Jackson vs. Calvin!

Let me ask you a question, who has had a greater impact on your life - Michael Jackson or John Calvin?  Now, I know that by this time many of you are saying to yourselves “John who?” And therein lies the problem.  Over the past several weeks I have seen tons of people mourning the death of the King of Pop.  Some have cried, others have been glued to their tv’s watching documentaries and old interviews, many have rushed to the music store and purchased Jackson’s greatest hits cd in order to preserve and relive their favorite Michael moment.  I have even seen Pastors who have changed their preaching schedules to incorporate a Jackson centered sermon with catchy titles like “The Man in the Mirror”, “It’s Time to Make a Change”, or “Heal the World.” His eulogist described Michael as a saint “who taught us all how to love.” I must admit it has been hard not to get caught up in the wave of emotion over the loss of Michael Jackson.  But when you really stop and think about it, as Christians, what did Michael do to benefit any of us spiritually?  I don’t mean to be harsh or insensitive but I must admit that I am concerned that this generation of believers are in danger of violating 1 John 2:15:

“Do not love the world or anything in the world.  If anyone loves the world

the love of the Father is not in him.”

Now back to this John Calvin guy. If you are a Christian, Calvin has deeply affected your life whether you realize it or not.  Calvin may just be the greatest theologian of the protestant reformation period.  Calvin, along with his contemporaries, helped to rescue the church from the gross sin and corruption which it had been engulfed in during the 1500’s.  The Lord used them to bring Christianity back to being Christ-centered and to relay the biblical foundation of such truths as salvation by faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone.  It was on the backs of these great reformers that the Bible was translated into the language of the common people and the barriers that kept laymen from learning the word were removed. The reformation changed everything from government to education, from economics to marriage and family. By the time he was 27 years of age, Calvin had written an 1100 page volume entitled “The Institutes of Religion” which helped to provide one of the clearest systems for understanding the major teachings of the Bible.  Calvin’s works have helped to illuminate the word of God for Millions of pastors, teachers and Bible students for the past 500 years.  And last Friday, while the world mourned the death of Michael Jackson, small groups of Christians scattered around the world quietly commemorated the birthday of this theological giant. The sad thing is that many of us don’t even know his name.

Jackson and Calvin are simply symbols of a greater metaphor.  They represent the battle between the world and the word for our hearts and minds.  Just think about it for a moment, odds are that you have memorized more lyrics to Jackson songs than you have scriptures in the Bible. Doesn’t that bother you a little? More of us know the slogans to our favorite commercials than the sayings of our Lord and savior. Maybe the problem is that Jesus needs a better marketing firm or advertising campaign.  But wait a minute, let’s not forget, he’s depending on us to be his mouthpieces and to get the word out to the world about all that he has done. But how can we do it if we are so enamored with the world and pop culture that we no longer have the time or motivation to read the Bible or share our faith with others. Now I’m not suggesting that you rush to the book store to buy Calvin’s greatest hits, or change your hairstyle or the way you dress to match Calvin’s form of fashion.  But maybe we do need to ask ourselves a simple question, “Is my heart more attached to the world or to the word?” Even better, ask yourself, “Who am I more impressed with, the King of Pop or the King or Kings?”

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

I’m Back

Sorry, that I have been away for a while.  Between travel and family time over the holidays things were crazier then ever.  But the joy of the Lord has graced every area of my life.  It has been a tremendous blessing seeing my daughter Zoe growing and becoming a beautiful young woman.  I have also been overwhelmed as I have seen God’s blessings upon Evangel Ministries and Equipped for Life.  We have a great team of leaders and an awesome group of supports.  Thanks to everyone for making 2008 a wonderful year,  but now its time to get back to the Father’s business in a new year.  With that being said, we are planning a great year of strong biblical preaching, apologetic training and global missions.  Our programming calendar for the broadcast should be the best it has ever been.  We will have numerous special guests and discuss relevant topics which are shaping our culture and faith.  

Make sure you tune in to the radio program next week.  We are calling it our “Listener Appreciation Week!”  You will be our special guest and we will spend the entire week taking your phone calls, answering your questions and most of all praying that God bless you and your family. Also mark your calendars for the following week, beginning on Tuesday, January 27 we will dedicate an entire week to “Understanding Judaism.”   We will have some great guests who are experts in the beliefs of Judaism.  We will discuss the jewish roots of Christianity, the keys to evangelizing Jews and the Messianic Jewish movement.  So make sure you join us.

Finally, we are currently planning for our next Answering the Challenge Event.  We are calling it “No Other God”.  We will be hosting this powerful outreach on the campus of Wayne State University and will tackle the question “Is Christianity the only way to God?”  We will then field questions in an open forum format from college students ranging in beliefs and spiritual backgrounds.  Please be praying that God will be glorified and that many will come to a saving faith in Christ.  

