Blessed: If You Only Knew!

10/19/2018 By Keith Burnett

Blessed by God! What is your reaction? My friend Mike always says, I’m blessed, doing better than I deserve. If we believe that, then the cover image should be just the beginning of our reaction when God says we are: Blessed! So it might just make your day to know what that really means! I hope so.

Blessed Are You

Most readers know I’ve been working on our next course for Pastor Training. Next month will be the first time we teach this course. And support from many of you is why I can put together an in-depth study of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). And I easily identify with that guy in the cover photo. I’ve jumped for joy several times as I’ve studied Jesus’ Sermon. So let me see if I can put you into that picture. I’m pretty sure you’ll also be jumping for joy by the end of this post.

Blessed: A Word Of Grace

Grace is a gift; that which is unearned. That point is necessary because some scholars believe Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount teaches a salvation of works. They teach that those who would be saved must strive for the qualities set forth in Jesus’ Sermon. But if that is true then there would be disagreement between Jesus and the Apostle Paul about salvation by grace. Notice Ephesians 2:8-9 –

It is by grace you are saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.

Matthew 5:3 is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon. And Jesus’ blessing is declared – and that’s important. Before the Sermon John the Baptist was preaching:

Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.

So in Jesus first ministry action in the New Testament, He is describing those who will be citizens of His new Kingdom. The King declared what Kingdom Citizens are – the nature of their character. And His first word was, Blessed.

Dig Out The Meaning

One section of the new website is going to be How to Study the Bible. This post will appear in that group of resources. So stay with me for a minute and you’ll see why.

What we see as Blessed is the Greek word makarios. Some recent versions of the Bible translate this happy or fortunate. The problem with that is how these words are used today. These definitions trivialize the real meaning of Jesus’ choice of words. Happiness is something we connect to our outward circumstances and/or our wants. But if those circumstances change we can quickly become unhappy. So it’s necessary to get to the bottom of the word: Blessed.

The root word of Makarios gives us what we need to know. It means:

Become long, large

Strong’s Concordance defines blessed as: supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off. The most ancient usages carry the idea of being prosperous. So what are we to make of that information? What was Jesus declaring His citizens to be? Are we all supposed to be millionaires? Some think so but they are incorrect.

Here’s how we apply what we learned. A person is blessed when/if God extends (become long, large) to them that which He is (a conferring of His qualities). Blessed describes a believer in the enviable (fortunate or prosperous) position of receiving God’s provisions (Divine favor) – which (literally) extend (make long, large) the benefits of His grace. This immediately brought Matthew 23:37 to my mind. Jesus cried out in prayer for Jerusalem, lamenting that He had desired to gather Jerusalem as a hen extends her wing over her chicks. And there’s something more!

Makarios is used of God. Paul was inspired by the Spirit to write in I Timothy 1:11 (emphasis added) –

According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

As noted above, God extends to us that which He is. We don’t earn it. It is declared to be true of genuine disciples of Jesus Christ.

The WHY Question

I’ve said it many times. We ought to always read the Bible with Why? on our minds. The question leads us to many discoveries. God the Son declared Kingdom Citizens to be blessed. And God’s Word carries the power to create what He says. Citizens receive this declaration of grace and it’s not random or lacking in reason. The answer is in what follows Jesus’ declaration:

The poor in spirit…

Looking into the word poor, we see these are people who are destitute of any spiritual value, standing, or worth. These are the people who understand their dire circumstance before a holy God. They have nothing, they bring nothing, and they ask nothing but mercy and forgiveness. Jesus’ first Beatitude is about what we don’t have rather than anything a person might bring. Therefore, whosoever will may come. The blessing is open to all who will seek and receive God’s forgiveness. And when forgiveness is received, the recipient is:

In Christ – new creation – old things are passed away and all things are made new.

We know that from 2 Corinthians 5:17. God’s word of grace-filled blessing powerfully re-creates. So makarios is being in right relationship to God. Those in that relationship know they are blessed even if they are unhappy during difficult circumstances. Nothing can take away God’s blessing of those who are in right relationship with Him.

The Essence

The essence of Jesus’ declaration is: Life. I could leave it there, but I won’t. It just wouldn’t be complete. Here’s the path. The first stop is Genesis 2:7 –

God breathed into Adam and he became a living soul.

