tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67457267942000764232024-03-13T03:13:31.742-05:00Journey the WayJourney the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-61994500149226030862010-01-27T19:23:00.001-06:002010-01-27T19:24:42.080-06:00Hosea 1:2-3 (Pt. II)This is part 2 of Hosea 1:2-3 “The unbeliever’s whoredom.” Last time we looked at the believer’s.<br />For this section we’ll look at Romans 3 starting in verse 10<br /><br />“’None is righteous, no not one;<br /> no one understands;<br /> no one seeks for God.<br />All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;<br /> no one does good;<br /> not even one.’<br />‘Their throat is an open grave;<br /> they use their tongues to deceive.’<br />‘The venom of asps is under their lips.’<br />‘Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.’<br />‘Their feet are swift to shed blood;<br /> in their paths are ruin and misery,<br />and the way of peace they have not known.’<br />‘There is no fear of God before their eyes.’”<br /><br /> One who does not believe is first of all, disobedient, and therefore in direct rebellion to God their Maker. Rom. 11:30, 32; Ephesians 2:1-2; 5:6; Colossians 3:6; Hebrews 4:6,11 these verses all speak of the disobedience of unbelievers (some of which have now become believers, by God’s grace) The Greek word is “apeithia” not only means ‘disobedience’ but also ‘rejection of belief.’ Thus when the dead man is not doing good, nor can do good, he is living in unbelief and therefore rejection of the Gospel. <br /> Faith is an act of obedience toward the calling of God in our lives. Now the calling of God is irresistible, yet at the same time it is still obedience to believe the Gospel. <br /> Those who are living unaware in their whoredom are those that do not believe the Gospel; those that do not have the call of God on their life; those that, as Romans 3 puts it, have, ‘no fear of God in their eyes.’ <br />Thus for those of you that do not believe the Gospel, your whoredom is just as real, you just don’t know better. How could dead people know better? <br /> So, examine your life. Do you believe the Gospel? The purpose of this blog is not to make you wonder whether or not you’ve been redeemed rather it is to spur you who are believers on to grow. And to spurn you who do not believe to belief. So for both you who believe and you who do not believe be, “working out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Phil. 2:12-13)”Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-90499780102874831092010-01-25T08:07:00.002-06:002010-01-25T08:12:12.604-06:00LamininWe had another great week of worship at Journey The Way. I think I met like 10 new people yesterday. God is at work and we pray that he continues to move. <br /><br />Yesterday during my sermon I referenced a video talking about Laminin. I wanted to post that video here for you to see. I think you will be amazed as I am at our creator. Jesus is worthy of our worship and praise. <br /><br /><br /><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_e4zgJXPpI4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_e4zgJXPpI4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />My prayer is that you realize that God made you and He has plans for you. His desire is that you live all of life to glorify Him. <br /><br />For the praise of His glory,<br />ChadJourney the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-21545480733836982012010-01-06T20:15:00.006-06:002010-01-06T20:25:13.289-06:00Time with God...How and when do you get time with the Lord? I have walked with the Lord now for 22 years, and one of the things has marked great times of success in ministry and joy in life has been the times when I have been in the word on a consistent basis. I confess that those times have been minority as opposed to the majority. I think Chandler hits the nail on the head in this interview when he prompts us to ask the how and the when question. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vns2iXKS0Y0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vns2iXKS0Y0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="340"></embed></object></span></div><div><br /></div><div>How will you spend your time with God, and when will you do it? Put it in your schedule or else it will be sparse at best. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the praise of His glory,</div><div>Chad </div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-33383987502634496082010-01-04T22:13:00.004-06:002010-01-04T22:35:42.701-06:00Why Community?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I recently had a very interesting talk with some people from Journey The Way about the need for community. The topic of the conversation mind you didn't center on community but something else entirely, but it became obvious to me that the answer to the problem in question was in fact community. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We have become so completely self-reliant in this country. We don't really need anyone else for much of anything. For the most part if we have a problem we will go to great lengths to avoid bothering anyone else with our little problem. At first glance this looks like a really humble trait, but the reality is that it is false humility. False because the motivation for not bothering others with our problems is so we save face. The thing that really has me thinking these days is that this is so different then what we see in the book of Acts. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Acts 2:42-47 </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">fellowship, to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">the breaking of bread and the prayers. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26981" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">43</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And awe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">came upon every soul, and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.</span><sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26982" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">44</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And all who believed were together and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">had all things in common. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26983" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">45</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26984" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">46</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And day by day,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">attending the temple</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">together and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">breaking bread in their homes, they received their food</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">with glad and generous hearts, </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26985" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">47</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">praising God and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">having favor with all the people. And the Lord</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">added to their number</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">day by day those who</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">were being saved.