Denver Exploratory Team Report

Our congregation, Westside Baptist Church, is considering an opportunity to partner with a church planter in Denver, Colorado.

With a desire to inform ourselves and reach a great degree of clarity on the issue, we sent an exploratory team to Denver last week. They investigated the opportunity and visited with the church planter and leaders on the ground.

Last night, September 28, 2014, they gave their report and unanimous recommendation that we partner with Kevin Hasenack as he moves to plant a church in Denver next year. Our church has been called to a time of prayer at the end of which we will agree as a church on what we believe God is calling us to do in this matter.

To view the video of the team's presentation, click here.

Sermon (video): "The Call of the Cross" (Luke 9:23-25)

The Gospel has been horribly distorted in Americanized Christianity. It has been repackaged so that it has all of the benefits one could desire and yet not of the responsibilities. (The Apostle Paul was so livid at folks who distorted the Gospel that he said they deserved an eternity in Hell - Galatians 1:8-9).

So, that is the Gospel and what does it demand of us?

Simply click here to view this sermon preached at Westside Baptist Church in Murray, Kentucky on September 28, 2014.

Does God speak our language?

I'm sure that as you read through the New Testament in your Bible, you notice that it talks about sons (and not daughters), brothers (and not sisters).

Newer translations add the feminine gender because we all know that the New Testament writers meant to include women. But the question of "why?" remains. Why didn't the NT writers, as God moved them to write the Bible, originally include women?

I listened to a sermon by Tim Keller recently in which he said a woman in his congregation shared some of her thoughts on this topic. What she shared made perfect sense:

In the secular society in which the Bible was written, women weren't treated as a man's equal. While we read in the Bible that men and women are equal at the foot of the cross (Galatians 3:28; 1 Peter 3:7; etc.), that was an outlandish claim in the first century. To say that the husband's duty was to love his wife sacrificially, putting her needs and desires above his own (Ephesians 5:25-31), was crazy talk. Why? Because, women were about as valuable as slaves in that time period.

So, we see over and over that the Bible elevated the value of women. Yet, at the same time, we see the New Testament writers (whose audience was men AND women) talking about sons and brothers (not daughters and sisters).

Why?

Could it be that as God moved the writers of Scripture to address the first century crowd, He desired to speak their language? Could it be that in a culture that valued sons (and not daughters), brothers (and not sisters) that God desired to leave no ambiguity regarding the value of women by referring to them as "sons" and "brothers"

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After posting the previous comments to my Facebook page, I felt the need to elaborate on the necessity of God to speak our language when He communicates with us.  So, I wrote:

In defense of my original post, I would say that communication requires two activities: 1) speaking and 2) hearing to understand. If someone speaks but does not do so in a way that others can hear and understand, true communication has not taken place.

In God's Word, He has not simply spoken. He has done so in ways that we can understand. In fact, if He had not condescended to our level, there is no way that we could fathom the eternal truths of Scripture. Further, if we couldn't understand, one could logical ask, "What's the point? Why did He even bother to pen Scripture if we cannot understand it?"

It was absolutely necessary for God to speak in ways that we could understand because...

God: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

So, in order to communicate eternal truth to us about Himself, us, our world, sin, judgment, atonement, eternity, etc., God had to speak on a level in which His hearers could understand.

Thus, we see Jesus often using agricultural themes in His parables when He was speaking to a people who were very agricultural. If He had used 21st century technology themes, it would have made no sense to His first century hearers and communication would not have taken place.

Further, we see God often using what theologians calls anthropomorphisms (ascribing human body parts to God) and anothropopathisms (ascribing human emotions to God) in Scripture. We seriously doubt that God the Father has literal arms and legs and yet Isaiah 59:1-2 says that He does. Isn’t that God simply describing Himself in a way that we can understand? We also seriously doubt that God repents/does an ‘about face’ like us. Yet, passages like Exodus 32:14; 2 Samuel 24:16; Jonah 3:10 and others say that He does. The only way we can possibly understand these passages and many others is to realize that for God to communicate with us, He needed to talk in a language and in a way that we could understand. He needed to use our language and our way of thinking.

