Saturday, November 26, 2011
Denver Church: The Importance of &
We are starting a 3rd morning service in two weeks at RCC. In January we hope to start an evening service as well. Why?
Churches like to get into either/or thinking. Either we go deep or we reach out. Either we are connected or we are growing. Jesus did not think this way. He thought with an ampersand (&) in his mind all the time. Jesus was a both/and thinker.
Jesus chose 12 to go deep. He wanted to turn them into disciples who experienced the restoration of God's image in their lives and others. The first thing he had them do was reach out and throw a party for Matthew's lost friends (Matthew 4). Did they go deep or reach out? Both. If you go deep with God he will send you out (see Isaiah 6). If you go out into the world with the gospel in your heart and a vision for the Kingdom to become more manifest in your world you will be forced to become deeper. It is always an &!
Restoration is going deeper and we are reaching out to the people Jesus died for - you can't have one without the other. Jesus did not make us to live that way.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Transformational Communtiies
We will launch 14 new Transformational Communities at Restoration in the next two weeks. Most churches call them small groups. We have decided to use a different nomenclature for three reasons.
1. People attend groups to get something. Communities are more relational. The gathering is less about getting something for yourself and more about the relationships.
2. Our goal is transformation not information. Groups are often about knowledge or skill acquisition. We want to see spiritual transformation. We want to become more like Jesus from the inside out.
3. Groups tend to be closed. Our communities create growth in people and they have an external focus. Each of our communities will be asked to do one service project and one faith sharing event or party over the course of the 10 weeks they meet. We don't just want to talk about being missional, we want to be missional.
1. People attend groups to get something. Communities are more relational. The gathering is less about getting something for yourself and more about the relationships.
2. Our goal is transformation not information. Groups are often about knowledge or skill acquisition. We want to see spiritual transformation. We want to become more like Jesus from the inside out.
3. Groups tend to be closed. Our communities create growth in people and they have an external focus. Each of our communities will be asked to do one service project and one faith sharing event or party over the course of the 10 weeks they meet. We don't just want to talk about being missional, we want to be missional.
Looking forward to seeing you at Restoration Community Church in Denver
Friday, July 29, 2011
The Adjustment Bureau and This Sunday
I watched the Adjustment Bureau on a plane recently to India. It stars Matt Damon and Emily Bluntman. The premise of the show is that our lives are completely determined by "The Chairman." Damon seeks to fight his fate so that he can romantically pursue Bluntman's character.
The film raises some interesting questions. 1. Does God determine everything? 2. Is there more than one plan? 3. If we mess up Plan A for our lives does God have a plan B? 4. What role does our will and desires play in the fate of our lives?
I would love to hear what others think as I prepare to speak on this topic Sunday at Restoration.
The film raises some interesting questions. 1. Does God determine everything? 2. Is there more than one plan? 3. If we mess up Plan A for our lives does God have a plan B? 4. What role does our will and desires play in the fate of our lives?
I would love to hear what others think as I prepare to speak on this topic Sunday at Restoration.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Holy Irreverence
We start a new series at Restoration on Sunday called, "I AM." It is about the nature of God. A.W. Tozer once said that, "What comes to mind when we think of God is the most important thing about us."
We will have a series of video's that are funny and irreverent about the ways we re-create Jesus in our minds to get from him what we want. We want to be irreverent towards these "Jesus idols" so that we will be more motivated to look for the real Jesus.
The first video is about "Santa Jesus." It is a satire of how we often think God is good only if he gives us what we want.
Can you think of other versions of Jesus that are not consistent with the Jesus of the Bible and history?
We will have a series of video's that are funny and irreverent about the ways we re-create Jesus in our minds to get from him what we want. We want to be irreverent towards these "Jesus idols" so that we will be more motivated to look for the real Jesus.
The first video is about "Santa Jesus." It is a satire of how we often think God is good only if he gives us what we want.
Can you think of other versions of Jesus that are not consistent with the Jesus of the Bible and history?
Visit our Denver Church this Sunday at 9am or 11am
Sunday, July 17, 2011
India Update
Greetings from Kolkata. I want to share a few highlights of our trip so far with you.
* The first three days we led medical clinics in slums where our partners at Kolkata City Mission are trying to start churches. Albina, Erica and Nanci did and amazing job as healthcare workers.
* I preached on Thursday night at the largest Church in Kolkata.
* Yesterday we did a family camp for people from three different slums. We led classes on public health, marriage and spirituality. I shared the gospel at the end of the day and 120 Dalits received Jesus as their Lord and Savior!
* Today I preached at a small church service made up of our partners and other missionaries. Tonight Nanci is preaching at a small church in the slums.
* Tomorrow we are building a false ceiling for a community center in a slum. The vision is that this community center would be a place where holistic ministry is done and a church planted.
Our team from our church in Denver, Restoration Community Church, is healthy and strong and unified. We are having a great time with our brothers and sisters in Christ here in Kolkata.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Why Go To India?
