Taking Risks in Church

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I used to think that church work should be risk free. But I soon realized that effective church work is very risky! Many churches play it safe (and that is fine for those who are fine with it). I am not cool with status-quo! Actually I, if you will allow me to say it, hate status-quo, and playing it safe.

I feel that the message of Jesus is the most important message being communicated on planet earth, period!

Jesus took MAJOR risks, this is why He received so much push back from the religious establishment of His day. Jesus did not live by the status-quo of His day, He was a radical risk taker.

Challenge: Ask God where you are playing it safe and then take some risks!

Scripture: James 1:22-24 22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Poem:
There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played;
He never risked, he never tried,
He never sang or prayed.
And when he one day passed away
His insurance was denied;
For since he never really lived,
They claimed he never died!

- Source Unknown.

- Timmy

What does the Bible say about Tattoos?

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I am amazed at what we Christians think “the Bible says…” about various subjects!

I recently had a kid tell me that, “the bible says that tattoos are a sin”. Of course this was something that his parents had told him.

So, what does the Bible say about tattoos?

Leviticus 19:23-28 23 “When you enter the land and plant fruit trees, leave the fruit unharvested for the first three years and consider it forbidden.[f] Do not eat it. 24 In the fourth year the entire crop must be consecrated to the Lord as a celebration of praise. 25 Finally, in the fifth year you may eat the fruit. If you follow this pattern, your harvest will increase. I am the Lord your God. 26 “Do not eat meat that has not been drained of its blood. “Do not practice fortune-telling or witchcraft. 27 “Do not trim off the hair on your temples or trim your beards. 28 “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord.



In this passage God is speaking to his covenant people Israel. He is specifically telling them to stay far from the religious practices of the surrounding people groups. The prohibited religious practices in these verses include eating bloody meat, fortune telling, certain hair cuts related to the priests of false cults, cutting or marking the body for dead relatives, cultic prostitution and consulting psychics. All these practices would lead God's beloved people away from Him and toward false gods that were not Gods at all. In the midst of this context we find the word translated “tattoo marks” in verse 28. It is important to note here that the context of this passage is not one of body décor but one of marking one's self in connection with cultic religious worship. Check out what Bible commentaries tell us much about the eastern religious practices that God was warning His people to shun.


These prohibitions seem to relate to pagan religious customs which should be avoided, including pagan mourning rites (vv. 27-28) Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983–c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary: An exposition of the scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.



The practice of making deep gashes on the face and arms and legs, in time of bereavement, was universal among the heathen, and it was deemed a becoming mark of respect for the dead, as well as a sort of propitiatory offering to the deities who presided over death and the grave. The Jews learned this custom in Egypt, and though weaned from it, relapsed in a later and degenerate age into this old superstition (Is 15:2; Je 16:6; 41:5). “nor print any marks upon you” (v:28 )—by tattooing, imprinting figures of flowers, leaves, stars, and other fanciful devices on various parts of their person. The impression was made sometimes by means of a hot iron, sometimes by ink or paint, as is done by the Arab females of the present day and the different castes of the Hindus. It it probable that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honor of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. (1997). A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments. On spine: Critical and explanatory commentary. (Le 19:28). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.



“Make any cuttings in your flesh” (v:28): the reference here is to the practice of making deep gashes in the skin while mourning the death of a relative. This was done to provide life blood for the spirit of the dead person rather than to express sorrow. On account of the dead: as indicated above, this describes the purpose of all the actions in verse 27 as well as verse 28. Péter-Contesse, R., & Ellington. (1992). A handbook on Leviticus. UBS handbooks; Helps for translating (Page 296). New York: United Bible Societies.



The “tattoo” marks described in Leviticus 19:28 were clearly related to false religious practices. The word translated tattoo in our English Bibles is the Hebrew word “qa aqa”, this word appears only one time in the Bible, here in this passage Leviticus. The word “qa aqa” means literally “to cut” but taken with the surrounding words indicates a cutting that left a mark imprinted in the skin. This could have been a form of branding, scarring, cutting or a process where ink was inlaid into the skin; there is not enough data to fully define exactly what this word meant. However we translate the word “qa aqa” though, in this passage, it is certainly used in the context of cultic religious worship. The prohibition against “qa aqa”, (translated tattoo) was to keep the Israelites from being involved or affiliated with cultic worship practices. Plus, I get the sense that it is referring putting the tattoo on yourself… so just make sure you have someone do it for you. (ha, just a little joke there!)



