Rich Riches

Boy am I a Terrible Blogger!!!

2012-02-08T13:23:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe that it has been over a year since my last post! Since at this point I am talking to myself, I say let me try this again!

Lessons Learned In The Last Year:

1. God will never cease to amaze me when it comes to how much He loves me and is faithful to me.

2. That being "In Him" means a whole lot more than I previously understood.

3. That God's call on my life never changes, only my assignment.

3. That change will always be hard for people.

4. That leadership based on position is lousy leadership.

5. That leadership by influence is the better way to lead.

Those are 5 things there are more but that is a good start for my quest to become a good blogger!

His Harvest, Our Mission Thursday

2011-01-28T13:45:00.000-08:00

What a great conclusion to our week!
Pastor AB Vines and his crew did a great job. I believe God was glorified last night and the entire week for that matter!

Pastor Vines had a couple of points:
1) we need to compel people by sharing the love of God
2) let people go through the same process you did to get where you are at in you walk with God.

He also challenged FBCH to put up candles as his church does light when someone gets saved through the ministries of FBCH. Keep them lit through year every Sunday.

I thank God that or theme for the week was what it was. That the speakers were true to the theme and the worship was off the charts!

I think for those of us that were there...we got the message.

Thanks to all. Great week!

His Harvest, Our Mission Wednesday

2011-01-27T12:04:00.000-08:00

To God be the Glory!!!! Oh is was youth night, AWESOME!!!!

God moved in a might way Wednesday night. Scot Burbank was our speaker. His Scripture was Luke 7:36-50. Jesus having dinner with Simon the Pharisee and the woman who came and anointed and kissed Jesus' feet. His point, though we try hard to put up our masks and hide those things that we don't want others to see, God sees right through them and loves us anyway. So much so that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross.

He gave an invitation that Pastor Wayne followed up on the invitation and at least 20 students and kids walked forward to announce that Jesus was their Lord and Savior!!! I told Pastor Wayne this morning he went "old school" on us.

Scot did a great job. As did Jim with worship.
Final night tonight with AB Vines.

One question: Is this the final night or will revival continue?
What do you think FBCH?

His Harvest, Our Mission Tuesday

2011-01-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

Well what can you say about Dr. Rob Zinn! He came and knocked it out of the park! I have to be honest, he is one of my favorites. I love his passion and his style. I am always blessed to hear him.

He challenged us on our attitude and the Great Commission. His conclusion was that for most Christians, our attitude stinks and he had the statistics to prove it.

In order for us to accomplish the Great Commission we had to start taking it:
1. Seriously
2. Enthusiastically
3. Personally
4. Concurrently (Not the word he used but you get the idea)

3 things never change with the Great Commission:
1. The Man: Jesus
2 The Message: The Gospel
3. The Mission: All the world

3 things we must change it accomplish the Great Commission:
1. Mindsets
2. Methodologies
3. Ministries

Final challenge was for everyone to reach 1 person for Jesus this year.

Jim once again did a great job with his worship team.

Let me know what you thought of the evening if you were there.

His Harvest, Our Mission Review Monday Night

2011-01-25T14:14:00.001-08:00

Monday night great night at His Harvest, Our Mission. Dr. Roger Spradlin was our speaker. I am a great admirer of Dr. Spradlin and we had been trying to get him to come for the last couple of years.

Was blessed to take him and his lovely wife to dinner. I could have talked to him all night. He is very involved in our denomination and its workings so I had a lot to talk about with him.

His message was eloquent and simple. Sharing from Ephesians 2:8-9 he reminded us of God's wonderful grace and what we have have saved from. It is always good for us to be reminded of that.

His Harvest, Our Mission Review

2011-01-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

I thought I would kind of give a nightly review of our revival this year. This would allow you to see what God was telling me and let you share what God is telling you about every evening.

Sunday Night: Rick Curtis Speaker
Opening night. Good attendance, worship was fantastic with Jim and his team from 1st Assembly. When I prayed with the worship team before the service, I told them that we were going "Bapticostal" this week:)

Rick's message was excellent. His title was "Passion to Action". Referencing Isaiah he shared how God the Father and His Son Jesus have an extreme passion for us so much so that it led to action on the part of the Father to send His son and His son to die on the cross for us.

Rick then went on to challenge us as to our passion for God and what action we have to show our passion (or lack thereof).

He closed with giving all in attendance a time card that had varying times of in and out. He mentioned how for a lot of us that is what we do with God we "Punch in and Punch out." That is not how God wants us to have a relationship with Him.

