Search And See Ministries

The Joy of Giving, Part 1

2012-02-21T17:41:00.001-05:00

Our church is currently in the annual phase of formulating our upcoming budget for 2012-2013. The finance team is meeting, the elders and ministry leaders are planning, discussing, forming visions, etc. We are working together to see where the Lord is leading us, how to work together, and evaluating our ministries. What gets lost in the shuffle sometimes is what is at bottom of an annual church budget, namely, the selfless, joyful giving of God’s people for His Kingdom, for His glory. Budgets simply outline priorities and set goals, they do not accomplish the ministry. It’s the giving that makes the difference. It’s the giving that accomplishes the goals, resources the ministries, enables endeavors, and more. Our level of prayerful, sacrificial, obedient giving not only reflects the status of our hearts before God, but it also sets the pace for our ministry as a whole. Simply put, the more we give, the more we can accomplish for the Lord and the more we are blessed.

In that light, I would like to present a series of articles under the title “The Joy of Giving.” The Scripture has a lot to say about our giving and how true joy is connected to how and why we give. I am convinced that as God’s people discover the joy of giving, the church is then enabled to pursue any ministry endeavor that the Lord may place before us. Oftentimes the only obstacle to expanding ministry or pursuing missions or taking on grand endeavors is our pocketbooks, not that don’t have anything to give but that we give it to so many other “priorities”.

What if we discovered together that it is more blessed to give than to receive? I mean by that, not that we discover that verse is actually in the Bible, but that we discover what the “more blessed” means because we are living it! Imagine if our individual members and families began to discover the joy of giving, by giving! What if the more we gave for God’s glory, the deeper our satisfaction, the surer our hope, and the more tangible our joy. What if each believer began to realize that the more we lose our life for His name’s sake, the more we find life!?!

As a Teaching Pastor, my purpose here is not to raise funds. If we embrace the Scripture, the funds will be there! The Holy Spirit is the fund raiser, not me. No, my purpose is rather to teach some of what the Scripture says regarding our giving. In doing so, I pray that we all (myself included) step out in faith, live out the Scripture, and not just give it a head nod. My purpose is for us to discover the joy of living this life for the next, even in the realm of our finances.

To do so, we’re going to have to believe. We’re going to have to believe that God is the biggest Giver. We’re going to have to believe that Scripture is true. We’re going to have to believe that the blessing of giving far outweighs and outlasts the deceptive, temporary, unsatisfying “blessing” of keeping or taking or getting. We’re going to have to put our faith to the test.

I’m confident we will NOT be disappointed. I am confident the Scripture will ring true. I am confident that if we launch out on this journey, we will be able to personally affirm that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Book Recommendations

2012-02-09T12:57:00.002-05:00

I have recently finished reading three books, and I would commend each one to you as profitable and worthy of your time.

“It is Well” by Mark Dever and Michael Lawrence. This is a compilation of expository sermons preached by Dever and Lawrence from both OT and NT texts. The purpose of these sermons is to defend, explain, and apply the foundational doctrine of substitutionary atonement. This core doctrine, essential for our salvation, has fallen under attack from those without and within “evangelical” circles. By grounding their sermons in plain exegesis of key texts, the authors demonstrate that not only is substitutionary atonement necessary and biblical, it is good! The end of substitutionary atonement is the salvation of God’s people, the exaltation of Christ, and the glory of God! This book is for all believers. It points us to Christ and gives us understanding of the cross.

“Gospel-centered Family” by Ed Moll and Tim Chester. This is a great resource for parents or couples who are new believers or for believing families who have just realized that the Gospel is to define more than just our Sunday routine. This is an easy read with great suggestions, ideas, and illustrations for how we can bring the Gospel home as a way of everyday life and living. An excellent tool for families.

“The Exemplary Husband” by Stuart Scott. This was my second time to read Scott’s book. I read and discussed it with a couple of other guys for accountability and encouragement. Just as with the first read, I was convicted at times, challenged at times, and greatly helped all the time in becoming the kind of husband who loves his wife as Christ loves the church. There is no doubt when a husband reads this book he will realize how far he has to go, however, he will also be given the counsel and tools for how to get there. I would recommend this book to every husband, every engaged man, and every man who thinks he may be a husband one day. Scott takes you to the Scripture, does not allow you to excuse sin, and provides you with a course of action to glorify God in your marriage. Men - read it and most importantly, apply it!

Her Name Shall be Called...

2012-01-27T12:30:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday I preached a message from Psalm 139:13-16 titled “The Truth of Life” as part of our Celebration of Life day. Given the sermon topic, I was able to share ultrasound pictures of our daughter with the congregation. The first picture was our little girl at 8 weeks. Just a little bundle cradled in the womb but already the heartbeat is clearly visible. The second picture was a 3D ultrasound at 18 weeks. You can see amazing detail of her cute little face. (she must take after her daddy!) Seriously, her mother!!!!

It was at this point that I announced to our church family the name Summer and I had chosen for her. I’d like to share it with all of you as well.

Names are important. They remain with you through life. They can be a great guidance through life. I am named after both of my grandfathers. My name, therefore, means a lot to me.

Our daughter’s name is....

Alethia Elisabeth Owens.

(uh-lay-thE-uh) Alethia is a greek word meaning "truth." As in John 14:6 where Jesus said, "I am the way, the alethia, and the life." Our prayer for her is that she would grow to know, love, and share the Truth, Jesus Christ!

Elisabeth (spelled with a "s" instead of a "z" because that's the way Elisabeth Elliot spells her name) Elisabeth Elliot has been an inspiration for missions and for discipleship to so many. Her courage to reach the tribe that martyred her husband is the kind of fearless zeal for Christ we hope to see in our children. Our goal is to expose our children to many heroes of the faith in order to encourage them to pursue their greatest joy, Christ!

