Philippians--A Paraphrase

I have just completed a paraphrase of Paul's letter to the Philippians which I've done as part of my daily devotions over the last few weeks. On Thanksgiving Eve, here's the letter of rejoicing in the face challenge.

Philippians Paraphrased

1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus.
It’s addressed to all the saints in Christ Jesus who live in Philippi, as well as all the overseers and deacons of the church:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ!

3 Every time I think of you, I thank my God for you. 4 Here's how I pray, every single time: with joy, for each and every one of you 5 because of your willing partnership in spreading the good news about Jesus, right to the present time. 6 And I’m confident that God will keep it up, this great good work in your lives, right until the day Christ Jesus comes back.

7 And this is the way I feel about you; I carry you in my heart all the time; my affection comes from the right place. As for me, well, whether I am in stuck in prison in chains or outside defending and confirming the good news, I know that you stand beside be in all that God’s grace is doing. 8 God Himself can say how I pine for all of you with the deep affection that comes straight from Christ Jesus.

9 So this is how I pray for you: that you may be rich in love, knowledge and deep insight, more and more and more! 10 With that you may be able to truly understand the things in life that are the best and that you may be pure and absolutely blameless until the day when Christ comes back to judge; 11 that you may be filled every good thing that comes from a right relationship with God that comes through Jesus Christ—and that God gets all the glory and praise.

12 Dear family in God, I want you to know that my circumstances have really served to keep the Good News advancing. 13 Because I’m here, the whole palace guard and everyone else for that matter, has had an opportunity to hear the message loud and clear—they all know that the only reason that I am in chains for the cause of Christ. 14 And do you see?--because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the God’s word with even more courage and without fear.

15 Now it’s true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry—“Now that Paul’s behind bars, I can be the center of attention!”—but others preach Christ boldly from the very best of motives. 16 The latter do so from a motive of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the Good News. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, with the mistaken notion that they can somehow stir up trouble for me while I’m imprisoned. 18 I don’t really care either way! The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true motives, Christ is preached. This makes me rejoice all the more.

Yes, and I’m going to keep on rejoicing, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, all that’s happened to me will turn out for my vindication. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be put to shame, but instead I’ll have enough courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by it’s by my continued life or by my death. 21 You see, for me, to live means opportunities to keep serving Christ; and to die—that’s no loss—it’s gain! 22 So if I am to go on living in this body, that means more fruitful labor for me. What do I do? What do I do? I don’t know! 23 I’m really torn between the two: I really want to depart this life and be with Christ, which is by far the better; 24 but for now, it’s more important, for your sake that I remain in this body here on earth. 25 The more I think of it, the more I’m convinced that I will remain for a while, and I’ll continue with all of you for your continued progress and your joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you once again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow because of what God did for me.

27 Whatever happens, live your lives in such a way that gives a good reputation to the Good News of Christ. Then, whether I come and visit you or if only hear about you in my absence, I’ll know that you’re standing firm, united in spirit, fighting like one man for the Good New faith, 28 without being frightened in any way by those rise to oppose you. Your united stand is a sign to them that they will be defeated, but that you will be vindicated, God Himself. 29 You’ve been given the privilege not only to put your trust in Christ, but also to suffer for Christ, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you’ve seen me go through, and now hear that I still going through.

CHAPTER TWO

1 So if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if you have any comfort from his love, if you enjoy any fellowship with the Spirit, if you’ve experienced any of His tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, by having the same love for each that Christ has for you, and by being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Instead, don’t do anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but instead in humility, put the needs of others ahead of your own—prioritize them ahead of yourself. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

6 Even those in His essence He was God,
He didn’t regard that divine equality as something to hold tightly to,
7 but instead He made himself nothing,
taking on the very essence of a slave,
looking just like any human being.
8 So there He was, looking like any human,
and he humbled himself
and became obedient to the Father’s plan, to the point of death—
even the worst death of all—on a cross!
9 That’s why God exalted him to the highest place
and gave Him the name that is above every name,
10 with this privilege: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
whether in heaven and on earth and under the earth for that matter,
11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

12 So, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed the whole message of the good news—not only when I was with you, but even now much more in my absence—continue to work out the full implications of your spiritual rescue with reverent fear and trembling, 13 because God is at work within you, forming you to desire His ways and then to live by His purposes.

