Brian Nall's Blog

Book Review: The Treasure Principle

2011-06-12T14:24:00.012-05:00

Randy Alcorn's The Treasure Principle is a must read for every Christian. So often our heart and faith is intricately attached to our finances, thereby limiting our spiritual development according to how much we have in our checking account.

The 6 chapters of TTP break apart our faith-restricting financial hold by discovering how valuable the kingdom of God is in comparison to our selfish pursuits, freeing us up to maximize our resources for eternal payoffs through giving, gaining a perspective on our money by keeping our focus on eternity and not the now, overcoming various roadblocks and excuses that we so readily throw up to generous giving and eternal living, and providing a step by step process for launching into a life of giving

Besides the richness of the first 6 chapters, the last part of the book is with the investment. The giving covenant (pg. 96) helps to formalize our commitment to the giving principle. Lastly, the last section "31 Radical, Liberating Questions to Ask God About Your Giving" will bring the principles of the book into the backyard of every reader causing personal reflection rooted in biblical references.

Pick it up today and get another for a new Christian.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Review of "Radical Together"

2011-04-30T15:29:00.004-05:00

Just as in Radical, David’s first book, Radical Together (RT) is 6 chapters that will drive every pastor, church leader, and even church-goer to consider the Christian journey, and in this case the collective journey of the church, as the Bible designed it instead of how the American dream has reshaped it.

Chapter 1: “Tyranny of the Good” – Platt combats the present–Church philosophy that busyness equals godliness by recognizing that within the organization of the church there are a plethora of “good” options to keep oneself busy but very few that lead a person to embrace why the church exists – to make disciples. Therefore, it is essential to put everything up for sacrifice in order to achieve the God-ordained mission of the church.

Chapter 2: “The Gospel Misunderstood” – Many faithful church attendees live out their Christian life attached to the church pew under the guise that they are entering heaven on the wings of grace of which works plays no part. Platt reaffirms the God’s sole plan of grace, but drives the principle that the way grace is completely embraced is when it is lived out in works that accomplish the will of God. RT gives numerous examples of how the Church of Brook Hills, the church Platt Pastors in Birmingham, is living out what they learn from scripture.

Chapter 3: “God is Saying Something” – In this chapter Platt elevates the role of the Bible within the church due to recent trends within evangelicalism to promote other forms of connecting with God under the belief that scripture has a challenge to connect with present culture. But RT practically leads you to “trust the word” and in so doing it will “unleash the potential of God’s people in the world.” And when this occurs the church relies on the infinite power of scripture instead of the abilities of the church leadership.

Chapter 4: “The Genius of Wrong” - This chapter puts the frequent used model of “just get’em here and the pastor will do the rest” on its head by pointing out the exponential affect the church can have when people are trained to engage their community and disciple those who are around them. Platt (as does scripture) places the responsibility of discipleship upon all Christians and not just those who are deemed professional.

Chapter 5: “Our Unmistakable Task” – The world is the focus. Responding from his first assignment as Pastor of Brook Hills to identify the target in to community, Platt shows how the focus must be the world (while not ignoring the community). To this end the church must participate in all forms of reaching the world’s people groups

Chapter 6: “The God Who Exalts God” – “We are to be selfless followers of a self-centered God. But the problem is that we often reverse this in the church. We become self-centered followers of a selfless God.” (that about says it all.)

I intend to use the Small-Group Discussion Guide located in the back of the book to guide my church and others to evaluate how well we are aligned to the biblical principles Platt puts forth in Radical Together.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

A Life Lesson without the Training Wheels

2011-04-18T14:32:00.004-05:00

A couple of months ago my daughter Baleigh developed a resolve to ride her bike without training wheels. She had put off this feat until she polled her class and learned she was one of the few who hadn't embraced the world of 2-wheeling. Being the class-loving instructional guy i am, I gave her a verbal lesson on everything she needed to know in order to know how to go w/o training wheels; balance, speed, safety, band-aids. I figured since I enjoyed teaching and her being a good listener this would be a piece of cake. Boy was i wrong. Before I knew it i found myself in the grass of our backyard getting my cardio exercise holding onto her seat and she launched out. Phrases such as, "Always keep your eye on where you want to go; and,"Don't Stop peddling" were coming from my mouth. Before I knew it she had gone solo a whopping 5 feet, and I needed a break. On Day 2 I reverted back to oral instruction but quickly learned that was not going to cut it. So, instead of running behind her a few steps, I held on for several laps around the yard and then quietly let go while I kept cheer-leading for her to keep peddling (and don't run into your brother).

As I was feeling like Forest Gump running across America, a discipleship lesson began to flood through my mind. All too often churches can be guilty of meeting people with a deep resolve to grow in their faith but often the next step is to just put them in a class to hear oral instruction from those who are already experiencing faith on two wheels. But such a process isn't good enough (and was not what Jesus modeled). I don't believe people are looking for another class to attend; rather, i believe people desire someone who has been where they are to run behind them throughout life in order for them to strengthen their walk (or ride) through this world.

People need those who will run behind them encouraging, instructing, adjusting, and reassuring. Is it exhausting work, yes. But whoever said coming alongside someone else was easy.

So if you have ever had the desire to grow in your faith but found yourself in a classroom still needing training wheels, I'm sorry. As a pastor, we should have done better. We must do better. I'll run with you.

FYI: by the end of day 3 Baleigh was riding around the block (w/o training wheels).

