God Works from His Time Table not from Ours

Photo by Sheep"R"Us

Scripture: Luke 10:23-24

Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.”

Insights: Today’s final sermon thought this week evolves around these verses. The subject for this thought deals with timing. God works within His own timetable and is not concerned with our personal desires. The reason for this attitude from the Father is because He has eternity in mind, but we, being finite creations, are incapable of seeing the big picture. It is for this reason we see in today's verses that prophets and kings of old longed to hear and see the things that Jesus is followers. The problem was the fullness of time had not come to pass during those prophets and kings time period. The Lord God knew exactly when the Son of man needed to enter into human history, and as a result, only gave glimpses to the promised Savior to those prophets and kings. Beloved, we are just like these prophets and kings of old. We desire things to happen when we want them to happen. Unfortunately, when things do not go as we desire them, we sometimes throw a pity party. We must learn to be content in the timing of the Lord. We must walk with Him and not in front of Him or behind Him. We also need to express to Him our gratitude for His perfect timing. We do not always understand Him, but we need to trust Him. So let me encourage you, to begin looking at your life through this kind of lens. Be mindful of the Lords activity and enjoy Him in His work. It may not be when you wanted it to happen but it is in a perfect time. If we can live life from this perspective it will give us a great deal of peace knowing that the timing of events is not dependent on us. It is my prayer this truth will give you a great deal of comfort in the days in front of you.

Questions:

1. Have you ever gotten yourself in front of God's timetable?

2. In what ways have you expressed your gratitude for God's perfect timing?

Prayer: Father, thank You for always being on time. You're timing is not always mine, but it is always right. Teach me and grow me to trust Your perfect timing in every aspect of my life.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Salvation Begins with God not with Man

Photo by Nathan Reading

Scripture: Luke 10:21-22

At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.  “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

Insights: Versus like today have often been seen as controversial in church history.  Ever since Arminius wrote his theology there has been a debate surrounding the doctrine of soteriology, salvation. For many the sovereignty of God and the free will of man are two irreconcilable belief systems.  At different stages of church history we have leaned heavily to one end or the other of this spectrum. In C.H. Spurgeon's England hyper Calvinism was running rampant until he came on the scene. In this hyper Calvinistic mindset the sovereignty of God was so over taught that one did not participate in evangelism. In other words, because God is sovereign whoever was going to be saved, would be saved and no human activity was required.  To the other extreme, however, there were individuals in human history who believed it was all based upon man's free will and his innovation. These individuals would use whatever technique was available and advantageous to them for the manipulation of the gospel. As a result of their extreme, many individuals experienced false conversions or even doubted their own salvation. The reality is both God's sovereignty and man's free will are a part of the salvation process. In today’s verses we see that only those whom the Son wills to reveal God are able to know God. In John chapter 6 we are even told that no one comes to the Son unless the Father first draws him.  So the place where salvation is birthed is in the heart of God. No one seeks after God until the Father first puts this drawing in their hearts toward Him. Once God puts this drawing in their hearts, however, then man's free will comes into play and this individual must receive this gift. As Spurgeon once said these two friends do not have to be reconciled.

Questions:

1. Have you felt God's drawing upon your heart?

2. Have you embraced God’s amazing grace as He has drawn on you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for being the savior of my soul. Continue to draw on my heart and help me to walk humbly with You as my God.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Power is a Privilege not a Position

Photo by Patricia van Casteren

Scripture: Luke 10:17-20

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”  And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning.  “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.  “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

