The very mention of the word church creates a lot of different reactions and responses. For those not afraid it will be a word that strikes friendly thoughts of times spent maybe as a child or a teenager hanging out with friends or participating in youth group or church activities that made an impression. Church can also be a word that is not welcomed in any form by those that had a bad experience with someone who described themselves as religious. Often individuals view a church as an outdated institution that is self serving and not relative with today’s happenings or issues. The last consideration to share would be that church is thought of as something for children and kids to attend and participate in. Folks with this attitude would also say that they find value in church for that age group and they believe this is the place everyone should start, but that save value doesn’t transfer into adult years.
For Christians who love attending church and enjoy the worship services conducted through their services and events they will not like anything I have just written. I can understand how they might be upset by these thoughts but the coin could be flipped easily and I could say I don’t understand how anyone could not see clearly these are the considerations of many. Some of these “many” will never attend our churches and some might come when their grandchildren are participating in a program or a special friends child has invited them to come and what them at church. Either way, you can see there is a clear disconnect between the church and church members from those that drive by looking at the buildings and from those that could never be involved in church life of any sort because of what they perceive. Church members and those who attend church have a lot of decisions to make in 2011 and the leadership and membership of churches have tough decisions to make about what they really believe is true about church, especially theirs.
The size of your church has a huge determining factor in what you hold to be true about the practice of church. For large attended churches the perception if often held that the bigger the number of folks who attend worship, the larger the number of teenagers and children participating in church and even the number of programs, special events, and concerts will determine the value and effectiveness of church. Truth is, that large numbers have no bearing on reality of an impact a church is having in a community nor more than saying, if you eat chicken you will become a chicken. Chicken is good and I love chicken but there is a lot more to being a chicken then just the name. Small congregations consider themselves to be handicapped because of their size. They don’t even attempt some programs, events or worship because they don’t believe it will be possible based on their size. It is funny to me, a bigger church should be making it happen and a small church is forgiven for not leading simply because they are small in number and group.
The church is disconnected from most in society, but that doesn’t mean that Jesus is disconnected. He is alive and well and the time for churches to decide what they will stand for and what they will do is now. People are dying everyday because of starvation.. They are also dying because they have shut God off from their heart line and position of influence. The time is now to make a difference for Him and the church is so perfect for a demonstration of all He has to offer. I pray you will decide to allow Him to change you and make a difference if you will only believe and act.
Until then
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The church attenders of 2011 have a deicsion to make
The Christian world of church is under a revolution of challenge and change. The average Christian world of Church consists of a gathering for worship at least twice on Sunday and another meeting normally held on Wednesday of the week. The mid-week meeting normally is divided up by age groups. The children are in one location, youth in their own area and the adults gather for a Bible Study. Wednesday night services could resemble a Sunday service with music, a choir or some special music, but that is not the norm in most situations. Someone could write a book and name it the Evolution of Church and no doubt there would be leaders who would buy the book but I do not belive it would make the top seller lists.
Traditional church leaders don’t believe in a changing of the pattern of church worship that is experienced in most church. Traditional church leaders build their services to specifically include a designated moment of welcome, a time for prayers or sharing of congregational concerns, an organized choir which provides a specially prepared song for the service. A traditional service could easily include someone singing a song in place of a choir anthem but normally not both in a single service, it is one or the other, with the focus of the gathering on the preaching and not music in a traditional service.
Modern church leaders will not be buying a book about the Evolution of Church because most will consider the title and say there is no evolution, considering the average church is stuck in a position and cannot get out. Modern church services will not provide the attendees an order of worship which will be a problem for those who attend traditional worship and the perceived freelance spirit of a modern worship service would be an issue for traditional church goers too. Modern worship attendees will have their issues going to a traditional service for a couple main reasons. First, they will view traditional services as stiff and stifling to the moment of the Holy Spirit and secondly they will have an issue with the lack of emotion or perceived public participation.
If you not attend church you will be reading this column thinking Christians are in a mess and you would be correct. Traditional Christians will be offended I have even written the previous sentence and they will consider all I will think, write, or speak to be an offense. Modern leaders will be glad I’ve pointed out the difference between the Christian world of church that plays out each week in our towns, and communities.