14 So do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 because that way you demonstrate and develop your blameless and pure character, real children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine bright like stars in dark sky16 as you forth the glorious word that gives life. If you do that, I can truly boast on the day I stand before Christ that I did not run fast or labor hard for nothing! 17 And if the time has come for me to be poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and on the service coming from your faith, then I’m glad and I rejoice with all of you. 18 So if I die, you too should be glad and rejoice with me as well!

19 My hope in the Lord Jesus is to send Timothy to you soon, because I’d love to hear some good news about you. 20 There’s no one else like him—he has a passionate interest in your welfare. 21 It seems that everyone just looks out for his own interests, not the interests Jesus Christ! 22 But you know that Timothy’s not that way—he’s proved himself, because like a son working alongside his father he has served with me in the work of the good news of God. 23 So I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me in my legal issues. 24 And then I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come see you soon.

25 But I do think that it’s necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus. He’s my brother, my fellow worker and my fellow soldier, as well as your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs to be with you all and he’s distressed because you heard he was sick. 27 Indeed he was ill, and he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and not on him only but also on me, to spare me one more sorrow upon the ones I’ve already had. 28 That’s why I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you, on your part, can be glad and I, for my part, may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him back in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, here risking his life serving beside me in your place.

CHAPTER THREE

1 Finally, my dear brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It’s no trouble for me to write the same thing over and over, and it’s a safeguard for you.

2 Watch out for those “dogs”, those men who do evil, those eager mutilators of the flesh. 3 They think that they do good by forcing new believers to be circumcised. Nonsense! We’re the real “circumcision”, not because of a surgical procedure, but because we worship by the Spirit of God, we take our greatest joy from Christ Jesus, and we put no confidence in the flesh— 4though if there was ever anybody who could have done that, it was me!
If anyone thinks he has reasons to put confidence in his descent and things done to the body, I have more: 5 I was circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew with only Hebrews ancestors; in regard to the law, I was a Pharisee; 6 in regards to zeal, I persecuted the church; and as for legalistic righteousness, I was faultless.

7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider gone and forgotten for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything gone and forgotten compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Following Him has meant that I’ve lost everything Judaism and this world considers valuable. I consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a self-righteousness that comes from doing the law, but a real righteousness that comes through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 And now, I just want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection in my life and even the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 with the ambition that, through the miracle of his grace, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 No, I’m not there already, and I’m certainly not perfect, but I press on to fully grasp the task that Christ Jesus took hold of me to do. 13 Brothers, I don’t believe that I yet have a full grasp of the things get seized me to do, but one thing I do: Forgetting what’s past and straining toward what’s ahead, 14 I keep pressing on toward the goal to win the prize that God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

15 All of us who are mature in their faith should have the same perspective. And if on some point you think differently, well, God will straighten you out on that! 16 For now, let’s live up to way of life which we have already received from God.

17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you by example. 18 For—as I have often told you before and now say again with tears in my eyes-many so-called believers live as true enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their final destiny is destruction, their true god is their appetites, and the things they glory in is their shame. Their mind is stuck on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Rescuer from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our weak and lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious resurrection body!

CHAPTER FOUR

1 So, my brothers—whom I love and long to see again, you who are my joy I wear like a crown—this is exactly how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

2 For instance, I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord, setting aside past differences. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal co-worker, help these women who have fought hard at my side in the cause of the good news, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are already written down in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentle ways be evident to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t be anxious about anything, but instead, in everything, by means of prayer and petition, mingled with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And when you do that, the peace of God, which transcends all human understanding, will come to guard both your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is speaks the truth, whatever is ennobles a person, whatever is right, whatever makes a person pure, whatever is truly beautiful, whatever is admirable—if there’s anything in something that is excellent or truly worthy of praise—fill your mind with thoughts of these things. 9 And whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in my life—put them into practice. Do this, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 I’m very happy in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. I know that you’ve been concerned, but that you had no opportunity to demonstrate it. 11 I’m not saying this because I am in need, because I’ve learned how to be content whatever my circumstances. 12 I know what it’s like to be in need, and I know what it’s like to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether I’m well fed or hungry, or whether I’m living in plenty or in want. 13 As a matter of fact, I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 If you’ll recall, in the early days of your introduction to the good news, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in financial support, expect one: You! 16 Even when I was in the next town over, in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Now I’m not hinting for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your heavenly account. 18 I have received full payment for you all and even more; I am amply supplied, especially now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are like a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice on the altar, very pleasing to God. 19 And I’m sure that my God will meet all your needs in proportion to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever! Amen!

