What God Does With His Power

June 23, 2009

God is all-powerful.  That’s a basic tenant of Christian theology.  His power is unlimited, immeasurable, and unyielding.  So the question then is raised, “What do you do what all of that power?”

In human terms, power can lead to corruption.  The cliche rings true;  ”Power corrupts.  Absolute power can corrupt absolutely.”  But perhaps power itself isn’t responsible for the ensuing corruption.  Rather, could it be that power only reveals hidden corruption that already dwells within our own hearts?  Could it be that power simply gives a voice that which is already there?

If this is the case, then it is fair to say that if you want to see a person’s true character, place him or her in a position of power.  Release the safeties and unshackle the hands.  What you see will be the real person.

So again, if God is all-powerful, what does He do with said power?  I came across this verse last week:

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling” (Psalm 68:5 NIV).

God is in his holy dwelling.  That’s a position of power.  From that seat, the universe is His.  Any wish or desire He can fathom is available to Him with a simply command.  And God uses that power to be a father to the fatherless.  He uses that power to defend the widow.

Whoa.

With all the resources of divinity at his disposal, he chooses  to affirm, embrace, love, and defend those who are broken and in need.  Why?  Because at the core of His essence, that is who God is.  His absolute power reveals His absolute love.

Now, if I may state the more-than-obvious, you are not God.  Your power is not absolute, unlimited, or infinite.  But you do have some power.  You have a certain cache of resources and a circle of influence in which to invest them.  What are you doing with your power?

Let me ask it another way.  Who are you?  Whatever you are doing with your power right now reflects who you are on the inside.  Your heart is revealed in your actions.  Does your heart reflect God’s?  Do you use your power to help those who are powerless?  Or does your power give voice to a heart that is selfish, cold, and uncaring?

May we reflect God’s glory by using our power to minister to the fatherless, the widow, and those who are in need of a divine touch.  May we be the hands God uses to reveal His absolute love.

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Posted by Chad Payne

Mark Driscoll on Ministry Idolatry

June 10, 2009

Today I listened to one of the most gut-wrenching messages I have ever heard that is directed at those who are in church leadership.  I think every pastor, church staff member, and anyone who aspires to leadership should listen to this.  It was recorded at the Advance ‘09 conference.  You can download the message here, and you should.

Mark Driscoll points out that an idol is not necessarily something that is bad in an of itself.  But an idol can be a good thing that we make a god thing, and that is a bad thing.  An idol is anything that we serve and give ourselves to other than God.

The ministry is an idol to many of us who bear the title of pastor.  In fact, many aspects of ministry can become idols to any Christian.  Driscoll asks eleven questions:

  1. Attendance Idolatry:  Does your joy change when attendance does?
  2. Gift Idolatry:  Do you feel that God needs you and uses you because you are so skilled?
  3. Truth Idolatry:  Do you consider yourself more righteous than more simple Christians?  (He adds, “Any theology that leads to arrogance and pride is, of itself, idolatrous.”)
  4. Fruit Idolatry:  Do you point to your success as evidence of God’s approval of you?
  5. Tradition Idolatry:  What traditions are you upholding that are thwarting the forward progress of the gospel?
  6. Method Idolatry:  Do you worship your method as your mediator?  (He points out that the idol in the gospels was the Temple.  When Jesus said He would tear it down and rebuild it, they plotted to crucify Him).
  7. Office Idolatry:  Are you motivated primarily by God’s glory or your title?
  8. Success Idolatry:  Is winning what motivates you at the deepest level?
  9. Ministry Idolatry:  Do you use the pressure of ministry to make you walk with God?  (Driscoll asks, “Do you follow Jesus because you love Him or because if you don’t your ministry will fail and you and your family will be shamed?”)
  10. Innovative Idolatry:  Does it matter to you that your ministry be considered unique?  Is it more important to be different, or is faithful and fruitful enough?
  11. Leader Idolatry:  Who, other than Christ, are you imaging?  Whose image do you reflect?  Who do you most want to be like?

What is the answer to these forms of idolatry?  Driscoll says it is repentance.  He says, “Repentance is not what we preach.  It is first what we practice.  The worst are those who preach it but don’t practice it.”

He concludes this powerful message with a quote from J.I. Packer.  ”The first requirement of the gospel is repentance.  Anyone who does not repent is a heretic.”

3 Comments | Following Jesus, Leadership | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Chad Payne

My Battle Cry

June 10, 2009

Some time ago, the awesome folks at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia made their video “Battle Cry” available on SermonSpice.  I used it to bumper a series I was doing on spiritual warfare, and I have not been able to get over the declaration it makes.

Let this into your heart as you read it:

“I  come not to bring peace, but a sword.”  –Christ

I am not an innocent bystander.  I am a threat to my enemy.
I am powerful and cunning.  I am strategic and bold.

I will not sit idly by.  I will take ground.  I will advance.
I will tear through my enemy and my enemy will hate me.

I will not avoid the difficult fight.  I will fight.  I will be wounded.
I will be targeted and I will be bleed.
I will not tire.  My wounds will be healed.

I will see tragedy.  I will feel pain.
But I will be restored.

My feet will not stumble.  My hands will hold fast.
I will not be intimidated.

I cannot be stopped.  I will stand by my brothers in arms.
I will fight until my last breath.  I will push the limits.

