NewCityThought

The Christian and the Mind

NewCityThought — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:48:21 +0000

Regardless of whether or not you and I will ever be scholars, God wants us to love Him with our minds. True! Jesus said so. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). The heart? The soul? No problem. The mind? Well, we don’t always demonstrate love for God in that department because…well, its work! But here are 3 simple steps that will help your mind achieve a better love life with God.

Guard your mind
Grow your mind
Give your mind

Note the order. Too many people are willing to give their minds without guarding them from negative influences or growing them in godliness beforehand. As Christians, our minds should be sources of valuable information.

Don’t neglect one of the most important aspects of your person. John Calvin wrote, “And here again we ought to observe that we are called to a knowledge of God: not that knowledge which…merely fits in the brain, but that which will be sound and fruitful if we duly perceive it, and if it takes root in the heart” (Institutes I.v.9). Guard it. Grow it. Give it.

Blessings,

Joe

Focusing on the New

NewCityThought — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:13:23 +0000

This weekend, along with thousands of other pastors, I focused on the new. One idea, I think, is worth sharing here, so…

Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

What I love about this verse, and what I pointed out this weekend, is the wonderful illustration that’s built into it. God’s mercy is new “every morning.” So, as the sun rises each day it brings a warm, bright reminder that God is merciful…as merciful as ever (conveniently that’s His character!) and we have yet another opportunity to enjoy His mercy and to live a godly life for Him–regardless of what occurred yesterday.

Enjoy the new,

Joe

How to Handle Conflict: 3 Steps to Consider

NewCityThought — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:53:13 +0000

If you’re alive, then you’ve experienced criticism. Whether from a family member, a friend, a coworker, or a peer: we all experience criticism from time to time. The truth is, not all conflict is bad: some conflict is helpful. So, since it’s inevitable and (at least) occasionally helpful, how can you handle conflict? Here are 3 steps to consider.

First, consider the source. Need I say more? There are people who criticize for the good of others and there are people who criticize for their own good. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friends,” meaning, although a friend may tell us something harsh, it’s for our own good. Thank God for friends like that. But sometimes the source is not a friend, or even friendly! So consider the source.

Second, consider the content. Honestly and bravely consider what’s said and evaluate yourself accordingly. Is there any truth to the criticism? Let’s face it–no one’s perfect. Some of us have faults that we’ve unknowingly developed and the criticism that we receive functions like an early-morning mirror–we can continue in public the way we look or we can freshin’ up before we go. That leads us to the last step.

Third, consider the plan. If there’s truth to the criticism you receive, and you’re interested in making the appropriate adjustments (and let’s face it, not everyone is!), then great. Face the facts and make the change! James Baldwin wrote, “Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” If someone says that you’re too controlling, and it’s true, exercise more faith (Matthew 6:30-33). If someone says that you speak harshly, and it’s true, think before you speak and speak kindly (Ephesians 4:29). If someone says that you’re acting selfishly, and it’s true, consider others first (Romans 15:2).

If you’re facing citicism, these 3 steps are worth implementing.

Blessings,

Joe

Is Walking Good for You?

NewCityThought — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:39:52 +0000

Should you walk? Practically speaking, if you want to get anywhere, you better. Philosophically speaking, however, it’s a little deeper still. To walk, in a philosophical sense, suggests momentum, progress, and forward motion. John Piepont Morgan (aka J. P. Morgan) said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”

The Bible also uses this language. Moses taught the Israelites to “walk in all [God's] ways” (Deuteronomy 10:12). The apostle Paul popularly said, “Walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16), that is, live your live in accordance with God the Holy Spirit.

So, do you have to walk? Of course not. But if you want to get anywhere in this life, you better. Where do you start? Here are 4 suggestions:

decide “where” you are (and be honest)
decide “where” you want to be (and be realistic…don’t be guilty of self-sabotage)
decide what rate you’ll travel at (when do you realistically want to reach your “destination”?)
decide who will accompany you (totally optional but, as the saying goes, two shorten a road)

Good luck!

Joe

The (Unsettling) Reality of God’s Judgment

NewCityThought — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:10:39 +0000

Following this weekend’s message on Genesis 18:16-19:38, I wanted to rewrite a few thoughts for memory’s sake:

God’s judgment is inevitable. This is the first and most important point. If we fail to recognize this theme throughout the Scriptures (here for example), then we’ll fail to faithfully execute our evangelistic duties. Judgment is an inevitable reality of God’s unfolding plan.
God’s judgment is escapable. The 2nd and perhaps most important aspect of God’s judgment is that it is escapable. John 3:17 states, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Nothing could be clearer: God sent Jesus into the world as a means of escape from inevitable judgement.

