God's Greenhouse

For the past 12 years, I've had the privilege to serve as a pastor at Southbrook Church in Franklin.  My first four years as an Associate Pastor taught me tremendous lessons in failure, humility and compassion.

Serving for the past eight years as the lead pastor has far exceeded my expectations. Certainly, shepherding a community of people is challenging, no doubt about it. God continues to amaze and continues to be the focal point of this Christian Community.

About 2 years ago Southbrook embarked on an ambitious plan to purchase land so that we can build a permanent church facility. Our goal wasn't to get our own building. Our goal was to be able to connect to the 1 million unchurched people in a three county area. We saw the church facility as a tool to help us accomplish this goal. Southbrook teams identified a beautiful parcel of land and after successfully working with the City of Franklin to rezone this 18 acres; we formally purchased it.

A few months ago a local pastor called and asked if Southbrook would be interested in purchasing his church land and facility. Our leaders did a tremendous amount of due diligence, the behind-the-scenes effort to see if this new site would meet our current and future plans. After months of prayer, labor and hard work, Southbrook voted with 98% approval to purchase this new site.

A local newspaper editor called and asked to do a story on our move.  The 20 minute discussion ended up into this article.  Click Here to read it....

We've been following a truth that Stuart Briscoe once said, 'When God gives you a green light, you go until He gives you a Red.'  He's provided the green lights and we continue to humbly follow.

Armageddon: Bruce Willis and Revelation 16

It is surprising that one of the most esoteric verses in the New Testament is so well known within our American popular culture.  We read in Revelation Chapter 16 verse 16:  'Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.'

A fascination with the end-of-the-world propelled this verse into the forefront of our cultural consciousness.  Bruce Willis' 1998 move, 'Armageddon' brought in over $200M at the domestic box office.  From the WWF to our common lexicon, the word 'Armageddon' is embedded deep into our way of life.

But what is it?  Do Christians truly understand Armageddon?

Armageddon literally means 'Mt. Megiddo' and Megiddo is a site in modern day Israel.  It is actually a valley where many famous battles occurred.  The first major battle was with the Egyptian king, Thutmose III who fought against the Canaanites in 1468BC.  The last battle was in AD 1917 with the British conquest of Palestine.

There is no Mountain named Megiddo; however nearby is Mt. Carmel, where Elijah fought the prophets of Baal.  History records dozens of locations for this end-of-the-world battle.  From the Mississippi river valley, to the Ukraine, France and different locations in the Middle East.

While some commentators have done extensive work to show the specific geographical location of this final battle, others see it in more symbolic terms -the decisive battle where God defeats His enemies.

My opinion is that the geography and lexical clues are sufficiently vague enough to warrant much humility on identifying a specific location.  However the point of Revelation 16v16 is to show that God will triumph over his enemies.  Whether God does this in a battle that takes place in France, the Ukraine  or in Wisconsin -really doesn't matter..., what matters is that God's Team Wins!

Finding meaning in Revelation 16

Revelation Chapter 16 describes 'The Beginning of the End' for the world's powers who oppose God.  The previous chapter sets up the rationale for this last blast of judgments.  We see in Chapter 15 that the 'Bowls of Wrath' come from God's Temple in Heaven.  This helps the reader to see that these judgments are not from a capricious God, but rather from a God who is Holy and Just.

The Seven Bowls of Wrath contain many echoes that link back to the Plagues of Egypt during the time of the Exodus.  God designed this intentional link to remind us that just as He vanquished a World Power centuries earlier, He will do it again.

Many Old Testament allusions help the reader to see that Chapter 16 is the outworking of God's longstanding plan to deal with a rebellious world.

Isaiah 66.6 reminds us that God's wrath flows from His Temple, linking us to Revelation 16.1.
Isaiah 49.26 shows us that God's enemies will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine, linking us to Revelation 16.6.
Psalm 78.44 points to the truth that God will eventually turn His enemies rivers to blood, as in Revelation 16.4-7.

Questions arise, are these events to be taken literally or figuratively....?  And the answer is "Yes!" Revelation is rich in symbolism, to this all commentators agree.  Revelation 16 describes the final battle, -the final stand of humanity opposed to God.  God will judge this people and we know it will be terrible; far greater than words can describe.

If only we would turn to God rather than curse him....