Happy Monday,
BNall

Book Review: If God is Good (Randy Alcorn)

2011-04-04T14:47:00.007-05:00

I chose this book to review because of the enormous amount of questions continually asked me from the voices of the hurting who are trying to reconcile evil and suffering while embracing a God often singularly defined by love. When I first opened the box I must admit that I was overwhelmed by the size of Randy Alcorn’s work (495 pages, 11 sections, and 45 chapters); however, what I unearthed as I journeyed through the pages was biblically-grounded answers to questions thought by everyone but generally only voiced by those who are the victims of evil or who find themselves in the pit of suffering.

If God is Good begins with the origin of evil and suffering and defines the terms under a biblically-centered framework (sections 1-2). Randy Alcorn takes the time to provide adequate rationale as to how other worldviews (a framework of thinking) breakdown when trying to grapple with evil and suffering and God (sections 3-4). In addressing conversations with those who struggle to mention God and evil and suffering in the same sentence, Alcorn provides logical explanations as to how a loving God who has given free will upon His creation must allow the same humanity to choose evil and suffering because that same freedom of choice also leads humanity to choose the greater good which freely express love to others and toward Himself; therefore, without that freedom humanity would be reduced to puppets who are emotionless, having with a limited view of great since there is no evil to measure against. And despite our freedoms, both good and bad, God still works to bring about what is best even though it does not occur within our time frame (sections 5-8). It is under this explanation of God working to bring about perfect good and evil that Alcorn describes how Heaven and Hell help to perfectly satisfy the demands for justice or award that humanity so quickly cries out for and God’s holiness demands as a “good” God (section 7). Sections 9-10 (chapters 34-45) provide a framework for dealing with those circumstances where answers are generally slow to come (e.g. pointless suffering, children as victims) and while using such circumstances to bring glory to God, to develop the character of the individual, and even to bless others. In these final sections, as throughout the entire text, Alcorn is honest about what cannot be known about evil and suffering in light of what God has revealed in the Bible and suggests that the best response is to trust the God whose understanding of circumstances infinitely exceeds our finite perception of reality.

I highly recommend If God is God for those heading into the storms of life, in the middle of a storm, or just coming out of one (I guess that is pretty much everyone).

For His Fame,

Brian

["I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"]

Buy it today: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com

The Grid-Iron Gospel

2011-02-07T14:35:00.006-06:00

In the game of football there are two flags: the yellow penalty flag and the red challenge flag. As you watch a game or if you just know the game of football, the yellow flag is thrown by the referee whenever He observes that a player has broken one of the rules: off-sides, holding, pass interference, personal foul, roughing the passer, delay of game, etc. As a result, a penalty is assessed against that player or team

The red challenge flag is relatively new when considering the history of football. In 1999, the NFL introduced the red challenge flag as a part of the instant replay system. With the red challenge flag it is the Head Coach for each team who holds this flag and then when he believes that a referee has made a call he believes to be in error he throws the flag onto the field forcing the Head referee to review the video footage of the play. While the yellow flag can be thrown an unlimited number of times, the red flag has limits – only two times per half, but the coach better know what he is doing because if he is wrong it will cost him a timeout.

Such is the game of football, but there is also something very similar in the game of life. Whether we like it or not all of us play this game, no one gets to sit on the sidelines. Some of you have been playing this game a few years and others a few decades.

Like the game of football the game of life has rules, guidelines that we must abide by. These aren’t made by people in a political office somewhere; rather, they are made by God Himself. This week, as part of my reading through the Bible, I came to Exodus 20 when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Of course these aren’t all the guidelines that God man to guide His pursuit of holiness, but just 10. Let’s consider them for a moment:

1 – have no other gods but Him

2 – have no idols

3 – don’t misuse the name of the Lord

4 – remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy

5 – Honor your father and your mother

6 – Don’t murder

7 – Don’t commit adultery

8 – Don’t steal

9 – Don’t lie

10 – Don’t covet something that belongs to another

Now consider the game of life that you have played so far, have you broken any of these rules just one time? If you answered yes to any one of these, you have broken the rules of the game God has created; therefore a penalty must be assessed. Let’s consider that from two different angles.

First, God is the referee. God is a good God; therefore, He has an obligation as a good God to yellow flag us when we sin just as a good referee would yellow flag a player – its called conviction. We would not say a ref is good if He overlooked it, but rather when He called each play perfectly.

On the other hand, think of Satan as the referee. He is running around in and out of our life accusing us of everything we do and standing over us enjoying the times when we fall.

What’s the difference? God’s conviction is to spur us toward holiness, Satan’s accusation is to move us toward destruction.

Now what might seem like a helmet to helmet collision in our mind is how both of these work together: God’s convicting and Satan’s accusing. The truth is all of us are going to find ourselves at a moment in life where they are greatly matter because all of us are going to have to give an answer to God for the way we lived our life and if any sin is in our life – if we have broken just one of God’s rules, then we are disqualified from heaven.

That’s where the red challenge flag comes in and Jesus Christ is the one who has it in His back pocket. Listen to the words written by John, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples: “¹My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. ²He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Jesus knew several things: one, that we are going to break God’s rules (that’s who we are); two, that a penalty has to be assessed and that penalty was death; and three, that Satan enjoyed running around accusing us- helpless to do anything about it.

And so Jesus, knowing these things, didn’t just throw in the red flag, He threw Himself in to take the accusation of Satan upon Himself and to take the penalty due us upon Himself so we didn’t have to pay it.