I have had a few friends wonder why I am going with a team from Restoration to India. It is a good question given how young our new church is and all the needs we have right here in Denver. Here is my response.
1. I need my heart to be broken. There is nothing like the sensory assault of the slums of Calcutta to help you feel how much pain there is in this world. There is nothing in the world like the poverty experienced by the Dalits in India. I am going because I want a bigger heart, a global heart.
2. There is poverty and there is extreme poverty. We help the poor in Denver, but we do not have extreme poverty in Denver. The untouchables live on less than two dollars a day. Many of them live on less than one dollar a day. I feel a moral obligation to help.
3. The Dalits are looking for hope. There are more Dalits in India than there are people living in the US. They are leaving Hinduism because it has held them down for thousands of years. They are starving for grace and a religion that teaches that all people are equal (Galatians 3:28).
4. Jesus said he wants us to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). I want to witness locally and globally to the good news that the Kingdom of God has come to earth in Jesus and can be our experience right now!
Our team leaves July 10th and comes back July 21st. Please pray God uses us to bless people with medical needs, create economic opportunities, encourage leaders and church planters, and educate people who are needing knowledge to become more whole. Thanks.
1. I need my heart to be broken. There is nothing like the sensory assault of the slums of Calcutta to help you feel how much pain there is in this world. There is nothing in the world like the poverty experienced by the Dalits in India. I am going because I want a bigger heart, a global heart.
2. There is poverty and there is extreme poverty. We help the poor in Denver, but we do not have extreme poverty in Denver. The untouchables live on less than two dollars a day. Many of them live on less than one dollar a day. I feel a moral obligation to help.
3. The Dalits are looking for hope. There are more Dalits in India than there are people living in the US. They are leaving Hinduism because it has held them down for thousands of years. They are starving for grace and a religion that teaches that all people are equal (Galatians 3:28).
4. Jesus said he wants us to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). I want to witness locally and globally to the good news that the Kingdom of God has come to earth in Jesus and can be our experience right now!
Our team leaves July 10th and comes back July 21st. Please pray God uses us to bless people with medical needs, create economic opportunities, encourage leaders and church planters, and educate people who are needing knowledge to become more whole. Thanks.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Discovering God's Vision For Your Life
Last week I drew a diagram, in my message, that has led to quite a few podcast downloads. I will not draw it here, but the categories might be helpful to you if you are seeking greater clarity regarding God's vision for your life.
1. Passion. What burden has God put on your heart? Are you burdened for your family? Your marriage? Your neighbors? A group of oppressed people? A friend who is floundering spiritually? For whom has God burdened you?
2. Proficiencies. What do people say you are good at doing? Are you great with older people? Younger people? Are you good at teaching? Counseling? Caring? Technology? Leading? Making money? Organizing? Sharing your faith? Creating art in some form?
3. Pull. Who is pulling on you to do something for them or on behalf of them? The Bible is full of stories of people being called by God, through other people. A sense of calling usually comes from God through others.
4. Paycheck. We all have to provide for ourselves and others. How can you do what God is calling you to do and pay your bills? There are two mistakes Americans frequently make. One, they confuse their jobs with their calling. Two, they do not do what God wants them to do because they fear God will not provide for them. In the Bible God always gives people the what before the how. He calls them to do something for Him and as they step out in faith, He provides for them.
I hope these categories serve you well as you seek to discern God's unique vision for you at this point in your life.
1. Passion. What burden has God put on your heart? Are you burdened for your family? Your marriage? Your neighbors? A group of oppressed people? A friend who is floundering spiritually? For whom has God burdened you?
2. Proficiencies. What do people say you are good at doing? Are you great with older people? Younger people? Are you good at teaching? Counseling? Caring? Technology? Leading? Making money? Organizing? Sharing your faith? Creating art in some form?
3. Pull. Who is pulling on you to do something for them or on behalf of them? The Bible is full of stories of people being called by God, through other people. A sense of calling usually comes from God through others.
4. Paycheck. We all have to provide for ourselves and others. How can you do what God is calling you to do and pay your bills? There are two mistakes Americans frequently make. One, they confuse their jobs with their calling. Two, they do not do what God wants them to do because they fear God will not provide for them. In the Bible God always gives people the what before the how. He calls them to do something for Him and as they step out in faith, He provides for them.
I hope these categories serve you well as you seek to discern God's unique vision for you at this point in your life.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
#1 Most Asked Question About God
According to the Barna Research Center the most asked question about God is, "Why does he let us suffer?" This is also the most common reason given by non-Christians as to why they do not believe in God.
There are answers to this question about God, suffering and evil, but there is no ANSWER. People get hurt because of sin, life in a fallen world, stupidity, Satan and sometimes God himself disciplines us. These are reasons why evil happens, but it still does not answer our question exhaustively. God must have a morally justifiable reason we do not understand. If some guy came ripping by you on I-25 honking his horn because you were going too slow, you would likely get angry. If you later realized his daughter was in the back seat dying and that he was heading to the hospital, you would understand him much differently. You would believe he was justified in honking at you and speeding.
