R.E.A.L. Discipleship
Real discipleship—do we even know what that means today? I am much afraid that our understanding of discipleship is very distorted when held up in the light of God’s Word. Listening to someone teach about “true” discipleship today is akin to sitting through a time management course. Our understanding of discipleship consists of learning how to arrange all the things that are really important to us so as to free up some volunteer time for the church.
Recently I have wrestled with the confusion that we instill into the lives of Christians as pastors and church leaders. People today are extremely busy with all the things we deem as important in life; there are those things of the world and then there are those things of the church. I am convinced that, more times than not, all we do is bombard the lives of our church members with more stuff. We have forfeited teaching the church about real discipleship and have merely offered them business rather than teaching them how to turn away from the things of this world and turn to the things of God. We call ourselves successful if we can get folks more involved in religious activity than worldly activity. In reality, all we have done is confuse and stress everybody. For the believer to ever accomplish real discipleship, he or she must learn to relinquish every aspect of life.
The Bible’s proclamation that we were “bought for a price” is not just a noble idea or a metaphor; we must come to the realization that we are God’s possession. Without fail throughout the Word of God, when Jesus Christ calls one to Himself and forgiveness of sin is realized. At that time, a new heart is received; that heart now beats for God; that heart longs for God. If not, it is not Jesus who has possessed us! Do you long for God? Let’s be REAL disciples of Christ and Relinquish Every Aspect of Life to Him.
Pastor Barry
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Do I Love Church…Or Do I Love The Lord’s Church?
I really enjoyed this months Brotherhood meeting. We had twenty men in attendance, a good crowd considering we haven’t met in a while. After dinner during our time in the word I asked the men a pointed question: Do you love the church? There is so much confusion today over why the church exists. One of the greatest tragedies of believers today is the mindset that the church of the Lord Jesus Christ somehow exists for the individual’s gratification. We act as though the ministries of the church should be developed in such a way as to make our lives easier. This philosophy of church is a shadow of the world around us. Think about it; it's how we feel about the government, about McDonald’s, about our health club. For these entities that mindset is great, but when it concerns the church of the Lord Jesus this is simply un-biblical.
Being a member of God’s church certainly has privileges. The Apostle Paul shows us many of these privileges. These privileges include the following; as members of the church, we are adopted as sons; we have the forgiveness of sin; we have been given an inheritance, all of which is sealed by the Holy Spirit. What a list of privileges that are ours as members of the body of Christ the church! Just like anything else in life, where there are privileges there are responsibilities. Far too often we like to focus on the advantages of being a part of the church while dismissing the responsibilities. The truth of the matter is you can’t have one without the other, as a child of God privilege is inseparable from responsibility. “To whom much has been given much is required.”
When we begin to understand the love of God toward His church and that we are His children how can we not, in return, love the church? A clear and accurate understanding of why the church exists will help each of us become increasingly passionate about the ministry of the church. My prayer for each of us is that God will grow our love for that which He loved so much that He gave His only begotten Son: the church.
Pastor Barry
I really enjoyed this months Brotherhood meeting. We had twenty men in attendance, a good crowd considering we haven’t met in a while. After dinner during our time in the word I asked the men a pointed question: Do you love the church? There is so much confusion today over why the church exists. One of the greatest tragedies of believers today is the mindset that the church of the Lord Jesus Christ somehow exists for the individual’s gratification. We act as though the ministries of the church should be developed in such a way as to make our lives easier. This philosophy of church is a shadow of the world around us. Think about it; it's how we feel about the government, about McDonald’s, about our health club. For these entities that mindset is great, but when it concerns the church of the Lord Jesus this is simply un-biblical.
Being a member of God’s church certainly has privileges. The Apostle Paul shows us many of these privileges. These privileges include the following; as members of the church, we are adopted as sons; we have the forgiveness of sin; we have been given an inheritance, all of which is sealed by the Holy Spirit. What a list of privileges that are ours as members of the body of Christ the church! Just like anything else in life, where there are privileges there are responsibilities. Far too often we like to focus on the advantages of being a part of the church while dismissing the responsibilities. The truth of the matter is you can’t have one without the other, as a child of God privilege is inseparable from responsibility. “To whom much has been given much is required.”