Second, Jesus is Life. We know this from John 1:4 and John 14:6. Notice:

In Him was life and that life was the light of men.

And…

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father except by Me.

So makarios (the blessing) extends to us the gift of life (that which God is). If those steps of implication are challenging, let’s look at something that’s much more simple:

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes on Him should not perish but have eternal life.

And now we have come full circle. We began by observing that Jesus declared us to be blessed. So I leave you with Matthew 4:4 –

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Kingdom Citizens have life in His declared blessing (makarios). I’m ready to jump up and down all over again! How about you?

Soli Deo Gloria!

Judge Kavanaugh: Lesson For Christians

09/20/2018 By Keith Burnett

Events surrounding Judge Kavanaugh provide another great opportunity for learning. Pointing out the lesson is risky for me because there are none so blind as those who will not see. And that statement all too often applies to the Church. So let’s open our eyes, and the Word, and see if we can learn a valuable lesson in the circus surrounding Judge Kavanaugh.

Ancient Words, Ever True

There is objective truth and it doesn’t change. Three things have intersected to prompt this post:

Writing a syllabus on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
My personal Bible study of late (book of Jeremiah)
Current events

Many are weary of the 24 hour news cycle and have turned it off – literally. So if that’s you, here’s the current situation in a nutshell. Judge Kavanaugh has been nominated by the President to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court. The Senate scheduled votes on that nomination for this week. And just last week a woman made an accusation of misconduct against Judge Kavanaugh. That set off all kinds of debate, finger pointing, and name calling. Lines were drawn and the political divide in our society deepened a little more (if that’s possible). So what lesson of truth do these events teach us?

Let’s begin with Jeremiah 10:2

God’s call to His people has always been for them to live according to a higher standard than the world around them. Here are a few proofs of the statement:

Leviticus 18:1-4 – I am the Lord your God. You shall not do as they do in the land Egypt…and you shall not do as they do in the land Canaan…You shall not walk in their statutes…[but] do My ordinances and keep My statutes and walk in them I am the Lord your God.

Psalm 106:34-36 – They did not destroy the peoples, as the LORD commanded them, but they mingled with the nations and learned their practices, and served their idols, which became a snare to them.

II Kings 17:15 – They rejected His statutes and His covenant…and His warnings with which He warned them. And they followed vanity…and went after the nations which surrounded them, concerning which the LORD had commanded them not to do like them.

Seeing our own society as a poor model is not easy. But God’s Word isn’t directed at various societies. It is pointed squarely at those who call Him Lord and say they are His redeemed children. People so described are to live differently than those around them – in whatever society or culture they find themselves.

God’s Word: Solution And Protection

God is good. He can be nothing less than good. So His Word to His people is good. But fallen, finite followers don’t always see the value in the Word that has been given. And you guessed it! His Word addresses the same kind of situation we see going on around Judge Kavanaugh.

It doesn’t take much to prove that statement:

Exodus 20:16
Numbers 35:30
Deuteronomy 19:15
I Timothy 5:19

God’s commands protect His people from the fallen nature of Man. A command not to bear false witness assumes we will be tempted to do that very thing. And in matters of law God’s instruction is for matters to be resolved with more than one witness. Again, that’s a protection against any false allegation and it makes common sense. But the I Timothy reference is our point of application.

Jesus called the citizens of His Kingdom salt and light (see Sermon on the Mount). We are to impact those around us for good. Their ways are not to be our ways. But the Church has a long history of looking at culture and bringing its ways in the front door.

Application For Today

Look at the circumstances around Judge Kavanaugh. There is a single accuser. It’s a he-said-she-said situation concerning proposed events over 30 years ago. Nobody can come out ahead in that situation. Now, let’s move that scene away from Judge Kavanaugh and apply it to your pastor. That’s why Paul gave his instruction to Timothy about multiple witnesses.

It would be great if we could apply this Biblical principle to all matters in the current cultural divide. What we can do is learn not to bring the ways of men into the Church. I know ministers who have been harmed because the Church listened to the accusations of a single malcontent. That same situation has harmed me. And how often must we see the same error in order to learn from it? What our Father tells us is always for our good!

But I leave you with another word from Jeremiah. It impacted me greatly in my study time. What does it look like if God’s people continue to learn the ways of others? What if God’s people don’t want to listen? Do you see parallels between the end of Jeremiah 5 and our own culture?