If you are an atheist then suffering is random and meaningless. If you are a pantheist then evil and suffering are just an illusion, which does not sell very well when you are in pain. Other options make God weaker, less knowledgeable or unloving. To me, the best option is Jesus. He did not give answers to all of our questions about why we suffer. Instead he entered into our suffering on the cross and showed us how God transforms suffering into something we will all, one day, say is worth it.
For more on this topic join us Sunday at Restoration Community Church (www.restorationcc.us).
There are answers to this question about God, suffering and evil, but there is no ANSWER. People get hurt because of sin, life in a fallen world, stupidity, Satan and sometimes God himself disciplines us. These are reasons why evil happens, but it still does not answer our question exhaustively. God must have a morally justifiable reason we do not understand. If some guy came ripping by you on I-25 honking his horn because you were going too slow, you would likely get angry. If you later realized his daughter was in the back seat dying and that he was heading to the hospital, you would understand him much differently. You would believe he was justified in honking at you and speeding.
If you are an atheist then suffering is random and meaningless. If you are a pantheist then evil and suffering are just an illusion, which does not sell very well when you are in pain. Other options make God weaker, less knowledgeable or unloving. To me, the best option is Jesus. He did not give answers to all of our questions about why we suffer. Instead he entered into our suffering on the cross and showed us how God transforms suffering into something we will all, one day, say is worth it.
For more on this topic join us Sunday at Restoration Community Church (www.restorationcc.us).
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Homosexuality and 3 reasons to come to RCC this weekend
According to research done by Dave Kinnaman and the Barna group 91% of non-Christian Busters and Mosaics believe Christians hate homosexuals. This perception is best described by the title of Kinnaman's book, it is "UnChristian." The question, "Does God love homosexuals?" showed up more than any other issue on our FAQs4God.com website. This is a BIG ONE! Here are three reasons you need to come to Restoration this week if you are in town.
1. We have to change the perception that Christians are anti-homosexual. It might as well be tattooed on our arms. This has to change! It dishonors God and it is keeping people out of relationship with the greatest source of love in the universe - Jesus Christ.
2. There is so much misinformation about what the Bible teaches on this topic. We will look at most of the key passages this weekend and understand them contextually.
3. We need a new posture towards homosexuals. It is not enough to know that the Bible condemns homosexual acts and that God loves homosexuals at the same time. We have to learn how to love our homosexual friends with the same truth and grace we give to our friends who wrestle with greed, adultery, pride, pornography or any other sin. We have to learn how to love homosexuals and not condone homosexual sex. Jesus was that master at loving sinners and challenging them to repent of their sin. He does this with each of us every moment of the day. We will learn from the master how to grow in our ability to love in truth and grace.
Oh, and there will be a BBQ after our 11 a.m. service. See you there!
1. We have to change the perception that Christians are anti-homosexual. It might as well be tattooed on our arms. This has to change! It dishonors God and it is keeping people out of relationship with the greatest source of love in the universe - Jesus Christ.
2. There is so much misinformation about what the Bible teaches on this topic. We will look at most of the key passages this weekend and understand them contextually.
3. We need a new posture towards homosexuals. It is not enough to know that the Bible condemns homosexual acts and that God loves homosexuals at the same time. We have to learn how to love our homosexual friends with the same truth and grace we give to our friends who wrestle with greed, adultery, pride, pornography or any other sin. We have to learn how to love homosexuals and not condone homosexual sex. Jesus was that master at loving sinners and challenging them to repent of their sin. He does this with each of us every moment of the day. We will learn from the master how to grow in our ability to love in truth and grace.
Oh, and there will be a BBQ after our 11 a.m. service. See you there!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Evolution and the Bible
3 Reasons Evolution and Genesis can be friends:
1. You do not have to be an atheist to believe in evolution even though Richard Dawkins says you do. There are many theistic evolutionists. A great example is Francis Collins who led the Genome Project and who is now a passionate Christ follower.
2. Genesis tells us that God created but not how he created. Few scholars believe the Genesis account refers to a literal six day creation period. The word for day in Genesis one is "Yom" which can mean a day, a generation, or an epic period of time. There is no 24 hour day in the creation story until day four when God created our solar system.
3. Genesis is a poem, not a science manual. We need to read it for the purpose for which it was intended, to inspire us to worship our amazingly creative and artistic God!
We will go much deeper with this topic on Sunday, multi-universes, galaxies, quarks, leptons and all. Join us and have your mind bent by a God who gets bigger every time our telescopes and micro-scopes do.
1. You do not have to be an atheist to believe in evolution even though Richard Dawkins says you do. There are many theistic evolutionists. A great example is Francis Collins who led the Genome Project and who is now a passionate Christ follower.
2. Genesis tells us that God created but not how he created. Few scholars believe the Genesis account refers to a literal six day creation period. The word for day in Genesis one is "Yom" which can mean a day, a generation, or an epic period of time. There is no 24 hour day in the creation story until day four when God created our solar system.
3. Genesis is a poem, not a science manual. We need to read it for the purpose for which it was intended, to inspire us to worship our amazingly creative and artistic God!