When we begin to understand the love of God toward His church and that we are His children how can we not, in return, love the church? A clear and accurate understanding of why the church exists will help each of us become increasingly passionate about the ministry of the church. My prayer for each of us is that God will grow our love for that which He loved so much that He gave His only begotten Son: the church.
Pastor Barry
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Social Networking Safeguards
In regards to ministry and leadership there is not a lot that scares me. However, in recent years the face of social networking has changed dramatically, and, quite frankly, it scares me to death. The insurgence of blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and YouTube has forever changed the world. Did you know that Facebook has more than 300 million active users who spend a combined total of 8 billion minutes on Facebook every day? Get this: 58.5 million people visited Myspace last January. I found it staggering that 74% of people between ages 18 and 34 have a Facebook account; 47% of people between the ages of 35 and 44; 41% of people between the ages of 45 and 54 have an account. Social networking is a giant and can serve tremendous good; however, we need to make sure it’s not a Goliath who has come to destroy the lives of our children.
Social networking, even with all the negative possibilities, is not the enemy. The use of these modern technological tools has incredible potential for good. Imagine the world if it had rejected the technology of washing machines, microwaves and the radio. I hate to think of going to the doctor today with the tools of 100 years ago. Advancement is good! Social networking, like anything else in life, demands responsibility. As well, it requires that we understand the environment we are exposing ourselves, families, and ministries to. Social networking is here to stay, but how will we respond to it?
It has become necessary for me to address this issue due to its influx into our lives here at Glencoe Baptist church, the Academy and the Learning Center. Everyday our staff utilizes some aspect of social networking, whether it is the internet, Facebook or other media. Every evening our students and staff are utilizing these same networking abilities to communicate with friends, family, and even co-workers.
We are in the process of developing policies related to social networking. This requires much study and understanding of each of these media areas. I want to encourage our parents to do their own research. While networking and the internet can be fun, as well as provide unlimited education for your children, it is extremely dangerous. Every time your child logs in, there is the potential for him or her to be exposed to pictures, statements, and people who are a grave danger to your children and family.
As Christians we have a responsibility to always reflect Christ. Whether we are walking through the mall, talking on a cell phone, or posting on Facebook or other sites, we cannot escape the call to be holy and righteous. For those who are willing to put the energy into safely using the internet and social networking, I have put together some pointers to help you protect your family:
1. Always follow the legal age for participation.
(Presently none of our academy children can legally use the following networking tools.)
a. Facebook - 13
b. You Tube - 13
c. Myspace - 13
d. Twitter - unsure
2. Never allow your children to access the internet without close supervision.
a. Know who your children are “chatting” with.
b. Know every networking tool and website they are visiting.
c. Know the content (pictures, statements) they are sharing and receiving.
3. Never allow children to set up a computer for their private viewing.
a. Computers should be in a open area of the home— never in a bedroom.
b. Computers should never be password protected from the parents.
c. Install protective software such as Safe Eyes.
4. Never put personal information on the web (i.e. age, gender, address, school).
A few of things stand in the way of you successfully protecting your children from the potential harm they may be exposed to via the internet. First is the unwillingness by parents to sacrifice the time and energy into training and exacting godliness even while participating in social networking. Second is the dangerous notion that my child has rights or deserves privacy. In the shower? Yes! On the internet? Absolutely not! The third may be the most dangerous. It’s the idea that my child has to have all the latest games, clothes, technology, etc. to feel good about themselves and fit into society. Don’t allow these things to stop you from fulfilling your role as a parent.
I know this may sound extreme, but we only have one opportunity to rear our children. For the parents who are striving to rear their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, there is no room for complacency and mediocrity when it comes to social networking. Take the time today to nail down some absolutes when it comes to the internet in your home.
