Spiritual Growth

Consumer Christianity

On April 5, 2011, In business, Church Life, Leadership, Spiritual Growth, by Jeff Calloway

There is a cancer that has been around the American church for decades that needs to be addressed by pastors, ministry leaders, seminaries, denominations, and the person in the pew. That cancer is what is known as Consumer Christianity. I will try to give a simple definition explaining as best as I can. The word [...]

There is a cancer that has been around the American church for decades that needs to be addressed by pastors, ministry leaders, seminaries, denominations, and the person in the pew. That cancer is what is known as Consumer Christianity. I will try to give a simple definition explaining as best as I can. The word consumer is pretty self explanatory in that it is a verb that describes someone who consumes. Being a consumer means that you take and take, and take and rarely ever give back. Take for example the retail segment of our economy. That industry is a consumer driven industry where the retailer has a product and the consumer buys it for their consumption or use. There would be no product unless there were a consumer and there would be nor consumer unless there were a product. A two-edge sword, one creates the other.

In churches across America today we have the same dilemma. A cause/creation factor of the consumer wanting from the church and the church offering up a product that meets the needs of it’s consumers. We want to Live Our Best Life Now with Joel Osteen and find out how to live a Purpose Driven Life with Rick Warren. Our children are fed a diet of Veggie Tales, then when they’re old enough they move onto whatever the coolest current Contemporary Christian Music offering is. Our church culture is filled with church shoppers looking for the best bargain, the best services, the best programs to meet their needs. What in the name of Napoleon Dynamite have we come to?

The problem for the church in America is that it has acquiesced (for you guys in the south, that means to comply/give in) to the consumer and given it what it wants at the sake of the gospel. I know you may be thinking you know where this going. I am going to slam guys like Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Ed Young, Andy Stanley etc… The answer is no. I planted a church that is considered contemporary/edgy/different. Let me warn church planters that you will face this more quickly than you imagine. There will be those who come in with their ideas and agenda as to what your church should be and look like.

What I am talking about is not the church, but the people who are attending. They are shopping for the best product to meet their need, bottom line. What is the problem with that? The problem is that pastors, under pressure to be successful, keep people, increase the finances are willing to acquiesce to keep people from leaving. I am all about reaching people, ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that I focus on reaching people more than I should. I am also about making sure that people have opportunities to grow, serve, and make an impact in their world. What I am about, is not stroking and petting those who want to have their needs met. Don’t be afraid to lose people. I never want to see people go, but there are times when people need to leave and there are times when I was too afraid to lose people that I kept around people that needed to leave.

The damage that is being done here is not to pastors or churches, but to the gospel. Everyone, pastors and congregants both need to realize, be taught that everything is about Jesus. Churches do not exist for pastors or for people to come get their needs met. The church exists for Jesus. It is there to make him famous so that he will be looked at as special, as holy, as the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. Christianity is not about the next greatest Christian novel or the heart touching worship song. It is not about cool buildings, large budget, or the unbelievable children’s programs. Christianity is about Jesus. Church is about Jesus. It is for him and by him!

America. A Christian Nation?

On March 19, 2010, In Spiritual Growth, by Jeff Calloway

I have on several occassions made the comment that I believe that America is no longer a Christian nation. I based that comment and belief on the documented research of The Barna Group and The MIssional Research Center. Basically, we are a nation with a population of 300 million plus people and it is estimated [...]

I have on several occassions made the comment that I believe that America is no longer a Christian nation. I based that comment and belief on the documented research of The Barna Group and The MIssional Research Center. Basically, we are a nation with a population of 300 million plus people and it is estimated that the large majority of the population are not Christian as defined by evangelical standards. Those standards which are rooted in biblical scripture include, but are not inclusive: the belief in a Creator – God, the belief in the existence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit existing as one entity in the form of three individuals, that the Son Jesus came to earth to atone for men’s sins, that Jesus is the only way to the Father and thus eternal life in heaven, the belief in a literal heaven and hell, the belief that Jesus will return and judge humankind, and the belief that we re to follow and imitate Jesus and live out his teachings.