I thought the evening was excellent. Rick message was very compelling. It made me think about whether or not there are times I punch in and punch out.

The Beauty of God's Creation and the Ingenuity of Man

2010-12-15T16:03:00.000-08:00

As I look outside my office window, I am blessed to look out and see the beauty of mountains with their peaks with just a hint of snow. I am able to see for several miles the rolling hills. At this time I am able to see the clouds creep up and over the mountains as a cool from works its way to the east. All beautiful reminders of God's glorious creation.

I am also able to see the roofs of many homes. I am able to see the lights of cars going up and down the road. This time of day many are working their way back home after a hard day's work. I see many electrical poles which connect us to power to light our homes, phone lines to talk to one another many miles apart, cable lines so that we can watch our favorite movie or sporting event or whatever else we want. The power also provides for our computers from which we can now talk to virtually anywhere in the world, shop for almost anything in the world, connect with almost anyone or anything in the world.

As I think about these two pictures a striking thing becomes apparent. When I look at what God made, I worship, I find peace, I find quiet. When I look at what man has made I find work, I find noise, I find struggle. Isn't it interesting that what God makes brings peace, what man makes brings something else. Yet the ingenuity of man addicts us to those things in the hopes that they will give us that which only God can give...peace.

Solomon reminds us that God has placed eternity in man's heart, maybe we ought to quit trying to fill eternity with things that aren't eternal.

Great Historic Day!

2010-06-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

It was a great day today at the SBC. The report of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force was passed. It was a great day not only because it passed but because while we had honest frank debate, it was done in my opinion in a manner that I believe Christians should be able to discuss matters. We affirmed our historic roots and even affirmed them while realizing that we need to make some changes in how we do things because as a denomination we cannot hide the fact that we should be doing better at fulfilling the Great Commission.

These last two conventions have been the best ones I have attended. Not only because of the friends I revisit, the new people I meet, the preaching, the worship, but because we have come together and actually talked and now done something about something that matters.

How do we better fulfill the Great Commission? That is a question that is not only for our denominational structures but ultimately for the local church. That is what makes our denomination great in my opinion, that the local church is to fulfill the Great Commission not a denomination. We wholeheartedly reaffirmed that today!

SBC 2010 Orlando

2010-06-14T04:04:00.000-07:00

Back at the blog, and back at the Southern Baptist Convention. Looking forward to the convention. It started last night with the Pastor's Conference, excellent session! All the speakers were excellent concluding with Tony Evans. Worship was led by Travis Cottrell and his team.

Lots of people already here. Lots of young people too. I believe it is for a couple of reasons. Obviously, being in Orlando helps. I know that the childcare and the children and youth camps are full. I cannot remember when that has ever happened. The more important reason is that what we are discussing and voting on is really important. What we are discussing what we need to do as a denomination to facilitate a "Great Commission" resurgence. It will be interesting, especially when we basically have a huge Baptist business meeting. That may not excite a lot of people and for good reason, but what we are talking about is really important and I for one am glad we are discussing something that really matter and that younger leaders decided to attend. More soon.

Experiencing Community

2010-02-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

I have always been big on being at church. When I first became a follower of Jesus it was hard to keep me away from church (just ask my parents). People like to say to me, “well you’re a pastor you are supposed to be at church.” That quote always bothers me because I take it as a questioning of my commitment to my Lord and Savior. What they don’t understand is that I would still be at church if I wasn’t a pastor.

I am always amazed at the reasons people who profess to be followers of Jesus give for not being in church. The list of reasons (excuses) is too exhaustive for this article. Quite frankly, the reasons at their core have not really changed all that much. I know people who would say you don’t need to be a part of a church to be a Christian. I have trouble finding that in the New Testament.

Here in the 21st century, people are using other avenues to avoid coming church. The use of the internet and social websites such as Facebook has ushered in a whole new list of reasons to avoid coming to church. While I am a big fan of these new technologies (I use them myself) they are not going to church! You cannot experience community through electrons and binary code!

The church is Christ’s bride. We are the church so we are His bride. Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to neglect gathering together as is the habit of some. I fear too many have a habit that has become hard to break.

Looking Forward to 2010

2009-12-31T11:32:00.000-08:00

I know where God has taken me this year, but what is more important is where He wants me to go next year.

I put that up on my Twitter and Facebook accounts earlier today and the thought has kind of not gone away.

