I've just finished reading a book by Erwin McMannus, called "The Barbarian Way". This is the second book of his that I have read. His thesis is that followers of Christ are to be revolutionaries, people who shake things up and turn things around. He calls them barbarians. John the Baptist was one of those and so was Jesus, according to McMannus. These are people who are not satisfied with the status quo and are willing to do whatever it takes to shake things up and make a difference. I have increasing seen a movement in young adult Christians that might be considered barbarian. Its not that these people want to start trouble, they are just not satisfied. They are willing to sacrifice, do some unusual things and are not worried about what others might think. Some of them are making missions trips, starting new churches, or at least helping to start them. They are not so concerned about success in the world, but are more concerned about advancing God's kingdom than advancing themselves. There are young pastors across America who want to make a difference. They don't just want to be "cool", they want to be effective. It almost makes me feel as if I want to be 30 again. Well, not really!
This has all caused me to think about my own life. Am I to satisfied, stuck with the status quo or am I willing to be a barbarian. One who will break free of the mold and be willing to be whatever God wants me to be. Every one of the great people in the Bible (See Hebrews chapter 11) were barbarians. They walked to the beat of a different drummer. Some did incredible, sometimes ludicrous things. Others made great sacrifices and suffered tremendously all because they were taking their cues from someone higher. Jesus led these people all the way. If these were barbarians then, I want to be one. How about You?
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Friday, June 1, 2007
This week I will be preaching about why we need to come to church. Its a follow-up to a discussion I had during the Wednesday Prayer and Praise service. In my quest for answers to this issue it seems that there are four things that cannot be experienced without coming together. I will explore these on Sunday. If you attended the Wednesday discussion, you have a preview what I will be sharing. The purpose of all this is to find significance in our coming together and making sure that we truly worship. Why do you worship and what Biblical support do you find for your answers?
H.B. London who is with Focus on the Family sends out a weekly e-mail to pastors. This week he shared something from book he had read that listed four things that could change your. The book is not a religious one, but nevertheless gave some good insights. I have printed it here for your perusal.
1. FORGIVE ME
The longer we let our list of personal offenses grow, the greater the bondage we find ourselves in. Sometimes, we pastors say and do things that hurt others. If you have offended someone, be courageous enough to ask them to forgive you. Who do you need to talk with? It might be a member of your own family. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Eph. 4:32).
2. I FORGIVE YOU
There are those who live with a little black book of "wrongs" around their neck — especially in the ministry. I did for a long time. Though forgiveness is unnatural, it is essential. Some of you have held on to your hurts for so long, they have become a part of your personality. People see you as damaged. Why not let a colleague help you find healing?
3. THANK YOU
Have an attitude of gratitude. A long time ago, a wise pastor/mentor told me to look for ways to thank people. I found one of the best ways to do that is to write a note — not an email, but a mailed expression of thanks. People who do not thank others soon begin to take what people do for them for granted. Who do you need to send a note of thanks to today? Do it while you're thinking about it.
4. I LOVE YOU
Because I didn't grow up with people close to me saying, "I love you," it has been difficult for me to comfortably say those "three little words." I feel it and I want to, but I often struggle. I'm really trying to do better. I love deeply, but express poorly. I dislike that in me. How well do you do?
Four things everyone needs to say — probably every day. Hope you had a good week. Be blessed and be a blessing. —HBL
1. FORGIVE ME
The longer we let our list of personal offenses grow, the greater the bondage we find ourselves in. Sometimes, we pastors say and do things that hurt others. If you have offended someone, be courageous enough to ask them to forgive you. Who do you need to talk with? It might be a member of your own family. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Eph. 4:32).
2. I FORGIVE YOU
There are those who live with a little black book of "wrongs" around their neck — especially in the ministry. I did for a long time. Though forgiveness is unnatural, it is essential. Some of you have held on to your hurts for so long, they have become a part of your personality. People see you as damaged. Why not let a colleague help you find healing?
3. THANK YOU
Have an attitude of gratitude. A long time ago, a wise pastor/mentor told me to look for ways to thank people. I found one of the best ways to do that is to write a note — not an email, but a mailed expression of thanks. People who do not thank others soon begin to take what people do for them for granted. Who do you need to send a note of thanks to today? Do it while you're thinking about it.
4. I LOVE YOU
Because I didn't grow up with people close to me saying, "I love you," it has been difficult for me to comfortably say those "three little words." I feel it and I want to, but I often struggle. I'm really trying to do better. I love deeply, but express poorly. I dislike that in me. How well do you do?
Four things everyone needs to say — probably every day. Hope you had a good week. Be blessed and be a blessing. —HBL
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