This week in our study of Romans 8:14-17 we are going to be looking at what it means to be adopted as God's children. This reality is one of the most transformational truths of the Bible. Sadly, experiences with our earthly parents can cloud our understanding and hinder our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Just what does it mean to be adopted by God? What is God like as our Father? Is it even desirable?
How can we experience (not just understand) this truth?
Join us this week as we dive into one of the most exciting passages of the Bible!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Why Be Committed to a Local Church?
I recently had a conversation with someone who doesn't see the need to attend church. He said that he and God were getting along just fine without being a part of "organized religion." He told me that every time he had gotten involved in a church he discovered that there were people that were difficult to get along with and "hypocrites" that didn't live out what they professed.
It's funny, but as I look back over my years attending church and now pastoring a church, I have to say that one of the major benefits of being committed to a local church is the exact thing he didn't like. I have come to recognize that one of God's purposes in having us commit to being a part of the church is the relationship issues that we will be forced to deal with as we seek to follow God together.
These are all good things and should be a part of our church experience.
But I am convinced that one of the most overlooked reasons God calls us to be committed to local church is so that we can knock the rough edges off of one another. This doesn't mean that you have a calling to be the church's sledgehammer. It means that as we seek to follow God together we will at times bump into one another and as we do, God wants to refine our character so we will be more like Christ.
When things start to get dicey, when I feel a relationship start to strain, I'm learning to take a step back and ask God questions like "What are you trying to teach me, God?" and "Lord, what do you want me to say or do here?" or "What is your perspective on this, Jesus?"
As I have done this, I'm finding that my rough edges are being rounded off. I've learned that these moments are times when God wants to do some transforming in our lives. I'm discovering that the Lord is at work. Maybe it is me that is being worked on, maybe it is the other person. Usually it is both.
So the next time someone or something bugs you about your church, let me encourage you to spend some alone time asking God what he is up to. I think you will be amazed by what he shows you!
It's funny, but as I look back over my years attending church and now pastoring a church, I have to say that one of the major benefits of being committed to a local church is the exact thing he didn't like. I have come to recognize that one of God's purposes in having us commit to being a part of the church is the relationship issues that we will be forced to deal with as we seek to follow God together.
- There have been times that I have had to learn to love someone that I wouldn't ordinarily spend time with.
- There have been times that disagreements have forced me to set aside my own opinions to seek God's insight into issues.
- There have been times that I have been confronted with my own selfishness.
- There have been times that I have challenged to grow in areas of servanthood and responsibility.
- There have been times that I have needed to lovingly confront someone who wasn't following God.
- There have been times that I have been called to join with others in taking a giant step of faith to see the Kingdom built for God's glory.
- There have been times that I have needed to learn what it really means to forgive others.
- There have been times that I have had to learn how to wade into someone's world in order to help them learn how to walk with Christ.
- There have been times that I have had to learn how to submit to authority, even when I disagreed with a decision that was being made.
These are all good things and should be a part of our church experience.
But I am convinced that one of the most overlooked reasons God calls us to be committed to local church is so that we can knock the rough edges off of one another. This doesn't mean that you have a calling to be the church's sledgehammer. It means that as we seek to follow God together we will at times bump into one another and as we do, God wants to refine our character so we will be more like Christ.
When things start to get dicey, when I feel a relationship start to strain, I'm learning to take a step back and ask God questions like "What are you trying to teach me, God?" and "Lord, what do you want me to say or do here?" or "What is your perspective on this, Jesus?"
As I have done this, I'm finding that my rough edges are being rounded off. I've learned that these moments are times when God wants to do some transforming in our lives. I'm discovering that the Lord is at work. Maybe it is me that is being worked on, maybe it is the other person. Usually it is both.
So the next time someone or something bugs you about your church, let me encourage you to spend some alone time asking God what he is up to. I think you will be amazed by what he shows you!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Christian Life
Sin is a word that has been dropped from the vocabulary, yet it is something that affects all of us. Sin (willful disobedience to God's will) generates guilt and shame in our lives, and sends us on a downward spiral of running away from God. Sin, according to the Bible, actually has the ability to enslave us.
Freedom is found only through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Most of you who attend Nashwauk Alliance have discovered that Jesus Christ died to take away our guilt and shame. But have you discovered that Jesus can also take away the bondage that sin causes?
Living a truly Christ-like life doesn't happen the way most people imagine. In fact, many people try to live a "Christian" lifestyle and find themselves failing miserably. That's what Romans 7 is all about.
The truly Christian life is one that is lived in relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit. That's what Romans 8 is all about. Paul makes it clear that we are supposed to live "according to the Spirit" and that we are to "set our minds" on the the desires of the Spirit. As we do so, we discover that God has truly provided everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him (2 Peter 1:3).
Join us this week as we continue to explore what it means to "set our minds on the desires of the Holy Spirit." As we do so, we will discover liberation from the bondage of sin and glorious freedom in Christ Jesus!
Freedom is found only through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Most of you who attend Nashwauk Alliance have discovered that Jesus Christ died to take away our guilt and shame. But have you discovered that Jesus can also take away the bondage that sin causes?