Pastor Barry
In regards to ministry and leadership there is not a lot that scares me. However, in recent years the face of social networking has changed dramatically, and, quite frankly, it scares me to death. The insurgence of blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and YouTube has forever changed the world. Did you know that Facebook has more than 300 million active users who spend a combined total of 8 billion minutes on Facebook every day? Get this: 58.5 million people visited Myspace last January. I found it staggering that 74% of people between ages 18 and 34 have a Facebook account; 47% of people between the ages of 35 and 44; 41% of people between the ages of 45 and 54 have an account. Social networking is a giant and can serve tremendous good; however, we need to make sure it’s not a Goliath who has come to destroy the lives of our children.
Social networking, even with all the negative possibilities, is not the enemy. The use of these modern technological tools has incredible potential for good. Imagine the world if it had rejected the technology of washing machines, microwaves and the radio. I hate to think of going to the doctor today with the tools of 100 years ago. Advancement is good! Social networking, like anything else in life, demands responsibility. As well, it requires that we understand the environment we are exposing ourselves, families, and ministries to. Social networking is here to stay, but how will we respond to it?
It has become necessary for me to address this issue due to its influx into our lives here at Glencoe Baptist church, the Academy and the Learning Center. Everyday our staff utilizes some aspect of social networking, whether it is the internet, Facebook or other media. Every evening our students and staff are utilizing these same networking abilities to communicate with friends, family, and even co-workers.
We are in the process of developing policies related to social networking. This requires much study and understanding of each of these media areas. I want to encourage our parents to do their own research. While networking and the internet can be fun, as well as provide unlimited education for your children, it is extremely dangerous. Every time your child logs in, there is the potential for him or her to be exposed to pictures, statements, and people who are a grave danger to your children and family.
As Christians we have a responsibility to always reflect Christ. Whether we are walking through the mall, talking on a cell phone, or posting on Facebook or other sites, we cannot escape the call to be holy and righteous. For those who are willing to put the energy into safely using the internet and social networking, I have put together some pointers to help you protect your family:
1. Always follow the legal age for participation.
(Presently none of our academy children can legally use the following networking tools.)
a. Facebook - 13
b. You Tube - 13
c. Myspace - 13
d. Twitter - unsure
2. Never allow your children to access the internet without close supervision.
a. Know who your children are “chatting” with.
b. Know every networking tool and website they are visiting.
c. Know the content (pictures, statements) they are sharing and receiving.
3. Never allow children to set up a computer for their private viewing.
a. Computers should be in a open area of the home— never in a bedroom.
b. Computers should never be password protected from the parents.
c. Install protective software such as Safe Eyes.
4. Never put personal information on the web (i.e. age, gender, address, school).
A few of things stand in the way of you successfully protecting your children from the potential harm they may be exposed to via the internet. First is the unwillingness by parents to sacrifice the time and energy into training and exacting godliness even while participating in social networking. Second is the dangerous notion that my child has rights or deserves privacy. In the shower? Yes! On the internet? Absolutely not! The third may be the most dangerous. It’s the idea that my child has to have all the latest games, clothes, technology, etc. to feel good about themselves and fit into society. Don’t allow these things to stop you from fulfilling your role as a parent.
I know this may sound extreme, but we only have one opportunity to rear our children. For the parents who are striving to rear their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, there is no room for complacency and mediocrity when it comes to social networking. Take the time today to nail down some absolutes when it comes to the internet in your home.
Pastor Barry
Monday, November 23, 2009
It seems that this past Sunday I touched a nerve in some people when I spoke of Glenn Beck. Let me clarify a couple of things; first, I never said Glenn Beck is our savior. Secondly, I never said I agreed with everything he said. I simply said that I went to see him and he has some good things to say. And now what I am saying is that we Americans had better listen up!
Why do we get so upset when even the hint of politics is mentioned from the pulpit? Are we to sit hoarded up in the comfort of our pews while America goes to Hell all around us? Let me remind you of something: we are the government! We the people. We the people have been given the responsibility to govern through the election process. Therefore, why wouldn’t it be prudent for us to cry out from our pulpits what is necessary in order to remain a free and righteous people before God? Why wouldn’t we proclaim to the masses the principles, character and morals that would manifest themselves from the rural countryside to the downtown alley ways? Our proclamation could influence a nation and her government for God. I can relate the word of God to your money, your behavior, your marriage, your attitude, your service, your children, but don’t mention your politics— hogwash! No longer should Christians be allowed to compartmentalize their lives and hide sinful lifestyles behind the banner of politics!
