the blessings given toward those who listen to them and obey. Why would we not?

I fear the only reason we would not follow in and delight in these are because we doubt the character of the law giver. Perhaps we do not believe he loves us enough to give us commands that lead to life. Perhaps we doubt his ability or desire to hold up his end of the bargain. Or. likely, we are just lazy. We fail to stop and to listen and then to obey.

This great God who has the power to create this great beauty is worthy of worship and obedience. He is worthy of this whether or not we receive any blessings from this obedience. Yet, blessings he promise. I pray that my life would be always firmly established on His truth. That his blessings would abound that I may turn and proclaim the excellencies of his faithfulness.

Equality of the Sexes

What do you think about the following quotation. In case you do not know the source, I will link to the article in a later post:

"Women will not be equal until the sexes have interchangeable roles, interchangeable jobs, interchangeable responsibilities...and even interchangeable identity. Equality means interchangeability. The sexes will not be "equal" until a man can metaphorically "cross-dress" as a woman and a woman as a man -  until husband and wife, mother and father are superfluous terms, and the world reflects a socialist, gender-neutral 50/50 division of labor in every sphere of life."

SCC Survey from Last Spring (2010)

OK. After posting the recent Snohomish Community Church Survey, I was asked about the results from last Spring's survey. Since the results were not published church-wide, I will post some highlights here. These were used in leadership discussions and planning for our current year. I will only post those that had to deal with our core strategy and leave out demographic questions:

We Exalt God in Worship

Our worship services are focused on God? 76% strongly agree; 20% agree; 4% neutral; 1% disagree.

I am drawn to participate in our worship services? 46% strongly agree; 38% agree; 11% neutral; 4 % disagree; 1% strongly disagree.

I would prefer a more contemporaty stle of music ? 19% strongly agree; 12% agree; 44% neutral; 15% disagree; 10% strongly disagree.

I would prefer a more traditional style of music: 16% Strongly agree; 25% agree; 36% Neutral; 15% disagree; 9% strongly disagree.

We Proclaim God's Word with Boldness

The preaching is biblically accurate: 93% strongly agree; 7% agree

The preaching is clear and communicated in a way that I get the point: 73% strongly agree; 22% agree; 5% neutral.

The preaching is engaging: 67% strongly agree: 24% agree; 7% neutral; 1% disagree

The preaching is applicable to my daily life: 65% strongly agree; 23% agree; 10% neutral; 1% disagree

We Connect People In Community

It is clear how to get connected in a small group at SCC: 39% strongly agree; 39% agree; 17% neutral; 5% disagree; 1% strongly disagree.

Are you involved in an SCC small group that encourages your spiritual growth: 58% yes; 42% no

My Small group is very important to my spiritual growth: 35% strongly agree; 34% agree; 24% neutral; 4% disagree; 3% strongly disagree.

My small group provides an atmosphere of support and care: 55% strongly agreed; 33% agreed; 10% neutral; 3% disagree.

My small group includes a focus on reaching out to others: 28% strongly agree; 34% agree; 30% neutral; 7% disagree; 1% strongly disagree.

We Empower People for Impact

I am currently serving in a ministry regularly (at least 2X month): 76% strongly agree; 13% agree; 5% neutral; 3% disagree; 2% strongly disagree.

I feel like I am serving in a ministry where I can use my gifting and passions: 69% strongly agree; 17% agree; 10% neutral; 4% disagree; 1% strongly disagree.

The Church has helped me better understand my gifts and passions in ministry: 42% strongly agree; 31% agree; 18% neutral; 6% disagree; 4% strongly disagree.

I have received appropriate training for the ministry I am involved in at SCC: 40% strongly agree; 29% agree; 23% neutral; 5% disagree; 4% strongly disagree.

We Engage Our World Through Outreach

SCC has a strong international missions focus: 55% strongly agree; 40% agree; 5%  neutral.

Our Church as a whole is appropriately involved in outreach to our community: 65% strongly agree; 31% agree; 4% neutral.

I have personally served in a community outreach this past year: 69% strongly agree; 15% agree; 5% neutral; 6% disagree; 5% strongly disagree.

I feel equipped to share my faith with those who do not yet know Christ: 43% strongly agree; 33% agree; 17% neutral; 7% disagree.

During the past 12 months I have verbally shared the gospel with a non-christian: 36% multiple times; 16% once; 32% none; 16% not sure how to answer.

We offered a couple of more questions that dealt with multi-service times and format:

If we offered an additional service another day and/or time would you attend: 62% no; 24% if on Sunday evening; 14% if on Saturday night.

Which statement best describes your preference if we offered an additional service with a different style (assuming time slot was not on issue)? 65% I would continue to attend the current service; 22% I would attend a more traditional service; 22% I would attend a more contemporary service. 

 

SCC February Congregational Survey

We recently conducted a congregational survey at Snohomish Community Church. It was helpful as we seek to address our crowded second service on Sunday morning. I thought I would post the results here for those interested. First, let me say this is not a professional survey. It has flaws. One major flaw was that it was communicated first hour for everyone to fill it out but the second hour it was stated that it was sufficient to have one per family. So, our numbers are bit skewed but still helpful. Here are some highlights from the survey:

500 total respondants (many representing a couple or family)

Question: Why do you attend the service you do? 77% indicated it had to deal with personal preference, 20% stated a programming reason and the others were varied responses.

Question: Would you regularly attend a Sunday night service (if offered) rather than Sunday morning? 414 said no; 83 said yes. Not included in the "yes" category were those who said they "might" attend or would attend occasionally.

Question: Would you regularly attend a Saturday night service (if offered) rather than Sunday morning? 392 said no; 106 said yes. Not included in the "yes" category were those who said they "might" attend or would attend occasionally.

It was interesting that a significant number of people indicated an interest in an evening service. As you well know, if we add additional services, no matter the day/time, it means a significant time investment for volunteers. We will be continuing to investigate our options. Whatever decision we make will be made both with our current attenders in consideration but also with a missional purpose to reach people we are not currently reaching. 

Thanks to all you who filled out the survey. A specific thanks for the good spirit with which you filled them out. It is a pleasure to serve with this church family.

Troubling Times?

When we face times in our lives when God seems to be silent what will be our response? Will we question the goodness? Will we question even his existence of God? Martin Luther offered in alternative in what he called simply "the theology of the cross." Do you want to know God? Do you want to know whether he loves you? Do you want to know whether he is willing to intervene in the affairs of this world on your behalf? Look at the cross.

It was there at the cross that God made known his love for the world. It was there at the cross that he made provision for sin. It was there at the cross he made access to himself available. It was there at the cross he reached out to you and to me.