Archive for Church

Acts 5: Waves in the Body of Christ

April 5, 2011 Church, Devotions, Leadership No comments

“If this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.” Acts 5:38,39

You know, sometimes even a Pharisee gets it right.

Throughout the Gospels the ruling class of leaders and teachers of the law are always getting slammed. Every time you turn around the Pharisees are taking it in the teeth. Jesus would often single them out for their internal contamination, and the Apostle Paul, having been in their camp at one time, would call them on the carpet. It seems like they couldn’t get a break…until now…

Gamaliel.

Gamaliel is a teacher of the law that was held in great esteem by the people of that time.  He spoke some profound things in Acts 5 that the Body of Christ ought to consider.  In response to the activities of Peter and the apostles, and their subsequent arrest, Gamaliel issued a caution: if God is at work then watch out, and if he is not then it will crumble.

In the years that I have been a part of The Church, and more specifically as a pastor of a local church, I have seen a number of “movements” surface and gain momentum.  Some have been loopy, some downright heretical and others just different from what I am used to.  Admittedly, I have occasionally been far too quick to decry them and label them as “not of God.” Maybe I poked fun, belittled or brought them under suspicion. Other times I outright called them out, or declared my hope for their demise.  Honestly, I didn’t feel very Godly during any of this.  I felt fleshly.

While reading Acts 5, I was reminded of something a great man of God, Ron Mehl, once said to myself and a group of pastoral leaders.  He was talking about his many years in ministry and all the waves of teaching, styles and flavors of church that had come and gone in the Body of Christ.  During those times folks would question why he and his church didn’t “rides the waves.”  He humbly told us that many of the “movements” that arose over his years in ministry were no longer viable. They had died.  The bubble burst.  The wave crashed.

In the end, what is still standing?

I think that Gamaliel nailed it.  If God is in it then you won’t be able to stop it.  If he’s not, then it won’t last.

That’s not to say that the “waves” that did not last were not of God, but rather, it is to say that I have become increasingly careful to not be too quick to pronounce judgment.

The last thing I want to be said of my life is that I opposed God.

Acts 4: A Barnabas Spirit

April 4, 2011 Church, Devotions No comments

In Acts 4 Barnabas comes upon the scene and is known as the “son of encouragement” (I guess there are worse titles to have).

His name denoted his nature.

His designation was his demeanor.

Throughout the Book of Acts we find multiple examples of Barnabas’ encouraging spirit. Often it involved a young, upstart named Saul. We know him now as Paul the Apostle, but I often wonder if Saul would have ever became Paul if it wasn’t for the encouragement of Barnabas and the interest that he took in the “long-shot” with the dicey reputation.

How many potential Paul’s are there within our sphere of influence that are trapped in the externals of Saul? Sauls have a history, are recognized as troublemakers, and are often misunderstood by the populace?

Who are the Sauls around you that you can be a Barnabas to?

Acts 3: Silver, Gold & Jesus (Repost)

April 3, 2011 Church, Devotions One comment

In Acts 3 I think we find an important reminder of how we should approach life and ministry.

Peter and John were confronted by a beggar near the entrance to the temple and he was looking for money. Its unknown whether or not they would have given him money IF they had some. I don’t think it’s inherently wrong to give out money to those in need and nor is the text making that point. However, Peter and John had NO money so they said, “Silver and gold we don’t have, but what we do have we will give.”

They had Jesus. So they gave him Jesus.

How often do we rely upon money as the answer to most, if not all, things? Are we too quick to throw dollars at something rather than the message and ministry of Jesus? In our culture, even within the local church, we have a default propensity towards money as THE answer. Have we perhaps overlooked and/or minimized Jesus? He is the only one that causes a paralyzed man to instantly rise up and begin to walk, leap and worship. That’s someone that money really can’t buy.

I wonder if our ongoing economic realities have forced us to lean harder upon Jesus? When there isn’t much in terms of silver and gold then we gotta go to Jesus. But what happens then when the silver and gold starts to flow again? Does Jesus take a back-burner? Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

 

Acts 2: From Confusion to Clarity

April 2, 2011 Church, Devotions No comments

Acts 2 captures a powerful event that took place during Pentecost. The Holy Spirit poured out upon those that gathered in the Upper Room. Imagine the stir that made. I was quite a moment in history.

And it didn’t go unnoticed.

The Bible says that a “multitude” of Jews had gathered in Jerusalem for the festivities. When they heard  worshipful utterances in recognizable and unrecognizable languages, we read in verses 5-13 that they were bewildered, amazed, astonished, and perplexed.  In other words:  massive confusion.

Many asked, “What does this mean?”

Others mockingly said, “They are drunk.”

