It's A Spiritual Battle

How do you fight against something you cannot see, cannot smell, cannot touch? We parents, we Christians, we human beings, are in a battle. You don't have to wonder why chaos is going on in the world, in our country, in our city and in our homes. Today is a reminder. Today is Sept 11th. A day in the history of our country, where we are reminded of the evil in this world.

We are in the fight of our lives, for our own souls, as well as, the souls of our children. Unfortunately, we can't buy a gun or a knife or a sword, a rocket launcher, a chemical weapon, a nuclear bomb or a "fill in the blank" your weapon of choice to defeat our attacker.Who is our attacker? It's not your neighbor down the street. It's not a gang member or an ex convict or even the Muslim extremists.

In John 10:10 it tells you who our attacker is: ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

And who is the thief? Satan is the the thief. Is Satan a human being, walking around on this earth, waiting in the bushes or behind your house, underneath your car, waiting at your children's school or day care center? No. Satan is a spirit. He is not human. You cannot touch him, see him or smell him and I thank God that I cannot do any of those things. So, how do we fight Satan, who is a spirit.

Ephesians 6:10-18 we get the full picture of how to handle a spiritual battle that is going on constantly and will be as long as we live or until Jesus comes back. What do we learn from this passage in Ephesians?

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. What are we supposed to do? "be strong in the Lord. In whose power? HIS power, not our own.


¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. What are we supposed to do? "Put on the full armor of God. Why? so you can take your stand against the devil. Why? Because the devil is scheming to "steal, kill and destroy" you and your family.

¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Who is our struggle against? Not against flesh and blood....this is a SPIRITUAL BATTLE, "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.


  ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

Paul explains in verses 13-17 above exactly how to be prepared for a spiritual battle, then the ultimate weapon he shares with us in verse 18.

 
¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

We are in a spiritual battle. When? Paul says in verse 18 "on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests and with this in mind, to BE ALERT and ALWAYS keep on praying for ALL the Lord's people."   "ALL the Lord's people" includes yourself, includes your children if you are believers in Christ. "BE ALERT and ALWAYS keep on praying" are action words. 

We are in a spiritual battle every day. Let's not lose sight of that as we try to love our spouses and lead our children to love and serve the Lord. Only through "His mighty power" can we win that battle.
 

My last post...

Since our blog has kind of "blown up" recently and since I've been apart of it since inception I wanted to post our official resignation letter for all to read (attached at the bottom). However, if you did not know, I'm on out annual family vacation time in Branson (that's just how the schedule was already so we kept it as is even though there were some big changes happening). And last night I was doing some talking and listening with God and He gave me a story that was really for me (in other words I wasn't looking for something to blog about just talking with Him about our new found place in life) but the goal of these posts have always been transparency... Something I know you've seen from all our family pastors (if not check them out: Matt Mondays, Sankie Tuesdays, Jweff Wednesdays, Terry Thursdays and Phil Fridays). Thus, I thought I would just share my brief experience with you since this is probably my last post... Enjoy!!

Tonight as Kamp was winding down and folks were headed back to their cabanas for the evening, I found a little hammock to lay in, since my crew was already down. After several minutes and nearly all people gone, I started asking God for a story... something to speak to me like He had so many times over the years at that same spot at Kanakuk... When out of no where a toddler started softly crying "Daddy...Daddy", sounding sad I turned around to see him wandering aimlessly in the dark looking for his daddy. When I saw him I realized he had found his way back to a spot I now remember he and his dad had stood maybe a half hour before. He looked confused wondering why his dad wasn't there anymore. Before I could say anything I heard a man say "Bradly" from just beyond my shoulder. In so doing the little boy looked up to find me and he began to walk over to me, but getting only a few feet before he realized I wasn't his daddy. Though startled he continued to inch in my direction all the while his dad called his name. As we stared at each other I could tell he didn't really hear his name over the noise of the running water and soft music he simply was drawn to something else the resembled his daddy though I could tell in his hesitation he knew better. Finally only a few feet from me he finally heard his name being called by his dad standing just over a bush. His dad had never moved, he simply continued to call him near and watched his son's every move as he learned and connected the dots.

For several years I feel I've been searching for my daddy... I went back to places I know I've seen Him before and even got distracted at different times by things that shared a lot of His characteristics. Tonight God reminded me that he never left but continues to call... Helping me learn new things and grow in new directions all the while watching with anticipation for the moment I see/hear through the stuff and tune in to just Him again. Tonight I was told very clearly that I've been "doing" an awful lot... Things that resemble Him and His will but right now He just wants me to "be" again. To seek His face and voice and to learn to follow only Him through all the chaos. May I have enough courage and faith to just be this week and this year!!

