Geof's Blog http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm Tue, 15 May 2012 06:35:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com Too Many People http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=2078714 &nbsp; &nbsp; CHORUS Too many people never take time to even see There's a lonely, lonely side to me Too many people are saying that Jesus set them free But they do nothing for what he could mean to me V1 I know a girl who's my neighbor, Her father is drunk all the time Now her parents broke up and she says she's feeling fine I know a man who was married, Thinking she would change his world Well now she's left him for another girl BR If you're so convinced of Jesus, what are you waiting for Why be quick to make excuses, close you mouth and say no more If you're so convinced of Jesus, why not share with all you meet You're so bold inside your churches, and so quiet on the street LAST&nbsp;CHORUS Too many people never take time to even see There's a lonely, lonely side to me Too many people are saying that Jesus set them free But they do nothing for what he could mean to me Is there nothing in what He could mean to me? Words &amp; Music by Geof Kimber,&nbsp;&copy; Aiyura Music Inc. <a href="./mp3s.cfm">Donate&amp;Download


 
 

CHORUS
Too many people never take time to even see
There's a lonely, lonely side to me
Too many people are saying that Jesus set them free
But they do nothing for what he could mean to me

V1
I know a girl who's my neighbor, Her father is drunk all the time
Now her parents broke up and she says she's feeling fine
I know a man who was married, Thinking she would change his world
Well now she's left him for another girl

BR
If you're so convinced of Jesus, what are you waiting for
Why be quick to make excuses, close you mouth and say no more
If you're so convinced of Jesus, why not share with all you meet
You're so bold inside your churches, and so quiet on the street

LAST CHORUS
Too many people never take time to even see
There's a lonely, lonely side to me
Too many people are saying that Jesus set them free
But they do nothing for what he could mean to me
Is there nothing in what He could mean to me?

Words & Music by Geof Kimber, © Aiyura Music Inc.
Donate&Download
]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 06:35:00 GMT 894B4AF03D5C4B58A3C73D55710AFAD2 The King Of Love And The 23rd Psalm http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1986638 Some time ago I came across a hymn called the King Of Love, which I quite liked, although the tune didn't grab me so much. It's grown on me now, but it didn't grab then. So I wrote a new one, and tweaked the words while I was at it. I tweak the words quite often to songs, including my own, because as I grow in my understanding of God through reading His word, I want that understanding to be expressed and clarified in what I sing - for the good of others as well as myself. Sometimes I'll tweak the words because something isn't so theologically accurate, and sometimes it's just because I want to clarify something a bit better. Which was the case with &ldquo;The King Of Love.&rdquo; One thing I loved in the lyrics - it's based on the 23rd psalm &ndash; was how the writer, when talking about walking through the valley of the shadow of death, and the comforting guide of the Shepherd&rsquo;s rod and staff, pointed to the cross. &lsquo;Cos it&rsquo;s all about the cross of Christ &ndash; that&rsquo;s where our hope and comfort is derived from. And as we hope in Him and His finished work at His cross, we take up our own. Our life is over, and it&rsquo;s all about living in His. Which gives rise to the other thing. Interestingly enough, in the 23rd psalm nothing is mentioned about love specifically - although, it's alluded to. What is mentioned in the psalm is righteousness&hellip; And in the hymn, righteousness is alluded to, but not specifically mentioned. David, the psalmist, said, &quot;He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake&hellip;&quot; If we understand that one line, it gives bearing on how we understand the whole psalm - and coincidentally, how we understand the song. When He leads us in paths of righteousness, it's His righteousness He leads us in, not our own - it's out of our own. And it's for His name's sake, it's not all about us. Well, often times when love is mentioned in our society today, it's mentioned with the absence of morality. In fact often times, love is mentioned in reference to immorality. It's a departure from a godly understanding of it. And because God is love, any warning of Him judging man for sin is deemed archaic and, well, unloving. But the biblical presentation is that inasmuch as God judges man for sin, He judges man for his lack of love, and his insistence on redefining it. And inasmuch as God saves man from sin, he calls us to walk in love, in His love, by His definition. So in the song, there&rsquo;s a verse that says, &quot;Perverse and foolish oft I strayed (I changed that and made it more contemporary English at the same time) - Perverse and blind I disobeyed, yet in His love He sought me, And on His shoulder gently laid, And home rejoicing brought me.&quot; Which I changed to &quot;repentant.&quot; He does bring us home rejoicing, but He also brings us home repentant; in fact, one leads to the other. We come rejoicing in repentance, or maybe I should say, we come in repentance, rejoicing. That aspect I thought was worth being clarified, especially in the climate we live in today. It&rsquo;s often thought that God might bring us to Himself without repentance &ndash; that&rsquo;s not true. You can&rsquo;t rejoice in holiness and sin at the same time, that&rsquo;s nonsensical. When God brings us home to Himself, He doesn't bring us home continuing to rejoice in our sin - or even indifferent to it; we rejoice in the truth, even as love rejoices in the truth. And we turn from sin, we hate it, we shun it. So in summary: When God brings us home rejoicing, it&rsquo;s in the finished work of Christ. And when He brings us to rejoice in the finished work of Christ, He brings us home repentant.

Some time ago I came across a hymn called the King Of Love, which I quite liked, although the tune didn't grab me so much. It's grown on me now, but it didn't grab then. So I wrote a new one, and tweaked the words while I was at it.

I tweak the words quite often to songs, including my own, because as I grow in my understanding of God through reading His word, I want that understanding to be expressed and clarified in what I sing - for the good of others as well as myself.
Sometimes I'll tweak the words because something isn't so theologically accurate, and sometimes it's just because I want to clarify something a bit better. Which was the case with “The King Of Love.”

One thing I loved in the lyrics - it's based on the 23rd psalm – was how the writer, when talking about walking through the valley of the shadow of death, and the comforting guide of the Shepherd’s rod and staff, pointed to the cross. ‘Cos it’s all about the cross of Christ – that’s where our hope and comfort is derived from. And as we hope in Him and His finished work at His cross, we take up our own. Our life is over, and it’s all about living in His.

Which gives rise to the other thing. Interestingly enough, in the 23rd psalm nothing is mentioned about love specifically - although, it's alluded to. What is mentioned in the psalm is righteousness… And in the hymn, righteousness is alluded to, but not specifically mentioned.
David, the psalmist, said, "He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake…" If we understand that one line, it gives bearing on how we understand the whole psalm - and coincidentally, how we understand the song. When He leads us in paths of righteousness, it's His righteousness He leads us in, not our own - it's out of our own. And it's for His name's sake, it's not all about us.