An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule on their own authority; and My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it?

Could it be that things in D.C. are as they are because Salt and Light has failed their intended purpose. Think about it!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Simple Living: It Can Be Yours!

09/14/2017 By Keith Burnett

Simple Living: It Can Be Yours!

Simple living might seem like a mirage. Maybe it’s an unrealized desire. And it could be that we long for a simpler life but don’t know exactly how to get from chaos to simple. But whatever it really is, and however one defines it, simple living is being pursued by many! But simple living can be defined and it can be attained. So I invite you to a journey. It’s not short and it’s not necessarily easy. But the goal is worth our time!

Simple Living: An Introduction

Recent events have been the result of combining and collision. Maybe convergence is a better word. The convergence of weather patterns gave us hurricanes Harvey and Irma. And this series is the result of converging factors in my life and ministry.

The church I serve will begin a Simple Living study next week. I generated the featured image for this post in preparation for that study. We will be looking for simplicity in four areas:

Relationships
Time
Money
Church

The Simple Living study is something I am drafting, writing, and compiling. Part of this study is to give people resource help. Simple Life is one book we will recommend. So the simple concept is very much in my thoughts. Another element in life right now is my personal study of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. And the third element is cultural. People are weary of many things. They are clamoring to simplify life. We see it in so many places that we may not recognize the movement it has become. Take a deliberate look at:

Tiny House television shows
D.I.Y. shows – build less, live better (more simply)
Word processor themes – ‘minimalist’ (see WORD by Microsoft)
Website designs/designers – ‘minimalist’ themes (instruction: less is more!)

So that is a list of converging factors responsible for this series. But that only explains why the Simple Living series will appear over the next few weeks/months.

John 10:10

Simple Living: Abundant Life

Our modern search is for simplicity. Jesus said He came that we we might have abundant life. In some ways, those two are the same thing. But let’s be clear. A simple life is not necessarily the abundant life Jesus came to give. But the abundant life He gives is far simpler than many people believe. It will take some time and may take some un-learning, but I’m sure we will be able to prove that statement.

Simple Living: Message For…?

Somebody out there thinks this series won’t apply to them. They thing they have read, studied, heard, or preached everything there is to know about Jesus’ instructions for living. Great. I’m glad learned people exist. But then there are the rest of us…

Simple Life: 1 of MANY books helping people search for ‘simple.’

Even if I don’t believe there’s much I can learn for myself, the culture around me is in a hot, passionate pursuit of simplicity. So maybe one use of this series is providing ways to engage our culture where it is. The Church has been good at telling the culture that they shouldn’t where they are doing what they are doing. That may be true. But the condition of our culture proves the ineffectiveness of our method.

Maybe it’s time we sharpened our message and our method. The simplicity they are seeking does exist. But lasting happiness, which is represented by simplicity, is found in one Person. We can help ourselves and others if we are authentic in our pursuit of Him and His ideals.

Maybe we need to pursue some simplicity in our own lives before we try to help others. How did Jesus say that? Well, the cartoonist did a great job reminding us of that! But Jesus also said:

You hypocrite, first take the log our of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck of our your brother’s eye.

Simple Living: Tomorrow

So please feel free to comment, share these posts, and share your thoughts. Let’s journey toward simple living. I’m convinced it will benefit all of us.

Soli Deo Gloria!

No Traffic Jams Along The Extra Mile

08/22/2017 By Keith Burnett

The extra mile Jesus mentioned in His Sermon on the Mount is part of our 10 Days of Purpose. In fact, it serves three purposes. First, it’s a great (and brief) teaching opportunity. That’s always true of anything and everything Jesus said. Second, this extra mile post is an extension of our Day 5 post. Third, that extension sets up a great big announcement. And that announcement is how we can go the extra mile!

The Extra Mile: Meaning of the Metaphor

In the world of the New Testament, Rome ruled the world. And any Roman soldier could legally compel any non-Roman to carry his pack/weapons. That could be quite a load. Just ask any modern soldier the routine weight of their backpacks. The roadside mile marker was in use during that time for this reason!

You can guess that most people would carry the soldier’s pack exactly one mile. They would go no further. But that is not what Jesus taught. So why did He give this instruction?

Questions lead us to the answer. How does God love you? How does He provide for you? Does He only do the minimum? No. Let me give you two familiar passages that tell us our Father doesn’t do things that way:

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen, (Ephesians 3:20-21).