Digging into Revelation 15

Revelation 15 is a transitional chapter as it sets up the final act of God's judgment towards those who oppose His followers.  Here we see the justification for the final bowl judgments that are about to be unleashed upon the world.  We are given a vision of heaven, of seven angels and upon the heavenly temple.


In the middle of this vision, John sees victorious Christians, those who have been persecuted, singing a song of praise to the Lord.  Scholars note that the song of Revelation 15 is a compilation of many Old Testament references.  Here are a few Old Testament links to this emotional and powerful song.

God's Character 15v3-4a

'Great and marvelous are your deeds...'       Psalms 111v2

'Lord God Almighty'                                         Amos 3v13 and 4v13

'Just and true are your ways'                         Deuteronomy 32v4

'King of the nations'                                        Jeremiah 10v7

'Who will not fear you O Lord'                       Jeremiah 10v7

'and bring glory to your name'                       Psalms 86v9

'For you alone are holy'                                   Psalm 99

Our Response 15v4b

'All nations will worship before you'                     Isaiah 2v2-4

'For your righteous acts have been revealed'    Psalms 98v2

Sunday Left-Overs May 20th, 2012

Sunday at Southbrook Church we talked through some exciting plans that are in the works. But more important then the plans, was the theme of how we see God at work. Former Senior Pastor of Elmbrook Church Stuart Briscoe, once said, 'When God gives you a green light you go till He gives you a red.'

God has presented Southbrook with a unique opportunity and has shown us green lights every step of the way. Have you seen this Green Light/Red Light principle at work in your life? How so?  Comment, share a story and be encouraged at the power of God in our lives..!

Do Pastors Need Fashion Help?

Pity John the Baptist, a life of fashion faux-pas. If only there was someone who could have helped him out!

Today, there is at least one pastor who thinks that fellow pastors need to step up their fashion game... The Houston Chronicle reports that Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church, in Grapevine Texas, is diligently working on this pressing issue. Pastor Young created www.PastorFashion.com as a way to assist pastors stay current with looking good. Periodic tips on how to dress, what type of tie to wear, color coordination, and the latest on how to cuff your pants... A one stop shop for Pastor-Fashionistas.

Is this new movement to aid pastors -wise, foolish, or needed?

Have you experienced a Pastor who was in desperate need of fashion advice? Share a funny story of a Pastor who missed the fashion boat. Just remember your Pastor may read this post!

Roadmap for Secular Liberals to connect with Evangelicals

On Sunday May 6th, the New York Times, published an Op-Ed piece on the 2012 elections. T.M. Luhrmann, professor of anthropology at Stanford, delivers a written roadmap for Democrats and Secular Liberals to reach out and connect with Evangelicals, especially in light of the upcoming 2012 US presidential election.

Luhrmann makes many cogent arguments: Evangelicals are varied and more informed than usually portrayed. Evangelicals hold a wide range of divergent political opinions. Evangelicals care about the environment and are often the first to assist in times of natural disasters.

This article left me with many more questions than answers. Do Evangelicals want to be courted, by either the political left or the political right? What do Evangelicals give up by aligning to a particular political agenda? Do Evangelicals portray themselves as willing participants of the political process?

Read the article here and send in your comments...!

Sunday Left-Overs Revelation 12 May 6, 2012

'Happy, Happy Bed Time Story.'  Wow, read through Revelation 12 and will soon see that this is not your average Bible Story!

God uses this section of Revelation to tell the true story of the world -the behind the scenes actions- that are normally off limits to all of us. The first century after Jesus saw Christians persecuted by the Roman Empire. The cult of emperor worship increased in prominence, forcing many Christians to become martyrs for their faith.

To all who were going through trials and sufferings, God reveals how the world will end. Revelations Chapters 12-14 gives us a backstage pass to understand Satan and his motivations for attacking Christians.

A few thoughts to help us understand Chapter 12.

• The issue isn't the 'when' but the 'what.' It is natural to ask questions like, 'When did this happen?' and 'How long ago was Satan cast out of heaven?' But Revelation 12 and indeed the entire book is more concerned with us understanding The Story rather than chronology.
• Old Testament themes reinforce the images found in Revelation 12. Allusions to The Exodus, Leviathan, Ezekiel, and Joseph's dreams make this chapter rich with ancient Jewish history.
• Theology is best taught with story than with books or lectures! We know this to be true from our own experiences, and Revelation 12 supports this thought. We are given a graphic and brutally honest story of Satan fighting against God, losing and then attacking God's people.
• The goal of seeing this new perspective on life is to help embattled followers of Christ see that while Jesus' death and resurrection won the war, battles still continue...