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">As the church we are suppose to be there for each other. We are suppose to lean on one another. So why is community so important in the Church? Community is important because it is the means by which God meets our needs and humbles us all at once. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">For the praise of His glory,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Chad</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">P.S. thanks to those of you who contributed to this conversation, God used you to teach me something new. </span></div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-43519242943555249972010-01-03T14:34:00.005-06:002010-01-03T15:42:56.191-06:00Pics from First Service<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Just wanted to make a quick post to update everyone on our first service. We had 58 people there and worship was sweet. Our volunteer team was amazing and God was clearly there. Be praying for what God is going to do next.<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZbGVUTx7nJjFWV2oLKbD28lHHpti74gtkY59eCL8k8vWzGNbHRoe0yQkx6X5Y4xNdk1qNE1QqCgo7p5Qp0zg9nepu4CmiTakAIk_JPBhXUuviXo6JyrQaDxABezuXtCPQ5XtVb1K8dpR/s320/IMG_9670.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422615572417209906" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">A view of the crowd from the side.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GClcpv9bHDY_cSxHGoevZJWbIjvS0HBboUkj5Oc2Lflk7ABM-d70PCzLSZ6SfCt8jFD77lGACclny0Z-GvGrnxBj9J6Ni543GvqO9i-MGisyhLFI9r8V4I8R-vNzKoQz3SiffefJN6CY/s320/IMG_9663.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422615933891759218" /><div style="text-align: center;">Half the band (The other half was at Passion Conference) leading us in worship!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEmVdLvKhSRZfOUR9L1zX9E88PHYpJlvGrNvCNAEuJcLGMVwusP9ov7MMdXKIl2z9cP-U9GYaGg6SqhgLxDGzmKuv03GlwNndkunMRnHvEb3QSFj_m5aVqeVP1wQwZe1-4EK9btotMiyL/s320/IMG_9667.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422615942103680162" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture of me Preaching (trust me this is all the closer you want to get, I am a little sick right now). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NyAwinPcLOp6qO6p2JrSyagPDOiD8hKdlg_09Gjt8YrQexg0eypIhqlPF9aixck9tOGa1eCz27xRZwoeGY-OhdNOwng8gzvEk99lQ8kjXD8JFqI6iJzaTqXzRxuZfLcBps0vPB1LOz7e/s320/IMG_9658.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422615941402234370" /><div style="text-align: center;">Every Church should have a disco ball. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oxXgsWlR5rosWa2eLyJGoeb5_VJfgZRWfJg9F8a9hC0EWak3oX4bglVWL1Tk2JnEH2D7BBnzHVKfQ9h8x7sMfwircsmcB-nIyou8-RMN2BoH5rF5Xbj_bSdadapENWTTV_cFqt1ZU0uM/s320/IMG_9657.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422615931727724770" /><div style="text-align: center;">The body and the blood!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the praise of His glory,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chad</div></div></div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-2968103025464866412009-12-30T10:26:00.003-06:002009-12-30T10:45:08.206-06:00Life: The American IdolI have been thinking recently about life. It always seems to happen this time of year. The preservation of our life is something that we value more that anything. We will go to great lengths to make sure that we are safe and secure. We will go to the same lengths for the ones we love as well. I am not saying that there is anything inherently wrong with this. However if we are not careful we take the creation (life) and put it in the place of the creator (God). Anytime we do this we create an idol. <div><br /></div><div>Paul said in Philippians 1:21 that for him "to live is Christ and to die is gain". We were created to live for God and to make much of the name of Jesus. By valuing safety and security over God we have replaced our God with an idol. For Paul life meant fruitful labor for Christ, and dying is viewed as a good thing because it means seeing Jesus. Instead of this view many of us think that we exist for OUR good, and to preserve OUR life is gain. This view forgets that our life is nor our own. We were bought at a high price, and we now belong to the King. </div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-57680175053727750392009-12-21T15:28:00.002-06:002009-12-22T09:25:31.907-06:00Hosea 1:2-3<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, ‘Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord.’ So he went and took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.” Hosea 1:2-3</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The theme of Hosea is laid out for us in these two verses, “Take to yourself a wife of whoredom… For the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord.” Here we will look at the two types of whoredom in two parts. First in the post we’ll look at the believer’s whoredom. In the next post we’ll look at the unbeliever’s whoredom. Let’s begin with the believer.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As believers in the Gospel, this is our condition. We are Gomer. We are the whores. The ones pledging our affection solely to Christ, then turning to love anything else. To describe this better I default to Henry Scougal’s small yet powerful book (originally a letter) </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“The Life of God in the Soul of Man”. </span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Within which he writes we must,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“…Wean our affections from created things, and all the delights and entertainments of the lower life, which sink and depress the souls of men, and retard their motions toward God and heaven; and this we must do by possessing our minds with a deep persuasion of the vanity and emptiness of worldly enjoyments.”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“This is an ordinary theme, and everybody can make declamations upon it; but alas! How few understand and believe what they say? These notions float in our brains, and come sliding off our tongues, but we have no deep impression of them on our spirits; </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">we feel not the truth which we pretend to believe. </span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We can tell that all the glory and splendor, all the pleasures and enjoyments of the world are vanity and nothing; and yet these nothings take up all our thoughts, and engross all our affections, they stifle the better inclinations of our soul, and inveigle us into many a sin.”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We say we love Christ Jesus more than life, and love, and freedom, and family, and friends and money, yet we spend more time worrying about, thinking upon and hoping for these things than we ever have Christ. We, the believers in the Gospel, are the whores, placing our affections anywhere but on Jesus. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thus the necessity of the Gospel, we knew not how we ought to love, therefore Christ came; we knew not how we ought to live, therefore Christ came; we knew not what it meant to be alive, therefore Christ came. Paying our debt by dying in our place and propitiating the punishment we so justly deserved. So that, positionally speaking, we now stand before God perfect, by Christ work only. Though we are shot through with our sin, and in dire need of progressive sanctification.