I sincerely hope you have enjoyed the Gospel According To Mark as much as I have. Throughout our study of Mark and the Jesus Style, I have learned some very important key things that I have tried to pass on to you. I sincerely believe that we leave this study knowing Jesus Christ better than when we started. Next week will be our final study in the Life of Christ and Jesus Style.
After leaving the Gospel According To Mark, we will venture into a subject that is near and dear to my heart. We will be moving to Evangelism and what it means to be a Contagious Christian. The world is full of people who proclaim to follow Christ but today’s culture is crying out to actually see and experience Christ. Many who claim to follow Jesus sincerely love Him but have no idea how to reach today’s culture with the Good News. The methods and tools my father used to evangelize before I was born no longer produce mass results. The same is true today. Our methods and tools today will not carry the same effect 50 years from now. As the body of Christ, we must learn to adapt to the culture while maintaining the purity of the message.
The Apostle Paul set the example for relating to a culture the message of Christ while in Athens as recorded in the Acts 17. Over the next several weeks, as we study what it means to be a Contagious Christian, we will repeatedly come back to Paul and his methods.
When we began the Gospel According To Mark, I mentioned that it was a wonderful Gospel to use for evangelistic efforts. Now that we have explored this tool for evangelism, we will make our way into the exploration of a few more tools. I want to challenge you to be in prayer for this coming study and that God will open your mind and clarify your thoughts. I want to challenge you to bring an eager attitude that is willing to learn and be stretched. I hope you will join us as we learn how to more effectively reach the world!
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
ARE YOU AMAZED?
“There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home!” It is truly great to be back home again in Watertown, New York with my wife and church family! Dallas was great (despite the rain and cold weather I seemed to take with me) and Greg’s wedding was beautiful. As much fun as my short trip was, it is always a wonderful feeling to be back where you belong and to be back in the swing of things. Thank you to everyone who preached and taught while I was absent! I have heard nothing but wonderful things concerning last Sunday!
As we near the conclusion of our study of the Life of Christ and Jesus Style, this Sunday is a very special benchmark. We find many throughout the New Testament who marvel at Jesus Christ, His character, and what He accomplished for those who would follow Him. Jesus had a history of “jaw-dropping” as He went from city to city preaching the Kingdom of God. His miracles, teachings, and style were completely different from all those who have gone before. Jesus challenged the way the first century viewed God and the Messiah. The secret is, Jesus still challenges us today! I pray that your view of God has come to be more Biblical throughout these last few months. I pray that your view of our Messiah and His style has changed to more accurately represent who Jesus Christ really was and is. Jesus was a “radical” in the first century, and continues to be one today. I want to encourage you to refrain from putting Christ into a box of our preconceived ideas and misconceptions.
This morning we are focusing on how amazing Christ is and what that means for our lives. Often times we cease to be amazed by Jesus. We often fall into the same rut and forget the awesome power Christ brought to this world. When we cease to be amazed by Christ, we declare (intentionally or not) that there is nothing special about this man Jesus. When we don’t live out a life of one who has been amazed we discredit His claim to change lives. When was the last time you were amazed by Jesus Christ?
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
As we near the conclusion of our study of the Life of Christ and Jesus Style, this Sunday is a very special benchmark. We find many throughout the New Testament who marvel at Jesus Christ, His character, and what He accomplished for those who would follow Him. Jesus had a history of “jaw-dropping” as He went from city to city preaching the Kingdom of God. His miracles, teachings, and style were completely different from all those who have gone before. Jesus challenged the way the first century viewed God and the Messiah. The secret is, Jesus still challenges us today! I pray that your view of God has come to be more Biblical throughout these last few months. I pray that your view of our Messiah and His style has changed to more accurately represent who Jesus Christ really was and is. Jesus was a “radical” in the first century, and continues to be one today. I want to encourage you to refrain from putting Christ into a box of our preconceived ideas and misconceptions.
This morning we are focusing on how amazing Christ is and what that means for our lives. Often times we cease to be amazed by Jesus. We often fall into the same rut and forget the awesome power Christ brought to this world. When we cease to be amazed by Christ, we declare (intentionally or not) that there is nothing special about this man Jesus. When we don’t live out a life of one who has been amazed we discredit His claim to change lives. When was the last time you were amazed by Jesus Christ?
