Luke for Students: 2.1

Sharing Good News
If you think Zechariah and Mary were afraid when one angel spoke with them, imagine how these shepherds felt when an entire company of them arrived! But the angels weren't there to terrorize some unassuming farmboys - no, they brought "good news of great joy...for all the people" (2:10). Look at vv11-14 to see just what this news was...

Regardless, let's look at the response of these bewildered shepherds:

• Check it out (v15). Consider two responses the shepherds did not have. On the one hand, they weren't like, "oh, sounds cool y'all. Have a good time with that...peace." On the other hand, they weren't like, "Really, ok we totally believe you - in fact we believe you so much that we'll just chill here. Best news I've ever heard...ever." So they were neither apathetic nor completely trusting. They wanted to see for themselves. What is our response to good news?

• Hurry (v16). When they did decide to explore what the angels had told them, they wasted no time! If a celebrity showed up at your school would you just sit back or would you run to check it out? If a great friend had been our sick or in the hospital and is back would you take your time or do all you could to see them yourself?

• Spread the Word (v17). We're good at this. If the shepherds had iphones no doubt they'd be on twitter and facebook from the stable! This is a natural for us these days: when good news comes our way, spread it around.

• Praise God (v20). This is the final act that is often missed. When we experience good news do we take it for granted or do we give thanks? If you take the time to set up a surprise for a friend you would hope they would be appreciative. If you perform well at a band concert or in sports or in a play, you love getting told you did a great job. In the same way, God is honored when we thank Him for orchestrating the good in our lives. Have you told Him "great job" lately?

Luke for Students 1

Starting a new study through Luke today, looking for big ideas chapter by chapter, especially as the stories of Jesus are relevant to the Middle School and High School Experience...

What is your response to good news?

What's some good news you've gotten recently? How did you react and who did you tell? How did they react when you told them? Or has anyone shared their good news with you lately? How did you react?

Y'all might know, but Gospel means "Good News." The book of Luke, along with Matthew, Mark, and John are know as the Gospels. Here are some great questions to ask while reading Luke:

1. What exactly is the "good news" as Luke tells it?
2. How does it effect me?
3. What is my response to it?

That last question is explored by several characters right in the first chapter:

1. Zechariah - (vv11-20). The first character we meet is Zechariah. He hears great news that at last he will have a son. But not only this, his son will play a huge roll in leading people to understand God more fully! As an old man though he doubts. So that's one response: doubt.
   
2. Mary - (26-38, 46-55). Next the angel visits Mary and tells her that she'll be having a baby. One problem...she wasn't married - in fact she was a virgin! Mary was a teenager - imagine that, the Bible is the first source of media to record a "Teen Mom" story. When Mary hears the news she believes that "all things are possible with God" and praises. Quite a remarkable response for so young a woman, especially compared to Zechariah, an old, experienced, priest of all things!
   
3. Elizabeth - (vv39-45). How do you feel when something great happens for a friend? Often we feel great for them but sometimes, if we're honest, we feel jealous of their situation. When Elizabeth heard about Mary's good news she went above and beyond to celebrate with Mary
   
4. the Neighbors - (vv57-58). Now it was Elizabeth's turn to share great news. When John was born the town came and "shared in her joy." This is a great example of how to respond to good news - by sharing in the joy with a group of friends.
   
5. Zechariah - (vv67-79). When John was born Zechariah got a second opportunity to respond to good news. This time he didn't miss his chance. In fact, Luke writes that he prophesied, that is, he boldly proclaimed, the good news for present to hear.
   
6. Theophilus (vv1-4). This man is mentioned first in Luke but last here because his response to "good news" is not recorded. Though you may never have heard of him, we share more in common with him than any of the other characters we've seen. Luke wrote this book to Theophilus in order that he might understand evens from the life of Jesus that he himself has not witnessed. We're in a very similar spot if you think about it. We weren't there for Jesus' stories so we too must read of them. And there is also the unknown outcome - we don't know how Theophilus responded: how will you respond to the good news?
   

Redeeming Wide Right

Wide Right
Hard to believe it's been twenty years since Scott Norwood's fateful kick on a tense January night in Tampa. On that night a 7 year old boy in Orchard Park, NY watched and prayed that a field goal with 8 seconds remaining would win Super Bowl 25 for the team he loved. Instead, the kick sailed wide right, the Bills lost 20-19, and an entire town, along with the little boy, had dreams crushed.