Of course, you know where "Owens" comes from.

Alethia Elisabeth Owens. We'll get to meet her in person some time around the first of May!!

We Had a Good Run (1997-2012); Closing Down Search And See

2012-01-24T13:43:00.002-05:00

Our move across country brought about a number of changes in our lives. We found ourselves in a new state, a new community, a new home, a new ministry, a new church, etc. In addition, a change was needed with Search And See in order for us to continue. Since our move from Kentucky to California, we have maintained an office in Kentucky. We have discovered that it is much too difficult to manage. We needed someone to handle our financial bookkeeping and ministry-related tasks near us in the Fresno/Clovis area. After much prayer, advertising, making personal contacts, and receiving a few notes of interest, we have reached a point of decision.

It is time to bring Search And See Ministries to a close. The Lord did not bring someone to us for this position, I simply do not have the time to devote the needed attention, and in order to run efficiently, this position is necessary. With these things in mind, it seems clear that the Lord has directed the Board and I to this decision.

First, let me say how I praise the Lord for the years and the opportunities He has given us. We have always been a very small-scale ministry, and yet the Lord has given us such large opportunities and open doors! It is simply amazing to see how over the past 14 years, Search And See touched so many lives, both in the US and across the world. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Second, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for you, our friends. There is no doubt in my mind, we were given some of the most dependable and faithful financial sponsors and prayer warriors of any ministry on earth. You stood by us through the lean times. You enabled us to reach so many fruitful, God-sized goals. I will always be indebted to you for such sincere and sacrificial support. You have laid up much treasure in heaven through Search And See, and I rejoice with much joy!

Third, you can rest assured that my passions in ministry will continue, just in other avenues. I will continue to pursue missions and overseas partnerships, now through my church instead of through Search And See. I will continue to send forth the proclamation of the Word throughout the world via the internet. I will continue to write books. I will continue to blog and develop resources for evangelism and discipleship. The work will continue for the glory of God.

Fourth, I am pleased to tell you that you may continue to sponsor the ministries for which God has led you through Search And See on your own. In fact, I encourage you to do so. Just because our ministry is unable to continue does not mean that our friends in India, Kenya, and Myanmar no longer need friends in the US to stand with them. So I urge you to prayerfully consider continuing your support to them on your own instead of through Search And See. Each of them are certainly worthy of your continued support.

*If you support orphans or pastors in India, you can begin sending your support to Hopegivers International. You can donate online at www.hopegivers.org or you can mail your support to PO Box 8808, Columbus, GA 31908.

*If you support Pastor John or the other pastors of Kenya, you can wire your support via Western Union to John Unzieni Musiikhu. Then, send Pastor John an email containing the MTCN from your Western Union receipt, along with the $ amount that you sent and the purpose for which you sent it. You can email Pastor John at searchandseeministrieskenya@yahoo.com.

*If you would like to support Pastor Joseph and the students and orphans in Myanmar, you can wire money via Western Union to INDIA to Joseph Bawi Ceu, then email Pastor Joseph with the MTCN from your Western Union receipt, the $ amount, and the purpose for which you sent it. You can email Pastor Joseph at emmanuelministries2012@gmail.com.

Finally, I fully believe when God closes a door, He opens another one. Since He has led us to close Search And See, I can only conclude that He has other plans which will bring about our stated mission to the praise of His glorious grace. “Taking the message of Christ to the ends of the earth” will be accomplished as He promised in His Word.

From this point forward, we ask that you no longer send any funds to Search And See as we are closing down our offices. All monies we hold at this point will be distributed according to their designation. You will receive a year-end donation statement for 2011 and a donation statement for any monies received in 2012. PLEASE KEEP THE 2012 RECEIPT FOR YOUR TAX RETURNS NEXT YEAR AS OUR OFFICE WILL NO LONGER EXIST.

Please stay in touch with us through our sermons, blogs, and tweets found at: www.sermonaudio.com/searchandsee, searchandsee.blogspot.com, and @searchandsee. These titles will change in the future, but will be announced ahead of time so that you can find us. You can also stay in touch through our church’s website, www.clovisevfree.org.

To God Alone Be the Glory!

Wil Owens

President

Search And See

Book Review: Bringing the Gospel Home

2012-01-10T13:41:00.000-05:00

Bringing the Gospel Home: Witnessing to Family Members, Close Friends, and Others Who Know You Well. By Randy Newman. Wheaton: Crossway, 2011.

I don't know of any Christian who hasn't struggled with this issue, and I don't know of any better resource on this issue!

When it comes to witnessing to family members and close friends, Christians generally either clam up and never really witness at all or go to the other extreme and come across with a holier-than-thou attitude. Newman's book brings much balance, encouragement, and insight to the discussion.

Other books on evangelism can tend to be legalistic or manipulative in tone. Bringing the Gospel Home acknowledges the struggles and failures of witnessing at all, much less to family and friends. Newman's tone is encouraging. He grounds the discussion in Scripture, provides tools and suggestions, and then gives examples of those who have put these tools into practice.

Two important strengths: sound theology and insightful advice. The topic of evangelism naturally leans toward practical application. However, sound, biblical theology must inform our practice, and Newman provides a great balance. As far as advice, there is not a single chapter that is not helpful. Personally, learning to patient and consistent, allowing God to move upon hearts and open discussion, and learning how to respond in ways that invite conversation instead of closing a door were all valuable.