Well, often times when love is mentioned in our society today, it's mentioned with the absence of morality. In fact often times, love is mentioned in reference to immorality. It's a departure from a godly understanding of it. And because God is love, any warning of Him judging man for sin is deemed archaic and, well, unloving.
But the biblical presentation is that inasmuch as God judges man for sin, He judges man for his lack of love, and his insistence on redefining it. And inasmuch as God saves man from sin, he calls us to walk in love, in His love, by His definition.

So in the song, there’s a verse that says, "Perverse and foolish oft I strayed (I changed that and made it more contemporary English at the same time) - Perverse and blind I disobeyed, yet in His love He sought me, And on His shoulder gently laid, And home rejoicing brought me." Which I changed to "repentant."

He does bring us home rejoicing, but He also brings us home repentant; in fact, one leads to the other. We come rejoicing in repentance, or maybe I should say, we come in repentance, rejoicing. That aspect I thought was worth being clarified, especially in the climate we live in today. It’s often thought that God might bring us to Himself without repentance – that’s not true. You can’t rejoice in holiness and sin at the same time, that’s nonsensical. When God brings us home to Himself, He doesn't bring us home continuing to rejoice in our sin - or even indifferent to it; we rejoice in the truth, even as love rejoices in the truth. And we turn from sin, we hate it, we shun it.

So in summary: When God brings us home rejoicing, it’s in the finished work of Christ. And when He brings us to rejoice in the finished work of Christ, He brings us home repentant.

]]> Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:35:00 GMT 1B43D061B0BE2B13FB233E291AA25C7E The King Of Love http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1966771 Music by Geof Kimber Words by Henry W. Baker &copy; 2012 Aiyura Music www.geofkimber.com VERSE 1 Where streams of living water flow My ransomed soul He&rsquo;s leading And where the verdant pastures grow with food celestial feeding CHORUS The King of love my Shepherd is whose goodness fails me never I nothing lack when I am His and He is mine forever VERSE 2 Perverse and blind I disobeyed Yet in His love, He sought me And on His shoulder gently laid And home repentant brought me VERSE 3 In death&rsquo;s dark vale I fear no ill With You dear Lord beside me Your rod and staff they comfort still The cross before to guide me Music by Geof Kimber
Words by Henry W. Baker
© 2012 Aiyura Music
www.geofkimber.com


VERSE 1
Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He’s leading
And where the verdant pastures grow
with food celestial feeding

CHORUS
The King of love my Shepherd is
whose goodness fails me never
I nothing lack when I am His
and He is mine forever

VERSE 2
Perverse and blind I disobeyed
Yet in His love, He sought me
And on His shoulder gently laid
And home repentant brought me

VERSE 3
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With You dear Lord beside me
Your rod and staff they comfort still
The cross before to guide me]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2012 03:45:00 GMT DC429B9BA3E54F7E73ED3AEDA411B9E6 It's Gonna Be Alright http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1858443 Words &amp; Music by Geof Kimber &copy; 2012 Aiyura Music www.geofkimber.com CHORUS It's gonna be alright It's gonna be alright I have confidence not in me but Christ I walk by faith and not by sight It's gonna be alright It's gonna be alright For His yoke is easy and the burden light It's gonna be alright VERSE 1 I trust in God my Savior And not in works I've done I watch my own behavior Though that's not where victory's won Cos I only mess things up when I do things my own way My goal is just to trust and pray VERSE 2 Hearts faint in old men and youth Famines and wars increase Though it will cost them the truth This world cries out for peace And though it cost me my life It's for the Truth I cry In Him I live To sin I die BRIDGE Though circumstances can seem overwhelming I'll not be blown like a wave of the sea Through wind and rain I am fixed as a mooring It is the truth that is controlling me LAST CHORUS It's gonna be alright It's gonna be alright I have confidence not in me but Christ I walk by faith and not by sight It's gonna be alright It's gonna be alright For His yoke is easy and the burden light I'm out of the darkness and into the Light The past is over and the future's bright It's gonna be alright Words & Music by Geof Kimber
© 2012 Aiyura Music
www.geofkimber.com



CHORUS
It's gonna be alright
It's gonna be alright
I have confidence not in me but Christ
I walk by faith and not by sight
It's gonna be alright
It's gonna be alright
For His yoke is easy and the burden light
It's gonna be alright

VERSE 1
I trust in God my Savior
And not in works I've done
I watch my own behavior
Though that's not where victory's won
Cos I only mess things up when
I do things my own way
My goal is just to trust
and pray

VERSE 2
Hearts faint in old men and youth
Famines and wars increase
Though it will cost them the truth
This world cries out for peace
And though it cost me my life
It's for the Truth I cry
In Him I live
To sin I die

BRIDGE
Though circumstances can
seem overwhelming
I'll not be blown like a
wave of the sea
Through wind and rain
I am fixed as a mooring
It is the truth that is
controlling me

LAST CHORUS
It's gonna be alright
It's gonna be alright
I have confidence not in me but Christ
I walk by faith and not by sight
It's gonna be alright
It's gonna be alright
For His yoke is easy and the burden light
I'm out of the darkness and into the Light
The past is over and the future's bright
It's gonna be alright

]]> Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:50:00 GMT E424D5E8BE714B85FD88A34F3CA17187 God's Presence In The Wilderness http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1835455 Thought I'd add some video this week. :) I love the examples God gives us in the Old Testament, of how He calls us to live today&hellip; The Israelites were led by God in the cloud that covered the tabernacle. Only when it lifted would they set out, and they would do so immediately. And only when it settled would they camp. If it settled for a day, they only stayed a day - no matter how much they wanted to rest&hellip; If it settled for a year, they stayed there a year - no matter how much they wanted to move to some other place. And when it lifted, they moved immediately, no matter how comfortable they had become. So it is for God's people today, for us who believe in Christ. We are a people who have been given the privilege of knowing Him, and serving Him; of having fellowship with His Spirit, and walking in His Spirit; of meditating on His Word day and night, and finding it a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; to delight in doing His will, even as Jesus considered that His food. For us who have been born again into Him, doing His will should be a delight for us as well. It is only reasonable that we who pray for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven, count it a privilege to labor to the same end. Every day has its own blessings of His presence, and a knowledge of where to march, that He has put us where He wants us. Whether the next march is a year long or three, whether it is 6 months or a day - we are still to seek Him every one of those days. To seek and serve Him is no burden. It's a good place to be. Even though He leads through a wilderness&hellip; And often, He does. We've been in one it seems like for ages now. But it is far better to be in the wilderness with His presence, than in Egypt without it. I'd like to be out of the wilderness too! But if the wilderness is what He wants, then that's where I want to be. That's where He teaches us, and uses us in the lives of others who He is drawing to Himself&hellip; So if God's got you in a wilderness, I hope this is an encouragement to you. God's on the throne, may He use your life for His glory! Thought I'd add some video this week. :)



I love the examples God gives us in the Old Testament, of how He calls us to live today…

The Israelites were led by God in the cloud that covered the tabernacle. Only when it lifted would they set out, and they would do so immediately. And only when it settled would they camp. If it settled for a day, they only stayed a day - no matter how much they wanted to rest… If it settled for a year, they stayed there a year - no matter how much they wanted to move to some other place. And when it lifted, they moved immediately, no matter how comfortable they had become.

