Friday, May 28, 2010

Lost - Wrapping up the Loose Ends


This week began with the series conclusion of the tv show, "Lost". After six seasons of confusion, the show kind of ended the same way - lots of questions. I wasn't really disappointed in the end, but kind of wanted more. The show certainly was very entertaining, but the spiritual indicators were lacking.

Hollywood is filled with this non-offensive tolerance (except toward Christianity) when it comes to religion and God. Thus this show ends with most of the cast walking off into the light together. Stop the film!!! Come on now - let's get back to reality. The light!!! Give me a break!

Let me assure what the Bible says, (John 14:6) "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me." In the show, Jack was a good guy who did a lot of good things - but we must remember that good is not good enough. A relationship with Jesus is what determines our eternal destiny.

We must be reminded that our view of God can be influenced negatively from Hollywood, books we read, and other things if we are not careful and stay grounded in His Word - the Bible! Don't forget we wrap our "Lost" series this weekend at South Pointe with a final look at Jonah's life. Hope to see all of you there!
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

"Do Something"


As a pastor, I often struggle with how some people within churches do nothing to serve the Lord. You know the old saying, 20% of the people do 80% of the work. For years I believed that was a myth, but it seems to be close in accuracy.

The Parable of the talents in Matthew 25 makes a good case for why it important to utilize our gifts instead of burying them. Certainly, this text can be viewed from a financial basis, but I also see the truth of it from a point of spiritual giftedness. We know from the Bible, that as a Christ-follower we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. We are also gifted after we are saved! The question is, what do most of us do with our spiritual gift?

Churches certainly provide ministry opportunities that make it easy for us to serve and use our spiritual gifts, but it is not the only place -(remember we are the church - it is not a building) to use your gift. This may go against popular pastor opinion, but God can use you outside the church atmosphere to serve and grow the Kingdom! Yes- it is true! However, for most of us that is not the issue - it is simply doing something at all.

For those who attend South Pointe or any church? Are you a spectator or contributor? Do you simply receive and not give back? Jesus gave it all for us and we have an obligation to serve Him and use the gifts He has blessed us with. This is not challenge for you to serve out of guilt, but from the stirring of the Holy Spirit in your life.

All of us as Christ-followers have one of two choices to make -

1. Bury our gifts and do nothing

or

2. DO SOMETHING!!! for the kingdom!

What do you choose?