I am about to enter a new season of my life, and let me tell you it is already looking busy as anything. From the events going on at JU with Campus Outreach, Rush week, Fall Retreat, Vision Day the list keeps going and going. Doing college ministry requires a huge sacrifice because it is not your typical 8 to 5 job. Sure I sometimes has week days off, however there are some days I will put in 70-80 hours a week.
For almost a year now I have seen God work a supernatural miracle by putting together my support team. I have also witnessed him put together a family of brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ who are like family to me. Almost every night, friends from church are getting together for fellowship and just celebrate all that God has done. Over half the time, we do not have serious conversations but simply the presence of another person means so much in a dark broken chaotic world.
This semester I have an amazing vision and plan, however I know that God is the one with the final word on what happens. That is honestly ok. If I had it my way personally, I would of been at 100 percent a long time ago. But the presence of Jesus Christ and the grace that he has showed really means so much more. The lessons he has taught me, the people and experienes he has put in my life illustrate he relenlessly love for me.
In a 4 month span I will be spending a lot of time at JU, Daytona, Christ Church, and hopefully take a trip to North Carolina and visit a buddy of mine in NYC. I hope that I can find some quiet time to play golf, and maybe go on a hunting trip or two. Well here it goes
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
I still can not believe that Campus Outreach is three weeks away from their second year on the campus of JU. A year ago there was so much up in the air including the follow.
1. The sucess or failure of moving from UNF to JU
2. The sucess or failure of doing our first Puerto Rico Project
3. The sucess or failure of two staff raising 36,000 dollars in financial support
It only because of God that all of these things are possible. It is only because of God that students lives have been and will continued to be changed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. God is for God and he is most glorified through his people showing unconditional love for others in a broken chaotic world. God did not send us on this world to glorify ourselves, he sent us for his glory.
All of the favor and blessings that I continue to experience day after day are great, but I must not lose my sight of Jesus. Often at times Christians focus on the blessing rather than the source of a blessing. What if God gave you nothing, and all you had was Jesus? Sure would be a tough time. It would really test our faith. But time on this world is only a vapor, and our king has prepared us a great home in heaven! (John 14). It was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, not your hard labor or good works. So for a short while let us rejoice by loving others like Jesus first loved us. Yes that even means homosexuals too.
If we want to see a Christ Centered Resurgence in the western church, we simply need to get back to basics, aka what Jesus teaches us to do . Worship experiences, 10 million dollar churches, and dynamic preaching are great but that is only 10 percent of the equation. In a world that lacks true authentic relationships, people are searching. Church we need to step up.
Over the past couple of weeks I have been so convicted of this. The simple face of loving your neighbor, and folks in your sphere of influence is what we need to do. Stop living self centered lives and it around Jesus Christ!!!
1. The sucess or failure of moving from UNF to JU
2. The sucess or failure of doing our first Puerto Rico Project
3. The sucess or failure of two staff raising 36,000 dollars in financial support
It only because of God that all of these things are possible. It is only because of God that students lives have been and will continued to be changed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. God is for God and he is most glorified through his people showing unconditional love for others in a broken chaotic world. God did not send us on this world to glorify ourselves, he sent us for his glory.
All of the favor and blessings that I continue to experience day after day are great, but I must not lose my sight of Jesus. Often at times Christians focus on the blessing rather than the source of a blessing. What if God gave you nothing, and all you had was Jesus? Sure would be a tough time. It would really test our faith. But time on this world is only a vapor, and our king has prepared us a great home in heaven! (John 14). It was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, not your hard labor or good works. So for a short while let us rejoice by loving others like Jesus first loved us. Yes that even means homosexuals too.
If we want to see a Christ Centered Resurgence in the western church, we simply need to get back to basics, aka what Jesus teaches us to do . Worship experiences, 10 million dollar churches, and dynamic preaching are great but that is only 10 percent of the equation. In a world that lacks true authentic relationships, people are searching. Church we need to step up.