All that to say... Court and I are NOT in a "bad" place we are just in a "new" place (at least for us). Court has said recently that "we have been managing and/or running a hospital for some time now, maybe it's time to check ourselves in for a bit... Maybe even mosey on over to the ICU." That being said (since many of you have asked), we will probably be finding a new church home in this transition also... The first reason being what I just mentioned. We believe after seeking much counsel it would be a very difficult to transition because of the position we've held not just on staff but as a family pastor. The other reason is for the "new guy"... The first church job we accepted had a great youth guy before me and we in fact worked together for a few weeks during the transition. He chose to hang around since he was going back to school and though his intentions were great, it made for a very rough first couple of years. I can not do that to the next guy!

Thus, we reiterate... At this time, we have no intention of moving or taking a job at another church. We simply want to take a season off to rest and be. We love you and can't wait to see you around town and hear all about how things are going.

June 22nd 2014

It’s bittersweet that I stand before you today. Coming to NBC a little over three years ago was a great decision for our family. It was one taken in faith and obedience to God. Sometimes following in obedience to His plan for our lives doesn’t always make sense. However, it is stepping out in obedience and faith in the Lord that we find ourselves once again. It is with great prayer, discussion, and wise counsel that we’ve come to the decision to resign as a Family Pastor at New Beginnings.

We are currently in an integral season for our family and want to take the next year to reign in and refocus, as 12 years of full-time ministry has taken a heavy toll. We feel this year will give us the opportunity to grow, refuel, and restore our family to be used by God in ways we cannot comprehend. My wife came across a quote from Tony Evans, that reads, “You will never know where God wants to take you until you are willing to leave where you are.” I would change the ending for us, to say until you take the first step. Our first step is to resign from vocational ministry for a season. We are given many examples in Scripture where God says, “go” and doesn’t give the details until after the first step is complete. We are confident that the Lord will give us details as we need them on where to go and what to do from here, all we know right now is that we are suppose to step away. To be super clear, we support New Beginnings and had their full support to continue serving here yet still have their blessing as we depart.

Goodbyes are rarely easy and change is usually uncomfortable at first. However, I leave by saying I believe in New Beginnings, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that South Tulsa would feel the difference if this body was gone tomorrow. I believe with passion in the NBFamilies focus and direction, I believe in Reach Out Sundays, the impacts they’ve had on our community and the incredible opportunity for us to BE the Church, I believe in our students and sacrificial leaders as they continue to go deeper and really embrace the discipleship model we hold dear with our D-Groups, I believe in our church staff and can vouch for each one to not only be disciples of Jesus but serving in their unique strengths. I believe God has great things in store for the families in this congregation and look very forward to hearing about it in the future.

We are blessed to have been a part of some really great years at NBC. My hope is that you will continue to grow in your spiritual maturity and use the family model to create an amazing and unique Faith Map full of adventures. Until God calls us elsewhere, we don’t have plans to leave the area, but to make a faith map of our own milestones and adventures for the Berg clan. Thank you for the opportunity to serve alongside you and to help lead you and your families to Jesus. We hope to see you around town and hug your necks.

Radically HIS-
Jeff Berg
Family Pastor of High School

The Bergs
**Follow Jeff, also known as "surgeberg" on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Once Dead…But Made Alive Through Christ

This past Sunday was one of the most incredible experiences of my life as a father. Getting to baptize our oldest son Sankie will remain as one of the most special events in my life. I hope to be able to do the same with Owen, Jackson and whoever this next one is!

Me baptizing Sankie II Easter Sunday

Jamie and I have prayed and prayed and taught and corrected and disciplined and trained and yet—none of that earns salvation for a child. So this is not a story of how great we’ve been as parents which equated to a kid getting to heaven. Instead, I hope you hear the screaming question of why so much grace? 

If we’re not careful, we begin to think that all our good efforts in parenting should bump us up on the list toward our children being saved. Now of course, we never verbalize that or allow ourselves to admit it. But it may be there nonetheless. Across the spectrum of evangelicalism (and cousin Charismatia) this expectation of “teaching them diligently” (Deut. 6:7) being completed in some equation to salvation may be seen in our frustrations or our impatience with our children. It may be detected in our desire to pridefully exhibit the perfect family image with quiet, still, smiling, clean, nicely-dressed little pictures of Godliness. God burst that bubble for us with child #1 in week #1—and continues to solidify with further examples! It may show up secretly as we jealously desire people to honor us and praise us as spiritual families. It may be seen with our contempt as we secretly point our finger in God’s face reminding Him of all we’ve “done” for Him with our children and service in the church. 

Again, none of that impresses Him on a resume for salvation. All our attempts at good parenting are also “as filthy rags” (Is. 64:6) when it comes to earning merit or God owing us something in regards to salvation. 