I am not writing to the point, counter-point or advantage of either. I have served as a pastor of traditional churches and preached in traditional buildings of churches that house modern worship experiences, if that helps you any? The church of today has some issues that need to be addressed. Personally I can enjoy many varied aspects of worship and I like new things and old traditions too. The real issue for both churches I have written about today that church members and those attending should ask is quite simple. What are we doing inside our churches that are having any affect on the people outside our churches? If you do not have an immediate answer for that question then I believe that is a strong indication that it is time for a Bible evolution. These are tough issues for the Church of 2011 but the answer is very clear. Following Jesus wasn’t easy for the disciples when they were learning His ways but once they understood His method they were willing to die for the cause. What would you say best describes your reaction to the love of God?
Until then
Traditional church leaders don’t believe in a changing of the pattern of church worship that is experienced in most church. Traditional church leaders build their services to specifically include a designated moment of welcome, a time for prayers or sharing of congregational concerns, an organized choir which provides a specially prepared song for the service. A traditional service could easily include someone singing a song in place of a choir anthem but normally not both in a single service, it is one or the other, with the focus of the gathering on the preaching and not music in a traditional service.
Modern church leaders will not be buying a book about the Evolution of Church because most will consider the title and say there is no evolution, considering the average church is stuck in a position and cannot get out. Modern church services will not provide the attendees an order of worship which will be a problem for those who attend traditional worship and the perceived freelance spirit of a modern worship service would be an issue for traditional church goers too. Modern worship attendees will have their issues going to a traditional service for a couple main reasons. First, they will view traditional services as stiff and stifling to the moment of the Holy Spirit and secondly they will have an issue with the lack of emotion or perceived public participation.
If you not attend church you will be reading this column thinking Christians are in a mess and you would be correct. Traditional Christians will be offended I have even written the previous sentence and they will consider all I will think, write, or speak to be an offense. Modern leaders will be glad I’ve pointed out the difference between the Christian world of church that plays out each week in our towns, and communities.
I am not writing to the point, counter-point or advantage of either. I have served as a pastor of traditional churches and preached in traditional buildings of churches that house modern worship experiences, if that helps you any? The church of today has some issues that need to be addressed. Personally I can enjoy many varied aspects of worship and I like new things and old traditions too. The real issue for both churches I have written about today that church members and those attending should ask is quite simple. What are we doing inside our churches that are having any affect on the people outside our churches? If you do not have an immediate answer for that question then I believe that is a strong indication that it is time for a Bible evolution. These are tough issues for the Church of 2011 but the answer is very clear. Following Jesus wasn’t easy for the disciples when they were learning His ways but once they understood His method they were willing to die for the cause. What would you say best describes your reaction to the love of God?
Until then
Monday, March 7, 2011
Cloyd Carnes - A Heritage of Faith passed down
Remembering the value of an individual is best honored with the way in which we live out our lives. Living with their practices and characteristics salutes them in a memorial that continues their reach and impact. Born in Walker, Kentucky and raised on Stinking Creek in Knox County, Cloyd Carnes began his life journey on December 23, 1915. His brothers and sisters all found their own journeys too, each with a drive to succeed and serve. His mother, Mossie Bargo Carnes was born on the March 4, 1887 and his father George Carnes was born on June 5, 1890. Cloyd Carnes lived 95 years touching lives through his sweet spirit and genuine desire to be honest and fair with all he met on his journey. A goal he achieved that always unveiled a smile along with his humble spirit that touched my life certainly.
He married Rosa Carnes and she was the perfect companion and life mate and together they touched the lives of all they encountered. Cloyd was a student of the Bible and he loved to share God’s word. He loved his family and believed the joys of life were further extended by his grandchildren and even the addition of great grandchildren to his family heritage and linage, He was never shy in talking about those extra blessings in his life but also mindful of the enjoyment others had too in listening to them share about their families. To have witnessed that on many different occasions reminds me of the special care he gave to making sure everyone had a chance to touch lives in talking about family accomplishments.