Insights: There's a scene in the fourth episode of Star Wars where the Millennium Falcon is trying to evade some TIE fighters and return to the Rebel base.  Han Solo and Luke Skywalker are in the seats of the laser cannons trying to shoot these TIE fighters. Luke shoots one and jubilantly screams. When he does Han Solo speaks into the mic and says to Luke, “Great kid, don't get cocky.” Shortly afterwards Solo shoots a ship as well and screams equally as jubilantly as Skywalker did. I tell this short scene because in many ways that's exactly what is happening in today's passage of Scripture. The followers of Jesus return and they begin to share their experiences with Jesus. At some point they cry out, “Even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” Jesus then goes on to explain to them about the eternal perspective of things. He eventually reminds them not to rejoice in the subjugation of the demons, but rather rejoice that their names are recorded in heaven. In other words, “Great kid, don't get cocky.” We all, from time to time, become self-conceded and full of ourselves. I believe Jesus is trying to share with us in this moment that any power we have is truly a privilege. Our position as His children is not something that ought to make us arrogant and proud. In fact, our position as His child ought to make us humble and meek at heart. Everything in our lives ought to be about us pointing others to the Savior. When we live life from this perspective, we do have power, but it is controlled power found in Christ. Beloved, I pray you are mindful of this reality throughout the remainder of this day and week.

Questions:

1. In what are you rejoicing?

2. Do you understand the power available to you as a child of the King?

Prayer: Father, thank You that my name is written in heaven. May You grant me the power to live boldly in this world. As I valiantly live for You may Your name be brought glory.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Draw Near to God in Times of Crisis

Photo by Jeff Kubina

It has been an interesting few days for me. Many things have transpired that have not caused my heart pleasure. They have ranged over a gambit of subjects. Some of the subjects have dealt with misunderstandings, legalism, family crisis, health issues, an intimacy with the Father. When seasons as these come crashing in like this it makes one question the intent and purpose of life. 

 These situations have driven me to my knees and I have turned my face to the One and only One who can fix the situations. In no way am I comparing my life to St. John of the Cross, but I am experiencing my own version of a dark night of the soul. As a result, I have pulled out this classic book in order to refresh my heart. Today I wish to give you a paragraph from the forward of this great classic.

“As the sole emerges from the dark night it has had to endure, a brilliant light awaits it, and the properties of this light include cleansing, purity, renewed vision, spiritual understanding, deep wisdom, and the warmth of union with God's love. This was what Saint John of the Cross was seeking, and it is what he ultimately found. In this since he represents every one of us who wants to experience the fullness of God's glory and leave the ways of the world behind. The Apostle Paul wrote: ‘Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son’ (Colossians 1:12–13). As you read Loves Living Flame, and Dark Night of the Soul, you will experience this same spiritual deliverance and be translated into the Kingdom of the Son of God—a glorious kingdom of light and love (Lloyd B. Hildebrand).

My heart longs for this “cleansing, purity, renewed vision, spiritual understanding, deep wisdom, and warmth of union with God's love.” Beloved, there really is a spiritual battle raging for the hearts of God’s people. Satan desires nothing more than to have us caught up in our own self or with the pettiness of this world. Let me encourage you to fight against the adversary. Do not let him have ground in your life, but rather draw near to God and He will draw near to you. The more intimate you are with the Father the more capable you are of resisting the devil. When you have indeed drawn near to God and the devil has fled because of God's presence, you will then experience and feel the presence of God's good embrace. It is my prayer that we the church learn to rely solely on the Lord God to be our defender and provider of our faith. May we then give Him all praise, honor and glory.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

9/11 First Responder Remembrance 5K Run/Walk

We at First Baptist Church of Bowling Green we'll be hosting a 5K run/walk in the month of September. The reason for the run/walk is to remember and to honor our first responders. Fifteen years ago on September 11 the United States experienced a terror attack in multiple locations in our country. Many first responders gave their lives that day in order to save others.  Fifteen years later these brave men and women are still risking their lives every day. As a result, First Baptist Church of Bowling Green is hosting this 5K run/walk in remembrance of our first responders. All the proceeds from this event we'll be going to the four first responder organizations of Hardy County. Those organizations are the Bowling Green Police Department, the Wauchula Police Department, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Department, and the Hardee County Fire and Rescue Department.