As always I invite all of your comments and feedback. Whether you agree or disagree I would love to hear your thoughts.  I look forward to hearing from you and until the next time always remember that grace and truth come through Christ alone.  

Pastor Chris

Answering the Challenge Pt.2

Hey, everyone!  I am currently in Chicago, IL with Min. Yodit attending the Ravi Zacharias Founders Week Event.  This is a conference which Dr. Ravi holds each year to discuss how his ministry can have greater impact and reach more people with the gospel.  This year I have been asked to talk about the work we are doing the area of evangelism and apologetic training in Detroit and other urban areas. And I can’t tell you how proud I am to be able to search about the overwhelming success of our recent Answering the Challenge (ATC) event. Hundreds of you supported this 3 day conference as we made the case on “Why the Bible is Reliable”.  I want to especially thank Dr. Peter Williams for joining us from Cambridge.  I hope that each one of you who attended were blessed and even more importantly I pray that you left with a deeper passion to study and know God’s word.  You can be confident that the Bible is trustworthy and divine and that it possesses the power to transform your life.  Finally I want you to know that over the next several I will continue to answer some of the questions that you submit to us through my blog.  So make sure you check in with us often.  Later this week I will respond to the question “Will we know each other in heaven?” 

My team and I want to hear some of your feedback.  We would love to know how you felt about ATC.  So please share some of your thoughts in our comments section.  Your remarks are truly valued and welcomed.  

May God’s best be yours! - Pastor Chris

Is Barack Obama the Messiah or Satan?

As you know we are heavy into the heart of the political season.  The gamesmanship has already begun. People from the right and the left have bunkered down for what appears to be one of the most ferice and explosive Presidential race in history.  As a Christian and a parent who cares deeply about the future of our country I will watch with great attention hoping to be able to gather a few strands of truth amongst the myriad of lies and spin.  My prayer is that God will speak to my heart about who He would have me to support and that I wouldn’t be too influenced by individuals who have biases and ulterior motives for who they endorse.  I must admit it is becoming more and more difficult to find news that is fair and honest about either Obama or McCain. Don’t get me wrong we all have our own convictions and connections to one or the other Presidential candidate, myself included, but I feel that it is wrong and out of line when anyone deifies or demonizes the other party.  This probably won’t sit well with some but the fact is over the last few months I have heard both Christian and Non-Christian, conservative and liberal, Democrat and Republican broadcasters alike say some of the most extreme, unfounded and inflammatory comments I’ve ever heard. Now it is not my job to critique non-Christians, but as a Pastor, I don’t think that it is responsible for anyone to imply that either McCain or Obama is the Messiah or Satan.  The fact of the matter is that both individuals are mere men, who I believe, have sincere desires to see our nation do well albeit with completely different views on the direction our country needs to go in the future.  I strongly agree with both men on certain issues and I strongly disagree with both men on certain issues.  I don’t believe that you somehow have violated your faith by voting for either nominee as long as you have earnestly attempted to allow your convictions to govern your decision.  The fact of the matter is that as Christians we are instructed in scripture to trust in the sovereignty of God concerning the selection of our leaders (Romans 13:1-3).  This means God will appoint whomever he chooses, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t champion those causes that we feel are critical to the health of our families and communities, it simply means that we should not be so presumptuous that we proclaim whom God has anointed and whom he has condemned.  The greatest question that I believe you and I need to wrestle with is, no matter what the result of the November 4th election is, what will we as Christians do on November 5th.  If your candidate is elected I hope you don’t sit back and think the the Messiah is in office and he’ll take us to the promised land.  And if the candidate you oppose is elected I hope you don’t withhold your prayers while showering him with criticism proclaiming him to be the anti-Christ. This is the type of foolish pettiness that limits progress and distracts believers from our primary calling as it pertains to our governmental leaders and that is to be there intercessors (1 Timothy 2:1,2).  I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic or on the campaigns at large.  God Bless!

Maybe Image Isn’t Everything!

Recently I’ve completed reading a very powerful book by Os Guinness, entitled “A Time For Truth”.  Among other things, the book chronicles America’s moral decent from prioritizing character as being the critical virtue of its leaders to adopting the mantra “Image Is Everything”.   It seems like for most people, Christians included,  the goal is no longer to maintain our inner goodness as long as we look good on the outside. All that matters is what people think about you and how you are viewed by the public, not who you really are in the quietness of your own conscience.  It’s almost as if we are all actors on a stage putting on a performance for the watching world who thinks that our lives are the sum total of what they can see played out before them.  But the fact is that God seems to be far more concerned with who we are when the curtain drops and no one is looking, than when it is time for lights cameras and action.  

