Women's Lib and the Sovereignty of God

What do women's lib and the sovereignty of God have in common?  They collide in the first chapter of the story of Esther.  I was listening to that chapter this morning on my Youversion Bible app and chuckled at the irony of those two things not only being present in the same passage, but also being significant parts of the story.

The Old Testament book of Esther tells the story of how a beautiful young Jewish girl was promoted to be the new queen of Persian King Ahasuerus.  Of course there is more to the story than chapter one, but that is where women's lib and the sovereignty of God collide with each other. 

Queen Vashti was summoned by King Ahasuerus.  This was not unusual.  The king wanted to see his wife.  As you might imagine, there is a bit more to the story.  The summons happened on the seventh day of a drunken party.  Furthermore, the king was not interested in simply spending time with his wife.  He wanted to display her beauty to his guests.  Just what did he have in mind?  The text does not tell us, but I think it is safe to say that the text offers a child-friendly description of what might  have been intended.

At that point the story takes an unusual and unexpected turn.  The queen said "no."  She refused to come.   Her refusal was not only dangerous and scandalous, but had the potential to lead a revolution among the women of the kingdom that would have far-reaching consequences to Persian men throughout the kingdom.  I'm not making this up.  It is all right there in the first chapter of Esther. 

Rather than telling you the rest of the story I want to challenge you to read it for yourself.  If you have time, read the entire chapter.  If not, read Esther 1:10-22.  If that is still too much, at least read verses 15-18.  I think you will chuckle, even as I did early this morning.

Thanksgiving 2013

On the eve of Thanksgiving I am watching and listening to the sounds of family.  Hutch and Jack are playing some hybrid game of hide and seek, and tag.  JB is reading the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star book but only wants to find the page that has a church.  The adults are perusing magazines, preparing food for tomorrow's lunch and chatting about semi-important things.  An inviting fire is keeping the chill at bay.  Our home feels warm and safe.  My heart is full as I bask in the wonderful gift that God has given to me, the gift of family. 

The scene is sweet, but incomplete.  Some are not yet here.  Others will not be able to come at all.  But the knowledge that they are thinking of us even while we think of them makes it easier.  I pray for God to keep them safe, content and blessed while they celebrate Thanksgiving without us.

Thank you, God.

Abounding Grace

I've been reflecting this morning on God's grace.  His willingness to give us what we absolutely do not deserve.  Former slave trader, John Newton called it "amazing."  And indeed, it is.  That God would consistently, continually, repeatedly offer grace to those who are so unworthy is a mystery.  But He does.

This Sunday I will complete a sermon series on Jehoshaphat, one of the good kings of Judah.  He failed in some key areas, yet God demonstrated marvelous grace in his life.  As I thought of Jehoshaphat, my mind wandered to other men and women in the Bible who experienced the same.

Abraham lied about his relationship with his wife and fathered a child with another woman.  Jacob deceived his father in order to steal the blessing belonging to his brother.  Moses doubted God's ability to use him.  David committed adultery and murder.  Elijah became depressed and wanted to give up.  Peter betrayed Christ by denying that he knew him.  James and John arrogantly sought the best positions in Heaven.  Paul failed to see the potential in Mark and refused to minister alongside him.  Barnabas fell into hypocrisy and prejudice.   Yet all of these experienced the wonderful grace of God which enabled them to continue serving Him. 

These are comforting thoughts, for I too find myself in need of His never-ending grace.  I am so glad that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. 

A Christian Response to Natural Disaster

Once again our nation is gripped with the horror of watching an entire community deal with the aftermath of tragedy.  This past Monday an EF-5 tornado that was at least a mile wide and stayed on the ground for forty minutes, according to some reports, dismantled the town of Moore, Oklahoma.  It destroyed homes, businesses, schools and lives.  As I am writing this on Wednesday afternoon the death toll stands at 24, with at least seven of those being children.  Amazingly the number of dead has decreased from original reports, rather than increased.  Even as we rejoice that the number is going down rather than up, we are reminded that each life is sacred and the loss of even one, is devastating to those who are personally affected.