As I look at the statement, I see three parts:
1. Assessing what and where God has taken me this year.
2. Being able to understand what and where God has taken me.
3. Being able to allow those things to help me to do what God wants me to do, and where He wants me to go.

For a lot of people this has been a hard year and I am no exception. I have had to learn how to be a better husband, father, leader, but more importantly a better follower of Christ.

Problem is that for some,they just want to move on and forget. Others want to continually focus on it. Both are problematic and don't help. God did not bring those things in our lives for us to do either. They were brought to bring us closer to Him and to make us more like Jesus. They also lead us to where God wants us to go next in our spiritual journey with Him.

So I am looking forward to what God is going to do in my life, the life of my church, my family, and my friends in 2010. Hopefully so are you.

Your Servant,
Rich

Parents and the Unintended Consequences of a Lump of Coal

2009-12-09T17:02:00.000-08:00

You have all been there; it is the crazy time of year we lovingly, stressfully, sometimes painfully call Christmas season. Our overcrowded calendars seem to find more time to do something else during which any other time of year we would say no. Then there are the issues of presents and gifts.

If you are like me you have already gotten the Christmas list from the kids, or maybe you have taken you kids to the mall already for the yearly photo op with someone dressed up in a funny red suit. That is where we run into unintended consequences.

What does the person say to the kid on his lap…”have you been a good boy/girl this year?” Translation: Have you earned the right to get a gift?

How about this one for those of us a little older….”If you are not careful, you will just get a lump of coal in you stocking.”

Gifts/presents become tools for behavior modification rather than what we call them, gifts. It leads me to ask what we are teaching our kids about Jesus at Christmas? What are we teaching them about His grace?

If the presents we put under the tree are there because they have earned them, then are they really gifts?

Aren’t we glad that God does not work that way! Jesus coming to earth as a baby and dying for us is something that was done by His grace; we never could have earned it and never will be able to earn it.

We don’t intend on teaching wrong things about Jesus to our kids, but isn’t it amazing how much more is caught that taught by our kids. They here us constantly teach earn, earn, earn. Or speak to them in conditional sentences. If you do this then….

Then they wonder what grace means.

Pastor Rich

Christian Assurance

2009-12-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

August Montague Toplady is a name that you are not probably familiar with. He was a hymn writer and pastor in England in the mid to late 1700’s. He is known in hymn circles as the hymn writer of Christian assurance. We don’t sing a lot of his songs any more but he does have on that most of us know; “Rock of Ages”. The words that follow are from one of his other hymns and they beautifully articulate the victory that we have in Jesus Christ.

As Debtors to Mercy Alone

1 As debtors to mercy alone, Of heavenly mercy we sing; Nor fear to draw near to the throne,
Our praise and our worship to bring: The wrath of a sin-hating God, With us can have nothing to do;
The Saviour's obedience and blood Hide all our transgressions from view.

2 The work which His goodness began, The arm of His strength will complete: His promise is Yea and Amen, And never was forfeited yet: Things future, nor things that are now,
Nor all things below nor above, Can make Him His purpose forgo, Or sever our souls from His love.

3 Our names from the palms of His hands Eternity will not erase: Impressed on His heart they remain
In marks of indelible grace: And we to the end shall endure, As sure as the earnest is given;
More happy, but not more secure, The spirits departed to heaven.

Your Servant,

Pastor Rich

Jehovah Jireh The Lord Provides (Sees)

2009-12-09T16:57:00.000-08:00

While Krista and I were in seminary, the church we attended and were members of did a series on the names of God as part of a time of commitment to do some needed improvements and renovations to the churches facilities. Every week we would focus on a different name of God. Banners were made that reflected each name and the banner was placed on the stage as the church sang a song we have sung here a couple of times in the last few months, “Lift High the Lord Our Banner”. When commitment Sunday came all of the banners were in front of the stage and at the appropriate time the congregation came forward and placed there commitment card under the name of God that they could most identify with. Krista and I placed our card under Jehovah Jireh.

We were led to that particular name because at that point in our lives we could already see how God was providing for us and blessing us beyond what we could ever have hoped for. Now a few years later, a few different places later, a few kids later, He is still showing us that He is Jehovah Jireh.

The more literal translation of Jehovah Jireh is “the Lord Sees”. God saw that Abraham needed a sacrifice and He provided one in a ram in a thicket. An English word that gives us the best picture of what is described in Genesis 22 is provision. Provision is taken from 2 Latin words “pro” which means beforehand and “vision” which means to see. Hence, to see beforehand.