Living a truly Christ-like life doesn't happen the way most people imagine. In fact, many people try to live a "Christian" lifestyle and find themselves failing miserably. That's what Romans 7 is all about.
The truly Christian life is one that is lived in relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit. That's what Romans 8 is all about. Paul makes it clear that we are supposed to live "according to the Spirit" and that we are to "set our minds" on the the desires of the Spirit. As we do so, we discover that God has truly provided everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him (2 Peter 1:3).
Join us this week as we continue to explore what it means to "set our minds on the desires of the Holy Spirit." As we do so, we will discover liberation from the bondage of sin and glorious freedom in Christ Jesus!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Following God in the Midst of a Storm
God has called us as a church to a challenging and exciting task: Helping others discover a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Those "others" include our friends, family members, the people down the block, in the next town, in the next county and beyond the borders of our own nation. In fact, when I ponder the call that God has our church, I'm a little overwhelmed. Throw on top of that the national economic uncertainties that we dealing with and I find myself at a loss to see how things are all going to work out.
I'm sure that you've felt the same things, perhaps about the church or your own household.
That's why I am so glad that what the Lord wants me...and us...to do is simply obey him day by day. The cultivating of that close relationship with Jesus so that we can understand what it is he wants us to do today is important. In fact, its the only certain way to navigate in these tumultuous days.
I find myself pondering the words of Psalm 23:
I want you to notice some of the things that the sheep experiences: green pastures, quiet waters, a prepared table, an overflowing cup. These are things that we all desire, but notice that there is also a valley of the shadow of death, the presence of enemies, and evil. These things come as well. The secret to surviving and even thriving is the shepherd. The sheep's responsibility is simply to stay with the shepherd. The shepherd knows what to do, where to go, and how to cause the sheep to thrive.
What a comfort in these days to know that all we need to do is to stick by the shepherd's side, doing what he wants us to do, and he will see that our needs are met and that we will dwell with Him forever.
I'm sure that you've felt the same things, perhaps about the church or your own household.
That's why I am so glad that what the Lord wants me...and us...to do is simply obey him day by day. The cultivating of that close relationship with Jesus so that we can understand what it is he wants us to do today is important. In fact, its the only certain way to navigate in these tumultuous days.
I find myself pondering the words of Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes my lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I want you to notice some of the things that the sheep experiences: green pastures, quiet waters, a prepared table, an overflowing cup. These are things that we all desire, but notice that there is also a valley of the shadow of death, the presence of enemies, and evil. These things come as well. The secret to surviving and even thriving is the shepherd. The sheep's responsibility is simply to stay with the shepherd. The shepherd knows what to do, where to go, and how to cause the sheep to thrive.
What a comfort in these days to know that all we need to do is to stick by the shepherd's side, doing what he wants us to do, and he will see that our needs are met and that we will dwell with Him forever.
Friday, September 12, 2008
It Works!
I have always been amazed by people who can build and fix things. Perhaps it is my lack of aptitude, but quality workmanship always impresses me. As I have gotten to know some of the craftsmen in our church and actually tried my hand at a few things myself, I have discovered the importance of having good tools. The right type of saw, a special wrench or a quality power tool, the right tool allows the worker to do a better job faster and with less effort. In fact, the right tool actually allows the the craftsman to focus on doing quality work rather than just trying to get work done.
The right tool is worth the investment. (Can I hear an 'Amen'?)
Over the last year we have been working hard to invest in a new ministry tool: a building. Our old tool had simply gotten to the point where it simply didn't work well any more. We began to see that our tool was hindering our efforts...but would a new tool help?
Wednesday we discovered the joys of having the right tool for the work we are called to do. Instead of battling with the old tool, our new tool seemed almost invisible...and allowed us to focus on the craftsmanship of making disciples. Let me highlight a few things:
Pastor Karl
The right tool is worth the investment. (Can I hear an 'Amen'?)
Over the last year we have been working hard to invest in a new ministry tool: a building. Our old tool had simply gotten to the point where it simply didn't work well any more. We began to see that our tool was hindering our efforts...but would a new tool help?
Wednesday we discovered the joys of having the right tool for the work we are called to do. Instead of battling with the old tool, our new tool seemed almost invisible...and allowed us to focus on the craftsmanship of making disciples. Let me highlight a few things:
- The Elementary Classes each had their own classrooms...with doors that closed! It may seem like a small thing, but doors didn't exist in their old classrooms and the teachers constantly had to watch for "escapees." Now they can focus on teaching the kids...exactly where they need to focus.
- The Youth Group - 46 strong Wednesday night - was able to play games and get a little crazy in the fellowship hall without disturbing anyone else. The acoustics of the room also allowed for times of quiet conversations. Their opening in the Sanctuary included video and powerpoint. A cordless microphone allowed the leaders to be heard.
- The Kitchen - We served our end of the evening snack from the new kitchen. The teachers didn't have to worry about food preparation. The kitchen workers had a great time together getting things ready and clean-up was a breeze.
- Outside - A major concern at our old facility was the traffic on Central Avenue as we released the kids. With more room inside the building, the kids tend to stay inside until their parents come to pick them up rather than running around outside. This allows us a chance to get to know their parents as well.