21 P.S. Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Your comments on this paraphrase are appreciated. Remember this was developed for devotional purposes, and would no doubt need some corrections to stand up to academic review. The "carmen christi" section in chapter two is especially prone to translation challenges.

Prop 8: When Demcracy "Fails", Try Anarchy (Then the Courts)

I'm on an email alert list whenever a Prop 8 related act of vandalism, intimidation or credible threat occurs. Some days since the election I've received 5 or 6 notices a day. When you consider all protests, near riots and white powder mailings as well as all the unreported incidents, it's clear the the anti-Prop 8 crowd, the champions of tolerance and freedom have given up on democracy. Democracy failed them. Even in Los Angeles County.

That must have astonished them. Prop 8 won in LA county by about the same margin as across the state. Minority voters (especially African Americans and Hispanics) voted up to 70% in favor of Prop 8.

The marriage revisionists seem to feel that democracy has failed them. Therefore, try anarchy.

Makes you want to ask for a re-vote. I suspect Prop 8 would win by 60% today. Voters tend to punish those despise their free elections (check with those purple-fingered voters in Iraq who've thrown the terrorist insurgents overboard).

Having failed now both by democracy and anarchy, they now pin their hopes on aristocracy--the unelected House of Lords called the California State Supreme Court. These robed potentates gave us this mess. In each state where same-sex marriage has come to be (Massachusetts, Connecticut and, for a time, California), it has only come in via judicial aristocracy. This is a role never envisioned by framers, but frankly, the left could care less. Outcomes, not procedure, is what matters.

The court accepted a triad of cases challenging Prop 8. Actually, Prop 8 itself is not be challenged, but the process by which it came before voters, or the exact meaning of the adoption of Prop 8 is being litigated.

From the Protect Marriage website:

The Supreme Court has accepted original jurisdiction of three cases that claim Proposition 8 is a constitutional revision rather than a constitutional amendment and thus should not have been presented to voters. The Court’s order accepting the cases, as was requests by the proponents of Proposition 8, will provide a ruling on Prop 8’s validity in a matter of months, rather than potentially years of protracted litigation.

Perhaps the most significant part of the Supreme Court’s order is to deny the requests of the plaintiffs in the three cases to stay the implementation of Proposition 8. This means that, once the vote is certified, Proposition 8 will take effect as of midnight, November 5th. The Constitution of California has been amended to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman will be valid or recognized in California.

“The California Supreme Court is recognizing the People’s vote on Proposition 8 and is allowing the measure to go into full effect,” [legal counsel Andy] Pugno said. “This is a great legal victory for voters.”

I hope Pugno is right. But these are the same aristocrats who gave us this mess. Call me, cynical, but I just don't trust them. We'll be well into 2009 before we find out if democracy or aristocracy--or maybe anarchy--prevails.

Up is Down, Left is Right and Right is Wrong

No more comment is needed. BTW, if you can bear Larry King, Jim Garlow of Skyline Church in San Diego, a greater leader in the Prop 8 battle, will be on his show Friday night (9 Eastern).

Gold Earring From Time of Jesus Discovered in Jerusalem

From Yahoo News:

JERUSALEM – Israeli archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old gold earring beneath a parking lot next to the walls of Jerusalem's old city, the Israel Antiquities Authority said Monday.

The discovery dates to the time of Christ, during the Roman period, said Doron Ben-Ami, director of excavation at the site. The piece was found in a Byzantine structure built several centuries after the jeweled earring was made, showing it was likely passed down through generations, he said.

The find is luxurious: A large pearl inlaid in gold with two drop pieces, each with an emerald and pearl set in gold.

"It must have belonged to someone of the elite in Jerusalem," Ben-Ami said. "Such a precious item, it couldn't be one of just ordinary people."

In a statement released Monday, the authority said the piece of jewelry was "astonishingly well-preserved." Finds from the Roman period are rare in Jerusalem, Ben-Ami said, because the city was destroyed by the Roman Empire in the first century A.D.

Shimon Gibson, an American archaeologist who was not involved in the dig, said the find was truly amazing, less because of its Roman origins than for its precious nature.

"Jewelry is hardly preserved in archaeological context in Jerusalem," he said, because precious metals were often sold or melted down during the many historic takeovers of the city.

"It adds to the visual history of Jerusalem," Gibson added, saying it brings attention to the life of women in antiquity.

Though Gibson dates the piece slightly later than the antiquities authority, to sometime between the second and fourth centuries A.D., he said its quality and beauty were impressive.

Ben-Ami added that he expects more small, luxury items to turn up in future excavations.