God sees beforehand and promises to provide for us even in spite of our bad decisions, lack of faith, and lack of obedience. I am sure that if you look back on you life as I have mine, you will see that to be true.

In Him,

Pastor Rich

Powerful Then, Powerless Now?

2009-07-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

It is sometimes hard to look at the book of Acts. You go through the only divinely inspired church history ever recorded and you cannot help but come to a crisis of belief. As you read you see how God worked in power. They went from 11 scared and confused disciples to 120 to the day of Pentecost where the church went from 120 to over 3000! You see God work in power in the lives of people like Peter, Paul, Stephen, Phillip. You see the church begin its quest to do what Jesus told them to do, to go from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, to the ends of the earth. How did they do it? They had power!

Jesus told them that they “will receive power” and on that day when the power came their world and our world changed forever. Now we know looking back that the “power” was the Holy Spirit. We read and believe that the Holy Spirit is working today in us and through us. Yet how come we don’t see the similar results? We can come up with our own answers to that question and quietly frankly as I tried to come up with some myself, they excuses just fell short. What the early church faced is not really all that much different than the world we live in now. So why are we powerless, or are we?

The answer to the difference between then and now is prayer. The early church was a praying church. When they got together in prayer times the power of God moved in their lives. When they prayed it was together, it was continuous, it was for communion with God and each other. It was prayer for God to work in their lives, it was for boldness to do what Jesus told them to do and they believed He could do it!

Let’s be honest, most people don’t pray that way. For a lot of people prayer is nothing more than a way to sooth there conscious, or perhaps just a religious ritual. It could be argued that most Christians don’t even theoretically believe in prayer. The don’t really believe that their prayers matter. The truth of the matter is that we are powerless now because of powerless prayer!

The question you need to wrestle with today is do you really believe what Ephesians 3:20-21 says:

20 Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think—according to the power that works in you— 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. • Amen. (HCSB)

Your Servant,

Pastor Rich

SBC 2009 Part 2

2009-06-24T04:48:00.000-07:00

The SBC convention yesterday was summed up best by Dr. Danny Akin, when he said it was the best and the worst of the SBC.

I am going to focus on the best. The convention passed the formation of a task appointed by Dr. Hunt to examine whether or not we are using the resources of the convention in the most efficient manner to fulfill the Great Commission. It passed by a considerable margin.

Another great event was the Baptist21 panel at Sojourn church. That was the about the best $5 I have ever spent at an SBC. Very engaging discussion about the future of the SBC.

It is my hope that just as in 1979 when the battle for the Bible in the conventions began, that 2010 in Louisville, Ky will be remembered as a such an equally historic event.

Rich

SBC Pastor's Conference 2009 Louisville Part 1

2009-06-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

I am in Louisville for the 2009 Pastor's Conference and SBC Convention. I am actually looking forward to this one more the others because I think we may actually begin to address real issues related to our convention.

The Pastor's Conference was very good last night and today. The line was very good and diverse. I loved the theme, "What if..." What if we as Southern Baptists were of one mind, one unity, and loving the way Christ expects us?

I am always challenged and inspired by the conference. It gives me a lot to think about and try to apply to my life, my church, my ministry, and my family.

It challenges my life because I spend the week around some of the most godly people I know and admire what God is doing in their lives. It challenges my church because I hear about churches in which God is doing great things and would love to seem Him do in my church. It challenges my ministry because I constantly ask myself if I am doing what I can to equip the saints, disciple the sheep, and put them in positions to allow God to do the remarkable things I would love to see Him do. It challenges my family because one of the areas that is always emphasized it seems like is that my first responsibility is to my family.

I look at all of these things and see how much farther I need to go to be all that God wants me to be. So I will be challenged this week but I will also be inspired to press on toward that goal and be recharged as I look to the larger issues of the kingdom of God and fulfilling His mission in this world until He returns.

Rich

Millennial Maze

2009-06-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

In the current times we live in, new president, North Korea nuclear testing, Middle East turmoil, economic crisis, government bailouts, etc.,etc., etc. It seems that it is a new season of end times speculations in the church.

I say that cautiously because since I have given my life to the Lord there has always been eschatological fervor in the church. It just got more amplified when God called me to the ministry as I am now, it seems, constantly asked about this and that when it come to eschatology. It seems there was a season of "quiet" after the "Left Behind" series, but it is now back in full force.