In the immediate aftermath, social media like Facebook and Twitter began to explode with expressions of prayer for the victims and survivors.  Thousands have used these and other social media to offer expressions of comfort, love, hope and prayer to God.  This is good.

However, not all who post about God are doing so in a positive way.  Some have used these media to express anger, frustration and even outrage that God would "allow" such a thing to happen.  Rather than calling upon God to help during the aftermath they would drag God into the courtroom and convict Him of apathy at best and cruelty at worst. 

How are Christian believers to react and respond to such posts?  How are we to answer the critics who blame God for heartache on such a large scale?  Most of us have wrestled with the difficulty of knowing if, when and how we should respond.  I want to offer a few thoughts that may be helpful.

First, we must not be surprised that some people get mad at God.  God can handle it.  He will be just fine without our feeble attempts to defend his actions or inactions.  The immediate aftermath of a natural disaster is not usually the best time to explain the deeper mysteries of how God interacts with a fallen creation.  This is a time for compassion, support and tangible expressions of the love of God.  The friends of Job did their most effective work when they simply sat with Job, offering no explanation or theological theories about why he was suffering.

Second, we must be very careful about making judgments that are not ours to make.  In our attempt to make sense out of chaos, we often come to foolish conclusions.  24 people were killed in Moore, Oklahoma.  This is a heart-wrenching tragedy for those family members.  It is a stark reminder that we still live in a world of pain and death.  Over 56,000 were spared.  Were they somehow better in the eyes of God than the 24?  Not at all.  Jesus made this abundantly clear in Luke 13:4-5.  Why some died when others were spared is a question that we are not equipped to answer.  When hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans some were quick to assume that this was certainly the judgment of God on a wicked city.  Believers must carefully avoid this kind of rhetoric. 

Third, there will be a time to help people understand why bad things happen.  Bad things do not happen because God is apathetic.  The evidence of His love for all creation is seen in the agonizing death of His own son for all people.  Though we still suffer in this life, God has provided for our ultimate freedom from suffering after this life in a place called Heaven. 

Bad things do not happen because God is weak.  He has chosen to allow human beings to operate with certain freedoms.  He is not a puppet master controlling each and every decision made by people.  That was clear in the Garden of Eden when He allowed Adam and Eve the freedom to obey or disobey.  They chose the latter and plunged all creation under the affects of sin.  Sorrow and suffering.  Tumors and tornadoes.  Diseases and disasters.  These are all affects of sin, not indications of a powerless God. 

I am not surprised when tornadoes come, when cancer invades, when death knocks.  I understand that I live in a world that is thoroughly infected with sin and its consequences.  Evil people inflict pain, suffering and death on fellow human beings.  Prejudice, hatred and selfishness abound.  Power, greed and lust are growing exponentially.  Natural disasters occur frequently. I am not surprised by any of this.  All of creation is groaning under the weight of sin.

But this is not all there is.  There is another world for which I am longing.  A world where tears will not flow, disease will not flourish and death will not be found.  A world without hospitals, hospice homes or cemeteries.  A world without bruises, scrapes or broken bones.  A world without fear, frustration or failure. 

The pain and sorrow of this world just makes me long for that world even more.  The knowledge of that world enables me to endure this world with grace and contentment. 

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith."  1 John 5:4

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

"The Boy Who Cried Wolf" is one of Aesop's Fables.  Most of us learned it as a child.  It is about a shepherd boy who repeatedly tricked villagers into thinking that a wolf was attacking his sheep. Later, when a wolf actually was attacking the sheep and the shepherd called for help, none of the villagers believed him.  The story is intended to reinforce truthfulness as a virtue by pointing out one of the negative consequences of being untruthful.

Over the years, believers have repeatedly been warned about supposedly new FCC rulings which would do all kinds of things which Christians would certainly want to oppose.  In response, many believers have written letters, made phone calls, sent emails, etc., in response to the supposed new ruling.  In most cases the information was inaccurate.  Someone cried wolf, when no wolf was present.  Now, to the point.

The FCC has announced that it is considering altering its current broadcast decency standards which ban explicit profanity and nudity.  This could open the door for network television and local radio stations to air profanity such as the f-word, and to allow what it deems to be non-sexual nudity.