I will confess here and now that I have changed my mind. I do believe that America is a “Christian” nation. Let me explain. I just gave a very brief description of the core beliefs of an evangelical Christian. Let me give you the definition that most Americans have of “Christian” which will be broad and very over-arching. For the majority of Americans, Christian means I do good to others, attend church ocassionaly, be a good citizen and top it off with donating a small percentage of your time and money to charitable causes. Now, some people might say they are are Christian because their Mother was Christian or because they attended Sunday School when they were a kid. With these kinds of definitions, I do believe our country is full of “Christians.”

But what about followers of Christ, believers, disciples? How many Americans refer to themselves this way? I am a follower of Jesus. I count myself as one of his disciples not because I live in the land of the free or the home of the brave, but because He lives in me.

Could it be possible that there is such a thing as a Christian Atheist? Christian Atheist you say! Could there be such a thing? Craig Groeschel is releasing a book with that title and he defines a CA as - Someone who believes in God, but lives as though He doesn’t exist. Now that is what I am talking about when I address this problem of using the term Christian lightly.

Wisdom vs. Knowledge

On March 5, 2010, In Jeff's random thoughts, Spiritual Growth, by Jeff Calloway

Have you noticed that common sense is not so common. It is actually a challenge to find people who have good old common sense. A lot of smart people are not too wise. They may be educated but they don’t have wisdom. They may have all kinds of degrees but they’re a wash out with relationships. It’s not a [...]

Have you noticed that common sense is not so common. It is actually a challenge to find people who have good old common sense. A lot of smart people are not too wise. They may be educated but they don’t have wisdom. They may have all kinds of degrees but they’re a wash out with relationships. It’s not a matter of what you say with your lips but a matter of what you live with your life. Not a matter of your words but of your works. Not so much the diplomas on the wall, but your disposition that really shows how wise you are. Wisdom is applying the knowledge you have to every day life in building better and stronger relationships. Wisdom is applying that knowledge to your life in order to make a positive impact on howyou live your life in a proper relationship with others.

Wisdom Is Shown Through Our Life

It has nothing to do with your intelligence. It has everything to do with your relationships and your character.

“Who is wise and understanding among you. Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from
wisdom.” James 3:13

There are two sources of wisdom. One is “worldly” in nature the other is Divine in nature. One comes from below the other comes from above. If you are going to live a better life you must live life with the Godly wisdom that’s from above.

Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

A Lack Of Godly Wisdom Causes Problems

James 3:14-16 says: ”If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart don’t boast about it and deny the truth. Such `wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, even of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition there you find disorder and every evil practice.” Lack of wisdom causes all kinds of disorder and problems, and chaos. Do you have confusion in your home? Do you have chaos at work? Is your life a mess? If you can’t get it all together you lack wisdom. It causes all kinds of problems in our lives.

How can I know if I’m wise?

James in v. 17, lists the characteristics of wise people. “But wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace
loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

Pure means uncorrupted, authentic.

Integrity. If I’m really genuine, if I’m wise, I’m not going to lie to you, I’m not going to cheat you, I’m not going to manipulate you, I’m not going to be deceitful. I’m not going to try to take advantage of you. I’ll be a person of integrity.
Because all relationships are built on trust and respect. If you don’t have honesty who’s going to trust you? If you don’t have honesty who’s going to respect you? You have to have integrity in your life.

I won’t make you angry. Wise people work at maintaining harmony. You ever met someone who is always arguing, always looking for a fight? I heard about one guy who was so argumentative he would only eat food that disagreed with him. If I’m smart, if I’m wise in relationships, I won’t compromise my integrity and I won’t antagonize your
anger.

Proverbs 14:29″A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes.” How many of you have ever done something stupid in anger? Anger causes mistakes.