Anyway, the tattoo of today is much different than it was for those who originally received the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the bible). Today tattoos are a decorative means of self expression and personal decoration. In our current culture people modify their appearance for beauty in many ways such as clothing choice, makeup, plastic surgery, haircutting and coloring, weight loss, body-building, and ear piercing. Some of these practices have a history in ancient ritual and false religion, but in our cultural context they do not denote a connection with evil or false faith. In the same way tattoos today do not link the wearer to cultic worship practices and is not generally practiced for ancient religious purposes, tattoos today are for ornamentation.



Yet another reason to believe Christians are free to tattoo their bodies is that New Testament believers are not bound by the Old Testament laws to gain or regain right relationship with God. If we were to obey the laws of the Old Testament we would also be bound by rules that would restrict shellfish and pork eating, hairstyles, wearing of clothes made from two different fabrics, even eating cheese on hamburgers (yes, it is true). Some also feel that modifying the body somehow defiles God's creation, but if this was true would it be right to pierce ears, correct a club foot, cut hair, clip nails, get a tan or use orthodontia? Each of the previously mentioned practices modifies the way we were originally created, some permanently. Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal choice that falls in the category of personal appearance and is vitally connected to the freedom of the believer. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Old Testament Law was designed by God was to lead people toward Jesus. Now that Jesus has come and set us free, we are not under the law for our good standing with God. Our right standing before God comes from placing our trust in Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for our debts, not on following the Old Testament regulations.



Galatians 3:24–25 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.— NAS



As New Testament followers of Jesus we are not under restriction in the area of personal décor.
Tattoo of today can describe images that merely please the wearer, or have deeper meaning to the owner. Many Christians today are tattooing themselves not in tribute to a false idol or anti-Christian deity, but with love for the one true God and Creator. Many today utilize this permanent marking a way of giving glory to God. Some find that Christian tattoos attract questions about faith and provide opportunities to give God glory by allowing the story-telling of His Love to those who aren’t convinced yet.



Tattoo is a significant life-choice and should be only entered into with a great deal of forethought. Some questions to ask yourself if you are young and considering a tattoo are:



  • Am I legally of an age to get a tattoo?

  • If I live with my parents, would my parents support my decision?

  • Would I be defying the authority God gave my parents over me at my current age?

  • Would I still want this particular image when I get older?

  • What if my future mate wouldn't like having to see this image for a lifetime?

  • Would this tattoo be in an area of my body that would be plainly visible? – Many people do unfairly judge people with tattoos as being “second-class.”

  • Would this image bring God glory?

  • Do I feel fully convinced that tattoos are allowable for Christians?


Tattoo is not for everyone, and is certainly not for a Christian who feels unconvinced that getting a tattoo is completely Biblical. In this and many areas of the Christian life there are many truly excellent believers who have varying degrees of agreement and disagreement about Christians with tattoos. In whatever you believe about this issue I hope that you will leave gracious space for others who might feel differently. May ALL things bring Glory to our great God, Jesus the Christ.


- Timmy

Footprints in the Sand

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As I sit here on the beach I am mesmerized by the waves hitting the shore; a sound that I love and find much peace in! A couple walks by and leaves their Footprints in the sand. Then just 2 waves later their footprints were gone, completely gone. I am reminded of a great story Jesus told in…

Matthew 7:24-27 24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

If you, like me, want to your life to be more than just “Footprints in the sand” then we need to build our life on more than just mere sand! We need to build our lives on the ROCK, and the ROCK is Jesus.

But here is a question maybe you are asking yourself: HOW?

ANSWER:

Matthew 6:20-21 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

How do we build our lives on the ROCK? We INVEST in what really matters, what really lasts forever… PEOPLE! When we invest in people we are storing up treasures in heaven!

To me, living a life only caring for myself, mine, me and my is living a Footprints in the sand kind of life. A life that will not be remembered! A life that will be forgotten! But living a life that gives, serves and helps others is a life that is remembered for eternity! Especially when we are “helping” people grow in their faith!