Earrings similar to this one have been found at archaeological sites throughout Europe, Ben-Ami said, where the Roman Empire also flourished. The authority said the earring appeared to be crafted using a technique similar to that depicted in portraits from Roman-era Egypt.

Prop 8 Passes!

From the KABC 7 website:

PROP 8 -- 23,103 of 25,429 precincts reporting (91%)
Gay Marriage

Yes,	4,942,991	52%
No,	4,592,317	48%

As of 5:43 AM on Wednesday, Nov. 5, Prop 8, the Protect Marriage Amendment is well ahead with 91% of precincts reporting. Those of us who have devoted the last several months have paid a price (I'll blog more about the price over the next few days--information which I've had to embargo until now) , but it was worth it.

Now, no gloating. Love instead. Love the opponents, love those trapped in same-sex attraction, and above all, love God.

By the way, similar measures passed in Florida and Arizona--a clean sweep for traditional marriage.

Too Good Not to Pass On, Part Two

This time, the e-trade baby gets into the act....

Too Good Not to Pass On

A lighter look at Prop 8 and its antecedents...

Seven Practices of Effective Ministry

Seven Practices of Effective Ministry*

1. 1. Clarify the win

What is the most important thing? Changed lives—new believers, and believers moving forward in service of Christ.

It’s easy to mistake numbers and dollars are signs of a “win.” Each area of ministry needs to have a clear picture of a “win” apart from numbers and dollars, but the church needs an overarching definition of “winning.”

Four steps to clarify the win:

a. Sum up the win in a simple phrase (ex., “meaningful interaction and life change in the context of small group”)

b. Keep the win as specific as possible (“You can’t manage what you can’t measure.”)

c. Restate the win frequently and creatively

d. Meet to clarify the win at every level

2. Think steps, not programs

Give people easy, obvious and strategic steps to take that will move them forward toward Christ and His kingdom.

Where do you want people to be? How are we going to get there? What steps will we need to get people from where there are to where they need to be? These steps need to be easy (simple and non-threatening), obvious (clear, and clearly communicated) and strategic (it helps people move forward toward life-change).

3. Narrow the focus

Do what God has called you to do very well, and don’t do what God hasn’t call you to do.

There are a lot of important things that a ministry can do, but only a few impactful things that that ministry can do. You can’t respond to every legitimate need—you have to focus on a few simple things that you can do very well and that aligns with the ministry’s overall purpose To do that create specific environments within the ministry that have a clear, distinct purpose (ex., student outreach, married couples, outreach, newcomers, etc.) This increases the relevance, connection, quality and impact of each environment.

4. 4. Teach less for more

Get the right information to the right people—and don’t send all the information to everybody.

Teach with the question, “What do you want people to become?” in mind. Teach with broad principles in mind such as the Great Commandment and Luke 2:52 (see www.252basics.com).

Four steps to teach less for more

a. Decide what you are going to say

b. Decide to say one thing at a time

c. Decide how you are going to say it

d. Say it over and over again

5. 5. Listen to outsiders

Listen to the people on the outside—non-attenders, non-believers and wise counselors—more than to the complaints and demands of the insiders.

Most churches today exist to reinforce the values of the people already in them. That’s wrong. Instead, members should be called to invest in and to invite non-believers to the church. At all times, see with “outsider eyes” and hear with “outsider ears.”

6. 6. Replace yourself

You are less important than the organization. Therefore, raise up and mentor your replacement.

If you fail to develop a strategy to replace yourself, you will force talented people to wait in the wings, stifle insight, hinder the ability to recruit volunteers and limit the growth of the ministry.

Three steps to handing it off

a. Break it down into simple parts

b. Hand it off to partners, not competitors

c. Let it go

7. . 7. Work on it.

It’s easy to work in it—we do that all the time. Sometimes you need to work on it—to step back and analyze your overall standing and strategy.

Evaluate weekly, monthly, yearly, all the time. Use down time for a ministry as up time for evaluation. Keep reading, keep learning, keep honest and keep celebrating.

*From the book of the same title by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner and Lane Jones (Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2004).

HOPE in the Midst of the Current Financial Crisis

HOPE in the Midst of the Current Financial Crisis

An open letter from Pastor Glenn

In late September, the bills came due on America. The bills always come due. The illusion that we as individuals, as companies and as a nation can live on 110% of our income is now over. But—now what do we do? And now, what will we do as a church?