I would like to take a moment to challenge you to participate in this event. There are a couple of ways in which you can become involved. Firstly, you could actually sign up to be a runner or a walker in the event. Secondly, you could actually be a sponsor of the event. Even though at this point we cannot put your logo on any of our material, we would still like you to give financial support to our first responders of Hardee county.  There’s literally no amount that is too small. Every bit of the profits will go to these four organizations as a way of acknowledging their work and the sacrifices they make for our community.

Personally I think it is absolutely vital we share with our law enforcement and fire personnel that we appreciate them and respect the work they do. Would you please rally around this event and show your support for these organizations. If you'd like more information, please feel free to call the church office at 863-375-2253. We thank you in advance for your participation in this worthwhile community event. One less thing I wish to ask of you and that is to go and share this event to as many people as possible from now until the race.

For more information regarding this race please visit our Facebook page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/698398003633292/

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

We Endure Hardships for Jesus

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Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Insights:  Our final point from this weeks sermon comes from today’s verse. We are to endure hardship for Jesus. There is a watered down gospel being proclaimed around the world. In this watered-down gospel we are told God wants us to be healthy, wealthy and wise. If we would just come to Jesus all of our worldly problems would disappear. This version of the gospel is not the gospel at all. It is in complete opposition to what the Scripture teaches about our life in Christ. Verses like today’s and many others point to the difficulties and hardships we face as Christ-followers. Think about Jesus' very own words, he said broad is the road that leads to destruction and many go that way. Narrow is the road that leads to life, however, and few find it. I share this statement because if indeed the gospel is about being healthy, wealthy, and wise, then many people would pursue that kind of gospel.  We were told, however, that few will follow the path that leads to life. In fact, Jesus even tells us to count the cost before being a disciple of His. When we read through the rest of Paul's writings we see persecutions face Christians at every turn. Somewhere along the way we Christians in the Western world have gotten the gospel confused. We think if we have success, power and pleasure, then somehow God is blessing us. At the same time we think if we are enduring hardships, then God must not be pleased with our lives. This mentality is so wrong. Paul says it even more strongly when he states if we are going to be followers of Christ, we will be persecuted. Beloved, let us stop the moaning and crying over our hardships, and let us instead start praising God for counting us worthy for suffering for His gospel. As today's verse says may we endure hardships like good soldiers. It is my prayer when the Lord Jesus comes He find you faithful.

Questions:

1. How would others characterize the way you have endured hardship?

2. What hardships have you encountered for being a Christ-follower?

Prayer: Father, I do not long for hardships, but I pray I would endure them well for your namesake. I desire to be loyal and honorable to you as I undergo hardships.  May Your strength guide me.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

We Make Disciples of Believers

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Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:2

The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Insights: I fear one of the greatest challenges facing the church today is found in today’s verse.  This Thoughts by Scott is not the first time I have written on this subject.  Rather, it is a theme about which I have often written.  In Luke 10, which I wrote about last week, we observed Jesus’ concern was the church not entering into the harvest field.  The Great Commission tells us to go and make disciples.  In today’s verse we are also instructed to pass on to faithful men what we have been taught.  This passing on process is the disciple making plan.  I think we are failing in this area as the church found in the United States.  Beloved, let me encourage you to be intentional about being discipled by someone more mature in the faith than you are.  At the same time, let me also encourage you to come along side someone who is more immature in their faith than you.  This concept of discipleship must be reclaimed in the church.  We must intentionally start sharing the gospel, growing new believers, and walking by faith all for the glory of God.  If the church can reclaim this foundational purpose of the church, we could literally change the face of the world just like the early followers of Jesus did.