Colossians 2:13-14 says, “¹³When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature,God made youalive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, ¹⁴having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.

Does everyone get this? Well, it’s available to all, but God gives you the choice if you want to let Jesus in your life or if you want Him to remain on the sidelines. But if you want Jesus in your life it will require something of you – He calls all the shots. Remember those words of John the disciple. Here’s what he said next. ³We know that we have come to know him if we obey His commands. ⁴The man who says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⁵But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him: ⁶Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”

That’s what’s Jesus did and that is what is required of you. What’s the result. John wrote that too, ¹²Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— (Life’s Super Bowl champs)

There it is. That is how you win at the game of life. Huddle time is over. Let’s get to it.

If interested let me know and feel free to share your comments.

For His Fame,

BNall

pre-Sunday thoughts

2011-01-22T20:24:00.005-06:00

in 12 hours the fhbc campus will start to awaken with another Sunday of ministry and Sunday activities. though i have preached thousands of times there is still a bit of apprehension as i consider my goal of the day - for the fame of God to increase and lives to be eternally changed. though our team has prepped the campus, prepared lessons, created and loaded a/v, and i have written the message (though i always think i have a long way to go) there is still a big chasm to cross to reach the goal, a chasm that can only be crossed when God shows up and rides the prayers of His people to make an eternal impact. much prep is still needed before tomorrow morning so that our gathering is much more than a time where we dispense religious goods and services. prayer is needed. much prayer. not praying that our plans would go well, but that God would embrace our gathering place. join me.

2010-06-01T16:20:00.003-05:00

Let me recommend a book for you to read this summer (or this week if it best suits you). The book, "Same Kind Of Different As Me." This true story counts the collision of two families from what most would consider the opposite sides of the track.
For those of you who like learning history about life in the south - this book is for you. If you like a good cry - this book is also for you (I'm not a crier, but there are parts when people who like to cry can take part). Finally, if you would like to reach out to shape the life of another person, then definitely pick up a copy today. I know I'll be thinking through what I read in these pages for a long time to come.

Just Keep Swimming,
BNall

Pivotal Conversations

2010-05-10T06:17:00.004-05:00

Throughout life pivotal conversations will happen that determine the steps ahead (some would contend that every conversation is pivotal). There are some conversations we enjoy having and others that we are searching for a detour.

As a pastor I often hear it said, "Life would be so easy if it wasn't for the people." While sometimes such a statement can be tempting to embrace, the rest of life would be lonely and quite uneventful. But there are sometimes when unpleasant conversations must take place and no detour is available.

It's at these moments that reveal who you are as much as shape who you want to become. When these moments arrive, we must be sure that we speak the truth; speak the truth in love; and continue to have our conversation always be full of grace so that the other person is built up and not torn apart.

Is there a conversation that must take place with someone whom you have been avoiding? Have you hoped it would just go away if you gave it enough time? Such delay doesn't bring healing; but rather, infection. Make this day or week when you finally do what you know needs to be done. And don't forget - "a harsh word stirs up anger, but a gentle answer turns away wrath."

BE the church
BNall

A Request for Prayer

2010-04-21T07:48:00.004-05:00

Beginning on Saturday, April 24th I will be teaching/preaching everyday through Wednesday, April 28th. Saturday is the Emerald Coast Sunday School and Small Group Leadership Conference at Olive and Sunday through Wednesday I will be in Jay, FL as part of their community revival.

it can be tempting to believe that all I need to do is ensure that I am well prepared by a well-thought out, biblically-centered, culturally-relevant messages. And when that is completed, outcomes of eternal proportions will occur. While personal preparation is essential, it is not as essential as being in so positioned that God has the freedom to communicate through the speaker. Such a divine encounter can only come when there is a huge covering of prayer.

I don't know about you, but i don't get excited about attending a church service or another conference that is just another religious event where one wouldn't notice if God was in attendance or not. I believe that such a gathering that can just be explained by our efforts is a waste of time.

For that reason, I ask that you be in prayer for me. Here's how:

Pray that the Holy Spirit might reveal sin in my life that I need to confess and then make life adjustments
Pray that my mind would be focused on communicating what God desires and not any personal agenda I might be tempted to create or manipulate.
Pray for me to be able to have undisturbed time of preparation over the next few days.
Pray that our gatherings can only be explained as "God showed up and changed people."
Pray for those who will listen; not that they will tune into my words, but rather to the voice of God.
Pray during my teaching times: Sat. 9:45 - 10:50; Sunday; 8:30, 11am, 6pm; Monday thru Wednesday at 6pm.

If you would partner with me over the next week, I would deeply appreciate it.

Thanks

Last Day to Sleep In

2010-04-01T05:53:00.003-05:00

I'm usually up and going pretty early and easily. Whether the alarm goes off or not, my feet usually hit the floor at 5am or even before, and I'm off to conqueror the day's events. However, ever so often there are days when I just don't want to get out of bed. Usually because i have a hint as to what is coming that day or in the days to come, and I want to sleep through it or at least rest up a little extra.

I wander what Jesus thought today, the Thursday of Passion Week. He had spent all week being celebrated, being questioned, being a teacher, being patient, being aggressive, and just BEING. I wander if He went to sleep a little earlier that Wednesday night outside the city of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives. I wander if one of His final miracles before the cross was causing the disciples to stop snoring so that He could sleep.