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love Him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God, (I Corinthians 2:9-10).

Going the extra mile is something that makes us like our Father. It is far more than the minimum and it is a tangible example of generosity. And those are just two things I could mention. Now, on to our opportunity…

Extra Mile Opportunity

10 Days of Purpose

Our Day 5 post was about the orphans in Barahona. The actions of my friend showed us why sponsoring one these boys is a great way to teach your children and/or grandchildren caring and missions. I think sponsorship is something like the first mile. It’s compelling that Scripture defines true religion in terms of how we care for widows and orphans.

But what if we could do more; a great deal more? Well, we can. I am working on it and I am again asking you to pray. I had hoped to everything in place to make a full announcement by now. This and one other item were intentionally at the end of 10 Days of Purpose.

How To Teach Children & Grandchildren

Work is being done to create a scholarship fund to allow some of these boys to attend college. That statement is an idea. There are many details being discussed and addressed. And hopefully I’ll be able to share them soon. But just imagine taking the opportunity to make that kind of difference in an orphan;s life.

First, we can give them food, clothing and shelter. None of us can do it alone. But together, through sponsorships, we can make that difference. That’s the first mile. Now, imagine going the extra mile. We can do more than providing the basics of life. Together, we can help them acquire the knowledge and skills to transform their futures. And that will impact their communities and their nation in ways we can’t yet know. But it’s part of going the extra mile.

Extra Mile: First Step

Education – ONE way to go the extra mile

I have to give a brief acknowledgment to Roger Staubach for the quote I used. He was one of my sports heroes. So think about the quote. It’s true. There won’t be many people in the way when you go the extra mile. So the first step of that mile is your prayers. Please pray this all comes together. And I’ll look forward to sharing the results with you.

Soli Deo Gloria!

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If The Horse Is Dead…

09/21/2016 By Keith Burnett

If The Horse Is Dead…

What good is a threat if the horse is dead? Why does the thought make us laugh? Genuine humor is rooted in reality. And this piece of sage wisdom brings humor to reality. How often do we find ourselves riding the dead horse? We see it in politics, government, and our personal lives. And the most unfortunate place we see this error is in the Church!

Church: The Horse is Dead

To be sure, the Church is not dead. But can we say the same for our methods? Our methods are often the dead horses we ride. We can be shining examples of the classic definition of insanity:

Doing the same thing over again expecting a different result!

It’s possible to give statistics to prove this point. What I’d rather do is show you some people who realized the horse is dead. They didn’t keep doing the same old thing. Thinking outside the box can lead to an innnovative, workable solution. But the solution is never to:

Train the horse
Threaten the horse
Feed the horse better
Buy a better saddle

If The Horse Is Dead: Innovate

I shared a post about the mission efforts of a persecuted church. That came to mind when I saw the following post on Christianity Today. I don’t know enough about this very innovative attempt to evangelize a city. But as I read the piece, I thought of three things:

Too many Christians would resist this idea
These guys should be encouraged for dismounting the dead horse (traditional methods)
We need to pray for people willing to innovate

Why the last item? There are two reasons. First, we need only look around us to see we have not been very effective at being salt and light. Second, if we are to meet our mission of making disciples, things must change. What we have been doing isn’t working very well. If horse is dead…dismount!!!

If we try something different, and it doesn’t work, then we need to be willing to call it ‘research‘ and move to the next idea. Edison documented thousands of ways NOT to make a light bulb before he found the idea that worked! Our message can never change because it is the Gospel. But how we engage our culture with that message must change.

Take a look at the piece linked below. It will challenge you. If they post updates on future progress, I’ll try to alert you. While that might be interesting, the more important thing is this: What dead horses do you need to leave behind?

Soli Deo Gloria!

How Uncensored Storytelling Helped Cincinnati Churchgoers to See Their Real Neighbors

What started as a pastor’s unorthodox ‘community outreach’ is now bringing strangers together in the name of narrative.

Jennifer Ditlevson Haglund

How Uncensored Storytelling Helped Cincinnati Churchgoers to See Their Real Neighbors

It may sound like the beginning of an off-color joke, but it’s a serious question that the co-founders of Cincy Stories can answer, because they’ve met each of them.