The FCC is currently seeking and accepting comments.  These may be submitted until the end of April.  I have submitted my comments and it took less than two minutes.  Would you consider doing the same?  Go to http://www.fcc.gov/ and click the Take Action button at the top.  Select Comment.
Select Most Active Proceedings.  Under Proceeding, click 13-86.  Complete the form and leave your comment. 

This time the wolf has really come.  This time those who desire for the standards of decency to be maintained should act.  This time we must make sure the sheep (our children) are protected.  Now you know.  What will you do?

A Good Thing

The Cooperative Program is still a good idea.  I will be the first to admit that the name "Cooperative Program" is lacking in marketing appeal in our day, but the concept is good and the results are impressive.  Through the CP our church joins with thousands of other churches around the nation to support evangelism causes and mission endeavors throughout the world.  This is a good thing.

Last year Highland Drive Baptist Church gave $41,057.62 to the CP.  A portion of that supports the work in Arkansas and the rest goes to the national Southern Baptist Convention where it supports mission causes around the nation and world.  These gifts enable missionaries to focus on the tasks at hand without having to take excessive time to raise funds for their support.  This is a good thing.

In the state of Arkansas last year CP funds were instrumental in seeing 27 new churches started.  Collegiate ministries were supported on 35 college campuses with over 1900 students involved in discipleship/missions and 191 students coming to faith in Christ.  260,877 people were fed through hunger relief.  397 people came to faith in Christ through those efforts.  CP dollars were also used to ministry to over 17,000 clients in Crisis Pregnancy Ministries.  This is a good thing.

HDBC's giving to the Cooperative Program last year enabled over 11,000 missionaries to be involved in sharing the gospel with people throughout the world.  This is a good thing.

I, for one, would be open to a name change for the Cooperative Program.  I believe that would be a good thing.  However, new name or old name, the concept is good and the results are impressive.  Let's keep working together to make a difference in our world. 

Say it Ain't So, Tim!

Tim Tebow is a household word among American evangelical Christians.  He rose to fame as the quarterback of the Florida Gators and has continued his football fame in the NFL.  Not only is Tebow an accomplished football player, though struggling somewhat at the highest level of American Football, the NFL, but has been a very vocal spokesman for evangelical Christianity.  His has made clear his support for the pro-life cause in American and has kept his Christian faith front and center in his life and career.  Up until now it seemed that he had navigated the difficult combination of fame and the Christian faith pretty well.  The pressure may have finally gotten to the young man.

A few days ago he cancelled a speaking engagement scheduled for April 28 at the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX.  It's pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress has been a somewhat controversial figure, at least in the eyes of the culture.  He has repeatedly taught the "radical"  ideas that homosexual activity is a sin against God, that Mormonism is not part of mainline Christianity and that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven.  These may seem radical in our post-Christian, secular culture but they are at the heart of what evangelical Christians have always believed and taught.  There is nothing new here. 

In recent weeks there have been calls for Tebow to cancel his plans to speak in that church because of Jeffress "controversial" teaching and stances on the issues mentioned above.  Greg Doyel of CBS Sports wrote the following.

"Tim Tebow is about to make the biggest mistake of his life.  Tebow has agreed to speak at a hateful Baptist preacher's church, an evangelical cretin named Robert Jeffress."  Doyel went on to write, "I'm ashamed to like Tim Tebow now.  More specifically, I don't like Tim Tebow now.  I can't.  Liking him means liking someone who wouldn't just agree with, but would support, Robert Jeffress.  And I despise Robert Jeffress."

So much for tolerance!  And Doyel was not the only one calling for Tebow to cancel his plans.  Others echoed their belief that Tebow was making the mistake of his life by speaking at such a controversial church. Remember, we are talking about First Baptist Church, Dallas.  This is one of the most respected churches in the Southern Baptist Convention and in the evangelical Christian world.

To my surprise and great disappointment Tebow has changed his mind. He has apparently yielded to the increasing pressure from those who believe evangelical Christianity is hateful, intolerant and dangerous.  I cannot get into the mind of Tim Tebow or know what he is thinking.  However, this does not look good.  Even his explanatory tweet left more questions than answers.