Today we read Revelation 12 with an awareness that Satan is truly at work. How else can we ascribe the self-destructive patterns and behaviors of our friends and neighbors? How else can we make sense of parents who kill their children, or those who die through addictions. The good news is that Salvation and Power has arrived through the authority of Christ!

As you read through Revelation 12, what questions or comments come to your mind?

Revelation Chapters 12-14: The Holy War

On Sunday May 6th, 2012 our Southbrook Church sermon series turns to Revelation Chapters 12-14. This is a powerful section of Revelations, filled with rich and awe-inspiring imagery.  These chapters are often called 'the heart of Revelations.'

A few hints to help us understand this section of Revelations.

1. Read through Revelations 12-14 as a unit and try to look past the chapter headings and verse divisions.

2. Read various translations of this section.  A good resource is www.Biblegateway.com This site allows you to select multiple versions and you can arrange them next to each other.

3. Chapter 12 shows us a glimpse of the story of our world. We are brought behind-the-scenes to see the spiritual reality of the cosmos. In Chapter 13 John describes how Satan will bring a Holy War on earth through the two beasts. And in Chapter 14 John shows us that the final outcome of this Holy War results in a Triumphant Lamb.

4. We are introduced to three main characters: The Dragon, The Woman and the Child.
The Dragon represents Satan, and his efforts to destroy God and His people.
The Woman represnts God's people, both Israel and the Church.
The Child represents Jesus.

Read through Revelation 12-14 and send in our questions and comments!

The Red Bandanna: The power of self-sacrifice

Welles Crowther, a 34 year old financial analyst, was working in the South Tower on September 11th, 2001.

From childhood on he wore a red bandanna, which symbolized his respect for his father and his commitment to live a full and honorable life. He wore it when riding his bike, while playing lacrosse; a daily reminder of his zeal for life.

After the second plane hit The World Trade Center, Welles led dozens of people down to safety, only to return back up the South Tower to assist more who were in need.

Six months later rescue crews recovered his body, which was found next to fallen firefighters. Those who were saved on 9/11/01 recount a man, appearing out of the smoke and flames, wearing a red bandanna, leading others to safety.

Welles Crowther's story won a Sports Emmy on Monday April 30th, 2012.

Watch the award winning story of the Red Bandanna below...

Fire-Breathing Prophets and a Global Dance Party ... Digging into Revelations 11.3-13

Fire breathing prophets, two Olive Trees, The Beast that arises from the abyss, and a global dance party... wow, what else can we find in Revelation Chapter 11?! No wonder scholars declare this chapter to be one of the most important and complex chapters in Revelations!

So how about we approach this chapter as if we are going to see a play. The drama of Revelations Chapter 11 has only a few main characters who appear on this stage. 

Act 1 provides the two witnesses -who resemble Moses and Elijah. They testify about the power of Christ until God deems that their time is up. Some assume that these two witnesses are meant to describe The Church; while others believe that they are two literal figures who are yet to appear.

Act 2 introduces us to The Beast, who stands in opposition to God. The Beast kills the two witnesses and leaves their bodies out in the open. A global party occurs, with people celebrating the death of the two witnesses. Universally seen as The Antichrist, the Beast appears again in Chapter 13.

Act 3 unexpectedly tells us that the two witnesses are brought back to life and ascend into heaven. This amazing twist of fate is accompanied by a disastrous earthquake which causes people to turn to God.

What does this all mean?  If we believe that the two witnesses describe The Church then we can see that this is a play that shows the unfolding drama of God's Plan for the World.  God's people will testify about Him, they will do so with power and great effort.  However Evil will win; at least evil appears to win.  In the end God will vindicate and rescue His followers.

This drama of obedience, followed by suffering, and concluded by God's vindication... is the Story of Jesus, is the Story of His Church, and is the Story of His Followers!  This complex play informs us that we too must be obedient and will suffer, but that ultimately God will vindicate us.  God did this with Jesus, He's done this to His Church, and He will do this with each one of us!