Dramatic? Ya. Why should such an event trigger such pain? I mean, it's just a game! Even on that night a clear perspective was offered. January 27th 1991 was the middle of Desert Storm. The pregame was complete with flyovers of both F-16's and Apaches. Fans who were divided in team loyalty were united in patriotism, waving American flags as Whitney Houston delivered such a powerful Star-Spangled banner that players, coaches, fans, and even referees were brought to tears. A remarkable scene for a sporting event - and it was stark reminder that there are more important things in the world...

...so why then, when traveling on I-20 in Georgia between Atlanta and Augusta do I still get fresh pangs of defeat when I pass exit 160 for the town of Norwood, GA? Welcome to the psychosis not only of a town, but of me.

I've had an inferiority complex for years. I first recognized it in college, and there I first connected it to watching a sports team get sooo close, four times in a row in fact, on to fail at the moment of triumph. Not that I blame a football team for a struggle with self doubt, but it is great description of how I feel at times when I am at my worst.

During this 20th anniversary of the trauma, it has been healing to read how the players have dealt with the "what-ifs" and questions - how they have moved on - and how they are finding perspective while doing amazing work building communities both in the States and in developing nations. (see article here: http://www.buffalonews.com/topics/super-bowl-xxv/article326641.ece).

One thing that always gets me is how the entire Buffalo region seems to suffer from the 2nd place mindset. Reading of how much the players loved the city, loved the team, and loved the people somehow offers a balm to the wounds. They weren't just millionnaires passing through...they didn't just leave a town to wallow...they loved this place too. they rejoiced when it rejoiced and mourned when it mourned. I can't say it better than that, but to know they cared somehow helps...

...wow, and I'm still talking about a football game! Why does sports do this to those who allow it? What idolatry have I committed by so turning my heart over to the god of "glory for my team?" My head realizes the irrationality - but my heart still has some catching up to do at times.

To help me see the foolishness of it all I imagine how I might be different if they had won just once. Would I be more confident today? Let's say I was. So in the one case I feel inferior because of a football team and the other other I feel confident because of a football team! And that, my friends, is idolatry - basing self-worth on something other than what my Father in heaven thinks of me.

The True Self
What does He think of me:

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Rom. 8:15-17

Or do you not know that your body is a 1temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price...
1Cor. 6:19-20

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph. 2:8-10

I am a redeemed child of God, bought at a price, and His workmanship intended for a good purpose. Allright heart - my head gets all this - now catch up! Be turned from stone to flesh...

Redeemed
Scripture is a great ally - but unless we act on it what's the point? We are called to be not just hearers, but "doers" of what we read (James 1:22).

So here is are some thoughts for all those in Buffalo, Cleveland, heck, the Netherlands...wherever there are those suffering from a 2nd place inferiority complex.

1. Face the Pain. What does this look like? it's different for everyone. For me, one small thing is that Virginia and I pray for confidence whenever we pass exit 160. Leverage the source of anxiety for good. What is it for you?
2. Repent. Giving your heart to football team - or anything other than your true image - is idolatry. Turn back to the loving Father who is waiting heal our inferiority with mercy, grace, and a new identity - a child of God.
3. Pray. Pray for what? Not for field goals! Pray that our hearts would be broken by things worth having a broken heart for. We are given grace that we may do good works. God loves broken people - he loves them because in this state He can heal them in His image. Being broken does not mean being 2nd place though - that is being sick. All the injustices and hurts in the world will not be addressed by a people wallowing in an idolatrous inferiority complex. We must pray that our hearts would be broken by that which breaks god's heart.

What is it for you? You've gotten a glimpse into my heart...and it's almost a little embarrassing. But it feels good to talk about it. So what hurt do you carry that you would like to see redeemed? God is in the business of working all things for good...

Catalyst 19: Gabe Lyons

From 1/28/07

This was a great interview with Gabe, founder of Catalyst and former host of the podcast. Gabe Lyons is passionate about reclaiming not just the counter-cultural identity of the church, but a culture creating one as well. Like many other discontented next generation Christians, Lyons sees the contemporary Western church as defined by their critique, condemnation, and copying of culture through the past century. While he agrees that there is a time and a place for these actions, the church has largely missed the vital role of "creating." And since we are created in the image of a creator God, creating should be in our nature...

To promote this vision, Lyons has founded a movement called "Q Ideas." For those familiar, the best I can relate it to is that Q Ideas is the Progressive Christian equivalent of TED talks. I can't recommend the website qideas.org enough for any number of people: if your a Christian leader, if you're a Christian discontented with Western pop-Christianity, if you're passionate of seeing both the proclaimed and social Gospel of justice held in beautiful tension, if you're seeking to learn more about the Christian faith but are turned off by billboards and "big hair channels," in you have any position of leadership in your church - you won't want to miss the essays, blog posts, and videos. Please do you and your community a service by checking this out and sharing it! I have and it's provoked some challenging thoughts...

