At the church where I work, we have been walking through the Gospels (in as chronological a way as we can) in an effort to just spend some time watching and listening to Jesus. As people who call ourselves followers of Jesus, the things He taught and the things that were (and are) close to His heart also ought to be close to ours.
Does God speak to you in divine, and surprising ways? There are a few spiritual leaders that God uses to speak into my life, and it is not necessarily always my home church pastor. These are some of my favourite pastors, including the likes of Perry Noble, Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, Erwin McManus, Steven Furtick, Ed Young, and Dave Ramsey.
I was reading “It” by Groeschel, clearly one of the best books I have ever read. There was a quote that hits hard, and it reminds me of how many “church” people there are and how few Christian people there are.
The quote was this:
“Slowly, I started to fall in love with God again - not his bride, the church. (she already has a husband, and it`s not me.)”
Are you in love with God, or your church? Do you go to your church because the pastor speaks feel-good messages or because you are challenged to pursue God more? Do you go to your church because your friends go there, or because you are surrounded by people who keep in community and accountability?
I urge you: you have to ask yourself these questions. This is something we cannot be passive about. There is nothing wrong with listening to other sermons, but are you being fed by the speaker? Or are you just comfortable?
I challenge you, if you are comfortable in your church, try somewhere else. You won`t lose your salvation because you go somewhere else. Your tithe shouldn`t have to go to your home church. Your friends don`t have to all be at your home church. It doesn`t matter where you go Sunday morning because you are the church.
That`s our calling.
That`s our mission from Jesus.
So don`t go to church, be the church.
Aaron
Today’s post is from PJ Wong, a youth pastor in Waterloo…he’s a good friend and a great writer…thanks PJ!
One of history’s characters that ways amuses me is Samson. We know this guy as a big tough guy who stayed away from alcohol and grew out dread and a beard and decided not to touch any dead bodies. If Samson were alive today, he’d look like this:
Although mighty in speech and deed, Samson did have one downfall—women. Samson loved his girls; especially those of foreign taste. Philistine women to Samson were kryptonite. The Bible gives a brilliant picture of Samson and how the Spirit of the Lord would continually fall on Samson to give him victory over the Philistines, but the first words out of his mouth destroy his credibility as a leader and judge of Israel: “I have seen a woman”.
From there, we know that Samson is doomed. Although he does many great things in the power of the Lord, he continues to fall into sin as glimpse dwells on thought, thought turns to touch and touch forms into a habit. Throughout what is recorded about this Nazarite (a person set apart for the work of YHWH), we observe Samson’s morality fall lower and lower.
Nearing the end of his life, he romances woman named Delilah (this is after his first wife is burned to death and after indulging in a slew of prostitutes). Knowing that the Philistine woman will bring trouble, Samson continues to stay in her company. Three times Samson obviously finds out that this woman is bad news as she tries to hand him over to the Philistines. But something is driving Samson to Delilah—and no, although it beating with blood, it’s got nothing to do with what is in his chest or skull.
Philistine attempt #4—Great Success…
Delilah and the Philistines subdue Samson by removing his deadlocks. The Nazarite is then taken away, made a spectacle of and then ultimately in one push ends up killing himself with the enemies which had captured and provoked him.
What can we learn from this foolish young man?
1. If you think you’re strong enough to beat pornography, sexual fantasy and sneak peeks at woman walking down the street on your own, think again. Single, married or engaged, this is going to be something you’ll have to fight against. Samson was set apart by God and still fell into temptation. Although his wishes to marry were of the Lord’s work, his first words are a give away of the trouble he was going to get into: “I’ve seen a woman”. Do yourself a favour: talk to a friend, get accountability, internet software, heck… even fess up to the boys at your church or youth group… just don’t admit in front of both the guys and girls… those always end up getting really awkward.
2. Although you may not be sleeping with prostitutes 3 times a week, internet porn is less expensive and easier to access—and it still doesn’t mean you’re not whoring yourself out to somebody else in the process. In today’s world, many young men who are set apart by God are trapped in a secret life where they flirt with danger, knowing the consequences but still choose to go deeper and deeper into a lifestyle that takes control of them. If you don’t believe me, try going a month without masturbating and looking at porn. I dare you!
3. God gives us a ton of warnings and lets us off easy… a lot… But by continuing to go this way, you’re only setting yourself up for disaster. 3 times, Samson has the choice to walk away from Delilah. She even blatantly asks how he can be subdued by his enemies! How stupid do you have to be?
Ironically, the first thing that the Philistines do when they have Samson: gouge out the eyes of the perverted sod! He’s seen and done enough for his day!
But how many times has God smacked you over the head saying “this is going to mess you up!”? Eventually, your sins will find you out. In the words of the late Johnny Cash “sooner or later God’ll cut you down”. But for now, He’s hoping it wont get that far. It’s your choice…
It’s up to you. Are you going to walk away from internet porn and sexual fantasy?
Or are you going to keep looking, flirting and rolling in the mess you’ve made until something or someone cuts you down?
Are you going to be a pansy and fall into a trap that will hold you well into your old age?
Or will you fess up and do what it takes to stop in order to save yourself from ruining your life?
(trust me, a 40 year old addicted to porn will tell you that it is ruining his marriage and if the secret gets out, will ruin his personal and work life)
I challenge you to be a true Nazarite—set apart for God’s work, choosing to keep yourself away from what is going to take you out!
Keep it fresh and clean!
-PJ
Men, you need to know that the advancement of the Kingdom of God in our generation rests on our servant leadership. Without us taking up the reigns of the (sometimes sadly out-of-touch) previous generation, this thing won’t go forward.
God is going to use many of you to rock the spiritual world. Many of you will plant churches. Many of you will be wealthy. Many of you will be high-influence. All of you will have to opportunity to reach SOMEONE.
Do not be afraid. Do not be cocky. Do not be discouraged. Do not take your praise from people. Do not worry about the money.
Do lay down your right to self. Do learn everything you can. Do get godly mentors. Do start building a community of passionate Christ-followers. Do hone your skills and talents. Do seek God’s will.
I’m going to share all my notes from the Unleash Conference next week, but there was one line by Perry Noble that was absolutely soul-crushing and dream-inspiring…
“In your city, make it impossible for people to go to hell because godly men are leading the church.”
Take over your city for God’s sake.
Today I have the opportunity to cheat on my wife. I don’t know what to do. Should I take it? Carpe diem right?! It’s not every day that I get a chance like this…
Oh wait…IT IS EVERY DAY THAT I GET A CHANCE LIKE THIS.
Have you noticed that the odds of staying pure are seriously stacked against us? What the heck is up with that?! You work your whole life towards something, and in one moment, it can all get torn down. That’s why I’m convinced that without God, it’s NOT EVEN POSSIBLE to stay pure.
Last night I met with my accountability partner. I got on my knees and he laid his hands on my head and prayed for healing over my mind. I need healing. I need to think right. I need to be the man who stays pure and faithful. Because my wife is worth it. My marriage is worth it. My family, friends, community, ministry, calling, and faith are all worth it. Because nothing is worth losing everything.
Today you have the opportunity to cheat on your wife (or future wife). A chance like this comes along every day. Will you take it? Or will you truly seize the day? — Take the time to let God heal your mind and make you the man He created you to become. Get on your knees. Right now.
Jay