I found myself more confident in building relationships and initiating possible future evangelistic opportunities while reading through the book. In fact, my wife and I actually followed through with engaging a family in our neighborhood before I finished the book.

It will not only equip and encourage you in a most difficult area, but it will move you to begin, for some, maybe to begin again. I highly recommend Bringing the Gospel Home to every believer.

The Ultimate Purpose of Mathematics

2011-12-27T17:23:00.002-05:00

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “...He has put eternity into man’s heart...”

There’s something about us that just knows there is more to this life than this life. We have a divine, inherent fingerprint, if you will. Something lies beyond us. There is something more than us that makes “us” valuable. Even the diehard atheist will entertain speculations at times because, well, he just can’t help himself! He can deny God but he can’t erase the fingerprint.

Eternity is there, and we are on our way, each day, breath by breath, to entering into it. That can be a very fearful, daunting thought. Eternity for the believer is going to be everlasting bliss in the presence of God! Amazing. We get the “bliss” part and the “presence of God” part. It’s the “everlasting” part that, while we affirm it to be true, is still very far beyond us, very far beyond our reach. We believe in eternity; we just can’t grasp it. We can’t fathom endlessness. We have only known, tasted, touched, felt, seen that which had a beginning, and to accompany its start, had an ending as well. So eternity is part of our faith statement. We believe, based surely and certainly upon revelation, that we will live forever with the Lord because Christ has purchased our salvation. After death, we will not be dead. After death, we will never know death again. We believe it. We just can’t grasp it because we can’t comprehend it.

That is not to say God hasn’t left us with ways to comprehend eternity, for indeed He has. He has not only placed eternity within us, but He has also placed it right before us, right before our eyes. We deal with eternity every day in the form of an everyday application. God has pictured eternity for us through numbers, through mathematics.

Just think. The addition of numbers never, (did you catch that?), never comes to an end! Mathematics is eternal. Now I don’t know who’s adding the latest numbers but I’m sure through technology and the endless pursuit of useless information, someone, somewhere keeps adding “1” to an ever-growing number. Maybe they have reached 1 hundred, cazillion, dubillion, a billion by now. I don’t know. The point is whatever number man has reached at this point in time, there is ALWAYS room for 1 more number! Numbers never end! Mathematics is eternal.

So right there, right in front of us, with what we use every single day, is a picture of eternity. At least now we have some kind of way to wrap our minds around the ability to have the quality of being endless.

And when we are glorified in the presence of God, we will be endless, eternal, forevermore. There will ALWAYS be room for 1 more year! Numbers NEVER end, and neither do we.

Here’s another thought. Numbers go both ways. Numbers can go on for eternity in the negative realm. Ever wonder how God could “be” but never have a “be”ginning? Maybe we can understand something that never has an ending, but what do you do with something that never had a beginning? In other words, what do you do with God?

Well, He has given us numbers, mathematics, to help fathom His eternality. Numbers can go in reverse and never reach the starting number. They just keep going. There is ALWAYS room for 1 more negative number. In the same way, there has ALWAYS been room for God. He has no beginning, no starting point. He has always been and He will always be!

I suggest that the ultimate purpose of mathematics is not to keep financial order, not to increase scientific discovery (although both of those are wonderful gifts of mathematics), etc., etc. The ultimate purpose of mathematics is the glory of God, for as numbers are endless, so God has given us a means to fathom His boundless existence and our unending existence. Mathematics picture eternity. Mathematics is for the glory of God!

39 Years and Holding!....or Clinging?

2011-12-21T18:19:00.002-05:00

Last week I turned 39 years old. My wife so lovingly reminded me, “This is the last year you will be in the 30s!” Yikes.

When you say, I’m “x” number of years old and “holding,” exactly what are you holding? Of course, we all know what that means. It expresses what we come to realize more and more the older we become. Time really does fly, and try as you may, you can’t slow it down. You can’t “hold” time. You can’t “hold” days, months, years. They whiz by. They come. They go. And they are usually in a hurry!

I’m old enough now to be well aware of my own mortality, so when I say “holding” I’m not being delusional. In truth, I’m not referring to time at all. When I say that I am now 39 and holding, I’m holding on to something far more precious and lasting than time on earth.

What am I holding? At 39, I’m holding onto 39 years jammed packed with GRACE! For 39 years the Lord has been overwhelming in His kindness, mercy, goodness, and grace toward me in Christ.

There has not been one single day of my life that I received what I deserved (mercy)! On the other hand, there has not been a single day of my life that I did not receive far more than I deserve (grace)! Life has been good because God is good. I’ve lived. I’ve breathed. I’ve loved. I’ve hurt. I’ve grown. I’ve been kept. I’ve been helped. I’ve been, and I’ve been for 39 years!

The most surprising of all the events in my life, surpassing the unexplainable good gifts and common grace, is that God, in sovereign, holy salvation, opened my eyes to behold His Son, wakened my dead heart out of my sin, and granted me faith to believe and repentance to turn. In short, He lavished me with saving grace, does so each day, and will continue to do so forevermore.

Because of Christ’s work on my behalf and God’s application of His work to me, now there will NEVER be a single day of my everlasting life that I will receive what I deserve, and there will NEVER be a single day of my everlasting life that I will not receive more than I deserve.

39 years and holding...onto 39 years of grace.

Still better, 39 years and clinging...to Christ!

Book Review: Just Do Something

2011-12-20T13:02:00.001-05:00

Just Do Something. By Kevin DeYoung. Chicago: Moody, 2009.

The subtitle to DeYoung’s book is classic: “How to make a decision without dreams, visions, fleeces, impressions, open doors, random Bible verses, casting lots, liver shivers, writing in the sky, etc.” DeYoung makes sure the reader gets the point!