So, standing there looking down at the baptism tank as the boys were preparing for their time I had a screaming thought blaring in my head…”WHY?” 

Testing the waters

Why so much goodness and grace poured out on a little guy who deserves nothing but wrath? 

Why so much mercy for seven years of rebellion against God’s commands? 

Why would God receive my son unto salvation when literally billions of people across the planet have not heard the name of Jesus nor the salvation He offers? 

Why so much love and grace poured out on such unsuspecting souls? 

Baptism screams at us the reality of God’s amazing grace. Ezekiel 37 tells the ridiculous story of dry bones miraculously being brought back to life as God is showing off His infinite power and supremacy above all things. I call it ridiculous because it is ridiculous for man to believe in spiritual rebirth (“born-again”) if not for a God who commands it and it happens according to His word. God is the only one who can bring dead souls to eternal life. God is the only one who has the power to make all things re-created in His Son’s likeness. Baptism should halt us and help us to think through and appreciate the grace of God in the great news of the gospel story. 

Sankie, Chandler, and Noah

All the teachings, prayers, lessons, Faith Talks, Faith Walks, God-moments, and Bible readings do not save. They bring the good news of the gospel into the environment of the child. God, the Holy Spirit, breathes new life as the words of the gospel are articulated in the child’s hearing and sight. God is the only one who saves. 

Baptism is a beautiful picture meant to show that a person who was once “dead in trespasses and sins,” (Eph. 2:1) has been brought into eternal life through what Christ accomplished on the cross. 

A person formerly facing God’s wrath as rebels to His will now reconciled and adopted as a child of God. Where formerly they were lost in darkness pursuing their own way—now brought into the light. Where formerly they were guilty—now because Jesus took on their guilt—they are now pronounced “NOT GUILTY!” Solely because of what Christ did on the cross. 

Once the Holy Spirit gives understanding to these truths and brings repentance and faith, the person is re-created internally with a new heart that desires to follow God’s law. This is the internal heart change wrought by the Holy Spirit of God. 

Baptism is an outward expression proclaiming the great news that this person has been forgiven of sins (1 Pet. 3:18; Col. 1:13-14), justified by Christ (1 Cor. 6:11; Rom.8:30; Rom.5:9; Rom.5:1), adopted as children of God (1 John 2:28–3:3), and reconciled completely to God (2 Cor. 5:17-20). 

Baptism does not save at all. There is nothing salvific about baptism. The water of baptism does not wipe away or wash away sins. Sins are completely and entirely forgiven by Jesus’ death on the cross. Baptism is not the “second requirement” of salvation. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone through His cross. There will be many people in heaven who were not baptized in water. There will also be many people in hell who had been baptized in some manner while on the earth. But baptism does not save. 

Baptism is one of two ordinances given to the church (the other being the Lord’s Supper) to be performed repeatedly by local assemblies of believers to proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus to the world around us until He returns. Individuals who put their trust in Christ’s atoning work on the cross are commanded to be baptized afterwards. 

So what about baptizing children? 

There has been much discussion with varied stances concerning how appropriate it is to baptize young children—especially children under the age of ten. Now for many of you, that may be “new” news to you. Some people are outraged when I even bring up the fact that people have questioned baptizing five and six year-olds. Over the last sixty years, the number of baptisms do not equate with the number of people who continue to participate in church. The growing concern has been that many people make “false professions” of faith either as a child at a young age or as a teen-ager. Over time, pastors and theologians have asked if baptism gives people a false sense of security or a false belief that they are going to heaven once they are baptized. That problem is not solved by taking away the water of baptism, which is in accordance with God’s word. That problem is a much larger discipleship problem throughout the church. 

Some churches have decided they would set a certain age as the first eligible age for baptism (for example 12 years). The thought is that younger children (5-10 yr-olds) will have more time to sort of “give evidence” to their salvation. Everyone knows that it’s very difficult to see how much “lifechange” truly occurs in a five or six year-olds life. They don’t turn from drug abuse, sexual immorality, and debauchery at those ages. Some churches have even set the number as high as sixteen. Many of those churches who set numbers have gone back and removed the limitation because, Biblically speaking, you will become more pressed to show how forcibly delaying and restricting baptism to certain ages is more in line with orthodoxy. The Bible seems to point to more immediacy. Parents also become very frustrated when a child makes a profession of faith at six or seven and the church then tells them they have to explain to their child that they have to wait six more years for baptism. Again, you may find yourself justifying how you are a stumbling block to a child’s desire for obedience in baptism!