Over the past couple of weeks I have been so convicted of this. The simple face of loving your neighbor, and folks in your sphere of influence is what we need to do. Stop living self centered lives and it around Jesus Christ!!!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A Great Commission Resurgence
It was really great seeing men and women come together today and make a stand for Christian values. It is very American too! Standing in line for one hour to bite into a refreshing chicken sandwich. I must admit Chick Fil A is one of my favorite places to eat.
After really thinking about it, I thought to myself WWJT: What Would Jesus Think? Sure we are taking a stand for what is right in our faith but are we doing this only because of "convenience"? What if Jesus asked you to take a stand, and dedicate 1-2 years out of your life to go and spread the gospel among the nations? What makes me so sad about the average Christian is their hyporcisy. A lot of Christians who have been born and raised in gospel centered churches only take a stand for Jesus out of convience. But do you realize that Jesus calls EVERYONE OF HIS FOLLOWERS TO GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS?" (Matthew 28). "Well Eric let me tell you theres enough people for that"
You must be out of your mind. More than ever there is a need for a Great Commission Resurgence in the church. If the following data below does not stir you up, you might want to question your salvation in Jesus Christ. We were once broken sinners, sentenced to death because of our sin. But now Jesus has rescued us and given us his Holy Spirit to go and be the light of the world!! (Matthew 5). Below are some facts about spreading the gospel to the nations.
2.3 billion people in the world have never heard the name or story of Jesus Christ.
1,568 ethnic groups across the globe have no Christians in their region
2 missionaries for every 1 million Muslims across the world
The church aka those who profess Jesus as their lord and savior need to get off their butt and make a radical lifestyle change for this to take place. We should not be chasing the American Dream, but rather chasing the Dream that Jesus has laid out for his disciples. If you want to experience the presence of God like never before in your life, you do not need another worship experience. What you need to do is begin my developing a heart for the a nation or certain social culture.
To see change and revivial in an ever increasing broken chaotic world, we need to fight our hope and salvation in Jesus Christ and the church!! Not a political or moral set of values but rather what Jesus tells us to do! You have one life do not waste it.
Dr. Daniel Akin, President Southeast Baptist Seminary, Great Commission Resurgence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKWcJ1j2HHQ
Dr. John Piper, Pastor Bethlehem Baptist Church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOc-l8mJ0Vw
After really thinking about it, I thought to myself WWJT: What Would Jesus Think? Sure we are taking a stand for what is right in our faith but are we doing this only because of "convenience"? What if Jesus asked you to take a stand, and dedicate 1-2 years out of your life to go and spread the gospel among the nations? What makes me so sad about the average Christian is their hyporcisy. A lot of Christians who have been born and raised in gospel centered churches only take a stand for Jesus out of convience. But do you realize that Jesus calls EVERYONE OF HIS FOLLOWERS TO GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS?" (Matthew 28). "Well Eric let me tell you theres enough people for that"
You must be out of your mind. More than ever there is a need for a Great Commission Resurgence in the church. If the following data below does not stir you up, you might want to question your salvation in Jesus Christ. We were once broken sinners, sentenced to death because of our sin. But now Jesus has rescued us and given us his Holy Spirit to go and be the light of the world!! (Matthew 5). Below are some facts about spreading the gospel to the nations.
2.3 billion people in the world have never heard the name or story of Jesus Christ.
1,568 ethnic groups across the globe have no Christians in their region
2 missionaries for every 1 million Muslims across the world
The church aka those who profess Jesus as their lord and savior need to get off their butt and make a radical lifestyle change for this to take place. We should not be chasing the American Dream, but rather chasing the Dream that Jesus has laid out for his disciples. If you want to experience the presence of God like never before in your life, you do not need another worship experience. What you need to do is begin my developing a heart for the a nation or certain social culture.
