todd nelson

Before you head off into this first weekend of the new year, here are three quick hitting things I have read and been thinking about this week. I pray they are as helpful and challenging to you as they have been for me.

Have a great weekend!

#1

Even the one operating out of the gospel will naturally drift into religion unless constantly challenged and renewed.

Center Church by Tim Keller

The problem is that we like comfort. We are drawn to it like moths to a flame and like me to the freezer at 10pm.  Let me suggest that comfort, just as much if not more than evil, is the enemy of growth in Christ. What is one thing you are doing this new year to get out of your comfort zone? When was the last time you did something for the first time? Change for change sake is not what I’m suggesting. Change for the sake of relating to Christ is.

#2

This is why a key Catholic biblical commission said, “Exegesis produces its best results when it is carried out in the context of the living faith of the Christian community, which is directed toward the salvation of the entire world.

The Witness of Preaching by Thomas Long

Here is why I don’t believe that a TV preacher is the best solution for the church. They are divorced from the “living faith” of discipleship. Because they remain mostly unknown to us they are beyond accountability for the way they treat their family, spend their money, or act when cut off in traffic. 

I worked with a pastor in college that said from the pulpit, “If you are giving your money to those preachers on TV, let me suggest that you call them to do your funeral.” I am not about to go that far! I too enjoy listening to a few TV preachers, and in a very small way I’ve become one! I also realize that some people are unable to get out of their homes on Sunday because of health issues for them or a loved one, the need to work, and many other valid reasons. TV or streaming is a lifesaver in these instances.

I remain convinced that a local church, regardless if the preaching is good, bad or indifferent, is the place for 99% of us to connect. Our sanctification is bound up in God’s Spirit working in us through a community that includes one who offers us a word from the Lord. 

If you are struggling to find a church, let me suggest that you call a few churches near you and ask to speak to a pastor. If they do not have time to meet with you..you have your answer. If they meet and speak mostly about themselves and not you…you have your answer. If they are appropriately interested about you and share about themselves and the church…it may be time to give the place a chance.

One last thing. The greatest gift you can give your pastor(s) and a sure way to grow your own faith is to pray regularly, intensely, and specifically for them. Pray they won’t get distracted from study by all the administrative stuff. Pray that they won’t tie their self-worth to the responses after the sermon and try to be someone less than authentic. Pray that God would speak a word and that they be responsive, courageous, and faithful enough to repeat it.

#3

“Awareness, not age, leads to wisdom.”

Publius Syrus

I have already written too much this week so I am going to leave this one for you as a teaser and come back to it soon. Awareness…hard earned perspective that takes courage and companionship. Wisdom…the knowledge of God’s will and the know how to pull it off.