Matt baptizing Chandler Easter Sunday

I personally appreciate looking at baptism as an outward step of obedience in accordance with Scriptural commands (Acts 2:38; Matt. 28:18-20). I believe we can look at a younger professing believer’s intent and desire for obedience through baptism to be considered much like a “letter of intent.” For all their present understanding and ability, they believe God has saved them from their sins and to the best of their ability they desire to live for Jesus in obedience to His Lordship. Baptism is their first public proclamation that they love Jesus and understand He saved them in His death and resurrection. As stated many times, “from dead in trespasses and sins, raised to walk in newness of life,” (Eph. 2:1; 2 Cor. 5:17). Baptism is the visible outward picture of what has happened internally in the heart. 

So, yes it is hard to discern. But if we believe that that first initial “response” or some sinner’s prayer at the front pew of a church is all we’re banking on, then we are the ones needing more help. Is there follow through and continuous discipleship going on before, during, and after a profession of faith is made? Are we teaching them what following Christ looks like and how it is lived out—or are we finished once they pray the prayer? Again, this is a much deeper problem of discipleship within the church at large. 

I do believe churches have done much harm in having people walk an aisle—asking people to get baptized when they’ve never yet asked them if they understand the gospel and salvation. 

I’m extremely encouraged to see many churches implementing a process or a class for younger children to go through to communicate, to the best of their ability at that age, what they believe has happened to them in salvation, what they believe the gospel message is, and what baptism is and is not. At least someone is asking them 1) if they’ve been saved and 2) what they believe that means. Bethlehem Baptist Church (Children Desiring God) has a helpful tool titled, Preparing Young People for Baptism. 

Steve baptizing Noah Easter Sunday

Our church, New Beginnings, uses Lifeway’s resource, I’m A Christian Now! We have a couple, the Bowman’s, who teach through six weeks of the class repeatedly clarifying the message of the gospel, what it means to agree with God about our sin and need for Him, what it means to believe in the true offer of salvation in Christ, and what it means to confess our faith in Christ. This little book has some simple truths about baptism itself as well as Communion and other important truths about the church. There is also a second book that follows up after their baptism to help them learn how to follow Christ. 

We have added a time at the completion of this class where I meet with the parents and the child desiring baptism. The six weeks leading up to this are extremely beneficial for being able to articulate their beliefs as well as clearing up any confusion they have on any number of things. I am able to hear from the parents their own assessment of the child’s profession as well as whether they’ve seen marked “Godly sorrow” as described in 2 Cor. 7 that results in a repentant heart. Again, we cannot judge hearts on salvation. We miss it even when we start inspecting fruit. But this is a good step that doesn’t postpone those desiring obedient baptism for five to seven years while at the same time providing a time of clarifying gospel-fluency and understanding of personal salvation. 

Sankie P. Lynch

Pastor of Families

www.nbchurch.info

www.nbfamilies.info

sankie@nbchurch.info

What is Maundy Thursday?

Today is Maundy Thursday—the Thursday before Easter. Christians around the world and across many denominations take time on this day to remember the Last Supper, when Jesus and his disciples dined together for the last time before his death. 

 The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word for commandment (mandatum), which Jesus talked about when he told his disciples that he was leaving them “a new commandment,” that they “love one another.”   From http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2013/03/what-is-maundy-thursday/


         ³¹ When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. ³² If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself and will glorify Him at once. 
          ³³ “Children, I am with you a little while longer. You will look for Me, and just as I told the Jews, ‘Where I am going you cannot come,’ so now I tell you. 
          ³⁴ “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”   John 13:31-35 (HCSB)


Today, on this Thursday before Easter, let us reflect on the "new commandment" our Lord Jesus Christ gave His disciples on the night he was betrayed. Do people know you are one of His disciples? "if you have love for one another."

SEDER—UP !

For centuries, Jewish families have practiced the Passover Seder. The Passover Seder celebrates God’s faithfulness in freeing the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. God had commanded His people to retell the story of God’s salvation and deliverance from Egypt. 
Of course, we understand that God's ultimate freedom from slavery to sin and our beautiful salvation was completely accomplished by Christ's atoning work on the cross. 

The boys opted for the "shirtless" Seder. 

“You shall tell your child on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt’” (Exodus 13:8). If you remember the story of the Exodus, Moses had been told by God to go to Pharaoh and tell him to “Let My people go.” But Pharaoh continued to refuse. Eventually, God sent ten different plagues ending with the death of the first-born in all the homes in Egypt that did not have blood covering their door. This story of salvation, where God spared those covered with blood became known as the Passover. 

After Pharaoh and all of Egypt woke to find their first-born dead—as a result of their failure to listen to God—Pharaoh told Moses to take the Israelites and leave. Moses and Israel fled quickly. Pharaoh immediately changed his mind and wanted the Israelites to remain as slaves to Egypt. So Pharaoh’s army pursued them. 

