Remember Middle School?

Do you remember your middle school years? Remember those awesome pre-adolescent days? Gosh, I do… And they were terrible! Back then my body was seemingly in a constant state of transformation. My voice was squeaky from late sixth grade through my first semester as a freshman in high school. Unfortunately during that time I was often mistaken for my mom when I’d answer the phone at home and I struggled with acne to boot (I strongly resembled the “before” pictures on the old Noxzema commercials). Growth spurts were never convenient either. Seemed they preferred to hit right after my parents would buy me jeans. In fact, my seventh grade girlfriend actually broke up with me because my “high-waters" embarrassed her.

Now my memories may be a slight exaggeration from the way things truly occurred, but I can promise you it felt like Gospel truth back when I had to shamefully walk those junior high halls. To be honest, I still think about singing Toby Keith’s “How Do Ya Like Me Now?!” to that mean girl that dumped me. But that’s beside the point. What I’m getting at is this: we can all agree, pre-adolescence is a tough stage of life. Puberty, hormones, awkwardness, you name it – it’s all quite difficult to navigate. How I wish I could have had someone reminding me of my real identity. How I wonder how many hurt feelings might have been avoided had I been affirmed in the truth of Scripture.

Well, our hope is that some of our middle schoolers might find such comforting truth this week at our summer retreat. Their value is not found in their jump shot, their perfect complexion, their envious possessions, but rather in the finished work of the cross. We left this morning and are currently enjoying some outdoor games and activities. Please be praying for these young people and the stamina of the numerous leaders and volunteers that sacrificed vacation days and time off work to invest in our students. We will be looking at one of the biggest BUTs in the bible. No, were not doing a Judges 3 devo on Eglon (that would have an extra "t"). We will instead be walking through Ephesians 2 and focusing on the big BUT in verse 4 – “But God…”(Ephesians 2:1-10).

God doesn’t tell us to get cleaned-up and straightened-out. He doesn’t leave us to try to figure things out on our own. Despite the old saying, He doesn’t just help those who help themselves. Praise God He gives the grace to the helpless, sight to the blind, raises the dead to life, and calls us to walk in the good works He’s prepared for us! During this challenging phase of life, might our youth be confronted with the hope of the Gospel and may they begin to take ownership of a real, genuine, trusting relationship with Christ. Many prayers appreciated this week as we seek to make much of Him…

Hidden Rites of Passage 2 (Little Boys)

Two proud brothers with the "king for the day!" 

There are certain “Rites of Passage” that happen spontaneously and there are some that happen that take a lot of intentional preparation and purposeful engagement. The former are, like I said, more spontaneous in nature. They pop up unexpectedly, but are great moments to seize in pointing hearts to something larger than the specific unexpected situation. 

The latter are things we, as parents, can do to point our children to a greater good, a spiritual component that the Bible clarifies as being of eternal weight and glory. Some of the more intentional “rites” can be a series of processes or events. We refer to them as “Milestones” at New Beginnings. Some of our Milestones for the parents and families in Genesis Kidz are Parent/Child Dedication, Blessings, and Cultivating Faith. 

This weekend, Jack experienced one of those rites of passage that every parent and grandparent loves watching—catching his first fish! 

Words cannot convey the amount of energy, focus, determination, precision, and frantic oversight that goes into helping three little Lynch boys with long rods in their hands wielding sharp hooks on the edge of a body of water. 

But here's the breakdown:

1. I throw out Sankie’s line first (15 ft of weeds to throw over/not good practice area) in hopes he wouldn’t reel it in quickly before I even get Owen and Javi’s bait wet. 
2. I move over 20 feet and throw in Owie’s line. Two down…one to go. But this is no ordinary third step. This is Jackson!
3. I move over 20 feet and throw in Javi’s line. 
4. Sankie has already reeled his into the weeds and is hung up as I set Javi’s handle and tell him to hold on tight, watch his bobber, and start turning the handle if it goes under. 
5. As I’m moving over to Sankie’s and start to reel his through the weeds—Jack yells, “Daddy, mine bobba went down, mine bobba went down, it’s gone!”
6. Sankie runs over to Javi and starts helping him hold the rod while Javi reels it in. I thought, there’s no way—it’s been less than a minute. 
7. Owen drops his pole to the ground and runs over also. (Not proper etiquette to drop your poles and run when someone else catches a fish!)
8. Sure enough, Javi had landed his first fish—a little perch. (He called it a whale; Owen was happy because it wasn’t a “bass mouth” like he was going to catch). 
9. We coaxed Jack into holding the line as I took their picture—until the fish flopped and then he swore “it tried to bite me, Daddy!” So he wouldn’t hold it after that until I was taking it off and let all of them touch it. 