Just Do Something is a call to trust and obey instead of wasting time, being anxious, and/or becoming paralyzed by trying to discover some mysterious, hidden word from God that directly answers such questions as where to live, what job to take, where to go to college, etc.

DeYoung explains that the “will” of God usually fits into one of three categories. First, there is the hidden will of God that refers to His sovereign rule of the universe. We do not always understand or perceive God’s providence over His creation, but we know that He is working all things to His glory and the good of His people. Second, there is the revealed will of God that is the Scripture. In God’s Word we find His will for our lives and our salvation. Third, there is the “will” of God, by which we mean, “What does God want me to do in this particular situation?” What is His will for my life in regards to....?

The Bible is clear that God’s will is our sanctification (1 Thess 4:3, 5:16-18). DeYoung exhorts his readers not to get bogged down in trying to “discover” God’s hidden plan for going Route A or Route B. God is not keeping His will “fuzzy” so that we remain confused and stagnant, never really growing in our faith or maturing in our walk with Him. Rather, He has given us guidelines in His Word on how to approach these decisions in life. We are to walk in wisdom; we are to do something.

Through Scripture, godly counsel, and prayer, we should move forward in decision-making and living, seeking to glorify the Lord with our lives. In addition, DeYoung encourages men not to get caught up in today’s trend of delayed adolescence. His wise advice: get a job and get married. Essentially, grow up.

I really appreciate DeYoung’s work. Many believers fall into this way of thinking because they sincerely are concerned with pleasing the Lord. Many may use this as more of an excuse for their lax approach to faith. Either way, Just Do Something helps clear the fog. God’s purpose for us is that we may glorify Him. It’s not that He doesn’t care where we work. Rather, He is far more concerned with how we work. That’s the major issue with finding God’s will for our lives.

Whether you eat or drink, or go to college, get married, buy a home, settle on a vocation, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). Just do something. One of my favorite lines from the book is on page 42. DeYoung concludes the chapter, “So we can stop pleading with God to show us the future, and start living and obeying like we are confident that He holds the future.” Amen.

Great resource for High School and College students and the rest of us who are “stuck” in a crossroads or decision.

Recommendation for 2012 Bible Reading

2011-12-15T13:54:00.003-05:00

Are you planning to read through the Bible in 2012? If not, I encourage you to prayerfully consider doing so. What a thrill to take in all of God’s written revelation to us over the course of a year.

In addition, I would highly recommend to you the ESV Study Bible. For 2011 I have been reading through this Bible, following the reading plan found in the Appendices. I have read through the Bible each year since I was 15, but I have actually never read through a study Bible before. It was very informative, encouraging everyday, and challenging some days, but it has been a blessing to me.

I have found the articles, book intros, genre intros, study notes, maps, diagrams, all to be very well-balanced, evangelical scholarship. If you read through this study Bible, taking in all of the helps offered, you will have essentially taken a seminary-level course in Biblical Theology, especially the articles found in the front, middle, and back of the Bible. The notes are very helpful as well. The hard, controversial passages are dealt with fairly and with quality biblical reasoning.

Don’t let all this talk of theology and seminary scare you away though. All of the helps are accessible to the lay reader. It’s an excellent study for those with biblical knowledge, and I would also suggest it’s an excellent resource for the new believer who is hungry to digest as much about the Bible as possible.

Whether you choose to read a study Bible or not, let us plan now to spend 2012 with God in His precious Word!

Book Recommendation for 2012

2011-12-13T12:23:00.001-05:00

I highly recommend Operation World for your 2012 reading list!

OW is a collection on historical, political, missional, and spiritual data on every country in our world. Placing the nations in alphabetical order, the book is arranged according to the calendar year. So for example, on January 1 the reading will be about a nation that begins with the letter “A” and so on until December 31.

By the time you reach the end of the year, you will have become acquainted with every nation. More importantly, you will be informed about the history and current status of Christianity in each nation, the current news of persecution, the ways the Gospel is going forth, and how to pray for the believers, unbelievers, and mission endeavors for that nation. In short, this is an incredible resource. In particular OW was helpful in the following ways to me personally.

By reading about other nations, OW helped me gain a global perspective. I became aware of and prayed for countries I never knew existed.
I was encouraged to learn about the many means and organizations being used by God to spread His Gospel and His glory among the nations. On the other hand, I was challenged to pray for the peoples who have less access and more cultural religious barriers to the Good News. I rejoiced in God’s work and I pled for God’s work among the nations.
OW became a constant in our family devotions. First, I would announce the particular nation and our kids would find it on the globe. Second, I would share a few facts about the country and the church in that nation. Finally, we would all pray for that nation and people during our family prayer time. It proved to be an enjoyable way to help our family become missions-oriented.

Grab a copy before January 1 and enjoy getting to know about God’s global purposes and getting involved in it!

Search and See Update - Dec '11

2011-12-08T15:08:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! This update is going to be brief because it’s Christmas, and just like you, we are busy!!!

Sermon Ministry - 352 downloads in 25 States and 12 Nations last month! Our broadcast continues in Liberia.
20 Bibles and 4 Books were mailed to Pastor Joseph and the students last month!
I hope to get one of my books to the publisher soon.
We are still praying for the Lord to provide a volunteer OR a full-time missionary who would raise support. This individual would be responsible for maintaining our financial records, developing a website, and improving our relationships with our partner-ministries abroad. We are calling this position our Executive Director of Ministries. This not only involves behind-the-scenes, clerical tasks but can be as much hands-on as the person desires. For example, this individual could organize and lead mission teams to our partner destinations. If you would like to work for a ministry that is currently touching the Islam, Hindu, and Buddhist world, please contact us at searchandsee@att.net.