Executive Director Shawn Braley and Creative Director Chris Ashwell know that these people—with such diverse interests and backgrounds—share geographical space in central Cincinnati. That’s not where their connections end, however: They all have stories to tell and much to learn from one another.

The idea of a storytelling event series began in November 2014, when Braley, a non-denominational pastor, was brainstorming about connecting with his unchurched or “de-churched” neighbors. He knew they wouldn’t be interested in any religious activities hosted by Sanctuary Over the Rhine, a church plant Braley co-leads. He would have to find another way, and it might not look like anything he’d ever seen a church do.

Braley said listening to StoryCorps and The Moth podcasts—hearing strangers’ stories that caused him to empathize with those whose lives looked much different from his—inspired him to consider another approach to community building and outreach. Braley and Greg Knake, a fellow leader at Sanctuary OTR, hosted the first Cincy Stories live event at a nearby pub on February 3, 2015. That night, Knake and Braley saw potential in recording and sharing the stories from the stage. That’s how Ashwell got involved.

At the time, Braley worked at a restaurant with Ashwell, but they didn’t spend time together outside of work. That changed when Braley asked if Ashwell would be interested in filming one of the events. Soon after, the group began asking how these life stories might generate interest and affect change in their community.

‘You Still Let Me Tell My Story?’

In 19 months, Cincy Stories has expanded far beyond their expectations. They now host a website and YouTube channel with archived footage of live events and stories produced from individual interviews. In June 2016, with the help of a grant from a local foundation, Cincy Stories opened an interactive story gallery at a newly remodeled storefront in the Trevarren Flats development in Walnut Hills. Through various media, the space showcases stories of the people who live and work in the neighborhood, and it also houses a “story booth” for recording. Visitors can drop in for free coffee, water, air conditioning, and conversation. On occasion, Cincy Stories partners with local vendors to provide free meals, and periodically they host listening events. (link to remainder of article)

Proving End of Christian Era?

02/25/2016 By Keith Burnett

CHURCH: It isn’t where we go – It’s who we are!

Connections: Being the Church

This morning, I spoke with a lady who had expressed a desire to follow Christ. There were connections between our conversation and the following verse from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5):

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

That verse tells us there are connections between two Christian purposes: Letting the world see the difference Christ makes in a believer’s life and glorifying God with every action taken. That’s why being the Church is much more important than going to church. It was less than ten minutes later I saw a headline saying we have now proved the end of the Christian era! That piqued my interest and it should interest you as well.

Connections: Words & Deeds

Do you think the world is watching how you and I live? Bet on it! As the following excerpt shows, the world very often knows what we say we believe. Now, be assured I don’t agree with the entirety of this article. That’s one reason I only re-posted a portion of it. Like many liberal writers and organizations, the author tries to apply Biblical truths to public policy. In this case, it’s easy to see the writer probably thinks our nation has no right to protect itself (borders) because “love” ought to let everyone in. That’s the political agenda of the whole piece.

But we need to see the connections between what the world sees and the actions we take. Our actions and words have consequences. And we should always be aware of the connections we make (good or bad) with an unbelieving world. So, see the excerpt below my sign-off!

Soli Deo Gloria!

End of the Christian Era (source available on request)

…Political leaders feel the need to appear Christian, say Christian-sounding things, show up at Christian institutions, and end their speeches with “God bless America!” American money proclaims “In God we trust.” What could be more Christian than that?

The current election cycle is demonstrating (once again) that the rhetoric and mythology of a uniquely Christian America should come to an end. Why? Because the votes don’t lie.

Though voters may speak piously and rather vaguely about Christian values and ideals, polls and election results communicate clearly that this is a nation consumed by fear, anger and suspicion, none of which are Christian virtues.

[‘I’d like to punch him in the face’: The incredible shrill of this election season]

If voters were serious about presenting to the world a picture of a Christian America, they would need to be painting with the colors of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, fidelity, gentleness and self-control, because these are the colors that, as the Apostle Paul said (in Galatians 5), witness to Jesus Christ and the power of God at work in their lives.

Of course, Americans and their leaders will continue to speak in the name of God, even profess grand things about God, as they make their case for American Exceptionalism and the righteousness of the American Way. But from a scriptural point of view, it is all rubbish. What matters is not what you say but how you live. And from a Christian point of view, nothing matters more than living a life that is inspired by God’s love for everyone….

