The Church’s Finest Hour

Posted on September 28, 2009 by jeff warren

Yesterday I asked, “Could it be that this would be our finest hour?” When is a church’s finest hour? It’s been said that the Church of God does not have a mission in the world; but rather, “the God of mission has a Church in the world.” Our God, the Primary Missionary, came to us in Christ for one reason: to reconcile us to Himself. We worship the God of restoration, redemption, and healing. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 is clear that God’s mission is to reconcile us to Himself through Christ. Now we have become agents (“ambassadors”) of restoration, reconciliation, and grace.

James 5:19-20 says, “My brothers, if any of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

Galatians 6:1-2 says, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Of course, Jesus (as he challenged the Pharisees before the adulteress woman) gives us the definitive word on how we are to respond to our fallen brothers and sisters: “If anyone is without sin, let him throw the first stone at her.” John 8:7.

I’m so grateful that our church (FBC McKinney) is first and foremost a community of grace. The church’s finest hour is when she recognizes the amazing, undeserving, and transforming grace of God and determines to really live in it. I heard it yesterday; I’m hearing it today… Listen to the stones as they hit the ground. That’s the sound of grace in action.

Be diligent to guard your heart and your tongue. Be prayerful, be forgiving, and be hopeful. God’s best for you is yet to come.

See You at the Pole (the office, home, gym, restaurant, etc…?)

Posted on September 23, 2009 by jeff warren

I just got back from “See You at the Pole” Our students were up before the crack of dawn and gathered around the flagpole at their schools and prayed for their teachers, families, and friends. It was so inspiring. I was touched (again) by the raw and unabashed passion of our kids for Christ. I began to wonder what happens to many adults as we get older. I know some adults are praying for their neighbors, their co-workers, and their families. But I know many are not. The Bible tells us that prayer changes things. Jesus told us to pray for His kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven”. We are to pray the very values of the kingdom (read Matthew 5) to come into our daily lives. Pray that you will see God’s kingdom come through you as you seek to be light in your world today. Thank you students for being an example for us all.

The Purpose of the Bible

Posted on September 14, 2009 by jeff warren

At FBC McKinney we’ve been walking through a life-changing series entitled, “God’s BIG Story”. We’re exploring how to read, study, interpret, and apply the Bible. My premise from the start has been to consider the reason God gave us the Bible in the first place. Then, given that larger, Divine purpose, allow it to be the lens through which we understand and apply God’s Word.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible…

is God-breathed. (it’s inspired by God- the writers, prophets, teachers spoke God’s words)
shows us truth. (it shows us which way to go- it gives us the truth about God, us, and all of life)
exposes our rebellion. (it shows us when we get off track- reproofs, refutes error, convicts)
corrects our mistakes. (it shows us how to get back on track- sets straight, corrects)
trains us to live like Jesus. (it shows us how to stay on track- “trains, instructs, disciplines”

God’s Word does all of this; but to what end? “…so that…” (“for this purpose”) that we might be able to live IN righteousness- in conformity to the life of Jesus. So that we might be “fully equipped, completely outfitted, fully furnished, fully supplied” to walk as Jesus did. Everything we need is in the Bible (minus one thing)- the Holy Spirit. As you approach God’s Word you cannot do so without the inward working of the Spirit.

None of this happens magically or by osmosis- you must read it alone and study it with others! And it’s critical to remember that we cannot be obedient to the Lord apart from the work of the Spirit. So many of us already know more than we’re actually applying. In the end, Jesus says, it’s not what you believe that counts, it’s what you believe enough to do!

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46

In the end, all of Scripture points us to one Person who said “follow me.” Today, may you “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) and “walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6).