"While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance.  I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and Love to all those needing a brighter day.  Thank you for all of your love and support.  God Bless!"

The language of that tweet does not make me feel better about his decision.  He mentioned "new information" that came to his attention.  That raises the question, "what new information?"  He certainly was not unaware of Jeffress' teaching.  If that was the issue, then it raises even more questions in my mind.  Does Tebow really want to distance himself from teaching that homosexuality is wrong and that Jesus is the only way to salvation?

It must be extremely difficult to be in Tebow's position.  He is certainly the target not only of a secular culture that wants him to fail, but of forces that are unseen to human eyes.  I am disappointed, but not discouraged.   As his brother in Christ, I am praying for him to be steadfast and immovable in his faith regardless of the attacks which come. 

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

I read Romans 3 this morning.  Actually I heard it through my Bible app while walking early this morning, then read it the old fashioned way when I got to the office.  I was struck by the following words.

"There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God.  All have turned aide, together they have become useless.  There is none who does good.  There is not even one."  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

What a negative way to describe the human race.  We don't understand.  We are not righteous.  We do not seek for God.  We have all turned aside.  We are useless.  None of us does good.  We have all sinned.  We all fall short of the glory of God.

Feel better?  I rather doubt it.  But that is fine.  The purpose of Scripture is not to make you feel good, but to give you the truth.  No truth is more important than the truth that we are sinners . . . rotten to the core . . . separated from God  . . . with no ability to become good enough to impress God.

Unfortunately this is a forgotten truth in America.  At every turn we are told how good we are.  We are encouraged to think positively about ourselves.  We are learning to blame our failures on external things outside of our control.  We look in the mirror only to reinforce the cultural message that we are so wonderful.

The Bible is a different kind of mirror.  When we gaze deep into it we see a reflection not of skin, eyes or hair, but of the heart, with all of its sinfulness.  This mirror cuts through the outward clutter and shows us just where we stand in relation to the God who created us.  This mirror humbles us, breaks us, changes us. 

This mirror points us to Christ.  This mirror leads us to salvation.  This mirror reminds us of just how dependent we are on Christ.  This mirror is truth.  All others are but an illusion.

Scouts are in Trouble

The Boy Scouts are in trouble.  Last summer the Boy Scouts of America affirmed its policy of excluding openly gay men as leaders.  In doing so they were upholding a policy that it had affirmed for generations.  A committee of eleven members conducted a two-year study and unanimously concluded that homosexuality was counter to the Scout's oath on morality.  

On January 28, 2013 the Scouts announced their intention to revisit this issue and likely change its policy to allow gays to participate as members and leaders in the Boy Scouts.  Keep in mind that this was just six months after spokesman Deron Smith announced that the decision made last summer to maintain the ban was "absolutely the best policy for the Boy Scouts." 

In a U.S. Supreme Court decision as recently as 2000 it was made clear that the Boy Scouts had a constitutional right to set its own membership standards.  However, the Boy Scout leadership appears to be on the precipice of stepping off of a moral cliff that will doom the Boy Scouts of America.

On Sunday afternoon just before the Super Bowl, President Obama was asked if he believed gays should be allowed membership and leadership positions in the Boy Scouts.  Without hesitation he reply in the affirmative.  He went on to say, "my attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunities, the same way as everyone else does, in every institution and walk of life.” (Emphasis mine)

Think about that statement for a moment.  In its immediate context he is saying that he does not believe the Boy Scouts of America, a private organization, have the right to determine the guidelines for their own membership.   That is a freedom issue.  But in a broader sense, think about his statement.  He believes gays and lesbians should have equal access and opportunities in "every institution and walk of life."  

That my friends, is a frightening statement, reflecting an equally frightening position.  Every church is an institution.  Every religious college and seminary is an institution.  Every missionary sending agency is an institution.  Let the ramifications of that sink in for a few moments.

The Boy Scouts are in trouble.  This wonderful organization taught me to "be prepared."  It reinforced moral principles that were being taught in my home and church.  It offered practical lessons of life and helped prepare me for manhood. 