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Sunday, March 15, 2009
THOUGHTS FROM DALLAS
As you read this, I am currently in Dallas, Texas waiting to board a flight back to the great, white north! I was given the privilege to attend and participate in my best friend’s wedding this weekend. It was truly a wonderful experience and comforting to know that God has plans for Greg and his wife. I hope one day you will receive the blessing of hearing this wonderful man of God speak in our congregation!
Today is a very special day for the Watertown Church of Christ and I am saddened that I am unable to attend. We have two wonderful speakers and a wonderful teacher leading the congregation in my absence. This morning, brother Christ Burkhart will be teaching Mark chapter 12 in our adult Bible class. This truly is a wonderful chapter of the Gospel According to Mark and will prove to have real application and insight for our walk with Christ in today’s culture. Sunday morning, Paul Slayko will be bringing our message concerning a very important part of Mark 9 and I know you will enjoy what he has diligently prepared. I have seen bits and pieces of this lesson and you are truly in for a treat. Last, but not by any means least, Joe LaClair will be bringing our Sunday evening sermon. I know we are always excited to hear Joe share God’s word with us and I look forward to this opportunity for you to be enriched by Joe’s study.
As you know, there are a few of us going to Honduras. What a wonderful proclamation for the Watertown Church of Christ to be sending some of its own to do the work of our Lord and Savior. If you would like to support those going to Honduras financially, see me (Josh) and I can give you more information next week. I know what a blessing this small, yet effective, group will be to the Hondurans. I have spoken with Wilmer (the Honduran director) and he is already planning for us and very excited about this trip! Please be thinking about how you can get involved and support our missionaries this summer! Also, remember to be encouraging those of us who are going and continually praying for us!
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Today is a very special day for the Watertown Church of Christ and I am saddened that I am unable to attend. We have two wonderful speakers and a wonderful teacher leading the congregation in my absence. This morning, brother Christ Burkhart will be teaching Mark chapter 12 in our adult Bible class. This truly is a wonderful chapter of the Gospel According to Mark and will prove to have real application and insight for our walk with Christ in today’s culture. Sunday morning, Paul Slayko will be bringing our message concerning a very important part of Mark 9 and I know you will enjoy what he has diligently prepared. I have seen bits and pieces of this lesson and you are truly in for a treat. Last, but not by any means least, Joe LaClair will be bringing our Sunday evening sermon. I know we are always excited to hear Joe share God’s word with us and I look forward to this opportunity for you to be enriched by Joe’s study.
As you know, there are a few of us going to Honduras. What a wonderful proclamation for the Watertown Church of Christ to be sending some of its own to do the work of our Lord and Savior. If you would like to support those going to Honduras financially, see me (Josh) and I can give you more information next week. I know what a blessing this small, yet effective, group will be to the Hondurans. I have spoken with Wilmer (the Honduran director) and he is already planning for us and very excited about this trip! Please be thinking about how you can get involved and support our missionaries this summer! Also, remember to be encouraging those of us who are going and continually praying for us!
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Saturday, March 7, 2009
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
It’s interesting to me how many times the Bible uses the term “sheep” when referring to God’s people. At times, one feels almost insulted at the idea that those who follow God are considered to be sheep. Growing up, my sister used to have some sheep. These truly are some of the dumbest animals I have ever seen. They have no idea what they are doing and would come just short of opening a lions mouth and jumping in to make it easier on the predator. Having said all of that, I understand the beauty of this imagery and the depth of meaning it carries for those who are God’s children. More importantly, I have come to understand the meaning of having a “good shepherd” opposed to a poor one.
David was known as a shepherd. In fact, he was called in from the field when he was chosen for kingship. This would prove to allude to a messiah who would come much later and save God’s people. In light of all of this, Psalm 23 stands out to be one of the most beautiful passages in the Old Testament. David penned a psalm that pointed to the man we now know as Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior!
Jesus leads us to gentle water and green pasture. Notice that we are not forced to follow but are lead. Jesus does not drive the herd of sheep but walks before it, giving the flock a point of reference. A shepherd would file the sheep into the sheep pen overnight and would lay across the gate so that anyone or anything wishing to enter must go through him. A shepherd would also defend his sheep against wild animals and thieves and would go to find even one sheep who strayed from the flock. Jesus, being the good shepherd that he is, does the same for us. He laid his life down for you and me. He tends the gate and requires entrance through Him if we wish to enter the sheep fold. Jesus presents humanity with the opportunity to have a fulfilled life and green pasture. Jesus offers us eternity...we only need enter through the gatekeeper. Have you entered through the Good Shepherd?
David was known as a shepherd. In fact, he was called in from the field when he was chosen for kingship. This would prove to allude to a messiah who would come much later and save God’s people. In light of all of this, Psalm 23 stands out to be one of the most beautiful passages in the Old Testament. David penned a psalm that pointed to the man we now know as Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior!
Jesus leads us to gentle water and green pasture. Notice that we are not forced to follow but are lead. Jesus does not drive the herd of sheep but walks before it, giving the flock a point of reference. A shepherd would file the sheep into the sheep pen overnight and would lay across the gate so that anyone or anything wishing to enter must go through him. A shepherd would also defend his sheep against wild animals and thieves and would go to find even one sheep who strayed from the flock. Jesus, being the good shepherd that he is, does the same for us. He laid his life down for you and me. He tends the gate and requires entrance through Him if we wish to enter the sheep fold. Jesus presents humanity with the opportunity to have a fulfilled life and green pasture. Jesus offers us eternity...we only need enter through the gatekeeper. Have you entered through the Good Shepherd?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
QUESTIONS
A famous proverb says, "Whoever asks a question may appear to be a fool for the moment, but whoever fails to consistently ask questions will remain a fool for life." How can we obey God if we do not even know what He wants from us and where He is leading us? Growing up, I recall always being told to ask questions. When I would apologize for asking, I would hear my teacher say “never be sorry for asking…that is the way we learn.” No matter what you want to do or learn, you must ask questions if you wish to be successful. It is true that there are no stupid questions! A question is just a question. It is a probing for clarification. We must all continue to ask God questions. If we are going to obey God’s Word, we must continually ask Him questions.
As a youth minister, I used to hear from concerned parents from time to time about the questions their children were asking. Many times they are curious where they received these questions or why they are asking them. My response was simple: "they want to learn." Questioning is a healthy exercise when we want to follow a teaching or way of life. How are we to follow what we don’t understand? Jesus was found as a boy in the temple asking questions to the elders who sat with him. The questions and understanding Jesus had amazed all who heard. We too must ask questions!
If you walk through life and never ask a question or question yourself, you are not walking wisely. If you rebuke those who question parts of the Bible, their faith, or God, you are hindering their growth. It is natural to be afraid of the questions your teenage may ask about God. It is natural to be afraid of the questions you may find yourself asking. But remember, your teenager and you as an individual are growing through these questions. Jesus asked over 300 questions in the four gospels. Countless stories in both the New and Old Testaments revolve around those who have questioned circumstances or even God. If we suppress our questions or the questions of others, it is as if we don’t believe God can answer them for Himself.
I pray that you never stop asking questions. When an individual stops asking questions, they stop learning. When a child stops asking questions, they cease to understand. When the body of Christ becomes content and stops exploring questions, it dies and strays from the Bible! What good questions have you asked lately?
As a youth minister, I used to hear from concerned parents from time to time about the questions their children were asking. Many times they are curious where they received these questions or why they are asking them. My response was simple: "they want to learn." Questioning is a healthy exercise when we want to follow a teaching or way of life. How are we to follow what we don’t understand? Jesus was found as a boy in the temple asking questions to the elders who sat with him. The questions and understanding Jesus had amazed all who heard. We too must ask questions!
If you walk through life and never ask a question or question yourself, you are not walking wisely. If you rebuke those who question parts of the Bible, their faith, or God, you are hindering their growth. It is natural to be afraid of the questions your teenage may ask about God. It is natural to be afraid of the questions you may find yourself asking. But remember, your teenager and you as an individual are growing through these questions. Jesus asked over 300 questions in the four gospels. Countless stories in both the New and Old Testaments revolve around those who have questioned circumstances or even God. If we suppress our questions or the questions of others, it is as if we don’t believe God can answer them for Himself.
I pray that you never stop asking questions. When an individual stops asking questions, they stop learning. When a child stops asking questions, they cease to understand. When the body of Christ becomes content and stops exploring questions, it dies and strays from the Bible! What good questions have you asked lately?
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