Jack's "look of concern." It tried to BITE him--he said. 

So we’ve all heard the famous story about a guy who told his friends to cast their empty nets to the other side of the boat and they ended up damaging their nets because of the miraculous catch. Later He would tell them, “I will make you fishers of men.” 

So wouldn’t this be a great moment to get the boys attention and teach a great lesson calling them to truly think through living their lives for something larger than a single lifetime—but to instead surrender to Jesus’ command to use their lives to make disciples of all nations? Wouldn’t this be a great fit for that? 

Well, it didn’t happen that way. 

This is another tribute to good intentions that may have ended up lost in translation (and chaos!). After Jack caught his little perch, the other boys were hopping and yelling—ready and positive that they were going to catch lots of more fish in the next few minutes. I was trying to tell them to wait so I could tell them a little story—but after we let the fish go they were all  screaming, “mine first, daddy, mine first…Jack’s already caught one…mine first!” Now it was three boys with hooks and poles swinging in the air in their own attempts to get the next fish. 

So as I barely told them about Jesus’ famous story they were more captivated, at that moment, with the opportunity to catch all the fish (that was the only one we caught). You may have a spontaneous circumstance that you try to use to turn into a God Moment (Faith Walk) too. Don’t feel bad when your attempt at drawing in spiritual relevance doesn’t pan out. Keep looking for opportunities and point them to God’s gracious intervention in all manners of life—and most exceptionally His intervention through His own Son. 

So, Jack walked away with the single catch and beat all of us in fishing on that beautiful day (when the little guy finally wins in anything you let him and the others know!). But there will be other days and hopefully other fish. And I hope they do consider that God allows some of those events to remind us of something larger to live for—something of eternal weight and significance. I pray, by God’s grace that they do not deserve, they will all be captivated in becoming fishers of men no matter what they do in life. 

But on that day, I think God enjoyed allowing a three year-old to smile with excitement and  and jump up and down and give his dad a great high-five knowing he had beat us all and learned a little more about life and God’s creation in this small rite of passage. 

Sankie P. Lynch

www.nbchurch.info

www.nbfamilies.info

sankie@nbchurch.info

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

Eternal Life In Christmas

Since the first time I heard the song, "All I Have Is Christ," by Jordan Kauflin, I knew it would be a lifelong favorite. The song is on the "Looked Upon" CD from Sovereign Grace Music. Here's Jordan leading worship with this song:

I've mentioned it at several funerals and usually post it on Facebook when I feel it's fitting. I'm like the guy who orders the same thing every time at the restaurant. I know it's so good, so I keep going back to it. It's gospel fluency and pointed focus on Christ is beautiful. 

As some of you now know, our first son cried out to God for forgiveness, reconciliation, salvation, and hope just a couple of nights ago. This song has been one of his favorites for the last couple of years, but he had never made a profession in following Jesus. 
There have been times he has expressed guilt and sadness over his sin. There have been a few times he has even cried when talking about his sin or need for forgiveness. But guilt and sadness do not necessarily mean salvation is present. 

• 2 Cor. 7 speaks of two type of sorrow. There is a "Godly sorrow" that produces repentance which leads to salvation. And there is "worldly sorrow" that leads only to remaining in spiritual death. 

In times when he came with tears and true sorrow before, we remained patient to see if there was a lasting desire for removal of sins and lasting, earnest sorrow for sin. On one hand , how much sorrow is understood and explained by a seven year-old? On the other hand, how many times do we as parents, desiring salvation for our kids, jump at the first opportunity to a "sinner's prayer?"  

