Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

Have you ever wanted to belong so bad, that you’d do anything to be a part – even things you wished you hadn’t?

Keith was an average kid from and average family who lived in an average town and went to an average school – in short, he lived an average life. Keith always had decent friends and did okay in school and athletics. But by the time Keith got to High School, he was convinced he wanted something more – to be noticed and to belong.

His first encounter with fitting in as a freshman came at the hands of the “moshers” - young people who listen to heavy metal music, dress in black and chains, and abuse marijuana. After dying his hair black (against his parents will), getting one ear pieced, and buying a whole new collection of music that he really didn’t enjoy listening to, he decided that belonging to the “mosher” clique wasn’t for him.

In his sophomore year, Keith found himself without identity and needing to connect. He began to gravitate to the “preps” and tried to imitate their behavior. After buying some designer shoes and shirts and making some key friends with financial clout (his family had none), he began to run with the “preps.” In time, however, he discovered that the kids in these circles had all kinds of family problems, and they spent much of their time on the weekends drinking too much alcohol and sleeping around with other “preps.” After not being able to fake being rich any longer, Keith realized he didn’t belong and would have to seek his fortunes somewhere else.

In his Junior year, Keith began to get active with the basketball team. Not good enough to play in games, he became the team’s head manager. He’d hoped that spending a lot of time with his basketball buddies would offer him a chance to fit in and be a part of a group; but, in the end, he found himself wrapped up in a culture of horrible language, drinking, and casual sex. The team played poorly that year, and being identified with the basketball program lost its allure. His “friends” left him, and he was once again without an identity.

In Keith’s Senior year, it seemed that all hope was lost, for in his first three years of High School, he failed every time to connect and belong. In that span of time, he found himself changing his appearance, his lifestyle, his vocabulary – all in the name of fitting in. It all seemed hopeless – until he met Jenn. Jenn was a Christian. She was beautiful, outgoing, popular, and self-confident. After meeting at a football game, Jenn invited Keith to a “fifth quarter” party their church hosted after home games. From the time he walked in the door of the youth annex that Fall night, he knew something was different. He felt loved and accepted; he felt like he belonged. In time, he came to more gatherings at the church and he and Jenn began dating. Upon graduation, she encouraged him to follow her to a Christian college. It was here that he became a Christian and gave his life to Jesus. He changed his major to Ministry, and he now serves as a Youth Minster in a small church with his wife, Jenn, and two small children.

Again, Keith’s story could have been one with a tragic ending, for all his life, he had surrounded himself with bad company that was destroying his character. Why had he put himself on such a destructive path? To belong. The powerful need to belong is one that will lead people to do most anything to fit in. The question we have to ask for ourselves (and we hope our Seniors are asking as well), what lengths will we go to belong to the Family of God?

In our worship this week, I want us to focus on the idea that God is the provider of identity – not the world. The world would have us appear as they want us to. God causes us to appear as He does: holy. For in God’s holiness and fullness of fellowship, we see the real meaning for our won lives and the need to belong to something much bigger than the world offers. Our worth is not connected to what we are but Whose we are.

Resounding Themes:
Finding Belonging In Jesus
Seeking More, Being More
Worth and Identity In Community
God’s Holiness and Fullness

Ready, Set, READ

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

1 Corinthians 5:1-7

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What is the Corinthian problem as Paul opens his letter to them? Why is there such confusion? Why would belonging to one person or party over another have such significance? In the end, what does Paul say about the matter?

- What level of sin does Paul uncover in Corinth? How is the man being treated? How does Paul command them concerning him? Why is allowing him to belong to the church more harmful than good? What does he compare the man’s sin to? What must been done in order to set things right?

- Why does Paul feel the need to give this “laundry list of sin” here? What is he trying to accomplish by saying it? Why is it important for us to remember our past?

- Does bad company indeed corrupt good character? As Keith from our story above, have you ever experienced this to be true? What lengths have you gone to before to belong to something/someone who was corruptive? Why should we bother with belonging to Jesus?