Quite often spiritual things can be confusing. Those that are not familiar with what happens in church, such as exuberant worship, prayer, spiritual gifts and the teaching of scripture often scratch their heads in wonderment. There is a lot of mystery in spirituality. Not everything can be summed up in quick, little formulas.  For example, try to simply explain, say, The Trinity.  Good luck.

In most every crowd like this you’ll have pockets of believers, doubters, and mockers. Believers experience the presence of God. Doubters are bewildered by it. Mockers choose to put it down. Thus the need for Teachers.

Enter Peter.

On the Day of Pentecost Peter brought clarity into the confusion. He stood, lifted his voice and addressed those that had gathered: believers, doubters and mockers alike. He brought affirmation to the believers and points of adjustment to those that didn’t understand or stood in opposition. Clarity into confusion.

His words in Acts 2 continue to give us clarity about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives today. We find how this amazing event was rooted in history (ie:  Book of Joel). Peter also draws attention to the Father’s promise and Jesus’ role in the outpouring of the Spirit. As well, Peter calls for a point of response.

“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter an the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’  Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:37-38

In all over 3000 souls responded to the message of Christ that day. I love how the Holy Spirit works like that. He uses real people to comfortably move in the mysterious. He invites teachers to stand, lift their voice and address the confusion, with the goal of bringing clarity!

 

Leadership Conversations

March 30, 2011 Church, Leadership No comments

If you’re a pastor or emerging leader (ie: church planter, youth pastor, etc.) then you’re invited to come hang out, drink some great espresso and talk life and ministry.  The times are open:  10 am – 2 pm. Stay as little or as long as you like. Bring a few questions or thoughts and let’s converse.

Solid Foundation

March 5, 2011 Church, Devotions, Family, Leadership No comments
Luke 6:47-49 says “Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.“

Jesus equates the person that hears his words and does them to a well-constructed home on a firm foundation.

That person dug deep and laid the foundation of the home on a solid rock. The imagery is rich and clear: our life is the building and the foundation is Jesus Christ.

Will this kind of home be standing although it is blasted with wind and waves?

Yes! Why?

Because it is well built.

Here are a few questions for you:  Who is your foundation?  How deep did you dig?  What is the condition of your spiritual home?

I encourage you to dig deep into Christ. He is our solid rock…all other ground is sinking sand.

 

Silver & Gold in a New Economic Reality

March 5, 2011 Church, Leadership No comments

In Acts 3 I think we find an important reminder of how we should approach life and ministry.

Peter and John were confronted by a beggar near the entrance to the temple and he was looking for money. Its unknown whether or not they would have given him money IF they had some. I don’t think it’s inherently wrong to give out money to those in need and nor is the text making that point. However, Peter and John had NO money so they said, “Silver and gold we don’t have, but what we do have we will give.”

They had Jesus. So they gave him Jesus.

How often do we rely upon money as the answer to most, if not all, things? Are we too quick to throw dollars at something rather than the message and ministry of Jesus? In our culture, even within the local church, we have a default propensity towards money as THE answer. Have we perhaps overlooked and/or minimized Jesus? He is the only one that causes a paralyzed man to instantly rise up and begin to walk, leap and worship. That’s someone that money really can’t buy.

I wonder if our current economic realities have forced us to lean harder upon Jesus? When there isn’t much in terms of silver and gold then we gotta go to Jesus. But what happens then when the silver and gold starts to flow again? Does Jesus take a back-burner? Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

Purpose-Driven Jesus

January 4, 2011 Church, Devotions, Leadership One comment

In Luke 4 we read of Jesus entering Capernaum, including a visit to Simon’s house and the healing of his mother-in-law. After a long stretch of ministry (not to mention the temptation in the wilderness and travel from Nazareth), Jesus went into a solitary (quiet) place. The crowds followed him and begged him to come back and continue the “good stuff” he had been doing previously.

Jesus, however, knew that he needed to keep moving to other communities.  His purpose was clear.  Let’s look at it in His own words:

“I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose”(Luke 4:43).

Purpose-Driven Jesus.

It could have been easy (and notably popular) for him to hang out in Capernaum awhile longer. He was attracting quite a following because of his miracle-working healing powers. But that was not his primary purpose.  Earlier in Luke 4 we see how Jesus applied the words of Isaiah to his own life and ministry:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim…” (4:18).

Proclaim what?

• Liberty to captives

• Recovery to the blind

• Freedom to the oppressed

• God’s favor

There are a number of wonderful things that Jesus did while he was on this earth.  It would take considerable space to recount all of his anointed exploits. Nothing that Jesus did should be discounted or minimized, and yet, it would seem that he had ONE primary purpose: to preach the good news of the kingdom of God.

Purpose-Driven Jesus.