Israel saw God’s salvation and faithfulness again as Israel was pinned up against the Red Sea. God parted the Red Sea and allowed Israel to through on dry land. As Egypt’s army pursued them between the divided sea, after Israel’s last families passed in to safe territory, the waters came crashing down on the army. God had provided salvation again for His people. 

This OT story of God’s salvation points to God’s ultimate salvation from slavery and sin that was brought about by the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Last night our family participated in a Seder with a meal together. You can download or print off this special Easter Faith Talk outline from our church website by clicking here. It's listed as a tab right above the title of the video as "Holy Week Faith Talk." 

Here’s how ours went down:

( And to encourage everyone—our boys were out of control tonight—we got started very late—and this was something we were trying for the first time. Some elements went well even with very playful attitudes. )

We started by having them wash their hands. 

The Scriptures listed on the left side of the page go right along with the Seder plan. You can simply read the section on the right and then go to the matching Scripture on the left edge of the page. 

We didn’t have lamb—but went with pork tenderloin (Neo-Kosher). We simply enjoyed this aspect. God gives us things to simply enjoy. We could have lied to them and told them it was a “sacrificial lamb,” but we passed on the deceitful route for our first Seder. 

We used a simple green vegetable—the Hebrews would call it “green beans,” (pronounced grrieeen beans). They represent spring and new life. 

We had salt water in a glass to symbolize and talk about the slaves’ tears and what that was like for them to live in while in Egypt. Surprisingly, the tears discussion kind of captured their attention. 

We explained more about slavery and how unjust it was because people are made in God’s image. We also made a quick connection to slavery to sin and the type of slavery they experienced in Egypt and how God had promised a future land without slavery. 

I thought we had horseradish at home—but didn’t. We were going to use that as the “bitter herbs” to talk about the bitterness of living in slavery. Since we didn’t have a true bitter herb, we improvised and used some almonds covered with a bitter chocolate covering. It worked perfect. We told them to put their tongue to it (it was very bitter if you barely tasted it). Then we all put it in our mouth and kept it there without chewing it up. It remained bitter for about half a minute. Then when we bit into it—it became sweet as you broke through the chocolate. We used that to show how God takes bitter, painful things in life (slavery, sin, the cross for Jesus), and brings something great and beautiful and redeeming. 

We explained God’s salvation for Israel in the Passover as well as His salvation at parting the Red Sea. We then had some wafers/crackers with sea salt on them to talk about the hasty leaving of Israel once the ten plagues had been unleashed on Egypt. 

We also had red juice to celebrate God’s salvation at four different points in our story. 

(Remember, the key is not exactness in details of food elements—but a focus on being thankful to God in His faithfulness in redemptive history leading up to the ultimate salvation in Christ’s death and resurrection.)

We also read a “blessing” over the boys from Ps. 121:5-8 and prayed. We got this from the small booklet A Father’s Guid to Blessing His Children, by David Michael and Children Desiring God. 

We closed by doing the “Lentil Lights” (I think thats what its called) where you turn out the lights and light seven candles starting on Good Friday. The house is completely dark except for the light from the seven candles. This really grabs the boys attention. We’ve done this one for the last few years and every year I’m amazed at how focused and serious the boys get as we talk about the week leading up to Jesus’ death on that next Friday. Each night you blow out one candle…six remaining, then five, then four, then three, then two, then one. And finally you blow out the last candle on the Friday respectively close to Easter. It’s complete darkness. 

The darkness reminds us how dark this world truly would be if we were left in our sins and if there was no Jesus and no resurrection. The darkness reveals how dark sin really is and how it separates us from God in a way we don’t usually like to look at. Then Saturday night you leave the candles still out. Then Sunday morning, you wake them with all seven candles lit and burning brightly again (or one large candle). He is risen! The true light of the world who reflects His glory throughout the world! His work on the cross sufficient and successful!

Our boys have loved this every year. We let a boy blow out a candle each night. 

Now remember, this started out with a rough crowd! The boys were exceptionally loud, bouncy, and laughing at everything they were saying. They really became focused as we started in on each element of the Seder so I would strongly suggest for others to do this with their family. It can really build up to the beauty of what Christ accomplished on the cross and through His resurrection. 

May your week be consumed with thoughts on this captivating Christ, His cross, and His resurrection!

Sankie P. Lynch

www.nbchurch.info

www.nbfamilies.info

sankie@nbchurch.info

Transformation......or what's the point?

New Beginnings has identified three values that we(our pastoral staff) strive for our members-regular attenders to embody, to not only learn, but to live out. Those three values are: Biblical, Transformational & Missional.

• Biblical means relating to, or being in accord with the Bible. At New Beginnings we preach, teach, and live the Bible.
• Transformational is the act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed.Transformation is the operation of change.New Beginning's disciples understand that they will be intentionally and continually changing-growing toward spiritual maturity.
• Missional is all things concerning God's mission: missionaries, mission fields, mission giving, mission saving, mission sending, mission going and mission living. Every member at New Beginnings Church is a missionary who lives God's mission in the unique context in which God has placed them.