And a personal announcement: We found out we are having a girl!!!!!! My Christmas present came early!

Thank you for standing with us in prayer, friendship, and support.

To God be the Glory!

Merry Christmas!

Wil Owens

President

Search And See

All I Want For Christmas...

2011-12-07T17:57:00.001-05:00

I already have my two front teeth. Well almost, one of them is a false tooth. So what do I want for Christmas? My answer this year is not the usual “peace on earth” or “for all the children of the world to be_____.” Those certainly are praiseworthy Christmas wishes. Just because they are spoken often does not make them trite. They are just not what I wanted for Christmas this year.

I have to admit what I wanted for Christmas was much more “selfish?” maybe? than those wishes. And no, by selfish I do not mean that I am wanting some kind of trinket or the latest gadget. A 3D TV is not on my list, at all. Neither is an IPad, IPhone, or whatever else you can put after “I” these days. I’m not necessarily against those things. They are not evil or bad in and of themselves. In fact, I have a MacBook and an IPhone. I’m just saying what I wanted for Christmas this year has nothing to do with a commercial item. I do not want a “thing” for Christmas this year.

Now, I have to confess! I’ve already unwrapped my gift. So I know what it is, and it is just what I wanted!!!!!! Before you charge me with impatience, I didn’t sneak and unwrap this gift while no one was watching. In fact, I didn’t really unwrap the gift at all. Someone else unwrapped it, and I was there and saw it! It was awesome! Perfect. Just like I had wanted. Just like I had prayed for.

Can you guess?

My wife and I went for an ultrasound this morning, and through the gift of modern technology, right before our eyes, we saw the most awesome, precious gift imaginable for Christmas. We saw our little girl! There she was all snug in her little comfortable chamber. Waving, moving, squirming - living. There she was. Healthy. Growing.

Yes, my Christmas present came early this year. All I wanted for Christmas was to know what we were having and if “she” was ok. Thank You Lord for such a precious gift. Thank You for another daughter, another child, another gift, another blessing, another bundle of joy.

Expecting a child during this Christmas season sure helps keep our focus on what Christmas is really all about. The greatest gift ever given was a child, The Child, the Son of God. Glory to God!

Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...

Parenting Between the Pitfalls of Legalism and Abandonment

2011-11-30T18:37:00.001-05:00

The last thing Christian parents want is to see their children become little legalists or resistant to the Gospel. How we parent, how we raise, train, and discipline our children may be pointing them in one of those two dreadful destinations.

First, the Christian parent has to become aware that discipline is not an option. Our culture decries punitive discipline as abuse and out-dated. No doubt, there are plenty of examples of how not to discipline, but poor parenting is not a reason to not discipline at all. Society may call discipline unloving, but the Bible teaches that to not discipline is in fact unloving (Prov 13:24). Not every act of rebellion or disobedience should be met with corporal punishment, but neither should the home be void of loving, corrective corporal punishment.

That being said, most Christian parents are familiar with how to mete out discipline in a loving manner. Whether spanking, a firm talk, or time-out, discipline should not be done out of anger. Parents need to take the time to explain to the child why he is being punished. That’s great advice that should be followed, but we can’t stop our corrective parenting there.

If all we do is communicate the wrong done that justifies the punishment, we are only drawing moral lines, lines of sin and consequence. That’s a good thing, but not if that’s as far as we go. If the child only learns that a set of rules exists in the Bible and if you cross them, you get punished, he won’t likely embrace the Author! More than likely, if all he knows is that if I get caught, I get in trouble, he will either grow up a legalist or abandon the faith altogether as soon as he gets out of the home.

As Christian parents, we must practice redemptive discipline, Gospel-centered discipline. In other words, you not only explain to a child they are receiving punishment because he has done wrong, you explain to your child why he has done wrong. Explain sin. Explain that sin carries consequences. Explain that you, the parent, are a sinner too. Explain that God loves them and they need salvation. Explain that God has sent us a Savior to die for our sin, and if we trust in Christ, we can be forgiven. Explain that you love them and are helping them learn about sin, consequences, forgiveness, and salvation.

Redemptive discipline seeks to get behind the wrong done to the reason the wrong was done and the only hope we have to save us from our deepest problem, sin.

Parents, if we love our children, we will discipline them. If we desire to see them embrace Christ, we will strive to discipline in a redemptive, Gospel-centered manner. May we point our children to Christ and their need of Him!

Book Review: The Hope of Glory

2011-11-29T18:20:00.001-05:00

The Hope of Glory: 100 Meditations on Colossians. By Sam Storms. Wheaton: Crossway, 2007.

When I began preaching through the book of Colossians at our church, one of elders suggested that I may want to read Hope of Glory as I prepare my sermons. I am so thankful that he did and that I took his advice!

Hope of Glory is different from any other devotional type book that I have read. First, it is thoroughly exegetical. Storms walks through Colossians verse-by-verse, explaining and applying the truths contained in this great epistle. Second, it is doctrinal. Storms does not shy away from topics or passages which may be difficult, but rather he points out relevant information from language or other sources. He also states his reasons for why he prefers one interpretation over another. Third, it is practical. Storms moves beyond observation of the text to application. Fourth, it is enjoyable! I learned more about Paul and about this letter by reading Storms’ meditations, but it was not just an intellectual exercise. It was a joy to read. I found myself meditating on Storms’ meditations!

If you are interested in studying Colossians or are looking for Bible study helps, I would highly recommend Hope of Glory.