Whatever we’ve done, whatever is deserving of judgment, it can be forgiven in Christ (1 John 1:8-9), who was sent to be the means by which our judgment is dismissed and God’s wrath appeased (1 John 2:1-2).

Thanks be to God!

Joe

3 Reasons Why Following God is Difficult

NewCityThought — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:45:24 +0000

From Sunday’s message entitled “The Call of Abraham,” consider the below points that we all, from time to time, experience in our lives.

It’s not easy to follow God’s commands sometimes, because we’re afraid of the unknown. Abraham didn’t have all the details, but he did follow God’s command to go to a new land.
It’s not easy to follow God’s commands sometimes, because we’re “comfortable” where we are. Abraham had to leave the comforts of home in order to obey God.
It’s not easy to follow God’s commands sometimes, because we aren’t use to walking by faith. Hebrews 11:8 makes an excellent point here, putting up Abraham as an example of faith.

Needless to say, although these points are relevant, neither of the 3 makes disobedience permissible. In fact, they all show our lack of trust in God’s goodness and ability to supply all of our needs. Let’s acknowledge our tendency, and combat them with trust and obedience!

Blessings,

Joe

Help!

NewCityThought — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:42:45 +0000

Never underestimate the strength that there is in a helper. For some reason, we feel as if we’re unsuccessful unless we’re doing everything all the time, a sort of Superman complex that has robbed us of our ability to ask, “Hey, you’re really gifted at this, would you mind helping me?”

I was recently reminded of this in 2 ways. The first way is a positive example. I delegated an important, repeating task to a church member who has done a fantastic job. It has reflected well on both her as a member and me as a leader.

The second example is negative. When someone has a responsibility and fails to accomplish it, suddenly the importance of having faithful, reliable volunteers who actively use their gifts is apparent.

Don’t neglect the gifted people that God has placed around you. They may be there to multiply your productivity, help you grow in humility, or simply to be a friend.

Remembering John R. W. Stott

NewCityThought — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:33:53 +0000

On Wednesday, July 27, 2011 John R. W. Stott died due to complications with old age (he was 90). According to reports, his last few weeks were spent in relative discomfort.

If you don’t know, Stott was essentially the Protestant Pope. He was a colossal figure in Evangelical Christianity. His writings were widely circulated (just one of his books, Basic Christianity, was translated into 60 languages). His sermons were listened to around the world by hundreds of nations and people groups, Christians and non-Christians alike. His social involvement, helping the poor for example, was also applauded.

Personally, Stott made a huge impression. I remember “finding” him in college and falling in love with his intellectual but simple style. In fact, to this day I require his books for the classes that I teach. So, here are some great recommendations for you to consider. I want to share the wealth, and I hope that God will bless you through Stott as He has blessed me.

Basic Christianity (short, simple, and straightforward)

The Cross of Christ (lengthy, thorough, and theological–and great)

Your Mind Matters (a short, thoughtful book on the Christian thought life)

Issues Facing Christians Today (some 500 pages of issues like war and human rights)

Blessings,

Joe

Rain, Rain, and More Rain

NewCityThought — Fri, 06 May 2011 13:33:27 +0000

In view of this morning’s deluge, here are some lessons from the Bible on rain!

Rain is a reminder of God’s judgment in Noah’s time (Genesis 6-9).
Rain is God’s means of growing produce (Psalm 145:8).
Rain is a picture of God’s blessing (Joel 2:23).
Rain is a gift from God, on both the good and bad (Matthew 5:45).

PS–Drive safely!

Blessings,

Joe

A Three-Dimensional Life

NewCityThought — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:31:04 +0000

It’s easy to live a life that’s one-dimensional so that people don’t see the natural contours of our personality and character. The truth, however, is that people will only be deceived for so long–yourself included! Reaching people for Jesus requires us to be three-dimensional Christians who are sincere and courageous, working on our faults while simultaneously acknowledging that we’re not perfect. Paul once told a church that he not only shared the Gospel with them but even himself–his personality, his mind, his heart. That’s a great example. I believe we’ll make a greater impact on the world for Jesus if we honestly and courageously live three-dimensional lives.

Blessings,

Joe