Just if I'd

Romans 5
What a packed chapter. I am reminded of Halim Suh’s sermon he did at Austin Stone when we were gathering as a CORE team and attending there last year.

12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—

In his sermon he said, either you fall under the headship of Adam (sinful state) or the headship of Christ (justified state) . We are all born under the headship of Adam… and it’s the sin of Adam that is over all men. This is why we are born with a sinful nature. Christ came to die for “the sinful nature” of individuals who will receive him….not a particular sin.

16Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification.

I praise God that His economy included redeeming sinners like me. Sin is a personal offense to God…yet he loves us unconditionally through it. Jesus came so that we could become justified… (Just if I’d never sinned) Corny stuff you learn teaching youth for so long…..sorry.

Woe to the Bride!

Romans 4:14-15 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

This scripture is pretty clear, apart from faith…there is no joint heirship with God. It wasn’t Abrahams adherence to the law that justified him…it was his faith in God.

I have just finished a book that has really challenged everything I am, as a believer….”They Like Jesus but not the Church” by Dan Kimball. The book basically sets forth the Chasms between non-believers and Christ. There was once believed to be a single chasm and that was sin….Kimball supposes that there is one more chasm and that is the church.

Isn’t it sad that the very “bride of Christ” is so distasteful to non-believers that….she isn’t even attractive to them. I believe after reading this book that we (the church) have become so caught up in the laws (legalism) that we forget about the faith part (loving and welcoming others).

I know every church and family is different…and at the risk of painting with an extremely broad brush….I see families that have close themselves off from non-believers in the church. They are judgmental and harsh toward the very people Christ came to save….and we acts as though….these non-believers must not be “the elect”. Woe to us Pharisees….us hypocrites!

Grounded

Romans 3:27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

What do I have to be arrogant about? Paul makes it very clear that there is none righteous…not even one. Apart from faith, observing the law or adhering to codes, attendance in church, or abstaining from any behavior doesn’t cut it. So….if there is nothing that I can do…..then what I do have brag about….besides the Cross of Jesus?

God, please keep me grounded….aware of my own shortcomings, and always in constant fellowship with you. I want to be found faithful in the things that you give you pleasure, in the things that honor you and bring you glory. I am sorry when I elevate the very abilities you have given me….to the point where they hinder my witness.

Legalism and Spiritual Arrogance

Romans 2 speaks to spiritual arrogance. There are those who believe they have it all figured out….I am the opposite of them. My opinion, spiritual arrogance and legalism go hand in hand. (maybe I still have some legalism….but I’m working on it)

Legalism is rampant in the church today. Whether you are talking about drinking, perfect Sunday school/ church attendance, bible study, rated R movies, cigars or clothing. Heck some churches and even pastors look down on other churches for not being “deep enough”, not “running as many people in worship, or style. Calvinists look down on Armenians…. Liberals look down on Conservatives Seminary Graduates look down on those without seminary degrees.

The closer look you get sometimes the uglier the picture is….I just want to be found faithful in the task I have have been given to do.

Benton made varsity golf team for Hays High School yesterday…and after he did, he said “ I bet none of my other friends make varsity sports their freshman year” while true…..I reminded him to remain humble. I know, this is a very very cool moment for Benton, he hasn’t had a whole lot of victories in his short time in Buda, so this one was especially sweet. Maybe that is the inclination of someone who doesn’t have many victories, to boast in the ones that they do have……I don’t drink, I don’t cuss….I don’t run with those that do. I have my Calvinist views…and you are wrong, because God isn’t a liar.
I am a bit leery of guys who have it all figured out….I don’t know, maybe they are just very off putting.

Obviously Paul redirects the Jews here in Romans…..to remember that the law they judge by will be used to judge them….that even their thoughts are known….and what you conceal, inside you is just as condemnable than the outward actions.

No Distinction

Acts 28:31Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is not surprising that Paul spoke boldly and without hindrance. I think about the opportunities that he had, the numbers of people who had heard he was coming….to the curiosity seekers, to fellow Jews. He used his arrest to his advantage and taught all day long in his own home.

My prayer for me as a Christ Follower is be found the same as Paul. Making no distinction in who hears the message and welcoming all, using whatever platform I have, never using an excuse, and glorifying God in all circumstances. Wouldn’t it be great for that to be our legacy…that we boldly, without hindrance… taught the message of Jesus to everyone.

Amazement Business Time

Acts 27:21-22"Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.

How would this have made you feel?…..Paul was neither in charge of the ship or these men. Yet he did take the opportunity to encourage them, after he said…..”I told you so”.

Paul’s calmness and strength in the storm coupled with his boldness shows his resolve. He wasn’t frightened, because he had faith that God would deliver him as He said He would.

Last night, Brandon talked about God in the amazement business….and Paul wouldn’t sell God short. I’m sure looking as the situation..I bet Paul thought to himself, this isn’t going to be a day in the park, but I bet its going to be amazing.

One of the phenomenon that occurs in countries where we send missionaries are events that can only be described as miracles. God reveals himself to those who are searching in various ways….and to some who aren’t searching (much like Paul). Missionaries come to the US with amazing stories of miracle after miracle and God revealing himself amid chaos. The first question Americans have is …..why not here? I believe, like Brandon said, God is still in the amazement and the miracle business….even in the US, but we aren’t “available” to see where and how God is moving. We have so many distractions, so many things fighting for our time, that we miss some of Gods miracles on display.

Prayer for David Kennedy

Please be praying for a friend I knew prior to launching ANC here in Austin.

David was a carpet rep for me while I was in Corpus..and he lives in Austin and has been attending our church, when he is able. Prior to us moving here, he called me and asked for prayers concerning his cancer. He has good weeks and bad weeks and was apparently getting some good reports and looking forward to getting off the chemotherapy....anyway, I got this email from his wife this morning;

Tray, I wanted to forward this to you to let you know
what is going on with David and ask you to put him on
the prayer list.
thanks, Lori

Thank you all for your prayers. David was
misdiagnosed by the family practice doctor. It is not
pneumonia it is a pulmonary embolism ( blood clot in
his lung). This means we are extremely fortunate
(thanks be to God) that he is alive. For all
practical reasoning, this will, as the doctor put it
"drop you like a fly". They started him immediately
on blood thinners and he will have to take shots every
day for 6 months and go in on every Mon., Wed., and
Fri. to have his blood checked. Thanks be to God it
was caught and thank you all for your prayers. Please
continue to send prayers as I see our road to recovery
is not as near as I had thought.
thank you, Lori

This precious couple (Lori and David) has a young son Davis and they are all in need of fervent prayer. Please join me in praying for them.

James 5:13-16 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Empowered Ambassadors

Acts 26:28Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"

29Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."

I love Paul’s response. This is the essence of selflessness. Paul recognizes that God story in Jesus is due a response, that the Gospel elicits some sort of decision. Henry Blackaby in his book Experiencing God say that “one cannot experience (or enter the presence of) God and remain unchanged.”

I pray for us…..that we recognize that power, and that we allow ourselves access to it, God’s power through his Holy Spirit. WE are not simply witnesses, we are empowered ambassadors. Much like Paul, who was told directly by God, we carry the same charge. As Christ said is Matt 28, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
Jesus said to make disciples, to become followers, to die daily, to live as I have lived and love as I have loved….not just those who you think deserve…but those especially who you think DON’T deserve grace. And not just your neighbors, but people far away.

In His Steps

Acts 25:18When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.

22Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear this man myself." He replied, "Tomorrow you will hear him."

Here is a model for us. For as smart as Paul was..the laws that he knew….the Gospel remains quite simple. I know a man named Jesus….who lived, who died, and who lives again. This is the story Agrippa wants to hear.

Paul’s live was changed, saved yet ruined, once he met Jesus. All he had lived for, all he had acquired, the reputation he had built for himself, the course he had laid out for his life…..turned on a dime the moment he met Jesus. Paul models Matt 10:39 here…”Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

He sits in prison, accused by the very same people who he appeased, answering to the same Jews that cheered his former ruthlessness.

The challenge is here. Do we tell the story or not? I read a book called, interestingly enough, “In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?” first published in 1896 that chronicles the paths of several people who take the challenge of a local pastor to live like Jesus. From the newspaper man (who no longer ran liquor store ads) to the housewife to the business man. These people took up the challenge to live life, as best they could, answering the question on EVERY decision they made, What Would Jesus Do? Then do that very thing. I would suppose that if each of us did this very thing, that it would change our lives, the course of our lives, our jobs and our families, much like Paul’s.