So, this is the point I was making in my original post. God desired to communicate with us. To do so, He needed to speak our language (by speaking of "brothers" and "son" to a culture who knew exactly what He was talking about). I have listed a few other obvious ways that He has done so in Scripture. There are many others. But the point is clear – our God loved us to much that He came into our world, spoke our language, communicated in a way that we could understand so that we can come to know Him, submit to Him and enjoy Him for eternity.

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As clarification, for those who may have read my comment on God not have human body parts:

The Bible is clear that Jesus is God incarnate (in the flesh). He is God with human body parts. In fact, I believe that when we see an Old Testament human figure that is ascribed deity (see Genesis 18:1-3ff; Daniel 3:24-25; etc.) that we are looking at Jesus.

Further, when we look into the future (eternity) and we realize that as Jesus ascended into Heaven He took his resurrection body (Acts 1:9-11), we are led to believe that Jesus will maintain His bodily form in Heaven.

Yet, God the Father still seems shrouded in mystery. His ways and thoughts are so high above us that we cannot possibly comprehend Him. That being the case, it was absolutely necessary for God to send His Son to us because Jesus is the One who shows us what God is like (John 14:9; Hebrews 1:3; etc.).

Again, this gets back to my original point. God the Father is so far above us that in order to communicate to us who He is and what He's like, He needed to speak in a way that we could hear and understand. So, He sent Jesus into our world. Jesus was God's communication to us (communication requires words so it is significant that Jesus is called "The Word")...

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

Sermon (video): "The Incredible Spirit-Filled Life" (Ephesians 5:18-21)

Ephesians 5:18 commands every follower of Jesus to be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:22 and following provide instruction for how to behave in our relationships regarding husbands and wives, parents and children, employees and employers, (and, by extension, virtually ever other relationship).

In between those two sections, God's Word tells us how being filled with the Holy Spirit helps us to glorify God in our relationships. It provides three character traits that are evident in every Spirit-filled person.

To view the sermon, simply click here.

A war in our minds...

In my Bible reading this morning, I reflected on 2 Corinthians 10. When I came to verses 3-6 it was almost as if I could see the battlefield, hear the artillery fire, smell the pungent odor of smoke, and hear officers barking commands to their troops. The scene is vivid ...

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (New Living Translation)

"We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ."

The imagery that God through the Apostle Paul paints in our minds is powerful!

But, as we reflect on this scene, we realize that God's Word is not talking about a literal battle. It's not talking about actual soldiers.

This text points out that all of us are in a battle ... every day. And the battlefront isn't some landscape in a far-off land. It's in our minds. It's in our heart. It's in the realm of ideas and convictions.

Who (or what) is the enemy? Simply, any idea or worldview that doesn't conform to the teachings of Scripture.

There could not be a clearer text that points to the seriousness with which we need to engage in Bible study and the development of a biblical worldview.

With a growing knowledge of God's Word that takes deep root in our minds and transforms our thinking (Romans 12:2), we must see to it that any thought in our minds that doesn't conform to Scripture should be attacked. We should defeat it and put some Scripture there (through memorization and meditation) to take it's place.

Also, we are called to be salt and light (these influence their surroundings - Matthew 5:13-16) so we must also realize that the Apostle Paul, in this text, was really talking about someone else's worldview. The Corinthians had some things wrong. Paul sought to correct it. As a Christian, a person of influence, Paul recognized that he needed to teach and correct the Christians in Corinth so that their thinking/worldview could be rescued from the enemy.

So, today, spend time in God's Word.
Realize that you study God's Word to transform the way you think (Romans 12:2).
Be willing to tactfully, compassionately speak God's Word into situations today that need to be conformed to His Word.