The other night, he was reading Matt. 1:21 "and you shall call His name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." Those words became crushing to a seven year-olds heart. He needed relief from the weight of his sin. And there was nothing he could do to remove himself from it's grief. There was one Man standing between him and God who had taken his place and as the song says, "suffered in my place." That Person, Jesus Christ, became captivating! 

Simply put, I love the repetitive lines, "Hallelujah, All I have is Christ...Hallelujah, Jesus is my life." I hope he begins to plumb the depths of what life could mean if the main thing that matters is Christ and life is found in Him. 

His two favorite songs to this point (leaving out the secular "Big Green Tractor" by Jason Aldean) is "All I Have Is Christ," and "Just Like You" by Lecrae. Here's why I let you know that: Because my son hasn't understood how bad life can hurt nor seen sin for all that it is to the depth that adults should see it. Nor has he been involved in drug dealing and drunkenness in urban settings where that's the norm. But God makes Jesus so beautiful and captivating that even young children can understand the glory of His worth. 



Here are the lyrics:

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way.
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave.
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will.
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still.

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross.
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose.
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ 

Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin

We're amazed by God's grace poured out on our undeserving son. There's no equation to spiritual parenting, faith mission, faith walks, and faith talks. God doesn't grant salvation based off of our attempts at parenting our children towards Godliness. It is by grace alone in Christ alone where justification takes place. God grants salvation because His beautiful and glorious Son left the holiness of heaven to be ripped apart and killed on a cross so that seven year-old boys could be free from His justified wrath and instead love Him and enjoy His worth for all of eternity!

Sankie P. Lynch
nbchurch.info
nbfamilies.info
sankie@nbchurch.info

Rite of Passage

Last week we had our 'Rite of Passage' milestone for NBHighSchool.  Each year we focus on two major events, we call milestones, for high school students and their families at NBC.  In the spring we will get to celebrate our 'Graduation' milestone for our seniors.  This year it is the week after a 'Parent-Child Dedication' which will be a very cool word picture for the dream we have at New Beginnings.

So what is 'Rite of Passage' you ask... The passing from childhood into adulthood is a significant event.  Biblically, we must equip our children to become men and women of God.  Age 16 is a significant time of freedom in our culture.  Rite of Passage is not about keys to the car; instead, it is about becoming a man or woman of God.  Real freedom is about equipping you to disciple your freshmen and sophomore students for adulthood.

That being said, the hope of the 'Rite of Passage' milestone is not to be the finish line (and for that matter, hopefully not the starting line) but it is a line in the sand that students and parents can point to as a "game changer" for their faith.  This year we incorporated 'Parent Equipping' Times on Sunday mornings and gave suggested curriculum for the parents to walk through with their student (Milestone Training).  Then to celebrate the moment we have the milestone event (Rite of Passage).

Though I do not want to give away all the details to this very cool ceremony, I will give you some highlights!!  Rite of Passage begins with a gathering of friends and family to praise our students in this significant life stage.  We move into what we call "the walk" which is a physical, emotional and spiritual trip through their up bringing.  During the walk the read letters from friends and family, see old friends and talk with their D-Group leaders.  When they return we celebrate with a dinner all together and then honor each student individually with the character qualities we have seen in them.  After a specific charge for the future from our pastor we conclude with families praying blessings over their son or daughter.  *Want to see pictures from this year's event click here (you will need to be logged on to Facebook)! 


This year was no exception to how great these milestones have been for kids and their families.  Preparations were had, dinner was good but to see the families cry together and pray is something I will never get over.  This is Deuteronomy 6 being lived out in our community we call New Beginnings.  Please continue to pray for the direction of NBC and the many students and families as they learn to follow God in all aspects of our lives!!  
**Want to read more about milestones at New Beginnings click here (Faith Map).

May we not only hold fast to these moments but may we use them to direct our children to learn, grow and follow Jesus.  May He continue to lead the pastors and MLT at New Beginnings to live this out in our own homes.  May God give us protection from the evil one as we seek to be world changers with our families.  May we all lead through your Spirit in our homes, jobs, schools and beyond.

The Berg's

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