And then Thursday morning came. I wander if it crossed His mind to stay in bed and rest just a few minutes more (or even a few days). He knew what was on the schedule for the day: one final trip to the city of Jerusalem, an evening spent with His close traveling 12, and then His arrest in the garden, abandonment by His friends, and a night filled with trials, accusations, and beatings.

When He looked at His calendar, Thursday morning was His final day to sleep in until He laid down again Friday afternoon inside a garden tomb.

I'm thankful this Easter Thursday that Jesus got up! Aren't you?

Fight for your marriage?

2010-01-28T06:13:00.004-06:00

This blog is about marriage and a call to fight for yours if you are in one and to help those around you fight for there's. I have seen more marriages hurting and crumbling in the last 6 months than I have in my 17 years in the ministry. Daily (yes daily) i am hearing of couple who are preparing to let go of the end of their rope, and daily my heart is breaking for them.

There is the song out there that goes: "love is not a fight, but it's something worth fighting for."

If your marriage is going well (or at least you think it is), fight hard to improve it. Ask him/her what you could do to strengthen the relationship. Do a self-check on your priorities: God, Spouse, Kids, etc. Go on a date regularly (w/o kids), buy each other something, tell them they look hot (it's not unChristian to tell your spouse they are smokin' hot), attend a marriage conference to learn ways to grow and mature. Find another couple who can hold you accountable and then pray for each other.

If your marriage is not going well, fight hard to improve it. Don't wait for your spouse to change, or primarily work to change your spouse. Remember, the two became one so you start to work on yourself. Get with trusted friends and counsel (2 or 3) and ask people to commit to pray regularly for your marriage. Don't wait to go to counseling with your spouse, you go by yourself and prayerfully they will join you in the journey of healing.

Despite what can be taught out there: God does not want you to get a divorce. It is outside of His will and causes more pain than you think it will cause. I realize that there is only one instance where God permits (not commands) divorce and that is adultery. But know that as long as you are still breathing, there is hope for your marriage - God is still on His throne even when circumstances caused by our selfish decisions seem to rule the day.

I'm not trying to give a commercial, but I want to give a couple helps out there. First, is "stained glass ministries." Dale and Jena Forehand have had a marriage that has been to hell and back again. Learn from their story; it'll help you in your marriage.

Next is FireProof. I know you have probably seen the movie and done the Love Dare. If not, I highly recommend it as Valentine's Day approaches. But further, if you are near Mobile, the FireProof Marriage Conference is coming to First Baptist North Mobile in March. Take your spouse (or if you are engaged, your fiance'). The creators of the movie are hosting a weekend to come alongside marriages that just need a little tweaking or even a major overhaul. Make it a get-away weekend with just you and your spouse, go with another couple, or your whole church - just go.

I don't know how healthy your marriage is , but don't get content wherever it is. You can't change the past, but you can change everything between today and "till death do us part."

Thanks for reading,

BNall

Getting Godliness from the Gym

2010-01-21T20:14:00.004-06:00

Recently, I was finishing up my morning workout at the gym when I noticed a new member walking through with one of the employees. Not to sound too harsh, but from the physcial appearance of the gentlemen you could tell he hadn't spent too much time exercising (I hope that was a gentle way of saying it....). As the man was getting a tour of the equipment, I heard the employee giving the name and description of each equipment. What I found odd, and kind of humorous, is that after the employee pointed to each piece of equipment the pre-bodybuilder stated he already knew how to work the equipment. After observing the quick tour, I don't think there was a single piece of exercise equipment in there that he didn't already know how to use - but yet you wouldn't have known that by looking at him.

I started to think about that example and most Christians. When we come to different parts of Scripture, we declare that we already know about it. We have studied it and could probably explain it to someone else; but if you were to look at our lives, would there be evidence that we have applied our knowledge.

Jesus said in John 14:21, "Whoever has My commands obeys them, he is the one who loves me."

I contend that is where the church has become week. We know how to work the equipment, we just need to get in there and put our knowledge into motion.

Let's work out
B

Is One Hour Too Much?

2010-01-04T13:53:00.002-06:00

As you know I launched a website a couple of months ago in order to mobilize the Christians in my county (Santa Rosa, FL) to cover every hour of 2010 in prayer (all 8760 hours). (if you don't know, go right now to http://www.714santarosa.com/). During this process, I have been amazed at the comments from some as to the length of the prayer time -not the one year part but the one hour. It seems that the idea of praying for one solid hour has become something way out there, something unheard of, something only reserved for the radical Christians, or something that is a stretch for the average man.

It seems like not that much has changed since the days of Jesus. During the evening before Jesus was arrested, He asked His disciples, "could you men keep watch with me for one hour?" (matthew 26:40). I contend that Jesus is still asking that same question of us today - would you please just spend some time with me?

But why is one hour such a big deal, why would it even cross our mind to register our time of prayer with a friend so we can divide up the hour even smaller? Is it because we are so hurried we haven't the time for prayer? Do we only want microwave faith? Do we think we don't have that much to talk about - what about listening? What about worship and singing? What about reading Scripture and allowing the word to simmer in our soul?

On January 1 from 12am-1am was my first hour of prayer. It flew by and I look forward to my first hour of every month in 2010. I read an email from someone whose hour went so quick it turned quickly into 2 hours.

I don't think for a second that "one hour" is too great a goal and should be lowered to accomodate our feeble faith. I cling to the notion that one hour should be the launching point for a lifestyle of unceasing communion with God. Just try it. Prayer doesn't hurt too much.