Ready for Rome

I wonder how much the boldness of Paul was bolstered by his encounter with God….or how much it was bolstered by his realization that this Sanhedrin could nor would ever do anything to him. Sure they may lock him up…but the real power was in Rome. As awe-inspiring as my thoughts of this “Supreme Court” have been…I realized today, that as a ‘religious body” they weren’t going to impose death, and were really only concerned with legalistic adherence to Jewish law, yet they themselves were divided against one another.

Funny part about it….is that even they themselves knew that the only way for anything to happen, was to work outside the system.

Acts 23:20-21"The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. Don't give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request."

Paul, a Pharisee..and a citizen of Rome…was virtually bulletproof in this court. I’m quite sure God used this experience to tune Paul’s skills, and do a dressed rehearsal for Rome. The Lord tells Paul in verse 11,” "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

Then God orchestrates, without Paul’s revelation to anyone about testifying there…..for Paul to be shipped off to Rome, the next night.

God, where you have called us, you always make a way. Allow us to hear from you…and be bold and courageous for you. Let us be attentive and responsive.

Blood of Martyr

Acts 22:19-20" 'Lord,' I replied, 'these men know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.'

Grace itself isn’t cheap….the blood of Jesus was shed for my sins, and the sins of every believer. Jesus blood was shed for liars, thieves, adulterers, and yes even murderers. Like Jen said last night, Jesus makes no distinction between sins or sinners, He loves us all and ultimately died for all.

Here is a strange picture I was seeing as I read this passage this morning. I imagined Stephen and Paul….in heaven next to each other…. singing a song similar to the one we sang last night….”Holy is the Lord….Holy is the Lord….Who was and is and is to come” weeping…both forgiven…both glorifying God.

Father…thank you for an awesome time in your presence last night….thanks for the awesome gift you’ve given us. Forgive us when we do nothing with it. Forgive us when we quench your Holy Spirit and act contrary to the way you’d have us act. Give us boldness, courage and wisdom to live missionally. Give us non-Christian friends and encounters, break our hearts with what breaks yours, make us aware and uncomfortable and use us…for your Glory.

Strange thought

I am reading, "They Like Jesus, but Not the Church" by Dan Kimball, and I had a strange revelation. What was said in the book was " Jesus didn't come to build small communities of people who complain about the outside world...but rather to send them out in the Power of the Holy Spirit...to live missional lives".
I've also heard the Rev. Billy Graham say something to the effect of 80% of those in church....might not be saved. (It may have even been in Baptist Churches) But those coupled with what I know about the Christian Bubble, and home schoolers...etc. lead me to believe that churches aren't even a haven for Christians....maybe they are just a haven for scared people. (without the Holy Spirit)
If they were Christians, saved by grace....they'd be filled with the Holy Spirit...and that would manifest itself in living like the disciples and apostles of old.... missional in their living. Maybe somewhere along the way, churches just became a safe place to raise a family. Maybe churches are an extension of a nice neighborhood, good schools, the right crowd.....mercy.
Remember the days of Revivals....where a church would catch fire....tons would get saved and the Holy Spirit would fill the people, the church and the community? What happened to those? I know they sound 'old school' and maybe something has taken their place....but I want Revival to sweep through our churches, our communities, and our country.

Led by the Spirit

Acts 20:22"And now, compelled by the Spirit…..

whatever Paul would have said…whatever Paul would have done, would be good.

Lots of things compel us men…..money, fame, our wives, our kids, status, desires….not all bad things either. But where I want to be found, what I desire to be, is constantly compelled by the Spirit.
How do we get to that point? How can we not get overrun by our own agendas? How can pride not rear its ugly head and make us do and say things that are contrary to the Spirit and divisive to God’s church.
I think Paul, more than I, realized his dependence on God for everything. He called himself chief of sinners, recognizing his dependence on God’s grace to save him. He traveled, compelled by the Spirit….sensitive to what HE (the Spirit) was saying. Recognizing that prison was in his future, but not shrinking back from what he was CALLED by God (HIS REVELATION) to do, which is the same thing we are all called to do.
Spread the Gospel.

Think about that, a lot of us shrink back from sharing our faith, because it is uncomfortable, people may look at us weird, people will label us, our pride. Paul was led by God….but also informed by God that prison was in his future….but he never waivered…because he was led by the Spirit.

God's revelation is not only his message, but His method. AND... not only his method once and for all....otherwise Paul would not have to be constantly compelled by the Spirit. He would have gotten one word....and lived the rest of his life. Constantly being compelled by God's Holy Spirit, allows us to adapt our methods as things change. What worked as our method 10 years ago is way different than what works today. The Message remains the same....and it has an will though history....but we change, Paul changed his method, depending on who he was talking to, and the circumstances he found himself in.

I wonder if sometimes...if the course I take, if its of me or of God. Is there a way to gauge the bi-products (fruits) around me to tell? I wonder if i would be bold enough to change course, compelled by the Spirit, even it meant admitting I was wrong. As sinful, fallen, prideful men....sometimes its way easier to stay the course knowing we are wrong, suffer the consequences than it is to just admit, we are wrong. Why is that?
God, allow your Spirit to lead me, compel me, go before me. I want to be found faithful of the task you have given every believer. God, give us at ANC clear vision, clear purpose and guide us in what we do and how we do it. God be with my friends at Yorktown….as they are in a transitionary time. Give them your revelation (for now), your vision (for now) , your purpose (for now) and allow them to be unified as ONE. Give us all boldness and wisdom.

Re-baptizing

Acts 19:4-6 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Two separate events….Water and Holy Spirit Baptisms. Were the disciples saved prior to their Baptism in the Holy Spirit?

They had not yet heard that there was a Holy Spirit and that they should receive it. But once they did, they wanted to be baptized and filled.

I find it awesome that we have so many Catholics and other faith backgrounds at ANC. One of the questions we will answer is, “Do you think I should be re-baptized?” after I come to saving knowledge of the Lord…..and undoubtedly the answer is yes. The answer is, and has always been in the churches that I attended, that baptism should occur on the correct side of salvation. But I believe this texts backs that up.

Here we see incomplete believers….who have heard the good news to a point, but don’t know the power of Jesus nor have they accepted the abiding presence of Jesus in the Holy Spirit.

God, I want more of you…I want to you continually be filling me with your Holy Spirit. I do not want to settle for an occasional douse of the Spirit, but an outpouring of the overflowing presence of Him.

Rest of the Story....

Acts 18:24-26Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

I take heart, in that, a learned guy like Apollos could learn from a couple of church planters like Pricilla and Aquila. One thing they did, that they didn’t correct him in public. They had him over and explained that he (Apollos) had it right as far ‘he knew’ but that….like the great theologian, Paul Harvey would say….there was the REST of the story….

Title Fight

Athens seemed to be the center for philosophy and thinkers of the day. And here comes Paul, an educated Jew and Phairsee, newly anointed and consecrated by God. It just seems and has the smell of a heavyweight title fight.
It is with this that he stood before the Areopagus which is the overseers of everything 'religious' and they wanted to hear what Paul had to say...and with conviction he said,
Acts 17:24"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands."

And as Paul left...one of the members of this uppity council joined as a follower of Paul.

I pray that we arent intimidated by those who claim to be wise, free thinking, New Age, secularists...but that we boldly proclaim what we know as the Gospel. Even in Paul's case...some sneered....but one followed. Glory to God for that one!

"What must I do....?"

Acts 16:17This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." 18She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.

At first, I realized that the demons, even the one possessing this girl, recognized God…and that is a good thing. So why was Paul disturbed by her proclamation? It would seem that people all around especially Jews would be entrigued and come out to (a) hear what the commotion was about (b) want to hear from the one she was referring to.

If Paul was isolated with only Jews it would be one thing…but apparently many pagans lived in the area, and worshiped many gods. The possessed girl was referring to the Most High God…which could have been confused with Zeus…at the time, in that place. So Paul and the disciples had to take the time to correct, instruct and rebuke the girl. So it became a real nusance, hindering their effectiveness and wasting their time.

Which leads me to another question…why didn’t Paul call out the demon early on?

I have really enjoyed the new position, as a pastor at Austin New Church. One of the cool things, as a believer, that it does for you…is give you a platform. But I have been very deliberate as to when I use that platform. I would like people to get to know me…and me get to know the REAL them…before they know what I do. For those that I don’t know….it does seem to change the way they respond and act and talk around me….so how can I get to know that person.