I cherish the memories of my scouting experiences.  I remember the night when I was "tapped out" as an Order of the Arrow candidate.  I appreciate the men who modeled manhood and encouraged my progress toward responsible adulthood.  I am grateful for the the principles and convictions that undergirded scouting and added to my own moral development.

The Boy Scouts are in trouble. The cultural war on values is about to claim another victim.  I grieve for generations of young men who will miss what I had. 

Beginnings 2012

God is a god of fresh starts and new beginnings.  I've said that hundreds of times over the years.  Sometimes in the context of a sermon and other times in an intimate counseling setting.  There are times when we just need to be reminded of that fact.  When you look at the pattern of God's activity you will see that new beginnings are built into every area of creation.

Every 24 hours we get to start a new day.  Every seven days we get to start a new week.  Every thirty days (or so) we get to start a new month.  Every 365 years (or in the case of 2012, 366 days) we get to start a new year.  God has designed all of creation around cycles which provide multiple opportunities for fresh starts and new beginnings.  What a blessing!  No wonder Solomon wrote "There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every event under Heaven . . ."  He then proceeded to offer examples of the way life runs in cycles.

Today it is January 2, 2012.  One day is past.  365 are yet to be lived.  Each one provides a wonderful opporunity for a new beginning.  This keeps life fresh and interesting.  I look forward with great anticipation to seeing what each of those days will hold.

Father, I praise You as the ultimate Creator.  Thank you for being a God of fresh starts and new beginnings.

Christmas Music and Movies

We are less that one week away from Christmas Day.  That means I am in full-Christmas mode.  And that means the Christmas music is playing non-stop and the Christmas movies are being watched.  Although I have watched fewer by this time than in previous years.  Joy comes home tonight, so we'll be catching up on the movies.  Some of my favorites include, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, The Christmas Wish, The Santa Clause (1,2 and 3), Christmas With the Kranks, Polar Express, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone (1 and 2), Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Carol (George C Scott version) . . . well, you get the point.  I'm sure I will think of an obvious one that I left out after I publish this blog.

Watching Christmas movies takes time and focus.  Maybe this is why I am a bit behind this year.  It has been a busy season.  Listening to Christmas music is another thing entirely.  I can listen to music and do almost anything.  Therefore, the music stays on most of the time.  I love the classics by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and so many others.  I also enjoy the Christmas music of Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Casting Crowns, Third Day and MercyMe.  This year I have added some new artists to my Christmas play lists; Straight No Chaser, Dave Barnes, Lady Antebellum, Rosie Thomas, Taylor Swift and Michael Bublé

Could you have Christmas without the music and movies?  Absolutely.  But I surely do enjoy those two aspects of Christmas.  It's Monday of Christmas week.  I am looking forward to HDBC's annual Christmas Eve Service this Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. and the Christmas day worship service at 10:15 a.m.  At the heart of it all is the worship of the Son of God.  What a blessing to join with other believers as we worship the King.

Merry Christmas!

Get Started

Through the years I have used a number of different plans for my personal Bible reading.  Right now I am reading through "Acts and the Epistles," a plan that comes with the YouVersion Bible app on my iPhone.  Yep, I often do my personal Bible reading on my iPhone.  What a great time to be alive.  I have the entire Bible with me everywhere I go through the technology of a smart phone. 

There are several good Bible apps available and a number of them offer Bible reading plans.  Need a plan?  Check your smart phone.  Don't have a smart phone?  You can still pick up the book form of your Bible or go online and follow a plan.  The important thing is not the choose the right plan, but to choose a plan and follow it. 

So, get started.  There is an unlimited supply of blessing to those willing to read God's Word.  Check out www.youversion.com for some ideas.

The Culture

I just took a quick look at the hour's headlines.  Quite frankly it is sickening.   I'm thinking, maybe that was a mistake.  And this day was going so well.

High ranking officials at Penn State University are accused of failing to report alleged sexual abuse by a former football coach at the same university.  There are several layers to this story which cause concern.  First and foremost is the possibility that a man sexually abused as many as eight young boys over a period of fifteen years.  That is horrendous.  If it turns out that others knew what was happening and failed to report it, as the media is reporting, then the level of outrage is multiplied. 