[I didn’t want to “promote” the rest of this piece, but if you really want to see all of it, just send me a note.]

Hangin’ With the Light

09/26/2015 By Keith Burnett

Journey Group Devotional, 10/2/15

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5

During the discussion that arose from Jesus’ second I AM statement, He makes it clear that while He is the light of the world, He is from above and not of this world. He is, of course, the Bread of Life and the light of life, sent from the Father to provide what we need in our sin darkened world.

Following Jesus will no doubt one day take us to heaven. We give a lot of emphasis to salvation and leading people to Christ – and well we should! We rejoice that heaven is our home and final destination.

But while we are not OF this world, we are still IN this world.

Christianity, which is about Christ, is about the here and now as well. While we can look back to the time we believed and realized our sins were forgiven and heaven was our destination. We can look ahead and know that one day all sickness, sorrow, and suffering will end and we’ll live with Him eternally. But we have LIVE in the present!

I’m occasionally asked, What is the secret to successfully following Christ? Let me suggest two things:

Hang tough. Following Christ requires commitment – a daily commitment, (see Matthew 16:24-26; John 12:24-26).
Hang tight. The church is God’s plan and we need one another for encouragement and support, (see John 17:11; Hebrews 4:23-25).

Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. – Billy Graham

Final thought: As followers of Christ, we have been called out of darkness and into the light (1 Peter 2:9). We are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And according to His purpose, (2 Timothy 1:9) we are here for a reason. Let me add one more thought help you successfully follow Christ.

Hang Out!

Hang out with the Light, Walk with the Light. John 1:4-5 says, Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness… We are no longer OF this world but we are IN this world for a reason. When we hang out with the Light, we can effectively carry the Light to a dark world. Find ways to connect with people who need Jesus. Hang out with people and let your light shine! (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-15).

Alongside for the Journey!

Jeff

How to Live an Inviting Life

05/13/2015 By Keith Burnett

Inviting Lives in La Romana

Have you thought about your life as an invitation? Should you think of it that way? If you do, who is supposed to see as an attractive invitation?

Is this post a how-to for living inviting lives or a report on what happens when we live that way? It’s hard to say, but the two are connected. In John 17, Jesus prayed for His followers to be one just as He and the Father are one. Is that true in your church?

Jesus’ reason for that part of His prayer is actually in His prayer: So the world will believe that You sent Me. Think about that. How you and I relate to each other has a direct bearing on unbelievers. That’s true whether we like it or not. Our actions, good or bad, either invite unbelievers or put them off.

A Great Team in La Romana

Adel sharing with Tiko

As our team began work last Monday in La Romana, there was a local young man working with us. His name is Tiko. We soon came to learn he is a baseball player. He is actively being scouted by professional baseball teams here in the States.

Our team had many things to do. Little did we know God had Tiko on our list! He spent three days working with our team and it caused him to do a couple of amazing things.

Remember that negative impact the church can have? Tiko had been negatively impacted. He had been told he could could not become a Christian because of:

His earring
His dreadlocks

In order for him to know that there must have been an inquiry into spiritual things at some point in his past. That being the case, his question on Thursday morning is all the more incredible.

New Believer in La Romana

New believer introduced to La Romana team.

He spoke with one our men. He shared his past, what he had been told, and that he wanted to have the kind of joy he saw in us. In short, he was stepping over the hurts of the past in order to inquire again. That says a lot about him and it says a lot about us living attractive lives!

Tiko’s question was reported to me. We prayed for him. A little while later I asked my friend Adel to go speak with Tiko and show him the truth of the Gospel. Adel did that. In just a few minutes Adel brought Tiko into the mission center and introduced as a brand new believer and follower of Jesus Christ. It started with attractive living! And by the way, Jesus’ ‘how to’ for an inviting life is this:

Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.

From La Romana to Barahona

Team praying for Tiko

Tiko wants to join our sports evangelism team that leaves for Barahona at the end of this month. I am doing everything I can to raise the money necessary to include him on our team. We want to have some time to disciple him and let him hang out with some outstanding Christian young men and coaches.

There it is. An awesome story of something only God can do. Will you help us include Tiko on the team? Make checks payable to ROW and send to my PO box (on front of website). Just put a note in your envelope: Tiko. Thanks much.

Soli Deo Gloria!

The Camo Bible

12/31/2013 By Keith Burnett

How do we address difficult, challenging subjects? It’s often done successfully with humor or satire. The Camo Bible embodies that thought.