As a pastor I get kind of frustrated that if I do a study on Revelation, that will draw a crowd, but James well maybe, Leviticus, forget it!!! So much energy is put into figuring out what Jesus said is not for us to know. What is an especially hot topic is who is the "anti-christ". But let us not forget about when the tribulation is, the nature of the millennium, or when that rapture will take place.

Of course these speculations are nothing new. They have been throughout the history of the church. I have a question though, is all this study of eschatology really helping the church accomplish it's mission to bring glory to God and advance His kingdom?

People spend hours upon hours in study trying to figure out who the enemy is when we already know who the enemy is, it is Satan. All this focus on what he is going to do when we already know what he is trying to do.

We cannot honestly say that all this focus on eschatology has helped our zeal to share our faith. My own denomination's (Southern Baptist) latest profile shows that. It has not helped to build unity in the body of Christ, in fact it could be argued that it has caused more harm than good on that front in my opinion. I wonder if Satan has not quietly pulled a fast one on the church. Distracting us from what we are supposed to be about.

Eschatology is intended to give us hope and peace. That there is more to our existence then what this life has to offer. That death is not the end but rather a transition to a better existence, in a better place, for eternity. But that reality is only for those who put their faith in Jesus. That is where eschatology should focus, not on matters that are at best debatable, at worse speculative causing more harm that good.

Parenthood from this Father’s Perspective

2009-04-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, children, a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. 5 Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. Such men will never be put to shame when they speak with [their] enemies at the city gate. Psalms 127:3-5 (HCSB)

I come from a small family, only one brother. So when I got married and it came to the time to have children I was going on the assumption that I to would have a small family. Well as I write this article Krista and I and just recently discovered the number FOUR is on the way! That is right, I said FOUR!!!! I don’t know many people who would define FOUR children as a small family, and I would definitely fit into that demographic group.

I have had my reasons for not wanting a large family. The first is that I personally wrestle with whether or not I am a good father. Second, I wonder how in the world am I going to be able to provide for them when it seems like you barely make it now. Third, all of that responsibility! I have a hard enough time taking care of myself! The list go could go on and on and on.

As I start to look and these reasons, I begin to see a lot of “I”. I see a lot of selfishness, fear, and pride. I do not see a lot of trust, faith, dependence, or joy. That is where the passage above has always been given to me by God when He informs me that I am going to be a father again. They are good lessons for parent’s to remember.

1. Children are a gift from God.
2. Children bring happiness.
3. Children bring respect from even your enemies.

I am sure my fears are not much different from any other parent. What we have to realize is that God in His wisdom has blessed us with children. He will provide for us and for our families as we put our trust and faith in Him and take seriously the stewardship He has given us of being parents.

Now don’t get me wrong, I very much enjoy being a father. The rewards do indeed outweigh the difficulties. If we think about it, it ought to give us pause to think about how the Father looks down upon us as His children and knows that the rewards will outweigh the difficulties.

So moms and dads, let us remember that children are a blessing and being a parent is a blessing too!

Be Courageous

2009-03-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

Before the 12 men went into Canaan to scout it out, Moses gave them several instructions as to what they were to do to carry out their mission. In the middle of these instructions about what to look for and what to bring back, is one that has nothing to do with logistics but was absolutely essential for them to be able to carry out the mission, “be courageous” (Num. 13:20).

That phrase in the original language is a verb which means to strengthen oneself, to put forth strength, or to withstand. The twelve scouts needed to do this as they were to about to embark on seeing a place they had not seen before and interact with people they had never interacted with before as free people out from slavery.

Courage is an essential part of the Christian life. That is because God is always in the process of challenging us and stretching to go beyond our comfort zones and to do greater things as we grow in our faith and become more mature followers of Jesus. We need not worry as believers because the Holy Spirit is with us and in us. The courage we need to go and do what God wants us to do and accomplish His purpose for our lives comes through yielding ourselves to Him. When we do that, then we go not in our strength, but in His strength!

Look at what God says in His Word:

6 Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Deut 31:6 (HCSB)

13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Phil 4:13 (HCSB)

My Apologies

2008-11-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick post to apologize for the gap in my posts. It has been awhile. It is just one of those things where life got in the way. Look for a more current and disciplined approach in the coming days.

Rich

2008-08-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

I’m No Soldier, but I Know What I Am Supposed to be Doing!

I would be the first to admit that I am no soldier. I mean that in the sense that I did not serve in the military. I registered for the draft like I was supposed to in high school and quite frankly, it was probably better for your security and the security of you nation that I was not a soldier. I did however grow up around people who were soldiers and pastored in churches that had soldiers in them.