I know that isn’t exactly what Paul was trying to accomplish…but I’m sure he had his own delivery methods of the Gospel….and like I quoted yesterday, Paul said, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.”So I know Paul was very deliberate and concise in his delivery of the Gospel depending on his audience.

God, give us insight and wisdom. Let the joy that you give us…overflow from us and make us an attractive alternative to the world’s junk. Let us be a refuge for people who are hurting, and let them come in response to your goodness. Lord, I want your bride at ANC…to constantly be hearing….”What must I do to be saved?”

You want me to WHAT!?!?!

Acts 15:10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

I believe that we are saved through grace….alone.

A problem in the early church is the first Christians (who were Jewish converts) still didn’t fully grasp the concept of the grace they were living and saved under. They had for thousands of years been required to live under the law…so it was only natural to believe there were certain aspects of that law that they Gentiles must abide under as well.

I believe we need to be very careful (deliberate) in the way we present ourselves, today. Yes, we need to be ‘set apart’ for God ….people need to see a difference between us and them…..but the culture I’ve grown up in, was more of a what we couldn’t/didn’t do…..verses what we did do. The differences I want to be noted for is love, compassion, mercy (which I lack), charity, and joy. I think we need to focus on what are doing to further the Kingdom, more so than on the things that set us apart…..when we focus on what we shouldn’t do….all we find is that we are further away from the very people Christ hung out with ….. and came save.

I realize a lot of things are cultural, but one of the ‘stumbling blocks’ we, as Christians, have put up for non-Christians is that we draw a definite line, on disputable matters (not talking about illegal things or immoral things) . That is sometimes more a turn off for non-believers than the lure of ‘saving grace’.

I wonder how many Gentiles… during the early stages of the Way….heard about the requirement of circumcision and said…”you know what….I’ll pass.”, never to return to church.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:21-23 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To 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. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

God's Impetus

Acts 12:8 Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.

Notice God intervening to save. Amid all the things that ensnared Peter, bondage/chains, sleep, guards, darkness, and nakedness….God was the one to send angels to wake Peter from sleep (spiritual sleep), to free him from his chains (sins), to subdue the guards (Satan), to bring light into darkess (spiritual condition)…and remind Peter to cloth himself…

Peter’s response was similar to the response of one who has been called by God, and with childlike faith he/she follows. Not really “understanding” the call to come out of sin, enprisonment, darkness, nakedness, bondage (chains)…maybe even considering it a dream or vision….yet Peter followed.

God, as you continue to bring people to ANC who are in bondage of sin, who are asleep, who are in darkness, who Satan has a hold on… let us be faithful in speaking your truth to them. They may be blindly following the prompting of your Spirit, not understanding “WHY” they actually are at church, but you do. Give us discernment to minister to them, give us a heart to love them, give us your words to speak to them, and give us wisdom to teach and direct them.

And God…..Thank you for drawing me back out of my own chains. You are faithful when we are faithless.

One Body

Acts 11:17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"

Can you believe circumcised believers would have a problem with new Gentile (uncircumcised believers)?
That is so foreign to us (sarcasm noted) . Differences between believers…what about Baptist and Methodist or Presbyterians and Charismatics. Yet theirs was more deep seeded than this, almost hatred. But as soon as Peter explained that God poured out his Holy Spirit the same way as he had them, they had no more objections.

I feel the lesson in this is simple. Put aside our differences and recognize that we have different methodologies, but the same Spirit. There is no sense putting up barriers to non-believers by speaking poorly or arguing differences between man made denominations. What we should be doing is coming together as believers, and working together to take care of the homeless, the poor, the widows, and the orphans. And in turn, do our best to be united in the Truths that Christ gave us all. The Trinity, the inerrancy of Scripture, Jesus birth, life, death, burial and resurrection.

God Appointments

Acts 10:13Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." 14"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."15The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."28He said to them(family at Cornelius’ house): "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
I think its cool that God used Peter’s vision/dream about eating/consuming what the Jews considers to be ‘unclean’ for consumption…and that Peter made the connection between unclean food and unclean/uncircumsized people. God does not show favoritism… yet
Peter and most Jews were so hung up on what was against the law…that I believe it took supernatural appointments to overcome.
Cornelius was one such appointment….he felt something before Peter’s arrival…so he gathered his family and close friends. I have seen this repeated over and over in my life…where a child or sibling comes to know the Lord and brings the entire family to “taste and see” and a whole family is impacted by the message of the Gospel.

God I pray that we don’t lose sight of the fact that you know our names, you know the number of hairs on our head and the number of days we will remain on this earth. You also create these appointments and I pray that we are faithful when you call us to speak and faithful when you call us just to listen. Use and and keep us close to you.

At once....

Acts 9:20At once he (Saul) began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Saul spent three days in Damascus with scales on his eyes then several days he stayed with the disciples…that’s what separated Saul from being a murderous enemy of God, to being an on fire ‘preacher’ of God’s word.

And it didn’t take long for the hunter to become the hunted.
23After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him.
Three verses later, Saul has so offended the Jews (much like Jesus did) with the Gospel, that they are conspiring to kill him. Wonder what their thought on that “do not kill” commandment was.

God…we know we are ‘screw ups’, your word says that all have sinned (not one is without sin) and fall short of your Glory…..I take comfort that you use screw ups….because it really gives you all of the glory. We also know that your arm isn’t too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. Thank you for saving us.

Unity

Acts 8:14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into[a] the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Samaria had long been the area the Jews had written off. Samaritan were second rate, undeserving and just an avoided people. Samaria had been a place of great debauchery, sorcery, magic, and occult. So when the people of the land, the Samaritans, accepted the word of the lord….they were baptized. Yet they didn’t receive the Holy Spirit.

My question this morning was why.

Some suggest that Phillip, not being an Apostle (but only a disciple), couldn’t convey the Holy Spirit…but could only baptize. I don’t agree with this.

I believe, as I saw in another commentary, that the fact that Peter and John going to lay hands on the Samaritan people…was more for ‘the church’ than it was for the Samaritans. Therefore the withholding of the Holy Spirit wasn’t a testament to Phillips inability as much as it was an act toward church unity. The church was made up mostly (at this point) of Jews, and they were so racist…toward the Samaritans. Peter and John physically laying hands on them was an outward sign of us all being one body and of acceptance.

Give an idiot a microphone....

and I say stuff like:
now is the time for me to pray for the prayer...
or
we are taking a mission trip to Mexico...on the other side of the river....which is where Mexico is.

at least I dont spread them out...those were both last night in about a 30 second span.

Why shouldn't I be satisfied?....Seriously?

Acts 7:53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

Stephen sets the stage to smack the self-righteous pompous ‘religious’ leaders in the face with the idols they have created for themselves. He tells the story from Abraham to Jesus…in a very succinct way…and I can imagine the priests…hanging on every word….realizing his accuracy of historical facts, yet becoming increasingly angry at his tone.

The ‘coup de gras’ comes when Stephen tells them…even the laws that they have kept…they have picked and chosen the ones to keep…thus making it (in God’s eyes) like they have kept NO LAWS….and ultimately killed God’s appropriation in Jesus.

Funny…the pattern of disbelief the entire nation of Isreal had, from Moses’ day. Yet God in his love knew that, and made a way to redeem mankind.

Our disbelief causes us create Gods. I could retrace my life as Stephen did for the Jews… from the moment I chose to accept Christ….I have chosen status, money, sports, girls, reputation, work, religion, pleasure, acceptance, possessions and family over God. The awesome thing is that God understood my need for a savior based on the condition of my heart…and just wants me to recognize that without Jesus, I am lost…the things that I elevated to god-status do nothing for me in the eternal spectrum.

I like to think…that some of the people, possibly even some of the priests….some may have heard and believed. What a compelling testimony of Stephen…that is as effective today as it was then…
In effect God used that testimony to in conjunction with his revelation to work in the heart of Saul.

God your creation is so fragile...we have been since you created us. From Adam to me...our heart are prone to wander...searching for that next best thing, when you are the best. And like my kids...I love them when they love me and I love them they are 'boneheads'. I know the idols I created are not pleasing to you....I pray that as I create new ones...that you will convict me. Even now...dont let me become a "self righteous pompous religious leader", keep me humble and satisfied in the abundant life you have for me. Why shouldn't I be satisfied?....Seriously?

Church Growth

Acts 6:1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

Guys, this is sure sign that things are going well in “The Way”..the first century church. Numbers are being added to the disciples every day….so much so that some of the basic core duties that church is to be about were being neglected. This is why equipping (giving away mininstry) is so important.