We will go much deeper with this topic on Sunday, multi-universes, galaxies, quarks, leptons and all. Join us and have your mind bent by a God who gets bigger every time our telescopes and micro-scopes do.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
How can only one religion be right?
You are at a party. You are a follower of Jesus (if not pretend for a moment that you are). Someone asks you if you believe only people who follow Jesus will go to heaven and that everyone else will go to hell. What do you do? A. Feign food poisoning and run for your life. B. Look for the nearest pastor. C. Tell them that you do believe there is only one way but that maybe hell is more like Houston Texas than Dante's inferno so it won't be so bad.
This is the question that makes Christians the skunk at the lawn party frequently. We will talk about it this week at Restoration, but let me give you a few thoughts.
1. All world religions have some version of hell. The topic is not unique to followers of Jesus.
2. All truth claims are exclusive. It takes maturity and personal security not to get defensive. Even radical relativists exclude people who are not relativists.
3. We do not know who is going to heaven and hell. The parable of the wheat and tares warns us not to judge. God alone knows what people are doing with the light they have received. If people ask us if they are going to heaven or hell our answer must always be, "I don't know, that is between you and God."
4. The way to increase people's odds of spending eternity with God is to invite them to follow Jesus with us. He alone is the way and the truth and life and no one comes to the Father but through him. He is heaven now and later. Sharing him is not a confrontation, but a mutual journey with others wherever they are spiritually.
This is the question that makes Christians the skunk at the lawn party frequently. We will talk about it this week at Restoration, but let me give you a few thoughts.
1. All world religions have some version of hell. The topic is not unique to followers of Jesus.
2. All truth claims are exclusive. It takes maturity and personal security not to get defensive. Even radical relativists exclude people who are not relativists.
3. We do not know who is going to heaven and hell. The parable of the wheat and tares warns us not to judge. God alone knows what people are doing with the light they have received. If people ask us if they are going to heaven or hell our answer must always be, "I don't know, that is between you and God."
4. The way to increase people's odds of spending eternity with God is to invite them to follow Jesus with us. He alone is the way and the truth and life and no one comes to the Father but through him. He is heaven now and later. Sharing him is not a confrontation, but a mutual journey with others wherever they are spiritually.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Easter Reflections
We had an awesome Easter weekend at Restoration. Here are a few of my reflections.
* Our Good Friday service rocked. Many of us needed that time to slow down and center on the story of Jesus. We needed to enter into the darkness of Friday before we could enjoy the light of Sunday.
* Serving the homeless is humbling. When you serve people who have lives that are messier than tangled fishing line it breaks you a bit. You realize how fortunate you are in many ways and how you could be them. Our homeless Easter service was a great time to connect with each other and our common humanity.
* People need a church. We had TONS OF NEW PEOPLE who came this Sunday. We doubled our regular attendance. I am so grateful for everyone who brought someone. We had one person become a follower of Jesus and many more who will in the weeks to come. It was great to remember the Easter story together and re-orient our lives around the soul expanding love of Jesus
* Our Good Friday service rocked. Many of us needed that time to slow down and center on the story of Jesus. We needed to enter into the darkness of Friday before we could enjoy the light of Sunday.
* Serving the homeless is humbling. When you serve people who have lives that are messier than tangled fishing line it breaks you a bit. You realize how fortunate you are in many ways and how you could be them. Our homeless Easter service was a great time to connect with each other and our common humanity.
* People need a church. We had TONS OF NEW PEOPLE who came this Sunday. We doubled our regular attendance. I am so grateful for everyone who brought someone. We had one person become a follower of Jesus and many more who will in the weeks to come. It was great to remember the Easter story together and re-orient our lives around the soul expanding love of Jesus
Monday, April 18, 2011
Making the Most of Easter Week
5 Suggestions on how to make the most of the week leading up to Easter (aka Holy Week).
1. Read the story every day. Take one of the gospels and read the last few chapters that describe what Jesus did and said at the end of his life. Pick a character, other than Jesus, like Peter or Thomas, someone you identify with, and experience the story the way they would have.
2. Pray. Ask Jesus to reveal himself to you this week in a fresh way. Ask God to help you experience his love.
3. Go to a church. God's Spirit shows up when people gather to remember his Son.
4. Invite a friend. God's love is something to be shared. Write down the names of a few of friends who need encouragement, hope, love and bring them with you.
5. Serve. We see Jesus in others when we serve them.
For more information on Good Friday Services, Worship opportunities and ways you can serve the homeless this week go to restorationcc.us.
Praying you have the most meaningful Easter ever!
1. Read the story every day. Take one of the gospels and read the last few chapters that describe what Jesus did and said at the end of his life. Pick a character, other than Jesus, like Peter or Thomas, someone you identify with, and experience the story the way they would have.
2. Pray. Ask Jesus to reveal himself to you this week in a fresh way. Ask God to help you experience his love.
3. Go to a church. God's Spirit shows up when people gather to remember his Son.
4. Invite a friend. God's love is something to be shared. Write down the names of a few of friends who need encouragement, hope, love and bring them with you.
