Recently, I wrote a letter about my journey in the field of financial development and why the work of raising money for the best seminary in the world is a legitimate, gospel-centered work. Indeed it is an act of worship and discipleship. We cannot claim to be heirs of grace if we are unconcerned about growing in the grace of giving. The letter begins with the next paragraph.
Ten years ago, I began work as a fundraiser for a major research university. The cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities available were fantastic, but a terrible thought haunted me day-by-day.
The funds I secured supported a school that often ignored the “universal” aspect of her mission. The truth that one God made everything and that we should pursue an understanding of His glory and absolute authority over all things was routinely dismissed as “small-minded.” As I simmered in the cauldron of a foolish and fickle culture enamored with worldly wisdom, the Lord reminded me that He is wisdom — period. If God could be foolish, His foolishness would surpass even the most ingenious worldly thought.
Over time, I arrived at a moral crisis of the first order. I regularly met Christians who invested more in growing a college athletics program or academic department than in fueling the advance of the gospel. The Lord showed me that seeking first His Kingdom meant no longer raising money for initiatives that did not advance, and sometimes undermined, the progress of the gospel. On the day I raised the largest gift in my career, a gift from a Southern Baptist, I was privately devastated. . . what a missed opportunity.
Ten years later, I have the tremendous privilege of raising support for the greatest seminary on the planet. And yet, not every Christian immediately sees it this way. I am frequently asked, “How do you do your job?” or, more directly, “How can you ask someone else for money?” I did everything possible to avoid these probing questions while raising money for a secular university. Today, I eagerly embrace them.
It is often said, “The most difficult topic to discuss in church is giving.” But, why should teaching about the grace of giving be entered upon tentatively when the essence of the gospel is that God gave His Son?
In 1 Corinthians 4:1–2, Paul urges the church, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” What a challenging admonition! We are responsible for our stewardship of the gospel.
Scripture reveals that our willingness and eagerness to give is not so much about giving as it is about the spiritual health of our hearts. Avoiding the issue of giving leaves us vulnerable to a major case of spiritual heart disease. The pastor’s God-given responsibility is to charge the flock of God to examine their hearts and be ready to give (1 Tim. 6:17–19). Pastor, challenge the flock! Christian, urge your pastor to exhort you to excel in the grace of investing for the global advance of the gospel.
Faithful stewardship of the gospel demands that we invest wisely – consistent with the priorities of Christ’s Kingdom and not those of this world. When people consider the gospel and its impact on giving, they will want to know where they can invest and exercise faithful stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to their care.
There are few places like Southeastern, a church-initiated ministry in which believers can invest and impact a variety of gospel-centered initiatives. Where else can a Christian give and realize an immediate return that multiplies into eternity through Christ-exalting alumni serving in so many meaningful ministries? Today, our alumni serve in churches, military and work-place chaplaincy, church plants, Christian education, counseling, reaching unreached people groups, Bible translation, campus ministry, pregnancy support services, and much more.
Over the next 15–20 years, despite the current status of our economy, we will witness the largest generational transfer of wealth in our nation’s history. As baby boomers consider the end-of-life implications for their assets, the tax and financial implications will be huge. Now is the time to be asking big, gospel-centered questions and dreaming big, gospel-centered dreams!
The question every Christian must consider is this: “How can I exercise faithful stewardship of the gospel?” As you ask this question, and as you consider others in your sphere of influence who should ask this question, please keep Southeastern in mind.
If you would like to read the rest of the letter, please visit http://www.sebts.edu/alumni/giving/default.aspx.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Love Your Kids: Discipline Them!
A couple of evenings ago, just about bedtime, Elizabeth did something she's been warned about several times over the past few months. She has known since the last incident that punishment, not a warning, would be forthcoming for a repeat offense.
As soon as she committed the offense, she knew what she had done and stopped immediately. Her eyes met mine with a look that said, "Daddy, please, please, please do not realize what I just did!"
I knew. . . . She knew that I knew.
All the way up the stairs to Elizabeth's bedroom, I was thinking of dozens of reasons to just ignore her offense and pretend it didn't happen. Did I really want to deal with this right at bed time?! I was tired and ready to relax. Then, the Spirit brought to mind two passages of Scripture.
First, I thought of Romans 1:28-9, where it says, in part, "God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness . . . ."
God does not give sinners over to unrighteousness after just one, two, or even several sins. He gives over those who declare that what is obviously sin is "good." God is so patient with sinners that some mistake His patience for a lack of concern for righteousness.
But, God's patience is for our repentance. Peter puts it this way, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." (2 Pet 3:9).
The next text that came to mind, almost simultaneously was Proverbs 3:12 where we read, "For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights."