Cloyd Carnes was a brother to my Grandfather Alonzo Carnes. His wife, Fannie Bingham Carnes passed away at 19 years of age. Aunt Rose and Uncle Cloyd were faithful in filling a parental gap and as a great-nephew I felt his love as a Grandfather who never allowed a single moment to pass without expressing his love. The times he and Aunt Rose came to listen at me preach or sing will also be cherished memories of a part of their expressions of care for me. When my Grandfather Alonzo passed away it was Uncle Cloyd who sat next to me during his funeral and it was Uncle Cloyd who spent extra time sharing with me family history, the difficulties of growing up in hard times, surviving the Great Depression, and the importance of forgiveness and love.
A man of quite words, yet when Rev. Cloyd Carnes spoke, his words was filled with powerful meaning. He and Aunt Rose attended the Whetstone Christian Church and Williamsburg and Whitley County was home. Highway 92 always had a special meaning in my travels. His brother Lee Carnes served as Pastor of the Greasy Creek Baptist Church in Bell County and with Uncle Cloyd on one end of Highway 92 and Uncle Lee on the other end I always felt like I was in the family fold of help and care.
I have been given a rich history of character and practices. The hats I wear today remind me of people I have loved and it is my inner tribute of their impact on my life. I pray my Christian Faith stands as a public signs of a Heritage of Faith I have been blessed to witness too.
Until then
He married Rosa Carnes and she was the perfect companion and life mate and together they touched the lives of all they encountered. Cloyd was a student of the Bible and he loved to share God’s word. He loved his family and believed the joys of life were further extended by his grandchildren and even the addition of great grandchildren to his family heritage and linage, He was never shy in talking about those extra blessings in his life but also mindful of the enjoyment others had too in listening to them share about their families. To have witnessed that on many different occasions reminds me of the special care he gave to making sure everyone had a chance to touch lives in talking about family accomplishments.
Cloyd Carnes was a brother to my Grandfather Alonzo Carnes. His wife, Fannie Bingham Carnes passed away at 19 years of age. Aunt Rose and Uncle Cloyd were faithful in filling a parental gap and as a great-nephew I felt his love as a Grandfather who never allowed a single moment to pass without expressing his love. The times he and Aunt Rose came to listen at me preach or sing will also be cherished memories of a part of their expressions of care for me. When my Grandfather Alonzo passed away it was Uncle Cloyd who sat next to me during his funeral and it was Uncle Cloyd who spent extra time sharing with me family history, the difficulties of growing up in hard times, surviving the Great Depression, and the importance of forgiveness and love.
A man of quite words, yet when Rev. Cloyd Carnes spoke, his words was filled with powerful meaning. He and Aunt Rose attended the Whetstone Christian Church and Williamsburg and Whitley County was home. Highway 92 always had a special meaning in my travels. His brother Lee Carnes served as Pastor of the Greasy Creek Baptist Church in Bell County and with Uncle Cloyd on one end of Highway 92 and Uncle Lee on the other end I always felt like I was in the family fold of help and care.
I have been given a rich history of character and practices. The hats I wear today remind me of people I have loved and it is my inner tribute of their impact on my life. I pray my Christian Faith stands as a public signs of a Heritage of Faith I have been blessed to witness too.
Until then
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Continuing to grow as a Christian?
As a Minister of the Gospel celebrating 29 years this September I have had many counseling moments. From these varied moments and situations I have learned from listening to those who came seeking help, as much as I have shared from my experiences and scripture. When I first surrendered to God’s call I thought I knew so much about Him, His ways and what I was to do as His ambassador. I must confess the past 29 years have taught me so much about myself, Him and how I can best use my talents and skills.
Learning has not always been at the top of my list. In the beginning of my walk with Jesus as my Savior I struggled thinking I had a better grasp on what He wanted me to do than I actually did. I have really learned over the years of my need to be totally dependent upon Him and of my need to forgive myself and accept His grace and mercy as the answers for my life.
It is amazing today as I consider my previous position as a youngster in the faith that I could have ever thought I was able to stand on my own once I became a Christian. I believe this is a real issue that every Christian faces, but it could be an issue we are not willing to admit. Many individuals become Christians after they have exhausted all their own means and they find themselves upon their back or into a corner with seemingly no other option than Jesus. Now I have no problem whatsoever the condition we find ourselves in before we turn our lives over to Jesus. I know some in religious positions that believe you need to be someone who has changed your life prior to coming to Jesus, but to quote the words of a great hymn; Jesus wants us to come to Him “Just as we, I, you, are”.