Is one Hour too much? I don't think so.

Resolution Blitz

2009-09-29T20:00:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe we are moving into the final quarter of 2009. What better opportunity to begin our New Year's Resolutions than now - for 2009. I remember the good intentions at the beginning of the year that were shoved to the back along with last week's meatloaf. But why not make a go of it? I know there might not be time to lose 200 pounds in 12 weeks, but what about matters of faith:

The intention to invite the unchurched neighbor over to get to know them a little better;
purchasing the new outfit for the teen because the struggling single parent can't keep up with the growth spurt;
establishing a routine reading the Bible;
setting up time to pray with your kids each night or before they head out the door;
getting back in the swing of attending church as a family and then being intentional about applying what you have learned;
finding out whose going on a mission trip and see if you can go or help them go.
begin saving to help a family at Thanksgiving or Christmas

The list of resolutions could be lengthy, but let's review our lists, put them up around our house, and then go them. (It's good to go to church; but I'd rather BE the church.)

Happy New Year!

Digital Donations

2009-09-14T12:47:00.007-05:00

"Does giving electronically still worship God?" This is a question that I have wrestled with for a number of years. For the last 10 years, I have been against the idea. In my mind I found it difficult to imagine people sitting at their computer screens singing "Shout to the Lord" while making on-line donations to their church.

However, in recent years the role of debit cards and other digital payments have roared to the front pew of society. Fewer people are carrying cash and even fewer people are carrying checks. For a majority of the 20-30 something generation, their financial world is entirely electronic. However, within the church giving is generally in two forms: cash or check. Is this shutting out a generation of desiring givers? Is the methodology preventing people from applying theology. Is it more godly to write a check than punch in a pin number?

I am unwaivering in several areas:

1. For the Christian, the local church is to be the place where finances are dispersed to collectively accomplish God's purposes.

2. Giving to God is to be from the "firstfruits" not from the leftovers (top-priority).

3. Giving is an expression of worship and not merely a religious exercise or check-box.

4. The base-line for giving is 10%, and the goal is sacrificial giving.

Above all, isn't the essence of giving to be a prioritized expression of worship that collectively accomplishes God's agenda through the local church to carry out where He is working throughout the world?

So help me out here -let's articulate worship-driven giving in a digital age.

Please share your thoughts.

bnall

Imitating Authenticity

2009-08-28T06:38:00.006-05:00

If I had to choose, church life today would primarily be described as an individual sport verses a team sport. There is that gatherings in the locker room (Worship Service) and there is some time spent in the weight room (Sunday School); but then everyone goes there own way to accomplish God's plan for their individual life. I contend that there is great validity to the above scenerio - we need to be inspired together and trained together so the church can go forth and join God where He is working in our day in and day out life.

But I believe there is to be more!

I think that the church is to be more than a time of motivation. As Frances Chan said when comparing church to a college, "Church needs to function not as a lecture hall, but as a lab." In the lab setting, we don't only learn the knowledge, but we work together to figure it all out; a setting where Christians live authentically and genuially to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

I am excited that I have seen glimpses in this type of missional living over the last year or so at Ferris Hill. However, I look at the those coming in and I am concerned that we are not properly bringing them into the lab.

I remember my Anatomy and Physiology Lab in college where we had the privilege of disecting everything that didn't move. Fortunately, the Professor didn't just say, "start cutting," but rather directed us through the journey.

I have seen all too often that when a person begins to take their 1st steps in their Christian journey the church only communicates, "start trying ("cutting") and not "let's start training." For this to happen as Jesus modeled, we need people who will purposefully come alongside another and say as the Apostle Paul did, "Follow me a I follow Christ" or even, "Imitate me."

As I look over my Christian journey I often wander, "have I trained anyone or just encouraged people to try?"

What about you? Are you purposefully living for others to imitate your authenticity? Let's work on this together. Besides, the church is not about growing a great organization, but about building people.

BNall

Crossing the Gap

2009-07-05T20:21:00.004-05:00

The longer I'm in ministry and when Sundays have drawn to a close, the greater the task of ministry that must be climbed. There can be a great tendancy to prepare for a week of ministry and exegete from the pages of the Bible and do it from the four walls of the church campus with little thought of the ongoing lives of those who will listen to the message or carry out the ministry plans. The utopia of the minister's mind can be that people leave Sunday service and ponder every syllable that was uttered and have a deep longing to return to the feet of your teaching. NOT!!!

People leave the safety of the sanctuary and deal with the uncertainty that they will have enough work to fill 40 hours.
Children return to homes where parents prevent them from being baptized because their parents cannot be sober long enough to talk about it.
Single Parents wander if they will have grown-up conversation until next Sunday.

The list could go on and does....

But what we as ministers must be intentional about is jumping the gulf that WE can create between the campus of the church and the rest of the world we are called to reach. Gone are the days where church is the center of a community. Gone are the days when pastor's are the normal first voice to consult when life issues arise. (we are usually after Google, Oprah, Facebook, and Twitter.) We are called to reach people and partner with God, and His word, and His people to transform lives for God's glory- not create a pretty looking organization called church.

Jumping across that gap can be risky and calls us to leave the safety of our corner office. But God didn't call us to safety - why else would we need armor. I'm ready to jump. Anyone ready to join me?