Matthew 22:21 proclaims, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
The trouble today is that we have confused who is who! We have become more afraid of the government that can and will kill the body than God who kills the soul. Listen, we should completely and ungrudgingly give to the government what it is entitled to, but in no circumstance should we give to it what belongs to God! Our government, past and present, has launched an attack on three specific areas that belong to God alone. They are central to the very foundations of Christianity. The sanctity of life, the institute of biblical marriage and religious liberty are absolutes to our faith, and at no time should we surrender to Caesar in these areas. When the law of the land dictates we violate God’s righteousness or suffer consequences, we should be willing to suffer the consequences rather than denounce God! Is martyrdom dead?
I hope and pray you will join with me as I stand to do my part in preserving America as a Christian nation. I am unwilling to accept the words of a president who proclaims that we are no longer a Christian nation, who leads an attack on the sanctity of human life and who seeks to undermine the foundations of religious liberty. It is not too late to join the fight! I have made available to you a list of government officials; exercise your freedom to contact them, and let the people govern once again.
Unapologetically,
Pastor Barry
Why do we get so upset when even the hint of politics is mentioned from the pulpit? Are we to sit hoarded up in the comfort of our pews while America goes to Hell all around us? Let me remind you of something: we are the government! We the people. We the people have been given the responsibility to govern through the election process. Therefore, why wouldn’t it be prudent for us to cry out from our pulpits what is necessary in order to remain a free and righteous people before God? Why wouldn’t we proclaim to the masses the principles, character and morals that would manifest themselves from the rural countryside to the downtown alley ways? Our proclamation could influence a nation and her government for God. I can relate the word of God to your money, your behavior, your marriage, your attitude, your service, your children, but don’t mention your politics— hogwash! No longer should Christians be allowed to compartmentalize their lives and hide sinful lifestyles behind the banner of politics!
Matthew 22:21 proclaims, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
The trouble today is that we have confused who is who! We have become more afraid of the government that can and will kill the body than God who kills the soul. Listen, we should completely and ungrudgingly give to the government what it is entitled to, but in no circumstance should we give to it what belongs to God! Our government, past and present, has launched an attack on three specific areas that belong to God alone. They are central to the very foundations of Christianity. The sanctity of life, the institute of biblical marriage and religious liberty are absolutes to our faith, and at no time should we surrender to Caesar in these areas. When the law of the land dictates we violate God’s righteousness or suffer consequences, we should be willing to suffer the consequences rather than denounce God! Is martyrdom dead?
I hope and pray you will join with me as I stand to do my part in preserving America as a Christian nation. I am unwilling to accept the words of a president who proclaims that we are no longer a Christian nation, who leads an attack on the sanctity of human life and who seeks to undermine the foundations of religious liberty. It is not too late to join the fight! I have made available to you a list of government officials; exercise your freedom to contact them, and let the people govern once again.
Unapologetically,
Pastor Barry
Monday, July 6, 2009
Oh Ye Of Little Grace
Oh ye of little grace! This is the exact thought that entered my mind as I sat down and studied through this week’s Bible Fellowship study. Like flood waters rushing over a dam, my memory was drawn to ungracious words I had spoken recently. No, I wasn’t trying to be ungracious or harsh, but it seems to come natural for me.
