thomas jefferson on style and principles

I read a great post by Todd Rhoades. Here is what he says:

"The third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson said something very profound nearly 200 years ago:

"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."

I love that. It's a crystal clear picture of what the church should ultimately try to be and do.

In matters of style, the church has to swim with the current. We must be able to communicate and relate to people (both saved and unsaved) in a language they understand. Yes, we must be relevant to the culture and communities in which they live. That is why we have cowboy churches; Asian, Hispanic, and Chinese churches; hip hop churches; churches for men; contemporary churches, and traditional churches. It is a matter of style. It is a logical conclusion that to reach certain segments of society, the church needs to speak their language or relate to their style. As Jefferson said, in matters of style, you have to (HAVE TO) swim with the current...

In matters of principle, the church must stand like a rock. In areas of doctrine, right and wrong, and sin—the church must stand firm. It cannot waiver. It must stand like a rock.

The confusion comes for some when they try to make style and principle the same. They are not.

A successful church is one that can navigate the sometimes ferocious waters of style, and stay anchored to the rock of principle. In fact, if a church does not navigate the style current; it risks becoming ineffective in reaching the people it is trying to reach.

How’s your church doing with style and principle? Have you ever gotten the two confused? If so, Thomas Jefferson’s quote from nearly 200 years ago may help you communicate the difference between the two in a way that people will easily understand."

funny video-david after the dentist

pastor tests congregation's compassion

Longview, TX (KLTV) A Longview minister wanted to find out whether people at his church practiced what they believed, so he came up with a unique exercise in human character. How would you react to a person in need on the street? That was what Tommy Jackson used to test his congregation.

Sunday morning at Rose Heights church and a stranger, smelling of alcohol was walking through the parking area, accosting church members.

"There was concern for the individual, we could tell that something not quite right," said church member, Gary Treat. But it was no stranger, it was Rose Heights pastor Tommy Jackson in disguise.

"This month we have a series, well the whole series is called Kingdom People, the one distinguishing factor of a Christian should be our love," Jackson says.

Jackson wanted to test his congregation on their compassion for those in need. Playing the part to the fullest, he even had the police called on him. Some church members were leary, but others offered food and shelter, not knowing who the mystery man was. Jackson revealed himself at the end of the Sunday service.

"What are we doing to help those less fortunate, what are we doing to share God with others," says church member Chris Johnson.

Its a sure bet, they'll never look at Jackson quite the same way.

choices have consequences

A-Rod held a press conference today and elaborated on his first interview with Peter Gammons. He admitted to taking a banned substance that enhanced the way he played the game. It is a sad reminder that our choices have consequences. Yes, there can be forgiveness, but the consequences may never go away. Before all of this came out, he was a first ballot hall-of-famer, and most think that he will go on to set the all time record for home runs. After his press conference, "the experts", don't think that he will ever make into the hall of fame now. Whether you like A-Rod or not, this is sad, but it is also a reminder that we need to make good choices DAILY.

It is a reminder to me that the choices we make every day are the most spiritual thing we do. Like it or not, our choices have consequences. We cannot escape the universal law of God that we really do reap what we sow (both good and bad).

Ephesians 5 says, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." (Eph 5.15-17)

Every day we come to forks in the road and we must ask ourselves, what is the wise thing to do? In light of my past, present, and future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?

sunday recap

Preached a message called, Don't forget where you came from.

Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. (Ex 19.5-6).

Early on in the story, God’ plan is that his people would become priests. A priest shows you what or who his God is like.

When God invites the people to be his priests, it is an invitation to show the world what God is like. God needs a body. He needs someone who will be his hand, his feet, and his voice. He needs his people to show the world what God is like. He invites them to be his priests. He invites them to represent God to the world.

We spent some time talking about the monumental event for the Hebrews, the exodus which was deliverance from bondage and slavery. Then we transitioned to the second exodus. The first was led by Moses, the second was led by Jesus.

4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.” 7 So you are no longer slaves, but God’s children; and since you are his children, he has made you also heirs. (Gal 4.4-7)

Jesus now sits at the right hand of the father. Physically he is no longer present. When we trust him with our lives and surrender our will to him, the HS takes up residence. God moves in.

In the OT God needed a kingdom of priests because he had a mission for them to accomplish. His mission has not changed.

He needs a body of believers, a kingdom of priests who will say, what Isaiah said, Here am I send me.

Today as we remember together, may we not forget that just as God poured out himself, he has called us as his priests to pour ourselves out.

great song

This is a great hymn performed by Kristian Stanfill. Can't wait to sing this at Journey soon!


I Double Dog Dare You To Pray This Prayer

I used this prayer in a message series in January of 2008. "Disturb us, Lord ..."

"Disturb us, Lord when we are too well pleased with ourselves. When our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little. When we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord." --Sir Francis Drake

Disturb me ...

When I want more when I have enough already
That I would repent of everything that is impure in my life
When I don't seek you enough
When I rely upon my own strength instead of yours
When I become indifferent to the needs of others

Disturb me, Lord.

The Human Eyebrow Worm

Found this on Monday Morning Insight. Pretty funny!


Cadbury Eyebrows from Nils-Petter Lovgren on Vimeo.

The Importance and Necessity of Connection

Just got back from a couple of days with our Connect Group which is a small group of pastors (lead pastors, church planters, and staff pastors). We get together several times a year for 2-3 days each time. We spend time hanging out, usually catch a movie, swap resources, ideas, and recommend good books. It has developed into a group that can be very vulnerable, honest, and transparent with each other, and we always spend a few hours sharing about our struggles, needs, requests, and victories.

It is often difficult to carve out time for these gatherings because we are all busy, but I would not miss them for the world. Our group is a great example of the power of connection. Because we are deeply connected to one another, we are able to encourage those who are struggling or going through a difficult time as well as celebrate the victories and successes together. Each time we meet I am able to see the scripture "as iron sharpens iron" lived out. I always come away with a new idea, book, website, or video that is just what I needed.