So it is for God's people today, for us who believe in Christ. We are a people who have been given the privilege of knowing Him, and serving Him; of having fellowship with His Spirit, and walking in His Spirit; of meditating on His Word day and night, and finding it a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; to delight in doing His will, even as Jesus considered that His food. For us who have been born again into Him, doing His will should be a delight for us as well. It is only reasonable that we who pray for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven, count it a privilege to labor to the same end.

Every day has its own blessings of His presence, and a knowledge of where to march, that He has put us where He wants us. Whether the next march is a year long or three, whether it is 6 months or a day - we are still to seek Him every one of those days.

To seek and serve Him is no burden. It's a good place to be. Even though He leads through a wilderness…

And often, He does. We've been in one it seems like for ages now. But it is far better to be in the wilderness with His presence, than in Egypt without it. I'd like to be out of the wilderness too! But if the wilderness is what He wants, then that's where I want to be. That's where He teaches us, and uses us in the lives of others who He is drawing to Himself…

So if God's got you in a wilderness, I hope this is an encouragement to you. God's on the throne, may He use your life for His glory!

]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2012 21:05:00 GMT 2B7F109E80B1F898B8334FE6BA6298DE Treasure http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1794626 Words &amp; Music by Geof Kimber &copy; 2012 Aiyura Music www.geofkimber.com Verse 1 Oh the fall of Adam cursed all men And slaves to sin it made us So in Christ we must be born again And be slaves alone to Jesus And be slaves alone to Jesus Verse 2 Oh the way of sin I've known so well With the demons and their cackles And I face the justice of God's hell But for Christ who breaks my shackles But for Christ who breaks my shackles Chorus Oh the grace and love of God in Christ! Boundless so that no man can measure! See the ransom paid with His own life For those who make Him alone their treasure Bridge Forever and ever! Forever and ever! In tenderness He takes This lump of clay, this fallen soul This tender reed He does not break But gives new life - forever whole! Words & Music by Geof Kimber
© 2012 Aiyura Music
www.geofkimber.com


Verse 1
Oh the fall of Adam cursed all men
And slaves to sin it made us
So in Christ we must be born again
And be slaves alone to Jesus
And be slaves alone to Jesus

Verse 2
Oh the way of sin I've known so well
With the demons and their cackles
And I face the justice of God's hell
But for Christ who breaks my shackles
But for Christ who breaks my shackles

Chorus
Oh the grace and love of God in Christ!
Boundless so that no man can measure!
See the ransom paid with His own life
For those who make Him alone their treasure

Bridge
Forever and ever!
Forever and ever!
In tenderness He takes
This lump of clay, this fallen soul
This tender reed He does not break
But gives new life - forever whole!
]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:15:00 GMT F5BC4AECA318028180B58FF87ED0B7DE When Christ Is Our Treasure, It Shows http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1794644 When Christ is our treasure, it shows in our priorities. It shows when He is not our treasure, too... It shows in the way we spend our time, the way we spend our money, the way we use our gifts. The way we treat our parents, our spouse, our kids, our friends. The language we use, the clothes we wear, the things we crave. Everything. Those who belong to Christ have been brought from death to life, from wickedness to righteousness, from darkness to light, from rebellion to submission. We are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness - and are driven by a gratitude for such awesome grace! So let me say it again: When Christ is our treasure, it shows! Lord let it be seen in me. Romans 6; Matt 13:44 When Christ is our treasure, it shows in our priorities. It shows when He is not our treasure, too...

It shows in the way we spend our time, the way we spend our money, the way we use our gifts.

The way we treat our parents, our spouse, our kids, our friends.

The language we use, the clothes we wear, the things we crave.

Everything.

Those who belong to Christ have been brought from death to life, from wickedness to righteousness, from darkness to light, from rebellion to submission. We are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness - and are driven by a gratitude for such awesome grace!

So let me say it again: When Christ is our treasure, it shows!

Lord let it be seen in me.
Romans 6; Matt 13:44
]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:05:00 GMT 293152DE050304268B8D2789871E2302 When Followers Must Be Leaders http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1765078 Many of us are followers, not leaders. We aren't people who take initiative; we don't enjoy charting a course. We follow others who take the initiative. And there's nothing inherently wrong with that. It's a good thing, actually. Every chief needs a few indians. But there are times when doing the right thing means we must take initiative, and if we don't, we end up being silent toward what is wrong. Which is wrong in itself. What's right is not always popular. Following Christ is not always convenient. It is often unpopular. It is often inconvenient. But it must be done. Whether you think you're a leader or not. Proverbs 31:8-9, Ezek 3:16-21&nbsp; Many of us are followers, not leaders. We aren't people who take initiative; we don't enjoy charting a course. We follow others who take the initiative.

And there's nothing inherently wrong with that. It's a good thing, actually. Every chief needs a few indians.

But there are times when doing the right thing means we must take initiative, and if we don't, we end up being silent toward what is wrong.

Which is wrong in itself.

What's right is not always popular. Following Christ is not always convenient. It is often unpopular. It is often inconvenient.

But it must be done. Whether you think you're a leader or not.

Proverbs 31:8-9, Ezek 3:16-21 ]]> Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:50:00 GMT C5DA808F48583E302865286C238A2A3A He Who Finds A Wife Finds What Is Good http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1757834 Recently I saw a competition at 100.9 The Cross, that was asking folks to write why they loved their spouse. I haven't entered, but I liked the prod. When you're married to a woman like mine, it's a good thing to give credit where credit is due. I love my wife. Tanya has been, and continues to be, my best friend and companion. She is a wonderful wife and mother to our kids, and brings a balance of perspective to my efforts in being a dad. Close to my heart, she has been a rock-solid support in 20 plus years of itinerant ministry. Our home attests to the fact that we are not well off; our income is sporadic, and often leaves us 'wanting,' but she makes up for the lack by taking part-time jobs, on top of home-schooling. In times of discouragement she has often been the one who kept me going. Having a partner who presses on through thick and thin for the sake of the Gospel is an incredible blessing; but on top of that, her friendship is invaluable. I love being with her. She is a godly woman, and my greatest blessing. Of her, the proverb (18:22) is certainly true: He who finds a wife finds what is good, and receives favor from the Lord. Recently I saw a competition at 100.9 The Cross, that was asking folks to write why they loved their spouse. I haven't entered, but I liked the prod. When you're married to a woman like mine, it's a good thing to give credit where credit is due.