Holy Tape Measures ... Digging into Revelation Chapter 11.1-2

Many scholars consider Revelation Chapter 11 one of the most challenging sections in the Book of Revelation. It is packed not only with Old Testament images and allusions, but with people and actions that require the reader to make clear interpretative positions.

Keep in mind that Chapters 10 and 11 are considered interludes (between the sixth and seventh trumpets) in the drama of Revelation. In Chapter 10, John is instructed to eat the scroll, which would initially taste like honey, but would be sour in his stomach. Chapter 11 shows us why the scroll was both sweet and sour.

God orders John to measure the temple, specifically those inside the temple; and to exclude the outer courts of the temple. This measuring is reminiscent of God's command to Ezekiel (600BC) to go and measure the temple (Ezekiel 40-42). The measuring action is a dramatic way of showing who belongs to God. Some will be counted as part of God's family, others will be counted as outside of God's family. In Revelations, the word ‘Temple’ always refers to the heavenly Temple vs. an actual Temple.

In Revelation 11.2 we are told that the enemies will ‘trample on the Holy City for 42 months.’ There are different possibilities for this specific time designation:

1. 3 1/2 year length of time is found in Daniel 7 and 9.

2. 3 1/2 year drought in the time of Elijah - I Kings 17.1

3. 42 months is the length of the wilderness wanderings -Numbers 33

4. Reference to Jewish suffering under Syrian King Antiochus Epiphanes in 167-164 BC.

Noted Revelations scholar Robert Mounce, declares that the period of 42 months, ‘...became a standard symbol for a limited period of time during which evil would be allowed free reign.’  NICNT: Revelations, pg. 215.  This means that the 42 months represents a general period of suffering vs. a specific length of time...

John is asked to replicate the prophet Ezekiel’s actions of measuring the Temple. The point of this measuring of God’s People and those who oppose God, is to show that God divides people according to their relationship with Him. This isn’t politically correct and goes against our American zeitgeist, but it is the Truth.

Sunday Left-Overs Revelation 10 April 22, 2012

On Sunday we continued our tour of Revelation by focusing on Chapter 10. Chapter 10 and 11 are interludes -pauses in the final drama of Christ's return. The complexity of Revelations reminds me of the multi-dimensional chess game featured on Star Trek. There are many different levels to the action, and the End Times unfolds on these different levels.

Chapter 10 is filled with Old Testament images and allusions that are re-appropriated to the context of the Roman Empire. To fully understand the command to 'eat the scroll' we need to turn back to the Book of Ezekiel- specifically Chapters 2 and 3. 600 years before Christ -Ezekiel is told to eat a scroll which would taste like honey to his lips. This command is designed to show that Ezekiel must internalize the message. In Revelation Chapter 10, God gives John the same command: 'eat the scroll!'

Revelation Chapter 10 tells us that John will deliver a message that will be both pleasing and disturbing. This is the great truth of God's Word: it is both a message of hope and foolishness. The message of the Cross is sweet. Freedom from past sins, redemption, forgiveness -all provided by Christ. And at the same time the message of the Cross is bitter. I must die to myself, surrender everything and allow Christ first-place in my life.  This is a difficult pill to swallow.

Does Poverty Threaten our Democracy?

Cornel West continues to make prophetic statements about the state of the poor and disadvantaged in our country.  From his Race Matters, to his most recent book: The Rich and The Rest of Us, West is one of the few voices to champion the need for bipartisan action on poverty.  Dr. West appeared with Tavis Smiley on a recent episode of The Colbert Report.

   

5000 Hits and Counting...!

Today the CoffeeShopPastor blog achieved a significant milestone.... We surpassed 5000 hits! Thank you for checking out the site, for leaving your comments, and for engaging in both profound and whimsical discussions about life, faith and following Christ!


Jonathan

The New York Times and God's Truth

In preparing for a future sermon series on relationships, I came across this article in the New York Times. The author presents a range of recent sociological data about the inherent dangers of cohabitation.  Read the article here.

In short, the ease at which couples choose to live together also means that it is equally easy to choose to break up. Cohabitation implies intimacy, the greater potential for offspring, and for making lifelong and life-altering decisions.

Sociologists who study this increasing American cultural phenomena, find that the risks (higher divorce rates and greater potential for spousal abuse) are far greater than the rewards.

Christians affirm that God's Word provides us with Truth.  Truth is never meant to limit our humanity, but is given for humanity to experience life to the fullest.

