A Few Thoughts

I think the devil hates people getting baptized. In fact, I know it. I have had relationships with numerous people (probably hundreds) that have planned on getting baptized at RFC over the years. Most get baptized as planned. Repeatedly I have seen people feel distressed and discouraged as the day approaches. Several have told me that the week previous was one of the hardest they have ever had. Why would that be the case? I think there is something so invisibly powerful that takes place when a person follows Jesus into, under, and out of the water. 

Someone told me recently that they didn't know if they were spiritually ready to get baptized. I asked them if they believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. "Of course", they said. I responded, "Then you are ready. We are told to 'believe and be baptized.' True belief is the only criteria."

About 12:30 on Sunday morning I felt like The Lord told me that He is actively working in the lives of "prodigals" to help them choose to come back home. That gave me great hope as there are many that I am eager to see restored.

At the GodWorks meal the other night I saw a man that had been homeless for many years. He has lived under bridges and out in the woods. He is also an alcoholic. Once when asked if he would like to be set free from alcoholism he responded in his typical good-natured way, "What would I do then? Be the guy who lives under the bridge drinking water?" I was thrilled to find out that he has recently moved into an apartment and is enjoying the peace and safety of it. Now that God has rescued this man from homelessness, I am praying that deliverance from alcohol will soon follow. Ultimately, my desire is to see Jesus make His home in my friend for eternity.

Beth, Ash and I went to Toys"R"Us today. I feel like an alien that was just dropped on this planet. The toys themselves do not faze me. However, some of the prices blow my mind. Things that I am sure would cost $20 instead are priced at $85. Twenty year old movies that are being sold in a jumbled bin at truck stops for $6 apiece are stickered at $26. My personal goal is to not buy anyone anything for Christmas that will be in their garage sale within three years.

Speaking of garage sales… There are things in each era that seem to be a guarantee to on sale at a garage/yard sale. For example, do you remember when there were breadmakers galore at every garage sale? Fifteen years ago you could find great deals on a boombox that had a cassette player. Remember the VHS rewinder? It is currently a buyer's market for anyone interested in purchasing a entertainment center. The advent of the thin flat screen TV has driven the oak entertainment center from the living room to the garage. What will be the thing that will be for sale at every garage sale 5 years from now?

Wouldn't Be A Party Without Balloons

We will not be having our Friday night gathering at Newport Beach Cafe this week.  However, everyone is invited to our house from 7-10pm to hang out and do some more eating (please bring a dish to pass).  Beth is in the middle of transforming our home into Bronner's South.  I occasionally carry something heavy so I can feel involved. I may go out and do some shopping later today - we ran out of creamer.  I think that will be the extent of my Black Friday purchases.

My Heart's Memory and Randomness

Gratitude is the heart's memory. -French Proverb

Today I am grateful for many things. God's incomprehensible mercy on me, Beth, Ash, God-given children, my family (biological & beyond), John & Linda, those I witness following Jesus through failures, hardships, and successes without relenting - I look at you as heroes, fresh coffee, fantasy football, the coming snow, my phone, God's goodness in the past, the promises I am expectantly awaiting fulfillment of in the future, a Kingdom that has purpose and meaning, that this time next year I will be more like Him than I am today, and much much more.

Some recent observations:

Marvin Gaye's cover of Yesterday by The Beatles is different than the original and enjoyable.
Huey Lewis' cover of The Beatles Oh Darling is not surprisingly far less enjoyable to me.
I am not sure that the duration of Jesus' ministry was 3.5 years. I know it's commonly stated as fact, however I don't see it being that clear based on the accounts in M, M, L, & J.
I use more hyperbole than anyone in the whole world.
If you are interested in being truly unique and doing what no one else is doing; read my blog.
The devil is less fascinating than ever. It's like watching Rocky V or Godfather III but worse. The packaging looks the same but it's a hollow perversion of the original. (That was a poor analogy but it gave me a chance to insult both the devil and the two films that I wish had never been made - I would rather watch Charles Grodin play Neo in the next Matrix installment.
I am amazed by how much that is called prophecy looks nothing like 1 Corinthians 14:3.
If I can see through the carafe, dump it out and brew again.
I am really looking forward to experiencing (I expect it to be a experience) Tim Curry's project, "Dying for Love" on December 6 @ RFC.
I love teaching and being a part of RMS (redeemerministryschool.com).
I believe the revival in K.C. is connected directly to Kel Reaume.
Beth is really cute when she makes analogies regarding The Trinity.
The presence of football causes me to stop typing.