I have discovered the older I am in my Christian walk with Him how precious that he accepts us as we are and that He doesn’t require any change to come to Him. You don’t have to look a certain way, you don’t have to talk a certain way, you don’t even have to speak a certain way. All you must do is come to Him, asking Him to coming into your heart and asking Him to forgive you of your failures. Coming to Jesus is easy, the difficult parts are asking Him to enter our inner most part, our heart. It is also just as difficult to admit our failures or to confess our sins, but it is necessary and a requirement for His forgiveness.
One of the most quoted verses from the Bible I believe would be John 3:16. “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” I personally find it funny that I would ever think that His love was unique and just for me. Now it is true His love is unique and His love was with me in mind but not me solely. On His mind was everyone in the world. Red, yellow, black and white, they are all precious in His sight. It is sad that all who bear His name as Christians do not practice the same love He has demonstrated. One of the changing moments in my life was when I realized that His love was for everyone and it was my calling to love everyone and to show them His care through my actions and my words.
So what will your actions be and what words will we hear from your lips. And even more challenging will you be listening or talking for now?
Until then
Learning has not always been at the top of my list. In the beginning of my walk with Jesus as my Savior I struggled thinking I had a better grasp on what He wanted me to do than I actually did. I have really learned over the years of my need to be totally dependent upon Him and of my need to forgive myself and accept His grace and mercy as the answers for my life.
It is amazing today as I consider my previous position as a youngster in the faith that I could have ever thought I was able to stand on my own once I became a Christian. I believe this is a real issue that every Christian faces, but it could be an issue we are not willing to admit. Many individuals become Christians after they have exhausted all their own means and they find themselves upon their back or into a corner with seemingly no other option than Jesus. Now I have no problem whatsoever the condition we find ourselves in before we turn our lives over to Jesus. I know some in religious positions that believe you need to be someone who has changed your life prior to coming to Jesus, but to quote the words of a great hymn; Jesus wants us to come to Him “Just as we, I, you, are”.
I have discovered the older I am in my Christian walk with Him how precious that he accepts us as we are and that He doesn’t require any change to come to Him. You don’t have to look a certain way, you don’t have to talk a certain way, you don’t even have to speak a certain way. All you must do is come to Him, asking Him to coming into your heart and asking Him to forgive you of your failures. Coming to Jesus is easy, the difficult parts are asking Him to enter our inner most part, our heart. It is also just as difficult to admit our failures or to confess our sins, but it is necessary and a requirement for His forgiveness.
One of the most quoted verses from the Bible I believe would be John 3:16. “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” I personally find it funny that I would ever think that His love was unique and just for me. Now it is true His love is unique and His love was with me in mind but not me solely. On His mind was everyone in the world. Red, yellow, black and white, they are all precious in His sight. It is sad that all who bear His name as Christians do not practice the same love He has demonstrated. One of the changing moments in my life was when I realized that His love was for everyone and it was my calling to love everyone and to show them His care through my actions and my words.
So what will your actions be and what words will we hear from your lips. And even more challenging will you be listening or talking for now?
Until then
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Knowing what to say.....
When faced with difficult questions by our friends or listening to the situations they are experiencing we often are at a loss of words. We have this sense of helplessness sometimes because we don’t have the confidence in our answers or suggestions so we share nothing thinking we would not be correct. Who wants to give advice when you have that feeling of doubt? I went to Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth Texas, and there I had classes in both homiletics and hermeneutics. These words are ones that you will not hear often, if ever, from the pulpits of your church I would think. Not that they are bad words but rather because they are topics that generally are not discussed or shard from the pulpit, but are rather discussions from a classroom setting or small group gathering.
Homiletics is a class that teaches ministers about the application of Biblical theology. For me personally, homiletics is a favorite discussion and class of learning. I often write about the application of the Bible and if the words of Jesus do not apply to my life then I am one that questions why I would need Jesus at all. My Christians faith has a fundamental foundation that believes we must be able to apply His teachings or it makes no sense. Hermeneutics teaches pastor’s, ministers and Christians in general about how to interpret the Bible from a historical perspective using scripture as the bases for that interpretation. These types of studies are great keys to properly interpreting God’s Holy Word and I use their practice daily when talking with friends, family members and even those that I just meet or have been referred by others.