To see change and revivial in an ever increasing broken chaotic world, we need to fight our hope and salvation in Jesus Christ and the church!! Not a political or moral set of values but rather what Jesus tells us to do! You have one life do not waste it.
Dr. Daniel Akin, President Southeast Baptist Seminary, Great Commission Resurgence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKWcJ1j2HHQ
Dr. John Piper, Pastor Bethlehem Baptist Church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOc-l8mJ0Vw
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Gay Marriage, Chik Fil A, and The Gospel
I am usually not a big fan of writing on political issues, however it seems like in recent weeks the issue of gay marriage has been linked to the evangelical church. Personally I am against gay marriage and believe in the biblical definition of marriage between one man and one woman. I also a firm believer in the states playing a pivotal role in this issue. Ok so there is my political stance but lets get to the one that matters. What does Jesus really think of this issue???
The church too me personally has spent way too much time trying to figure out the right solution to this issue. Yes the United States is getting more socially acceptable. Yes the United States is becoming more Post Modern. Yes the United States moral and social values are becoming more loosely liberal. But that does not mean the church (the bride of Jesus Christ) should go away from its main vision? That is to love EVERYONE with the same love God demonstrated by sending his only son to die on the cross. Homosexuals, murderers, raptists, Republicans Democrats, CEO's, doctors and nurses are all broken busted sinners and we all need the love and grace of Jesus Christ. No sin is greater than another. The CEO who puts their hope and faith in money and politics is the same as the homosexual. That my friends is the gospel. It sometimes discust me to see Christian businesses and churches who go away from this. For example, the family who owns Chik Fil A recently released this statement on FoxNews.
“I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage,’” Cathy said. “I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we would have the audacity to try to redefine what marriage is all about.”
The church is not the Moral Majority, a set of theological doctrines and laws, it is a group of broken busted sinners who come together to celebrate the love and grace of Jesus Christ. The church is a group of people who come together to worship and give their lives and resources away to a broken chaotic world. Instead of giving away your time effort and resources to a super PAC or a political candidate, give to something that provides ultimate purpose and fulfillment. Give to something that will ultimately help change lives for generations!!!!!
It has been an honor and blessing to develop a global perspective. Did you know that right now there are 2.3 billion people in this world who have NEVER heard the story of Jesus Christ? Did you know that right now there are more slaves in human sex trafficing than ever before? Lets actually put all of our thoughts actions hopes and desires into what Jesus taught us to do before he left Earth!!! Did you know right now that the accumlated wealth among evangelicals is 2.3 trillion dollars???
It is my prayer that this generation I am apart of will show the world perfect love. Not love for a response or for approval but perfect sincere Christ like love. Below I have provided some great resources to books that highlight the meaning of the gospel. And no Joel OSteen is not the gospel!!!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Explicit-Gospel-Matt-Chandler/dp/1433530031
http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Recovering-Power-Christianity-Revolutionary/dp/1433673126/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343251540&sr=1-1&keywords=JD+Greear
http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Waste-Your-Life-Gift/dp/1581346107/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343251566&sr=1-1&keywords=John+Pipe
The church too me personally has spent way too much time trying to figure out the right solution to this issue. Yes the United States is getting more socially acceptable. Yes the United States is becoming more Post Modern. Yes the United States moral and social values are becoming more loosely liberal. But that does not mean the church (the bride of Jesus Christ) should go away from its main vision? That is to love EVERYONE with the same love God demonstrated by sending his only son to die on the cross. Homosexuals, murderers, raptists, Republicans Democrats, CEO's, doctors and nurses are all broken busted sinners and we all need the love and grace of Jesus Christ. No sin is greater than another. The CEO who puts their hope and faith in money and politics is the same as the homosexual. That my friends is the gospel. It sometimes discust me to see Christian businesses and churches who go away from this. For example, the family who owns Chik Fil A recently released this statement on FoxNews.