“Wisdom is considerate” and ”considerate” means “mindful of the feelings of others“. James says, wise people are considerate; they don’t minimize other people’s feelings. I don’t have to accept them but I can understand them. James says if I’m wise in relationships I will not minimize your feelings. I’ll be considerate.

A wise person can learn from anybody. He’s not defensive. He’s open to reason. He’s not stubborn. He’s willing to listen and learn. “Wisdom is submissive”. This word is used only one time in the New Testament. It doesn’t really mean submissive. It really means reasonable, willing to listen, willing to be open to ideas and suggestions.

Are you a reasonable person? Can your kids reason with you? The Bible says if you’re wise, you’re reasonable. You’re open to suggestions. “Don’t confuse me with the facts; I’ve made up my mind. When I want your opinion, I’ll give it to you.”

Proverbs 12:15″The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”

“Wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit.” Do you jump on people every time they blunder, every time they make a fault and fumble it? Do you always use everybody in your family as the butt of your joke. That’s dumb. Wisdom is full of mercy. I won’t emphasize your mistakes. Do you ever let people go, or do you keep hounding about their past mistakes? Wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit.” Good fruit is kind actions, it’s something you do. You don’t just show sympathy. You don’t just say, “I feel for you… You brought it all on yourself.” You do something about it. You take action. It’s a kindness. It’s being a doer of the word. A mark of a wise person is they don’t try to hide and disguise who they are. “Wisdom is impartial and sincere.” The King James say’s without hypocrisy. It means to be honest and sincere. It means to be straightforward, right on. James says if you’re smart and wise, you’re not phony. You don’t wear masks and try to be something you’re not. Be yourself, don’t try to be something you are not just to impress others. Proverbs 28:13 “You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins

How do I get wisdom? How do I become one of those wise people in relationships so that I have that peace that everybody is talking about? Do I just make a New Year’s Resolution — Today I’m going to be wise! No. This is the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge comes from education. Wisdom comes from God. To get knowledge you look around. To get wisdom you look up. Knowledge comes from reason. Wisdom comes from revelation. Knowledge is something you learn. Wisdom is a gift.

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” Wisdom is a gift from God.. “Ask of God who gives generously.” He loves to give.

Colossians 2:3 NLT “The secret is Christ Himself. In Him lie hidden all God’s treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

It’s all wrapped up in a person, Jesus Christ. If you want God’s wisdom get Jesus in your life. You invite Him into you life and say, “Christ, think Your thoughts through my mind and say Your words through my mouth. Help people through my hands. Love people with my heart. And put Your wisdom in my mind.” The wisest thing I ever did was give my life to Jesus Christ. That’s where wisdom comes from. When you get God’s wisdom in your life, day by day, as you allow Him into your life and develop your character, you’ll find your relationships getting better and better.

The Bible Is Full Of Lies

On March 4, 2010, In Religion, Spiritual Growth, by Jeff Calloway

Maybe the title of this post grabbed your attention and you wanted to see the lies that are in the Bible. I guarantee that there are lies in the Bible, but they are not spoken by God, Christ, the apostles or the prophets, but the Bible is full of lies. The first lies can be [...]

Maybe the title of this post grabbed your attention and you wanted to see the lies that are in the Bible. I guarantee that there are lies in the Bible, but they are not spoken by God, Christ, the apostles or the prophets, but the Bible is full of lies. The first lies can be found in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. Lying started right from the beginning and continues today.

For example:

• It’s a good thing you came in today. We have only two more of those items in stock.
• I promise to pay you back out of my next paycheck.
• Five pounds is nothing on a person with your height.
• But Officer, I only had two beers.
• You made it yourself? I never would have guessed.
• Go ahead and tell me, I promise I won’t get mad.
• So glad you dropped by. I wasn’t doing a thing.
• You don’t look a day over forty.
• The baby is just beautiful.
• Put the map away. I know exactly how to get there.
• And of course, the three biggest lies: I did it. I didn’t do it. I can’t remember.