5. Serve. We see Jesus in others when we serve them.
For more information on Good Friday Services, Worship opportunities and ways you can serve the homeless this week go to restorationcc.us.
Praying you have the most meaningful Easter ever!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Starting a second worship service FAQ's
SECOND SERVICE FAQ’S
Why are we doing this?
1. We are running out of room for people to bring their friends. Most worship services stop growing after they are 70% full. People just feel too squished.
2. We want to see more people discover the love and hope of God.
3. We all grow more when we are serving and reaching out.
When will we make the move? Palm Sunday, April 17th.
What time will the two services be? 9:00 and 11:00
What do we need to make this successful?
* Lots of prayer.
* Volunteers in key positions for new service.
* People willing to take a risk.
* New people attending.
What if it does not work? This is an experiment. If it does not work we will go back to one service and try later. We will fail forward.
How will this affect our Family Life Ministry?
* It should make it easier to volunteer. People can go to one service and volunteer in another.
How will this affect the unity of the church?
* Most people are close to 8 to 12 people if they are really involved. Those friendships will remain in tact through transformational communities and informal opportunities for connecting and our service projects.
Let’s pray, trust, take a risk, invite our friends and see what God does.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Rob Bell's Heaven and Hell
Rob Bell's book on heaven and hell just came out yesterday. It is titled, "Love Wins." You can expect the blogosphere to erupt the next few days. I read over half of the book last night and this morning. I have a pretty good idea where Rob is going and what he believes. Here are my thoughts so far.
* Rob is dealing with an issue that our generation of world traveling, socially conscious, compassion and justice oriented people wrestle with deeply.
* Most of the Christians I know in the pews believe in some kind of soft universalism. The problem is that it is based on feelings and social acceptance more than their study of the Bible.
* Rob is trying to develop his theology of heaven and hell using the Bible. He does seem to be going in the direction of of a mild universalism (most probably go to heaven) and conditionalism (immortality is based on who we are and what we do with what has been revealed to us).
* Rob does a great job showing us how little we know about heaven and hell and invites people to question their certainty.
* I think it is important to be clear about where we can be reasonably certain and humble regarding where we cannot be quite so certain.
Here are my conclusions on this topic:
1. The Bible is clear there is no salvation (an idea that is far bigger than just going to heaven) except through Jesus (John 14:6).
2. The Bible is not quite so clear about how much of Jesus a person needs to know or profess. Hebrews 11 is full of people, Jews and Gentiles, who had never heard of Jesus and they are with God right now.
3. We are responsible for sharing and responding to the truth that has been revealed to us (Luke 12:47-48). Sharing the gospel, making disciples, responding to the gospel, becoming a disciple matters for now and the age to come.
I am grateful that Rob has written this book, if for no other reason than it will get more of us talking and studying what the Bible has to say about one of the most burning theological questions of our time. Let's pray God uses this book to take us deeper into our appreciation for his unimaginable love and wisdom displayed in Jesus Christ. May love win as many dialogue on this topic.
* Rob is dealing with an issue that our generation of world traveling, socially conscious, compassion and justice oriented people wrestle with deeply.
* Most of the Christians I know in the pews believe in some kind of soft universalism. The problem is that it is based on feelings and social acceptance more than their study of the Bible.
* Rob is trying to develop his theology of heaven and hell using the Bible. He does seem to be going in the direction of of a mild universalism (most probably go to heaven) and conditionalism (immortality is based on who we are and what we do with what has been revealed to us).
* Rob does a great job showing us how little we know about heaven and hell and invites people to question their certainty.
* I think it is important to be clear about where we can be reasonably certain and humble regarding where we cannot be quite so certain.
Here are my conclusions on this topic:
1. The Bible is clear there is no salvation (an idea that is far bigger than just going to heaven) except through Jesus (John 14:6).
2. The Bible is not quite so clear about how much of Jesus a person needs to know or profess. Hebrews 11 is full of people, Jews and Gentiles, who had never heard of Jesus and they are with God right now.
3. We are responsible for sharing and responding to the truth that has been revealed to us (Luke 12:47-48). Sharing the gospel, making disciples, responding to the gospel, becoming a disciple matters for now and the age to come.
I am grateful that Rob has written this book, if for no other reason than it will get more of us talking and studying what the Bible has to say about one of the most burning theological questions of our time. Let's pray God uses this book to take us deeper into our appreciation for his unimaginable love and wisdom displayed in Jesus Christ. May love win as many dialogue on this topic.
Visit our Restoration Community Church Website: Denver Church
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Restoration Giving FAQ's
We are currently budgeting in 90 day intervals as a church. We enter into our second quarter in April. So, I want to let you know where we are during this “church-formation” stage in which we find ourselves. Below are some FAQ’s we hear fairly often.
1. What is our monthly budget? $42k.
2. Are we meeting our budget? No. We have a current short fall of $10-$13k a month. Our goal is to close that short fall so we can be independent financially.
