I can't wait for Sunday!
We're going out on a limb: first we're going to teach/preach on baptism and then we're actually going to DO BAPTISMS! I know...CRAZY!
And still - it's the way it's always done in scripture. Believe, accept Jesus as LORD of your life, then make a public proclamation about it. That was a HUGE step and sacrifice for people in Jesus' time...not so much for us today, sadly.
If you know someone who needs to meet Jesus, and we ALL do, invite them this Sunday to hear about His grace and His way of life. Don't try to win them over if they won't listen yet...just plant the seed with the invite and let's see what God does.
Like I said in the previous post, God won't let me forget this idea. So we're gonna go with HIS plan and see what happens.
Hope to see you and your unsaved friends there at 9 or 11.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Out On A Limb!
We're going to start this new year off with a teaching series called "Signs of Life" which will include baptism, communion, service and membership.
This coming Sunday, 1/3, I am preaching/teaching on what Jesus says about baptism. (We just baptized 4 in December which was awesome!)
But here's the deal. We still have people who know they need to be baptized and haven't taken the plunge (no pun intended). So here's what I want to do this Sunday -
So here's where the limb comes in: I'm gonna have Vern fill the tank for this Sunday (both services) and invite folks to make their public proclamation as to who is LORD of their lives. (We'll have some extra shorts and tops and towels - all you need to do is bring an obedient heart.)
Jesus commanded that if we believe in Him then we must be baptized (Mark 16:16). And if you look at the times in scripture where folks made their profession they WENT AND WERE BAPTIZED. They didn't wait around for a class or seminar. They BOLDLY stepped into the waters to express their obedience to Christ. It is this outward expression of our inward faith that makes a loud, confident statement to a watching world that we are not ashamed of who is leading our lives.
SO...if you're one of those folks who just hasn't made this step yet, we'd love to walk you through it. We'll walk folks through it to make sure they know just what they're doing, so don't worry about that. I will be asking our Elders and other leaders to step up and talk with folks as they come forward to take this step.
I have NO IDEA what to expect from this. I have tried and tried to ignore this, but the more I study and pray about this message, I feel like God is saying, "Do this."
So, I'd rather do what He says than ignore Him.
See ya Sunday...
This coming Sunday, 1/3, I am preaching/teaching on what Jesus says about baptism. (We just baptized 4 in December which was awesome!)
But here's the deal. We still have people who know they need to be baptized and haven't taken the plunge (no pun intended). So here's what I want to do this Sunday -
So here's where the limb comes in: I'm gonna have Vern fill the tank for this Sunday (both services) and invite folks to make their public proclamation as to who is LORD of their lives. (We'll have some extra shorts and tops and towels - all you need to do is bring an obedient heart.)
Jesus commanded that if we believe in Him then we must be baptized (Mark 16:16). And if you look at the times in scripture where folks made their profession they WENT AND WERE BAPTIZED. They didn't wait around for a class or seminar. They BOLDLY stepped into the waters to express their obedience to Christ. It is this outward expression of our inward faith that makes a loud, confident statement to a watching world that we are not ashamed of who is leading our lives.
SO...if you're one of those folks who just hasn't made this step yet, we'd love to walk you through it. We'll walk folks through it to make sure they know just what they're doing, so don't worry about that. I will be asking our Elders and other leaders to step up and talk with folks as they come forward to take this step.
I have NO IDEA what to expect from this. I have tried and tried to ignore this, but the more I study and pray about this message, I feel like God is saying, "Do this."
So, I'd rather do what He says than ignore Him.
See ya Sunday...
Friday, December 11, 2009
Update To Earlier Blog
I posted a video blog here a couple of weeks ago regarding the need to feed people in our part of the valley. Since then, we have received some additional food that has allowed us to help folks out. BUT WE STILL NEED MORE!
I even had someone chime in and issue a challenge of their own, saying that they would give their tithe AND tithe (10%) part of their grocery bill. They then issued that challenge to anyone reading about this. WOW!
Yes, there is a REAL NEED to help people all year long, not just now. If you are in a position to do something, then PRAY about it and LISTEN to God.
Again, you do what GOD TELLS YOU TO DO! Don't be pressured by someone else, including me.