“I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage,’” Cathy said. “I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we would have the audacity to try to redefine what marriage is all about.”
The church is not the Moral Majority, a set of theological doctrines and laws, it is a group of broken busted sinners who come together to celebrate the love and grace of Jesus Christ. The church is a group of people who come together to worship and give their lives and resources away to a broken chaotic world. Instead of giving away your time effort and resources to a super PAC or a political candidate, give to something that provides ultimate purpose and fulfillment. Give to something that will ultimately help change lives for generations!!!!!
It has been an honor and blessing to develop a global perspective. Did you know that right now there are 2.3 billion people in this world who have NEVER heard the story of Jesus Christ? Did you know that right now there are more slaves in human sex trafficing than ever before? Lets actually put all of our thoughts actions hopes and desires into what Jesus taught us to do before he left Earth!!! Did you know right now that the accumlated wealth among evangelicals is 2.3 trillion dollars???
It is my prayer that this generation I am apart of will show the world perfect love. Not love for a response or for approval but perfect sincere Christ like love. Below I have provided some great resources to books that highlight the meaning of the gospel. And no Joel OSteen is not the gospel!!!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Explicit-Gospel-Matt-Chandler/dp/1433530031
http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Recovering-Power-Christianity-Revolutionary/dp/1433673126/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343251540&sr=1-1&keywords=JD+Greear
http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Waste-Your-Life-Gift/dp/1581346107/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343251566&sr=1-1&keywords=John+Pipe
Saturday, May 19, 2012
A Battle for the Throne, Evil vs Peace, Grace vs Sin
The greatest stumbling block for any person can be himself. With all of the crazy thoughts and ideas, the human heart is wicked and decitful. In Jeremiah 17 of the Old Testament, God illustrates this illusion.
However praise be to God that grace and mercy is following us. Even when we go to the club a bar, it follows us. Grace is relentless in streching out its open arms for us. You see before the creation of Earth, grace was already created by God himself. That is in man's most perfect form, where man could love and experience God's grace the most. Again a person's relationship with their father whether good or bad is the greatest form of human love and satisfcation.
Even being in full time ministry, even being saved and awed by grace, I still screw up big time. Whenever I run away from my creator and savior, and try to do my own thing, it blows up. Whenever I try to go with my own desires or feelings, they get crushed. Sure they might be fulfilled for a couple of days, but eventually that fulfillment goes away.
People sometimes wonder how outspoken and passionate I am for Jesus Christ. We you put ask Jesus to come in and be your savior and everlasing purpose, it all adds up. This world is broken and all of its ways systems and desires will eventually perish. However the blood of the lamb that died for the forgivness of my sins will never perish! Jesus is coming again to rescue his children. Until then this place is only temporary. I have one life and I sure do not want to waste it living in apathy or guilt.
I have not always made the smartest decisions, and God has taken me through a lot of valleys to draw me closer to him. Being a 24 year old fraternity guy who is extremely full of passion, there are a lot of idols to crush. God is softening my heart and changing desires that I have had for all of my life. It is not a one time fixing process. Lordship, that is glorify God as your savior and "Lord" takes time (days, months, years).
The greatest strength gift or strength that the Lord has blessed me with is a passion for the word, and changing lives that is relentless. The greater the cirumstances, the greater God can do because he capable of anything. And as his children we can expect all of his blessings, all of his love, all of his righteouness. Im not saying he is going to bless you with a 5 bedroom house, 3 handicap golf game, and 4 healthy children. All of those things are great, however we need to always align ourselves with the source and not the actual resource!!
I will never lose not, I will never give up, I will take over this world for Jesus Christ, and bring as many people as I can with me. Because the Holy Spirit before the creation of this world put this vision on my heart. I am a chosen one, I have a great high priest whos radiance stretches east as far as the west. I have a savior who made himself lower than the angels, now crowned with victory, who tasted death for me. The author and perfector of my faith, for HIS kingdom will be used to bring Glory to Him!