Questions:

1. With whom are you entrusting the gospel through the discipleship process?

2. As you reflect on your life, who invested into your life?

Prayer: Father, thank You for those who have invested into my life and who have taught me more about Your grace.  May I be just as faithful and disciple those who come after me.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

We are Strong in Jesus

Photo by Carlos Varela

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Insights: I had the amazing privilege this week to preach in Ecuador.  I preached from 2 Timothy 2:1-3.  Verse one provided the first point of the sermon which was we are strong in Jesus.  Grace is the favor of God which we do not deserve.  We were sinners and enemies of God and yet, Jesus died for our sins.  When we enter into that relationship with Him we are then born again and receive the promised Holy Spirit who enables us to live life from the point of strength.  This strength is super natural and not something we can manufacture ourselves.  In and of ourselves we are weak and escapable of change, but in Jesus, we are strong and courageous.  We are valiant and bold.  We can affect the lives of others because of God’s work in and through us.  Beloved, it is my fear we who claim to be followers of Christ Jesus do not live life from this perspective.  We live life from a faithless and ineffective position.  We belong to Christ.  We are His, and because of our redemption, He is ours.  Our lives ought to look differently from that of those still lost and bound in this world.  It is my prayer others around you are able to notice and recognize the difference Christ Jesus makes in your life.  You are to be truly transformed.  May your life reflect this powerful distinction.

Questions:

1. Are you a son or daughter of God?

2. If you are a son or daughter, do you live in the strength that is your right as His child?

Prayer: Father, all too often I live in weakness and fear.  I ask You to strengthen my heart to live life by faith and in the power which is mine as Your child because of Jesus’ work.  May my life of faith bring You glory and honor.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Patterns of Ministry, Part 2

Photo by Dan Zen

Scripture: Luke 10:8-9

“Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

Insights: The fourth principle for effective ministry is recognizing patterns of ministry. In the passage we have been looking at this entire week there are four patterns. Today we are going to look at the last two patterns. The third pattern is that we sacrifice personal preferences for the greater good of God’s kingdom. Notice in verse eight it tells us we are to eat what is set before us. I have eaten food in numerous places across the United States and in various countries. I can tell you I have not enjoyed everything I have put in my mouth, but I have eaten it. When it comes to sharing the gospel, our personal preferences are not up for discussion. Unfortunately, in the church we often times get wrapped up in our personal preferences and miss about what the whole purpose of church is. Our focus ought to be the pattern which is found in verse nine.  The fourth pattern found in effective ministry is the sharing of the gospel.  The verse uses the phrase the kingdom of God. In other words, we are supposed to be sharing the gospel with the world in order for the kingdom of God to grow. At FBC Bowling Green our mission statement says we are to be gospel driven. This part of our mission statement is what is being emphasized in these two verses which is all about the kingdom of God. Beloved, if we will follow these four patterns of ministry which are: be financially dependent on the Lord, look for a person of peace, sacrifice personal preferences for the greater good, and share the gospel we will see effective ministry taking place. As a remember these four patterns for effective ministry are also in conjunction with the first three principles which we looked at earlier this week. Again, just as a reminder, those principles were, we partner together for ministry, we pray for ministry to happen, and we recognize there are perils found in ministry.

Questions:

1. In what ways have you sacrifice personal preferences for the greater good of God’s kingdom?

2. Are you intentionally sharing the gospel with other people?

Prayer: Father, I am such a selfish person. I desire my pleasures more than I do Your glory and I asked for forgiveness for this deplorable self-idolatry. But let me be strengthened to sacrifice in order that the gospel maybe better shared with a world desperately in need of Jesus.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Patterns for Ministry, Part 1

Photo by ∿ Izee ∿ not-really-all-here

Scripture: Luke 10:4-7

“Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way.  “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’  “If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.  “Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house.

Insights: The fourth principle for effective ministry is recognizing patterns of ministry. In the passage we have been looking at this entire week there are four patterns. Today we are going to look at those first two patterns. The first pattern is we need to financially depend on the Lord. Notice in verse four that Jesus instructed His followers to not carry money belts, bags, and shoes. In other words, we are to be completely and utterly dependent upon the Lord for our financial provisions. I must tell you I truly struggle in this pattern. There are Scriptures that describe us as being good stewards which count the cost, and then there are other passages, like this one, that show we must step out even when we don't know from where the provisions are coming. Balancing these two truths is often a difficult task for me. The second pattern we see in verse is 5 through 7 is we need to be looking for a person of peace. The penetration of the gospel into a community is much easier when there is a person of peace within the community. A person of peace is one who was able to be a mediator between us, Christ followers, and the individuals within the community. It is even better, in terms of the gospel, when this person of peace receives Jesus as his/her Lord and Savior. Our job, As Christians, is to seek out this person peace and pray they become receptive to the gospel. Beloved, let us follow these two patterns as we desire to share the gospel with a watching world.