I love my wife. Tanya has been, and continues to be, my best friend and companion. She is a wonderful wife and mother to our kids, and brings a balance of perspective to my efforts in being a dad.

Close to my heart, she has been a rock-solid support in 20 plus years of itinerant ministry. Our home attests to the fact that we are not well off; our income is sporadic, and often leaves us 'wanting,' but she makes up for the lack by taking part-time jobs, on top of home-schooling.

In times of discouragement she has often been the one who kept me going. Having a partner who presses on through thick and thin for the sake of the Gospel is an incredible blessing; but on top of that, her friendship is invaluable.

I love being with her. She is a godly woman, and my greatest blessing. Of her, the proverb (18:22) is certainly true: He who finds a wife finds what is good, and receives favor from the Lord.
]]> Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:35:00 GMT 4C1FEF8AA97A4CB0BF814C33E48FEA5F The Challenge. A Father's Prayer http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1748913 It's Jaz's 14th birthday today. Time flies, and these occasions have a way of making me re-think my priorities. Again. There is nothing I want for my kids more, than seeing them sold out to Christ. I'm grateful for a wife who is likeminded in urging them there. Every day is another opportunity to live up to the challenge of leading in that direction, and living that way ourselves&hellip; I pray that I challenge my kids so much that God by His grace would move them such that they live for His glory for all to see And challenge me&nbsp; It's Jaz's 14th birthday today. Time flies, and these occasions have a way of making me re-think my priorities.

Again.

There is nothing I want for my kids more, than seeing them sold out to Christ. I'm grateful for a wife who is likeminded in urging them there. Every day is another opportunity to live up to the challenge of leading in that direction, and living that way ourselves…

I pray that I challenge my kids so much
that God by His grace would move them such
that they live for His glory for all to see
And challenge me ]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:45:00 GMT 042337956E55643BA33B0A3C5F1DB3DF Grace At Work. No Exceptions http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1737458 I hit on the call to rend our hearts in my last post, but I've actually given it a bit more consideration than that. I think it deserves it&hellip; There is something about rending our hearts, and not our garments, that those who are born again understand. Without exception. It happens to everyone who is born again. Those who come to Christ are not called merely to make an outward profession; there is something much more significant that's got to take place. It's more than a flippant, &quot;Wups, sorry 'bout that.&quot; It's more than A-B-C, repeat after me. The heart must be made new, and that can only happen by the Spirit of God. This does not mean that He just waves a wand and, voila! It is not some airy-fairy process that's hidden in mystical thought (although it is a miracle). When God's Spirit works in our lives, He is gracious and compassionate. And in His grace and compassion, He always deals directly with our sin. He is bold, He is head on, He is in-your-face. And His messengers are equally so. It is no-nonsense kind of stuff. The person who truly presents the Gospel is one who, in so doing, compassionately explains the seriousness of sin. And the person truly hearing and understanding the Gospel invariably finds himself dealing with sin. Wrestling with it. Grieving over it. Turning from it. And turning to Christ. There is no other process. There is no other option. There is no other alternative. There is no other authentic version of the Christian faith. Those who truly come to Christ rend their hearts, and not just their garments. More to the point: Those who truly rend their hearts and not their garments, is everyone who comes to Christ, and only those come to Christ. This is His grace at work. No exceptions. Joel 2:13, Ez 36:26, John 16:8-11, Acts 2:36-39, 17:30, 1 Pet 2:9, 2 Cor 4:6&nbsp; I hit on the call to rend our hearts in my last post, but I've actually given it a bit more consideration than that. I think it deserves it…

There is something about rending our hearts, and not our garments, that those who are born again understand. Without exception. It happens to everyone who is born again.

Those who come to Christ are not called merely to make an outward profession; there is something much more significant that's got to take place. It's more than a flippant, "Wups, sorry 'bout that." It's more than A-B-C, repeat after me. The heart must be made new, and that can only happen by the Spirit of God.

This does not mean that He just waves a wand and, voila! It is not some airy-fairy process that's hidden in mystical thought (although it is a miracle). When God's Spirit works in our lives, He is gracious and compassionate. And in His grace and compassion, He always deals directly with our sin. He is bold, He is head on, He is in-your-face.

And His messengers are equally so. It is no-nonsense kind of stuff.

The person who truly presents the Gospel is one who, in so doing, compassionately explains the seriousness of sin. And the person truly hearing and understanding the Gospel invariably finds himself dealing with sin. Wrestling with it. Grieving over it. Turning from it.

And turning to Christ.

There is no other process. There is no other option. There is no other alternative. There is no other authentic version of the Christian faith.

Those who truly come to Christ rend their hearts, and not just their garments. More to the point: Those who truly rend their hearts and not their garments, is everyone who comes to Christ, and only those come to Christ.

This is His grace at work. No exceptions.

Joel 2:13, Ez 36:26, John 16:8-11, Acts 2:36-39, 17:30, 1 Pet 2:9, 2 Cor 4:6 ]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:55:00 GMT 1A1BEEF6A133B03D114428F249A798CA Something Deep http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1726688 To rend the heart and not our garments is an instruction God gave through the prophet Joel - and its importance is still a weighty one. The emphasis in coming to Christ is not to parrot a prayer. It is not the superficial appearance of something deep happening. It is the overpowering reality of something deep happening. The emphasis God's word brings us to, is the heart. Specifically, to rend the heart. And thereby - to find new garments&hellip; Garments that are the righteousness of Christ. Being brought to that place makes me grateful, and gives me plenty to think about. I'm inclined to stop right there. But there is something else that strikes me about the statement&hellip; To rend the heart and find our righteousness in Christ can only happen as God's grace is at work in our lives. It is a work of God's Spirit. The poor in spirit are blessed. It is also an instruction, a command. That is to say, to understand it as a working of grace does not negate the necessity of making the call. And to make the call does not undermine the fact that it is a work of God's grace. To make the call is the means through which His grace comes about. So let it be said, and said loudly. And may God use it to accomplish His necessary work in those who are given new life. Let us by God's grace, respond accordingly. Joel 2:13, Gen 3:21, Is 61:10, Gal 3:27, John 16:8, Matt 5:3, Eph 2:8 To rend the heart and not our garments is an instruction God gave through the prophet Joel - and its importance is still a weighty one.

The emphasis in coming to Christ is not to parrot a prayer. It is not the superficial appearance of something deep happening. It is the overpowering reality of something deep happening.

The emphasis God's word brings us to, is the heart. Specifically, to rend the heart.

And thereby - to find new garments… Garments that are the righteousness of Christ.

Being brought to that place makes me grateful, and gives me plenty to think about. I'm inclined to stop right there.

But there is something else that strikes me about the statement…

To rend the heart and find our righteousness in Christ can only happen as God's grace is at work in our lives. It is a work of God's Spirit. The poor in spirit are blessed.