I scale the mountains.  My enemy will cower.
FOR I SERVE A GREAT KING!

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Posted by Chad Payne

Recent Movies Reviewed

May 30, 2009

It’s been a movies kind of month this May.  Thanks to the arrival of the summer blockbuster season coupled with our handy new 14 screen theater in little ol’ nearby McCalla, I’ve kept up with most of the new releases that are gracing the silver screen in recent weeks.

What’s more, with every visit I’ve run into members from New Life.  Maybe we should start a LifeGroup there or something…  Oh well.  Here are my thoughts on the movies I’ve seen recently:

Star Trek.

YEAH!  Of course Star Trek!  What did I think about it?  AWESOME!  Effects:  A+.  Story: A.  Pacing and Cinematography:  Holy Smokes!!

This movie is a fun ride that will appeal to far more than the usual cadre of Trekers.  The casting was nearly perfect, and some of the surprising turns of events in the story show that the gloves are off for future Trek films.  Yep, this isn’t your father’s Trek….  but I like it.

My one (minor) complaint is that we didn’t get to see enough of the villian.  Eric Brana’s performance was superb, with just the right amount of irreverent aplomb.  I would like to have seen his character fleshed out a little more.  But then, the point of the movie was to provide origin stories for the beloved crew of the Enterprise.  So, with that in mind, I’d say Director J.J. Abrams got it spot on.  My grade:  A+

Night at the Museum:  Battle of the Smithsonian.

Fun times.  It was a good and enjoyable movie.  What it lacked in depth and character development, it made up for in very amusing situations and gags.  Great escapist fun.  And since I’ve recently started working with a physical trainer myself, the Thinker’s catchphrase, “Firepowah!” has become somewhat of a motto for me.

The one who stands out in this movie is Amy Adams.  She portrays Amelia Earhart to perfection, adding a sense of adventure to the story line.  My grade:  A-

Pixar’s UP.

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!  I saw this Friday evening with my daughter and some folks from the church.  This is by far the most emotional Pixar film yet.  The animation is Pixar’s usual amazing feat, once again pushing the levels of excellence in computer animation.  And the 3D beautifully enriched the landscapes of the movie without resorting to the usual visual gags that most 3D films use for shock effect.

But as I said, this is Pixar’s most emotional film yet.  And it is the relationships that drive this movie.  The first 10 or 15 minutes of the film were worth the price of admission, just to watch the montage which surveyed the years the main character spent with his wife.  Without a single word, we watch their dreams and their disappointments take shape and see just how much these two people loved each other.

This one is a little different for Pixar, but I loved every minute of it.  A+

Terminator Salvation

I saw this one today.  It was good, but not great.  Christian Bale does a great job as John Conner, and the effects were excellent.  But I think the critics got it right on this one.  The movie is sort of flat.  The tone is always very serious, and there are none of the lighter moments which made the other three films (especially the first two) such engaging stories.  I never really felt connected to any of the characters, even to the point that when one main character makes a sacrificial decision at the end of the movie, what should have been a poignant moment just sort of… well… fell flat.

Having said that, the visuals are great.  Sort of a cross between Road Warrior and Transformers.  If you want to see it, it is worth seeing on the big screen just for that.  And yes, Arnold makes a cameo via computer animation that is both convincing and well handled.

In all, it was a good ride.  Not the best in the series, but possibly a good starting point for future installments.  My grade:  B.

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Posted by Chad Payne

More Pictures from Missions Banquet

May 25, 2009

The Missions Convention went great this weekend.  The banquet was a huge success, and several commented that they thought it was the best event we have had since they have been attending New Life.  I have to give props to Jacob and Cami Goggins, who along with many people in our congregation worked relentlessly for months in preparation to make this evening special.

Here are some more pictures, including some more of the completed table decorations.

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Posted by Chad Payne

Missions Banquet This Evening

May 23, 2009

I am so looking forward to our missions banquet this evening.  Jacob and Cami Goggins, our Missions Directors, have worked very hard along with many others in our congregation to pull this evening together.

Each table will be decorated on the theme of a different nation or mission field.  Take a look at some what has been set up so far:

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Posted by Chad Payne

Happy Mother’s Day

May 10, 2009

Happy Mother’s Day!

Here’s the mother of my two girls.  Kim…  isn’t she gorgeous?

Kim

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Posted by Chad Payne

Yet Another Quote

May 4, 2009

I’m really getting into quotes lately!  Here’s one from Dave Gibbons, from his book The Monkey and the Fish:

“Most of the world can relate better and more positively to a prostitute who humbly admits her shortcomings than to some of us who have learned to manage our image and pimp the gospel.”

Wow!  True that!

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Posted by Chad Payne

Another Great Quote

May 2, 2009

“Don’t undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.”

– Edwin Land (inventor of instant photography)

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Posted by Chad Payne

Great Quote on Prayer

May 1, 2009

praying-handsA recent e-mail I received from the Tuscaloosa Prayer Network included this great quote:

“Satan dreads nothing but prayer.   The church that lost its Christ was full of good works.   Activities are multiplied that meditation may be ousted, and organizations are increased that prayer may have no chance.   Souls may be lost in good works, as surely as in evil ways.   The one concern of the devil is to keep the saints from praying.   He fears nothing from prayerless religion.   He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when we pray.” (S. Chadwick)

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Posted by Chad Payne

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