In 1 Samuel 16 the Lord challenges the Prophet Samuel to look for a King to replace Saul, whom He had rejected.  Like most of us Samuel no doubt was looking for a man of stature who exuded strength, skill and leadership, however God’s evaluation of our greatness is measured by a much different standard.  In one of the most memorable quotes from the Old Testament God says to Samuel in verse 7 “…Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This highlights the stark contrast between God and man on how we measure such things as righteousness and unrighteousness, failure and success.  In our generation, however, the greatest sin is not being bad, but rather it is looking bad.  So with the help of make-up, spin, lies and deception leaders and non-leaders alike can mask the true condition of their hearts and lack of moral character like never before.  

This is unfortunately, being played out all around us as seen in local politics, day to day church life and the number of broken families in our community.  As a Pastor, husband, father but most of all as a Christian I fear that danger of falling into the shallowness of believing that image is more important than internal character. I realize that my wife, daughter, church and community need for me to demonstrate real moral character and not just a fake external image.  I have worked hard to avoid this pitfall and have searched for safeguards for protecting my heart against Satan’s subtle deceptions.  I would humbly request your prayers in this area and would love to hear your comments and recommendations on how we as Christians can avoid prioritizing outer image above inner holiness and how we can make sure we are keeping character first.

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts,

Pastor Chris

I’m Sorry Lazarus!

Okay, I have a confession to make. I love books.  Big books, small books, old books, new books, interesting books, boring books, I love them all.  I guess it started as a young boy in my father’s (he was a school teacher and preacher) home library.  I would honestly rather buy books than food.  It is hard for me to walk by a book store and not stop in to just browse - I never leave empty handed. Now, I recognize that some of you can’t relate to my passion for books, but we all have our financial vices.  Maybe for you it is electronic gadgets like the new iphone that is coming out soon, or maybe it is shopping for clothes in the mall, or maybe it is as cheap and simple as a coffee addiction that needs to be fed every morning and if possible once in the afternoon, too!  All these things seem acceptable to us because we want to justify our need to do special things for ourselves. After all I work hard, I’ve earned it, hey I even think I deserve it.  So we spend a little here, a few dollars there, a hundred on this, a couple of hundred on that - what’s the big deal.  

Well, recently a friend of mine preached a really challenging sermon on Luke 16:19-31 in which she used the word of God to reveal the selfishness of my heart, and no doubt the others who were in the room.  If you haven’t read it you need to. It’s all about this rich guy (who is nameless so feel free to insert you name into the text), who daily walks by this beggar everyday and ignores him and his need.   They both die, the poor man (Lazarus - thus the title of my current blog entry) goes to be with Abraham in a pleasant resting place and receives an eternal reward.  The rich man dies and goes to hell, apparently because his lack of love for God and those who are in need. This rich man is tormented night and day and can do nothing about it because he is dead now and it is to late.  The problem, as my friend pointed out in her sermon, is that most of us can’t relate to either of these two individuals. Even those of us who feel that we are broke, can’t identify with a guy who’s body is full of sores and who is so weak and broken that the dogs lick his wounds every day.  On the other hand even those of you who feel that you make good money, can’t relate to a rich ruler after all it’s hard to feel rich when you have a ton of credit card debt and you are driving a used car.  But the reality is, you are rich!  

Statistics tell us that even those who live at the poverty line in America ($19,000 combined income for a family of 4), are in the top 11% of the world’s wealthiest population. If your family is fortunate enough to make $50,000 a year, you are in the top 1% of income earners in the world.  That means that for the most part compared to the rest of the world we are that rich ruler.  Since I’ve been here in the U.K. I’ve been exposed to more international news reports than I normally get back at home. Sadly, most Americans don’t realize that much of the world is in a food crisis right now. Recently, many poor nations met in Rome, along with the World Food Bank and the U.N. to discuss the critical measures that must take place in order to prevent the death of millions because of food shortages around the world.  People are so hungry that they are literally rioting in the streets of Haiti and the U.N. reported today that due to drought and a lack of food an estimated 4 million Ethiopians will die of starvation this year alone, many of them children just like my beautiful daughter Zoe. As I ponder all these Lazaruses I kept thinking about all my books.  I have been disappointed in myself and broken hearted ever since.  

I know that buying books is not the problem in and of itself and that there is nothing wrong with learning and reading but I also realize that I live in a part of the world which is overly indulgent and callous to the dying cries of Lazarus.  So now I am faced with the challenge of how do I make a difference and what do I need to change.  The first thing that I did was prayed and asked God to change my heart and to help me to not become a comfortable commercialized Christian who ignores his convictions.   Secondly, I decided to go on a book buying fast for a little while and redirect my money toward missionaries and ministries I know to be credible and making a difference.  Finally, I am going to try to connect on a personal level with those who I know to be struggling the most and do what I can to stretch myself in my giving.  