Part of maturing as a Christian is learning to behave in a Christ-like manner during difficult times. It is most difficult to extend grace to others when we do not seem to be receiving grace. The conscience is quick to justify bad attitudes and misbehavior based on the current conditions of our life. I am so glad Christ did not treat me the way I treated and treat Him! In the parable of the Faithful Steward found in the 12th chapter of Matthew we read, “…For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required…”
I have been so blessed in my marriage, in my children, in my ministry; in every area of life God’s blessings have far exceeded my worth! Why? Why would God make such an upside down investment in me—one who was considered an enemy (“For if when we were enemies…” Rom. 5:10)? If there was ever a question that could be summed up in one answer it is this one. The answer is grace, God’s amazing grace! I love what the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:4, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, (didn’t deserve it) made us alive together with Christ (by His grace you have been saved…”
I hope you truly studied and contemplated this week’s Bible Fellowship lesson. I pray the fruit of this study—not only for my own life but for the life of the church—will result in grace manifested throughout our church and community. God has laid a challenge on my heart this week, and I want to extend it to you as well. It is really quite simple. Find someone this week in your life who deserves nothing from you and show the love of God through grace.
In His Service
Pastor Barry
Oh ye of little grace! This is the exact thought that entered my mind as I sat down and studied through this week’s Bible Fellowship study. Like flood waters rushing over a dam, my memory was drawn to ungracious words I had spoken recently. No, I wasn’t trying to be ungracious or harsh, but it seems to come natural for me.
Part of maturing as a Christian is learning to behave in a Christ-like manner during difficult times. It is most difficult to extend grace to others when we do not seem to be receiving grace. The conscience is quick to justify bad attitudes and misbehavior based on the current conditions of our life. I am so glad Christ did not treat me the way I treated and treat Him! In the parable of the Faithful Steward found in the 12th chapter of Matthew we read, “…For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required…”
I have been so blessed in my marriage, in my children, in my ministry; in every area of life God’s blessings have far exceeded my worth! Why? Why would God make such an upside down investment in me—one who was considered an enemy (“For if when we were enemies…” Rom. 5:10)? If there was ever a question that could be summed up in one answer it is this one. The answer is grace, God’s amazing grace! I love what the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:4, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, (didn’t deserve it) made us alive together with Christ (by His grace you have been saved…”
I hope you truly studied and contemplated this week’s Bible Fellowship lesson. I pray the fruit of this study—not only for my own life but for the life of the church—will result in grace manifested throughout our church and community. God has laid a challenge on my heart this week, and I want to extend it to you as well. It is really quite simple. Find someone this week in your life who deserves nothing from you and show the love of God through grace.
In His Service
Pastor Barry
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Addressing the subject of holiness C.S. Lewis wrote “How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing... it is irresistible. If even 10 percent of the world’s population had it, would not the whole world be converted and happy before year’s end?” Oh how Christians need to polish up the dull holiness which we present to the world. Not only the world but our nation; America is in great danger of imploding at its very core. Many Christians want to take a back seat and rest on the sovereignty of God or hide behind some misunderstood idea of separation of church and state. Listen; if I am a Christian, then I am a Christian through and through, not just on Sunday. I can’t put Jesus on pause when it comes to political and moral matters. I can’t stifle the Holy Spirit just for the sake of political correctness or self preservation, to do so is to deny the very tenants of Christian faith: that Jesus Christ dwells in me and that my life is a mere reflection of Him. The work Jesus does on the inside is not restrained by the work of Satan on the outside! I am much afraid the irresistibility of our holiness has been dulled by the complacency of the church and her refusal to make a stand through the demonstration of righteousness. America, the nation we love the nation God has so richly blessed and afforded you and I, when it matters the most will we shrink back into the recesses of excuses or will we be “steadfast and unmovable?” In the days ahead, I intend to continue to lead our church in such a way that there will be no confusion as to where we stand spiritually, morally and politically. We will give no sponsorship to any entity that rejects the authority of God’s word by asking the church to turn against the very God we love and trust. As I am writing this note to you our government is making decisions on what has been called the Fairness Doctrine. This bill is proposed as a tool to stop hate speech. The trouble is the hate they speak of is the Word of God and the truths it holds in regard to immoral behavior such as homosexuality, abortion, and same sex marriage. Soon, the persecution against Christians that goes on around the world will be at our doorsteps. Those who profess to be Christians will be forced to choose. One thing you can be sure, of there will be no fences in Heaven. I pray that we would have a common goal of living to please God alone in our homes, our church, our community and this great America. I pray that we would make investments in our ministries that would produce strength and longevity for the glory of God rather than the applause of men.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Triumphs and Tests:
Just the title of this week’s lessons says something to me. After completing the study, I think back across some of life’s triumphs and failures, and I must be honest, I can claim responsibility for none of my triumphs but yet I receive the credit for all of my failures.