Questions:

1. Do you truly trust God with your finances?

2. As you engage in ministry, do you intentionally look for a person of peace?

Prayer: Father, all too often I do not live my life as if I trust You. Please forgive me for my lack of faith and increase my faith as I do seek You out. Also, as I continue to serve You, help me to fined people of peace with whom I may share the gospel.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Perils are Found in Ministry

Photo by Joseph Illingworth

Scripture: Luke 10:3

“Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

Insights: The third principle of effective ministry is in ministry we face perils.  Notice in today’s verse that Jesus is sending us out as lambs in the midst of wolves.  In other words, we are going to be attacked.  We are going to be persecuted.  Our adversary is going to try and devour us and destroy us.  We, as followers of Jesus, must be prepared and ready for the persecutions which lay before us as children of God.  Beloved, let me clearly state I don’t desire to be persecuted, but the reality is the church grows better during times of persecution. I think one of the reasons this statement is a true is because you truly find out who the followers of Christ really are. In seasons of persecution you do not find people playing church, but you actually have the real church serving the Lord. On Sunday I shared the story of Perpetua and Felicity. Perpetua was from a wealthy Roman family in Felicity was a slave woman. Both of these ladies were young mothers and both were Christians. They were both put to death in the Coliseum because of their faith in Christ. When the gladiator executioner step forward to kill Perpetua he hesitated and she literally had to help guide his sword in to her body. Before the gladiator entered the arena they had sent wild beasts to kill these two ladies. A bull had tossed Perpetua, but did not hurt her. Her hair, however, had become undone and she asked for time to fix her hair. The reason she asked for this time was because undone hair was a sign of mourning and she considered this day to be a day of triumph and joy. When questioned about her impending death, Felicity said, “Now my sufferings are only mine. But when I face the beasts there will be another who will live in me, and will suffer for me since I shall be suffering for Him.”  The Roman crowd that had watched these deaths had been touched and many of the spectators converted to Christianity as result, including the governor of Rome. Beloved, let us live courageously in the midst of persecution and let us do it all for the glory of God.

Questions:

1. Have you experienced any kind of personal persecution for your faith?

2. Does the knowledge regarding the perils of ministry comfort or intimidate you?

Prayer: Father, I do not long for persecution, but I do pray for You to grant me strength when it does come my way.  Let my faithfulness bring You glory.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Pray for Ministry to Happen

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Scripture: Luke 10:2

And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

Insights: The second principle for effective ministry that we learned about this week is our need to pray for ministry to happen. FBC Bowling Green was enlightened by David Platt regarding this verse. We learned several years ago through David's teaching that the Lord did not seem to be concerned about the lost world receiving Him, but was rather more concerned about the church world not going out to share the gospel. In other words, today's verse tells us the harvest field is plentiful. There are people all over the world desiring to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The problem is we do not have enough people actually entering into the harvest field to work on reaping this harvest. As a result, Jesus tells us to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out harvest workers. It is as if God's greatest concern was that the church would grow content to sit and not serve. Unfortunately, as I have evaluated the state of the church in the United States, I think we have more sitters than servers. Out of this deep concern for workers Jesus gives us this second principle of prayer. If we are going to have any kind of success as laborers in the harvest field it is going to be precipitated by our amount of prayer. We must become men and women of prayer. Again, let me give you the mission statement for FBC Bowling Green: we are a church that is Christ centered, gospel driven, joyfully united and prayerfully obedient. In this verse as well as in our mission statement we see we are to be about prayer. Beloved, let me encourage you to form your own groups of prayer warriors. You do not have to just come together at our Wednesday night prayer meetings to be prayer warriors. You can form your own prayer warrior team. This team could actually meet together to pray or they could even use the telephone. The important thing is that we are praying. It is my prayer you will be a prayer warrior for the gospel.