The majority of lies that we find in the Bible are perpetrated by Satan. Satan spoke lie after lie to Eve and to us today:

➢ It’s all right to doubt God and what He says Genesis 3:1
94% Of America reads their Bible but 38% believes the Bible is not 100% truth
➢ Convinces us that sin doesn’t have consequences Genesis 3:4
➢ His lies make us delusional (can’t see the truth for the lie) Genesis 3:5
You Can Be like God!!!!

WHAT MUST I DO TO TRUST GOD? This is the most important issue in your life. There are other important issues, but this is the most important one. But if you miss the most important question , “Who am I going to live for?” that has eternal implications. Heaven and hell are in the balance. This is the question of purpose. You’re going to live for someone. You’re going to live for the approval of the world or the approval of your boss or the approval of a spouse or someone else or for yourself. Or you’re going to live for God who made you and made you for a reason.

You’ve got to start by committing your life to Christ. What does it mean to commit my life to Christ? Jesus made it so simple, nobody could say it was too hard to understand. He said, “Here’s what you do if you want to be saved and commit your life to Me. You first believe God raised Christ from the dead (that’s what Easter is all about) and then confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.” Circle “Lord”. The word “Lord” is an Old English word for “the guy in charge, the CEO, the boss, the manager, the director.” God wants to be the director of your life. He wants to be the manager of your life. He has a plan for it.

Every commitment that you make in your life has a cost, a price tag. It has a benefit and a cost. And you have to look at that commitment and say, “Is the benefit worth the cost?” Every time you make a keep a commitment, you’re growing mature. You’re growing character, building maturity in your life.

What’s the cost of following Christ? You give up control of your life and put Jesus Christ in charge. You say, “No longer am I going to go out for my plans but I’m going to say `God, I want to fulfill the plan You put me on earth for. I want to be the person You want me to be. I want to do the things You want me to do.” That’s the cost and it’s very clear and it’s very up front.

What’s the benefit? In the first place, you get all your sins forgiven. Second, you get power for living. Third, you get a purpose in life. Fourth, you get heaven when you die. A pretty good deal. You’ve got to settle this first issue. If you haven’t done this yet, do it today. Open your life. Say “Jesus Christ, I open my heart to You. I want to commit myself to You the rest of my life.” Do that. But that’s just the foundation. Once you’ve committed your life to Christ there is so much more that God has in store for you.

Satan’s main attack on Eve was getting her to doubt the Bible, the Word of God.
2 Samuel 22:31 ”As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.” If you believe that the Bible is basically a good book, but it has errors and some of it can’t be trusted as accurate, then you’re going to have a hard time following what I’m about to say. If you doubt what the Bible says, then you doubt God. And if you doubt God then you doubt that Jesus is is Son, and if you doubt that Jesus is His Son, the you doubt that Jesus is the only way to heaven, and if you doubt that Jesus is the only way to heaven, then you doubt if you’re going to heaven, and if you doubt that you are going to heaven, guess what,you probably won’t go to heaven. Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

By Reading It Daily

By Living It Each Moment
Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, ”It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

By Sharing It With Others
1 Timothy 4:13 Until I get there, read and explain the Scriptures to the church; preach God’s Word.

Dreaming or Dying

On February 26, 2010, In Jeff's random thoughts, Spiritual Growth, by Jeff Calloway

If you are not dreaming, if you don’t have a goal for life and if you do not have a vision, you are dying. Because you’re either growing or you’re dying. We develop our dreams and then they develop us. Our dreams define us. I believe when an ordinary person is committed to a great dream, it [...]

If you are not dreaming, if you don’t have a goal for life and if you do not have a vision, you are dying. Because you’re either growing or you’re dying. We develop our dreams and then they develop us. Our dreams define us. I believe when
an ordinary person is committed to a great dream, it makes that person a great person. If you want to be healthy, you
must have a dream to live for. God expects you to use your imagination.