In talking with them I have discovered that they have been trained and are being trained in skills that will help them to complete specific missions that they are ordered to complete. When they are instructed on the mission they are told what they are to accomplish, where they are to accomplish it, when they are to accomplish it, why they are to accomplish it, and how they are to accomplish it.

This morning I am going to be talking about the mission of our church and hopefully answering some of these very same questions for you. My hope is that you will connect the dots and see that the churches mission is the same as the mission for you very life.

You see, I may not be a soldier for the U.S.A, but the Bible tells me that I am a soldier in God’s army, and so are you! He has given us a mission; let us obediently follow His orders together!

Your Servant,

Pastor Rich

2008-08-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

I have been asked why I am on the board of Excelsior Education Center, a public charter school in Victorville next to Victor Valley College? The answer to that question is really rather simple:

1. To be salt and light. I believe that the bible is pretty clear that we as Christians are to be involved in the public square and to be a positive influence on the community. Being on the board gives me the opportunity to do that.

2. To impact young people. Being on the board allows me to have a positive impact on the students who attend Excelsior by providing for them a place where they can safely be educated and taught.

3. To interact with people who do not know Jesus. Being on the board allows me to meet people and have meaningful discussions with them about issues both earthly and spiritual. It gets me out of my comfort zone and allows me to meet with people that I would never talk to otherwise who are very influential in the Victor Valley.

4. I enjoy it. It has been a very positive experience for me. I enjoy dealing with the issues of education and our community at this level. Is it political? Yes, but I have been “SHAPED” by God to do this.

5. To model it to the church. I believe very strongly that we need to be out into the community. I want to do more that just say it I want to model it to you!

Your Servant,

Pastor Rich

Running to Win

2008-06-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

1 Cor. 9:24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. [25] Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. [26] Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. [27] No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (NIV)

As I write this, many athletes all over the world are preparing to compete in the summer Olympics in China. They have spent years in training and preparation to have that perfect moment in time where they can say that they are the very best and put that gold medal around their necks and here their country’s national anthem played.

The apostle Paul makes reference to athletes, in this case runners and boxers, who competed in similar games to the ones we will watch at the Olympics. He makes a comparison and a contrast in how Christians should live the Christian life.

Paul says that we should live our Christian lives to win. The sense is almost like we should live our lives in such a way as we would be the only winner. Now we know that there will be many more people than us in heaven, but we ought to live here on earth like the runners who want to be the very best. We ought to want to be the very best follower of Jesus we can be, live to win! There are too many believers in our world today who are just happy to be in the race, they are not running to win.

How do we do that? Paul gives us a couple things that we need to do in order to run to win. First we need to go into training. Nobody can become good enough to compete in the Olympics much less win, without first going into training. What is the training for us as Christians? They are the spiritual disciplines of prayer, and studying the Bible. Doing these disciplines on a consistent basis, gives us the strength and endurance to live to win. Second, we must focus on Jesus and His kingdom. Paul talks about running aimlessly and throwing punches in the air. We are not to do that as believers. Athletes have a plan when they train and they are focused on completing that plan because they believe that it is the best way to prepare in order to win. Making the spiritual disciplines a regular part of our lives allows the Holy Spirit to work in us and keep us focused on living, and looking at life the way Jesus would want us to live and look at life, running it to win.

Finally, we should want to live our lives to win because the prize waiting for us is eternal, it is not temporal like the medals or the crowns that athletes here on earth will win. We are to live our lives with an eternal perspective which is a Jesus perspective, doing the things that will have eternal impact. That is how Paul lived his live and he talks about at the end of his life here on earth.

2 Tim. 4:6-9

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8]

Reflections on Revival

2008-06-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

I always find it interesting when I hear a preacher say that there is a revival coming across our nation. It seems like this has been announced for at least the last 10 years. Statistics have certainly indicated that there is not revival happening in our nation. There is not even a sense of revival in churches and quite frankly I am not sure it is going to happen anytime soon. Why you ask?

The reason I don't think revival is on the horizon is because for any revival to occur in the lives of Christians, there must first be an attitude and action of repentance. We must look at our actions and thoughts through the eyes of God and if they are sinful, confess them to him and see that they are sinful. We must also with action do what it takes to turn from that behavior and move toward the behavior that God wants us to do and ultimately turn back to God and living for Him and for His glory.