I have seen ineffective ministries where the “pastor” take on all the roles…and there is only so much a single man can accomplish. But an effective leader empowers others to do that ministry….leaving himself to operate within his strengths.

Jesus chose 12 as an example of discpleship. He poured himself into them….and then empowered them to go do ministry. I think this serves as a great example for us at ANC….or any church. Where you see a need, make yourself available. Be a blessing to leadership.

I can imagine….much like in 1st century church, the needs were easy to see, and the excitement of growth and the newfound power of the Holy Spirit had people on fire to serve and make a difference. The challenge is when the newness has worn off….to remain Christ focused and Spirit led.

God, thank you for your Holy Spirit. Allow Him to work in us to do things in His power and not our own.

Gamaliel's Moment

Acts 5: A Pharisee named Gamaliel addressing the Sanhedrin, "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

There were those who came before Jesus, claiming to be ‘somebody’ and they died…

I stand by my assertion that I have always believed….that if for no other reason to believe that the events of Christ’s life, death, burial and resurrection actually happened, we do not need to look any further than the Apostles themselves. These events, their boldness (post-resurrection) give me a peace that they experienced life change after Christ appeared to them and filled them with the Holy Spirit.

Gamaliel may as well have said it… If they are worshipping The One True God, they will not back down….if not…they will just fade away. This Pharisee was ‘right on the money’ and made a great argument on the behalf of these men and God. This is the first time that I recall a Pharisee publicly on the right side of a God movement.

Men, I believe that there is a great lesson to learn from the Pharisee this morning….people are watching, believers and non believers are watching…and their assertions are the same…..if we truly believe, and our lives were bought with the blood of Christ….there is no backing down. Our persecutions fail in comparison to those the Apostles were facing, yet so many times we turn belly up at the slightest sense of discomfort.

Be bold like Peter.

“There couldn’t possibly be just ONE way!”-Oprah

Acts 4:11He is" 'the stone you builders rejected, 
 which has become the capstone. 12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Capstone or cornerstone…..the place where two walls intersect…also foundation. Stregnth of the cornerstone was and is most important. With a week stone, the integrity of the structure is in question.

Brandon and I just built this deck in his backyard….this area is called Hat-o-vallarta (ask him about it) the deck is awesome….but yesterday I as asking him about the integrity of this back corner that deck. Basically it only has two screws into a 4x4 fencepost. Now, that may be strong enough for the wooden deck, but my suggestion was to figure out some way to reinforce that. Its integrity is in question, and over time….may become a problem.

Jesus as our conerstone will never lose its integrity…it may be called into questions, but the claims of Christ are all true, nothing has been proved false.

Another use of Capstone is the pinnacle, or crowning achievement. Jesus was that and his resurrection stands as Gods only means to be saved as we see in 12. Scary thing to me is that influencial people and their claims of salvation. Apparently never read the bible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwGLNbiw1gk

How much influence does Oprah and people like her have? “There couldn’t possibly be just ONE way!”

12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Not the “light” not your “chakrah” no other “paths” , not “allah”

Guys DO NOT ALLOW watered down examples of God’s perfect plan to go unchallenged. Pack verse 12 away in your heart and when we hear garbage like Oprah’s, lovingly (if at all possible) steer people toward God’s word….not your words.

Greater Things

John 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Acts3: 6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.

Peter and John were right in the middle of experiencing greater things. I don’t know if they had healed anyone before…but they didn’t hesitate in healing this man. The cool thing is what they did after, as those same people who flocked to Jesus (and eventually had him killed) flocked to them…because of the miraculous healing.
Peter set them straight. As Peter could have taken a little ‘fame’ a little of the ‘rock star’ status…he went straight after the Jews who missed it, and gave Christ all the glory.

This was probably a little bit different phenomenon in those days. Even Jesus, as he first started healing, told people do not tell anyone. Now you have these guys healing in the name of Jesus. This had to drive the Pharisees nuts.

Experience God

Acts2:36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?

Any wonder Peter laid out the first evangelistic message? I want his boldness. I want his conviction. I want his resolve. The Word of God is sharper than any double edged sword…..and it cut these Jews “to the heart”. When God moves and speaks….he elicits a response..and the Jews gathered here wanted to know from the Apostles… what now? Experiencing God’s Blackaby said that you cannot enter the presence of God and remain unchanged.

I’ve been in places and sermons when the spirit moves and its an awesome place to be. But I would love to see thousands come at one time to know the Lord.

God, give me the boldness of Peter, the same drive as one of these apostles who had seen you laid in a tomb and just 3 days later, risen and alive. God, save us from this corrupt generation. Give us a heart for the parrishing. God let us at ANC usher in Your Holy Spirit, so that people who come to a service will encounter You, Living God.

Missionary Mandate

Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

I’ve always been intrigued by the power of the Holy Spirit. My very first bible I owned, I still have…but the first verse I ever underlined…the first verse I ever learned was Acts 1:8.
This power is one of boldness, one of wisdom, recollection, authority, love, truth….and countless others. Jesus breathed this Holy Spirit on his disciples and these men gained all confidence of their faith, that they lacked in the moments prior.
As new believers, the same Spirit breathed on the disciples, makes His home in us. Empowering and supplying us with all the attributes mentioned above.

“…and you will be my witnesses..” you will tell all you have seen(learned) locally, regionally and globally. It is only by this divine power that we are able to, at the same time, be witnesses to all these places. It is a mandate, its not a suggestion…Jesus didn’t say, if you get around to it, or if it’s comfortable. He provided us everything we need in the Holy Spirit to be witnesses.

Witness \Wit"ness\ 1. To see or know by personal presence; to have direct cognizance of. 2. To give testimony to; to testify to; to attest.

In a trial witnesses are brought in to tell their experince and attest to what they know or have seen. Just like in a trial, the persons credibility is key. Let us be credible witnesses. Let our yes be yes and our no be no. Let us be men of our word. Let us be men of character. Let us be men who take responsibility. Let us be men who are known to be lovers. Let us be men who reflect Christ…..so that our credibility is NEVER in question.

teachable spirit

John 21:17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" 
 Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

After Jesus asked Peter the first time, “do you love me”….Peter would have no way of knowing Jesus was leading him to the emotional recognition of his denying Christ 3 times. Christ was gently correcting, again bringing Peter to a teachable place. Peter’s response was, “you know I love you.”

The second time Jesus asked Peter…the response was the same, but the time….Jesus said, “take care of my sheep” instead of feed. Jesus is The Shepherd, and was asking Peter in his absence to nurture and care for his flock. It is important that Peter love the Shepherd….if he did not, he would not love the flock of the shepherd. A hired hand, who is paid with money…will not lay down his life for the sheep or the shepherd who hired him…..Jesus knows that Peter will be put to the test…and it is important for Peter to know (unlike when he denied Christ) that he must love The Shepherd more than life itself.

The third time Jesus asked Peter, I’m sure a rush of emotion came over Peter. Anger, embarrassment, sadness, hurt….yet Jesus, in that moment lovingly reinstated Peter. He had about a week or two to think about the denial..and I’m sure was kicking himself, and Jesus wanted him to know…it was alright, I still love you, and I trust you to tend to my flock, my sheep that I love.

God, give me a teachable spirit. Break me of my pride….give me ONE passion, to follow you alone. You are worthy of ALL of our affection, you know I love you!

fill me

Guys this morning, I sit in room, that I sit in day after day, and I’m in need. I have been in God’s Word, I have been in His house, and I have been at His work, yet I have not been constantly ‘in His Spirit’.

John 20:21Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, keep breathing that breath of the Holy Spirit on me. As I find myself in constant need of more of you….I pray for myself and those I care for......refresh us, fill us, consume us. God, it is such a privilege and honor to represent you…yet without you in us, we are unworthy….we are unclean, we are merely sinners who believe in you. With your spirit, we are mighty warriors equipped for battle against an enemy who desires to ‘steal kill and destroy’. As you send us, it is apparent we need your Spirit.

Father, by your spirit, convict us. Make us see areas of our lives that we have conveniently overlooked, areas we hold private, areas no one knows about…and break our hearts. We desire to be HOLY because you are HOLY. You want us to be like you.

Father, by your spirit, console and comfort us. We all have hurt, and we all have areas of weakness. Make us whole, give us life.

God give me extra measure of your Spirit, pressed down and overflowing. My desire is to walk with you, to know your heart, to be hurt by things that hurt you, and to love those that you love. To know how to love them, to see their needs and , by your spirit, supernaturally give us wisdom and insight into their hearts. I am sorry that I have forgotten HOW to seek first your Kingdom.

