Who Shares in the Kingdom? - 3/27/12

First of all, we have a new pastor! It's so amazing to see the profit that comes from just trusting in the Lord for your every need. But, that's not what I wanted to talk about this week...

"Teacher," said John, "we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."

"Do not stop him," Jesus said. "For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward." - Mark 9:38-41

Isn't it interesting how the disciples are trying to become an exclusive club, while Jesus has spent His entire ministry trying to be inclusive? Now, this is certainly not saying that anyone is free to do whatever they want and claim that they are doing it in the name of Jesus. However, it is saying a lot about the way that we treat other people.

Consider, for instance, the person that walks through our church doors that is not dressed properly. Well, they must not be "one of us," because if they were, they would've known to dress up when they came to church. I hope you catch my sarcasm here...

Consider the person that truly desires to follow Christ, but we have told to "clean up their act" beforehand. Wow, if only perfect people could walk through the doors of the church (or even receive help from Christians), then where did we receive our "License of Perfection?"

I wonder about the things that we do unconsciously. It started out as a good idea, because it could help people, but has turned into a strict "spiritual code." We don't realize the amount of things that we do that really push other people away from the Gospel message about Christ.

The Jews had a cleansing ceremony that they would perform prior to eating a meal. You're probably thinking that it's similar to the way I have my little brothers or sister wash up before dinner. "Make sure you use soap when you wash your hands," someone will usually exclaim! But no, that's not how this cleansing ceremony would happen. Dirty, greasy hands were preparing to transport food from the table to the mouth, so you would expect them to be washed thoroughly. Nope.

They would put a couple of drops of water in the palm of their hand and then rub their other fist against it in a ceremonial fashion. THAT was the cleansing ceremony.

But, what about bacteria?! What about the dirt and grime? What about hygiene? Oh, that's right, it was just something they did to appear to be clean.

When you consider the team that you ultimately play for, consider being more than just a "fan" of Jesus. Do something in His name that actually makes an impact in the lives of others. It will change the way that you think about Jesus' ministry.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

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A Nugget of Freshness - 3/19/12

How often do you think about or consider your family? Do you trust them? Do you love them? I think about each of our family gatherings (both the intimate and extended) and just consider myself to be completely blessed. I mean, I've never been punched by my brother. I've never had to worry about my family stealing from me. And, I actually miss them when I am away from them.

I've had a great family experience. Sure, we occasionally get into arguments. And, of course, they know how to press my buttons very easily. But, we're family and we love each other. Done.

As I read through Mark 3:20-35, there is a different set of rules being applied to family. As I read through this, I kept thinking, "But, Jesus! That's not fair! How can you just cast away your family like that??"

He redefines family, by saying, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." I wondered why I would even need a new family. Why would I want to replace who I have? I have it good! But, Jesus is telling us that the family is welcome to join, they just aren't going to be given the kingdom of God, if they don't participate.

Surprisingly, that brings comfort. While I love my family, I have a HUGE extended family. The family of God has been redefined to include all that believe in and follow Jesus Christ. Think about the family that you have been brought into! Whether you come from a good background or an intolerable one, you are being ushered into a revolutionary family that is committed to praising God!

I just wanted to share that nugget of freshness. You are an amazing gift from God, so don't waste your life. Be the blessing this week!

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

http://feedourstreets.com

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Someone Worth Redeeming

I had an interesting conversation today about whether or not a Christian can ever lose his/her salvation. As I have tried to make my relationship with God my first priority, I realize that I fail...miserably. And, the failure isn't exactly what I'm worried about - that happens all the time - but rather, it's the getting back up again. Phrases like, "Well, you're worth it to God, so don't give up," or "God has a plan for your life," just don't always seem to cut it. Yes, I know those things, but why?? Why did God even care?

I was reminded of my Bible as Literature class from high school. In that class, we were taught that each book in the Old Testament begins to paint a picture of who God is and what His character looks like. In Genesis, He is painted as Creator; in Exodus, He is Savior; in Leviticus, He is holy; in Numbers, I see Him as the Shepherd who is counting His sheep; and, in Deuteronomy and Joshua, He is strength and Provider. So, what about Judges?? All of these amazingly cool characteristics stand out, despite Israel's issues of unfaithfulness...until we get to Judges. And, He's fed up with the people...yet again. I mean, in Genesis, He destroyed the entire planet, save 8 people - oh, and the animals. But, the overwhelming presence of God in Judges says what??

It doesn't stay there! I can't stay in Judges. It's a good and important reminder that God is God and that it is His prerogative to judge - He is the Judge. But, Ruth comes next. What is the characteristic of God that shines in Ruth? He is Redeemer. That's more than Savior. Both are important, but think about what it means to be redeemed? It means that the full price is paid to set you free - no budget cuts.