Giving Thanks after Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T14:45:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone again but our giving of thanks should never be absent from our hearts, prayers, and lips. In Colossians 3:15-17, Paul calls on believers to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, and to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. What is interesting to note is how Paul ties these commands together. They are not isolated, unrelated Christian duties. They have a common root, a common source: thanksgiving. Paul concludes the three commands of vv15-17 by calling us to thanksgiving. In v15 he writes, “be thankful.” In v16 he writes, “with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” In v17 he writes, “giving thanks to God.” We can rightly deduce then that a spirit of thanksgiving stirs us toward letting the peace of Christ rule, letting the word of Christ dwell, and approaching life in the Lord’s name.

Thanksgiving then accomplishes more than we once thought. It accomplishes more than just “being thankful,” and that is very important. A constant spirit of gratitude to God enables us to live out our faith, to display the supremacy of Christ in all things. Practicing thanksgiving produces a humble, holy attitude within us, enabling us to then live thankfully. It’s not easy to let the peace of Christ rule in times of turmoil and tension. It is not second nature for the word of Christ to dwell in us richly. It is certainly not natural for us to pursue life by taking care that every action and every word bring glory to Christ. Thanksgiving brings those Christian virtues to our attention and to our hearts.

Being thankful, for everything, all the time is one way that we grow in the joy of our salvation. So let’s get busy giving thanks! Here are a few ways I have tried to implement consistent thanksgiving into my life.

(1) I write down praises and thanksgiving in my prayer and life journal each day. Each day, I list at least one answer to prayer or praise report or thanksgiving. The greatest benefits I have discovered so far are that this helps me not forget to praise God for the things I’ve asked God for and it helps me not forget to thank God for the things I usually take for granted! (2) When I pray, I make sure I have a time of thanksgiving in my personal prayer time. (3) Thanksgiving Day - I’ve made it a practice to sit down with a sheet of paper and list, one by one, the things that I should be thankful for, whether material, physical, spiritual, or personal; whether good or bad, I practice being thankful for everything I can remember over the previous year because it has all come to me through the hand of my Father in heaven, and I want to give Him thanks.

If we desire to show that Christ is far supreme,

it first begins with a holy attitude.

To display His worth above all things,

has its impetus in humble gratitude.

A Lesson on Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T12:17:00.001-05:00

I’d like to share with you how God taught me a fresh lesson on thanksgiving in recent days.

My day usually begins about 5am with me sitting in my recliner spending time with the Lord. Some time around 7am one of my children, usually Haddon, comes into the room. It’s not long until he will say, “Daddy, I’m hungry. Can you fix me breakfast?” I always reply, “Sure. Wait just a minute.” Then when I reach a stopping point, I’ll go prepare breakfast for both of them. It’s always a joy to do so.

Not long ago, Haddon and I started going through this same routine. However, this time would be much different. Haddon asked for breakfast, and I was up headed to the pantry to grab a box of cereal. Somewhere between my hand being on the doorknob of the pantry and on the box of Fruit Loops, the Lord struck me. It was a crushing blow that was good for me!

The Lord reminded me that I had returned from Myanmar recently. While there I learned that at least once every week, sometimes twice a week, Pastor Joseph has no food for his family, staff, students, and orphans. He has a little son too, whose name is Jedidiah. I imagined that in the mornings, Jedidiah comes to his father and says, “Daddy, I’m hungry. Can you fix me breakfast?” At least once or twice a week Pastor Joseph knows there is nothing “in the pantry” to reach for. I can see him taking little Jedidian into his arms, maybe rubbing his growling stomach, and saying, “Son, we’re not going to eat today. We’re going to pray and worship the Lord. Should the Lord see fit, we will eat tomorrow.”

I was hit with blunt force as I pulled the cereal box off the shelf. I have never had to tell my children that we were not going to eat that day. That’s not to say we haven’t seen some hard times. I’ve been known to stretch a gallon of milk way past the expiration date! I know what it is to wonder if I could buy groceries next week. However, there has never been a day that we didn’t have anything to eat at all.

I made sure that day to sit and talk with my children before they prayed their blessing. We talked about God granting us food, and that sometimes God may withhold such blessings. Some, like little Jedidiah, may not have breakfast today. I was able to share with them that we are going to be thankful for our bowl of cereal today, and should there come a day when we don’t have a bowl of cereal, we’re going to be thankful then too!

I poured those bowls of cereal in a different way that morning. I pray I never pour a bowl of cereal again without that same grateful attitude.

Be thankful today!

Local Church Membership in the NT: Practice and Process

2011-11-23T17:42:00.001-05:00

Have you ever heard someone reason, “I am part of Christ’s church. I don’t have to be a member of a local church” or “I don’t see membership classes or covenants in the Bible. I don’t have to do those things”?

The distinction between practice of membership and the process of practicing membership is where some people struggle with local church membership. If people can’t really see how the process of membership fits with the NT, then they’re not fully persuaded they should “join” a church or are even convinced that joining is unnecessary. The NT practice of membership that we clearly see makes the process of membership necessary.

The NT church clearly practiced local church membership because individuals believers were recognized as part of the church, and those same individuals could be removed from the church. In addition, we know the NT church had a process of receiving members and removing members because they had the practice of receiving and removing members. By process I mean this: somehow a new believer in Ephesus, who professed and evidenced faith, would know that he was officially recognized and received by his neighborhood church. He would go through some type of “process” whereby the church at Ephesus “received” him. He would then be completely aware of his standing with the church as would the church be aware of his standing with the body. The practice is described and prescribed in the NT, but the process is not. We don’t know “how” the churches officially received and officially removed members, we only know that they did.