</span></span></span><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Fight the good fight of faith,</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sam</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Romans 7:24-25</span></span></span></div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-31564353511597251902009-12-08T11:06:00.002-06:002009-12-08T11:13:23.998-06:00For the guys!Men take five minutes and watch this video...<div><br /></div><div><script src="http://www.desiringgod.org/player.js?width=400&embedCode=RzeHV5OqMKvFyh42w-497za5Z8XZgtFR&height=337"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus is all satisfying, embrace Him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Chad</div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-74594385994125597112009-12-01T13:08:00.003-06:002009-12-01T15:07:17.477-06:00DCFIt has been my very great pleasure to get to lead DCF these last couple of months, and I know that God has blessed me with the opportunity to get to know many of you. As most of you know and the rest will soon find out, DCF will be ending at the end of December and we are inviting you to join what God is doing with Journey the Way. God is in the process of starting a church in downtown Wichita KS and this could be your opportunity to be a part of this work. Many of those involved with DCF are also involved with Journey the Way. I would ask you to consider plugging into this work of God. Below is our Core Team Covenant for you to look over and consider. <div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:28.0pt;font-family:Cracked">Journey the Way <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Core Team Covenant </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family:Webdings">c<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Are you confident that God has called you to Journey the Way.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family:Webdings">c<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Are you willing to be held accountable in the following areas:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.0in"><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Love God: <a name="OLE_LINK1">It is vital for disciples to have regular encounters with God in which they worship Him, hear from Him, and respond to Him in obedience. Bible reading, prayer, private and corporate worship, and journaling are all part of what it means to Love God. </a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.0in"><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Love People: <a name="OLE_LINK2">As we interact with God, it is vital that we not approach glorifying God on our own, but that we intentionally interact with others who Love God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These “connections” will bring about transformation in us as we authentically encourage, instruct and support one another.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jesus’ love of people was radical and unconditional and so we need to Love People with no strings attached.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.0in"><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Turn the World Up-side Down: <a name="OLE_LINK3">True Disciples will use their gifts, talents, vocations, and time not only to touch our church, but also to touch the communities they live in, and the world.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When we live as Jesus lived we will be a movement of servants that have the potential to turn the world upside-down.</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family:Webdings">c<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Are you willing to fully pull away from your current church and embrace Journey the Way as <b>your</b><span style="font-weight:normal"> local church?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family:Webdings">c<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Are you willing to generously give of your creativity, time, spiritual gifts and income in order to fulfill the vision of Journey the Way?<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family:Webdings">c<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Are you willing to wholeheartedly serve and support the mission of Journey the Way, even in the messiness, ambiguity, and adventure of the early stages?<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>In awareness of and submission to these expectations, I commit myself to the Journey the Way Core Team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Chad Pearce</b></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-28494882967496971102009-11-30T16:07:00.007-06:002009-12-01T15:09:01.477-06:00Hosea<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Before I begin, by the grace of God and if He wills it, I will be writing an ongoing series of blog posts on the book of Hosea.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">“Come, let us </span></span><a href="http://www.esvstudybible.org/search?q=Hos+6%3A1%2CHos+14%3A1%2C3%3A5"><span style="text-decoration: none; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">return to the Lord; for </span></span><a href="http://www.esvstudybible.org/search?q=Hos+6%3A1%2CHos+5%3A14%2C13%3A7-8"><span style="text-decoration: none; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:1-3</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.0pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">“For he has torn us.” More often than not when we feel torn down rather than looking to God as the one who has ripped us (directly or indirectly), we either, consciously or subconsciously, think that somehow God lost control. I do this often. Seeing circumstances that I want to go a certain way, but knowing it could very well go the opposite way, and worrying about it. This is unbelief and disobedience (sin). Unbelief that God is sovereign and disobedience to have faith in what He will do. Unbelief that what He will do will be the best for me (even though my past speaks clearly to God being in control and good coming from pain) and disobedience to act in accordance with His sovereignty. I can’t help but think of Hebrews 3:19, “So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.” ‘They’ are the Israelites who were freed from Egypt. Their unbelief led to their disobedience, and because of their unbelief and disobedience they could not enter God’s rest. The same is true for us.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.0pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">“That he may heal us.” Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Let’s be honest: we’re jacked up and need healing. We, apart from God, don’t know up from down; we are blind; we are deaf; we are dead. For proof look at the Word Romans 3:10-20,23. And if that’s not enough (which it ought to be, God said it) then look at the world. Man’s (yours and mine) proclivity to do disastrous things/acts. Murder, rape, pedophilia and racial hatred to name a few; these things comprise the world that surrounds us, yet they do not shock us… We either need help and healing or to get our butts kicked for being so downright bad. So how can God heal us from our desperate state? Or better, why should He heal us?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.0pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Let’s answer the second question first. Why should God heal us? In an effort to be brief we’ll stay within these verses. “That we may live before the Lord. Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord.” So, why should God heal us? So that we can live before the Lord, and press on to know Him. Does this mean that God is lonely and needs us to keep him company so he saved us? No! If we, as believers, are pressing on to know him, praise will happen. Our natural response to awe-inspiring things is to praise them. But here praise is different because this praise is holy (set apart), all other praise is praise to things, creation (idolatry), but praise that is given to God is right praise, it is God-glorifying. So the fundamental answers to why should God heals us, is not because of our value to him, but because His praise and glory are at stake. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.0pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Back to the first question; how can God heal us from our desperate state? “On the third day He will raise us up.” Ephesians 4:8-11, “</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)” Since we’re on the honest bend, I’ll be frank. Jesus is how God heals us. We’re screwed, and getting exactly what we deserve unless we have Jesus. No ifs, ands, or buts; no Jesus, no healing. So how do we get Jesus to heal us??? Answer: Belief. Plain and simple. Belief in the Gospel, that Jesus became a man, lived a perfect life (the life you and I can never live), died the death we ought to be eternally dying, and then rose from the dead defeating sin (our biggest problem), deat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">h and Satan. Leading us, the captives from our former slavery.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.0pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">-Fight the good fight of faith,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.0pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Sam Morris (Romans 7:24-25)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.0pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, serif;color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:15.0pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri, serif;color:#FFFFFF;">`Sa</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-86055778447080742822009-11-12T22:21:00.000-06:002009-11-12T22:23:22.391-06:00Two things to remember when discussing the Church<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; ">I believe it is important to remember two things when discussing the Church.<br /><br />First, that the Church is a whore, a bunch of saved sinners, like Hosea's wife, and she will always be a whore until Christ comes, yet Christ loves the Church to the point of death on a cross. Therefore as a believer I must love her, though I am the worst whore of them all.<br /><br />Second, we must remember the Gospel. The good news of Jesus becoming a man, living, dying brutally (murdered) on a cross for our sins, raising to life, and now making intercession for believers in heaven.<br /><br />Though it does piss me off to see churches destroy those people trapped in sin, rather than loving them, and walking alongside them, and getting to know them, and becoming their friend so that at some point to teach truth lovingly to them. We ought to build relational bridges that are strong enough to bear the weight of truth. For God uses sinners, to teach the Gospel.<br />So, yes, the Church is a jack-up whore; and, yes, she does an awful job at loving; but Christ loves her, therefore so must I.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">~Sam</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Romans 7:24-25</span></span></div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-56234164647832210002009-11-10T10:26:00.002-06:002009-11-10T10:32:52.772-06:00New ContributorsWith all that is going on with Journey The Way you may have noticed that I haven't been able to post as much as I would like. It isn't that I don't have anything to say, but that I have been busy with receiving the blessings of God. So it is my pleassure to introduce you to some new contributors to the Journey the Way Blog. Sam Morris, Anthony Fiorillo, and David Campbell will be contributing on occasion to this blog. I (Chad) will still act as editor and contributor, but you will now benefit from these guys as well. Our format will be to sign off on each post. That will show you who wrote what. <div><br /></div><div>Please continue to pray for us as we move forward with the Church Plant. Pray for Tuesday nights as Journey the Way now leads a worship service in downtown Wichita at Mead's corner. Pray that God continues to move and that we follow His leading. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the praise of His glory,</div><div>Chad Pearce</div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-7890632021701761032009-10-28T14:52:00.005-05:002009-10-28T16:07:30.148-05:00Community Groups<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none">We are starting community groups next week (week of November First). These groups will be used for discussing the talk from Tuesday's DCF. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none">Here they are with their leader and day/date starting:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none">#1<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When: Sunday, November 8th <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Time: 6pm<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader: Chad Pearce<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">#2<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When: Wednesday, November 4<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Time: 7pm<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader: David Campbell<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">#3<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When: Thursday, November 5<sup>th<o:p></o:p></sup></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Time: 6:30pm<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader: Sam Morris<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">#4<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When Thursday, November 5<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Time: 8pm<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader: Anthony Fiorillo<o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-22011532387607939472009-10-27T12:50:00.003-05:002009-10-27T13:07:18.349-05:00What I have a blog?!Let me start off by apologizing for not blogging in over a month. You have to understand the reason for not blogging isn't for lack of stuff to say, but rather because God is doing so much that there hasn't been time to record it all. A lot of what has been going on centers on a bible study called DCF (Downtown Christian Fellowship). This study started out as a ministry of Metro East Baptist Church in Wichita KS, and was led by a good friend of mine <a href="http://www.discerningthetimes.blogspot.com/">Matt Redmond</a>. Matt and his wife are moving from Wichita to Birmingham to plant a church. You can see why Matt and I are good friends. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>For some time now <a href="http://shainapearce.blogspot.com/">Shaina </a>and I have been a part of this group and enjoyed the teaching and the fellowship. I was even privileged enough to get to teach a few times over the summer. With Matt preparing to move the church voted to give this ministry to Journey the Way. They are even graciously paying the rental fee on the location through the end of the year. We started leading this group last Tuesday and I couldn't be more excited. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So what does all this mean? Great question, but all I can tell you for now is that you need to stay posted. Details will be divulged as they develop. I can tell you that God is so good and His grace is amazing. He promised to build His church and that means in His timing and in His way. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In other news my life has been really busy lately with the church, <a href="http://www.theresurgence.com/retrain">Re:train</a>, and moving into a new house. Not to mention trying to be a good husband and father. I thought I knew what it meant to be busy, but I was wrong. Pray for me that I would have the energy and the wisdom to do the things that God deems most important and that I would delegate the rest. Also please continue to pray for our core team, that they would be mature and complete not lacking in anything, and that God would continue to give us a Spirit of unity. Pray for us as we begin 4 community groups this next week. God is moving!</div><div><br /></div><div>Chad </div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-88676046612522145122009-09-23T11:54:00.002-05:002009-09-23T11:59:26.394-05:00Update on PlantingI know I have been neglectful of the blog world. So here is an update to share with you some of the things God is doing. We have had four core team meetings to date and have had around 20 people consistently. God is doing some really cool stuff through these people. I have heard stories of gospel conversations and of people building relationships with sojourners. The feel of the group has been great. Each week when we gather together there is plenty of conversation and much of it centers on Christ. <div><br /></div><div>We hope to start another group sometime in october and we need help spreading the word. If you know of someone who may be interested in joining a community group, please get them in touch with me ASAP. </div><div><br /></div><div>Chad</div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-4935436799622796922009-08-27T23:11:00.002-05:002009-08-27T23:21:01.880-05:001st Meeting!!Well what can I say, God is amazing. You know how you have something all built up in your head? You have this picture of what things will be like, and then God totally blows your idea up. For the back story, Shaina and I have been praying for a long time that God would build this church and that He would do it for His glory. Specifically we have prayed that God would raise up a core team and that He would lay the idea of a new church on people's hearts. That is exactly what He has been doing and we got to see first hand evidence of this fact tonight. <div><br /></div><div>We had 21 people at our house tonight sharing and praying together. I had the privilege of sharing vision for Journey the Way. We dismissed at around 9:00 and most people stayed for another hour talking and getting to know one another. At one point in the night we broke up into groups and got to know each other a little better and to pray for each other. It was cool to hear stories of how God had brought each one to this meeting at this time in this place, with a desire to see this church planted. </div><div><br /></div><div>I want to thank each and every one of you who prayed for us tonight, and ask that you continue to pray for us on Thursday nights. I know that this is a big commitment, and I know that this is how some of you will be a huge part of what God is doing here in Wichita. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the Praise of His glory,</div><div>Chad</div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-59433542415672133662009-08-25T16:52:00.002-05:002009-08-25T16:58:24.144-05:00Core Team MeetingsWell it is finally here. Thursday at 6:30 we (Journey The Way) will have our first core team meeting. I am totally stoked and a little nervous. I think we will have at least 15 there and could have as many as 25, only God knows for sure. I am writing this post to ask for prayer for this night. I am looking for at least 10 people to commit to pray for our meeting on thursday. <div><br /></div><div>Pray that God will:</div><div>1. Lead us where He wants us to go.</div><div>2. Be the focus of all we do.</div><div>3. Spur hearts to fall more in love with Him.</div><div>4. Speak through me and also keep me from saying anything stupid.</div><div>5. Continue to bring more team members. </div><div>6. Clearly identify some leaders. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are willing to pray for us while we meet please either email me or post a reply.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the praise of His glory,</div><div>Chad</div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-79597373788170148742009-08-14T15:38:00.003-05:002009-08-14T16:18:27.357-05:00Update on PlantingGod is amazing! I could stop there and let that sum up my thoughts on the update, but I will go into more detail. We have been praying for three major things since we started, people, resources, and Wichita. I want to give you an update on all fronts. <div><br /></div><div>People: God has been bringing several people to join our core team. We will officially start meeting on the 27th of this month. Pray for God to bring who He wants to this meeting. We could have anywhere from 12-35 people at that meeting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Resources: God has been faithful in our fundraising efforts. We have had two new churches who have come on board to partner with. We are in talks with another church here in Wichita and our hope is that they will partner with us. This would be a good fit. Please pray that this partnership happens. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wichita: God is in the process of doing a lot in this city. It is clear that there is an entire generation that is longing for a Gospel expression in their language. There are all kinds of College students who have no church to call their own. There are real problems in this city, but God is clearly at work. The more people we talk to the more we learn about how God is preparing to use Journey the Way. Pray that God continues to teach us about this city, and that He teaches us how to contextualize the Gospel for this city. </div><div><br /></div><div>Chad</div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-49846540672350562682009-08-14T15:32:00.002-05:002009-08-14T15:36:52.046-05:00Turn The World Up Side DownI wanted to take a post to share the notes from a talk I did last week at DCF. DCF is a bible study that meets at Mead's Corner in Wichita KS, every tuesday night at 8:00pm. I need to do a real post soon. I will be in Seattle all this next week. Anyways here are the notes: <div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">Turn the World Up Side Down</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> Text: Matthew 28:16-20 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and said to them,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our Motivation: The Glory of God</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Illustration: </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Text: V. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Translation: We must first and foremost notice what the disciples did when they gathered to receive their final command.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The worship Jesus the risen savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>We can’t overlook this, because it is the basis or the motivation for the disciples going forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Often times our motivation for making disciples or sharing our faith is in order to earn favor from God.