To Move Ahead; Go Back

2009-06-20T06:44:00.003-05:00

VBS is next week for my church. A week that has the potential for much life transformation across a generation of our church (and culture.) As with every year, I desire for kids' lives to be eternally altered and not simply emotionally hyped for a time. it seems like each year VBS can become bigger and bigger: bigger props, more decorations. I understand the philosophy, and have subscribed to it, that churches need ministry environments which capture the attention of kids in a manner similar to other envioronments in our culture. But this year, I'm doing an experiment. I'm going with the phrase: Less for More. Except for the opening Worship Rally room, there are no decorations; no tables (except in the craft room), no chairs, no crazy lighting; no costumes; no smoke machines - just God's people being the church in such a manner that the kids who come remember the people they met who have a relationship with the God of the universe (and they can too).

Let's see what God does.

All Aboard,

Bnall

It's What You Do

2009-06-09T19:27:00.006-05:00

Christians can be highly emotional people. Pastors have been known to get so excited that they spit, and the Christianity community can get so mad they say they could "spit nails." I must confess the emotional uproar is a little out of my league. My wife has often said that I am emotionally void, and for the most part I agree. However, there is key point i need to add onto the blogosphere.

From my observation, the Christian community has a tendancy get emotionally charged but fall short of translating their energy into action. For many years the emphasis in churches has been about filling up the minds with people in the pew but looking the other way when the new knowledge does not translate into new behavior.

I don't put this indictment upon church members and pew packers; but rather, upon church leadership (of which I am). We have taught people to memorize the Beatitudes and even shown them the meaning in the original Greek; but we have failed to create a culture that expects and facilitates transformation. In general, Christians know more than we do. i contend that now more than ever, the Church must be a people who are discipled to behave differently and not just know more.

What could happen?

the Church would take the offensive in changing the culture instead of just getting upset when it doesn't go their way or what they have been use to;
more than the current 11% of SBC churches would experience evangelistic growth;
giving would increase for ministries and missions
church would become more of a life lived than an event attended.

Is the doing aspect really that big of a deal? Should we just be satisfied with just KNOWING the Bible well. I'll let 1 John 2 answer that rationale...

"3We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." [1 John 2: 3-6]

Just a thought - now go and do,

Bnall

Anything New?

2009-01-17T16:06:00.005-06:00

i must confess, the blogosphere is not the center of my world. One could probably determine this by the frequency of my posts. From time to time a thought crosses my mind, "I should probably post a blog, but what's new?" During these crosswalks of the mind, I run through the events of my life since my last post that might be of benefit to someone else.

Celebrated Thanksgiving

I graduated with my D.Min (yea)

Celebrated Christmas

Began a New Year

Teetered on the bring of pneumonia (this last one is what is helping me to sit and write this post.)

Taking a quick look at this list, and not diminishing the magnitude of the birth of Jesus, I don't see anything that is brand new. (most folks have been there, done that, and own the t-shirt factory) Nothing New?

Sadly, I think this same line of thought is what goes through so many minds when looking into the church - anything new? (Songs? Attitudes? Judgements? Opinions? Expectations? Carpet?)

Some might even think the same about the Bible only to hear the words spoken by me and Pastor's like me - "God's word does not change." But there is a drastic difference between the minimal change within many churches and the absence of change within Scripture.

Minimal change within many churches is because there is a greater desire to hold on to what has worked than to reach people discipled to engage; because change can create friction; because...(you fill in the blank)

The absence of change within scripture is not resistance; but rather, depth. Divine depth. I have made it my life's target to know Scripture and the power of the church so to engage the surrounding culture. With 3 degrees, 16 years of ministry, and 25 years as a Christian under my belt, I have spent much time studying the Bible. And still, I make new discoveries when I read God's word. I learn new details about Noah, and the family reunions of Abraham.

Are these discoveries because someone edited my Bible when I wasn't looking? No, it is because of the depth of God's word. The anchor of scripture is so deep that multiple lifetimes are inadequate. In fact, I have found that I am the one who has changed. Isn't this is the whole point of Scripture; to change me.

So the question in this blog is not primarily for the church, and definitely not for scripture, but rather for myself and for people with similar cognitive curiosity. Anything new?

Brian

The Power of the Church

2008-11-25T15:45:00.007-06:00

At first glance the title of this blog can be found more as the punchline of a joke than a statment of a reality. Since the Amerian population grew by more than 18% between 1990 and 2004, but the church attendance decreased by 3% during that same period, the word "power" does not seem to fit in the same phrase with "church."

However, over the past several weeks I have been able to observe the local church make a lasting impact in a community.

Family relationships once thought irrepairable, now restored
Children who long attended church alone, now brought by their parents
Couples once without food on the table, now able to share
A church facility that sat empty at night, now used for the homeless when the weather gets cold.
Single dads deep in debt; now with a plan to live debt free and make eternal impact with their money.
Single moms and Senior Men, who have lived their lives apart from Jesus, now brought into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I believe the quote of Bill Hybels, "there is nothing like the church when the church is working right." But why does it seem that it is more of a rarity than the norm for the church to "work right"? I think it is because the church believe THE CHURCH is the power. when the church thinks it is the power, egos rule the day. when the church thinks it is the power, the here and now guide decisions, instead of the eternal. when the church thinks it is the power, it serves the spiritually convinced, instead of those who have yet to hear. when the church thinks it is the power, it operates as a hotel for saints, instead of a hospital for sinners.