Why is that? Why is the process not described or prescribed in the NT? I believe the answer to that question is that each church has the liberty to practice membership according to its own context and situation. In other words, an underground church in China may practice membership in a different way than our local church practices membership. So we have a different “process” but we both “practice” local church membership. Each church is called to practice membership, but the way they practice membership, that is, the process, may be different. The Bible teaches us to practice membership, the process of how we go about doing that is left to each local church.

At CEFC, we have a 7 step process of becoming a member. (1) A Membership Class (2) A Membership Application (3) Review of applications by the elders (4) A follow-up contact with the prospect by an elder (5) Approval of prospects by the elders and submission of names to the congregation (6) Time for congregants to know future members (7) Receiving new members into the faith family by affirming their profession of faith via church-wide vote.

(Why do we have such an extensive process? Mainly because we are serious about watching over the souls of others. Heb 13:17)

I know of some churches that have a very different process of receiving members. An individual simply informs the pastor at the conclusion of a service that he is a believer and desires to join the church. After brief conversation, the pastor then asks the church to welcome this brother by way of vote. That’s it. Very simple.

The point is that both churches practice membership because the practice of membership is clearly in the NT. You may question whether our process is too long or whether the latter example is too short. The point is we both practice membership even though we have a very different process of doing so. Again, the NT practice of membership makes the process of membership necessary.

If you have questioned whether or not you should join a local church, I would encourage you to do so. By having a “process” of membership in place, your local congregation is simply trying to implement what it sees as a clear NT practice.

If you are a pastor who does not emphasize membership to any significant degree, I would encourage you to take a fresh look at how the NT describes local church life. Some form of official membership is evident when one examines the relation between leaders and members, the clear line of distinction between those within the fellowship and those without, and the accountability exhibited within the church body.

The practice is clearly there. Let’s embrace a healthy “process” to put the practice in place!

Book Review: What is a Healthy Church Member?

2011-11-21T15:06:00.001-05:00

Recently our church set aside one Sunday as a “Membership Celebration Day.” This was not a last minute idea but rather the culmination of several major moves that God has used to direct us. First, before I came to serve CEFC as Teaching Pastor, the church adopted a Philosophy of Ministry. This foundational document contains 13 principles upon which the church will be directed. “A Biblical Understanding of Membership” is point number 7. Second, shortly after I arrived, I asked our elders to join me in a study of church membership, and so we read Leeman’s “Surprising Offence of God’s Love.” Third, as part of our study, we discussed ways to foster understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the local body. Fourth, during this time, we promoted and offered a new membership class for any visitors interested in membership, any long-time attenders who had never formally joined, and we included all of our high school students.

God used all of these components to build an excitement and value for local church membership within our fellowship. As a result, we planned a “Membership Celebration.” It was a real marker in the life and direction of our church. I preached a message on membership from Hebrews 13:17. We introduced 23 new members to our congregation. All of them were introduced by their shepherd, and in turn, each prospective member shared with the congregation why the Lord had brought them to our faith family. All of our members, existing and prospective, read our “Membership Covenant” together. Then, our church body voted to receive the candidates as our brothers and sisters in Christ. To conclude the morning service, we sang “The Church’s One Foundation” together. I was absolutely elated to partake in such a ceremony of community with my local church family. However, the day of “membership” was not over. We returned that evening for a matter of business and for each shepherd group to gather for fellowship and prayer. A full, complete day of recognizing membership, appreciating membership, and practicing membership.

Now here is where the book review begins:

As people exited our worship facility after the morning celebration, each family unit was given a copy of What is a Healthy Church Member? by Thabiti M. Anyabwile. I cannot imagine a better resource to help nurture an environment of healthy membership than this book. I look forward to hearing and seeing the many positive results as our church family begins to read and apply the lessons Thabiti shares in this little, practical, profitable work.

Healthy Church Member is essentially applying Dever’s 9 Marks of a Healthy Church to each individual believer within the local church. After discussing how we as members can implement the 9 Marks in our lives, Thabiti adds the mark of prayer. It is a fitting and wise addition.

As I announced to our church body that we would be giving copies of this book to them, I exhorted them by saying, “Healthy churches are composed of healthy church members.” It’s true. We can pursue a healthy church to no success if we are not a people who are also pursuing biblical health in our own personal lives.

I highly recommend this book to every believer. It’s an easy read in terms of readability. It’s a lifelong read in terms of application to life and benefit to the church.

Pastors, get this one, read it, and pass out as many copies as you can to your flock!

Why I Believe and Embrace the Doctrine of Election

2011-11-18T16:42:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday our church studied Col 3:12-17 together. It gave me the opportunity to share with our fellowship why I believe and embrace the doctrine of election. The following are some of the thoughts I shared on Paul’s opening words in v12 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.”

Paul slightly mentions the massive reason we are making such a drastic change of spiritual clothes, which is also our motivation for doing so. Why are we forsaking and fighting the sinful pleasures and selfish attitudes of this world (vv5-11) while pursuing and desiring God-centered, self-denying virtues that extol Christ (vv12-14)? The answer for why we are bagging up our old clothes and getting fitted for our new ones and for why we delight to do so is contained in the two phrases: “as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved” Election and what it means explains why we love our new outfits!

The word “chosen” is the same word that is sometimes translated “elect.” This text is not an explanation of election but rather a description of some of the glorious implications of election. I believe in election because you find it throughout the whole Bible. Therefore I believe it and I seek to understand it as best I can. As I gain understanding of it, I pray to embrace it, no matter what difficulties I encounter emotionally or logically as I work through connecting this doctrine with all of God’s revelation. I delight to embrace the doctrine of election because God, in His wisdom, grace, and goodness, chose for His salvation of sinners to include His divine, free, sovereign election of sinners to salvation in His Son. It must therefore be for His glory and for the good of His people because that’s the ultimate purposes for everything He does.