It is also an instruction, a command.

That is to say, to understand it as a working of grace does not negate the necessity of making the call. And to make the call does not undermine the fact that it is a work of God's grace. To make the call is the means through which His grace comes about.

So let it be said, and said loudly. And may God use it to accomplish His necessary work in those who are given new life. Let us by God's grace, respond accordingly.

Joel 2:13, Gen 3:21, Is 61:10, Gal 3:27, John 16:8, Matt 5:3, Eph 2:8
]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:15:00 GMT 08C8E20334565333697DB37BC57674AF The Worst Is Me http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1703361 Words &amp; Music by Geof Kimber &copy; 2012 Aiyura Music www.geofkimber.com Oh Lord Have mercy on us now For your laws we disavow Like days of old Your Word should be glorious in our eyes Yet we've turned to follow lies The truth be told Chorus As I see your glory And what this world has become I am on my knees Praying Jesus please Save me from this story And the things that I have done And the way I thirst For I know the worst is me V2 So wrong I need grace to cover me As the waters of the sea Engulf the land Headstrong I have walked the way of Cain And rejected with disdain your reprimand Bridge In all the world There is no one who seeks you We have gone our own way Gone our own way And we applaud ourselves While loathing what is true Until grace comes to stay Grace comes to stay Tag May your holiness And your righteousness be the way I thirst Sinful ways reversed in me May the way I thirst be for Jesus first in me Words & Music by Geof Kimber
© 2012 Aiyura Music
www.geofkimber.com




Oh Lord
Have mercy on us now
For your laws we disavow
Like days of old
Your Word
should be glorious in our eyes
Yet we've turned to follow lies
The truth be told

Chorus
As I see your glory
And what this world has become
I am on my knees
Praying Jesus please
Save me from this story
And the things that I have done
And the way I thirst
For I know the worst
is me

V2
So wrong
I need grace to cover me
As the waters of the sea
Engulf the land
Headstrong
I have walked the way of Cain
And rejected with disdain
your reprimand

Bridge
In all the world
There is no one who seeks you
We have gone our own way
Gone our own way
And we applaud ourselves
While loathing what is true
Until grace comes to stay
Grace comes to stay

Tag
May your holiness
And your righteousness
be the way I thirst
Sinful ways reversed
in me
May the way I thirst
be for Jesus first
in me
]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:10:00 GMT 63F36C1B99F17154B1FFF202FFB3183F Authenticity http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1692471 Some people turn from sin and turn to Christ, with bells and whistles accompanying - only to abandon their so-called faith when the going gets rough. Others are quiet and unassuming at the point of conversion, making little to no fanfare at all - but stick with it through thick and thin. The outside appearance of a given moment isn't the indicator of its authenticity. The actions that follow it are.&nbsp; Some people turn from sin and turn to Christ, with bells and whistles accompanying - only to abandon their so-called faith when the going gets rough.

Others are quiet and unassuming at the point of conversion, making little to no fanfare at all - but stick with it through thick and thin.

The outside appearance of a given moment isn't the indicator of its authenticity. The actions that follow it are. ]]> Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:15:00 GMT A0A23E1D388F4AE2DF9F16F40BAC464E The Real Issue http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1676940 Right up to his death, Christopher Hitchens was indignant with folks who were sure of their faith. In His mind, nothing could be so sure as his own doubts. It amazes me the extent to which people will go to prove that God doesn't exist - or at least, insist there's not sufficient evidence that He does. Seems to me that the real concern is not so much God's existence, but the accountability we necessarily have to Him if He indeed does exist&hellip; Which, by the way, He does. Right up to his death, Christopher Hitchens was indignant with folks who were sure of their faith. In His mind, nothing could be so sure as his own doubts.

It amazes me the extent to which people will go to prove that God doesn't exist - or at least, insist there's not sufficient evidence that He does.

Seems to me that the real concern is not so much God's existence, but the accountability we necessarily have to Him if He indeed does exist…

Which, by the way, He does.
]]> Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:55:00 GMT 36D9A911A3DE79F5FD1CCE2A3ACAA658 Captured By God http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1670341 People talk about things that matter to them, and there are lots of things that matter. But there is one thing that matters a lot to believers, and that is the greatness of God. No one can fathom His greatness; He is most worthy of praise. That His greatness cannot be fathomed is not reason to leave it alone - it is reason to seek Him all the more. So we talk about Him the most. Or do we? An amazing amount of after-church conversations are about anything but the greatness of God. Let alone conversations through the week. Maybe we aren't as captured by Him as we like to think. As we go into a new year, I'm praying that I'll be so captured by the greatness of God, it will be the greatest thing people know me for. That I'll be so enthralled with the truth of His word, prayerfully reading it will be the preeminent thing that occupies my time. That I'll be so in love with Him, His word will be the dominant thing that occupies my thoughts. That I'll be so driven to praise Him, His Gospel truth will be the most prominent thing that comes out of my mouth. These are trademarks of people who belong to God. Aren't they?&nbsp; People talk about things that matter to them, and there are lots of things that matter.

But there is one thing that matters a lot to believers, and that is the greatness of God. No one can fathom His greatness; He is most worthy of praise. That His greatness cannot be fathomed is not reason to leave it alone - it is reason to seek Him all the more. So we talk about Him the most.

Or do we? An amazing amount of after-church conversations are about anything but the greatness of God. Let alone conversations through the week.

Maybe we aren't as captured by Him as we like to think.

As we go into a new year, I'm praying that I'll be so captured by the greatness of God, it will be the greatest thing people know me for. That I'll be so enthralled with the truth of His word, prayerfully reading it will be the preeminent thing that occupies my time. That I'll be so in love with Him, His word will be the dominant thing that occupies my thoughts. That I'll be so driven to praise Him, His Gospel truth will be the most prominent thing that comes out of my mouth.

These are trademarks of people who belong to God.

Aren't they? ]]> Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:35:00 GMT 2A833B55A3400B3E7DA382D40673AD24 The Last Thing We Would Expect http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1659333 The way God went about entering this world is amazing. Mind blowing. The last thing we would expect... The Designer of marriage causing the pregnancy of a young girl who was betrothed. The Planner of planners invoking labor at the most inopportune time. The Owner of all things being born into poverty. The most holy One being housed in a smelly stable. The Sustainer of all things being placed in a feeding trough. The Ruler of the universe associating with the lowly. The Almighty and Eternal One becoming a baby. And announcing His arrival to men who were marginalized from society, out in the fields watching their sheep! Where were the dignitaries, the rulers of the day, the leaders of the people? Marginalized - by the One who matters most. What Paul later explained - that God uses the weak things of the world to shame the strong, and the foolish things of the world to shame the wise - was being demonstrated. It's nothing to sneeze at. And Mary treasured up all these things that were taking place, and pondered them in her heart. No coincidence that the things Mary pondered in her heart, she treasured. And the things she treasured, she pondered. Our paths will not be the same as Mary or Joseph&rsquo;s, obviously - but to be used by God, the state of our hearts must be the same. Luke 2:19; 1 Cor 1:27 The way God went about entering this world is amazing. Mind blowing. The last thing we would expect...