In that moment, as we walked up the stairs and Elizabeth stared intently into my eyes, I had a choice. I could reinforce Elizabeth's understanding that what she had done was wrong by following through with the punishment that had been promised, or I could risk giving her over - allowing her to think her daddy really does not mind whether she obeys or not.
Like a good father, God corrects his children. God's discipline is actually an expression of His patient love for us. He could simply destroy us, but He patiently corrects and leads to repentance.
So, here's the point: loving your kids does not mean sweeping their sins under the rug - even when you are exhausted. What a challenge!
As soon as she committed the offense, she knew what she had done and stopped immediately. Her eyes met mine with a look that said, "Daddy, please, please, please do not realize what I just did!"
I knew. . . . She knew that I knew.
All the way up the stairs to Elizabeth's bedroom, I was thinking of dozens of reasons to just ignore her offense and pretend it didn't happen. Did I really want to deal with this right at bed time?! I was tired and ready to relax. Then, the Spirit brought to mind two passages of Scripture.
First, I thought of Romans 1:28-9, where it says, in part, "God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness . . . ."
God does not give sinners over to unrighteousness after just one, two, or even several sins. He gives over those who declare that what is obviously sin is "good." God is so patient with sinners that some mistake His patience for a lack of concern for righteousness.
But, God's patience is for our repentance. Peter puts it this way, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." (2 Pet 3:9).
The next text that came to mind, almost simultaneously was Proverbs 3:12 where we read, "For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights."
In that moment, as we walked up the stairs and Elizabeth stared intently into my eyes, I had a choice. I could reinforce Elizabeth's understanding that what she had done was wrong by following through with the punishment that had been promised, or I could risk giving her over - allowing her to think her daddy really does not mind whether she obeys or not.
Like a good father, God corrects his children. God's discipline is actually an expression of His patient love for us. He could simply destroy us, but He patiently corrects and leads to repentance.
So, here's the point: loving your kids does not mean sweeping their sins under the rug - even when you are exhausted. What a challenge!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Family Worship (Day 2): Colossians 1:3–8
Questions
According to v.5, what is the basis of a Christian’s faith in Christ Jesus and love for all the saints?
Where do we find true hope (v. 5)?
Who do you know who needs to “know” (v. 7) (realize/see/understand) that the gospel is the message that God offers grace to those who believe His son?
Worship in Song
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I
Prayer
Thank God for the true hope that we find in the message of the gospel that leads us to believe in the Son and love the brethren. Praise Him for being a gracious God and for giving His Spirit to enable Christians to bear His fruit and to love one another.
According to v.5, what is the basis of a Christian’s faith in Christ Jesus and love for all the saints?
Where do we find true hope (v. 5)?
Who do you know who needs to “know” (v. 7) (realize/see/understand) that the gospel is the message that God offers grace to those who believe His son?
Worship in Song
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I
Prayer
Thank God for the true hope that we find in the message of the gospel that leads us to believe in the Son and love the brethren. Praise Him for being a gracious God and for giving His Spirit to enable Christians to bear His fruit and to love one another.
Family Worship (Day 1): Colossians 1:3–8
3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
Summary: Paul learns from Epaphras, his fellow-worker, about the status of the believers at Colossae. Paul is both encouraged by their faith in Christ as reported to him by Epaphras and concerned about a heresy which undermines who Christ is and what He has done by suggesting Christ is not sufficient for salvation. Paul begins his letter by expressing his thanksgiving for the authentic Christian life that characterizes the believers at Colossae. Paul wants the Colossians to appreciate that they already have true life which springs from the truth of the gospel. One of the greatest weapons we have against any heresy which undermines the person or work of Jesus Christ is gratefulness for all we have been given in Christ – everything we need for now and forevermore!
Questions
Paul is thankful for the believers at Colossae because they give evidence of being Christians.
What is the evidence of the Christian life that Paul mentions?
What Christians are you thankful for because their lives are consistent with their claim to be followers of Christ?
Worship in Song
Listen to By Faith http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-YISm700Pc
Prayer
Thank God for Christians you know whose lives are characterized by faith in Christ Jesus, love for all the saints in the Spirit, and increasing fruitfulness as they walk with Christ. Pray that God would embolden you to live as an example for which others can be thankful. Pray that you would always have gratitude for your life in Christ so that no one could tempt you to believe that Christ has not provided everything you need for life and godliness.