Thank you Father.

It wasn't Pilate.....

It is apparent Pilate is not wanting Jesus to be crucified! Several times he attempted to get Jesus to change his story…and several times he tried to get the Jews to relent from their blood-thirsty plan. Why do we think that is?
Did Pilate have a change of heart?
Did Pilate suddenly decide that ‘the best thing’ would be to let this man go?
Did Pilate finally believe that Jesus was who he said he was....and was fearful of the reprocussions?
One of the thoughts I had was that Satan was somehow involved….but now don’t believe that to be true. Satan cannot see in the future and therefore would believe that the death of Jesus would be a good thing for him. Satan wasn’t “in on” God’s redemptive plan, and would have no way of knowing that Jesus death was all part of that.

John 19:16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

Another small detail that has escaped me as I’ve heard and read this story a million times, is that Pilate had written “King of the Jews” and that the Jews were not happy about it. "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."

22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." I feel this is what God, in his sovereignty, had Pilate write.

I am just awed at the whole story…How Jesus went before a kangaroo court, accepted the trumped up charges, was “judged” by a Governor with an agenda (his own job/neck) and went to the cross for our sins and ultimately God’s Glory!

What is Truth?

John 18:38"What is truth?" Pilate asked.

What a great question Pilate! The sad part about the story is that Pilate didn’t care what the truth was. He was more concerned with his own position, status or whatever or whoever had influence over him. I think he must have heard this ‘idea of truth’ and in a cowering way….kind of a reluctant half question half statement…what is truth?

Pilate was, as we like to say today, affected by cultural relativism. His perception, the Jews perception, the disciples perception were all different. And when the world asks the same question today, it is swayed by all the many influences that make up our culture.

Our foundational truths as believers, are what give us moral absolutes. The main question is…..IS GOD WHO HE SAYS HE IS? In verse 37 Jesus said…..”In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

Jesus was sent to answer the question…What is Truth? "I am the way and the truth and the life.

People, we aren't doing a very good job handling the Truth....

http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/absolute-truth-video.htm

Our Lord's Prayer for Us

John 16:9b I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.
20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message

Its hard not to read this and see that Our Savior has a crazy kinda love, not only for His disciples….but for us as well. Jesus prays to the Father for
1. God to glorify himself
2. His disciples
3. Their protection
4. Their sanctification
5. Us
6. Our unity with each other/one body
7. Our eternal salvation

All in the power of the name….of God the Father. All to the glory of God the Father.

Talk about…The Lord’s Prayer.

Holy God, thank you for your precious gift of Jesus. His love, for a group who constantly needed more assurance and continued to stumble, is unbelievable. Living on this side of cross seems to be similar in that, we look to your word for assurance, and yet we still continue to stumble. Have mercy on us for our unbelief, our wandering hearts, which seem set in a way that is opposite of what you would have for us.

Peace

John 16:33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

The disciples world is about to be rocked…and Jesus knows this. So he speaks peace over them. He wants them to experience the calm within the storm, the peace that passes understanding, and peace like a river.

‘In this world’, the death of a loved one, loss of a job, national tragedy or betrayal of a friend invokes similar turmoil in our lives that the disciples experienced…and we beg God for His peace. This peace is truly a gift.

When my dad died suddenly of a heart attack 5 years ago….I was so unbelievably at peace….I couldn’t imagine not being a believer, and not having that peace that God provides his children.

Fruit

John 15:(4b)No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
Can you bear things that have the resemblance of fruit? I think you can….could we be doing the same things as a non-believer….and one be fruit and the other sin. Does it really matter?

8:This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Fruit glorifies God. Good deeds without the spirit, do not. Fruit cant be fruit unless it is of God.

16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.
Believers were created to bear fruit….if we are not bearing fruit…then we are either sinning…or we are not saved (chosen and appointed). Not much room there.

Is it fair to judge others? A previous pastor of mine, told us to be fruit inspectors. You will know they are my discples by their love (fruit) for one another…. I think we are commanded to pay attention to these things…so that we can spur each other to good deeds (more fruit). Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control (did i leave one out?)…against these things there is no law…..PLUS they glorify God.

Gift of the Holy Spirit

Yesterday was an awesome day for me. Didn’t accomplish much….but was just an awesome day of reflection, affirmation and hope. As I read today, I know that the Holy Spirit that guides me daily, and honestly steered our family to Austin….is a promise of Jesus and He acts and helps and guides and teaches as well as comforts, counsels and convicts

John 14:26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

What a great gift the Holy Spirit is to us as well as the disciples. The disciples were supernaturally reminded of EVERYTHING Jesus had said.

Also, I can almost hear Thomas whining…..how will we know where you are going? How will we know how to get there….and the answer is a key verse to our faith….
John 14:6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Not a way, one of many ways….but the way. I didn’t say it….Jesus did. He left NO wiggle room. People talk about Christianity being exclusive…..it’s not Christianity…. but Jesus. Whats funny is, he wants EVERYONE to follow….but he wants everyone to follow ONLY HIM.

Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit. For all that He does for us.

Incredible Launch Yesterday!

God continues to exceed our expectations.

Last week me, Brandon and the two wives went to lunch and we just talked about....' I wonder how many people will be there'. I know this isn't very 'spiritual', but we all picked numbers....Brandon picked lowest around 165....the wives were over 200. and I went Price is Right...and picked one higher than the highest bid....and I won! Seriously, ANC launched with around 300 people in attendance last night. We know that's an inflated number, because we had many 'well-wishers' there, but there is one number that isnt inflated..and its the one that matters;

We had 4 people check the card "I decided to follow Christ today"

Thank you guys for your support and your prayers. God is faithful....even when we are faith less. Continue to lift up His church in South Austin.

Lather, Rinse....Repeat?

John 13:9"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"10Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean.

As believers there is a desire to want more of Christ. There is some significance to the washing of the feet, and not the whole body. Jesus is saying here… your body is clean, in salvation… there is no need to continually be rewashed... but the daily grime of the road….sins in our thought life, things we’ve said, stuff we’ve done, things we’ve harbored in our hearts…. Those are the dust of the day. We do need to clean up from those. I know sin has a residual effect, without continual cleansing….our hearts may become hardened toward sin.

God, I just want to thank you for Your atoning bath you offer. WE don’t need continual baths, because Jesus cleanses us completely.

All the World's a Stage

John 11: 4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.[ 6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

Funny thing about this….Obvioulsy John had hindsight when he wrote the letter John….so therefore….all the events of thebetrayal, crucifixion and Judas death, had already happened. John (while writing) really throws Judas under the bus (I guess I might have too).
Judas, not having a heart for the poor, really seemed legalistic and trite. And I love how Jesus rebukes him, 7"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. " It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
I know its obvious to Jesus, but is it that obvious to others, when we aren’t walking in the spirit or better yet….those inside church who aren’t saved….’playing church’.
We say we are ‘Christ Followers’, yet so was Judas….he just didn’t submit himself to Christ’s ways. Do we, or are we just playing the part?

Caiaphas Prophesy

John 11: 49Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! 50You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."51He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.

Just reading this…and thinking about the political implications of this…… There was a strange balance of power going on here, and Caiaphas, as high priest, felt the weight of it. If the Romans, for any reason felt as though the Jews were starting to follow this Messiah, not as a ‘religious’ figure (the Romans could care less) but as a King in the lineage of David….Jews as a nation would be in danger.

His prophesy was more political than ‘religious’, and although very apparent that his words were God inspired….. I doubt that he knew what his comments would look like post-resurrection.

Good Shepherd

John 10:8All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture.

John isnt speaking of those prophets who came before, pointing toward Jesus, but those who came (immediately) before claiming to be the Messiah. Jesus is the gate. Two thoughts here. Jesus refers to two gates, one is for protection, the shepherd that lays down at the entrance of a cave...keeping the sheep in and protected. This type of gate however, is the one that you must enter enter through to come into the pasture (Kingdom) and find sustenance, rest and peace.

I have always loved the imagery of Christ as the 'good shepherd'. Sheep will follow their shepherd, and no one else. Sheep know their shepherds voice and respond to it. Sheep do this and know this because their shepherd FIRST....knew them, probably were there at their birth, he cares for them, pursued them.....if they wandered off, corrected them and protected them.

God, your rod and your staff comfort me. You make us lie down in green pastures. You lead us by still waters.....you restore my soul. You are the 'Good Shepherd'.