I believe that the sustained nature of this situation will provide an opportunity for us to learn (or relearn) the basics. Actually, this may have a greater and more positive impact on Americans to get their spiritual act together than the 911 attacks.

Remember how full the churches were the Sunday after 911? I do. I also remember how the crowds were gone a month later. Americans are a resilient people, and we were able to absorb the shock of what had happened. We then we took down the Taliban government in Afghanistan before Christmas. And we moved on.

According to Dave Ramsey, this financial crisis is more likely to be with us for three to five years. It will take that long for the excess housing stock to be used up and then we need a couple of years for the greater economy to right itself. We need adopt a long-haul mentality.

There is a saying: “Leaders are dealers in hope.” I want to give you some handles for hope as we move forward. I want you to know that your church will help you. We don’t know if the financial systems will remain in prolonged chaos, or if it will turn around rapidly, or if we are headed toward a deep recession—dare I say depression?

Here’s the HOPE we offer:

H: We will HELP you “reframe” what you are hearing

Reframing is a understanding concept; it means to enter the conversation that people are already having in their minds, and enabling them to move them to a place they were not expecting—and there, you experience a flash of insight that has the potential to change your life. Jesus frequently “reframed” people’s understanding, as for example when in the Sermon on the Mount He said again and again, “You have heard it said, but I say to you…”

What do we have to have reframed? We have come to believe that financial security comes from our 401k, our investments and our property value. We need to see instead that our financial security comes from God and that His word gives us all the essential tools we need to handle wealth and to experience the prosperity that arises from generosity. I was talking with a man at the gym I attend about the financial mess, and I said to him, “There’s no better place to find our way out of this mess than through what Jesus teaches in the gospels and in the Book of Proverbs.” According to Hebrew 12:28, we are inheritors of an unshakable kingdom. That’s the vision to keep before us.

This may well be a blessed time when it comes to the advance of God’s Kingdom. During the last steep recession (1973-1976) we saw the beginnings of some of the greatest churches and ministries in America. Willow Creek Church near Chicago began in 1975. So were the Vineyard and Calvary Chapel movements. A few years later during the 1979-1983 recession, Saddleback Church here in Southern California began. Down economic times have frequently been up times for the Kingdom of God. This is not a time to fear, but to hope, and to anticipate what God will do in our time. Lou Engle of The Call (see www.thecall.com) believes that we are on the verge of a new Jesus movement, and that California will be on the cutting edge of this movement of God.

Did you know that charitable giving (including church giving) did not decline during the Great Depression? Again, down times can be up time for God’s work. Have no fear!

O: We will OFFER Tools and Faith to our congregation

We commit as a church to offer you tools and faith that will help you get your financial house in order—in a way that will honor God, provide for the needs of your household, and be a good witness to the world. For example, in January, we will study The Treasure Principle in all our Sunday morning classes. We intend to follow that up with a four to six week seminar designed to help you apply Biblical principles to your financial situation.

We also commit to give you the things needed to build your “financial faith.” Remember 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Jesus repeatedly reminded us to “Fear not!” Remember: The opposite of faith is fear. Fear is a subversive form of faith. Fear is believing the lies of Satan. Fear is faith in the enemy!

We will model this as a church in our decision-making. We will not cancel doing the things we believed God called us to do. We will be wise with our times, but we will continue to move forward.

P: We will continue to PROMOTE generosity

Our model is what God has already done—God loves, therefore God gives (John 3:16). If we love, we also give. The current situation cannot cancel God’s commands to love or to give. When all others are hoarding, we give—and release the blessings of heaven (Luke 6:38). We will do so no matter what, and in the process, we will give witness to our faith in God to provide our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).

Doing this will enable us to standing out like a purple cow! What a great witness—to be generous in hard times!

I know that it will be a temptation for us to stop tithing. It will be a temptation to retrench or at least to not move forward in generosity. I urge you to resist that temptation, and to trust in God. There will be a special temptation to reduce giving in anticipation of what might happen—not because our income has actually declined. Please don’t give in to that temptation to sin. It really is sin because it’s a temptation to stop trusting in God to provide for now and for the future. It breaks the principle of living on what God’s provided, and giving 10% of income to kingdom causes. (See Malachi 3:8.)