I have often posed the questions, “Why do we have to learn for ourselves the hardships of life? Why can’t we trust the testimony of those who also learned the hard way?” Beth Moore makes the statement in this week’s lesson, “We have all defaulted to old patterns as well, under stress or sudden crisis, our first reactions at various points may be fleshly and selfish.” My immediate thought after reading that was old habits die hard.
I would love to respond to all of life’s opportunities just like Jesus would, but I have this huge problem; It’s called flesh, and as long as I am robed in it, I will deal with that which comes natural to the human—sin. However, I am not making excuses or justifying sinful behavior in the wake of trial and tribulation.
We should give much consideration to all that our lives could be for the Kingdom of God, if we did respond more like Christ to the issues of life. We could be such an encouragement to the less fortunate, the hurting and the broken. We could be such a testimony to the unbelievers of this world, if they only saw Christians act and respond like Christians should.
I know from personal experience the negative knee jerk reactions we give have far greater impact than the positive Christ-like reactions. Those reactions, whether they be words or actions can’t be taken back. Once they role off the tongue or motivate the hands, they are out there. Unfortunately, the world would rather see the Christian fail than succeed.
What’s the answer? How do we improve our responses before the world? First of all, we must remember that our response is first and foremost before the Lord. When we fail, we fail Him alone. Secondly, we must invest in God’s Word. You can’t expect Christ-likeness to come out if you’re not putting it in first. Like the old computer related saying, “Junk in, junk out.” Lastly, we must learn to trust God. God is faithful!
Let me close with a question for you to ponder: “Aren’t our knee jerk responses due to the fact that we don’t believe that God is going to handle it swiftly, correctly and in such a manner that best fits our needs?” When will we learn that God loves us? God is loyal to His children. God will never “leave nor forsake” us.
Pastor Barry
Just the title of this week’s lessons says something to me. After completing the study, I think back across some of life’s triumphs and failures, and I must be honest, I can claim responsibility for none of my triumphs but yet I receive the credit for all of my failures.
I have often posed the questions, “Why do we have to learn for ourselves the hardships of life? Why can’t we trust the testimony of those who also learned the hard way?” Beth Moore makes the statement in this week’s lesson, “We have all defaulted to old patterns as well, under stress or sudden crisis, our first reactions at various points may be fleshly and selfish.” My immediate thought after reading that was old habits die hard.
I would love to respond to all of life’s opportunities just like Jesus would, but I have this huge problem; It’s called flesh, and as long as I am robed in it, I will deal with that which comes natural to the human—sin. However, I am not making excuses or justifying sinful behavior in the wake of trial and tribulation.
We should give much consideration to all that our lives could be for the Kingdom of God, if we did respond more like Christ to the issues of life. We could be such an encouragement to the less fortunate, the hurting and the broken. We could be such a testimony to the unbelievers of this world, if they only saw Christians act and respond like Christians should.
I know from personal experience the negative knee jerk reactions we give have far greater impact than the positive Christ-like reactions. Those reactions, whether they be words or actions can’t be taken back. Once they role off the tongue or motivate the hands, they are out there. Unfortunately, the world would rather see the Christian fail than succeed.
What’s the answer? How do we improve our responses before the world? First of all, we must remember that our response is first and foremost before the Lord. When we fail, we fail Him alone. Secondly, we must invest in God’s Word. You can’t expect Christ-likeness to come out if you’re not putting it in first. Like the old computer related saying, “Junk in, junk out.” Lastly, we must learn to trust God. God is faithful!
Let me close with a question for you to ponder: “Aren’t our knee jerk responses due to the fact that we don’t believe that God is going to handle it swiftly, correctly and in such a manner that best fits our needs?” When will we learn that God loves us? God is loyal to His children. God will never “leave nor forsake” us.
Pastor Barry
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