Questions:

1. Do you actually pray for ministry opportunities?

2. Are you aware of God’s concern for the need of having more ministry workers?

Prayer: Father, forgive me when I don't obey You and do what You've command me to do. Increase my faith, O Lord, so that I might enter into the harvest field.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Partner Together for Ministry

Photo by Kris Williams

Scripture: Luke 10:1

Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come.

Insights: This week we are going to be looking at principles for effective ministry. In order to do this examination, we are going to look at Luke chapter 10 versus 1-9. In the first verse of chapter 10 we discover the first principle and that is that we must partner together for ministry. Our mission statement at FBC Bowling Green is: we are a church that is Christ centered, gospel driven, joyfully united and prayerfully obedient. Even in our mission statement, we can see the importance of being unified. In today’s verse the Scriptures themselves echo this truth. Notice with me that Jesus did not send His followers out alone. Rather, He sent them out in pairs. Beloved, all too often we do ministry alone and this method should be the last thing we do. Whenever possible, we are to do ministry with other people. It is not always convenient, but it is the best way to make disciples. Most of you know that I am a Star Wars fan. In Episode One, The Phantom Menace, Yoda says a quote that goes something like this, “Two there are, nevermore, nevertheless, an apprentice and a master.” Just like last week, in no way am I saying that Star Wars is Christian. What I am pointing out is the beauty of partnering together and being unified. The best kind of partnerships consist between one who is more mature in the faith and one who is growing. In this way the more immature believer is put in a safe environment where they can learn and grow. The more immature believer is also able to use the knowledge they have been given and know that there is someone present who can help them if they make a mistake. Let us be intentional about making disciples and the best way to do that is by being joyfully united. Let me encourage you to be looking around at those people in your life and ask the Lord who you need to be learning from or for whom you need to be teaching.

Questions:

1. How often do you do ministry alone?

2. Do you understand the importance of partnering in ministry?

Prayer: Father, thank You for letting me be a part of the body of Christ. It is only in being joyfully united that I can truly know the fullness of Your grace. Guide me to be intentional about doing ministry with Your other children.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

"The World Is Coming Undone"

Photo by Bill Toenjes

“The world is coming undone,” Saw Gerrera played by Forest Whitaker in the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. These five words are the opening line to the theatrical trailer that was just released for the upcoming Star Wars movie.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a Star Wars fan.  The following Thoughts by Scott were sparked by this opening line. 

In no way am I trying to make Star Wars into some kind of Christian film. In fact, with all of its New Age references, Star Wars is very far from the Christian faith. Yet the struggle between good and evil that is portrayed in this series of films is some of the best examples of what our Christian life is like. In other words, we as Christ-followers are the underdogs like those of the Rebel Alliance. There is an ever-growing and increasing evil that is paramount in the world and we as Christians stand against it. There will be many casualties as we stand in opposition to this ever-increasing darkness that Satan is trying to move upon the world.  

“I fear nothing. All is as the force wills it,” Chirrut Îmwe played by Donnie Yen.  Again I emphasize that Star Wars is not Christian. God is not some cosmic force out there in the universe in which we are all a part. God, rather, is the Creator of the universe.  He is above and beyond it. He is not bound by its rules for He is the creator of the rules. The reason I share this quote, however, is because we as Christ-followers do not have to walk in fear in the midst of the darkness. All is as the sovereign Lord God wills it. If we are truly born again and have entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior, then we do not have to fear anything in this world. We can trust the sovereign will of God to bring us safely home to His kingdom. 

