Lincoln and Darwin: The Tale of two Legacies

 Culture, Faith, Leadership, Missional  No Responses »
Feb 132009
 

Yesterday February 12 was the 200th birthday of two famous men that each have made a significant mark in history.  Both Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin were born on February 12, 1809. 

Although both have left significant marks in history, their legacies regarding human life differ greatly. 

Darwin is famous for his theory that all of human life emerged through natural selection.  His theory of evolution was birthed following a voyage aboard the HMS Beagle that ironically was to be his chance at seeing the tropics before entering ministry.  His legacy regarding human life stems from the theory that humanity evolved through a godless process called natural selection. 

Lincoln is famous for leading the United States through its most perilous times, specifically when our nation was at war with itself.  Lincoln’s value of human life and his belief that people are created in the image of their creator led to the end of slavery.  Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation put an end to legal human trafficking and was based on the fulfillment that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Isn’t it interesting that Darwin’s theory and view of humanity would have been a valid argument for justifying and continuing the trading of humans as a piece of property? Lincoln’s beliefs and his biblical perspective of humanity provideds for freedom and protection of human life. 

Two distinct legacies!  What are your thoughts?  What does this mean for our mission to develop people to follow Jesus and Make Disciples?  Are you a disciple of Darwin or a disciple of Lincoln?  Can you follow both worldviews?

 Posted by at 10:39 am

Character Bailout and Tips for STRETCHING a dollar

 Culture, Financial Freedom, Leadership  1 Response »
Feb 112009
 

I have given some thought to the idea of entering politics.  I have come to the conclusion that I am not qualified; I actually PAY MY TAXES!

A friend sent this to me recently:
“The real reason that we can’t have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this — you cannot post ‘Thou Shalt Not Steal’ ‘Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery’ and ‘Thou Shalt Not Lie’ in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians … it creates a hostile work environment.”

Am I the only one that believes the BIGGEST BAILOUT in our country right now is the CHARACTER BAILOUT?  Along with the clogging credit flow, there has been a substantial problem with the flow of character and integrity. 

There is no doubt that the leaders in the congress, the senate and in the judicial and executive branches of our government are among the most gifted intellectually in our country and even among leaders in the world.  But it is clear that their giftedness in areas has far outpaced their character development.  The financial crisis is primarily the result of excesses in spending and our leaders continue to “trumpet” the solution as continued excess spending by the government.  Is it me…or is that a BAD EXAMPLE? 

Here is your Tuesday Tip for Stretching a dollar:

STOP SPENDING MORE THAN YOU MAKE!!!!!!!!

 Posted by at 12:06 am

Humble Learner

 Church Planting, Leadership, Missional  No Responses »
Feb 102009
 

More and more I am convinced that “humility” is the character trait I desire to cultivate in my life the most. 

I spent some time with a church planter named Tim yesterday and it was so refreshing!  Tim emailed me a while back to schedule getting together and I have looked forward to it for a couple of weeks.  We exchanged our stories a bit and Tim stated that he had a lot of questions he wanted to ask.  I came looking forward to asking Tim a lot of questions.  I walked away challenged by Tim’s humility. 

Tim is kind of a legend among those in the church planting community.  He moved several years ago from South Georgia to Atlanta to start a church from scratch.  He didn’t move to just “anywhere” in Atlanta but probably to THE TOUGHEST area of Atlanta to gather people for the purpose of talking about Jesus.  I needed to be asking HIM the questions about faith, compassion for people, taking risks, and how to engage people in spiritual conversations that tend to be indifferent toward church and Christianity. 

I loved hanging out with a true missionary in our culture that has a passionate heart for telling people about Jesus.  He is a humble learner and an example to all of us desiring to grow as missional leaders.

 Posted by at 11:43 pm

Sunday Reflections and Discipleship Notes

 Church at the Grove, Faith, Random Thoughts  1 Response »
Feb 082009
 

Big Idea:
The decade of the 80′s was about success and climbing the corporate ladder and we learn from Jesus that having more money and stuff is not where true happiness is found.  We find true fulfillment in eternal treasure. 

Scripture Memory:
Luke 12:15   Then Jesus said to them, “Be careful and guard against all kinds of greed.  Life is not measured by how much one owns.”

Action step:
Identify one goal or pursuit in your life that interferes with you and your daily journey of following Jesus.  Attempt one thing this week to put this pursuit in its proper place.

Random Thoughts:

  • What a great second week of our “Come As You Were” series!  I loved the TV theme song contest; what a blast and it brought back a ton of memories. 
  • We wanted to do a series that had some simple fun involved since February is known as being the worst month for depression.  I didn’t realize how powerful it would be to imagine what Jesus would say to the unique characteristics associated with each decade.
  • Craig did an awesome job teaching out of Luke 12 and applying what Jesus said regarding greed and pursuing temporary success at the expense of eternal success.  It is great to have a week off every now and then and I had a blast visiting all the children’s environments.  We have an awesome teaching team!
  • I am so thankful for Rosemary and the team of volunteers that invest every week into the lives of our children.  Our children’s environments continue to grow.  We are thinking and praying about our next step that will create a little space for continued growth. 
  • I know I say this alot, but we have an awesome worship team.  The team that Ric has put together is second to none and they keep getting better.  Being that I grew up in the 70′s, I have been around a lot of music and worship ministries and we have a team that is second to none!
  • I am so excited about so many new people coming to the GROVE!  I love what God is doing.  I plead with all of you to keep it up.  Keep inviting your friends and family and reaching out to people around you.
  • I hear every day about a lot of churches hurting with growth and financial problems and I almost feel bad to share how our church is growing in people and in financial gifts!  It is amazing.
  • I can’t wait to eat lunch together as a church family next week.  If you didn’t let us know this week that you want to stay and eat with us, simply email how many will be eating with us next Sunday so we can prepare enough food. It will be next Sunday after the second service.
  • Jill and I took Josiah and Abigail to celebrate a couple of birthdays with some awesome friends tonight.  They had a blast.  We left Caleb with Billy, Melinda and Jimmy and Christie and we were able to actually have a date night out.  Thanks to a Ted’s Grill gift card that was given to us by one of our sweet couples at Christmas, we were able to EAT GOOD. 
  • Time for bed.  Praying for a great week.
 Posted by at 9:53 pm
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