Sermon (video): "Knowing God - An Introduction"

St. Augustine once said of God, "You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You."

That is so true. The greatest joy the human heart can know comes from encountering its God.

But, to enjoy God, we must first know Him. Unfortunately, too many Christians don't study their Bibles and so their knowledge of God is sadly incomplete.

This sermon points out the disparity of the knowledge of God among Jesus-followers. It further notes that God is worth the struggle and then ends with some ways that we can come to know and enjoy Him. 

Click here to view the sermon. 

This is the first in a series of sermons on "Knowing God" and was preached at Westside Baptist Church in Murray, Kentucky on Sunday evening, September 15, 2014.

How correction reveals whether we are wise or fools

Do you like it when someone corrects you? No? Neither do I.

It's painful. It's humbling (sometimes humiliating).

My pride is typically responsible for my negative response. I want to think that I measure up to other folks' standards. I don't want to think that there is any reason at all for others to look down on me. I have my sinful self-pride, after all.

But, let's admit it. None of us is perfect. All of us struggle with sin, bad habits, and simple oversights.

Let's also admit that we all have blind spots. There are plenty of things in our life that are messed up ... and we don't even know it. If others don't tell us, we'll continue to look foolish or may rob God of an opportunity to glorify Him.

So, like it or not, we need others to periodically correct us.

One more thing: the Bible tells us who is worthy of correction. No, it's not based on who needs it. It's based upon who will receive it.

The Bible tells us that some people shouldn't get corrected because they are beyond help and won't listen no matter how compassionate and humble the correction. They'll get angry. They'll cut off relationships and never speak again to the one who corrected them. They may even seek retaliation.

Proverbs 9:7-8 (New Living Translation)

"Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you."

God doesn't tip-toe around the truth here. It's as clear as crystal. We are either wise or wicked mockers based upon how we receive correction.

So, which one is it? And what adjustments might we need to make based upon God's correction?

God gives us the leaders we deserve

Oftentimes, folks may not like the governmental leaders who are over them. Yet, that only brings out a biblical truth - God is the one who installs the leaders. Sure, our nation is one where we get to vote on who our leaders will be. But ultimately, God is working out His plan and determines who the leaders will be. And, God often gives a nation the leaders they deserve, not necessarily who they want.

Romans 13:1 "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." 

So, this truth tells me at least one thing: If we are discontented with our current leadership and the trajectory of our nation, there is more involved than simply letting our voice be heard at the ballot box. It also requires a change of heart. Because, based upon our nation's moral atmosphere and relationship with the God of all Creation, God will give us exactly who we deserve.

There are certainly more than a few who are discontented with our nation's leadership and the direction our nation is heading. But, there remains other questions: What are you doing to change our nation's heart? Are you sharing the Gospel? Are you returning good for evil? Are you being salt and light in your communities? Are you praying for your nation and her leaders?

If not, don't worry about the leadership. God will take care of that. We'll get exactly who we deserve.

Praying for a President we may not like or agree with...

When I was in a college, I owned an old '82 Datsun 200SX. Initially, I loved the car but then it developed some problems. I took it to the mechanic and they told me that the problem was electrical. For them to identify and fix the problem would cost more than the car was worth. So, instead of getting it fixed, I worked with it. Many mornings, I would get into the car with a full day's schedule ahead of me, put the key in the ignition ... and nothing happened. I turned the key again ... and the engine made a noise. In my mind (sometimes with my mouth), I encouraged the engine: "C'mon. You can do this! You're doing good. C'mon, let's get this day going. There you go. Ok, you can do this."

Maybe you aren't a fan of our current President. I am not. But, I realize that the Bible I read and strive to abide by tells me that I should pray for him regularly (1 Timothy 2:1-4). I must also realize that his fate is tide to my own. I may not like the bus driver who is transporting me from one location to another but I may find myself praying that he would get me there safely. His fate is tied to my own.