Challenge: Store up treasures in Heaven!

- Timmy

PS We are having a wonderful time here on the beach! Check back in a few days I will have some pics up! See you soon!

Jesus Loves Me, This I Know

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What a great song, Jesus Loves Me. Though known as a children's song, I feel it is a wonderful reminder for all of us adults as well, especially the adults who have come to doubt those words. *Lyrics and History of song below.

It's a sad thing when we adults begin to grow older we lose faith. And not just in God, but in dreams too. It's like we throw God and dreams in with the tooth fairy or Santa Clause; "those are childs play and only for the minds of children".

I am reminded of what Jesus said, in Matthew & Luke's gospel...

Matthew 18:4 "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Luke 18:17 "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

I often have wondered what Jesus was really saying here? Could it be that he was referring to the child-like faith of little ones? Or that it's so easy for a child to believe in what is unseen. Unlike we adults who feel that, "if you can not see it then it is not real". I am reminded of a couple more scriptures...

Matthew 6:6 "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

2 Corinthians 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Oh to have child-like faith that says and believes with the whole heart, Jesus Loves Me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so!

First, know today and everyday, JESUS LOVE YOU, no matter what you've done, or what you are doing now... He longs for a relationship with you! Invite Him into your life today - you'll be glad you did. Secondly, begin to dream again! What do you want to become? What do you want to do in life? What do you want to accomplish? Dream again!

- Timmy


JESUS LOVES ME
Words: Stanza 1, bio("An­na B. War­ner","w/a/r/warner_ab")
An­na B. War­ner, 1860. Stanzas 2-3, Da­vid Ru­ther­ford Mc­Guire. This hymn first ap­peared in the no­vel Say and Seal, by War­ner’s sis­ter Su­san; she want­ed a song for a Sun­day School teach­er to sing to a dy­ing boy, and asked An­na to write it.
Music: bio("Will­iam B. Brad­bu­ry","b/r/a/bradbury_wb")
Will­iam B. Brad­bu­ry, 1862


Jesus loves me! This I know,For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;They are weak, but He is strong.
Refrain

Yes, Jesus loves me!Yes, Jesus loves me!Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so. Jesus loves me! This I know,As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,Saying, “Let them come to Me.”
Refrain

Jesus loves me still today,Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to giveLight and love to all who live.
Refrain

Jesus loves me! He who diedHeaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,Let His little child come in.
Refrain

Jesus loves me! He will stayClose beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,I will henceforth live for Thee.
Refrain

The Rev. Dr. Jacob Cham­ber­lain, who for ma­ny years has been work­ing among the Hin­dus, writes as fol­lows re­gard­ing this hymn, long one of the most pop­u­lar child­ren’s songs in the world: “Ma­ny years ago I trans­lat­ed in­to Tel­e­gu the child­ren’s hymn, ‘Je­sus loves me’ and taught it to the child­ren of our day-school. Scarce­ly a week lat­er, as I was go­ing through the nar­row streets of the na­tive town on horse­back, I heard sing­ing that sound­ed na­tur­al, down a side street. I stopped to list­en, cau­tious­ly draw­ing up to the cor­ner, where un­ob­served I could look down the street and see and hear. And there was a lit­tle hea­then boy, with hea­then men and wo­men stand­ing around him, sing­ing away at the top of his voice: ‘Je­sus loves me this I know…’
As he com­plet­ed the verse some one asked the quest­ion: ‘Son­ny, where did you learn that song?’ ‘Over at the Mis­sion­a­ry School,’ was the an­swer. ‘Who is that Je­sus, and what is the Bi­ble?’ ‘Oh! the Bi­ble is the book from God, they say, to teach us how to get to hea­ven, and Je­sus is the name of the di­vine Re­deem­er that came in­to the world to save us from our sins; that is what the mis­sion­ar­ies say.’ ‘Well, the song is a nice one. Come, sing us some more.’ And so the lit­tle boy went on—a hea­then himself, and sing­ing to the hea­then—about Je­sus and his love. ‘That is preach­ing the Gos­pel by proxy,’ I said to my­self, as I turned my po­ny and rode away, well sa­tis­fied to leave my lit­tle proxy to tell his in­ter­est­ed au­di­ence all he him­self knew, and sing to them over and over that sweet song of sal­va­tion.”
cite("Sankey","sankey","179-80")
Sankey, pp. 179-80