We’ve promoted it as being “For Christians who want to make sure they’re in the Kingdom but don’t want to be too noticeable.” That line should tell anyone all they need to know. Our instruction is not to hide the Light within us under a bushel! God intends for us to be very noticeable. In fact, we are to let our light so shine before men that they see our good works and glorify Him! (see Matthew 5:15-16; Mark 4:21; Luke 11:33)

It’s often uncomfortable if our faith makes us real noticeable. That tends to also make us unliked and we like being liked! These times show us just how much of the world is still in us. (see John 15:19; I John 2:15) Since berating people about it hasn’t worked real well in many churches, a different approach might be helpful.

First, most of the people who read this blog aren’t really trying to “blend in.” For you, the Camo Bible is a humorous way for ‘iron to sharpen iron.’ (Proverbs 27:17). It’s to help you ‘stand out.’ Second, the Camo ‘Translation’ verbalizes the way many people really think and act. They won’t say so, but their actions tell the story. Recognize they really are ‘blending in’ may help them in their faith journey. Third, there’s a post-modern generation behind us this can reach if it’s shared. That’s three reasons it’s a good project for us and subscribers.

Want an example? Here’s the gist of today’s Camo Bible post:

Psalm 119:3-4 NASB

They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in all His ways. You have ordained Your precepts (laws), that we should keep them diligently.

Pretty big order here! No unrighteousness and all His ways??? That person would be real noticeable in today’s world! And there’s that other thing. The world I live in says what’s true for me is cool and whatever you think is true is OK for you. But laws? Let’s try this!

Psalm 119:3-4 -The Camo Translation

They also don’t do much unrighteousness; they walk in all His convenient ways. You have ordained Your suggestions, that we should keep them as best we can.

Now, that won’t make me too noticeable!

**********Comments???*************

NOW, think about it!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Concealed Carry ?

12/20/2013 By Keith Burnett

Do you do concealed carry? Did you know you do NOT have a right to concealed carry? Why? Because slaves don’t have rights of any kind! Are you sure I’ve lost my mind? Keep reading!

One of my favorite verses says, Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine, according to the power that works in you, (Ephesians 3:20). God’s power is in you. The Bible says we are either slaves to sin or slaves to rightousness. As slaves to rightousness we are carriers of His power. The only question is, is His power concealed or is it evident to all?

Christ is at work in you for His own purposes. His power must be revealed in us if we are to reach our generation with the Gospel. We carry His power to do His work. What’s His work? Proclaim good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, (Isaiah 61:1, 2a).

I’d say that’s a pretty good agenda for us. But we won’t do very well unless we are committed to ‘open carry.’ He said it this way, Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in heaven!

Think about it!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Blessed Are You

Blessed: A Word Of Grace

It is by grace you are saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.

Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Dig Out The Meaning

Become long, large

According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

The WHY Question

The poor in spirit…

In Christ – new creation – old things are passed away and all things are made new.

The Essence

God breathed into Adam and he became a living soul.

In Him was life and that life was the light of men.

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father except by Me.

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes on Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Ancient Words, Ever True

Let’s begin with Jeremiah 10:2

God’s Word: Solution And Protection

Application For Today

Soli Deo Gloria!

Simple Living: An Introduction

Simple Living: Abundant Life

Simple Living: Message For…?

You hypocrite, first take the log our of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck of our your brother’s eye.

Simple Living: Tomorrow

Soli Deo Gloria!

The Extra Mile: Meaning of the Metaphor

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen, (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Extra Mile Opportunity

Extra Mile: First Step

Soli Deo Gloria!

Church: The Horse is Dead

Doing the same thing over again expecting a different result!

If The Horse Is Dead: Innovate

Soli Deo Gloria!

How Uncensored Storytelling Helped Cincinnati Churchgoers to See Their Real Neighbors

‘You Still Let Me Tell My Story?’

Connections: Being the Church

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Connections: Words & Deeds

Soli Deo Gloria!

End of the Christian Era (source available on request)

Journey Group Devotional, 10/2/15

Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. – Billy Graham

Hang Out!

Alongside for the Journey!

Jeff

Inviting Lives in La Romana

A Great Team in La Romana

New Believer in La Romana

Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.

From La Romana to Barahona

Soli Deo Gloria!

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