Then do what HE tells you to do.
I would much rather have you be obedient to HIM than to man. (There's something about that in a book I read a lot!!!)
How else do you think we can feed AND help the hungry in our community? Drop me a note here or at karl@fbcpoky.com.
ALSO - this Sunday, December 13, we are BAPTIZING 4 new believers!!! All will be at the 2ND service, so come early to get a spot to celebrate with everyone. Snow or no snow, there's gonna be a party in heaven - and at FBC Pocatello!
See ya in church...
I even had someone chime in and issue a challenge of their own, saying that they would give their tithe AND tithe (10%) part of their grocery bill. They then issued that challenge to anyone reading about this. WOW!
Yes, there is a REAL NEED to help people all year long, not just now. If you are in a position to do something, then PRAY about it and LISTEN to God.
Again, you do what GOD TELLS YOU TO DO! Don't be pressured by someone else, including me.
Then do what HE tells you to do.
I would much rather have you be obedient to HIM than to man. (There's something about that in a book I read a lot!!!)
How else do you think we can feed AND help the hungry in our community? Drop me a note here or at karl@fbcpoky.com.
ALSO - this Sunday, December 13, we are BAPTIZING 4 new believers!!! All will be at the 2ND service, so come early to get a spot to celebrate with everyone. Snow or no snow, there's gonna be a party in heaven - and at FBC Pocatello!
See ya in church...
Sunday, December 6, 2009
"Heisman" Leading
We will soon learn who the next Heisman trophy winner will be. This is THE coveted prize of players on every college team in the country, carrying with it hopes of making it in the NFL.
What has caught my attention about this trophy recently is the pose. It is one of a player with the ball under one arm and the other arm straight out in front, in preparation of a stiff arm to an on-coming player. The idea of the stiff arm is to push the defensive player out of the path of the offensive player in hopes of gaining extra yardage on the field. A tactic that works well when executed properly.
Have you ever noticed that we, as leaders, sometimes lead from the Heisman position? We say we're leading, but we're pushing people out of the way in hopes of gaining some extra ground somewhere. The problem is that we leave people in our wake bruised, reeling and confused.
We don't do it on purpose, but we do it nonetheless:
* We get 'protective' of our areas of leadership and sometimes frustrated when we get challenged on something.
* We push too hard in one direction sometimes, not knowing or even caring what impact it might have on others. We know it's the 'right thing to do' and so we do it - not realizing that people are being hurt in our 'pursuit' of that right thing.
* My favorite word is head-strong. Mom calls it stubborn. She's right. We don't realize that we need to hear a different perspective at times.
* For us in ministry, this is hard to swallow, but we sometimes will 'hide' behind what we are certain is a God-directed move. We don't seek good counsel, we don't have people we can bounce it off of, and we end up missing what God really intended because of our pride. I'm not saying this happens all the time, but we need to stop and look at our motives.
When God gives direction, I've found that people will be 'on the same page' to some degree when I present a thought or an idea. When it takes a ton of convincing, I have to step back and ask, "Am I leading from a self promoting position or a serve the King position?" What is my posture of leading in that moment?
As a leader, surround yourself with people who won't be afraid to tell you when you're leading from the Heisman position. Invite people that you trust to point out the times when you do it, and then seek suggestions on how NOT to continue to do it. It's never comfortable. But I've found it's ALWAYS beneficial for being the leader that I've been called to be.
See ya in church...
What has caught my attention about this trophy recently is the pose. It is one of a player with the ball under one arm and the other arm straight out in front, in preparation of a stiff arm to an on-coming player. The idea of the stiff arm is to push the defensive player out of the path of the offensive player in hopes of gaining extra yardage on the field. A tactic that works well when executed properly.
Have you ever noticed that we, as leaders, sometimes lead from the Heisman position? We say we're leading, but we're pushing people out of the way in hopes of gaining some extra ground somewhere. The problem is that we leave people in our wake bruised, reeling and confused.
We don't do it on purpose, but we do it nonetheless:
* We get 'protective' of our areas of leadership and sometimes frustrated when we get challenged on something.
* We push too hard in one direction sometimes, not knowing or even caring what impact it might have on others. We know it's the 'right thing to do' and so we do it - not realizing that people are being hurt in our 'pursuit' of that right thing.
