Grace Bible Family,

As I shared in our members meeting yesterday morning, after a period of deep prayer and reflection, Adam will be stepping away from his role as Family Pastor of Grace Bible — effective Feb. 1, 2016. Furthermore, Adam will be stepping into a new role. Adam, Magan, and their two daughters (Elliot and Haddon) will be moving back to Southeast Asia to serve as missionaries. In this role, Adam will be helping to manage an international church-planting network, located in one of the largest urban centers in the world.

While this may come as a surprise to many, it is no surprise to the Lord. The timing and circumstances are not something anyone originally anticipated, but this is exactly what the Lord had in mind.

Please know that this is not a separation. This is actually a continuation of ministry, albeit in a different role. The elders and I stand by and support Adam and his family. There is a great affection and love for one another.

Adam and Magan will continue to call GBF their church home. They’re still family. Please pray with us as we ask the Lord’s blessing on this big step of faith for them and prayerfully consider how the Lord may lead you to encourage, bless, and support them during this time of transition.

Blessings,

Roy

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” -CS Lewis

In the video below, funny man Jim Carrey gives a seemingly impromptu speech before he announces nominees at the Golden Globe awards. Amid Carrey’s sarcasm you can hear the dissatisfaction that comes from the ongoing pursuit of what he knows “won’t ultimately fulfill” him. On a different occasion, Carrey said “I hope everybody could get rich and famous and have everything they ever dreamed of, so they will know that it’s not the answer.” He’s right. Wealth, fame, possessions, they’re not the answer. But there is an answer.

“Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you…” -Augustine

A relationship with God in Christ Jesus is the answer. Nothing else will truly satisfy or bring peace the hearts of humans .

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Col 1:15-20

Faith in Christ makes sense of life. Jesus teaches us who we are, why we are here, what is wrong with the world, and what can be done about it. He is the answer. He’s the ultimate fulfillment.

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” -Jesus (John 14:6)

 

“Fathers, be good to your daughters. Daughters will love like you do” -John Mayer, Daughters

One of the greatest privileges of my life is being a dad to 4 great kids. One boy and 3 girls. Naturally, my son and I share a lot of “guy things” in common. But I share a very special bond with my 3 daughters that my son and I don’t have. It’s hard to explain, but daughters soften a man’s heart like nothing else can. Daughters know their dad is the last man on earth who would ever hurt them, and the first man who would lay down his life to protect them.

Dads sometimes think that raising girls, especially as they get older, is a mothers work. Moms fill a necessary and special role for sure, but girls always need their daddy too.

 

Below is a link to a post that every dad of a daughter needs to read. For me, the post is especially impactful, because it was shared with me by my older sister. As a faithful aunt to my 3 girls, my sister wants me to get what this post is saying!
The author rightly says, “Fathers, more than anyone else, set the course for a daughter’s life…If you fully understood just how profoundly you can influence your daughter’s life, you would be overwhelmed.”

Check it out: Why Daughters Need Their Dad

 

This am at Grace Bible I shared a couple of quotes from notable voices suggesting that something may be missing in our modern expression of our Christian faith — that we have overemphasized conversion and left people without much expectation for the PASSION we see in the life of believers in the Bible, and in Christian history.

“I am fearful that, in general, modern evangelicalism has become uncomfortable with this sense of all-consuming passion for God….I think we often misunderstand our faith and put all the weight on our conversion, with very little expectation for what comes afterward…pressing the dominion of the gospel into the deepest reaches of our hearts and lives will involve lots of dying-to-self moments. ” -Matt Chandler

“The whole transaction of religious conversion has been made mechanical and spiritless. Faith may now be exercised without a jar to the moral life and without embarrassment to the ego. Christ may be “recieved” without creating any special love for Him in the soul of the receiver. The man is “saved” but he is not hungry nor thirsty after God. In fact he is specifically taught to be satisfied and encouraged to be content with little.” -AW Tozer

Their search for passion comes from seeing things like what David said the Psalms:

Ps 42:1-2 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 18:1-3 I love you, O Lord, my strength. 2  The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.3  I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4  So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.

And, also the passion we have seen in the life of Christians historically. Like these words from Jonathan Edwards:

“God is the highest good of the reasonable creature. The enjoyment of him is our proper; and is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Better than fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of any, or all earthly friends. These are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops, but God is the ocean.”

And this from Samuel Chadwick:

“Spirit filled souls are ablaze for God. They love with a love that glows. They serve with a faith that kindles. They serve with a devotion that consumes. They hate sin with fierceness that burns. They rejoice with a joy that radiates. Love is perfected in the fire of God.”

And from martyred missionary Jim Elliot:

“God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life, that I may burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like You, Lord Jesus.”

The good news is that God is just as worthy of our passion as he’s ever been! The Cross is awe inspiring. Grace is amazing. Salvation is glorious. The wisdom and knowledge of God is as DEEP as ever. AND…we are a people who are erupting with passion! People are passionate about all kinds of things — politics, sports, work, physical fitness, healthy eating, parenting, education, entertainment, hobbies, just to name a few. These are all good things, but none are soul satisfying! None come close to the passion that God is worthy of! And all need to be prioritized and rightfully place behind Him.