The Designer of marriage causing the pregnancy of a young girl who was betrothed. The Planner of planners invoking labor at the most inopportune time. The Owner of all things being born into poverty. The most holy One being housed in a smelly stable. The Sustainer of all things being placed in a feeding trough. The Ruler of the universe associating with the lowly. The Almighty and Eternal One becoming a baby.

And announcing His arrival to men who were marginalized from society, out in the fields watching their sheep!

Where were the dignitaries, the rulers of the day, the leaders of the people?

Marginalized - by the One who matters most. What Paul later explained - that God uses the weak things of the world to shame the strong, and the foolish things of the world to shame the wise - was being demonstrated.

It's nothing to sneeze at.

And Mary treasured up all these things that were taking place, and pondered them in her heart.

No coincidence that the things Mary pondered in her heart, she treasured. And the things she treasured, she pondered.

Our paths will not be the same as Mary or Joseph’s, obviously - but to be used by God, the state of our hearts must be the same.

Luke 2:19; 1 Cor 1:27]]> Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:05:00 GMT 13E0BC84B655D8B996B0C9ACEE058B14 Love, Kids, and Gay Marriage http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1590679 We have seen the tide of gay rhetoric rise to a shrill in recent years, and while I am horrified at &quot;kill the gays&quot; type of responses, I'm also not one to throw my hands up and say it's OK. I am a sinner who by God's grace has been called to repentance and faith in Christ - and I am compelled to extend that same grace to others. I believe the Bible is God's Word, the whys of which I often address when I'm speaking and singing publicly. Just as my thinking is grounded in it on other issues, it's grounded in it on this one too.&nbsp; While I am not surprised to see anything go in the world-at-large, the justification of gay marriage from so-called christians is pretty dumbfounding to me. The extent to which such people will go to dodge what the Bible says never fails to amaze me, and the topic of homosexuality is no exception. Any attempt to re-interpret an Old Testament passage like Leviticus 18:22; 20:13 etc, or declare it doesn't count anymore, or say we under the New Testament simply need to be compassionate and leave it at that - doesn't cut it.&nbsp; The Biblical definition of love includes being patient and kind; it also includes not delighting in evil, but rejoicing in the truth (1 Cor 13:4-8). If we believers are unkind or antagonistic towards others still bound in sin, we should well be convicted. But to hold certain things to be wrong is not in itself unloving. The world's gibberish that &quot;to be loving means we must be tolerant of everything&quot; is just not true. It's chaotic. And it's not hate speech to say so. More to the point, sin is not just a personal thing, as many people argue. Sin is rebellion against God (Ps 51:4). It is anything that defies God's nature and that which He has designed and commanded (Josh 22:5; Is 55:8; Rom 8:7-8). Addressing what we hold to be sin, or more correctly what God holds to be sin, is not something we should avoid in the name of love, but something so important that it should be done in the name of love. Yet there is a general political-correctness today that demands we refrain from saying we believe something to be sin, and that deems anyone who does express something to be sin as unloving. Enough already. That's just not true. Boundaries, and the people that hold to them, are not necessarily hateful. While there are those who are, there are also those who are not. I hold the Bible's teaching on sexuality to be true and right; more than that, it provides a loving guide for order and stability within the home.&nbsp; God has designed man and woman to marry and have kids (Gen 1:27-28; Mal 2:15), and I find the gay lifestyle to run in opposition to that design. Can two men have a baby? No - if they were to raise a child, it would have to be someone else's - or at least half someone else's. Under whose authority might they demand the right? Not God's. To argue that God is in favor of it - well, it's not only the Bible that speaks against it. Our plumbing does too. It might be said that there are times when a man and woman can't conceive, but they still have the right to adopt; therefore, two men who can't conceive should be allowed to adopt as well. But this kind of reasoning is a stretch and defies our basic design: Inability to conceive between a man and woman is abnormal; but between two men or two women, it is normal. Between a man and woman, the inability to conceive is the exception; between two women, it is the rule. Between a man and woman, the inability to conceive is a diversion from what usually happens; between two men, it is exactly what always happens. Attempting to use adoption in the former circumstance to justify adoption in the latter, is absurd. If I was a kid being raised by two women, I have to say I'd want to know who my dad was. More than that, I'd want him to be my dad. Especially having had one, I grieve for those who have not. It's a great loss. Such a circumstance will unavoidably produce questions that a child should not have to entertain. I recently watched a well spoken young man who had been raised by two women defend the family he was raised in. At the same time, though, he mentioned that the anonymous donor who was his father was also the father of his sister - and said, &quot;<a target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=yMLZO-sObzQ">so we're full siblings which is really cool for me.&quot; &nbsp;But why did that even matter? For all the justifying of the only family he knew (and was understandably clinging to), the desire for connectivity to those who were his own flesh and blood could not be hidden. It made me sad for him. And here we come full circle to the heart of the matter. God's design is one man, for one woman, for life. When a man is unfaithful to his wife and/or kids, this is also sin - but the fact that this happens does not make the other reasonable, or justifiable. To varying degrees, broken homes bring turmoil, and anyone who argues that this should become the norm in the name of love has a screw loose. We are broken enough as it is. Let us not add to the calamity by justifying behavior that makes it worse. Let us confess our sin, come to God humbly, and call others to do the same. Let us admit to Him our need for forgiveness that comes through Christ alone. Let us come to Him who became a curse and was raised to life for us, and by His grace leave our past behind, expressing a desire to walk in obedience to what He has designed us to be. We have seen the tide of gay rhetoric rise to a shrill in recent years, and while I am horrified at "kill the gays" type of responses, I'm also not one to throw my hands up and say it's OK. I am a sinner who by God's grace has been called to repentance and faith in Christ - and I am compelled to extend that same grace to others.

I believe the Bible is God's Word, the whys of which I often address when I'm speaking and singing publicly. Just as my thinking is grounded in it on other issues, it's grounded in it on this one too. 

While I am not surprised to see anything go in the world-at-large, the justification of gay marriage from so-called christians is pretty dumbfounding to me. The extent to which such people will go to dodge what the Bible says never fails to amaze me, and the topic of homosexuality is no exception. Any attempt to re-interpret an Old Testament passage like Leviticus 18:22; 20:13 etc, or declare it doesn't count anymore, or say we under the New Testament simply need to be compassionate and leave it at that - doesn't cut it. 