3. Are we going into debt? No. Ron raises money through outside donor’s and churches to cover the shortfall.
4. Does Ron enjoy doing this? Glad you asked! Yes and no. Ron loves seeing people grow spiritually. Giving helps people put their money and their hearts where God is. See Matthew 6:21. At the same time Ron would rather focus his energies on being a pastor and training leaders at Restoration and throughout Denver.
5. Why should I give?
a. Because our vision is eternal. We want to see people’s lives transformed into the image of God.
b. Because your faith will grow. Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
c. Because Jesus promises to bless us if we give. Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the store house...test me in this and see if you do not have so much blessing you will not have room for it.”
d. Because we will likely cut staff salaries or positions in the near future, if our giving does not increase. That would not be fun!
6. How can we close our budget gap? By everyone prayerfully giving what they believe God wants them to give. If we all give intentionally we will we have all the resources we need to see people restored to the image of God.
7. Is there a way to make it easier to give? Yes! By giving online. Online giving is easy, safe, and consistent. Please consider signing up today by going to www.restorationcommunitychurch.us/give-denver-church.
Visit our Restoration Community Church Website: Denver Church
Monday, March 21, 2011
5 REASONS WE ARE READING THE SAME CHAPTER OF ROMANS EACH DAY AT RCC
At Restoration we are reading a new chapter each week of Romans and we are reading this chapter every day. Here are the reasons why.
1. Easter is coming! Reading through Romans is a great way to connect to the greatest story ever told.
2. Roman's is deep. You have to go through it slowly to understand it. It is not a quick read. You have to sink into it over time. Reading the same chapter seven times, particularly in different versions, really helps with this.
3. Romans is basic. If you want a solid understanding of the basic ideas of the gospel and therefore the Bible, Romans is the way to go.
4. We want to live our faith not just know about it. When we read the same passage slowly, it gets into us. God speaks to us through it. Wow, did you catch that? God speaks to us through it. He transforms us as we listen and are moved by him.
5. It unifies us. By reading Romans together we stay more connected to God and to each other. We want to be a connected spiritual community not a disconnected crowd.
If you have not started reading a chapter of Romans daily for a week, it is not to late to start. We are in Romans 4 this week. It will not make a lot of sense to you the first couple of times you read it, but by the end of the week you will love it! What a rich, beautiful story about God's love for us all.
At Restoration we are reading a new chapter each week of Romans and we are reading this chapter every day. Here are the reasons why.
1. Easter is coming! Reading through Romans is a great way to connect to the greatest story ever told.
2. Roman's is deep. You have to go through it slowly to understand it. It is not a quick read. You have to sink into it over time. Reading the same chapter seven times, particularly in different versions, really helps with this.
3. Romans is basic. If you want a solid understanding of the basic ideas of the gospel and therefore the Bible, Romans is the way to go.
4. We want to live our faith not just know about it. When we read the same passage slowly, it gets into us. God speaks to us through it. Wow, did you catch that? God speaks to us through it. He transforms us as we listen and are moved by him.
5. It unifies us. By reading Romans together we stay more connected to God and to each other. We want to be a connected spiritual community not a disconnected crowd.
If you have not started reading a chapter of Romans daily for a week, it is not to late to start. We are in Romans 4 this week. It will not make a lot of sense to you the first couple of times you read it, but by the end of the week you will love it! What a rich, beautiful story about God's love for us all.
Visit our Restoration Community Church Website: Denver Church
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Externally Focused Church
Starting a meeting via Skype in 10 mins. It is a lab with other churches trying to be externally focused sponsored by Leadership Network. The old paradigm was, "How can we bet the best church in the city." The new paradigm is, "How can we bless the city given our the unique church the Holy Spirit is forming us to be."
The big questions for me today are the following:
1. How can we create service opportunities that are highly transformational for those serving and being served? We want our people to not only serve, but to grow when they serve.
2. How can we make our service projects more scalable? As we grow we want to be able to include more people in our projects. We also realize that one of the greatest gifts we bring to our city is the opportunity to serve. We want to invite people so they can see Jesus and his gospel interpreted through people living it out in real time.
The big questions for me today are the following:
1. How can we create service opportunities that are highly transformational for those serving and being served? We want our people to not only serve, but to grow when they serve.
2. How can we make our service projects more scalable? As we grow we want to be able to include more people in our projects. We also realize that one of the greatest gifts we bring to our city is the opportunity to serve. We want to invite people so they can see Jesus and his gospel interpreted through people living it out in real time.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Face This Or Die
We begin our journey through Romans this week at Restoration. Paul invites us to look at the reality of our human hearts in chapter one. He is a thanatopologist (I made this word up). Thanatos was the Greek angel of death. Paul forces us in chapter one to look at all the realities in this world that kill people and rob them of life. He takes us on this trip through Death Valley so that we will appreciate all the more the view from the top of Everest. We cannot appreciate the wonder of what God has done until we are willing to face the horror of what humanity has done. A new and sunny day is appreciated the most when there has been a hard and dark night proceeding it. We are grateful for medicine when we realize we are sick and will die if we do not take it. The same is true of what the Bible calls the gospel. We must courageously look at the brokenness in us and around us before we can be stunned and scandalized by what Jesus did for us. I confess my sins to people I know who love me and I trust. We can dive into Book of Roman realities because we have a God who loves us and in whom we can trust.