Jesus Loogies

John 9: 34To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out.
How easily we brush off what we dont want to hear. We dismiss it, we ridicule the bringer of the message.
its easier to tear down the messenger than the message.....when that message is Truth.
The blind man HAD been born that way.....blind. His parents attested to that. Yet Jesus who was there at creation rules over it all, he isnt limited to whether a man had never seen or had lost his sight. HE isnt limited to whether someone was sick or dead, Jesus could heal them all. This man wasnt in sin...he merely was born blind so that God could glorify Himself at this particular time.
I wonder how many people walk through life feeling as though they (or someone they know) is cursed....yet it is just an opportunity to be the Glory of God.....if they were to just present themselves.

God you are ruler over all. You can heal, you can humble and you can save. Give us compassion and point people to you. Let us speak your Truth into people. As we get ready to launch, let us not lose this people focus.

Jesus....Bread of Life

In Exodus 35: 13 there was mention of the 'Bread of Presence' it was to be place outside the Holy of Holies. They were twelve loaves symbolic of the twelve tribes but also and more importantly a point toward Christ.
Like we just read in John 6:48I am the bread of life. 49Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
Leviticua24: 5 "Take fine flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, using two-tenths of an ephah [a] for each loaf. 6 Set them in two rows, six in each row, on the table of pure gold before the LORD. 7 Along each row put some pure incense as a memorial portion to represent the bread and to be an offering made to the LORD by fire. 8 This bread is to be set out before the LORD regularly, Sabbath after Sabbath, on behalf of the Israelites, as a lasting covenant.

Just the thought of Jesus saying "I am the bread of life....." had meaning to Jews. The constant link to the old testament, solidifies not only Christ's position as Son of God to ancients disciples.....but really brings that to life for me personally.

John 8:10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

Remember, Jesus asked the Pharisees "which ever among you that is without sin....may he cast the first stone" and they all left....there was large crowd....because Jesus was teaching....and everyone left....except for Jesus. Jesus was without sin. And he remained. I just found it cool that Jesus separated himself from the crowd here.....in action and what he said. "Neither do I" condemn you. He didnt say 'we dont condemn you' or ' no one condemns you' but as if saying ....."I am without sin...and I dont condemn you, go in peace and sin no more"

SAC/Launch Update

For those of you who didnt know....South Austin Cares was a tremendous success. Here is a brief section of an email Brandon sent out last night....Today was an AMAZING success for ANC and South Austin Cares. We had so much food that the trailer bottomed out and we had to lock it and park it for the night. Thanks to all who helped, prayed, canvassed, collected, gave, etc... If you get this in time, be sure to watch KEYE (cbs) and/or KVUE (abc) tonight at 10pm. They are both running a story on us. What a blast! Brandon

And it doesnt end there....we are building up to our launch this week. We need everyone to be praying for this. My guys in Corpus, I want to include you in this and I'll be sending you daily reminders of specifics on what the prayer team is praying for and I'd just love it if you guys would jump in. I know a lot of folks are coming from Corpus this week, as support and to help....and to help, and I am excited to introduce you to the peeps up here.

God, thanks for the opportunities to serve you, whether it be with a food drive, or coming to Austin to assist with our launch to anything in between, we just want to it for your Glory. Thank you that you ARE the bread of life....that if we eat that bread we never go hungry. Thanks for Easter, and what that represents. WE love you.

ANC in the News

This is awesome people! Thanks for your prayers, support, canvassing, giving, and donations.

check ANC/SAC out on the news!!!!

http://www.kvue.com/video/?z=y&nvid=229419

The numbers are in and we collected and contributed OVER a TON of food for South Austin Cares. Literally, a ton! Thanks for your faithfulness.

Continued prayers this week, as we get ready to launch March 30th at 5:00 p.m. God is going before us and we pray that those who hear about what we doing.... are drawn to His goodness.

What's so good about it?

I have heard a few people ask this year....and i for one...have never understood, or looked up, or even asked....why GOOD FRIDAY....for heaven's sake, Jesus died on Good Friday the Friday before Easter. Well, as best I can tell, no one really knows the origin of the name Good Friday. There is a bunch of conjecture, but most believe that the name "Good Friday" was adopted or came into origin in the Catholic Church around the 5th or 6th Century.
There are thought to be two possible origins for the name. One was that the day was originally called God's Friday, yet the God was replaced with good, because God's name was viewed as too holy for the commoners to speak. The second, is German in origin and "Gute Friday" literally means "holy" Friday, which makes the most sense to me.
An idea that I saw, in of all places, a website denouncing Christianity I also liked......it basically said that the day was 'good' because it put into motion the events that would 'keep people out of hell', and that is good.

Stay or Go? (John 6)

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"
61Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? 62What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit[e] and they are life. 64Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."
Disciples.....followers of Christ, grumbling, offended, unbelief, betrayal..... weird huh?
66From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

Not that I am shocked, but this is much like the makeup of many local churches today. Unless the pastor treads the waters carefully (not a good thing), many become angry, offended and leave. Many of the 'disciples' of Jesus time (not the 12) were followers because it was new, exciting, they were seeing things they had never seen before. Here is the problem with 'easy believism' though....once, what you Traditionally believe is challenged, then you have a choice.....to follow or leave. I am going to hold to the belief that if ANC preaches Truth, many men will be drawn to it, much like the disciples of Jesus time.....but many still will hear....like the idea....even follow (for a while) until their Traditions get in the way, or is confronted and they have no way out.....Truth has a way of doing this. You either have to change what you consider to be Truth....or walk away from it.

But the great part of the whole thing......65He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." once the Spirit enables/draws.....there is no letting go, no turning away. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. God makes a way for us to wrestle with Tradition, even put it aside for the sake of following Him.

God, please please please...... pour your Sprit into me....challenge me, my myopic belief systems, my personal prejudices, my traditions and conform what I believe to your Truth. Make me the instrument you want me to be.

I ramble a bit today....because i didnt post yesterday

Exodus 33:19b I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
I am in amazement today gents...as is some dude in Oregon. I told Brandon about this yesterday, but it just ties into this scripture and come to life for me today. I have this goofy facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1058034416). For those of you who dont know what that is....its because we are all too old. I shouldnt have one..... I think i may be the oldest guy in facebook (until alex gets one). But its really cool, because you find others based on where you went to high School, College, Work History, Organizations you belong to....and its very viral, meaning....friends see other friends, then they know you and "request" to be your friend.....its all quite interesting and addicting.
Anyway, I had 750 in my graduating class in High School....and to date there were 4 other people from that class on facebook ( a testament to our age and the age of those on FB) but i check back occasonally to see if by chance some other loser i knew has got a page. well, yesterday i found an old friend. THe last i remember of him was partying with him graduation night. (not a good scene) He was probably like me in High School, saved but didnt live like it. Anyway, he is pastoring a really cool church in Oregon (http://www.foothillsstayton.org/) . I listened to a sermon of his yesterday and was WOWed. I often joke about some of the people in HS wouldnt believe i am doing what I am doing now.....same for him. So i called him and we had a great conversation. I told him I was actually giddy/encouraged/humbled/excited/wowed at the prospect of God using us....Exodus 33 about God having compassion on whom i will have compassion.... its true....its not about who Tray Pruet or Alex Shootman or (insert your name here) believes is worthy.....Brandon told me yesterday...."no one is going to get HIS glory. He used the least of these. Don't we know?" and its true.

John 5:39You diligently study[c] the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Here is a scripture I have never read. The Jews knew the law...they all had an understanding of the word of God and believed that by possessing it....knowing it.....they held the keys to the kingdom. Jesus is quick to point out, that although they know the word....they dont possess the impetus to come to Christ. Head knowledge and God moving in your heart are two different things. Ties perfectly back to the Exodus Scripture......God has mercy on who He will have mercy and Compassion on who He will have Compassion. (I feel so Cavinist today)

Thank you God for using us. letting us play a small part in what you are doing here in Austin. God, continue to move in the hearts of the folks in South Austin, break peoples hearts, humble them, make your name known, draw ALL men unto yourself..... let us be be diligent in your work. God I pray for these men, their families, our church family. I lift my friend Tim up to you....continue the work you started in him, protect him, his family, his ministry.