Giving advice is both scary and challenging but I have learned from reading the Bible daily and from learning how to recognize God’s voice in my ear and heart has helped me in helping others. Knowing who Jesus is and learning what His characteristics are has also helped me to help others with confidence that the advice I am sharing is actually not my opinion but His and that changes the advice we give totally.
We each have folks that we come in contact with daily, or weekly in some situations that we know are struggling and facing big mountains to climb. In stead of feeling helpless and without a advice you can share, why not simple share what you have found confidence in and let that be our answer or the help you share. I often say, I am not sure what to do, but this is what God’s word says, and I share the scripture or the passage that relates and I let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
To often we feel like we must provide a 3 step plan or a beginning and ending picture of what will happen before we share and that is not at all what the Bible says. Scripture teaches that it is no demonstration of faith if the requirement is that we must see to believe and for every situation I have ever dealt with the first issue is one of love. Feeling loved, knowing we are loved and demonstrating love to others comes from one source and one source only. “For God so loved the world” and that is the source I use and strongly recommend when faced with issues and situations that leave us hurting personally and that we see our friends and family members facing through this journey called life.
Faith and Love are two of the three greatest gift the world has ever know. It is not democracy or freedom of speech, it is the touch of the Master’s Hand and I am confident that is the only touch required to make the difference in your situation today.
Until then
Homiletics is a class that teaches ministers about the application of Biblical theology. For me personally, homiletics is a favorite discussion and class of learning. I often write about the application of the Bible and if the words of Jesus do not apply to my life then I am one that questions why I would need Jesus at all. My Christians faith has a fundamental foundation that believes we must be able to apply His teachings or it makes no sense. Hermeneutics teaches pastor’s, ministers and Christians in general about how to interpret the Bible from a historical perspective using scripture as the bases for that interpretation. These types of studies are great keys to properly interpreting God’s Holy Word and I use their practice daily when talking with friends, family members and even those that I just meet or have been referred by others.
Giving advice is both scary and challenging but I have learned from reading the Bible daily and from learning how to recognize God’s voice in my ear and heart has helped me in helping others. Knowing who Jesus is and learning what His characteristics are has also helped me to help others with confidence that the advice I am sharing is actually not my opinion but His and that changes the advice we give totally.
We each have folks that we come in contact with daily, or weekly in some situations that we know are struggling and facing big mountains to climb. In stead of feeling helpless and without a advice you can share, why not simple share what you have found confidence in and let that be our answer or the help you share. I often say, I am not sure what to do, but this is what God’s word says, and I share the scripture or the passage that relates and I let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
To often we feel like we must provide a 3 step plan or a beginning and ending picture of what will happen before we share and that is not at all what the Bible says. Scripture teaches that it is no demonstration of faith if the requirement is that we must see to believe and for every situation I have ever dealt with the first issue is one of love. Feeling loved, knowing we are loved and demonstrating love to others comes from one source and one source only. “For God so loved the world” and that is the source I use and strongly recommend when faced with issues and situations that leave us hurting personally and that we see our friends and family members facing through this journey called life.
Faith and Love are two of the three greatest gift the world has ever know. It is not democracy or freedom of speech, it is the touch of the Master’s Hand and I am confident that is the only touch required to make the difference in your situation today.
Until then
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
How to explain life...even when you want to die
How to explain that feeling like you want to die is a part of life is not an easy task. Some will say that such a feeling has no place in life and that you should not think about such things. For those who live in the real world, knowing there are such times in our lives is very much a part of life. Life can be demanding. Life can be challenging and life can be a serious strain at times. Having a plan in place to easy the load when it seems to be crumbling or collapsing is a must to survive what could be the worst feeling you will ever experience on this journey we call life. Yes, I believe feeling like you want to die is a part of life, but not an action we take to end life.
Elijah had experienced life under the rule of the wicked King Ahab. Jezebel, was just as wicked. They promoted the worship of idols and of all the Kings of Israel, Ahab was the most wicked to ever rule over the people. I think we would all agree, this is not the best of times and giving up or quitting could seem like the right thing to do. Surrendering under distress should be understood given the circumstances right?...wrong!