The reality is that THE CHURCH is not the power. The source is God's power working through the church. If the church starts taking the credit and relies only on itself, it won't be long before the doors will be permanently locked and the community around it won't even know it.

God is working today through His church. He has the power. I pray the church will be available to do and be what God wants.

For His Fame,

Brian

Heaven Rules

2008-11-04T06:36:00.005-06:00

For the past several weeks I have been studying through the book of Romans as part of my personal Bible study. By the sovereignty and humor of God, today's passage was the first 7 verses of Romans 13 - submitting to governing authorities. This is so fitting since today is Election Day '08. In the next few hours, Americans will know the next leader of the Free World and Floridians will know if homosexul marriage will soon be a legal alternative.

As i encounter a variety of people from a variety of political backgrounds, I am sensing varying degrees of fear and concern creeping in hearts and minds. The fear is coming among Christians because of how there is the potential (as in every election) for the outcomes to be in sharp contrast to biblical standards. As a pastor, i have taught that Christians have a responsibility to vote in line with Biblical standards - because they have confessed that 'God is Lord' (ultimate leader) of their life. And if they vote only for a political party without regard for God and His standards, they cannot say 'God is Lord.'

But now the preparation for going to the voting booth is complete. That which remains is the outcomes. There is a tendency to believe that if the outcomes of this election are not in line with Scripture then God must have lost control of this country. This cannot be further from the truth.

Has the worship of God in America apparently decreased? I believe - Yes.
Has the Bible been replaced in many lives as the ultimate guide of life and this country? I believe - Yes again.

But these changes upon the American landscape do not mean that God is off of His throne and Heaven does not rule. The events and decisions of humanity still move towards God's ultimate purposes. All those in authority are there ultimately because of God's permission. Just because God sometimes grants a nation what it asks for does not mean that God has lost control. His ways are higher than our ways, and He is desiring to teach greater lessons in the days ahead. These lessons are usually lessons of holiness. Elections can reveal how unholy a nation has become; remind how perfectly holy God is; remind that God will one day judge sin; remind how much we need God.

In 12 hours from the moment I am typing, the voting booths in my area will close. Today, I will vote in line with Biblical standards. No matter the results, I know that God is still communicating to His creation who He is. When time is gone and only eternity exists, Americans will be reminded that because of today - God was really teaching that Heaven Rules.

Overcoming Mess

2008-09-22T04:34:00.007-05:00

Whoever claimed that being a Christian was simple, care-free, and comfortable was not a Christian; or at least didn't live out their faith upon the surrounding culture. In twenty-eight years of being a Christian, I have found each year's spiritual journey to have increasingly difficult terrain. In fact, it can get downright treacherous and messy.

I have two kids, Baleigh (4) and Elijah (1), who God has brought into my life to remind me that messiness and clutter are built into humanity's DNA. So much of my time at home can feel like I am constantly walking behind them and picking up their latest mess or teaching them to clean up their clutter. Sometimes when I look into their playroom or into the backseat of the car it looks like the Cheerios factory threw-up or Wal-mart just had a twister move through the toy department.

The mess can drive me crazy. I am a guy who believes everything has a place and we should all take the time to put it back where it belongs. When there is no mess, I am most happy. Since that doesn't always happen, I am left to stomp around, my wife says "pout", and clean up their mess. After all, how can they have maximum enjoyment in life with all the clutter surrounding them?

What is amazing to me is maximum enjoyment is what Baleigh and Elijah know how to do. In the midst of the mess, they put on a musical. In this midst of the clutter, Baleigh puts on a concert while Elijah conducts.

I believe that in the Christian community we have often missed out on the joy God can bring even in the midst of life's clutter. The Christian life is going to be messy. After all, why else would Jesus pray for our protection (John 17) and relate that sending the Christians into the culture is like sending sheep out among wolves (Matthew 10). The church can have a tendency to become so consumed at making an unchurched world look like them, that they miss out on the joy people are experiencing through discovering what it means for them to look like God. All too often the church can push people to be conformed into the image of the church instead of the image of Jesus Christ.

I have come to believe that living a life that follows hard after the claims of Christ can be very messy at times. I have see this in the drugee that has broke free from the habits of their past while seeking to spiritually influence those who got them hooked. I have seen this in the dad who gives his life to Christ only to be sent to prison because of unwise decisions made in his past. I literally could write dozens of accounts.

The church can quickly be like me as a dad, walking behind people and cleaning up their clutter. Not because we don't like how God is working in their life, but because we like everyone to be nice and tidy so that we can be happy.

Humm, isn't it interesting that I was the one concerned with my kids mess while my kids still found joy? Isn't it interesting that we are often more concerned if someone else's life is nice and tidy so that we can be happy without considering if God is happy or without observing the miles the new Christian has traveled in their new found faith.

Maybe the person that needs to overcome the mess is not my children or the formerly unchurched. Maybe it is me as a dad and us as a church.

Just a thought,
Brian

{sidenote: do i want people to overcome their struggles with sin? Yes. But our goal must be for their faith to be authentic and not artificial; for people to live for God's pleasure and not our satisfaction.}

"you should have asked ME"

2008-08-24T06:00:00.003-05:00

Today is Sunday. Normally at this time I am reviewing my message that I will teach in a few hours and spending time getting my heart and mind aligned with God. But today that is not happening. Why? Because Tropical Storm Fay decided to spend a week vacationing in Florida. After criss-crossing over the rest of Florida, all eyes were fixed her next target (us). The local and national forecasts were predicting endless rain, the emergency operations centers were doing their thing, and so i knew i must make some storm-related decisions as well.