Pastor Karl
Monday, August 25, 2008
Seeking God First
Last week we had a "Vision Meeting." Now some churches have meetings where the leadership tries to "cast a vision" of what direction the church is going to be taking over the coming months and years. Here at NAC, we usually do something different. We gather for a time of prayer, worship and discussion to try to discern what God wants us to be doing. Through this process new ministries are started, old ones reinforced or laid aside and a sense of unity and anticipation usually fills the night.
Our meeting this summer quickly led us to the conclusion that God want us to make seeking Him a priority. I think that one of the reasons for this focus is that we can very easily develop a sense that we have "arrived" now that we are in a new facility. We can think that we have it all figured out and a sense of pride and complacency can develop.
We need to avoid that at all costs.
Instead, we need to drive a stake in the ground and say that seeking God will be our top priority. We need to take time...extended time...to pray and read the Bible. We need to place our ideas on the altar and give God's ideas the most value. We need to recognize that God does want to lead us and to speak to us by the Word and the Holy Spirit.
We'll be talking about this more in the coming weeks, but for now will you join in this prayer?
Lord, you have called us to seek you, but I find that my hands and mind are filled with the busyness of the times. Lord, I lay down what is in my hands and place my concerns at your feet. I want to learn from you. I want to hear Your voice. I want to spend time in your presence. I want you above all else. Lord Jesus, I am your disciple. Teach me. Help me to set aside time to learn from the Scriptures. Help me hear the voice of your Spirit. Help me to learn to live my life the way you want me to. Mold me into who you want me to be. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Karl
Our meeting this summer quickly led us to the conclusion that God want us to make seeking Him a priority. I think that one of the reasons for this focus is that we can very easily develop a sense that we have "arrived" now that we are in a new facility. We can think that we have it all figured out and a sense of pride and complacency can develop.
We need to avoid that at all costs.
Instead, we need to drive a stake in the ground and say that seeking God will be our top priority. We need to take time...extended time...to pray and read the Bible. We need to place our ideas on the altar and give God's ideas the most value. We need to recognize that God does want to lead us and to speak to us by the Word and the Holy Spirit.
We'll be talking about this more in the coming weeks, but for now will you join in this prayer?
Lord, you have called us to seek you, but I find that my hands and mind are filled with the busyness of the times. Lord, I lay down what is in my hands and place my concerns at your feet. I want to learn from you. I want to hear Your voice. I want to spend time in your presence. I want you above all else. Lord Jesus, I am your disciple. Teach me. Help me to set aside time to learn from the Scriptures. Help me hear the voice of your Spirit. Help me to learn to live my life the way you want me to. Mold me into who you want me to be. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Karl
Friday, August 8, 2008
Vacation Bible School
Last night was night 4 of this year's VBS at Nashwauk Alliance.
Our theme this year is "God's Big Backyard" - it is a community service based theme.
Most years we collect money that we send to different missions groups. This year we decided since it was all about serving those around you, that we would instead collect food items that we will be donating to the local food shelf.
At the end of the first 3 nights we had collected about 1/2 of a grocery cart.
I was so moved, when on Thursday night we had to send one of our youth members back to the local grocery store to borrow 2 more carts. We had so many food donations - that we now have 3 heaping carts to donate!! That is still with one night to go!!!!!
The kids really seem to be understanding that we need to help and serve those around us.
Every night a different community member comes and speaks to the kids about what they do to serve our community.
Monday - and Itasca County Sheriff spoke to the kids
Tuesday - we had a nice lady from the Red Cross come speak.
Wednesday - Nashwauk Fire and rescue crew come up with a firetruck, their rescue rig, and an ambulance.
Thursday - We had a retired US Airforce member visit us.
Friday - We are having a missionary come and speak to us.
This kids have enjoyed all of the speakers, and have taken away so much from these lessons!
The week overall seems to have gone quite quickly - so with just one night to go, we will soon begin the countdown to -- Vacation Bible School 2009
Our theme this year is "God's Big Backyard" - it is a community service based theme.
Most years we collect money that we send to different missions groups. This year we decided since it was all about serving those around you, that we would instead collect food items that we will be donating to the local food shelf.
At the end of the first 3 nights we had collected about 1/2 of a grocery cart.
I was so moved, when on Thursday night we had to send one of our youth members back to the local grocery store to borrow 2 more carts. We had so many food donations - that we now have 3 heaping carts to donate!! That is still with one night to go!!!!!
The kids really seem to be understanding that we need to help and serve those around us.
Every night a different community member comes and speaks to the kids about what they do to serve our community.
Monday - and Itasca County Sheriff spoke to the kids
Tuesday - we had a nice lady from the Red Cross come speak.
Wednesday - Nashwauk Fire and rescue crew come up with a firetruck, their rescue rig, and an ambulance.
Thursday - We had a retired US Airforce member visit us.
Friday - We are having a missionary come and speak to us.
This kids have enjoyed all of the speakers, and have taken away so much from these lessons!
The week overall seems to have gone quite quickly - so with just one night to go, we will soon begin the countdown to -- Vacation Bible School 2009
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