However praise be to God that grace and mercy is following us. Even when we go to the club a bar, it follows us. Grace is relentless in streching out its open arms for us. You see before the creation of Earth, grace was already created by God himself. That is in man's most perfect form, where man could love and experience God's grace the most. Again a person's relationship with their father whether good or bad is the greatest form of human love and satisfcation.
Even being in full time ministry, even being saved and awed by grace, I still screw up big time. Whenever I run away from my creator and savior, and try to do my own thing, it blows up. Whenever I try to go with my own desires or feelings, they get crushed. Sure they might be fulfilled for a couple of days, but eventually that fulfillment goes away.
People sometimes wonder how outspoken and passionate I am for Jesus Christ. We you put ask Jesus to come in and be your savior and everlasing purpose, it all adds up. This world is broken and all of its ways systems and desires will eventually perish. However the blood of the lamb that died for the forgivness of my sins will never perish! Jesus is coming again to rescue his children. Until then this place is only temporary. I have one life and I sure do not want to waste it living in apathy or guilt.
I have not always made the smartest decisions, and God has taken me through a lot of valleys to draw me closer to him. Being a 24 year old fraternity guy who is extremely full of passion, there are a lot of idols to crush. God is softening my heart and changing desires that I have had for all of my life. It is not a one time fixing process. Lordship, that is glorify God as your savior and "Lord" takes time (days, months, years).
The greatest strength gift or strength that the Lord has blessed me with is a passion for the word, and changing lives that is relentless. The greater the cirumstances, the greater God can do because he capable of anything. And as his children we can expect all of his blessings, all of his love, all of his righteouness. Im not saying he is going to bless you with a 5 bedroom house, 3 handicap golf game, and 4 healthy children. All of those things are great, however we need to always align ourselves with the source and not the actual resource!!
I will never lose not, I will never give up, I will take over this world for Jesus Christ, and bring as many people as I can with me. Because the Holy Spirit before the creation of this world put this vision on my heart. I am a chosen one, I have a great high priest whos radiance stretches east as far as the west. I have a savior who made himself lower than the angels, now crowned with victory, who tasted death for me. The author and perfector of my faith, for HIS kingdom will be used to bring Glory to Him!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Self righteous
In recent weeks I have been faced with greater and greater challenges. In my walk with God and being called to full time ministry, I sometimes feel taking two steps and then all of a sudden I am pushed back 3. However the Lord continues to work on the most important component of a person. That is their heart.
James 17 5-10 and 2 Chronicles 16:9 illustrate how wicked and selfish the human heart is. It this rugged individualistic society, discussing the deepest desires of our heart goes against human nature. Every action and thought is controlled by some desire or priority of our heart. When I meet up with a student or have a spiritual conversation I always try to focus on the priorities of their heart. Our society even in the church has a priority of elevating sins. For example being an alcoholic or drunk attic is greater than being a idolizing money or politics. The biggest probelm with elevating sin is that it goes against the foundation of the gospel. Jesus Christ did not just die for broken sinful people, but he also died for gay people. He also died for Democrats, he also died for people in prison. If a Democrat or homosexual was to repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their lord and savior, that makes them a Christian.
God continues to crush the idea of being self righteous in my heart. I have in recent months continued to use my position and theology to make it look like I have it all together. Being involved in the church for so long, I know how to turn on the "I have it all together sign". God does not want some phony arrogant self righteous lunatic who has it all together. God wants us to come to him broken as a child as a sinner. He wants a heart that is soft so that his love and grace can heal us. I have experienced grace, however I continue to be like a "dog returning to its own vomit (Proverbs 23:11). And I continue to "crucify Jesus Christ and put him into public display and scorning" (Hebrews 6:6).