God held back the rain on the land for 3 years and a great famine broke out as a just two more aspects of the difficulties faced that could lead one to think there is no way out. I Kings chapter 19 tells the story of great challenges followed by unbelievable successes that Elijah had including the killing of 450 prophets of Baal. Yet, a part of life would involve great depression following the successes and power of God clearly experienced. Elijah sitting under a juniper tree prays for God to take his life.
Understanding how one could want to give up on living is easy for me to understand, because I’ve been there. I understand how the hardness of life can leave you feeling empty and worn out. The delay of fruits from your labor or not experiencing the harvest can be a discouragement that drains you of energy and spirit. Watching folks who are wicked prosper is difficult to accept and struggling when your integrity is challenged or your honest is quested is no fun at all.
Wanting to die seems so unreal but it is a very real feeling but we should never live our lives on feelings. Rather we should live our lives on facts. Facts like, God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Facts like Jesus came that you and I would have an abundant life experiencing grace and mercy as the keys to abundant mindset. A fact like forgiveness comes from God and our practice of His demonstration toward others sets us free inside and out.
Life is not an easy journey, but never the less I have found Christian faith as the foundation in my life. It gives me hope and joy in every situation. Marilyn Simpson, wife of Dr. Leon Simpson then President of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College shared with me in 1985 a rich nugget of life I’ve never forgotten. I was in a wheelchair suffering from arthritis and my medical future was dim when no medical solutions in sight. It was during this very low ebb in my life she said, “Tim, this isn’t Heaven yet”. It was a startling reminder that life here on earth is not my final destination. This is just a land we’re I am passing through. Her reminder of truth also taught me that I needed to be viewing life from the proper position, God ‘s view.
Life is worth the living, Because He lives and we must find our confidence in Him. In that He will complete that which He has begun if we will but allow Him time to do it well on His schedule.
Until then
Elijah had experienced life under the rule of the wicked King Ahab. Jezebel, was just as wicked. They promoted the worship of idols and of all the Kings of Israel, Ahab was the most wicked to ever rule over the people. I think we would all agree, this is not the best of times and giving up or quitting could seem like the right thing to do. Surrendering under distress should be understood given the circumstances right?...wrong!
God held back the rain on the land for 3 years and a great famine broke out as a just two more aspects of the difficulties faced that could lead one to think there is no way out. I Kings chapter 19 tells the story of great challenges followed by unbelievable successes that Elijah had including the killing of 450 prophets of Baal. Yet, a part of life would involve great depression following the successes and power of God clearly experienced. Elijah sitting under a juniper tree prays for God to take his life.
Understanding how one could want to give up on living is easy for me to understand, because I’ve been there. I understand how the hardness of life can leave you feeling empty and worn out. The delay of fruits from your labor or not experiencing the harvest can be a discouragement that drains you of energy and spirit. Watching folks who are wicked prosper is difficult to accept and struggling when your integrity is challenged or your honest is quested is no fun at all.
Wanting to die seems so unreal but it is a very real feeling but we should never live our lives on feelings. Rather we should live our lives on facts. Facts like, God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Facts like Jesus came that you and I would have an abundant life experiencing grace and mercy as the keys to abundant mindset. A fact like forgiveness comes from God and our practice of His demonstration toward others sets us free inside and out.
Life is not an easy journey, but never the less I have found Christian faith as the foundation in my life. It gives me hope and joy in every situation. Marilyn Simpson, wife of Dr. Leon Simpson then President of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College shared with me in 1985 a rich nugget of life I’ve never forgotten. I was in a wheelchair suffering from arthritis and my medical future was dim when no medical solutions in sight. It was during this very low ebb in my life she said, “Tim, this isn’t Heaven yet”. It was a startling reminder that life here on earth is not my final destination. This is just a land we’re I am passing through. Her reminder of truth also taught me that I needed to be viewing life from the proper position, God ‘s view.
Life is worth the living, Because He lives and we must find our confidence in Him. In that He will complete that which He has begun if we will but allow Him time to do it well on His schedule.
Until then
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