In Ephesians 3:20-21 the apostle Paul writes, ““Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in you, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations.” God’s dream for you hasn’t changed. He is still able to do more than we could ever think or imagine according to His power, not ours. God’s dream for your life is for His glory, not yours. I am reminded that God’s vision is about people. God loves people more than anything. That is why you are alive. You are not a biological entity. Even though it was through biological processes that you were conceived and continue to develop physiologically, you have God’s fingerprints all over you. He created you to love you and for you to love Him back. The more we love God, the less fear we will have. It is a matter of trust. When we realize that God will take care of us, it relieves our fear.

Open your heart to God’s love. When you do, He can work in your life to bring fulfillment, joy, success, and service to Him. When you open your heart to Him, you are inviting Him to be the one and only leader of your life on this short journey on earth and for the time that we call eternity. If you really, really want God to work his vision in your life you must learn to love Him and other people who walk this life with us. Love is not a feeling; it is a verb in action. I can best define love in this manner – love is when you are willing to sacrifice yourself for the good of another. When you experience this kind of love you don’t have to worry about fear.

Over the years of reading and attending conferences I have come across many people that God has done a “God thing” in their life, family, or church. It is amazing to hear the stories of people who have prayed for an unsaved family member for years, to see them become Christ followers and to see churches that have exploded with growth by reaching the multitudes of their world who didn’t know Christ. God’s vision for the world is still the same today as it was 2,000 years ago and that is to see those who are lost come to know Him through his Son Jesus. That is His dream for the world. What’s yours?

Science of Happiness

On February 24, 2010, In Jeff's random thoughts, People, Religion, Spiritual Growth, by Jeff Calloway

From Time magazine dated Janauary 17, 2005, the cover story was titled, “The Science of Happiness.” The article deals much with the “psychology” of happiness. Some interesting statistics in the article report that based on their own assessment, Americans are overwhelmingly happy and optimistic people regardless of their income. The top four answers that people [...]

From Time magazine dated Janauary 17, 2005, the cover story was titled, “The Science of Happiness.” The article deals much with the “psychology” of happiness. Some interesting statistics in the article report that based on their own assessment, Americans are overwhelmingly happy and optimistic people regardless of their income. The top four answers that people gave to what makes them happy were: Children/grandchildren – 35%, Family – 17%, God/faith/religion – 11%, and Spouse – 9%. One thing that struck me while reading this article is that people are trying to find happiness in every nook and corner of their lives. It seems that the majority of us are searching for happiness, the American dream. Is happiness attainable and if so how?

In John Piper’s book, When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight For Joy, he states, “One of the most important discoveries I have ever made is this truth: God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in him.” I remember as a boy there was a spring in the woods on the property adjacent to our property. I don’t know who, but someone had build a small concrete dam to pool the water so that it could be easily accessed. In order to get a drink of the refreshing water, you had to get on your knees and drink the water from your cupped hand. It was perhaps some of the best water I have ever drank. It brought refreshment to my body and quenched my thirst. In our underlying search for happiness, that is the premise, to have a thirst quenched.I don’t know about you, but I want to be happy. I want my wife to be happy. I want my daughters to be happy.

Does God want us to be happy? Is it sinful for Christians to be happy? Sometimes it appears that the answer to that question is yes and sometimes it seems to be no. I am in the process of reading When I Don’t Desire God: How To Fight For Joy, a book written by John Piper. I highly reccomend this book as it addresses the question of Does God want us to be happy and experience joy. Two weeks ago at a men’s retreat, I took the opportunity to share on the subject Loving God For Who He Is, in which I addressed the topics of happiness in the Lord, joy in the Lord, delight in the Lord and desire in the Lord. I shared that happiness happens when we are pursuing God. In our formative years as a believer in Christ we were taught to pursue godliness and you would find joy. We were taught to be obedient to God and His Word and someday we would experience happiness. The Bible teaches us we can be happy, joyful and delight in the Lord now, (Psalm 37:4, Psalm 100:2, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 42:1-2, Matthew 6:21, Psalm 16:11). Nowhere in the Bible does God condemn people for longing to be happy. People are condemned for forsaking God and seeking their happiness elsewhere (Jeremiah 2:13).