It does matter if you live a life giving millions to charity, or being a good moral person who attends church on Sunday. If Jesus Christ is not on the throne of your heart, you will not experience pure joy. I need God out of desperation because of my sinful nature. My prayer life and dialogue reflects that, however my thoughts and actions do not. This is the hardest lesson that I have had to learn, and from now on I want to be a humble man who will serve the needs of others greater than myself. I boast in nothing but the precious Lamb of Jesus Christ. I will labor and serve endlessly even in chaos because of the grace Jesus has shown me day in and day out.
James 17 5-10 and 2 Chronicles 16:9 illustrate how wicked and selfish the human heart is. It this rugged individualistic society, discussing the deepest desires of our heart goes against human nature. Every action and thought is controlled by some desire or priority of our heart. When I meet up with a student or have a spiritual conversation I always try to focus on the priorities of their heart. Our society even in the church has a priority of elevating sins. For example being an alcoholic or drunk attic is greater than being a idolizing money or politics. The biggest probelm with elevating sin is that it goes against the foundation of the gospel. Jesus Christ did not just die for broken sinful people, but he also died for gay people. He also died for Democrats, he also died for people in prison. If a Democrat or homosexual was to repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their lord and savior, that makes them a Christian.
God continues to crush the idea of being self righteous in my heart. I have in recent months continued to use my position and theology to make it look like I have it all together. Being involved in the church for so long, I know how to turn on the "I have it all together sign". God does not want some phony arrogant self righteous lunatic who has it all together. God wants us to come to him broken as a child as a sinner. He wants a heart that is soft so that his love and grace can heal us. I have experienced grace, however I continue to be like a "dog returning to its own vomit (Proverbs 23:11). And I continue to "crucify Jesus Christ and put him into public display and scorning" (Hebrews 6:6).
It does matter if you live a life giving millions to charity, or being a good moral person who attends church on Sunday. If Jesus Christ is not on the throne of your heart, you will not experience pure joy. I need God out of desperation because of my sinful nature. My prayer life and dialogue reflects that, however my thoughts and actions do not. This is the hardest lesson that I have had to learn, and from now on I want to be a humble man who will serve the needs of others greater than myself. I boast in nothing but the precious Lamb of Jesus Christ. I will labor and serve endlessly even in chaos because of the grace Jesus has shown me day in and day out.
Friday, May 4, 2012
WE ARE THE CHURCH, SO START ACTING LIKE IT!!!!
The church is the bride of Jesus Christ. When I think of a bride, I think of expressions like intimacy beauty character and deep love. Many people however in the United States interpret and interact with the church with a political and social matter. For example some see the church as a "social club or country club". There is politics gossip and backstabbing among its members. Other see the church as a political insitution that uses stance and resources to influence both local state and national government. For example in the 1980's the "Moral Majority" was created to bring conserative and social reform to moral issues such as abortion and prayer in public schools.
Based on my expereience and evidence in God's these two illustrations are completely false. And anyone who uses the church soley for the functions above is not a true Christ follower. The church is a place where a group of different political economic and social backrounds come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Acts 2: 45-47 provides the ideal illustration for the basic functions and mission of the church. Jesus Christ did not die for a church to put all of their time and resources into politics and doctrine. Jesus Christ died for people. That is right he died for souls. If you do not understand this then you have no idea what true grace is. Please stop being so concerned with correct theology or politics and try to embrace grace by following Christ with audacious obedience in his teachings and character.
Based on my expereience and evidence in God's these two illustrations are completely false. And anyone who uses the church soley for the functions above is not a true Christ follower. The church is a place where a group of different political economic and social backrounds come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Acts 2: 45-47 provides the ideal illustration for the basic functions and mission of the church. Jesus Christ did not die for a church to put all of their time and resources into politics and doctrine. Jesus Christ died for people. That is right he died for souls. If you do not understand this then you have no idea what true grace is. Please stop being so concerned with correct theology or politics and try to embrace grace by following Christ with audacious obedience in his teachings and character.
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