Don’t cut the growth edges your financial life. By “growth edges” I mean the “seed” that you plant now which results in future provision. For example, debt retirement, savings and certain investments are “growth edges” in your personal finances. As a church, spending on the things which attract and retain newcomers are also “growth edges.” In personal finance, growth edges include generous giving. That’s so because God has commanded it, and because generous giving trains us to live well within our means. Giving is actually a powerful financial tool. If we live on 90% of our income, we will never, ever be tempted to try to live on 110% of our income! No—it is far better to cut personal spending (things like lunches out daily when we could pack a lunch, or expensive vacations) than to cut giving.

E: Encourage Evangelism

Here’s a fact: people are most likely to come to faith if they are around people like themselves and if they are under tension, in transition and/or in trouble.

A good example of that is the growth of the church in China. If there was ever a people enduring tension, transition and trouble over a protracted period of time, it was the Chinese people since the 1949 revolution. As I mentioned before, many experts believe that this will be a lengthy, perhaps a five-year crisis.

While none of us would have wished for this time of difficulty, there is an opportunity for us, as God’s people, to model to the world that our faith is not just a ‘sunny day faith.’ Throughout the ages, it has been during times of crisis that Christianity and God’s people have had the most impact. Let me challenge you to model with your life and lips by:

· Being a person of generosity while everyone else is hoarding (John 3:16);

· Being consistent in faith while others are fearing (2 Timothy 1:7);

· Showing great love and concern for your friends and inviting them with you to First Baptist so they too can find hope (1 Peter 2:12).

This is a time to shine like beacons of HOPE in the midst of darkness. From 1999 until 2006, we used the motto “The Beacon on Baldwin.” While not bringing back the motto, it’s time to bring back the concept—and to truly function as beacons of HOPE for our troubled time.

For a great little book so revelant to the faith issues posed by the financial crisis, see Andy Stanley’s book Fields of Gold.

Realities that today's sexual lifetyles bring to the church.

That's the title of the afternoon session with Dan Kimball. Dan stressed that while we must uphold truth, how we deliver that truth--as "missional theologians."

"The covenant of marriage" is so key that in Dan's church, it's considered part of core doctrine. Dan teaches at least once a year on relationships/sexuality. An irenic spirit in teaching on these matters is essential.

Dan showed the rather notorious clip from the now defunct TV show "West Wing." He showed this clip at VFC, and then deal with each shibboleth raised by the pseudo-president played by Martin Sheen.

More later...

Update, Day 2

TransMin and CB SoCal delegates are meeting separately this moring [Conserative Baptists are co-sponsering the conference] in business session. I was happy to learn that my friend Neil Frey will be the new president of TransMin.

We heard a financial report, somewhat sobered by he current investment fall-out. As I did before our board Wednesday, CFO Dave Gregory expressed his opinion that the current environment presents a ministryopportunity.

He also reported that the Covina office is, praise God, debt free.

Dale Salico gave an outstanding presentation on the future of TransMin. The next great emphasis of TransMin will be healthy, integral churches. A new tool, CHAT [church health assesment too] has been adopted as the prime assessment tool. That is the same tool is curently being utilized by the consultants our church is working with.

This afternoon--workshops
Tonight--Miles McPherson

Transmit, Day 2

FIRST DISPATCH

Dan Kimball poses the question, "Why would I want to be uncomfortable in church?" For me, this is old territory, but he esentially stressed intentional, relational connections with non-believers.

Dan has done a servicetothe church at large about reality that while the society at large are interested in Jesus, they also are pretty down on the church. We need "church rehab" [my term] to change the image of Christians and the church--that we are as winsome, real and compelling as our Lord.

Transmit Conference - Day 1

What do want to be remembered for? Dan Kimball, described by Dale Salico as "one of the theologically conservative members of the emerging church movement", posed that question Thursday night.

Dan did a fine job, but emphasized the relational element in evagelizing any generation. He shared how Stuart Allen, an elderly pastorof a tiny older church in England reached him when Dan was a drummer in a punk band.

Dan also modeled the interative style of teaching and worship which he has written about in his several books.

More tomorrow...

You've got (voice) mail

The blog I wrote some time back stating why I'm voting for Prop 8 came out yesterday in Temple City Life as my monthly column.  Last night someone (anonymously) left a lengthy discourse on my office phone telling me to "read my Bible" and that while they weren't in favor of same-sex marriage, they also weren't against it.  If there was ever an example of post-modern moral equivocation, that's it.  

The day before, Pastor Sam read my column and said, "It's great.  Get any hate mail yet?"  Well, give him credit for a bit of prophecy.