Ready, Set, PRAY

You alone are God! Unchangeable. Unshakeable. Unstoppable. For from the very aura of Your holiness, are we convinced of Your supremacy and our fallibility. You are the Creator God, giver of life and worth. Our identity, oh Father, is totally intertwined in the story of Your love for us. It is in your righteous presence that we confess our sinfulness. How many times, O God, have we sought our identity in other things and persons other than you? We are desperate to fit in. In many ways, we feel like outcasts standing at the gates of acceptance from our peers, our bosses, our spouses…our own pride. Our insatiable need to belong has led us into much sin and far away from your own heart. Draw us back to You once again, O Father. Remind us of the belonging we have in the fellowship of Your Spirit. Give us the memory of who we were before we fell in love with You and the reality of who we are now, in Jesus. Restore to us the joy that can only be enjoyed from finding a sense of belonging – belonging to You! You alone are God! In the transformative, accepting power of Jesus. AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

Nothing Risked, Nothing Gained

Have you ever taken a huge risk with a great outcome?

It was the summer of 1996 when she walked into my life. I had just received my Undergraduate degree at ACU and had made the decision to stick around and continue my Master’s studies. I would like to say that this decision was made in light of some huge revelation from God or direct Word from His Spirit…when in reality, I hung around as I had yet to find a wife!

That summer, like the two previous and the two to follow, I was working at the ACU Summer Leadership Camps as the camp worship leader. This was to be my third year, and I felt that many things were falling into place. My life picture was coming into focus. I was working at a church in Abilene, and I had my degree. For a twenty-three year old, I felt pretty well adjusted. Then she walked into my life. A young, naïve 18 year-old girl came to work on the camp staff that year. She was the little sister of one of my best friends. I had seen her from time to time because of our acquaintance, but never gave her a second thought. It wasn’t for lack of beauty, because she was quite gorgeous (and still is!). It wasn’t for lack of personality, as she was bubbly and quite personal. In truth, I was overlooking the most obvious gift God was giving me because I had taken her off of my radar because she was my friend’s little sis!

Well, that summer of ’96 continued on as most summers do, and I became keenly aware of this aforementioned girl’s presence wherever I went. She followed me everywhere and found numerous ways to get into proximity of me every chance she had. I began to get a little nervous. Nervousness gave way to annoyance, until finally, I asked one of her friends at the camp what was wrong with her! She politely responded, “she likes you and wants you to ask her out.” Never before had I been chased by a girl. Never! I’m the man! I’m the one who does the chasing to get what I want! The whole thing gave me the heebie-jeebies!

Yet, as the summer came to a close, it became more and more obvious that the sister of my good friend was not going to leave me alone. On what I would call a “sympathy date,” I agreed to come join her at a friend’s house to watch a movie with some of her friends. What they didn’t tell me was that I would be the only guy there and that the movie was “Pride and Prejudice.” Needless to say, that didn’t go too well. In a last ditch effort a few weeks later (and with much encouragement from my friends) I asked this girl out on a more formal date. I remember it like it was yesterday. We went to the Olive Garden (just about the only decent restaurant in Abilene at the time). It was abysmal. We had nothing to talk about. Nothing in common (or so I thought). I’m almost sure we got into a war of words about something. The date ended in disaster, and I was sure that this little “summer crush” of hers was over and done for. For four months, I forgot all about her. I began my Master’s work and dug in at the church I was working at. I had no time for girls. No time for anything but eating, sleeping, and reading. However, I remember that winter being home for Christmas that year. I was up very late one night playing solitaire on the computer. And as I drug the Ace of hearts to the top of the screen, it hit me…I really liked my friend’s sister. In fact, I might even want to date her! What had I been so scared about all this time? She was perfect for me. I knew it right then as sure as I knew my own name.

I went back to school in January with a new lease on life. I found this girl right off and asked her on a date. One thing led to another, and before you know it, we went out on several dates. As Spring Break hit that term, it was obvious that we were exclusively dating. Yet, one thing was absent from this story – the kiss. You see, in the weeks that we had gone out, we had never kissed. For me, in this relationship, kissing would be a marker and true test of seriousness; in short, I knew if I kissed this girl, I would eventually marry her. As you can bet, we had many awkward times over those few months when a romantic night would end and I would offer no kiss. Then it happened. On May 5^th, 1997, at 11:42pm on the steps of the amphitheater, I had made up my mind that I was going to risk everything I was holding on to. All my fears, pride (and prejudice - ha), were going to be put on the line in one single moment that would define me one way or the other forever! Skipping all the juicy details…suffice it to say, it went well! From that moment on, we were inseparable, and as I predicted, that kiss turned into a marriage almost 15 months later – of which we’ll celebrate 8 years this August.

As I look back now, it all seems silly – perspective has a way of doing that, doesn’t it? But at the time, I was certain that risking was not my best choice. What if I failed? What I had been rejected? What if it worked out and I lost my precious independence? What if, what if, what if??? In fact, the paralysis of analysis had crippled me into not being able to risk anything at all. I wonder if many times, my spiritual life is the same way, when advance after advance, I reject God’s initiation for a deeper walk with him, for fear I might lose myself in Him. Oh, what a fool I am! For I know now, deep inside, that risking can bring about two ends: failure or success. However, being too cautious to risk at all has no outcome whatsoever. Nothing risked…nothing gained...and what more does one have to gain by risking with God? This week, our worshipful focus will be on the men and women of the Bible who lived their life for God – not recklessly without regard for God’s leading, but in a lifestyle of risking much for the sake of gaining more with God. May our lives closely resemble their attitude of faith!

Resounding Themes:
Losing You Life for Jesus
Great God!
Extreme Faith
God’s Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Ready, Set, READ

Hebrews 11

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What does the Hebrews writer have to say about faith in his opening comments? What is the first thing mentioned that we have to “risk” to have faith? Why is that much so important to someone who fears God?

- Which of these stories of “faith” jump out at you? Why? Which one of these characters do you think took the biggest risk in their faith? Is there a story here that surprises you? Why?

- What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Was it a reckless risk (one that need not have been taken) or one than had calculable rewards if successful? How did it turn out? In retrospect, even if you failed, are you glad you risked? Are you good at risking in your relationship with God? If not, what holds you back? Do you really consider the Christian life-choice a risky venture?

Ready, Set, PRAY

Give thanks to You, Lord, our God and King – Your love endures forever! The splendor of Your immeasurable majesty stretches all around us, and though us, and in us. Creation declares Your praises as they take their part in the symphony of Your handiwork. So too, Father, may our mouths loose Your praises as we find ourselves enveloped more and more in You! Many before us, oh Great Redeemer, have found themselves in the unforced rhythms of Your grace. Servants live Noah, Joshua, David, Esther, Elijah, Mary, Simon Peter…they all had one thing in common; they risked in relationship we You. In retrospect, we call their acts “faith.” Yet, in the moment, I’m sure they felt anything but faithful – for it is a risky adventure to lay ourselves in the palm of Your will, Oh God. Yet, even as we submit, we find Your grip is both secure and gentle, firm but compassionate, constant yet ever-changing. By the witness that so many have shown to us, Lord, may we take our lead from them, drawing strength from their stories of risk and relationship with You. And Father, would You prepare us for such a noble task – as to do Your will…

Oh Lord, prepare me to be a Sanctuary

Pure and Holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living Sanctuary for You.

Call us. Break us. Cleanse us. Use us. Give us the eyes to see and the faith to risk. Through the name of the One Who risked for our sake, Jesus. AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior

Easter is upon us. Undoubtedly, if you have small kids or grandkids, you’re soon to be overrun with small plastic eggs, spaghetti-like green plastic grass that seems to stick to carpet like so much Velcro, and bunnies and duckies of all shapes and material. Easter really is a great time of the year – as the world wakes up again. The grass comes out, the trees are in bloom, and the newness of life breaks forth through the dawn of winter.

It’s also a new time for the spirit as well. For we who acknowledge the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, all things are made new in light of the Cross. We are reminded once again that God bothered with us – so much so, that He gave his one and only son that we might live. As we prepare our thoughts for the Easter season, I thought I’d share with you a beautiful chapter out of Max Lucado’s book, “No Wonder They Call Him the Savior.” This chapter is unique, in that it reveals its story one word at a time. Read it slowly and sink in each thought.

Road. Dark. Stars. Shadows. Four. Sandals. Robes. Quiet. Suspense. Grove Trees. Alone. Man. Prostrate. Blood. “NO!” “Yes.” Angels. Comfort.

Footsteps. Torches. Voices. Romans. Surprise. Swords. Kiss. Confusion. Betrayal. Fearful. Run! Bound. Wrists. Marching.

Courtyard. Priests. Lamps. Sanhedrin. Caiphas. Sneer. Silk. Arrogance. Beard. Plotting. Barefoot. Rope. Calm. Shove. Kick. Annas. Indignant. Messiah? Trial. Nazarene. Confident. Question. Answer. Punch!

Peter. “Me?” Rooster. Thrice. Guilt.

Proceedings. Court. Rejection. Prosecute. Weary. Pale. Witnesses. Liars. Inconsistent. Silence. Stares. “Blasphemer!” Anger. Waiting. Bruised. Dirty. Fatigued. Guards. Spit. Blindfold. Mocking. Blows. Fire. Twilight.

Sunrise. Golden. Jerusalem. Temple. Passover. Lambs. Lamb. Worshippers. Priests. Messiah. Hearing. Fraud. Prisoner. Waiting. Standing. Shifting. Strategy. “Pilate!” Trap. Murmurs. Exit.

Stirring. Parade. Crowd. Swell. Romans. Pilate. Toga. Annoyed. Nervous. Officers. Tunics. Spears. Silence. “Charge?” “Blasphemy.” Indifference. Ignore. (Wife. Dream.) Worry. Interview. Lips. Pain. Determined. “King?” “Heaven.” “Truth.” “Truth?” Sarcasm. (Fear) “Innocent!” Roar. Voices. “Galilean!” “Galilee?” “Herod!”

9:00 A.M. Marchers. Palace. Herod. Fox. Schemer. Paunchy. Crown. Cape. Scepter. Hall. Elegance. Silence. Manipulate. Useless. Vexed. Revile. Taunt. “Kings?” Robe. Theatrical. Cynical. Hateful. “Pilate!”

Marching. Uproar. Prisoner. Hushed. Pilate. “Innocent!” Bedlam. “Barabbas!” Riot. Despair. Christ. Bare. Rings. Wall. Back. Whip. Slash Scourge. Tear. Bone. Moan. Flesh. Rhythm. Silence. Whip! Silence. Whip! Silence. Whip! Thorns. Stinging. Blind. Laughter. Jeering. Scepter. Slap. Governor. Distraught. (Almost) Eyes. Jesus. Decision. Power. Freedom? Threats. Looks. Yelling. Weak. Basin. Water. Swayed. Compromise. Blood. Guilt.

Soldiers. Thieves. Crosspiece. Shoulder. Heavy. Beam. Heavy. Sun. Stagger. Incline. Houses. Shops. Faces. Mourners. Murmurs. Pilgrims. Women. Tumble. Cobblestone. Exhaustion. Gasping. Simon. Pathetic. Golgotha.

Skull. Calvary. Crosses. Execution. Death. Noon. Tears. Observers. Wails. Wine. Nude. Bruised. Swollen. Crossbeam. Sign. Ground. Nails. Pound. Pound. Pound. Pierced. Contorted. Thirst. Terrible. Grace. Writhing. Raised. Mounted. Hung. Suspended. Spasms. Heaving. Sarcasm. Sponge. Tears. Taunts. Forgiveness. Dice. Gambling. Darkness.

Absurdity.

Death. Life.

Pain. Peace.

Condemn. Promise.

Nowhere. Somewhere.

Him. Us.

“Father!” Robbers. Paradise. Wailing. Weeping. Stunned. “Mother.” Compassion. Darkness. “My God!” Afraid. Scapegoat. Wilderness. Vinegar. “Father.” Silence. Sigh. Death. Relief.

Earthquake. Cemetery. Tombs. Bodies. Mystery. Curtain. Spear. Blood. Water. Spices. Linen. Tomb. Fear. Waiting. Despair. Stone. Mary. Running. Maybe? Peter. John. Belief. Enlightenment. Truth. Mankind. Alive. Alive. Alive!

Resounding Themes:
Christ the Lord is Risen Today!
Jesus Loves and Knows Us
Resurrection Living, Resurrection People
Saved to Be Sent

Ready, Set, READ

John 4:1-42

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What were the circumstances that begin this story? Are you surprised to learn Jesus’ role? What is His immediate response? Why do you think he goes through Samaria? Why is that a “problem?” What is significant about where he decides to stop?

- Who comes and meets Jesus? What does she want? What does Jesus have to offer? Why is she confused? What does Jesus reveal about the woman? What excuses does she give Jesus to shake him off of her trail? How does Jesus redirect her? How does this meeting end?

- How do the disciples respond? How does Jesus react? What does Jesus reveal to the disciples about his encounter with the woman? How is it revolutionary?

- What effect does the woman have on those she comes in contact with after seeing Jesus? What do the people ask of Jesus? What does Jesus have to offer them? What does He have to offer you today? Is your life any different because of your contact with Jesus? If not, what needs to change?

Ready, Set, PRAY

Creator of life and all things…it is impossible to grasp why you would love me so much that you would bother with giving your only Son as a ransom for my sin. For the million times I’ve failed You and for the million henceforth I will fail You – I can’t help but respond in humility and gratitude for the Cross.

Alas, and did my Savior bleed, and did my Soverign die?

Would He devot that sacred head for such a worm as I?

But drops of grief can ne’r repay the debt of love I owe.

Here, Lord, I give myself to Thee, tis all that I can do.

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,

and the burden of my heart rolled away

It was there by faith I received my sight,

and now I am happy all the day.

Remind me once again about the power of the Cross and Christ’s Resurrection. May I, too, be raised anew to life new life in Christ. God. Thank you for bothering with me! In Jesus. AMEN

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

Farthest From Grace

Have you ever known someone you never thought could accept the Gospel?

Before the turn of the 20^th century in 1898, a young boy was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland who would one day change the face of Christian discipleship – but not before an amazing departure from God. His father was a well-respected lawyer in Belfast. His mother was a well-read woman of faith. Her father was an Anglican priest, who had served as a chaplain in the Royal Navy. Yet, despite the fact that his grandfather was a cleric, at a fairly young age, this young boy (we’ll call him Jack) renounced his nominal Christian faith and professed atheism. Unfortunately, Jack's mother had died while he was at the vulnerable young age of ten, and he was thrust into the spiritual nurture of a stern but loving father, and a variety of tutors - most of whom espoused anything but Christian faith.

To his credit, Jack’s family esteemed learning, and their extensive library was a refuge for Jack and his older brother, Warren. A love of literature would be the cornerstone of this gifted educator's entire life. In time, Jack’s keen intellect brought him to Oxford University where he began his studies in 1917. Unfortunately, along with those of thousands of other young men across Europe, he found his studies interrupted by the Great War. Jack joined the Officer's Training Corps so that he might receive a commission. Since he was Irish, he was not required to serve in the war. However, he followed the example of his elder brother who was already serving in France.

Jack achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant and spent his nineteenth birthday in the trenches of the front lines with the Somerset Light Infantry. During his brief combat service, he was involved in the capture of sixty German soldiers. However, amidst the Second Battle of Arras, Lewis was seriously wounded by "friendly fire" (a British shell which had fallen short). His wounds to the hand and leg were less serious than his injury to his chest. Due to its proximity to his heart, that fragment remained lodged in his body. Injured, Jack returned to his studies and excelled. Eventually he was elected to a fellowship in Magdalen College at Oxford.

Jack had renounced Christianity in his youth, and been influenced by his teachers to perceive faith as logically indefensible. Yet, despite his denial of God, God did not leave him to languish in his spiritual emptiness and nor did his friends. While still searching for faith, Jack had begun attending church services at the behest of one of his Christian colleagues. Initially, for Jack, gathering in a congregation for worship was a mere act of "obedience," rather than a joy. But in time, Jack found a deeper truth at work in the very religion he had worked all of his life to disbelieve.

Once he offered his allegiance to Christ, Jack withheld none of his energies. He devoted the whole of his intellect and talent to serving the God who had redeemed him. Indeed, he is universally acknowledged as the most influential Christian writer of the twentieth century. He served Jesus, despite the cost - not least of which was the scorn of many of his disbelieving peers. Who is this famous convert? None other than Clive Staples (C.S.) “Jack” Lewis, the author of numerous Christian works, from treatises to fiction. And what about that friend who encouraged him to pursue God and go to church? He was none other than John Ronald Rueuel (J. R. R.) Tolkien, known also for his Christian allegories and the Lord of the Ring Trilogy.

It is an amazing thing, what God can do with a life that is dedicated to him. It’s altogether an even more powerful thing when Christians invest themselves in other individuals to bring about this miraculous change of heart. When we look in the opening chapter of the Gospel of John, we see a scene that touches the heart and challenges the nerve, as we see Jesus call Andrew, who then in turn calls Peter (Simon or Cepahs). Once again, we are reminded of the power that comes from one-on-one evangelism with those we have influence. As we near this Resurrection season, who is it that God has been laying on your heart – even on your doorstep – to mold and make ready for the life-changing news of Jesus? Imagine how poorer our awareness of Christian discipleship would be if Tolkien hadn’t invited C.S. Lewis to “come and see” just who the Lord really was. Imagine still, how much greater your life can be once you decide to invest the currency of faith in someone you know. Who will you invite to “come and see?”

Resounding Themes:
Palm Sunday – Hosanna!
Power of the Personal Gospel
God’s Love for All Individuals
Prayer for those seeking the Lord

Ready, Set, READ

John 1

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What does John (the apostle) reveal about Jesus in his Prologue? What is John the Baptist’s role concerning Jesus? Was he effective? Why or Why not?

- How does Jesus call his first disciples? What is their initial reaction? How does Jesus respond? What is peculiar about his response to them? Did it work? How do we respond when people show and interest in Jesus?

- What does Andrew do upon learning the truth of Jesus? What is ironic about his first stop? To what ends does Andrew go to get his message across? What can we learn from his actions?

- Who did Jesus call next? What was his first reaction? How did Nathaniel react, initially? Have you ever been offered an excuse when you talk to someone about your faith? How does he change his mind? What does this story reveal to us about how Jesus works in the lives of unbelievers?

Ready, Set, PRAY

From the beginning of time, O God, You knew our need for You was greater than any other thing we could possibly imagine. And even though our hearts and bodies would run as far away from You as the East is from the West, so too, did You match the chasm of sin we created with the bridge of the cross of your son Jesus. Because of Christ, we will never be the same again! We have turned the page on our old life and entered into a new chapter of living more abundantly. How could we help but share Your goodness, Lord? And so, as we have been changed, Oh Righteous Father, ignite a fire in our bones and a passion in our spirits to share the joy we have found to those we love. God, we pray now, in advance of our asking, that You would plow the spiritual soul of their hearts and make them receptive to our invitation to come and see just who You are! Father, will You also provide a blessing over our church, that it might serve as Your witness. Give us the courage, this day, to step into our spheres of influence and to share the love we’ve found in Jesus Christ, and may we sit back in amazement to see just who You’ll choose to bring glory to Your Name! Hosanna! Maranatha! With hearts bowed low in Your presence we pray, AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!