I hope that maybe you can think of somethings you can cut back on and join in with me by starting to pray for the Lazaruses in your life and around the world. I would also be interested in hearing any ideas you guys may have both on things that the Lord is prompting you to cut back on and on ideas on how we can help to be a bigger blessing to the Larzaruses in our lives.  Let’s not disappoint God! 

Love, Pastor Chris

What would you say to Larry King?

Well, today I have been discussing how Christians need to respond to the tough questions that non-Christians pose to us, with the staff of Ravi Zacharias Ministries, here in Oxford.  It was such a lively and insightful discussion that I thought it would make for an excellent blog topic.  So here we go.  I want to place you in a challenging scenario and see how you would respond.  Now be thoughtful and consider the ramifications of your response before you comment.  Here is the scene. 

Imagine yourself being interviewed in front of a national audience on the nation’s most prominent television station, by it most respected reporter.  This reporter has been seen by many to be highly credible and morally ethical.  However, the reporter has been very clear that he is a practicing Jew who adheres to jewish religious regulations but rejects the belief that Jesus Christ is Lord.  He believes that although every religion should be tolerated and protected in our society, he does not believe that Jesus is the Messiah, nor does he agree with the Christian teaching the Jesus is the only way to true salvation. During the interview he turns and asks you a very direct and confrontational question “Do you believe that I will go to hell, since i don’t believe in Jesus Christ?” The unexpected question places you squarely on the hot seat with millions watching and waiting for your response.  Both Christian and non-Christian viewers all around the country will be deeply impacted by how you handle this tough question.  So what do you say? How do you communicate the love and compassion of Christ without compromising the truth of the gospel?�

Why Blog?

I have to admit there aren’t too many things that I have been more excited about than the ability to have my own blog.  Maybe it is my unquenchable passion to communicate, instruct or connect with others, but from the moment that Fikre (EFL’s Media Director) and Tiffany (Website Project Manager) told me that I would be able to share my thoughts with you in an intimate and uncensored way, something leaped within my soul.  It wasn’t until later that Tiffany forwarded me an article by Pastor John Piper, on why pastors should blog, that i realized how truly important this ministry tool will be for me in my quest to empower you in your journey to fulfill God’s call on your life. So today we embark on an awesome new endeavor of learning and growth together. Like any new endeavor expect things to be a little rough and unpolished at the start, but be confident that things will improve and get better with time and practice. But I believe that the growing pains will be worth it and that you will be extremely blessed by my blog.  My hope is that through this blog 3 very critical goals will be accomplished:

#1 - You’ll Get to Know My Heart - when I first asked someone to explain to me what blogging was all about, I was told that a blog was simply an internet diary.  At first that concept seemed a little bit weird to me. I thought to myself why would anyone want their diary exposed on the internet for everyone else to see.  After all when I was growing up people who kept diaries would protect them at all cost, under lock and key, from being seen by others.  However, I have come to understand that this blog or internet diary needs to be shared if you are ever going to be able to know me beyond just my pulpit moments.  Contrary to popular belief I do more that just preach and read the bible. There is a lot to my life that I believe would be a benefit to you if I were to share it.  Things like the day to day joys and struggles i experience as I strive to be a great husband to my beautiful wife Yodit and a strong father to my wonderful children Zoe and Chris.  I also want to share with you the successes and failures i face in my intense battle to overcome diabetes and live a strong and healthy life.  In addition I think it will be helpful for you to get a glimpse into the fun activities of my life, the deep conversations that i have with others, and the insights I receive during my times spent with the Lord. I guess what I am saying is that I want you to see my life and not just hear my preaching. I believe that the greatest benefit you can gain from your leaders is seeing them live out the word on a daily basis.    

#2 - I’ll Get to Know Your Heart - One of the coolest aspects of this blog is that you’ll get to share comments with me on the topics I choose to write about.  Have you ever wanted to give me a piece of your mind but were too scared to do so?  Well here is your chance to truly tell me how you really feel? Don’t worry I don’t offend easily so you can be blunt and honest.  And I promise that I won’t track you down or spend hours asking God to punish you.  I will do my best to humbly listen, no matter how wrong (or right) I think you might be.  Honestly though, your comments are the best part of this thing to me because I real want to hear your heart so that I can grow in my ability to minister to God’s people.

#3 - We’ll Get to Know God’s Heart - Matthew 18:20 says “for where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst..” My earnest prayer is that God will reveal himself in a greater way to you and i as we share about his glory, holiness, beauty and majesty.  My hope is that iron will sharpen iron as we discuss his word.  I will do my best to write thought provoking articles and i’ll need you to do your best to prayerfully share what the Lord is speaking to your heart.  So please join me in inviting the Holy Spirit to breath on my blog the freshness and power of his anointing and to let His presence abide in the moments we will share in this wonderful internet diary.  

Until the Next Time,

Pastor Chris

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