I find it hard to see revival on the horizon because I quite frankly, don't see a whole lot of Christians willing to repent of anything! Oh they are quick to say that someone else needs to repent, but not look in the mirror and see what they need to repent of.

Part of the problem is that there is not a whole lot of talk or preaching on repentance in the church today so I think people don't understand its importance. They also have an understanding that once they are saved, they don't have to repent anymore. This would be a wrong assumption on their part.

Until we see brokeness for our own sin, revival will not come.

In Him,

Rich

Shouldering The Responsibility

2008-05-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

May 11, 2008 is a day when we celebrate Moms. What I want to spend a moment talking about in this article is parenting as a whole, both mom and dad, or just mom, or just dad, if that is your current home situation.

There is a misunderstanding that seems to have so quietly crept into the church that says it is the churches’ job to disciple(teach and instruct) kids and students about the Bible, doing good deeds(ministry), worship, etc. To that end for many parents, they leave that responsibility to the staff and teachers of their church.

The problem with that, is that it is not biblical. The Bible is very clear that it is the job of the parents to instruct their children (See Deut. 6:1-9, Eph. 6:1-4). It is the churches’ job to HELP you the parent to do what the Bible has commanded that you do.

So what is it you the parent are doing to train and instruct you child(ren) in the way they should go? Do you pray with your child? Do you read the Bible with your child? One area I see in our church is in the area of worship. How many of you put your kids in Sunday School while you go to worship? How are our kids supposed to learn worship if they do not see us the parents worshipping? How are you to learn what the Bible says so you can instruct your children if you are not in a Bible study yourself?

As parents of the next generation, it is time for you to shoulder the tremendous responsibility of training and instructing your children about spiritual matters. Don’t be afraid! The church will be here with and will help you in anyway it can, because that is the churches’ responsibility.

Your Servant,

Pastor Rich

Oberservation of a Disillusioned Generation

2008-04-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Author Sarah Cunningham a “twentysomething” and member of the disillusioned generation gives 12 general observations about her generation.

1. Twentysomethings redefine the word family.

Because so many of them have grown up in blended families or single-parent homes, they have expanded their definition of family to include some who are not genetically related to them. Family is more about commitment and state of the heart than genetic coding.

2. Twentysomethings are comfortable with competing schools of thought.

This is the “both-and generations” they grew up being able to finish the dishes and make the movie on time. They can have sex and be reasonably assured that they won’t get pregnant because of birth control. They can be a democrat and a republican at the same time because they are more interested in an ideal than political affiliation. They feel like they can save the world and goof off at the some time.

3. Twentysomethings feel connected to their surroundings.

Technology allows them to stay connected with their friends no matter where they are in the world. They have been taught in their education curriculum with a focus on the environmental, social and political issues to appreciate the invisible umbilical cord that connects all of us. They value community and will stand up against that which they feel violates that community.

4. Twentysomethings don’t see money as a trustworthy indicator of success.

This does not mean that they do not like a stack of presidents and want to get paid what they are worth. It does mean that they are conscious of the dangers that correspond with financial security and do not want to sacrifice theirs or their families’ emotional health to get it. They saw the damage of that first hand with their parents.

5. Twentysomethings want instant gratification.

They have grown up in a world in which life can be seen as a drop-down menu of choices that can accessed quickly with the click of a mouse or a punch of “send” on their cell-phones. And even though life is fast, they try to make it faster. This makes them grossly impatient if something cannot be solved right-away.

6. Twentysomethings like technology, but prefer human contact.

While they are very comfortable with multilayered technology, they are very skeptical of the media-driven, advertising-crazed world. They prefer real live humans with real live stories.

7. Twentysomethings are less relativistic than they seem.

They do believe in right and wrong though sometimes it does not appear that way. They don’t all have a copy of “I’m Okay, You’re Okay” in their glove compartment.

8. Twentysomethings are idealistic to a fault.

They are looking for perfection in everything they perfect adventure, the perfect job, the perfect church, etc. If they cannot find it they become antsy. In order to work to make it “perfect” they want a sense of real responsibility and the authority to accomplish the task.

9. Twentysomethings are transparent.

Why are rapper Eminem and radio talk-show host Ben Ferguson, polar opposites ideologically, so popular with twentysomethings? They are painfully transparent. What you see is what you get. They are open about their views and their struggles. That resonates with twentysomethings.

10. Twentysomethings value community.

They especially value small-group community. They do not form these communities like you are taught in the “forming small-groups manual”, but they do crave for a place to discuss real life issues and strong relationships.