Just below this headline is the story about the allegations of sexual harassment that are being brought against presidential candidate Herman Cain.  Only a few know the real truth about that situation.  However, a close look reveals serious problems either way.   If the allegations are true then we now know that Mr. Cain has some serious character issues.  If they are not true, then the accusers are maliciously impugning the character of an innocent man. 

In other news, Dr. Conrad Murry has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson.  Wealth, popularity, power and prestige certainly played a part in the tragic end of a sad life. 

That is as far as I wanted to read.  This much I know . . . these events and so many others are clear reflections of the universality of sin and of the depths to which sinful people will fall.  Some want to naively believe humanity is on the rise toward moral purity.  Not so!  Left to ourselves we would plunge deeper and deeper into the abyss of depravity.  Praise God that we are not left to ourselves.  One of the great comforting statements in the Bible is this: Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.  Grace is the great antidote to the guilt and condemnation that accompany sin. 

Praise God for His amazing grace.

Clarity

Two weeks ago we (HDBC) were presented with the unexpected opportunity to expand our property.  We quickly gathered information, confirmed the details and prayed for clear direction from the Lord.  Through a series of events over the past few days it appeared that the door of opportunity was going to remain open.  Last night, in a unanimous vote, clarity was confirmed.  I am excited about the addition of this property simply because it will enable us to reach and disciple more people for the kingdom.  We do all this for the sake of the Gospel is not just a slogan, but is the motivation of all that we do. 

I praise the Lord for a unified body of believers.
I praise the Lord for a church with a passion for others.
I praise the Lord for a church with a vision for the future.

To God be the glory.

New Opportunities

Sometimes in life we find ourselves suddenly facing new opportunities which seem to come completely by surprise.  A new job opportunity presents itself.  A new relationship is formed.  An invitation to join the board of an organization or ministry of offered.  We may look at these things as random, unexpected opportunities.  However, they are often God's way of leading us down new roads or into new blessings.  This also happens to churches. 

Recently at HDBC we have been presented with some exciting new opportunities.  In the process of exploring the development of a new parking lot, we have discovered the possibility of acquiring additional property which would greatly enhance our options for expansion of our facilities in the future.  Is it a done deal?  While writing this blog I would have to say it certainly is not. But we are exploring the possibility that God may be leading in this direction.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to share this with the HDBC family on Wednesday night, September 7 at 6:30.   I am also trusting the Lord to give clear direction not only to our leaders, but to our entire church family.

Why would we build a new parking lot? 
Why would we consider purchasing additional land?

"We do all this for the sake of the Gospel."  We do these things in order to reach one more person, one more family, one more neighborhood, one more city. 

The Future

It's Monday morning and I am thinking about the future of HDBC.  Two weeks ago we launched The One More Project which involved a change in our Sunday morning schedule which will allow us to expand our small group ministry.  We saw an immediate fifteen percent increase in our small group attendance the first Sunday.  As I am writing this blog, I have not yet received the numbers for the second week.  We learned yesterday that we are now using all of our parking spaces.  It is a good problem to have, but one which we will need to address immediately.  So, I am thinking about the future.

I am thinking about our new Master Planning Team.  They will hold their first meeting this Sunday afternoon.  Their assignment is to develop a master site plan for our facilities and make recommendations on the order in which new buildings and parking should be added.  Much like our recent small group vision team, this team will provide direction for the immediate future.

I am thinking about the possibility of a new children's ministry building.  Our children's ministries are growing at a rapid pace and we need to provide adequate space for these ministries.  I am thinking about an overhaul of our sound system in the worship center.  Our system is old, worn out and failing.  I am excited to know that God will provide to meet this need. 

I am thinking about our new partnership with a Baptist church in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  I am looking forward to meeting the wonderful people of that church and working together with them to reach the people in one of the world's largest cities. 

I am thinking about the people in places where we have ongoing ministries.  Places like Hungary, Malawi, Ivory Coast, France, New Orleans and so many others.

As I am thinking about the future of HDBC, my heart and mind are filled with a sense of anticipation.  God has a plan, and that excites me most of all.