Summary: Paul learns from Epaphras, his fellow-worker, about the status of the believers at Colossae. Paul is both encouraged by their faith in Christ as reported to him by Epaphras and concerned about a heresy which undermines who Christ is and what He has done by suggesting Christ is not sufficient for salvation. Paul begins his letter by expressing his thanksgiving for the authentic Christian life that characterizes the believers at Colossae. Paul wants the Colossians to appreciate that they already have true life which springs from the truth of the gospel. One of the greatest weapons we have against any heresy which undermines the person or work of Jesus Christ is gratefulness for all we have been given in Christ – everything we need for now and forevermore!
Questions
Paul is thankful for the believers at Colossae because they give evidence of being Christians.
What is the evidence of the Christian life that Paul mentions?
What Christians are you thankful for because their lives are consistent with their claim to be followers of Christ?
Worship in Song
Listen to By Faith http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-YISm700Pc
Prayer
Thank God for Christians you know whose lives are characterized by faith in Christ Jesus, love for all the saints in the Spirit, and increasing fruitfulness as they walk with Christ. Pray that God would embolden you to live as an example for which others can be thankful. Pray that you would always have gratitude for your life in Christ so that no one could tempt you to believe that Christ has not provided everything you need for life and godliness.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Family Worship (Day 2): Romans 1:8-15
Day 2 - Prayers for the strengthening of the church
9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
Summary: Paul is eager to get to Rome to encourage the believers there, to be encouraged by them, and to allow God to work through Him to "establish" or strengthen the church. It is God who will do the establishing of the church as they remember their mutual faith that came through the hearing of the gospel. Paul is so overwhelmed with thinking about Rome that he prays for them every time that he prays! He cannot help but pray for the believers at Rome. The only person who could stop Paul from getting to Rome was God Himself.
Questions
Have you ever wanted something this badly? What? Why?
Imagine you are one of the Christians in Rome reading Paul's letter for the first time. How would it make you feel to know he prayed for you all the time and wanted to encourage you?
Worship in Song
The only hope for the church to be strengthened in the faith - to grow as disciples - is the faithfulness of God to finish what He has started.
Sing Great is thy Faithfulness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1WhFtVp0o
Prayer
Parents, lead your family in praying that God would strengthen your church and that he would allow your family to be a part of the mutual encouragement that comes only through a common faith in Christ.
9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
Summary: Paul is eager to get to Rome to encourage the believers there, to be encouraged by them, and to allow God to work through Him to "establish" or strengthen the church. It is God who will do the establishing of the church as they remember their mutual faith that came through the hearing of the gospel. Paul is so overwhelmed with thinking about Rome that he prays for them every time that he prays! He cannot help but pray for the believers at Rome. The only person who could stop Paul from getting to Rome was God Himself.
Questions
Have you ever wanted something this badly? What? Why?
Imagine you are one of the Christians in Rome reading Paul's letter for the first time. How would it make you feel to know he prayed for you all the time and wanted to encourage you?
Worship in Song
The only hope for the church to be strengthened in the faith - to grow as disciples - is the faithfulness of God to finish what He has started.
Sing Great is thy Faithfulness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1WhFtVp0o
Prayer
Parents, lead your family in praying that God would strengthen your church and that he would allow your family to be a part of the mutual encouragement that comes only through a common faith in Christ.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Family Worship (Day 1): Romans 1:8–15
Day 1 - Gratitude for our local church
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Summary: Paul thanks God that the faith of the believers at Rome is being reported widely. Everywhere Paul goes, people are talking about the believers at Rome and their faith - no doubt the impact of their faith.
Questions
Am I thankful for the entire body of believers? Am I expressing this thanksgiving to God with prayers in the name of His Son, Jesus?
What would cause our community to believe that our chuch takes faith in Christ and the message of His gospel seriously?
How can our family be a part of helping our local church make a global impact?
Worship in Song
Sing In Christ Alone - Only in Christ can we express proper gratitute for His church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLy8ksqGf9w
Prayer
Pray that God would use your family and your church in such a way that others have reason to thank God for the impact that your faith in Christ made in their lives.
Pray for an unreached people group - a group with little to no access to the gospel.
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Summary: Paul thanks God that the faith of the believers at Rome is being reported widely. Everywhere Paul goes, people are talking about the believers at Rome and their faith - no doubt the impact of their faith.
Questions
Am I thankful for the entire body of believers? Am I expressing this thanksgiving to God with prayers in the name of His Son, Jesus?
What would cause our community to believe that our chuch takes faith in Christ and the message of His gospel seriously?
How can our family be a part of helping our local church make a global impact?
Worship in Song
Sing In Christ Alone - Only in Christ can we express proper gratitute for His church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLy8ksqGf9w
Prayer
Pray that God would use your family and your church in such a way that others have reason to thank God for the impact that your faith in Christ made in their lives.
Pray for an unreached people group - a group with little to no access to the gospel.
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