11. Twentysomethings want to help.

These are the “volunteer” generation.

12. Twentysomethings don’t pledge their allegiance lightly.

They are slow to commit to anything. They will marry older and have children older. They are slow to commit to brand names much to the dismay of companies like Pepsi and the US Army are still trying to figure it out.

Having laid all of this out these are general statements and all twentysomethings will tell you they don’t like to be categorized. They are however, things for us at FBCH to consider as we seek to pass the faith from generation to generation.

Unexpected

2008-03-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

God quite often in life brings things into our lives that are unexpected and are life changing. Such is what has happened to me this week. I was diagnosed with a disease that I am going to have to deal with for the rest of my life. I now now that I have a form of Multiple Sclerosis. It is an autoimmune disease that I am going to have to deal with for the rest of my life. It is not only me, but my wife and my 3 children as well.

It is interesting to listen to people's reactions as the we informed of my condition. Most are with shock and fear of the unknown. People are also compassionate and caring and just wanting to pray for me and to encourage me. Which is very comforting and what Christians should do for each other. Then they ask the question: "How are you handling this unexpected event in your life?"

My response is "What am I supposed to do?" It is just part of life. God gives all of us issues and struggles that we have to deal with that are quite often a surprise. Especially when it is something medical like MS, or cancer, or whatever. God has obviously decided that I am able to endure this disease until such time as He calls me home. He obviously believes that my family can handle this as well as God does not have us endure things that He does not give us the strength to handle.

So how do I pray about this?
1. That God's glory would be revealed somehow through this.
2. That God's strength would be made perfect in my weakness and that I would understand what that truly means.
3. That I would be able to live as "normal" a life as I possibly can.
4. That I would be able to accomplish all that God wants me to do.
5. That I would be able to be a devoted husband and responsible father.
6. That God would heal me.

The first two are the most important. Some might say that number 6 should be in there too. The problem with that is that it may not be God's plan. Do I hope that it is, sure I do but my perspective should not change about my life and purpose because they belong to God.

If you choose to pray for me that is how I would like you to pray for me.

Your Servant,

Pastor Rich

Proper Response to Rapidly Shifting Times

2008-03-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

The video used in this morning’s message is one that probably for many of you was overwhelming. Some of you may choose to just ignore the information that the video shares. Others of you it may have made you even more fearful of what the world is going to become. Still others may, just “blow off” what the message was and you just take the world as it comes to you. As a parent of three children whom God have given me responsibility to raise and prepare for this world that is to come, I to, am a little intimidated by what is coming in my lifetime, but even more than that, the world my children will inherit. The question we need to ask ourselves however, is how should we as Christians to what is going on in the world around us.

I do not think we should be afraid of it. That would deny that God is truly in charge and that He somehow does not know what is going on. I do not think that we should “bunker” ourselves into our homes and wait for Jesus to return either. That would be disobedient to the “Great Commission” where it says as we are going, we are to make disciples. You cannot do that if you never leave the “bunker”. Besides, there are a lot of people who need you and me to meet them where they are because they are just as scared of what the future might bring. AND WE HAVE THE ANSWER!!

The key is the passage of today’s message:

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (NIV)

People are looking for a something to bring stability to their ever changing lives. His name is Jesus! Let us show Him to the world to be who He is, the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Pastor Rich

Resurrection Thinking

2008-02-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

2 Cor. 5:16-17

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

I have a very good friend who lives in an area of the country that even to this day struggles with the issue of race. It is not only a problem there but seems to get more noticed there. He would exhort his congregation that they needed to reach out to other people but it fell on deaf ears and cold hearts. When asked why, they would say that was just the way I was raised and it is too late to change that now.

2 Cor. 5:16-17

I know of several people who have been scared by abuse or molestation they say they are followers of Jesus but will not forgive their perpetrators.

2 Cor. 5:16-17

I have seen and talked to people who say that they wished for “the good ol’ days” and others who say that the past has nothing for them to learn from.

2 Cor. 5:16-17

I know people who look at others and the world around them and say that they are all a bunch of dirty sinners who need to burn in hell. So did you, until you came into Christ.

In Christ, we no longer act or more importantly, think like the world, we act and more importantly, think like Christ. We must think before we can act.

What did Christ think of these people? He stretched out His hands and died. Then He rose three days later. He is now seated at the right hand of the Father and for those who believe in Him, He gave the right to be called “children of God”. They to can become new!

2 Cor. 5:16-17

Resurrection thinking!!!