In 1891, when my grand­fa­ther, Rev. Har­u­tune S. Je­nan­yan, took his wife and lit­tle daugh­ter on a per­i­lous and dan­ger­ous mis­sion­a­ry jour­ney from Tar­sus, Asia Mi­nor, the ci­ty of St. Paul, to Si­vas in Ar­men­ia, they tra­velled on horse-back through rob­ber-in­fest­ed coun­try for four­teen days. Two of the lead­ing rob­ber chiefs on that ter­ri­to­ry were Chol­lo, whose “name cast ter­ror on ev­ery side” since he had suc­cess­ful­ly evad­ed pur­su­ing Gov­ern­ment forc­es for ma­ny months, and Ka­ra Ag­ha, a fa­mous Koor­ish chief, whose name caused even the fear­some Chol­lo to trem­ble. Har­u­tune took his small par­ty di­rect­ly in­to the heart of Ka­ra Ag­ha’s coun­try, tell­ing those he met en­route that he was go­ing to be Ag­ha’s guest in his own vill­age. When they reached the bri­gand’s head-quar­ters, the mis­sion­a­ry asked that they be re­ceived as guests for the night. The sur­prised rob­ber chief gave them ac­com­mo­da­tions, en­ter­tain­ing Har­u­tune in his own spa­cious tent while his wife, Hel­ene, and their lit­tle daugh­ter, Grace were cared for in ano­ther tent by the wo­men of the vill­age. The next morn­ing, be­fore tak­ing their leave, the mis­sion­ary asked for per­miss­ion to read a por­tion of the Ho­ly Script­ure, and then of­fered a pray­er. See­ing that the chief was some­what af­fect­ed, he then said, “Do you wish to have the lit­tle child sing for you?” The chief re­plied, “Oh yes; can she?” Then lit­tle Grace, on­ly three-and-a-half years old, came for­ward and stood be­fore the tall old man and sang two songs she had re­cent­ly learned in the Sun­day School in Tar­sus, sing­ing them in the na­tive tongue, “Je­sus loves me, this I know” and “I want to be an an­gel”. The chief was so deep­ly touched, that he sent his own son, Bek­keer Ag­ha, mount­ed on a hand­some Ar­a­bi­an steed, to lead the small mis­sion­a­ry par­ty through the rest of his ter­ri­to­ry.

The Resource Challenge

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Here I sit preparing for messages in 2008, some in October of this year and looking into the future of Olathe Life Fellowship and I am hit with the reality of the Resource Challenge we face as a "church for the un-churched". Because as a "church for the un-churched" we are almost more of a Mission Organization, than a normal church.




  • The un-churched typically do not understand giving or the concept of tithing to your local church.


  • The un-churched typically don't trust "religous organizations" because of what they have seen from Religous TV personalities who seem to always talk, beg, steal and manipulate people to give their hard-earned money to them so that, "God can bless them in return".

So, this my friends is a challenge we face. How to over-come, or "take on" if you will, this Resource Challenge is my question.


Here are the facts:


1.) It takes money to operate an organization!


2.) God "commands" us to give! (I like the word "encourage" better, but "commands" is more biblical.


3.) God talks more about money then just about any other subject in the Bible.


4.) Giving to your local church, IS in fact GIVING to God. (We (the church) are the hands and feet of Jesus in this world; so when we give to our local church we are actually giving to God because we are giving to God's work, or God's purposes here on earth.)


5.) We are blessed when we give! (This is hard to understand, even for me (a churched guy). As I have said many times before, God can do more with the 90% then we can do with the whole 100%, so give God a chance by giving Him 10% first... and just see how far the 90% goes!)


6.) We've always done well financially and we've given 10% and as much as 20% for 13 years! And we've never gone hungry, or had to walk anywhere we didn't want to, and we've been able to give 3 cars away in the meantime.


7.) Giving to God (through the local church) your first 10% of all your increase shows where God is on your priority list.


I once heard it said, "If you want to know what is important to people... look at their checkbook registry". Wow, that is true; where people spend their money shows their heart, their commitment, and their priority!


Peace for now!


- Timmy