New Beginnings

Though we are still in a state of transition, home is now Atlanta. We will miss the friends and house we leave behind in Augusta - I can't believe I spent over 4 years there (6 for Virginia)! I haven't written for a while but now that we have graduated, moved, and somewhat settled, I expect to be back at it. In the meantime, here's a passage from Jeremiah that is our meditation and prayer for this transition...

This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:

“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Jeremiah 29:4-7

For us, this passage is all about laying down roots. A generation raised on instant gratification isn't too keen to take the time for this sort of thing but there are countless examples of the blessings the arise from doing so. We're excited to learn our part in living this out in Atlanta. How cool that this is the type of community involvement that God intends?!

Happy New Year!

Love,

Dave, Virginia, and Hannah

Catalyst 18: Craig Groeschel

From 1/14/07

Craig Groeschel is pastor of the innovative Lifechurch.tv, based our of Oklahoma but beamed to satellite locations worldwide. They are truly pioneers and on the cutting edge of the multi-site model. Groeschel is quick to mention, however, that this model works for them but is not by any means "the" way to do it. He laments churches who try to copy what is being done at Lifechurch out of fad, not need. Multi-site still needs to be authentic!

Online Church
Speaking of authentic, I was skeptical listening as he described "online church." It is what it sounds like, complete with online pastors, whose congregations live in cyberspace. It seems natural that if the church is going to meet people where they are, and considering that so many live socially online now, she would attempt something like this.

But can it work? According to Groeschel authentic community indeed takes place as through the chat lobby users arrive early and stick around longer than they would at live church. Users and online hosts pray for one another before, after, and even during the service. Oh, and you can even attend the worship style of your liking first before seeing the message. Folks who have met in the lobby have small group studies throughout the week with webcams and even organize and go on mission trips!

For Lifechurch, the target audience is those who would never come to church, as well as those who can't go because they are home with sick kids or other responsibilities. I can see that. But, it's hard to lay hands on someone without being there! It's hard to argue with this though; according to Groeschel, Online Church has more decisions for faith per capita than any of the live locations. I appreciate how the Gospel is being proclaimed innovatively through this medium, however I feel it should be intentionally acting as a temporary home for those who can't attend while encouraging all to get face to face.

Open Source Church
As Lifechurch grew rapidly, others noticed and inquired about their resources. The church had a choice, do we market our resources or make them freely available? To the benefit of thousands, they decided to post all their resources for sermon series, kids, youth, small groups, etc, on line with free access here http://open.lifechurch.tv/.

Purity
Craig Groeschel is a big advocate of pastors having accountability. He wrote a revealing book, "Confessions of a Pastor" that goes even into his struggle in the past with porn among other things. He in fact uses xxxchurch - it seems all these influential leaders use it!

Home
"I will not sacrifice my family on the alter of ministry." Craig picked this quote up along the way and lives by it now. He is home @ 5:15 6 days a week and in family mode and promotes a church organizational culture that does the same. He mentioned Stanley's "choosing to cheat" as a big influence in this area.

Each year, in Jim Collins fashion, he adds to my "to don't" list. He's a huge advocate of leader development saying, "if you build others up there is no limit to what you can do." In other words, the American cultural model is to do as much as we can and receive praise for it. If we pour into others, and let the take credit, our mission will have no limit. After all, especially in the church, it is never "our" mission.

Finally, at home he praises his wife as his biggest asset in ministry. They homeschool their six kids and she sees her primary ministry as ministering the kids and supporting Craig. And she does this by challenging him often, affirming him, yes, but also asking point blank, "how's your time with God, I haven't seen you pray much?" and things like that.

Confession
A few years back Lifechurch did a series called "My Secret" that received national attention as thousands uploaded video confessions when invited through their online church. Incredible healing took place through this even that blew the leadership away. A cool example of the church leveraging technology and culture to promote reconciliation, to offer forgiveness, and to foster redemption.

Waiting on an Opportunity

Tough questions to ask yourself when waiting on that next step in life. I got this from a great Andy Stanley sermon that I highly recommend and can be found here. Honest answers should should be revealing and challenging...

The Questions:
Based on your current performance, would you trust you with a better opportunity?

Are you preparing for the next opportunity or just waiting for it?

What can you begin doing where you are now to prepare for the next opportunity?

Is there an opportunity where you are now that you are ignoring because the income doesn't match the workload?

The Meta-Application
Fully engage with your current opportunity while you wait, pray and actively look for the next one.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

~ Colossians 3:23-24