In my pursuit of God, I will become more like Christ – willing to serve, longing to love, able to forgive. Those attributes that we have tried to achieve by our own effort will happen naturally, or should I say supernaturally.

In the past I have heard well intentioned people make a statement that happiness was temporary and joy was eternal. Perhaps you have heard a variation of that statement to some degree. The premise is that you can’t really enjoy happiness while you are here on earth, but that it is something that will be realized after this life. When we examine scriptures, there is a very strong arguement that happiness can be achieved in this life and should be pursued. I will admit that for the greater part of my life, my belief in this area has been; serve and be obedient to God and His Word, then I will have joy. Happiness is not a science, it is not an emotion, it is not a state of mind. Happiness is found in knowing God, desiring God, delighting in God, and pursuing God.

I will be sharing more on this subject later.

House of Prayer

On February 5, 2010, In Church Life, Spiritual Growth, by Jeff Calloway

Have you noticed something about Jesus’ comments about church? He tells Peter that the truth Peter spoke is the foundational truth of the church – “You are Christ/Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” One statement Jesus made has recently grabbed my heart and is changing my life – “My house shall be called a [...]

Have you noticed something about Jesus’ comments about church? He tells Peter that the truth Peter spoke is the foundational truth of the church – “You are Christ/Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” One statement Jesus made has recently grabbed my heart and is changing my life – “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” Too often we make His house a house of music, a house of teaching, a house of programs or a even a house of cards. Music is great, teaching is needed, programs – well… Jesus wants his house to be a place of prayer.

Is your church a house of prayer?

Fasting For Spiritual Reasons

On January 26, 2009, In Spiritual Growth, by Jeff Calloway

I have written on fasting here in this blog several times before and want to address the subject once again. This topic is personal to me due to the reality that I fast at lengths a few times a year. It just so happens that I came off a long term fast this past week. [...]

I have written on fasting here in this blog several times before and want to address the subject once again. This topic is personal to me due to the reality that I fast at lengths a few times a year. It just so happens that I came off a long term fast this past week. I fasted for nineteen days as I have been desiring a deeper and more personal walk with Jesus and seeking clarity on God's vision for my life and for the life of Bridge Church. They type of fast that I carried out was a water and juice fast. For nineteen days I survived on water and juice and lots of prayer.

Fasting long term is not for the faint of heart. Your resolve will be tested. Your faith will be tested. As a follower of Jesus, you will come under attack by the enemy. Not everyone will be lead to do a long term fast, but if you are in good health and do not have any major medical problems, I would suggest you try this type of fast (check with your Dr. first). I have done several long term fasts before, ranging form three to twenty-one days and have walked away each time refreshed and focused.

Joy Amist The Madness

On December 18, 2008, In Spiritual Growth, by Jeff Calloway

Crowds are synonymous with Christmas. Haven’t you noticed? The Malls are packed, the check out lines wind around forever, the roads are crammed with cars, airports are jammed, even churches have a few more people than normal. Even our homes are teeming with additional decorations, parties, and activities. The problem with crowds at Christmas is [...]

Crowds are synonymous with Christmas. Haven’t you noticed? The Malls are packed, the check out lines wind around forever, the roads are crammed with cars, airports are jammed, even churches have a few more people than normal. Even our homes are teeming with additional decorations, parties, and activities. The problem with crowds at Christmas is that they tend to trample Jesus. We get so involved in the shopping that we miss the Savior. We are so busy with travel that Jesus is left home alone. We are in such a hurry at Christmas that we aren’t living well, our souls are in need of a break, if not intensive care.