Local pastors called me to find out if FHBC was having services. I told them I would let them know after I got some more information.

I consulted:

some of FHBC folks to get their take
the local emergency operations center
5 weather websites
2 weather TV stations
the example of other churches in the area

And so, after much consultation and research, I made the decision. For the safety of our senior adults, because of the potentionally unsafe conditions of our Transportation Ministry, and because the Sheriff is asking everyone to stay off of the road, I cancelled services.

To comfort my decision i recalled the verse in Proverbs, "wisdom is found in many advisors."

Well, Fay came right here and went right by. No real rain. No real wind. As I laid in bed last night, and again this morning, I felt like calling the newspaper to tell them that the Doe-Doe bird was no longer extinct. And then, i heard God laying 5 resounding words on my heart, "you should have asked ME." I began to think back through my decision making process. I thought about the ministry leaders, I thoughts about the websites, I thought about the local leaders, I thought about the TV meteorologists, and then I experienced a holy collision - I did not consult with God- I did not pray.

I am now trying to answer some questions that make my heart feel like a punching bag. Do I value the combined advice of man more than wisdom of soverign God? Do I turn to technology first and the God that created today last? Do i believe that prayer is a last resort or a first line of defense?

I've been told that you really believe only what you do; therefore, I need to spend much time rearranging my belief system. Would God have directed me differently? Maybe... Maybe not...

Regardless of His answer, I still wish different words could have come - "thanks for asking"; instead of, "you should have asked ME."

Power from the Pew

2008-08-14T11:35:00.003-05:00

Bill Hybels is quoted as saying, "There’s nothing like the local church when the local church is working right.”

After reading such a quote, our minds begin to rush to discern the magic answer that can get the local church to work right.

Is the answer having a great facility with the latest technology?

Is it the style of music that reflects the surrounding community?

Is it the creativity by the pastor in the delivery of his messages?

I submit that none of these answers will suffice. While these methods will assist the church in being a missional force in a community, the magical answer is not the method.

IT IS THE PEOPLE.

When the people of God, being infused with the presence of the Holy Spirit, authentically apply the word of God in the mission field that God has placed them, eternal transformation will take place in a community. My prayer for every Christian is for them to realize the power that resides within them (the Holy Spirit), and the important role they play in affecting the outcomes God has purposed for this world to experience - A People Who Live For His Renown.

There is power that comes from the pew - the people.

Brian

Pro vs. Joe

2008-08-04T14:23:00.004-05:00

This morning I had the privilege and honor of leading a funeral for a man named Joe who was 100 years old. Of the countless funerals I have preached, I have never been so excited. It is not that Joe won't be missed; but, rather, that Joe was ready. Since I met Joe over two years ago, he was ready to join his beloved wife of 69 years in heaven so to walk the streets of gold hand in hand. Joe pretty much taught my kids how to give a high-five as he made his weekly (and sometimes weakly) stroll through the preschool area. Often my son would hop down from the lap of whomever was holding him and ease his way over to give Joe a high-five. Joe made a deep impact across generations.

When I think of the authentic Christian life, I think of Joe. He didn't put on a front. He told you what was on his mind and of his deep love for Jesus Christ. Being in construction for 24 years might of wore out his body, but it didn't wear out his heart. Joe often said that he "worked hard in the morning to make a friend, and hard in the afternoon to keep him."

So often churches get caught up in looking professsional that it misses that it forgets to be friend. My desire is that the follower of Christ strive, not to be a professional Christian, but a person that authentically allows the power of Jesus to work in their lives.

What's the result? I can imagine that when Joe reached the pearly gates and passed through heaven's throne room that Jesus slipped down off of the throne, stuck out His nail-pierced hand and, gave Joe a high-five saying, '"Well done..."

If you ever think the Christian life is about being a pro, just remember Joe.

Brian

Religious Olympics

2008-07-28T10:10:00.000-05:00

On 8-8-08 the world will focus in on the Olympics in Bejing, China. Athletes from over 100 countries (and probably that many sports) will gather to pursue to reach the top platform and embrace their personal gold medal.

All too often the Christian life can feel like a Religious Olympics. Churches can ask people to jump through various hoops, overcome world-record size expecations, and cheer people on to do better than they have ever done before. Sadly, this form of Olympics has led people farther away from God rather than to embrace Him to the degree Jesus died for us to experience.

After 15 years of ministry, I have seen many people try at following Jesus, some give up along the way, and even fewer reach the platform of the God-honoring life. why is this? I think it is because too many people, including many churches, have been engaging in spiritual games that Jesus never intended His followers to sign up for.

Our games say, "try harder"; Jesus calls us to die to self and live for what He wants.
Our games say, "look like us"; Jesus said look like Me.
Our games say, "go whatever way is comfortable for you"; Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life."

I too want to stand on a podium, get the gold, and sing the anthem, but I desire to play in a much different game - the one played on the court of Jesus Christ. The podium I shall stand on is the podium of praise to be a megaphone for the greatness of God; the gold I shall gain for doing anything in this world I shall throw back in worship to my Savior that granted the ability, and the anthem I sing will be accompanied by my teammates of the faith: "Holy, Holy, Holy, Is the Lord God Almighty. Who was and is and is to come."

May That Game Begin in You...