This word "transformation" has been on my heart the past few weeks.Each of the above three values work "hand in glove". You could be all biblical and not allow God to transform you, growing toward spiritually maturity or to become missional. We know the Pharisees knew more about scripture than the commoner. Elevated to elite religious status of their day and yet we would use the term "Pharisee" today in a negative term. Defining someone as a "Pharisee" would be synonymous with calling them a hypocrite. All knowledge, no transformation. Romans 2:13 says, "For the hearers of the law are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be declared righteous."

A person could be all missional. All about serving, but very little or no bible knowledge. They are caught up in the passion, emotion or even legalism of serving, yet lack the understanding of who and why they are really serving in the process. Titus 3:5 says "He saved us— not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

But is it really possible to be transforming-growing toward spiritual maturity, without being biblical and/or missional? How can that happen? Where does spiritual growth come from? Titus 3:5, "according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit." 1 Peter 2:2-3 " Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation, ³ since you have tasted that the Lord is good."

As we grow in our understanding and spiritual maturity, how are our hearts being transformed?

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 says " If I speak human or angelic languages but do not have love,
I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries
and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.
³ And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing."

 As we grow in our understanding and spiritual maturity, how are we being transformed and lead by the Holy Spirit?

In Henry T. Blackaby & Claude V. King's study "Experiencing God", they summarize the way we respond to God's initiative in your life by using these seven realities:
1) God's work: God is always at work around you.
2) Relationship: God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.
3) Invitation: God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.
4) God Speaks: God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes and His ways.
5) Crisis of Belief: God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
6) Adjust: You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.
7) Obey & Experience: You come to know God by experiences as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you.

Can you see how going through these seven realities above could be a way for you to become "transformed-growing toward spiritual maturity"? 

If we could take this approach of continuous, daily growth in Christ, ie.being "transformed", taking action and growing from the experience. If we could wake up each day asking God "where can I join You in Your work today Lord?", "Use me today Lord for your will and not my own". We could then model that and share our experiences with our children and grand-children. We will not struggle in coming up with "real-life" experiences for "Faith Walk" stories of how God is working in and through our lives and theirs. It will become natural conversation. Can you see how that would draw you closer in relationship with God and with them? 

What is the point of being a follower of Jesus Christ, without transformation, without daily growth, daily becoming more and more like the one we choose to follow? IF our children and grand-children don't see that transformation in us, maybe they will be asking the same question: What's the point?




Terry Langenberg
Twitter: TheLangenberg
Facebook: TheLangenberg

Spiritual Safety

The past eight weeks, the men on Wednesday nights and Tuesday mornings at New Beginnings have been going through a study by Kenny Luck, called "RISK". In the last session, Kenny talks about "spiritual safety".

"Every God's man is called to arrange his life and decide that spiritual safety is no longer an option. The spiritually safe life is ultimately the most dangerous of all. How dangerous? Paul put it to the Corinthians this way: if you risk nothing for your faith on earth, you waste your grace."

Then Kenny shared 1 Corinthians 3:10-15:
¹⁰ According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it. ¹¹ For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. ¹² If anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, ¹³ each one’s work will become obvious, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. ¹⁴ If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire.


What works of yours will be like "wood" "hay" or "straw" that will be burned up by fire and which "works" will be like "gold" that cannot be burned away? In verse 13 it says that "the fire will test each one's work". It doesn't say "many" or "various" or "others" work. It says "each one's work", which means every one of us will have our "works' tested. 

Spiritual safety can lead to works that will not survive the fire.Going through the motions in our Christian walk to complete a checklist, without risking anything, is "wasting our grace." Going through the motions of a Faith Talk or Faith Walk or Faith Mission, or a Family milestone event, without bringing Jesus Christ into the center as the foundation, is "wasting your grace."  

Verse 13, "Each one's work will become obvious". Verse 14, "If anyone's work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward."

Christian parenting in today's "worldly" culture requires "risk" taking. The "worldly" culture will tell you that having Faith Talks, Faith Walks, taking your family on a Faith Mission, attending a milestone event with your child or student, like the upcoming WIRED Purity for Life event, are all "a waste of time". They will tell you, "that won't work", "who does that stuff anyway?", "you can get by without taking the time to do those things with your kids, they will never know any different if you don't", "purity? in this culture?, not possible." Your children or students may tell you the same thing.

Don't let Satan and the "worldly"culture entice you to sit back in comfort and "waste your grace". Get out of your "spiritual safety zone" with Jesus Christ as your foundation, and stay the course, finish the race set before you, be a risk-taking disciple, be a risk-taking parent for Christ!