What is your primary purpose?  Of course, there will always be secondary, and wonderfully important things that you and I do that wouldn’t be considered as our primary purpose.  It’s simply not possible for us to do only ONE THING – not even Jesus could stake that claim.  But it is vital for us to follow the pattern of Jesus, who constantly aligned himself to that which the Father called him to accomplish.

Like Jesus, we will find ourselves being pulled and prodded by the whim of the crowds. How should we respond?

Graciously and Intentionally:  ”Thank you, but I must stay on task.  God has given me a primary purpose for my life. It is to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. Everything else is secondary.”

Imagine what could be accomplished if we discovered our primary purpose and lived intentionally to accomplish it.

Merry Christmas from the Fehlens

December 24, 2010 Church, Family, Marriage No comments

Jesus’ blessings to you and yours.

Denise and I, along with Jordan (17), Joshua (15), Anna (12) and Isaac (8) wish you a very Merry Christmas and wonderful 2011.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24

With Love,

The Fehlens

White Collars, iPads, and Ripped Jeans

September 17, 2010 Church, Creative, Devotions, Leadership 5 comments

Right now I’m experiencing an interesting convergence with my devotions and my day. I’m at my local coffeehouse and with one eye I’m reading my Bible and with another eye I’m watching a young priest sitting near me. He is about my age and he’s meeting with a group of people, undoubtedly from his congregation, much like I would do on any given day.

The following reflections are a work in progress. I’m only musing.

When I saw him walk in with his full priestly garb my first thought was how underdressed I am right now. Granted, this is my day off. Yes, I’ve showered, but I just threw on some clothes consisting of faded jeans with a huge rip in the knee, thrashed shoes with a tear in the fabric, an Athletic Booster t-shirt from West Salem High School, a black hoodie with some skater logo on it (all in an effort to look relevant to the kiddos), and a Nike baseball cap. I’m a walking billboard – my life is a product placement.

Then there is the priest – the man in black. He’s in pressed clothes, dress shoes, overcoat and even a classy top-hat (admittedly, I am a bit envious of that). In stark contrast, a bright white collar peeks out to confirm all questioning of this man indeed being a priest.

He and I serve in similar roles, but you wouldn’t know it.

More musings that are converging…

During this time I was reading my Bible on my trusty iPad. This digital device is absolutely amazing. I’m typing these thoughts on it right now. While reading my Bible off my iPad my gut started feeling weird, and I couldn’t really explain until right now why I wanted to have my actual paper Bible in my hands instead of the iPad. When I switched to reading from my tried and true NIV, leather bound copy of the Scriptures, I felt better. I felt like people around me would notice it and would say, “Oh, he’s reading a Bible.” I didn’t do this because of pride or be recognized. I did this because over the years many a conversation have been struck up by people saying, “I see you’re reading your Bible. Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

This has become my…well…my white collar.

When I read the Bible from my iPad or iPhone I’ve only had people say, “Hey, that’s a pretty cool dealio. How much you pay for that and what kind of tricks can it do?”

Now, I’m not a legalist. I’m about as far from that description as could be imagined. I don’t think the words of Scripture are more holy on parchment then on a glossy screen. I don’t subscribe to the notion that a person is more righteous when wearing slacks and a button down shirt vs. jeans and a t-shirt. I’ve been around that block in my past and it’s not a good trip. It’s religion, and religion kills.

More musings that are converging…

Today my devotional reading is Ezekiel 44 and interestingly it’s about the priestly garments. Coincidence? I think not. The bulk of chapter 44 deals with what the priests and Levites are to wear in the temple (inner courts) and outside the temple (outer courts). Verse 19 says: “When they go out into the outer court where the people are, they are to take off the clothes they have been ministering in and are to leave them in the sacred rooms, and put on other clothes…” It goes on to address hair length, wine consumption, marriage and divorce with a culminating statement: “They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.”

As a student of the Bible I can say with a level of confidence that the Older Testament finds it’s fulfillment in the person of Jesus in the New Testament. The external requirements of the Older Testament points towards an internal work of the Spirit. For example, the law of circumcision is now a physical representation of the work of the Spirit in the HEART. In a nutshell, Jesus wants our willful surrender not our wardrobe. He’s not much concerned whether we read Scripture from paper or a computer. Jeans or slacks? Not major issues for Jesus.

But are they issues for me? Do I need to do certain things personally? Do I sense a desire to read from my paper Bible because it keeps my heart focused (it’s so easy to check Facebook or read email from my iPad)? Does it add a level of accountability for me to have people SEE me with a physical copy of the Scriptures? In other words, does the priest wear the white collar so that he’s reminded that he is INDEED A PRIEST? Are there disciplines that we think are FOR GOD, but actually are FOR US?

Musings.

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