Beloved, let me encourage you, especially in the days in which we live, days in which the world does seem to be coming undone, to live valiantly for the Lord God. Recognize the evil for what it is and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. If you do, you may become a casualty, but your future is secure in Christ. As a result, you do not have to live in fear, but you can live in power.  Power in, and hope that, Jesus will not forsake us nor abandon us, but will always be with us.  He is faithful to take us home. Let us walk with Him!

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

9/11 First Responder Remembrance 5K Run/Walk

We at First Baptist Church of Bowling Green will be hosting a 5K run/walk in the month of September. The reason for the run/walk is to remember and to honor our first responders. Fifteen years ago on September 11 the United States experienced a terror attack in multiple locations in our country. Many first responders gave their lives that day in order to save others.  Fifteen years later these brave men and women are still risking their lives every day. As a result, First Baptist Church of Bowling Green is hosting this 5K run/walk in remembrance of our first responders. All the proceeds from this event will be going to the four first responder organizations of Hardee County. Those organizations are the Bowling Green Police Department, the Wauchula Police Department, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Department, and the Hardee County Fire and Rescue Department.

I would like to take a moment to challenge you to participate in this event. There are a number of ways in which you can become involved. Firstly, you could actually sign up to be a runner or a walker in the event. Secondly, you could actually be a sponsor of the event. We have extended the deadline for our sponsors being able to submit and use their logos for the platinum and gold level sponsors until August 15th. If you would like to be one of those two sponsors, we would be pleased to use your logo on our shirts and banner. If you are not able to give at the platinum or gold level, we would still appreciate any donations you would be willing to provide for this event. There's literally no amount that is too small. Every bit of the profits will go to these four organizations as a way of acknowledging their work and the sacrifices they make for our community.

Personally I think it is absolutely vital we share with our law enforcement and fire personnel that we appreciate them and respect the work they do. Would you please rally around this event and show your support for these organizations. If you'd like more information, please feel free to call the church office at 863-375-2253. We thank you in advance for your participation in this worthwhile community event. One last thing I wish to ask of you and that is to go and share this event to as many people as possible from now until the race.

For more information regarding this race, please visit our Facebook page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/698398003633292/

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

God Restores His Family

Photo by Kristaps Bergfelds

Scripture: Hosea 11:8-11

How can I give you up, O Ephraim?  How can I surrender you, O Israel?  How can I make you like Admah?  How can I treat you like Zeboiim?  My heart is turned over within Me, All My compassions are kindled.  I will not execute My fierce anger; I will not destroy Ephraim again.  For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, And I will not come in wrath.  They will walk after the Lord, He will roar like a lion; Indeed He will roar And His sons will come trembling from the west.  They will come trembling like birds from Egypt And like doves from the land of Assyria; And I will settle them in their houses, declares the Lord.

Insights: I love the language of these verses today. Notice the passion in the Lord God's voice. He is unwilling to give up His children. His compassion usurps His fierce anger. He will roar and when He does, He will draw His children to Himself. Not only does the Lord God draw His children to Himself, but He also provides for them. In other words, the Lord God is restoring His family to their rightful position. This reality is exactly what salvation is all about. We, while in the depths of our sin and enemies of God, are purchased by the atoning work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. God in His amazing grace is providing for us eternal restoration. All we have to do is receive this free gift. So, it really is as simple as the ABCs that we learned in Vacation Bible School. Firstly, we must admit to God that we are sinners. Secondly, we must believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that He died on the cross for our sins. Thirdly, we must confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Even though this is a simplistic ABC for salvation it does encompass all that God has done for the restoration of His Family. It is my prayer, if you have never received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that you do so today. If you will, He is faithful and just to forgive you of your sins and it cleanse you from all unrighteousness. This forgiving and cleansing is another way of saying we are restored to God.

Questions:

1. Are you grateful God has restored you as one of His family members?

2. Have you thank the Lord for his gracious restoration?

Prayer: Father, thank You for forgiving and restoring me to Your family. You're amazing love always overwhelms me and I cannot express how grateful I am for Your grace.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.