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Or we share b/c people are perishing, and while that is a great motivation it isn’t the greatest motivation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Our foundational motivation for making disciples needs to be for the Glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>SO that Christ is exalted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Application: Our motivation for making disciples must be the Glory of God.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>If we are motivated by anything else we miss the point.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our Warrant: All Authority</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Illustration: I love Law and Order…they are always trying to get a search warrant…We have our warrant…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Text: V. 18 And Jesus came and said to them,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Translation: Because Jesus is risen, He has ALL AUTHORITY.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>God has given Jesus all the authority.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>This means that there is nowhere we tread that is not His.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Application: This is in essence our warrant, which enables us to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>For us this means that though our message may seem offensive to some, and people label us intolerant we have been given the authority.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Now this isn’t a license to be belligerent or unloving.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our Mission: Make Disciples Everywhere</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Illustration: </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Text: V. 19-20a Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Translation: Our mission is literally to as we go make disciples everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Two aspect to this call:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.25in"><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>1. We do this as we go: the implication here is that we are all on mission, and that our field is wherever we are going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Discipleship is a lifestyle more than a class.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.25in"><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>2. We are to make disciples: this means that we share the gospel and teach people to live like Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Making Disciples is more like an apprenticeship than a degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Application: Who are the people you come into contact with as you go in life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How can you diciple them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Do you view discipleship more as class?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How can you use the relationships and the time you have to help people journey toward God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our Partner: God The Holy Spirit </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Illustration: Have someone attempt to jump over a dollar while holding onto their toes…Part of the problem with making disciples is that we see it as an a task we can handle…we reason that we will simply share the things that we “do” in order to walk with God…As if we had anything to do with it…Or we see it as an impossible task…Either way we need a partner.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Text: V. 20b And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Translation: We don’t go alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jesus is with us in the form of His Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Notice too that He is with us always, which means forever and at all times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>This mission is ours but not ours alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>We represent Him and He goes with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>He is with us to the end of the age and then we get to go be with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Application: We need not fear for He is with us, and we must remember that He is the one with ALL Authority, and that He is with us!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>We shouldn’t fear messing up, or saying the wrong things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>The Disciples were fear filled men, and as soon as the received the Spirit Peter, who was once fearful, boldly proclaimed the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is made possible b/c He is with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div><br /></div><div>Chad</div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-25046515690984484642009-08-08T10:10:00.003-05:002009-08-08T10:13:35.050-05:00Core Team MeetingsTo all of you who follow the blog and live in the Wichita area I want to invite you to be a part of our core team. We will officially begin meeting on Thursday night Aug. 27th at 6:30. We will have a meal then spend some time in the word, while getting to know each other. I would love to know if you plan to attend, so please find a way to let me know if you are coming. We will meet at our house in Andover, for now that is. <div><br /></div><div>Chad</div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-82760994852579896252009-07-22T10:41:00.002-05:002009-07-22T10:44:18.077-05:00Notes from DCF Talk: Love God, Love PeopleI just wanted to post my notes from last nights talk. FYI my notes are just that, notes. I don't manuscript my sermons so I apologize in advance for my Random thought process. <div><br /></div><div>Chad</div><div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">Love God, Love People</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Text: Matthew 22:34-40 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37And he said to him,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Love God </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Illustration: Who or What is it in your life that you would default to…What is the one topic that you could always talk with passion about…What or who do you think most about…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Text: V. 37 And he said to him,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Translation: Jesus is referencing Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.25in"><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>With all your heart: Passion and desires </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level3 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.75in"><span style="font-family:Wingdings">§<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>This means that we point our passions at God, or that we relinquish our passions to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We desire what He desires and are burdened by what burdens Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ultimately he becomes our passion and the desire of our Heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.25in"><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>With all your soul: Very essence of who you are</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level3 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.75in"><span style="font-family:Wingdings">§<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>We acknowledge that everything we have and everything we are is from Him and we give our all to Him, not to pay Him back, but because he loved us first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We long for our essence to line up with Him, so that we are defined not by who we were, but by who He is. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.25in"><span style="font-family:"Courier New"">o<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>With all your mind: Thoughts and wisdom</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level3 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.75in"><span style="font-family:Wingdings">§<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>We think long and deep about our God and we pursue Him with our intellect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We read and meditate and ask questions, and seek the mind of God until we think about people like He thinks about them and we think about our sin the way He thinks about our sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Application: The point here is that we are to love God in such a way as to leave no room in us for anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are to Love Him with everything that we are. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Loving God is Paramount </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Illustration: I need to like the parents if I am ever going to like the kids in a family…If I don’t like the parents there is no way to like the kids…How can we love anything in creation without loving the Creator? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Text: V. 38 This is the great and first commandment.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Translation: Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was and He ups the bet by calling this the first as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>In other words Loving God is foundational.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If we don’t start with loving God we have no basis for loving others, b/c God is Love (1 John 4:7-8) </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Application: We know Love b/c of God and therefore knowing and loving God is foundational. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Love People </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Text: V. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Translation: Jesus continues to up the bet by continuing His answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>The second is like it, so loving people is like loving God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>It is like the first in that both take the proverbial hoe to the root of sin, namely “pride” in order for us to accomplish them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Supporting Text: Matthew 7:12 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Translation: When we love others we are fleshing out the law and the prophets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Supporting Text: Romans 13: 8-10 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Translation: We fulfill the law when we love others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Application: How we love others is the visible expression of how we love God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>It is literally the fleshing out of the Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Supporting Text: Romans 8:3-4 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Illustration: My truck broke down…God is teaching me to view others as more important than myself…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>We must remember that this is only possible with the help of the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jesus already fulfilled the law to perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Everything depends on these</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Illustration: High pressure situation…1 second on the clock down by 1 you have two free throws, you need them both to win…if you miss all the other shoots in the game were made in vain…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Text: V. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Translation: Everything hangs on these two commandments.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Everything written in the entire Old Testament hangs on these two chains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Without these everything else falls apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .75in"><span style="mso-font-width:0%">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>Is it possible to be religious without loving God and People?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, we see it all the time, religious people who love the law and pridefully think they uphold it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They neither love God nor people. </p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-5215678737680757902009-07-09T15:54:00.002-05:002009-07-09T15:59:23.463-05:00Vision & Values<div><div style="text-align: center;">Journey The Way</div><div style="text-align: center;">Vision:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love God . Love People . Turn the World Up-side Down</div><br />Love God (Matthew 22:35-40)<br />It is vital for disciples to have regular encounters with God in which they worship Him, hear from Him, and respond to Him in obedience. Bible reading, prayer, private and corporate worship, baptism and communion are all part of what it means to Love God.<br /><br />Love People (Matthew 22:35-40)<br />As we interact with God, it is vital that we not approach glorifying God on our own, but that we intentionally interact with others who Love God. These “connections” will bring about transformation in us as we authentically encourage, instruct and support one another. Jesus’ love of people was radical and unconditional and so we need to Love People with no strings attached.<br /><br />Turn the World upside-down (Matthew 28:18-20)<br />True Disciples will use their gifts, talents, vocations, and time not only to touch our church, but also to touch the communities they live in, and the world. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life. When we live as Jesus lived we will be a movement of servants that have the potential to turn the world upside-down, by bring the Gospel in word and deed as we go.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63M0v4vSIVf4Aw822i1s_XnvV11DOxbBGJsheIlGuNi6GkE3VSkuzkvFE52X-exEOmR9JIUGIeYN7nph6TspmU1v7fLf4Fvpchy3H3k7RcMzvL8wxHMIPSkHqdYhtq8GKfcMMv_9BWDMo/s1600-h/Circles.005-001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63M0v4vSIVf4Aw822i1s_XnvV11DOxbBGJsheIlGuNi6GkE3VSkuzkvFE52X-exEOmR9JIUGIeYN7nph6TspmU1v7fLf4Fvpchy3H3k7RcMzvL8wxHMIPSkHqdYhtq8GKfcMMv_9BWDMo/s320/Circles.005-001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356567242262142722" /></a><br /><br /><div>Core Values: To be leaders of a movement through which God can produce changed lives, we must embrace and live out these values:<br /><br /><br />Truth <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We live by truth, Jesus is truth<br /> <br /><br />Humility <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We live life without taking ourselves too seriously<br /> <br /><br />Community <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We live our lives with/for others who know the real us<br /> <br /><br />Worship <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We live a lifestyle of worship to