Read Camus

The Apostle Paul appears before Mars Hill in Acts 17. He speaks to this venerable intellectual institution and presents to them the story of Christ. Paul preached the usual content, but presented it in a unique way! Paul quotes from Greek philosophy and uses the local cultural awareness of spirituality -to point towards Christ.

Paul's message in Acts 17 speaks to our modern culture today.  Instead of running from culture or fully embracing it; Christians are called to engage culture -just as Paul did 2000 years ago.

I came across a posting called 'Why Christians Should Read Camus' and thoroughly enjoyed it. Click on this link to read the article. Camus had a profound affect on my intellectual, philosophical and spiritual life. The author, Wheaton College professor, Leland Ryken, expertly engages the reader and clearly articulates Camus' world and life view. Read it and add your comments below!

The Risen Christ celebrated at the 2012 Masters

For 2012 Augusta National Winner, Bubba Watson, golf is third place in his life.  Bubba and his wife Angie recently adopted a son named Caleb.  But to Bubba Watson, his wife and son only hold second place in his life.   First place since 2004 is Jesus Christ.  That year, both Bubba and his wife committed their lives to Christ.

Bubba is active in leading PGA weekly bible studies, uses his twitter account @bubbawatson to share bible verses, offering words of encouragement and to remind his followers that golf is not his highest priority.

It is fitting that on Easter Sunday the winner of Golf's most storied prize realizes that it is just third place in his life...

To read more on his amazing Masters win, click here...

Is Doubting Thomas a Hero?

I always loved the story of Thomas, probably because I wrestle with doubt.  Thomas was one of Jesus’ original 12 followers. While he makes few appearances, his most notable comes after Jesus rose from the dead. About a week after his resurrection, Jesus’ followers are all huddled together -hiding out in fear.  The political situation, the rumors of Jesus coming back to life, the Priest’s anger -are still conspiring against those closest to Jesus. While most of Jesus’ followers had seen him; Thomas had not yet.

Thomas must have watched lots of ‘CSI: Jerusalem,’ because he wanted to see the evidence before he believed the rumors of Jesus’ resurrection. Dead people just don’t come back to life.

Instantly Jesus appears in the room, right through the locked doors. Jesus knows the disciples are afraid and so he tells them, ‘Peace be with you.’ He turns, faces Thomas and says, ‘Put your finger here, see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas responds, ‘My Lord and my God!’

Thomas is a hero because he shows that there is hope for doubters. Jesus can and will meet our questions. He is not an elusive man of history nor is he a mythical legend. Jesus will move heaven and earth to answer our doubts.

Thomas is a hero because he rose to the challenge, and allowed his doubts to succumb to the truth.  Some revel in doubt because dealing with the truth is too demanding. Some enjoy sewing the seeds of doubt because they enjoy seeing others squirm. Thomas’ doubt led him to a moment of personal integrity and belief in Jesus.

Do you have doubts about Jesus?  Great, send them in and let’s continue the conversation.

'Which Jesus Should Die?'

For those who have seen ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ -imagine Jesus standing before Pilate- beaten, bloodied, wearing the crown of thorns.  It's early on Friday morning and Jesus has just endured three different religious trials.  Pilate now sits on the judgment seat, conflicted and disturbed.  He knows that Jesus is innocent and perceptively assess the situation before him as an internal Jewish argument.  He senses he is in an intractable political situation and knows he can’t win.

Pilate devises a plan to appeal to the masses asking them if they would like a prisoner released.  He’s willing to do anything to curry favor and to keep Caesar off his back.  The crowds cry out, ‘Crucify Jesus!’ -but which one?

Matthew’s account of the crucifixion identifies Barabbas’ first name as ‘Jesus.’  While most of the earliest Greek manuscripts omit this name; by the third century it was reintroduced.  The early Church Father Origen explained that the name ‘Jesus’ wasn’t seen fit to be given to such a sinner as Barabbas, and out of respect, it was temporarily stricken from the record.

So imagine Barabbas sitting in jail.  His execution is near.  He hears the shouts, ‘Crucify Jesus.’  He undoubtedly realized his death was imminent.  The guard comes to his cell, turns the key and says to him, ‘You are now free to go. Someone else took your place on the cross. Now get out of here.’

Didn't Jesus do this for each of us?