Visit our Restoration Community Church Website: Denver Church
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Next Really Big Thing
I love all the books, articles and blogs predicting the next big thing. It is usually a technological advancement, a scientific breakthrough or a new cultural or geo-political trend. It is fun to hear about future trends from leading experts.
I believe the next big thing is always the same thing. It is the next generation. Each young generation becomes the future hope of our world second only to Jesus leading his church and one day returning to finish what he began.
If we are going to change the world we must invest in the next generation. 80% of all people become Christians before the age of 18. For every kid who makes a decision to follow Jesus at church or camp or with his parents it will take five key adults in his life, influencing him or her spiritually, to see that decision become a lifetime pursuit. The African proverb, "It takes a village," is never more true than when it comes to the need for our churches to invest in their kids.
For more on this topic I hope you will come this Sunday to Restoration. We need your help to build a spiritual village that will ensure that the next big thing leads to spiritual transformation in our world.
Visit our Denver Church website
I believe the next big thing is always the same thing. It is the next generation. Each young generation becomes the future hope of our world second only to Jesus leading his church and one day returning to finish what he began.
If we are going to change the world we must invest in the next generation. 80% of all people become Christians before the age of 18. For every kid who makes a decision to follow Jesus at church or camp or with his parents it will take five key adults in his life, influencing him or her spiritually, to see that decision become a lifetime pursuit. The African proverb, "It takes a village," is never more true than when it comes to the need for our churches to invest in their kids.
For more on this topic I hope you will come this Sunday to Restoration. We need your help to build a spiritual village that will ensure that the next big thing leads to spiritual transformation in our world.
Visit our Denver Church website
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Second Services and Whispers from God
Since the beginning of Restoration Community Church we have tried to lean not on our own understanding and seek direction from God. We frankly have made many decisions that have taken us in the opposite direction of church "best practices." There is nothing wrong with best practices, but when they collide with God's voice then we have to make a choice. When God told Israel to march around Jericho that was not exactly a military "best practice," but God showed up and Israel saw him do the spectacular.
This last week, as a church, we sought God's will regarding the starting of a second service on March 1. If we want to reach more un-churched, de-churched people this would be the thing to do with Easter quickly approaching and then summer after that. God has led us to do otherwise. I started sensing God whispering to me about this last week. The whisper grew stronger while skiing last Friday. It grew louder still on Sunday at our town hall meeting. I know we made the right decision - for the time being. God has spoken.
The hard thing about whispers is that they require trust. I believe this is why I often have ignored them. But every time I have closed my ears it has led to regrets and every time I have listened and obeyed it has led to a spiritual adventure that has left me closer to God and dazzled by his wisdom.
This week at Restoration we will talk about how to hear the still, small voice of God.
Listen, maybe God is encouraging you to join us.
Church Denver
This last week, as a church, we sought God's will regarding the starting of a second service on March 1. If we want to reach more un-churched, de-churched people this would be the thing to do with Easter quickly approaching and then summer after that. God has led us to do otherwise. I started sensing God whispering to me about this last week. The whisper grew stronger while skiing last Friday. It grew louder still on Sunday at our town hall meeting. I know we made the right decision - for the time being. God has spoken.
The hard thing about whispers is that they require trust. I believe this is why I often have ignored them. But every time I have closed my ears it has led to regrets and every time I have listened and obeyed it has led to a spiritual adventure that has left me closer to God and dazzled by his wisdom.
This week at Restoration we will talk about how to hear the still, small voice of God.
Listen, maybe God is encouraging you to join us.
Church Denver
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Sin as Debt
We tend to think of debt in only economic terms. Jesus believed debt is also relational. He taught us to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
If someone hurts you, you have two choices. You can make them pay. You can cut them out of your life. You can gossip behind their back. You can smear their name on your Facebook page. Or you can pay. You can forgive them. You can choose not to make them pay. You can seek reconciliation.
You pay or they pay. Either way there is a debt.
The irony is that if you make them pay you pay even more. Someone once said that not forgiving someone is like drinking poison hoping it will kill your enemy. Jesus way is cheaper.
If someone hurts you, you have two choices. You can make them pay. You can cut them out of your life. You can gossip behind their back. You can smear their name on your Facebook page. Or you can pay. You can forgive them. You can choose not to make them pay. You can seek reconciliation.
You pay or they pay. Either way there is a debt.
The irony is that if you make them pay you pay even more. Someone once said that not forgiving someone is like drinking poison hoping it will kill your enemy. Jesus way is cheaper.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
How Jesus is Unique
The questions people ask about Jesus are pretty standard issue these days. Did he really teach that some people go to hell? Did he believe he was the only way to God? If he is God then why does he allow suffering? How much of Jesus does a person need to know or believe for him to be their way to God? What happens if we reject him? These are some of the questions in our minds.