* My favorite word is head-strong. Mom calls it stubborn. She's right. We don't realize that we need to hear a different perspective at times.
* For us in ministry, this is hard to swallow, but we sometimes will 'hide' behind what we are certain is a God-directed move. We don't seek good counsel, we don't have people we can bounce it off of, and we end up missing what God really intended because of our pride. I'm not saying this happens all the time, but we need to stop and look at our motives.
When God gives direction, I've found that people will be 'on the same page' to some degree when I present a thought or an idea. When it takes a ton of convincing, I have to step back and ask, "Am I leading from a self promoting position or a serve the King position?" What is my posture of leading in that moment?
As a leader, surround yourself with people who won't be afraid to tell you when you're leading from the Heisman position. Invite people that you trust to point out the times when you do it, and then seek suggestions on how NOT to continue to do it. It's never comfortable. But I've found it's ALWAYS beneficial for being the leader that I've been called to be.
See ya in church...
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Christmas Season Hopes...
I told someone a couple of weeks ago that I wasn't remotely ready for Thanksgiving, let alone Christmas. And yet...here we are! I guess there's no sense in whining about it now, is there?
So here's what I'm hoping for during this Christmas season for us as a church:
1. That people would connect with the message series, focusing on the gifts of the Magi and what they mean for us today.
2. That people who don't know Christ would come to call Him King!
3. That we would have at least one Sunday where we celebrate baptism in December!
4. That our hearts, as a whole, would be broken for those who are worse off than we are, no matter our situation. If God is for us, NO ONE can stand against us, right?
5. That we would fully understand that He came to serve, not be served. And that we would realize we are here for the same purpose - to serve others!
6. I pray that we can let the Spirit work in our hearts during this season and direct our energy, attention and passion toward the things that move the Kingdom of God forward.
I look forward to seeing how God uses the artists', the technicians, the teachers, the greeters, the leaders in various positions to grow the Kingdom for His purpose and His glory in our little corner of the state.
See ya in church...and if you need a place to plug in and serve, drop me a note and I'll get you connected with the right folks!
So here's what I'm hoping for during this Christmas season for us as a church:
1. That people would connect with the message series, focusing on the gifts of the Magi and what they mean for us today.
2. That people who don't know Christ would come to call Him King!
3. That we would have at least one Sunday where we celebrate baptism in December!
4. That our hearts, as a whole, would be broken for those who are worse off than we are, no matter our situation. If God is for us, NO ONE can stand against us, right?
5. That we would fully understand that He came to serve, not be served. And that we would realize we are here for the same purpose - to serve others!
6. I pray that we can let the Spirit work in our hearts during this season and direct our energy, attention and passion toward the things that move the Kingdom of God forward.
I look forward to seeing how God uses the artists', the technicians, the teachers, the greeters, the leaders in various positions to grow the Kingdom for His purpose and His glory in our little corner of the state.
See ya in church...and if you need a place to plug in and serve, drop me a note and I'll get you connected with the right folks!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Give Your Gift!
God gives us gifts to be used for His glory, to draw attention NOT to us as artists', but for us to point others to Him. When we use our gifts to honor Him it is a beautiful thing - a beautiful offering. What we feel on the inside is often times indescribable. When I'm in that place there is a genuine sense of knowing that I am doing and being who God created me to be! Humbling.
Where can artists' share their gift if they don't have a regular place to share it? How about giving it away as a gift to others this Christmas?
We get so caught up in trying to find the right gift for someone and get sucked into the materialistic side of the universe. "Has to be this...has to be that...I have to spend this much or it won't be..."
Create something from your heart to give to someone and include a verse that spoke to your heart as you were working on it. If you sculpt, create a piece and use Ephesians 2:10 which speaks about being His workmanship (masterpiece). If you write, create a piece that reflects the heart of what you were saying in your piece. If you write/craft music, pick a Psalm that references the idea of singing a new song to the Lord.
Whatever you do, find a way to share your gift with others AND share with them that you understand where and who your gift comes from. Let's not, as artists', get caught up in the worldly view of artistry and allow our ego to be fed lies about how great we can become through our gifts. Instead, going against the world, let's give our gift away!