The Biblical definition of love includes being patient and kind; it also includes not delighting in evil, but rejoicing in the truth (1 Cor 13:4-8). If we believers are unkind or antagonistic towards others still bound in sin, we should well be convicted. But to hold certain things to be wrong is not in itself unloving. The world's gibberish that "to be loving means we must be tolerant of everything" is just not true. It's chaotic. And it's not hate speech to say so.

More to the point, sin is not just a personal thing, as many people argue. Sin is rebellion against God (Ps 51:4). It is anything that defies God's nature and that which He has designed and commanded (Josh 22:5; Is 55:8; Rom 8:7-8). Addressing what we hold to be sin, or more correctly what God holds to be sin, is not something we should avoid in the name of love, but something so important that it should be done in the name of love. Yet there is a general political-correctness today that demands we refrain from saying we believe something to be sin, and that deems anyone who does express something to be sin as unloving.

Enough already. That's just not true. Boundaries, and the people that hold to them, are not necessarily hateful. While there are those who are, there are also those who are not. I hold the Bible's teaching on sexuality to be true and right; more than that, it provides a loving guide for order and stability within the home. 

God has designed man and woman to marry and have kids (Gen 1:27-28; Mal 2:15), and I find the gay lifestyle to run in opposition to that design. Can two men have a baby? No - if they were to raise a child, it would have to be someone else's - or at least half someone else's. Under whose authority might they demand the right? Not God's. To argue that God is in favor of it - well, it's not only the Bible that speaks against it. Our plumbing does too.

It might be said that there are times when a man and woman can't conceive, but they still have the right to adopt; therefore, two men who can't conceive should be allowed to adopt as well. But this kind of reasoning is a stretch and defies our basic design:
Inability to conceive between a man and woman is abnormal; but between two men or two women, it is normal. Between a man and woman, the inability to conceive is the exception; between two women, it is the rule. Between a man and woman, the inability to conceive is a diversion from what usually happens; between two men, it is exactly what always happens. Attempting to use adoption in the former circumstance to justify adoption in the latter, is absurd.

If I was a kid being raised by two women, I have to say I'd want to know who my dad was. More than that, I'd want him to be my dad. Especially having had one, I grieve for those who have not. It's a great loss. Such a circumstance will unavoidably produce questions that a child should not have to entertain.

I recently watched a well spoken young man who had been raised by two women defend the family he was raised in. At the same time, though, he mentioned that the anonymous donor who was his father was also the father of his sister - and said, "so we're full siblings which is really cool for me."  But why did that even matter? For all the justifying of the only family he knew (and was understandably clinging to), the desire for connectivity to those who were his own flesh and blood could not be hidden. It made me sad for him.

And here we come full circle to the heart of the matter. God's design is one man, for one woman, for life. When a man is unfaithful to his wife and/or kids, this is also sin - but the fact that this happens does not make the other reasonable, or justifiable. To varying degrees, broken homes bring turmoil, and anyone who argues that this should become the norm in the name of love has a screw loose.

We are broken enough as it is. Let us not add to the calamity by justifying behavior that makes it worse. Let us confess our sin, come to God humbly, and call others to do the same. Let us admit to Him our need for forgiveness that comes through Christ alone. Let us come to Him who became a curse and was raised to life for us, and by His grace leave our past behind, expressing a desire to walk in obedience to what He has designed us to be.
]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:05:00 GMT 857AB7214FDB419E26612C11A7AF7C7B Love Never Fails - The Power Of Example http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1495563 Growing up in Papua New Guinea, our family spent time with missionary families on the other side of the Aiyura valley, where we lived. Their example is something I am eternally grateful for. With one of those families, we would get together every Sunday night and hang out. Our families 'adopted' each other to the end that us kids called the other parents &quot;Uncle&quot; and &quot;Aunt,&quot; and still do to this day. Now that we are grown with children of our own, the relationship continues: We have become the uncles and aunts, and our own kids now think of themselves as cousins. Well, after our moving to the western world, Auntie Shirley contracted alzheimer's disease, and Uncle Bob cared for her until she went to be with Jesus. They lived in an apartment adjacent to their son Dan and wife Lisa's home. Uncle Bob's love for his wife was no less than I would have expected from him, but it was nevertheless inspiring. Today he continues his missionary work around the world, and I stayed in his apartment on my way back from Texas last month. Hanging on one of the walls is a tapa cloth with the words &quot;Love Never Fails&quot; on it, and it got me thinking. To some people, they might just be empty words on an old piece of tree bark. But to me, they are powerful words burned onto a piece of God's world like they're now burned on my heart, and owned by a man and woman who lived it out. The apostle Paul told Timothy, &quot;Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ&quot; (1 Cor 11:1). Not just &quot;follow my teaching,&quot; though that was certainly a part of it, but &quot;follow my example.&quot; The only reason his example was worth following, was because He followed the example of Christ. Similarly, he told Titus, &quot;In everything, set them [other young men] an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned&hellip;&quot; Titus 2:7-8. Read those verses in their context, and it's apparent that biblical discipleship happens within the world of relationships; it happens when we value relationships. It doesn't happen through good teaching and no interaction; it happens with good teaching and godly people you know up close. So it is that in a culture where we might be impressed with sizable accomplishments, the people who inspire me the most are folks who I've been privileged to actually get to know. People who know God's word, and live lives that demonstrate it. Jesus himself had an inner circle and an outer circle (of disciples), and I think this is part of the example we are to follow. I want to pass on the things He has taught me - and as a married man, that begins with my own family and spreads from there.. I want to be careful that I'm not spread so thin that my example can't be observed, and is practically non-existent to anyone - because actually, that is an example too. How about you? Growing up in Papua New Guinea, our family spent time with missionary families on the other side of the Aiyura valley, where we lived. Their example is something I am eternally grateful for.

With one of those families, we would get together every Sunday night and hang out. Our families 'adopted' each other to the end that us kids called the other parents "Uncle" and "Aunt," and still do to this day. Now that we are grown with children of our own, the relationship continues: We have become the uncles and aunts, and our own kids now think of themselves as cousins.

Well, after our moving to the western world, Auntie Shirley contracted alzheimer's disease, and Uncle Bob cared for her until she went to be with Jesus. They lived in an apartment adjacent to their son Dan and wife Lisa's home. Uncle Bob's love for his wife was no less than I would have expected from him, but it was nevertheless inspiring.

Today he continues his missionary work around the world, and I stayed in his apartment on my way back from Texas last month.

Hanging on one of the walls is a tapa cloth with the words "Love Never Fails" on it, and it got me thinking. To some people, they might just be empty words on an old piece of tree bark. But to me, they are powerful words burned onto a piece of God's world like they're now burned on my heart, and owned by a man and woman who lived it out.