I dearly wanted to reach out to this person--a victim of what sounds like a terrible divorce.  This person was irked by my passing reference to Malachi 2:16, where God says, "I hate divorce."  Well, God hates divorce--that's a fact--and I know few divorced people who don't hate divorce as well.  That doesn't mean that divorce isn't sometimes the only and last alternative.  God hates divorce--that doesn't mean that He hates divorced people. 

The caller also told me that I ought to be loving and forgiving, not judging.  Lord knows, I'm the chief of sinners.  It's rescue and compassion that makes me take the stance I do.  For me, this always comes back to Darrell Ballangee.  He was a friend back in High School, whose church told him that there was nothing wrong with his homosexuality.  He didn't make it to 35--dead of AIDS.  Flaunting God's design always has real world consequences.  Always has, always will. 

 

We cannot stand aside as our state embraces death.  I would be a coward and a traitor to God's word if I did.  I will stand with God's design without apology.  Here I stand, I can do no other.  

Get Ready to Kiss Religious Freedom Good-Bye

Get Ready to Kiss Religious Freedom Good-Bye

In Massachusetts, a couple was incensed that their five-year old came home from Kindergarten with a book promoting same-sex relationships are equal to traditional marriage. The man went to see the Superintendent of schools asking for a religious exemption for his kids. “But same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts,” was the reply. No prior notification was needed, he was told. “I’m prepared to stay here all night until I get that exemption, and prior notification,” he replied. Not only was he denied an exemption, he ended up spending the night in jail.

What happens when same-sex marriage is made legal while many people of faith must object due to deeply held convictions? There is an unavoidable clash between church and state. Catholic Charities of Massachusetts no longer place for adoption because denying a homosexual couple a child for adoption is regarded as discrimination in that state.

Here in California, if Proposition 8 fails, this state will essentially declare that the Bible promotes bigotry and that our faith is a form of bigotry. A statement as simple as “A child needs a mom and a dad” will be regarded as hate speech.

While it is true that the imperial decision of the State Supreme Court which established same-sex marriage included a promise of religious exemption, do not expect that to be respected for long. This summer, two physicians were successfully sued in California by a lesbian couple for refusing to perform an artificial insemination. They cited their religious convictions and were willing to refer the couple to physicians willing to perform the procedure—but lost their case because it was regarded as “denial of professional services.”

If Prop 8 fails, expect same-sex couples to target evangelical and Roman Catholic churches before this year is even out. They will approach such churches requesting to be married with the knowledge that they will be denied. Then they will sue these churches—which at minimum means that huge expenses and reduced capacity to minister. At worst, based on the precedent of the physician case, these churches could lose and be hit for huge, even destructive loses. The idea is demoralize and destroy principled objection to homosexuality.

So how will you vote on Prop 8? I know how I’m going to vote. I don’t want to kiss religious liberty good-bye, so I’m voting YES on Prop 8.

You're Welcome, Nelson

Hey, when I'm quoted, I suppose I'm allowed to put it on my blog too. I'm in the Coaching Network of Nelson Searcy, and he quoted me today:

From www.churchleaderinsights.com/blog/:

One of my tele-coaching participants/pastors shared these two time management principles with me in a recent email:

1. Always start the day with God. Just like tithing stretches money, time with God has an amazing way of stretching time!

2. The next day principle. Whenever possible, get through your “to do” list, then do something you’d planned on doing the next day. This snowballs over time and greatly increases your capacity to get things done.

(Submitted by Glenn Edward Layne from First Baptist Church in Temple City, CA)

Two great principles! Thanks, Glenn!

So let me ask you:

Are you starting your day with God?

Are you starting your tomorrow before you finish today?

Nelson

I'll be posting on the experience of being in Nelson's network. So far, it's the single most valuable training experience I've had in years.

Big Winners!

First Baptist is a Big Winner!

We’re happy to announce that FBC Temple City has won a church consultation from the Healthy Church Group of Fresno, CA, a well-respected and highly effective evangelical church consultation service which works primarily with Southern Baptist Churches.*

The value of this consultation is over $5,000. FBC was selected because of an entry which Pastor Glenn made at last year’s National Outreach Convention in San Diego. In this case, a few hundred dollars spent for this conference is paying off in a big way.

HCG’s process involves several steps. The first will be a special weekend in which two members of the HCG team will conduct 16 half-hour interviews on a Saturday afternoon. Then they will be present to make further observations on the Sunday. Others can give feedback to HCG either by going online, or by coming to the church office and having online responses imputed for them.

The date for this first step is the weeken of September 27-28.

And guess what? Pastor Glenn is going back to the National Outreach Convention in November. Who knows what he might win this time!