 Terry Langenberg
Twitter: TheLangenberg
Facebook: TheLangenberg

"Children Will Rise Up Against Parents"

This is a great read from Tim Elmore.  As you read through Elmore's blog, my questions for you are: What if the parents of Rachel in this article below would have started earlier in teaching her responsibility? showing and teaching her about the love of Jesus Christ? about a life of following Jesus Christ that has a cost to it, because of what He has done for them? a life of servant hood, a life of sacrifice, just as our Savior Jesus Christ came to do for us?   

    ²⁵ "But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. ²⁶ It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,²⁷ and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.”   ^{Mathew 20:25-27}
   
Look what happens when children(and adults) become spoiled, selfish, lazy, entitled?  Mark 13:12 ^"Then brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and put them to death."

 

 

What Does It Mean for a Teen to Leave Home?

You probably saw the news report this week. Rachel Canning, a high school senior in New Jersey who claims her parents “threw her out of their home” when she turned 18, now plans to sue her parents to force them to pay for her college tuition.
Wow. We live in a whole new day today, don’t we?
But instead of taking a cursory look at this story and assuming too much, I decided to dig a little before making any evaluations. Take a journey with me.

photo credit: gfpeck via photopin cc

Rachel has taken up residence with a friend, whose father is helping her file the lawsuit. She claims her parents tossed her out, and now, she has no money to do all the things she wants to do. Judge Peter Bogaard has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday but has already asked the parents to pay for an outstanding $5,306 bill for her Catholic high school tuition. What’s more, Rachel is now asking for her mom and dad to pay for her college tuition (wherever she decides to go), her current living and transportation costs, and the legal fees for her lawsuit. This totals another $12,597.
Her parents tell a different story. Her father, Sean Canning, is a retired Lincoln Park police chief who now works as Mount Olive’s township administrator. He says that when Rachel turned 18, she left home on her own volition because she didn’t like the simple household rules, which required her to to be respectful, keep a curfew, return “borrowed” items to her two sisters, manage a few chores, and reconsider or end her relationship with a boyfriend the parents believed to be a bad influence. Mr. Canning says her representation of the facts is not accurate, and he fears she is being “enabled” by well-intentioned but ill-informed people.
“We’re heartbroken, but what do you do when a child says ‘I don’t want your rules but I want everything under the sun and you to pay for it?’” Mr. Canning said, adding that his daughter’s college fund is available to her and has not been withdrawn or re-allocated, as she has alleged.
This is where our society gets confusing.
According to New Jersey law, the mere fact that a child has turned 18 is not an automatic reason to stop financial support. A key court decision in the state specifies that, “A child’s admittance and attendance at college will overcome the rebuttable presumption that a child may be emancipated at age 18.” Further, attorneys say, “A child is not emancipated until they’re on their own. Even if the child and parents don’t get along, that doesn’t relieve the parents of their responsibility.”
On the other hand, our society sends other messages to 18-year olds confirming that they are, indeed, adults. We let them vote. They have as much say in the election booth as a wise, experienced business leader and homeowner. They can serve in the military. We train them to use weapons and expect them to protect our nation. In many states, an 18-year old can consume alcohol, ready or not. They can participate in consensual sexual activities and serve on a jury to determine the fate of an accused defendant. All of these are important parts of being a grown-up, but it’s confusing to a young adult when they are able to demand the perks of adulthood without the price.
Whenever we give rights to people that are not coupled with responsibilities, we create “brats” in our society. Sadly, it’s our fault as adults. We have failed to lead these kids well, and it’s not a wonder we see it backfiring.
It is essential that parents, employers, coaches, educators, youth workers and especially lawmakers understand something:

Autonomy and responsibility must always be distributed equally.

In regards to the Canning situation, Child Protection Services visited the Canning home and found nothing amiss between Rachel Canning and her parents. They determined Rachel was “spoiled” and ended the investigation. Attorney Laurie Rush-Masuret, who represents the parents, said in court papers that Rachel emancipated herself, leaving her parent’s “sphere of influence” by voluntarily moving out, “as she did not want to abide by her parents’ rules…”. Rush-Masuret and Mr. Canning said that Rachel was seeing a therapist long before moving out and is supposed to take medication. Reports say she had disciplinary problems at school last term, was suspended twice, ignored her curfew at home, and bullied her younger sister. This doesn’t sound like an adult to me. It also doesn’t sound like someone we should fund or allow to experience autonomy. She’s not ready for it, based on the level of responsibility she’s shown.
I fully understand this issue has at least two-sides. I have donated time and money to stop child-abuse. I have counseled many parents against child abandonment. These issues are hot buttons today, and my stance is clear. I believe, however, that this is not a case of abuse. It’s a case of abundance. We’ve raised too many kids today who feel entitled to lots of freedom… but don’t want to pay the freight.
Our nation needs to decide what adulthood means. If Rachel should get all the money she’s asking for, I say she has to put up with the rules of the house. If she doesn’t want to, she’s chosen autonomy, and with it comes lots of responsibility, including bills, tuition and rent. When someone like Rachel is given these kind of rights, what will she look like and how will she live when she’s in mid-life and in charge of something? Will she expect someone to continue funding her lifestyle?
We owe it to our kids to lead them better. We must teach both healthy autonomy and responsibility early on. Only then will we see them grow into healthy citizens who can lead the way into the future.