One Recipe (Way)

Exodus 30:31 Say to the Israelites, 'This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. 32 Do not pour it on men's bodies and do not make any oil with the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. 33 Whoever makes perfume like it and whoever puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from his people.' "

The temptation here would be to make a container of the oil for yourself....if this oil makes things 'Holy' ...then if I make the same oil..it too will make me holy. Heck, I even have the recipe. People have tons of 'recipes' for religion and in 'religious circles' today those recipes are being widely accepted as Truth. God is the father of MANY religions....many ways to get to God. If you are Buhdist ...then follow Buda ..... Islam..... Allah...... Catholic.... Virgin Mary.... Scientologist.....Tom Cruise (geeez) yet only one way leads to life....it cant be duplicated, you cannot conjure up some other way, or add anything to the Gospel of Christ. Jesus said I am THE way, The Truth and the Life.....NO One can come to the Father, except through me. John 3:3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.Again, the picture of being cut off.....(No One.....Come to the Father or no one can see the Kingdom of God) is so final and exclusive folk have a problem with it. But keep in mind, we owe no apologies for God's system. His ways are not our ways....sure I have friends who are not Christ Followers...that I wish were, and I wish would live eternally with God.... but unless they choose (Alex) the narrow gate....they too will remain cut off.

God, we know....that you are THE WAY. You sent your Son as a once and for all, blood sacrifice... atoning for all the the worlds sins. Our correct response is acceptance of that gift.... Forgive us when we try to apologize for your economy, your ways and make them any less abrasive. Clearly, you go before us, soften the hearts of folks in South Austin, so that they may be ripe for your harvest. Allow avenues that Austin New Church is using, to penetrate the minds and elicit the question "why do you do what do you?" allow South Austin Cares to glorify you, allow your flock at Austin New Church to be bold in sharing your Grace and the Truth.

Glory Revealed

Exodus 29:44 "So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. 45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.

Consecration is quite the process. I am afraid that 'cheap grace' has lessened the awareness of the VALUE of the sacrifice, or the ease with which we 'enter the presence of the Lord' I was humbled/broken this morning...when reading this passage know the amount of blood that was present when Consecrating the Altar...and the Temple...then Aaron and his sons. The blood of Christ is the once and for all atonement for all of us since his resurrection... and it was more precious that that of the young bull or the two rams.

God thank you for dwelling among us...and making us your people. Forgive me when I simply throw out cheap grace...it is free to us..but it definately cost you greatly.

John 2 AFTER THE WATER TO WINE 11This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

JOHN 1 Jesus is recognized and is said to be full of grace and Truth. John two Jesus reveals his glory...to his disciples and a few servants. I wonder if the servants and the disciples were the same people . ...so that...Jesus only revealed his glory to them.

As minor a miracle as this (Water to Wine) may seem....it was THE miracle that "revealed Christ's glory" to his disciples. In our own walks...we have the miracles where Christ revealed his glory to us...and whatever that may have been, a time at camp, a humbling event, work situations, an alter call at a revival or a special time alone in your bedroom where the presence of the God was there......Christ revealed his glory to you and me...and we put our FAITH in him.

Grace and Truth

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Having read through most of Exodus this put a new spin on Grace and Truth.....the law was True...but Truth CAME THROUGH Jesus. Jesus was with God in the beginning...and therefore the source of Truth. God did exercise grace in the OT.....yet Jesus Christ embodies grace and from his birth represented Grace. Grace defined: as unmerited favor.... getting something we don't deserve.

In this season of Easter...we come face to face with the death of, burial of and triumphant ressurection of Grace and Truth. Grace and Truth that was in the beginning, and lives today. God let us be bold in proclaiming this Truth.

Bring Your Best

Exodus 27:20 "Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning.

Light of the world you stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes let me see....Jesus continues to be the light of the world, the source of light, even in the darkest of places, we (the lamps) are sent to radiate his light.

Isrealites were commanded to bring the purest of olive oil, my commentary read beaten (not crushed) olives, so Chirst is the olive...and the oil that comes forth is the fuel to us lamps. The passage did not specify who was to provide, so it is assumed that everyone was to provide oil, and it didnt say how much, so it is assumed that you brought as much as you had. Why shouldnt we, bring all that we have, of the best that we have? But why dont we? We settle for a tenth (or less) ...the bare minimum.....times in my life I have asked, is the tithe before or after tax....and I was serious... because that could make a huge difference in our financial giving. Tithing or giving isnt about a certain dollar amount for God, he doesnt care how much....he cares that your heart is giving the best (first fruits) that you have to Him......its His anyway, we are just stewards of God resources. I was told a looong long time ago by a Youth Pastor...and it haas stuck with me for years....."you can't out give God" and its true you can't, the Bible says Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Oh yeah, that youth pastor was Brandon...

Luke 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures ...it took until this very moment for the disciples, the one's who witness ALL the miracles, heard all the parables, seen all the prophecies fulfilled, saw Him die, and walk into the empty tomb.....but not until HE OPENED THEIR MINDS could they fully understand the scriptures. This was the point in time, in my mind, where this group of lowly fishermen....became the scholars who wrote the new testament. To have Jesus' knowledge of the scripture, like when he was 13 teaching those at the Temple.... invade and permeate their minds, lets you understand how the disciples who were scared to be seen with Jesus days earlier, and absent at the crucifixion, and denied Christ....will boldly proclaim and die for Him.

God, I want you to open my mind and give me that kind of understanding, so that i may better serve you.

Torn Veils

Exodus 26:30 "Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.

A far cry from the Star Event Center (or even Akins Fine Arts Facility) where we have been coming together for worship.... Talk about fine arts. God spared no details when coming up with the plans of the Tabernacle that His Presence would indwell. Still some churches today (and I'm not knocking the buildings) , The Crystal Cathedral, Joel Osteens place, 2nd Baptist Houston....still are elaborate in their wealth and their design.....can God be as pleased with "little old us" as he is the previously mentioned churches.....YES...because God no longer makes his home in the building.....but in the hearts of his people. This is why the veil in he Temple (see Luke Passage) was torn top to bottom, when Christ died on the cross. If our hearts are 'in tune' with God's heart and we are doing the things He has called us to do.... it makes no difference WHERE we meet.(one of my e-countability guys Cody Comstock noted this morning) If you pay attention, you notice that God tells Moses the plans for the sanctuary starting from the inside working to the outside. He works in his people the same way, starting with their hearts and working out.

Brandon and I were talking just last night about the future...and where we thought our Church home would land...(now keep in mind we were dreaming) but neither one of us sees an elaborate 15-20 million dollar Super Church in our futures....but possibly an old converted Albertons, or Home Depot (with a lease purchase agreement) possibly with pews made of Acacia wood....but thats it.

Luke 23:44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

It is finished! Jesus became our sacrifice...he took our sin, He finished God's plan of redemption. Like Brandon preached this week, there is no longer need for sacrifice...it is finished. Anything we think we can do to become worthy or earn our place in God's Kingdom, cheapens the action of Christ on the Cross. All we have to do is believe and receive the gift form Christ that was offered on the cross.


God, thanks for completing your work of redemption. Forgive all of our crappy little attempts to earn your favor. I pray our hearts our bent toward doing good works in view of your mercy, as our spiritual acts of worship. As you children, you love us regardless...and you want us to reflect you. Forgive us when we dont.

Judas--Resident Evil

Luke 22:3-Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.

I've always wondered if Judas was saved, if we will see Judas in heaven, what had 'possessed' him to do this after following Jesus for 3 years. Now I am cannot comment on anyone's spiritual condition...even Judas', but this verse explains to me why Judas did what he did. First of all, this HAD to happen to fulfill prophesy. I firmly believe that God chose Judas for this to happen through. Much like he allowed Job to be tested by Satan, he let Satan use Judas to fulfill this act. I dont know if it was because of his lack of faith or involvement in major portions of the Gospels, he must have been a more behind the scenes kinda guy, or maybe he was skeptical of what was going on surrounding Jesus anyway.....but regardless, Judas has become synonymous with traitor, evil, even Satan.

One thing is for certain, although a follower of Christ, Judas....DID NOT...have the Holy Spirit in him (nor did the other disciples at this time), like we as "followers" do today. The Holy Spirit wasn't sent until after the resurrection. As a follower of Christ, after the receiving the Holy Spirit, I firmly believe that you cannot be indwelled by another spirit.

Another perspective to come at Judas with is that although a follower.....he wasn't a true follower or believer. Today we may see these as folks in church, who are in church because it is socially expected or good or business, yet do not have a love relationship with Jesus and therefore produce no fruit. Maybe the reason we never heard from Judas other than the betrayal is because he was casual follower, he followed at a distance and was never a believer or had any life change.

I must preface this by saying.....God's ways are not my ways...and His thoughts are not my thoughts, and I have no biblical basis for this belief...but I believe we will see Judas in heaven. I believe some form of God's grace will be or has been exercised and that Judas sins were forgiven. If i am totally wrong....I am okay with that. Maybe I'm just the eternal optimist.

God i dont even have to understand, nor should I even try to understand the grace that saves me....forgive me if i am way off base..... Your arm surely is strong enough to save even Judas.... We think about loved ones who have died...and sometimes wonder about their spiritual condition, whether or not they will be in heaven....figuring some probably won't, but that should encourage us to talk to the one's who are still alive. But the great part about it is.... it's ALL GOD....he is the impetus.... No one comes to the Father unless the Spirit draws. God, you have and will continue to glorify yourself, and when we get there with you....you will reveal all to us, so that we may know your plan and purpose. God thank you for your Holy Spirit who does indwell us....

Mission Team from Denver

What a crew! These kids have been a total blessing. I am being thanked at every turn for allowing them to work for us. They are excellent representatives for not only Austin New Church, but ambassadors for Christ. The giving spirit they have is shown in how they work, how they interact with 'our folks' downtown, and each other.
They accomplished way more than I thought they would yesterday in canvassing, and they want to do more today. Its tough keeping up with them...I crashed last night and they continued on to Dave and Busters for some late night gaming, and they took my kids. I'm sure they had a blast....I dunno, I was asleep when they got home.

Mission Team Coming from Denver

I gotta be honest....I'm excited to let these folks experience what is going on with ANC. They roll in from Denver after a 20 hour drive and we are putting them to work
Friday;
Capital Area Food Bank this afternoon.
Saturday;
Canvassing neighborhoods and Downtown Grillout with the Homeless.
Sunday;
Church Under the Bridge, Canvassing, Worship w/Aunstin New Church
This is going to be an awesome weekend....pray for all of us.

Be On Your Game

LUKE 21
6"As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."
36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Can you imagine if you were one of these disciples and heard that the temple that you were so proud of....that your people spent 80 years rebuilding, and was built as a monument for God....for His presence to live in, would be reduced to rubble. That would have to make you heartsick. It does give you a little perspective wake-up call. Jesus here is actually talking about two seperate events....

When I was in high school I drove a Z28....my mom bought it for me brand new....I know... I was spoiled. It was a monument to what I was.....and I never let it get dirty, inside or out. I would spend 4-5 hours on a saturday, washing it waxing it....it was awesome. Well to continue to let you in on the depth of my 'spoiledness', my mom again...just before i graduated bought me a new BMW, so i could have a new car in college. So my sister got the Z28. The very first morning she drove my car....she totalled it. Wrapped it around a tree..... SO my sister comes up to me in school, crying.....I wrecked your car!!!!!!! I was so mad, I cussed at her ...without caring if she was hurt, or anyone with her. I mean, I had just waxed that car for her. I was heartsick. (Years later I forgave her)

Her wrecking the car that morning was the furthest thing from my mind......And i think what Jesus is saying in Luke 21:36....is dont let all this come as a shock to you. Be alert, be ready....always be on guard, dont be caught up in the sin of the world...the carnalness of all that is going on....dont forget to pray, be on your game, do what is right, and be looking for my (Jesus') return.

Been There, Done That...Got the T-shirt

Exodus 23: I guess this is a T-shirt for Jewish people. I cant imagine this being a big seller here in the states.... unless it was in a Jewish community. Its more of a promise and a possible reminder of why they occupy and have been fighting in the same land for 3400 years. I've never quite understood from a historical standpoint all the ins and outs of the Nation of Israel, and I read some commentaries and still havent settled it out, but what is apparent is that Israel occupies the land that God directs in this verse Exodus 23:31, yet other nations want to lay claim to the same land. I am open to a more clear perspective on this... and this is why I bring this up this morning.

Luke 20:39 Some of the teachers of the law responded, "Well said, teacher!" 40And no one dared to ask him any more questions. This was a time where they were trying to trap Jesus..and I bet you that after answering the questions regard the resurrection, this teacher or group a teachers blurted out..."well said!"... but I bet that didnt go over very well with the other teachers. I can imagine them walking away...and saying...."what the Hebrew was that about... agreeing with that.... that.... Jesus."
Whats funny is that these guys heard a word form the Lord.... and gave a hearty AMEN! A response when the Word of the Lord comes forth. An agreement with what God is saying through His Servant. We had a guy at our last church, who would in a very deep booming voice give plenty of AMENS! when a strong word was spoken. Another pastor I once heard at a kids camp.... said, adults say amen..... children say "Thats what I'm talking about!" so you had this service with Kids belting out "thats what I'm talking about" it was very cool. I just like the fact that when the word of the Lord is spoken.... it elicits SOME response.

Specificity of the Law

Exodus 22...from the offender to the offended and the amounts of restitution that is required, God either gave Moses insights through vision....or had given him insights through his experiences with his people. No wonder Moses father in law, Jethro, instructed him to give away the majority of the judging(Ex 18) ....and to only judge the BIG issues. I'm sure with a million plus people there was so much of this going on....that it would have been a constant job...with offended people whining and standing in line to get to the judge. Moses is creating a guideline so that all can judge equally and fairly....based on 'the letter of the law'.

Luke 19 39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" 40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." This is great reminder to us....that as disciples (followers of Christ) although we may 'feel' connected and important....the only thing that makes us that...is the blood that covers us. Our worship of God is important to the father...but his grace enables us to do that...and if we didnt worship Him, the rocks would.

The closer I am drawn to God the less significant i am. I look around at guys who are pastoring flocks, and have been for 20 years....and they aren't doing it for the 'fame' for the 'notoriety, the 'paycheck' or for anything of their own, they are doing it because they are CALLED. As a matter of fact, most of the guys I met are bi-vocational. They are electricians...who are called, they are teachers....who are called, they are body shop owners....who are called....I must admit, God is increasing his kingdom through the efforts of these men.....as much if not more than guys like me. I do honestly feel blessed to be able to focus solely on Kngdom work, but i am humbled by these guys.

God thanks for calling us. God, I lift up my brothers who care about your Kingdom and are working their butts off to allow themselves the ability to preach your word. God give them the increase...God give them the joy. Be with their families and let their flocks love them and honor you. Thank you for Austin New Church and the people here..... as we continue to lift your name...I pray that ALL men and women are drawn to You. I pray for the team traveling from Denver, give them a safe journey, prepare them for your work...and I pray that they can get a taste of, and catch the vision and passion Behind ANC. I love you.

Serious TORT Reform

EXODUS 21

17 "Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.

Okay, this seems a little steep, but i guess God is serious about honoring your parents. This is kinda the flipside of "honoring your parents so that your days may be long". Okay I dont remember any of this, but God is very specific about if this happens then this will be the payment for this. The same God who instructed

16 "Anyone who kidnaps another and either sells him or still has him when he is caught must be put to death. or....

23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.....

Is the same God who instructed specifically that in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death.....and in Romans, God doesnt go into specific sin, but he blankets ALL sin....because sin( even lying, stealing, cheating etc.....) is an offense against God. In God's economy, even the smallest sin, measured infinitely against the offended (God) vs the largest sin, measured infinitely against the offended (God) are both, infinitely HUGE, therefore are both punishable by the ultimate price....death.....but the verse doesn't end there....praise God..... but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

LUKE 1713"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Whoever will be the least, will be the greatest, who will be first will be last...God I pray that we continue to care for (who we deem) the least of these. We know that you care immeasurably for them as well as us. God, we pray that those who come into our fellowship, with "traditional views" of "membership" or other barriers inside churches, I pray that through the Holy Spirit we can guide them in love toward this same vision that we are weaving into the DNA of ANC. God, I know ANC is going to look a lot different in the not-so-distant future... and I pray that THAT honors you.

Fear vs. Fear

Exodus 20:20 20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
this almost sounds oxymoronic....dont be afraid.....yet fear God. the hebrew word for fear, that is used is not the fear that brings terror and confusions....but the fear that rings respect and adoration. So dont be terrified...yet adore. That is the kind of fear that would cause you to want to keep from sinning. I pray for a renewed fear....of the Lord. God is worthy of our honor, respect, adoration and fear.

Last night was another incredible night, and again affirming that God is up to something at ANC. Got to meet some new people from ANC at dinner last night, and had a woman just about run us down to hear about what is going on at our church. Its just exciting to be a part of, and proud of a work God is doing, and Him allowing us to be a small part of that.