For this and many more reasons, we need to lift up our President in prayer right now. On the anniversary of 9/11, our President has authorized airstrikes on an enemy that needs to be annihilated. Yet, in doing so, we may bring much harm upon ourselves. These are days when true leadership is needed. Regardless of what we think of him, we must pray that God would lead him to make right decisions in these dark days … and then follow through on those right decisions.

It is dangerous to know very little about God

One Bible truth that is known
believed by followers of Jesus as well as those who do not submit to His authority is that God is love. Even folks who are lost, as long as they suspect that there is a God in Heaven, believe Him to be a benevolent, kind, loving God.

 

 

Well, that is certainly true. Our God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). And the more we dig into God's Word, the more we come to realize just how much He loves us. It's an incredible, liberating truth!

But, if folks believe that God's love is essentially the only quality He has, then there will be all sorts of problems that arise. For instance, some will think that it is a license to sin. They can live however they want because, after all, God is going to love them regardless. They will presume upon God's grace and forgiveness because their view of him is that He is nothing but a big teddy bear, essentially harmless, always overlooking everything.

Well, as with everything else, the Bible always presents balance. One truth can be distorted or at least misunderstood if we don't put it in juxtaposition (side-by-side) with the other truths.

For instance, Deuteronomy 4:24 says: "The LORD your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God." This is the sort of verse that will never be heard in many of the self-help, man-centered, positivity churches led by pastors who are more interested in drawing the crowds than exalting Jesus.

Yet, the Bible tells us that this is what God is like so we cannot ignore it. He is a God that should not be trifled with. He takes sin seriously. As a good judge, He cannot let the guilty go free ... and He won't. He will also claim full possession of what and who belongs to Him.

But, it is possible for folks to focus primarily on these "hard" attributes of God and neglect the love of God. In doing so, they come up with a religion that is based on fear and rules that must be abided by.

The key is always balance. God is a holy God, One who takes sin seriously and claims full ownership over what belongs to Him. Yet, at the same time, His love 1) in particular for what/who belongs to Him and 2) in general for the world is so vast that it is humanly impossibly to fully understand it.

It is only as we come to understand and believe ALL that the Word of God has to say about Him that we can truly come to know Him. And knowing, really knowing and enjoying God is the only ultimate remedy for the longing in our souls.

The purpose of God's comfort

Life is tough. Sometimes, life is downright painful.

But, for the follower of Jesus, there is comfort to be had. As we cry out to Him, we can experience comfort (yes, in the face of trials) that comes from fellowship with Him, knowing that He is fully in control and that He has promised to work out even the bad stuff for our ultimate good (making us more like Him - Romans 8:28-29).

So, is our personal Christian life an end in itself? Do we simply get from God only for our benefit? Hardly.

As God provides us with comfort in the face of trial, one of the many outcomes He desires is that we comfort others. He wants us to share with others how we have found Him to be faithful in our time of trial and then to assure others that He can do the same for them.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (New Living Translation)

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

Will you be open to comforting someone today?

So many folks would rather talk about themselves than listen to others. In doing so, they rob themselves of the opportunity to hear others' stories and provide the needed words of comfort. Today, desire to listen, empathize, and as God leads you provide the comforting words that are needed.

Sermon (video): "Living a Life that Counts" (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Isn't there more to life than simply being born, going to school, getting a job, getting married, having kids, retiring and dying? The Biblical answer to that is a resounding "Yes!" We can live the moments of each of our days on purpose so that at the end of our life, we hear our Lord say, "Well done!"

Yet, a purposeful life doesn't just happen. It takes intentionality. It takes prioritizing. It takes discovering what matters to Jesus. But, it's possible for those who will dig into God's Word and put it into practice. Listen to this sermon as Pastor Matt unpacks some of the truths in Ephesians 5:15-17.

To view the sermon, click here.

To access the sermon notes, click here.