The One More Project

HDBC officially launched The One More Project yesterday.  In spite of some technical problems which were the result of a lightning strike that apparently hit our facilities on Friday night, we had a great day.  Though we had to operate without some of the technical tools that we normally use, we had a fantastic time as we joined voices and hearts in worship, Bible study, fellowship, ministry, connection and spiritual growth.  All three worship celebrations were a blessing.  We rejoice in the three new members during the 9:00 a.m. service.  We praise the Lord for 270 people in small groups.  Now that we have more room and more classes we can continue to reach one more, then one more, then one more . . . until the Lord returns.  And as we have said so many times, we do all this for the sake of the Gospel.

It is such a joy to be a part of this wonderful body of believers.  There is nothing in the world quite like a local church that seeks to love God, connect to others and serve the world.  I will be the first to admit that HDBC is not perfect.  We have our share of flaws.  However, it is thrilling to see so many who are taking seriously the call to discipleship.  May God be glorified through this small band of believers.  May He call us to do great and awesome things in this world for His kingdom and His glory.  May he stretch us, use us, send us, call us, equip us, and mold us into His image.

The local church is the hope of the world.  Thank you Jesus, for this local church.

New Friends

I am multi-tasking.  Yep, I'm surprised as well.  While writing this blog I am chatting with a young man named Adam.  He lives in Hungary.  I met him last week while working in an English language/sports camp in his city.  I'm still a bit amazed at the technology that allows me to chat with someone several thousand miles away, yet it seems like he is in the next room.  Right now we are chatting about the whether in our respective cities, about what kind of truck I have, and about a comment on a Facebook picture.   It was in Hungarian and he was kind enough to translate it for me. It may seem trivial, but it is the kind of converstation that sustains and even builds friendship. 

Last week we spent several hours a day playing ultimate Frizbee, basketball, foosball, ping-pong and softball as we developed new friendships with more than thirty teens and young adults.  We also had one student who was 12 and one who was 59.  In the mornings we taught English and shared about God's amazing love demonstrated in His son, Jesus.  On Friday, three young ladies responded to God's love and became believers in Jesus.  Many others are considering making the same commitment of faith. 

It thrills me to know that the truth about Jesus transcends cultures, ethnic groups and geographic locations.  I'm reminded of the phrase in a great old hymn; Jesus saves, Jesus saved.

Foundations

They are seldom seen, rarely complimented and often ignored, but they are vital to the stability of a building.  I'm thinking about foundations.   The strength and stability of a building is directly related to the integrity of the foundation.  A weak foundation will lead to a weak and dangerous building.

Jesus told a simply story about foundations.  He told of one house built upon a foundation of sand and another built upon a foundation of rock.  All seemed well until the rains fell.  At that point the house built upon the sand came crumbling down.  The house built upon the foundation of rock stood strong, unaffected.  Was there a point?   When Jesus told a story there was always a point. 

These two houses represented two kinds of people.  Some build their lives upon a foundation that is like sand.  It may look good, but when difficulties come their lives crumble.  Others build their lives upon a foundation of rock.  When the difficulties come they are able to stand strong. 

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.  Psalm 18:2

A Strategic Partnership

 

This past week, Jerry and Armentia Adams and myself made a quick trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina to meet with a local pastor named Milton Claussen.  Milton is a bi-vocational pastor of a Baptist church in the heart of a city of 18 million people.  Within a three-mile radious of their church live over 300,000 people, most of whom do not have a personal relationship with Jesus.  This is the only evangelical church in that area.  Their average attendance is fifty.  Reminds me of the words of Jesus . . .

The harvest of plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers.

We are praying about a partnership with Pastor Milton and the Iglesia Christiana Batista  in Buenos Aires to work together in strengthening believers and planting a new church in the region.  HDBC will seek to send three teams (4 members each) per year for three years to work with and alongside this church.  The local church is the hope of the world.  God has called HDBC to take the good news around the world.  This partnership will be one way that we can do so.  I am excited to see how God will direct Pastor Milton and his church, HDBC, and missionaries Mark and Melissa Hobson who are overseeing this partnership. 

Milton and Grace Claussen and their daughter.