Have a blessed and merry Christmas!
Where can artists' share their gift if they don't have a regular place to share it? How about giving it away as a gift to others this Christmas?
We get so caught up in trying to find the right gift for someone and get sucked into the materialistic side of the universe. "Has to be this...has to be that...I have to spend this much or it won't be..."
Create something from your heart to give to someone and include a verse that spoke to your heart as you were working on it. If you sculpt, create a piece and use Ephesians 2:10 which speaks about being His workmanship (masterpiece). If you write, create a piece that reflects the heart of what you were saying in your piece. If you write/craft music, pick a Psalm that references the idea of singing a new song to the Lord.
Whatever you do, find a way to share your gift with others AND share with them that you understand where and who your gift comes from. Let's not, as artists', get caught up in the worldly view of artistry and allow our ego to be fed lies about how great we can become through our gifts. Instead, going against the world, let's give our gift away!
Have a blessed and merry Christmas!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A Growing Opportunity
Recently I heard a story about an issue that is growing at an alarming rate in our country. At first I wondered if and how it would impact us here in Pocatello, of all places. We are not a huge city, nor are we a small town. We're rather average and have less than average issues as a city. Or so some of our leaders think.
We have the same problems and challenges that most cities across the country have - gang issues, homelessness, crime (which is relatively low), abuse, etc.
The one that is catching my eye and my heart at an alarming rate now, as confirmed by this news story, is hunger. We have people in our own town, in our own CHURCH, who are lucky to get one meal a day, let alone more than one a week. Nationally, there has been an increase in people visiting food banks, shelters, etc. because of job loss, health issues and addictions.
Here's my question: if we've been blessed - and we have - why would we allow this in our own town, let alone our own country? How can we sit down to eat a meal and not be even the least bit concerned about the family sleeping in their car, going without food? YES, this is happening in Pocatello and every other city in the country. So what are we going to do about it?
For those of us who live here in Poky, let me throw out a challenge to you. I know many folks have lost jobs or have had hours cut, so take this challenge ONLY IF YOU ARE ABLE.
EVERY week you go to the store to buy groceries, pick up ONE CASE of some canned food item- tuna, soup, chili, Dinty Moore stew, etc. - and donate that to the Idaho Food bank, to the food pantry at here at FBC, or to some other agency that you know helps people out in our town. This is not just a seasonal thing to do. This is where people live EVERYDAY, right now! They need our help.
As Christ followers, we're called to be a blessing, to show God's love to anyone who has need. I think this qualifies, don't you? Let's make a difference in the community by being obedient to what God has called us to do!
Got to go now...heading to the store to grab some groceries - and a case of food.
See ya in church...
We have the same problems and challenges that most cities across the country have - gang issues, homelessness, crime (which is relatively low), abuse, etc.
The one that is catching my eye and my heart at an alarming rate now, as confirmed by this news story, is hunger. We have people in our own town, in our own CHURCH, who are lucky to get one meal a day, let alone more than one a week. Nationally, there has been an increase in people visiting food banks, shelters, etc. because of job loss, health issues and addictions.
Here's my question: if we've been blessed - and we have - why would we allow this in our own town, let alone our own country? How can we sit down to eat a meal and not be even the least bit concerned about the family sleeping in their car, going without food? YES, this is happening in Pocatello and every other city in the country. So what are we going to do about it?
For those of us who live here in Poky, let me throw out a challenge to you. I know many folks have lost jobs or have had hours cut, so take this challenge ONLY IF YOU ARE ABLE.
EVERY week you go to the store to buy groceries, pick up ONE CASE of some canned food item- tuna, soup, chili, Dinty Moore stew, etc. - and donate that to the Idaho Food bank, to the food pantry at here at FBC, or to some other agency that you know helps people out in our town. This is not just a seasonal thing to do. This is where people live EVERYDAY, right now! They need our help.
As Christ followers, we're called to be a blessing, to show God's love to anyone who has need. I think this qualifies, don't you? Let's make a difference in the community by being obedient to what God has called us to do!
Got to go now...heading to the store to grab some groceries - and a case of food.
See ya in church...