All of these questions are worthy of being answered, but there are deeper questions. Questions like what is unique about Jesus? Can he be trusted? Should I follow him with all I am worth? These are the questions of our hearts.
This week at Restoration we will talk about these deeper questions beginning with what makes Jesus unique among all the religions of the world? If you are in town come by and see us.
Churches in Denver
All of these questions are worthy of being answered, but there are deeper questions. Questions like what is unique about Jesus? Can he be trusted? Should I follow him with all I am worth? These are the questions of our hearts.
This week at Restoration we will talk about these deeper questions beginning with what makes Jesus unique among all the religions of the world? If you are in town come by and see us.
Churches in Denver
Friday, January 7, 2011
We Need Perspective More Than Principles
We start a new series this week called, "I-Relationships." As I have studied the Bible it has dawned on me, once again, that the focus is not on mastering a bunch of self-help principles. There are plenty of principles in the Bible, but the focus is on our perspective.
I forget principles. I often do not have the will power to do them in the heat of relational battle. I find it much easier to focus on my perspective. For example, if I focus on being happy in my marriage, Kim and I both suffer. If I focus on blessing her everyone is happier. This is much more simple than trying to remember the 55 new ideas I picked up at the last marriage conference we went to.
The Bible teaches several simple and yet radical perspectives on relationships. These will be our focus the next few weeks as we study some of the most influential texts in the Bible.
If you are in Denver I hope you will join us.
I forget principles. I often do not have the will power to do them in the heat of relational battle. I find it much easier to focus on my perspective. For example, if I focus on being happy in my marriage, Kim and I both suffer. If I focus on blessing her everyone is happier. This is much more simple than trying to remember the 55 new ideas I picked up at the last marriage conference we went to.
The Bible teaches several simple and yet radical perspectives on relationships. These will be our focus the next few weeks as we study some of the most influential texts in the Bible.
If you are in Denver I hope you will join us.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Top 10 Books for 2010
I read a ridiculous number of books last year. This year I plan to read fewer, but better books.
Here is my top 10 list for 2010 in no particular order:
1. Whole Life Transformation by Keith Meyer. One of the most practical books on spiritual formation I have ever read.
2. The Good and Beautiful Life by James Bryan Smith. I preached a series based on this book. It paints a wonderful vision of what the Christian life can be.
3. Plato's Republic. Don't laugh! I learned so much about the thinking that shaped the culture Jesus stepped into 2,000 years ago from this book.
4. Transforming the City by Eric Swanson. Eric is a friend. He preached for me yesterday. He has given me so many categories for seeing cities and churches from a missional viewpoint. He shows how synergistic evangelism and service can and should be.
5. Prodigal God by Tim Keller. Keller is the best apologist, for the masses, alive today.
6. Same Kind of Different as Me by Denver Moore and Ryan Hall. Cried like a baby reading this one. Helped me see the homeless in a new way. Inspired me more than the last five books I have read on justice and mercy.
7. Sticky Church by Larry Osborne. A must read if you pastor a church and care about unity in the midst of change.
8. One Thing You Must Know by Marcus Buckingham. Defines leadership and management with great precision. My favorite leadership book of 2010.
9. Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs. I read three books on marriage last year. This was the most simple and helpful. If couples got this right they would do well.
10. Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard. Read this one again for the third time. Dallas is the preeminent thought leader in spiritual formation.
Honorable mention: Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki and Beyond Gender Roles by Gilbert Bilezkian.
Here is my top 10 list for 2010 in no particular order:
1. Whole Life Transformation by Keith Meyer. One of the most practical books on spiritual formation I have ever read.
2. The Good and Beautiful Life by James Bryan Smith. I preached a series based on this book. It paints a wonderful vision of what the Christian life can be.
3. Plato's Republic. Don't laugh! I learned so much about the thinking that shaped the culture Jesus stepped into 2,000 years ago from this book.
4. Transforming the City by Eric Swanson. Eric is a friend. He preached for me yesterday. He has given me so many categories for seeing cities and churches from a missional viewpoint. He shows how synergistic evangelism and service can and should be.
5. Prodigal God by Tim Keller. Keller is the best apologist, for the masses, alive today.
6. Same Kind of Different as Me by Denver Moore and Ryan Hall. Cried like a baby reading this one. Helped me see the homeless in a new way. Inspired me more than the last five books I have read on justice and mercy.
7. Sticky Church by Larry Osborne. A must read if you pastor a church and care about unity in the midst of change.
8. One Thing You Must Know by Marcus Buckingham. Defines leadership and management with great precision. My favorite leadership book of 2010.
9. Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs. I read three books on marriage last year. This was the most simple and helpful. If couples got this right they would do well.
10. Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard. Read this one again for the third time. Dallas is the preeminent thought leader in spiritual formation.
Honorable mention: Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki and Beyond Gender Roles by Gilbert Bilezkian.
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