The apostle Paul told Timothy, "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor 11:1). Not just "follow my teaching," though that was certainly a part of it, but "follow my example." The only reason his example was worth following, was because He followed the example of Christ.
Similarly, he told Titus, "In everything, set them [other young men] an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned…" Titus 2:7-8.

Read those verses in their context, and it's apparent that biblical discipleship happens within the world of relationships; it happens when we value relationships. It doesn't happen through good teaching and no interaction; it happens with good teaching and godly people you know up close.

So it is that in a culture where we might be impressed with sizable accomplishments, the people who inspire me the most are folks who I've been privileged to actually get to know. People who know God's word, and live lives that demonstrate it.

Jesus himself had an inner circle and an outer circle (of disciples), and I think this is part of the example we are to follow. I want to pass on the things He has taught me - and as a married man, that begins with my own family and spreads from there.. I want to be careful that I'm not spread so thin that my example can't be observed, and is practically non-existent to anyone - because actually, that is an example too.

How about you?
]]> Sun, 13 Nov 2011 08:40:00 GMT A714A20B96FCD042D0CE90007CE077C2 The Greatest Need For Believers Today http://geofkimber.com/blog.cfm?feature=1545536&postid=1405144 I'm in Texas at the moment, and have had a great time the last couple weeks. I'm grateful to be a part of God's work of redemption, and grateful to work alongside men who are faithful in proclaiming the Gospel. Especially men who are concerned about how much our culture has influenced the church, instead of the other way around. Lots of changes have been made to traditional church in the last 20 years in an effort to see it grow, although much of the changes in my opinion often amount to the same approach just dressed up a bit. I'm grateful that there are exceptions to the rule, but from my vantage point, devotion to the word of God and prayer hasn't improved overall - and those things were (and continue to be) the most needed changes. Through it all I think there was a warning light rudely blinking, an alarm that was loudly ringing, yet too many ignored it. Pay any attention to the findings of George Barna over the last 10-15 years, and it confirms the same: After and through all this upheaval, the inconsistency between trees and their fruit did not improve; if anything, it worsened. Only 32% of supposedly born again adults and 9% of teens were found to believe in moral absolutes; only 36% to regularly attend a small group Bible study; and only 46% believed that God had called them to holiness. 52% were found to not believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit, and only 46% to believe in a literal devil. And the number of those considering the Christian faith as their top priority in life? 50%. In other words, only 50% of those who &quot;belong to Jesus&rdquo; could be said to be living lives that were centered around Jesus. Not surprisingly then, in a 2002 poll by Barna, only 29% of church goers understood worship as something that is primarily focussed on God. Not surprising, but still staggering. Sum it all up and it means that for all our efforts to cater to different worshippers and make worship more relevant for them, has collectively become more and more of a farce - and that is not a good result of all our changes. It is tragic, and we are clearly on a downward spiral. The emergent church movement is a further progression of all these upheavals, where orthodox convictions are replaced with personal preference. In question now are not just matters of theological fine tuning, but what even is the Christian faith, and what is the Gospel? Some songs of worship reflect the understanding revealed in Barna&rsquo;s poll, as Christian songs are increasingly shallow and even self-serving. The writing of doctrine into our music does not hold the same priority as it once did, even as doctrine is no longer the emphasis of the pulpit. It is reasonable, I think, to ask, &ldquo;Where are we going from here? If this is where we&rsquo;ve come, what&rsquo;s next?&rdquo; Does it not lend credence to the notion that perhaps there are some things we should not be focussing on that we are, and some things we should be focussing on that we are not? I believe it does. These findings show us to be a far cry from the convictions and practices of New Testament Christianity which turned the world upside down. There is no shortcut to reading the Word of God for yourself, in your own time - regularly and prayerfully. And there is no shortcut for true-blue fellowship with others in the light of it. I think the greatest need of all today, is for believers to know what the Word of God actually teaches, to prioritize fellowshipping with others who are also hungry for it, and to be committed to seeking God together in prayer. I hope this encourages you to do just that. I'm in Texas at the moment, and have had a great time the last couple weeks. I'm grateful to be a part of God's work of redemption, and grateful to work alongside men who are faithful in proclaiming the Gospel. Especially men who are concerned about how much our culture has influenced the church, instead of the other way around.

Lots of changes have been made to traditional church in the last 20 years in an effort to see it grow, although much of the changes in my opinion often amount to the same approach just dressed up a bit. I'm grateful that there are exceptions to the rule, but from my vantage point, devotion to the word of God and prayer hasn't improved overall - and those things were (and continue to be) the most needed changes.

Through it all I think there was a warning light rudely blinking, an alarm that was loudly ringing, yet too many ignored it. Pay any attention to the findings of George Barna over the last 10-15 years, and it confirms the same:

After and through all this upheaval, the inconsistency between trees and their fruit did not improve; if anything, it worsened. Only 32% of supposedly born again adults and 9% of teens were found to believe in moral absolutes; only 36% to regularly attend a small group Bible study; and only 46% believed that God had called them to holiness. 52% were found to not believe in the existence of the Holy Spirit, and only 46% to believe in a literal devil.

And the number of those considering the Christian faith as their top priority in life? 50%. In other words, only 50% of those who "belong to Jesus” could be said to be living lives that were centered around Jesus. Not surprisingly then, in a 2002 poll by Barna, only 29% of church goers understood worship as something that is primarily focussed on God.

Not surprising, but still staggering. Sum it all up and it means that for all our efforts to cater to different worshippers and make worship more relevant for them, has collectively become more and more of a farce - and that is not a good result of all our changes. It is tragic, and we are clearly on a downward spiral. The emergent church movement is a further progression of all these upheavals, where orthodox convictions are replaced with personal preference. In question now are not just matters of theological fine tuning, but what even is the Christian faith, and what is the Gospel?

Some songs of worship reflect the understanding revealed in Barna’s poll, as Christian songs are increasingly shallow and even self-serving. The writing of doctrine into our music does not hold the same priority as it once did, even as doctrine is no longer the emphasis of the pulpit.

It is reasonable, I think, to ask, “Where are we going from here? If this is where we’ve come, what’s next?” Does it not lend credence to the notion that perhaps there are some things we should not be focussing on that we are, and some things we should be focussing on that we are not? I believe it does.

These findings show us to be a far cry from the convictions and practices of New Testament Christianity which turned the world upside down. There is no shortcut to reading the Word of God for yourself, in your own time - regularly and prayerfully. And there is no shortcut for true-blue fellowship with others in the light of it.

I think the greatest need of all today, is for believers to know what the Word of God actually teaches, to prioritize fellowshipping with others who are also hungry for it, and to be committed to seeking God together in prayer.

I hope this encourages you to do just that.
]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:40:00 GMT A5445C32061C278AF1475A980F786E5F