Monday, November 2, 2009
Leading...a Lonely But Worthy Task
Someone once asked me why I wouldn't let them 'get closer' as a friend, why I would only allow people to get so close to me and then I would back away. It's a tricky spot, and one that I've chosen to be in because of my make up and leadership style.
My comment to them was simple - "One day, I'm going to have to be your pastor and not your friend and you're not going to like it. This is who God has called me to be and how He has shaped me to serve in this body." That didn't settle well, unfortunately for them. We're still friends. But only as far as I feel it's safe to be. I take what I do as a pastor very seriously because I believe it is a very serious calling.
Does that mean that I don't have any close friends? No. They just may not be a part of this church family, but I have them. I've watched too many leaders fall because they allowed people they work with to get too close. When the time came to be the leader, it caused more conflict than was necessary. There has to be some boundaries that, as a leader, we can't compromise on. There are many people in the ministry who don't buy into this logic, and that's okay. They're entitled to their opinion and I respect that. This works for me and it's how I roll.
As we lead in today's church, we need to pay attention to who we allow to be 'close' in our lives. We have to keep an eye toward the future, knowing that someday we'll have to be a pastor to this same person who wants to be our friend. We had a similar situation here not too long ago where someone wanted to see their friend, NOT their pastor. Sorry...can't separate the two.
It may sound lonely, and at times it is. But I do this for the one who called me and for no one else. I love what I do - most of the time - and thank God that He has me where I am today for what He wants me to do.
Lead out of the things you love with the gifts He has given You - and enjoy the ride!
See ya in church...
My comment to them was simple - "One day, I'm going to have to be your pastor and not your friend and you're not going to like it. This is who God has called me to be and how He has shaped me to serve in this body." That didn't settle well, unfortunately for them. We're still friends. But only as far as I feel it's safe to be. I take what I do as a pastor very seriously because I believe it is a very serious calling.
Does that mean that I don't have any close friends? No. They just may not be a part of this church family, but I have them. I've watched too many leaders fall because they allowed people they work with to get too close. When the time came to be the leader, it caused more conflict than was necessary. There has to be some boundaries that, as a leader, we can't compromise on. There are many people in the ministry who don't buy into this logic, and that's okay. They're entitled to their opinion and I respect that. This works for me and it's how I roll.
As we lead in today's church, we need to pay attention to who we allow to be 'close' in our lives. We have to keep an eye toward the future, knowing that someday we'll have to be a pastor to this same person who wants to be our friend. We had a similar situation here not too long ago where someone wanted to see their friend, NOT their pastor. Sorry...can't separate the two.
It may sound lonely, and at times it is. But I do this for the one who called me and for no one else. I love what I do - most of the time - and thank God that He has me where I am today for what He wants me to do.
Lead out of the things you love with the gifts He has given You - and enjoy the ride!
See ya in church...
"Aunt Bea" Has Gone Home
For those of you connected to FBC, Pocatello, we have lost a long time member, Bernice Feldsted. She passed away Sunday at the age of 96.
Just met with the family today for service planning and have some info to pass on to you.
We will have a service THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5th at 11 a.m. here at First Baptist. There will be a time of greeting friends at 10 a.m. There will be a graveside service as well and that information will be available at the service.
We are also providing a meal for the family following the graveside service, at roughly 1 p.m. If you would like to provide something for that or you would like to serve, please contact Stacy at the church office as soon as possible, 232-6305.
Please continue to keep the family in your prayers. Loss is never easy, no matter who has gone. But we can take comfort in knowing that our strength and our comfort comes from the One who knows our pain in a very intimate way.
See ya soon...
Just met with the family today for service planning and have some info to pass on to you.
We will have a service THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5th at 11 a.m. here at First Baptist. There will be a time of greeting friends at 10 a.m. There will be a graveside service as well and that information will be available at the service.
We are also providing a meal for the family following the graveside service, at roughly 1 p.m. If you would like to provide something for that or you would like to serve, please contact Stacy at the church office as soon as possible, 232-6305.
Please continue to keep the family in your prayers. Loss is never easy, no matter who has gone. But we can take comfort in knowing that our strength and our comfort comes from the One who knows our pain in a very intimate way.
See ya soon...
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