*FBC is not a Southern Baptist Church. Not that there's anything wrong with that! We are affiliated with Transformation Ministries of Covina, CA.

The Protect Marriage Amendment--Why I'm Voting For It

The following was written for the Fall (September-November) newsletter of the First Baptist Church of Temple City, The Tower.

DOWN MY LAYNE...

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of his country.

I remember typing that sentence as practice when taking typing. In this Fall newsletter, I want to present this to you as your charge—now’s your time.

I would never, ever, endorse a candidate from the pulpit. Not only is it illegal, more important is the fact that’s it’s wrong—it’s an abuse of the pulpit.

I would, and now do, tell you how strongly I feel about the Protect Marriage Amendment, which you will have a chance to vote on in November. The same day America selects a new President, California will decide what to do about the future of marriage in California. And make no mistake: what California does will shape what happens all across America.

That’s why I intend to vote for the PMA on November 4. You will have to decide how you will vote. But this is how I’m voting, and I want to explain why.

First, I’m voting this way because how I vote must be informed by my faith. In a democracy, God holds me and you accountable for my part in the decisions made in my country. Here are some Biblical realities which inform the way I’m voting:

God intentionally designed and created us male and female.
(Gen. 1:27; Gen. 5:1-2; Matt. 19:4; Mark 10:6)

God intended sexual intimacy to be enjoyed only within the context of the male and female relationship. (Gen. 1:28; Matt. 19:5, Mark 10:7-8; Romans 1:24-32)

God intends marriage to be a committed, life long, covenant relationship between a man and a woman based on love, respect, mutual submission and personal sacrifice.
(Matt. 5:31-32; Matt. 19:3-11; Mal. 2:14-16; Mark 10:2-12; I Cor. 7:10-16; Deut. 5:18, 21; Eph. 5:21-33)

Jesus confirmed that God’s design is only to be fulfilled within the context of a committed marriage of one man and one woman. (Matt. 19:3-11; Mark 10:2-12).

Children are a blessing--God’s design is that moms and dads create and raise children. (Gen. 1:28; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 22:6)

God’s design is to have dad and mom train their children to love, honor and obey God. (Deut. 4:1-9; Proverbs 22:6)

All sexual activity outside of God’s design (heterosexual marriage) is forbidden—it is morally impure and personally destructive—individuals will be judged by God for it. (Heb. 13:4; Romans 1:24-32; Romans 2:5-10; I Cor. 6:9-11; Matt. 5:27-32; Deut. 5:9, 18, 21; Exodus 20:14-17; Deut. 4:1-9)

Divorce is not God’s plan—God hates divorce. (Mal. 2:14-16; Matt. 5:31-32; Matt. 19:6-9; Mark 10:9-12; I Cor. 7:10-16)

God clearly forbids “same sex” sexual relationships—they are not part of His plan. (Lev. 18:22; Romans 1:24-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gen. 1:27; Gen. 5:1-2; Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6)
There is tremendous safety and blessing in following God’s plan for marriage. (Deut. 5:10; Exodus 20:6; Deut. 4:1-9; Romans 2:5-10)

Second, I’m voting for the PMA because of the need to preserve marriage’s stabilizing role in society.

In all or nearly all human societies, marriage is the socially approved union between a woman and a man, conceived both as a personal relationship and as an institution, so that any children resulting from the union are understood to be emotionally, morally, practically and legally affiliated with both of the parents.

The history of marriage demonstrates that non-recognition of same-sex “marriages” does not stem from a particular religious tradition; it is universal. Even secular and aggressively atheist regimes (like the old Soviet Union) have never recognized same-sex “marriages.”

In fact, heterosexual marriage is found in nearly every human society and almost always as a pivotal institution. Homosexual marriage outside contemporary Western societies is exceedingly rare and has never been considered the equivalent of male/female marriage, even in societies that had a “tolerant” attitude toward homosexuality (like ancient Greece).

Marriage (real, God-designed heterosexual marriage) is good for men, and for women and for children. Marriage is good financially, from a health standpoint and from mental health standpoint.

Research clearly demonstrates that family structure matters for children, and the family structure that helps the most is a family headed by two-biological parents in a low-conflict marriage.

On the other hand, nations in Europe that have experimented with same-sex marriage discover that such so-called marriages pull down the overall value of marriage, and that marriage rates drop, and out-of-wedlock childbearing, already at epidemic levels in Europe, rises.

That’s why I’m voting for the Protect Marriage Amendment.