The first Christmas, in some respects, was not unlike Christmas today. The tiny town of Bethlehem was crowded. People were stirring everywhere. People were probably sleeping on the streets, in alleys, or anywhere else they could find a spot. The merchants were up earlier than usual waiting for the influx of visitors to purchase their wares. The barking of street dogs and the complaint of donkeys pulling carts awakened children.

The owner of the inn had awakened earlier than most in the town. His inn was full. All the beds were taken. People were everywhere, on mats, in chairs, curled up in every corner.

The crowds and the clamor hushed the cry of the baby born outside the inn probably in a cave, placed in a manager, normally reserved for sheep, for a bed. The baby boy was wrapped in strips of clothing to keep him warm. And, God, the proud father, sent out a birth announcement like none other. And it should be like none other because never before had God taken on human flesh. The transcendent God was now living in human flesh. This child, God incarnate, would change the world. The citizens of Bethlehem did not hear the announcement of the baby. The tiny town was too jam-packed, too noisy, too consumed, too preoccupied. The mayor of Bethlehem didn’t get the announcement. The High Priest in Jerusalem was left out of the loop. So, too, was Caesar Augustus and the members of his Royal court. None of the officials, none of the power brokers received the announcement.

The announcement of Jesus’ birth came to sheepherders. Sheepherders? Sheepherders were today’s social equivalent of a homeless person living on the street who does odd jobs for minimal pay. Sometimes we don’t hear God because it’s too crowded and loud. If God would speak to those who are outcast by society, overlooked by religious leaders, and outside the hustle and bustle of the city, then if I get in a similar place I can hear him speak to me. If God spoke to the shepherds, then there is hope for me.

Calculated Risk

On March 20, 2008, In Spiritual Growth, by Jeff Calloway

Do you remember the scene in the third Indiana Jones movie where he went through all those traps in order to save his father? The last trap he encountered happened as he came up to the edge of a cliff. He has a deep chasm in front of him, and he is told to take [...]

indianajoneslastcrusadestepoffaith Do you remember the scene in the third Indiana Jones movie where he went through all those traps in order to save his father? The last trap he encountered happened as he came up to the edge of a cliff. He has a deep chasm in front of him, and he is told to take a step forward into the seemingly nothingness. He steps forward and he lands on a rock ridge. It’s not a bad picture of faith. God tells us to step forward. We don’t know where we’re headed but we land on solid rock. Some people call faith a leap in the dark. I guess you could call it that. I’d rather call it a step into the light. God gives you the next step but not necessarily the step after that, so it’s a little bit scary. You cannot always see where you’re going. That is the risk of faith.

There are moments in our lives when we come to that cliff, where we have to take the risk of faith. What risk of faith are you on the edge of right now? Maybe it’s the risk that you’ve been going to church and hearing about Jesus Christ and realizing there’s something to this. “There’s something to this. I’m being drawn to it.” You want to keep finding out more, but there’s also something in you that wants to retreat from it. It’s a little scary. You have found that He is a God who loves you, there is a church that cares about you and there is something practical that fits into your life. Are you going to retreat, or are you going to run away, or are you going take the risk of faith and follow this through to the end? That’s the risk. Maybe it’s the greatest risk of faith God is challenging you to take right now in your life: To step over that line where you say, “Jesus, I want to live my life for you. I want to give my life to you. I need you to forgive the wrong things that I’ve done. I need you to direct and guide my life.”

If you do not take that risk of faith, what you are giving up: love from God, security and peace in your heart, adventure satisfaction in life? If you don’t take that risk of faith, what joy are you giving up in your life? Let me quickly remind you, when you take that risk you will face challenges. Challenges that will include fighting our enemy (Satan), temptation to quit, as well as many other obstacles placed in our path. Putting faith into practice is not a cakewalk or a bed of roses. It can be painful, so be prepared to go to battle and receive some scars.