I'm driving behind a truck that has a bumper sticker that says, "Safety is our Goal". It's a good motto for truck drivers but unfortunately it's been embraced by many Christians.
Via Text

Over the past few years I have been researching revivals and movements of God throughout history. I am always looking to find characteristics that are present in each movement regardless of location, ethnicity, era, or religious affiliation. Below is my current list of those characteristics. As I write this I am thanking God for what He is doing in Kansas City. May the fruit of revival grow.



10 Characteristics of a Move of God




1 God's Word is proclaimed through preaching and teaching


2 His ways are demonstrated with power that delivers people from bondage


3 The recognizable presence of The Holy Spirit


4 People are transformed internally (identity, behavior, etc)


5 People are transformed externally (reach out to lost, hurting, poor, etc)


6 A large sense of awe – (inc. praise & worship)


7 A truth is restored or expressed in a new way (i.e. The Father's love)


8 Biblical fellowship and disenculturation (unity, mission, prayer, etc.)


9 Resistance & persecution to what God is doing


10 A greater devotion to God in prayer both corporately and privately

John 14:18-19

I do not think this is what Jesus had in mind when He told the disciples that they would see Him again.  He said He would not leave the disciples as orphans but He would come to them.  How disappointing would it be to find out that God's plan for relationship with us would be meted out through vague religious pareidolia?

I am purposely trying to be more aware of Jeus being present throughout my day.  I want to meditate on Him being "Emmanuel" - God with us.

This is the guide that I give to everyone who preaches at Newport Beach Cafe on Friday Nights to use as they prepare their sermon.

While praying for revelation and wisdom do the following:

1. Read Luke/Acts as a 2 part book as a devotional throughout the time you are completing the next 9 steps.

2.  Overview Luke, his audience & his purpose.

Possible answers to these questions can be found in the introductions to Luke and Acts found in many study bibles, commentaries, and overviews of the New Testament. 

3. Confirm the limits of your passage.

I will assign your passage to you.  If you conclude after careful study of the passage that the parameters should be different we will discuss revising it.

4. Know your passage thoroughly & intimately.

Read and reread.  Ponder.  Meditate.  Repeat often.  Look for the Holy Spirit to enlighten your understanding as you do this.

5. Analyze & diagram your passage.

I recommend double spacing your passage in a large font on a sheet of paper and marking notations on it.  Note word repetition, verbs, figures of speech and emotional language.  Make a notation of anything that catches your eye as you look for details. 

6. Learn the history & culture of your passage.

 Make sure you are aware of what the phrases and figures of speech used meant to the original audience.  Keener’s IVP Bible background commentary is an excellent resource for the above information.

7. Compare your passage to other parts of the bible using a bible dictionary ot topical bible.

First compare your passage to the language and content used in Luke/Acts (same author), then to Jesus’ words in the other Gospels, thirdly to the New Testament references that are similar, and lastly to passages that are comparable in the Old Testament.  By doing it in this order you will glean a great understanding of the overall biblical view of the subjects in your passages. 

8. Look at other resources (secondary literature). 

Commentaries, bible dictionaries, and surveys of the New Testament are very helpful. 

9. Travel the interpretive journey.

What did the text mean to original audience?  What are the differences between that audience’s situation and your current situation?  What principles about God’s ways or truth’s about God are revealed in your passage?  How can you apply this text to your life immediately?

10.  Give it away.

Once The Holy Spirit has impacted your life as you have worked through the above process you are ready to pass along what He has done in you.  You are conveying not only knowledge and information, but you are also imparting to others the fruit of what God has done in you.  Be changed by God and let God change others through you.