 

I believe in an approach to ministry that is biblical, relational, and fun. I love that our student ministry and student ministry leaders never apologize for having fun with the kids. Check out this video that one of our leaders and my good friend, Jason Carney made.

GBF Student Ministry 2015 from Jason Carney on Vimeo.

 

Recently I warned my mom, when she came to watch one of my son’s basketball games, that sometimes a fan can get out of hand at these games…and sometimes, I’m that fan. It’s funny. But it’s not. Getting emotionally involved to the point that I act like a fool is dumb, unpleasant for the people around me, and misrepresents God. Below are 6 reminders that I need before watching kids play sports.

1. The game is between two groups of kids, not me and the referees. — Maybe it’s because my competitive spirit wants to play, or my inner Uncle Rico wants to come out? So, I’m tempted to compete against the refs by yelling at them? What if they DID miss a call? Does yelling make them ref better? Would I do my job better if people yelled at me while I worked?   
2.  They have a coach, and it’s not me. — I’m not a sports coach of any kind. I haven’t spent time with the kids in practice. I don’t know the big picture. Coaches put their time, talent, and heart into their teams. They’re doing the best they can, definitely better than I would do.
3.  Coaches are people too, created in the image of God. — Your occupation should not make you a target for verbal abuse. There’s no justification for me yelling at people made in God’s image. And it probably says a lot more about my lack of character and self-control than it does their lack of coaching ability. People, all people, get their value from God, not their ability to perform.
4. Referee’s are people too, created in the image of God. Again, your occupation should not make you a target for verbal abuse. See #3 above.
5. They’re just kids. Sports should be a fun, character building experience for kids. Me yelling negative things at them doesn’t help, that. It hurts it. That goes for my kids, other kids on our team, and kids on the other team. 
6. It’s just a game. Wether my team wins or loses. If the game is played with excellence, or not. Nothing is more important than the PEOPLE who play it, coach it, and officiate it — their safety and wellbeing, their hearts, souls, and feelings.

It’s easy to write these things now, but not so easy to remember them in the heat of the game. But it’s not as if I have to sit in silence and watch. I can, and should, ENCOURAGE the kids, APPLAUD good play and excellence, and CHEER for the team.

I wrote these reminders first and foremost, for me. They’re things I’ve felt convicted of. If they’re helpful to you, good! But please don’t think that I’ve nominated myself the “spectator conduct police” at sporting events. That wouldn’t be helpful either. I’m not gonna get in your business, look down on you, or think less of you. Clearly, I have plenty of work to do in my own life. The struggle is real.

See ya at the game!

 

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) chases the ball after knocking it loose…(AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

I love the game of basketball! My favorite play is not the dunk or the three point shot. I love those, but my favorite play is the loose ball. That’s when the basketball is up for grabs to the player(s) who wants it the most. It’s intense! When the ball goes uncontrolled, even for a second, players go after it with a reckless abandon! They dive to the hardwood floor as if their life depended on securing the ball for their team. These players KNOW they are going to lose some skin on the play. They KNOW it’s going to hurt. They also KNOW it’s worth it. Games are decided by who’s willing to sell out, and get on the floor for the basketball.

I believe Jesus was teaching to live with a reckless abandon as we pursue Him and his kingdom. He said:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field…Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”  Mtt 13:44

The man in Jesus’ parable not only sold all that he had to get the treasure, he did it IN HIS JOY.  When we see what God is worth, we’ll GADLY give up everything else to obtain Him! The apostle Paul said:

“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ…” Philippians 3:8

In one sense, I believe God wants me to live my life for Christ like it’s a loose ball play in basketball. All in. Not afraid to lose some skin, because He’s worth it! If basketball players are willing to sacrifice for the game they love, how much more should we be willing to gladly sacrifice for our Savior, Redeemer, and King!

 

Grace Bible — You’ve probably noticed an increased frequency of The Lord’s Supper in our weekly worship services. A worship service should bring glory to God, teach and remind us of The Gospel, and stir our affections for God.  The Lord’s Supper is a glorious grace to those ends! At our Elder retreat last Spring, increasing The Lord’s Supper at Grace Bible became matter of prayer and discussion. We then shared it with the Deacons for input, and moved forward with the adjustment. Now, more often than not, as long as it makes sense, we’ll observe The Lord’s Supper during worship. We won’t be legalistic about it. There will be times when we won’t observe  (we didn’t the Sunday before last). We’re not mad at any other church or denomination for not doing things this way. And I can’t promise we’ll ALWAYS do it this way. One thing we want to be sensitive to going forward, is not letting this glorious ordinance become an empty ritual due to our frequency of participation. Please know that we’ll make adjustments as needed.

I encourage to you to please read the post at the link below. It answers many of the questions that come up regarding how often the ordinance should be observed. Well worth a read: http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/three-arguments-for-weekly-communion

Also, here’s an introduction to The Importance of The Lord’s Supper.

  
Tomorrow morning, Lord willing, these tables and chairs will be shared by a group men seeking to be who God has called them to be. Men, you’re welcome to join us, 6am at Grace Bible. 

Tomorrow at Grace Bible we’ll look at John 8:1-11. This passage is controversial and often misused, but it points us to a rich, timeless truth about our Savior and serves as an example for each of us.

Hope to see you all at 10:45am!