So what the heck is Ash Wednesday!?

So... What is it!?  


- "Not positive but I know you're supposed to eat fish on Fridays"


- "It's a time where you pray and fast all day for over a month"


- "Seems like an out of date ritual for Catholics"


- "A specific time to focus on what's most important to you"


- "Is that the day after Mardi-Gras starts!?"

Ask five people and you might very well get five different responses on 'What is Ash Wednesday'.  Though many folks have differing opinions and experiences in regards to this day most view (religious or not) as something special.  I thought, since it only happens once a year and it just so happens it's my day to post (Jweff Wednesdays), I'd take today to break it down and even give some fun ideas for families!!  I also realize that most in our (New Beginnings) denomination (Southern Baptist) just have no clue about just how significant this time can be to any follow of Christ.

Ash Wednesday (according to Wikipedia):

"Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Western Christian calendar, directly following Shrove Tuesday... According to the gospels, Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation by Satan. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this 40-day liturgical period of prayer and fasting or abstinence... Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes (formally called The Imposition of Ashes) on the foreheads of adherents as a celebration and reminder of human mortality, and as a sign of mourning and repentance to God. The ashes used are typically gathered from the burning of the palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday."

*In short... Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a 40-day fast, where we give up something to focus on the upcoming resurrection celebration (Easter)!

As a youthworker over the past ten years one of the most important jobs I felt I had was to teach students "the Why" we believe what we believe.  Ash Wednesday has some cool history to it from burning the palm leaves from palm sunday to create ash to an intentional time of fasting, just like Jesus! Why wouldn't all followers take this season (40 Days) spending a little more intentional time with our Savior.  

Last night during dinner my kids and I (Court had a "girls night" whatever that means :)) were able to discuss "Fat Tuesday" and that the more important thing was Ash Wednesday starting today.  I asked if there was anything they felt they could and would like to give up to be closer to God.  To my surprise each thought very intentionally and two of them came up with some incredible sacrifices.  Jackson said to "not be lazy... this month I will get up off the couch and do some burpees with you" (Yeah, I've been FINALLY working out again).  Creighton said she would like to give up her dolls.  Though I will probably talk her into something else I was touched by her thoughfulness that "I talk to them more than God."  And finally the cherry on top, Charleigh said "I wodt thenk abot Mi--- Mouse." Me: "YOU'RE NOT GOING TO THINK ABOUT MICKEY MOUSE!?" (Knowing this would be a HUGE deal).  Charleigh: "No Dad... Not thenk abot MiNNIE Mouse."  So there you go...  If you're wondering about mine, I'm committing to being spiritually AND physically healthy (consistent reading, prayer, exercise and eating right, I'm sure there will be more to come on this).  

How about you?  What will you and  your family be doing this holy season!?


4 Questions to Ask Yourself
 as you get started (taken from Rachel Evens)

1. When I wake up on Resurrection Sunday morning, how will I be different?

2. Is there a habit or sin in my life that repeatedly gets in the way of loving God with my whole heart or loving my neighbor as myself? How do I address that habit over the next 40 days?

3. Is there anyone in my life from whom I need to ask forgiveness or pursue reconciliation?
4. Begin my Lenten fast with asking God what He wants me to "pick up" from Him, and that will help me discern what I should "put down" for Him
.

Some practical ideas for you and/or your family:


• Family Activities for the Forty Days of Lent
• 40 Ideas to Keep it Holy during Lent
• Creative Family Ideas for Lent

• Here's some 'Adding' ideas: 
• Tutoring a child at the school
• Giving food to a shelter
• Praying 3-5 specific times each day
• Reading through one or two gospels 
• Walking by yourself or with your family

• Here's a couple books with a 40-Day focus
• A Place at the Table
• 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed
• The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life

May we take the time necessary to put You at the front of our minds and lives... May we develop healthy habits that glorify Your Name... May Your Spirit speak to us today on exactly what You would want us to do... May we lead our families well as You lead us... May we make more of You and less of us!!

The Bergs

**Follow Jeff (Family Pastor of High School), also known as "surgeberg" on: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram