One of the reasons I love this church

My worship minister and I came back from a lunch meeting today and found one of our elders, Gary, cleaning up the church property.

He's trying to make our church look more attractive.

Gary didn't know we took his picture. He's a humble man who does so much for Journey Christian Church and he wouldn't have approved, but we wanted you to see why we love this church so much. Gary is just one of a team of humble and godly Elders who make serving at Journey such a blessing.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the Christian Standard's theme for 2008, "The Year of the Elder." The articles, editorials, and stories have been interesting and edifying. They've been a reminder of why Elders like Gary deserve to be honored.

Their humble service makes Christ's bride look more attractive.

Information on Interview

I'm doing an interview tomorrow (8/28/08) on an Internet program called, "The Harness The Power Hour" at 6:00 PM EST.

The host said that they welcome questions. Here's the call-in number: (347) 996-5586 and a link to the show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/garyjonesharris/2008/08/28/The-Harness-The-Power-Hour-is-proud-to-welcome-author-and-speaker-Arron-Chambers

Blessings!

Humility

One of my best friends gave me some great advice: "You have to take humility wherever you can get it."

A few minutes ago, a really nice woman called the church to let me know that they wanted to be taken off the mailing list because they recently moved away.

I've only been here a couple of months and I didn't recognize their surname, so I asked her if I had "had the chance to meet them" and she replied, "Yes. Once. We were there on your first Sunday. We met you and weren't impressed."

Ouch!

If I'm being completely honest with you--that kind of hurt my feelings. My first reaction was to think, "Well, go ahead then. Who needs you?" and "Not impressed?!? What's not to be impressed with?!?" and "If you gave me a chance, you'd be impressed," but--after a little more reflection--I realized that all of those reactions were sinful pride. It's good for me to hear things like that, because I'm not really as impressive as I think I am. None of us are.

Impressing people is not my goal, anyway. At least, it should not be.

Impacting people--for God--is my goal, but sometimes I struggle with pride and start to worry too much about what people think about me. Sometimes I do try to impress people and that's not a worthy goal and it doesn't impact many--if any--lives for God.

Now, we all know that it's important for us to live lives that bring honor to God. I don't want to be an embarrassment to the ministry, the Gospel, or my God, by failing morally, spiritually, or professionally, so I work hard to be a good steward of the opportunities God has given me. That being said, I need to be careful that I don't become more concerned with impressing men than with impacting people for God as I fulfill my calling.

And, to do that, I'm going to need to take humility--even if I have to get it from the passing comment of a nice lady making an after-hours phone call.

Church Employee Incentives

A preacher friend asked me for some ideas of what incentives he could offer his full-time staff to let them know how much they are appreciated. Being a church, he was interested in ideas that weren't going to break their budget.

I started a list of the incentives that I've heard that some churches offer (btw--some of these are not inexpensive).

--Friday’s off (i.e. office closed on Fridays with phones answered by part-time receptionist)
--Birthday Bonus Day--Employee gets to take a day off in the month of his/her birthday.
--Spiritual Development Days--Employee is given 5 days a year for spiritual development (i.e. 5 days for an spiritual retreat)
--Cafeteria plan
--Flexible Spending Account
--Pre-Tax Dependent Day Care
--Supplemental Life, Health, and Dental Insurance
--Ministry Days--Employee is given 5 days a year to be devoted to ministry elsewhere.
--One mission trip every 5 years (paid by church)
--Sabbatical

What incentives have you heard of that churches are offering their full-time staff?

I'll post the best ideas.

Taking Responsibility

Thirty years ago a veteran of WW II taught me an important life lesson.

Today, in my devotions, I was reading about the Israelites and the golden calf. In Exodus 32: 3,4 we read, "So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool."

When Moses confronted Aaron, Aaron defended his actions by saying, "So I told them, 'Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.' Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!" (Exodus 32:24)

"Out came this calf!"

That calf didn't just pop out of the fire!

This was not just a lame excuse, it was also a lie. Golden calves don't make themselves!! Aaron "fashioned" that calf with a tool.

In the story I read this morning, Aaron was not taking responsibility for his actions, which reminded me of the life lesson I learned from that WWII veteran.

He told me that he had been flying missions for almost 3 days straight and was exhausted. He was on his way to bed when he was told that they needed him to get back to his plane for another mission. At this point he made a poor choice.

He paid a fellow pilot to forge his name and fly his plane on the next mission. The other pilot agreed, took the money, while my veteran friend went to bed.

When he woke up he was horrified when he discovered that his fellow pilot had been shot down and killed during the mission.

He was in big trouble.

When called before the Court Marshall the only thing he said in his defense was, "There is no excuse for my actions. I take full responsibility for my decision."

The Court Marshall admired the fact that this young man didn't make excuses for his actions and reduced his punishment. He was allowed to continue flying, which he did . . . becoming a flying ace.

I want to be the kind of leader--the kind of man--who always takes responsibility for his actions.

Anything else would be inexcusable.

One World, One Dream

I'm thoroughly enjoying the Olympics.

That being said . . . as I cheer for the Olympians I'm also praying for the Christians in China who are being persecuted. China is propagating an image to the world that is quite different from reality.

Here are a few stories to remind you of the reality behind the "smoke and mirrors" we're witnessing from Beijing each day on our televisions.

• BEIJING — A group of American Christians who had more than 300 Bibles confiscated by Chinese officials when they arrived in China is refusing to leave the airport until they get the books back, their leader said Monday. Full Story: China Confiscates Bibles From American Christians - 2008 Summer Olympics
• Pastor Zhang “Bike” Mingxuan, known for traveling across China on a bicycle to evangelize, was arrested by Chinese police just two days before the Olympics began. Pastor Bike was the inspiration for the recent partnership between The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association to create the Olympic Prayer Band. Full Story: The Voice of the Martyrs
• Under a "one-child policy," introduced in 1979 to help slow down the galloping population growth rate, parents are routinely sterilized and face large fines if they have more than one child. The government claims it has successfully prevented 250 million births since it was introduced. Full Story: China Uses Abortion as Female Genocide
• The BBC has found the first evidence that China is currently helping Sudan's government militarily in Darfur. Full Story: China 'is fuelling war in Darfur'
• "They hung me up across an iron gate, then they yanked open the gate and my whole body lifted until my chest nearly split in two. I hung like that for four hours."
  That is how Peter Xu Yongze, the founder of one of the largest religious movements in China, described his treatment during one of five jail sentences on account of his belief in Christianity. Full Story: China's Christians suffer for their faith

My Dad's book

My Alma mater Florida Christian College collected some of my Dad's (Dr. Roger Chambers) essays on the Restoration Movement in a book entitled, "Defender Of The Faith."

They offer this description: This book contains a series of articles Dr. Chambers wrote for the Restoration Herald. He wrote these articles because he understood what we often forget - what we do today affects who we are tomorrow. The Restoration Movement is alive and thriving today, but this health is not guaranteed. The words in these articles are a not-so-subtle reminder to be careful.

My Dad was an amazing writer and thinker. This book is a stimulating read.

If you'd like to pick up a copy you can order it here: Defender Of The Faith

Judge Says University Can Deny Course Credit to Christian Graduates Taught With Creationism Texts

Did you read this story?

A federal judge has ruled the University of California can deny course credit to Christian high school graduates who have been taught with textbooks that reject evolution and declare the Bible infallible, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Here's a link to the story: Judge says UC can deny religious course credit

. . . and Creationists are supposed to be the ones who are close-minded?

Isn't public education today all about being exposed to a variety of ideas, not about cramming one idea down a student's throat . . . mind? :)

Most of the Creationists I know just want the Theory of Creation to be given equal time in any public school presentation on theories of origins. Creationism and Evolution are both theories of origin. From a purely scientific position they are standing on equal ground. They're theories.

And I say this because of the scientific method for determining laws of science.

There's a scientific process for answering questions like, "How was this world created?" The process scientists use to answer questions like these and establish laws of science is called, The Scientific Method. The Scientific Method begins with observation. (For more information see: THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD: STEP OR STAGE #1 of the Scientific Method) Based on the laws scientists play by, the process for determining whether or not something is, or is not, a fact in the world of science begins with observation.

Since no one alive today, or in the past, observed how this world was created we (Creationists and Evolutionists) are all operating in the realm of faith. (Yes, I believe that Adam and Eve were there and that Moses recorded what they really observed and I believe that the biblical account is a fact, but--for the sake of argument with those who reject the biblical account of creation--I'm going to argue from a purely extra-biblical position.)

Personally, I've looked at the scientific evidence and I've decided that the Biblical account makes the most sense.

I'm a creationist. I've arrived at my position based on my faith in the Bible as God's word and science. I believe that science is good friend to the creationist and not an enemy. I love science. I think this universe,and the amazing detail we see in every corner of it, testify to a powerful and thoughtful designer.

I wish I had more time to talk about Creationism (It's a passion of mine), but I don't (and I'm not really that good at it) so let me direct you to some websites that contain great information on this issue:
Answers in Genesis - Creation, Evolution, Christian Apologetics
In the Beginning: Compelling Evidence for Creation and the Flood
http://www.creationism.org/
The Institute for Creation Research

Dave Ferguson and Lessons Learned

My friend Dave Ferguson recently posted a list of the lessons he's learned as a leader on his blog Velocity.

The lesson that caught my eye was:

Money Always Follows Vision
People give money to a compelling cause with a clear vision. When economic times are hard leaders are tempted to reduce the budget and the vision. NO! Increase the vision and money will follow. Never forget - God is always at work and vision is free!

If you'd like to read the rest of the blog: Click Here

Son of Hamas leader comes to Christ

Have you read the interview Mosab Hassan Yousef did with Fox news?

Mosab Hassan Yousef is the son of one of the most influential leaders of Hamas, but now he is a Christian. He attends an Evangelical Christian church in San Diego, California.

The interview is a fascinating glimpse into the dark soul of Islam.

At one point in the interview he's asked if Muslims want to destroy Christianity? In his answer he points to the true power of the cross.

JONATHAN HUNT: Do they want to destroy Christianity?
MOSAB HASSAN YOUSEF: Islam destroyed Christianity from the beginning and Muslims don't recognize that they stabbed Christianity (in) its heart when they said that Jesus wasn't killed on the cross. They think that they honor him in this way.
Basically, any Christians understand that this way, (but Muslims) tell Jesus, okay, we don't care, you didn't die for us. Someone sacrificed his life for you, (but) you tell him, okay, you didn't do it!
This is what Muslims are doing basically. But they don't understand that this is the most important part of Christianity: the cross!
So, they are ignorant, they don't know what they are doing and it explains what an evil idea it is behind this Islam.

Here's a link to the rest of the article: Son of Hamas Leader Turns Back on Islam and Embraces Christianity

Missing Dad

Twenty years ago on 8.8.88 my Dad--Roger Chambers--died of a massive heart attack while at Hillsboro Family Camp. He died while taking a nap in the camper of dear friends. I'm comforted by the fact that my Dad was with people he loved when he died and with the One he loved when he woke up.

Death is a mortally wounded monster.

Death has been defeated, but he's still claiming victims as he flounders towards his ultimate demise.

God hates death. He hates death so much that he sent his son to a cross so that all people could have the chance to live forever if they put their faith in him.

On the cross Jesus defeated death forever and all who choose to stand with him on his side of the conflict find themselves standing with the victor.

When we face life and death in Christ we're not fighting for victory, but from victory.

I love God.
I hate death.
I like hope.

Death is not the final word for Christians.

If Christ doesn't return in our lifetime we are all going to die.

Have a good day! :)

But--praise God!--everyone who dies in Christ will never die again.

My Dad was a Christ follower, so he is now with the Lord.

That hope has sustained me and my family for the past 20 years and will sustain us for as long as we breathe.

. . . but, I still miss my Dad.

I miss his smile.
I miss his sense of humor.
I miss his preaching and teaching.
I miss his wisdom.
I miss hearing him play his harmonica.
I miss seeing him laying on the couch on Saturday evenings with his eyes closed as he listened to, "A Prairie Home Companion."
I miss eating dinner with him.
I miss playing H.O.R.S.E. with him on the basketball court in front of our house.
I miss wrestling with him.
I miss seeing the glimmer in his eye as he told some story about a dead Persian who did something significant.
I miss walking into the kitchen and catching him kissing Mom.
I miss his parenting advice.
I miss him desperately and I can't wait to see him again.

"Lord, thank you for blessing me with such an amazing father. Because I knew Roger Chambers I feel like I know you more. Thank you for giving me 19 years with Dad. I cherished every moment. Thank you for using Dad to minister to so many people and for giving me such a godly role-model from which I could learn how to minister to people as well. My life is yours because of Dad and Mom's ministry for you to our family. I love you, Lord. I really miss Dad. It still hurts profoundly. I'm not sure how this works, but I humbly ask that you let him know that his family still loves him, but--and this would be even more important to Dad--can you also let him know that every one in his family is still loving you, too. Amen."

Guiding Principles

Last Sunday, at Journey Christian Church, was a great day.

We had the largest attendance since I've been here, which is amazing because we had so many "regulars" out of town. The people were excited. The singing was energetic.

I'm so happy to be a part of this congregation.

In my sermon I took a few moments to share the principles that are guiding me as I begin my time of service with Journey.

I thought I'd share them with you.

A couple of them I picked up from Ben Merold years ago (thanks Ben!)

Guiding Principles:
1. Facilities will never keep us from growing. We will never let buildings keep us from doing what we feel God is calling us to do.
2. Failure is not the unpardonable sin.
3. Change will not be our enemy.
4. We believe in removing barriers, not creating them.
5. We will always choose faith over fear.
6. We must function as a church of 800 now. (and then a church of 1500 when we reach 800, and a church of 3,000 when we reach 1500 and so on.)
7. Leaders must reproduce themselves.
8. We’re going to remember who we are as we dream of where we’re going.
9. We’re not interested in sending people to Hell, but in helping them find their way to Heaven.
10. We're going to focus on, "Bein' where the bein’ is."