our God<br /><br /><br />Missional <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We live our life as we go, intentionally on mission<br /> <br /><br />Image-bearers <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We live as those who resemble Jesus<br /></div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-14296853788664298082009-07-08T09:06:00.002-05:002009-07-08T09:26:44.536-05:00Update on PlantingFriends, I wanted to take a moment and share an update on the progress of Journey the Way. God's timing is always better than ours and it has been really cool to see God open up opportunities, and create traction. We have a couple of churches that have jumped on to partner with us financially, there are at least two other churches praying about this possibility as well. We have four "official" core team members so far and about 15 people praying about the idea of coming on our core team. It seems like I meet people everyday who are interested in the church, it is almost as if God is bringing them our way (please note the sarcasm, b/c of course that is exactly what is happening). <div><br /></div><div>We had a group of people over to our house on Monday and had a sweet time of prayer and continued to answer questions and clarify what we are all about. It looks like we will begin to officially meet as a core team starting the end of August. I would like to see us reach 20 core team members by that time so please pray to that end. Please also pray for discernment, and wisdom. We can't do any of this without God, pray that we would model dependence on Him. </div><div><br /></div><div>Chad</div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-37287364718210457052009-06-30T09:50:00.003-05:002009-06-30T10:16:47.307-05:00What is the Church to DO!A lot of people are asking a very good question these days, they are asking "what is the church" or "what makes a church a church". To me a lot of the confusion over what a church is centers on another question. In order to know what a church is we need to know our task, or our mission. There are all kinds of things that pass as "church" today, but most fall short of actually being what Jesus intended when he said, "I will build my church". The church that Jesus built and is still building today is a group of people united around a mission, God's mission. I know that is a little simplistic, but understand my goal in writing this post isn't to define what constitutes a biblical church, but to instead make sure we have answered what I think is an important first question. What is the Church to DO?<div><br /></div><div>I believe that the Church exists to Love God, Love People and Turn the World Up-side Down. I get this from two primary places. The first two parts come from the great commandment found in Matthew 22:34-40, and the last part we get from the great commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20. In both of these places Jesus is condensing what the Church is suppose to do down to their simplest form. For me if you miss any one of these parts as a church you miss the whole thing and cease to be what Jesus intended. </div><div><br /></div><div>To break it down a little some of us are great at loving God, we enjoy gathering for worship, we enjoy reading the Bible, and praying, but we don't like people very much. We don't like to love our neighbor, and we don't think about our mission other than to occasionally invite someone to come to "church" with us, so that we can preach to them </div><div><br /></div><div>Some of us love people, and we go out of our way to engage with our neighbor or to have a conversation with a friend or stranger for that matter, but we don't love God very much, because we don't worship Him, or listen to His Word, and we don't engage in conversation with God, through prayer. We think our mission is to engage the world in a conversation instead of preaching the truth of the Gospel. </div><div><br /></div><div>The sweet spot is to have all three, and really the only way we get our mission right. We need to Love both God and People, and we need to both engage and preach in order to Turn the World Up-side Down. It isn't an either or, it is a both and. You Can't claim to love God and neglect to engage the world that He loves. You can't claim to love the world without sharing the truth of the Gospel, that Jesus God's son came and died on a cross so that we could be forgiven and live our life to the fullest both here and for eternity in heaven. </div><div><br /></div><div>Chad</div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6745726794200076423.post-61079970441652199092009-06-12T12:07:00.004-05:002009-06-12T12:17:57.982-05:00Your Word is Truth Part 2When we live the word we live truth. See previous post <a href="http://journeytheway.blogspot.com/2009/05/your-word-is-truth-part-1.html">here</a>. Jesus prays that we will be sanctified by the truth, so that we can be sent into the world. Your sanctification isn't exclusively for you. You are sanctified for a purpose. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 204, 204); line-height: 20px; font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">John 17:14-18 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';"><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); "> </span><sup id="en-ESV-26763" class="versenum" value="15" style=" font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; line-height: normal; font-size:0.65em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">15</span></sup><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">I do not ask that you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 6px; font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); "> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 6px; font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); "> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); "> </span><sup id="en-ESV-26764" class="versenum" value="16" style=" font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; line-height: normal; font-size:0.65em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">16</span></sup><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); "> </span><sup id="en-ESV-26765" class="versenum" value="17" style=" font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; line-height: normal; font-size:0.65em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">17</span></sup><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); "> </span><sup id="en-ESV-26766" class="versenum" value="18" style=" font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; line-height: normal; font-size:0.65em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">18</span></sup><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.</span></span></span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div>As Christians were should look different from the world b/c we are like Jesus, but we must engage the world and live in the world. We are sanctified for this purpose. Jesus was sent into the world and now he sends us. How can we engage the world? Do you feel like you have been sent into the world, or do you feel like you have retreated from the world? Or maybe you feel like there is no distinction between you and the world. Does the world hate you? They should and when they do we better make sure we don't retreat into our Christian bubble. Can you imagine if Jesus had retreated? The call to follow Christ is a call to die to self. </div><div><br /></div><div>Chad </div>Journey the Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380527993452310275noreply@blogger.com0