To be redeemed is like someone paying the price for a car that has seen its better days. A car that is beat up, torn down, barely running, and only called a car because it has four tires on it. A car that couldn't make it to the gas station, if it wanted to. A car that is purchased for the purpose of being restored. To be returned to its original glory and splendor. And, the glory and splendor are not really the car's, but they belong to the one that restores it. The person restoring it takes pride in the beauty being returned.

But, why? The car wasn't worth it. It takes more money to restore the car than it is worth. You literally throw money away at that car. For what? To see it restored to beauty? What's the point? Why even care about the car in the first place? Why not just scrap it and sell it for junked parts?

That's what I struggle with. I wasn't worth redeeming. I'm still not. So, why? "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 NIV). "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV).

Love.

Simply put, God loves us. God loved me. He loves you. And, you are someone worth redeeming!

If the Son Sets You Free - 3/12/12

13lbs of weight shackled to your legs, arms, and neck. All of it keeping you pinned. Even if you had the energy to move, you couldn't, because you have to carry around this extra bondage. You look around the ship and see life fading. The dead man next to you is unnerving and you can't wait for the masters to come and take him away to toss him overboard. The stench is gut-wrenching, but, for some reason, you've almost grown accustomed to it. Will this ever end? Will you ever know freedom in this life?

This is a life that is appalling. Slavery is appalling. And yet, we live our lives in slavery to sin every, single day. Sure, I can describe slavery by man and we would each say, "That is ridiculous!" but when I tell you about your slavery to sin, you shy away and act like it doesn't exist. But it does! And, you know it!

John 8:36 says, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." You have been freed from captivity! You have been freed from your bandage in sin! You are free indeed!

Why don't we take that seriously? Do we like our chains? Do we desire the burden of guilt? What is truly keeping us from being released from sin? I think it's us! We like our sin just a little too much.

And, what's crazy is the fact that our sin is killing us. We're OK w/t he stench. We like lying close to death. We enjoy the momentary "lapse in judgment," but it leaves us SO empty inside. If you desire to be released from that burden, then let Christ (who has the key), unshackle you. Let Him unleash His salvation to wash over you with His forgiveness. Be changed. Live changed.

If you think that your life is cool, then share this with someone else. Help them to see Christ for themselves. Let them know that you are real. And, be the change every day that you live life.

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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Sharing My Heart - 3/5/12

For several months, I've been sending out these weekly devotionals, hoping that they provide some sense of encouragement. Well, this week, I just want to share a little from my heart. God has been telling me, for a long while now, that I'm supposed to do something more than just sit on my butt and call myself a Christian. Yes, I'm a pastor. Yes, I'm active in my church. Yes, I've been a faithful Christian for a long time. It's just time to ramp it up.

"Walk by faith," says God. "Just go make it happen. Go and make disciples."

"But, God," I responded, "I don't have the money to do that!"

"Really, Bryan? REALLY?? I am the God of this universe! Don't you think I can equip you, if I'm sending you out?"

"Oh...right..."

So, here's the project. It's called "Feed Our Streets."

I believe that God is calling us to minister to those that are closest to us - our Jerusalem. This is HUGE and very necessary in Southeast Fresno. There are so many people hurting, but they keep a smile on their face, so that others don't think badly of them. Well, we're going to spread the love of Christ with as many people as possible, because I believe that's what He is calling all Christians to do. Make it real. Make it tangible. Make it memorable. Make it lovely.

I see tables that line the streets. They’re decorated, pretty, and just convey the message of “block party” to everyone that looks down the street. I see shocked, but excited faces as they begin to smell the barbeque and catch the vision of what’s going on. I see laughter and conversation between people that have never spoken to each other. I see Christ’s love visibly pouring into people as they come together for a common meal.

The workers will be in bright t-shirts so that they will be highly visible and can’t escape the questions. Why are you here? What are you doing? What could possibly possess you to do this? Why should I eat your food? And, there will only be one answer: Because you are worth it!

A banner will be raised high to tell the entire neighborhood that we’re there. As if they couldn’t miss the beautiful smell of barbeque or the bright colored t-shirts, we will absolutely be in their faces (in a good way)! And we will sit with them, enjoying conversation and finding out what makes them excited; finding out what makes them tick.

This will be happening at several locations over the course of the entire summer. We will start in May and have these parties all over SE Fresno for the next several months. It’ll be warm, but there will be iced tea and lemonade. It’ll be awkward, but there will be the Holy Spirit to guide us. It’ll be fun, and we’ll just laugh and possibly cry from the joy that is pouring out of our hearts.

And, the Lord will be blessed! Community groups will come together to serve. Organizations from throughout the city will partner to see God’s love given out to those in need. And, we will be loved in return.

This is my heart. I usually leave you with a call to action. So, the only one that I have is this: what will you do to respond? People need God, but they need YOU to show them God. Go out! Serve! Make disciples!

God's blessings on your life this week,

Bryan

http://thebtaylor.blogspot.com

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