In Col 3:12, Paul’s purpose is not to teach on election but to point out how it serves to motivate us. Election enables us to love our new clothes. Motivation for our new outfits comes in part by seeing what election means for the individual believer. What does election imply? Paul answers in the following phrase, “holy and beloved.” Election means that God has made you “holy.” God has set you apart for Himself, to enjoy Him, to glorify Him, to serve Him, to know Him. It also means that you are “beloved” by God. God has poured out His unending love upon you, by His own initiative not based upon anything good about you. He did this knowing you would be a sinner. He did this while you were still a sinner. If you will just think for a moment on election, not trying to figure it out, to defend it, or to deny it, but just to reflect on what it means. Oh how we would want to wear our new clothes if we knew what election means for us who are in Christ! This new wardrobe means I belong to Him! I have been changed by Him! I am loved by Him! He chose me.

Have you examined this new wardrobe carefully? Compassion is not easy to put on. Kindness, humility, meekness, and patience - none of those are easy to put on. We spend so much of our Christian lives staring at our new wardrobe, finding it too difficult to try on or not really wanting to try it on. Paul says, “Just think dear Christian, you have been chosen by God!” As undeserving and sinful and wayward and stubborn and ungodly as we are, God has chosen to save us and grant us eternal life in His glorious presence. Meditation on your personal election by God only fosters tremendous humility and thankfulness. As a result, you find yourself reaching out, grasping that cloak of compassion, and trying it on for size.

Are You Interested in Missions?

2011-11-14T15:54:00.001-05:00

Are you passionate about missions but do not feel led to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary, rather view your calling as one of supporting the Gospel around the world?
Would you be interested in serving a missions organization that equips believers in Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist countries?
Are you gifted in administration, organization, dealing with numbers, internet, and technologies?
Could you envision yourself not only taking care of routine tasks but also taking leadership in developing and enhancing current ministries?
Do you live or would you be willing to live in the Fresno/Clovis CA area?
Can you donate your time to this kind of ministry OR would you be willing to raise support in order to serve full-time?
Would you enjoy preparing teams and leading teams overseas for mission endeavors?
Would it excite you to witness firsthand how God supplies for orphans, students, and pastors around the world on a daily basis?
Are you willing to commit to a local body of believers in conjunction with this ministry opportunity?
Does working for a non-profit ministry that focuses on missions, discipleship, and resources interest you?

If you can answer “YES” to most or all of the above questions, then God may be calling you to serve as Executive Director of Ministries at Search And See Ministries!

We are currently seeking God’s will and direction for this position. If you have any questions or interest, please contact us through email: searchandsee@att.net.

Book Review: Apparent Privilege

2011-11-11T16:57:00.001-05:00

Apparent Privilege. By Steve Wright with Chris Graves. Wake Forest: Inquest, 2008.

Apparent Privilege is Wright’s follow-up work to ReThink. In ReThink Wright lays a biblical foundation for a partnership between families and the church in student ministry. Parents are to be the primary disciple-makers of their children. The church’s role is first to equip and train parents and then to reinforce parental involvement and instruction throughout the student ministry. Wright calls upon student leaders to ReThink student ministry and adopt a more biblical methodology, that is, one that elevates parents instead of dismissing them or taking discipleship of their children from them.

Apparent Privilege is Wright’s call to parents. Much of the material is the same because he is essentially sharing with parents what he has shared with leaders in ReThink. However, AP goes further. Wright outlines specific examples of how his church encourages and equips parents to fulfill their role. Wright focuses on the tools and importance of things like family worship, praying as a family, serving as a family, passage trips, journaling, journey days, and family dinnertime. Imagine what a visible difference would be made if parents and student leaders adopted just some of these Gospel-driven opportunities!

Every parent should read this book NOW! Every student leader should read both ReThink and Apparent Privilege.

Families should not replace the church, but they should not be neglected, overlooked, and segregated by the church either. Let us join together, families and the church, to see our children embrace the glorious Gospel of Christ and live it out with joy throughout life. Let’s close the gap on watching our students graduate from God when they graduate high-school. The biblical way is for parents to pass down the faith, the church to lift up parents by helping them fulfill their role, and both presenting and living the Gospel before our students.

The Sanctifying Effect of Foreign Missions

2011-11-10T14:28:00.001-05:00

I have just recently returned home from a short-term foreign mission trip. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love going on these trips. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve traveled to foreign soil for the purpose of missions, probably somewhere between 12 and 15. I’ve never been on one of these trips without coming away from it having been greatly impacted in some way. However, this past trip was a little different. I couldn’t help but notice a clear absence of culture shock. When our plane landed at our final destination and we met up with our hosts, it all seemed so normal. Even though I had never been to this particular country, the scenery, the accommodations, the context, it was all so familiar. That can be good. Being on foreign soil and having a sense of being “at home” is a good thing. However, it can be “not so good” if engaging in missions becomes so familiar that it loses its force and impact. It is for this reason I am thankful for a few things connected with foreign missions that always have a sanctifying effect upon me.

First, I am reminded of the brevity of my own life while preparing for and taking a missions trip in a striking way that surfaces sharper than with any other activity in my life. I have my own little anxieties and “phobias” that I deal with and pray through each and every time, particularly flying, a foreign mission trip itself, and acts of terror. I know it’s ridiculous. I know statistics are more likely that I won’t make it home from work than that I won’t make it home from a missions trip. (In making that statement, I don’t want to be misleading. There are plenty of missionaries around the world who are putting their lives on the line for the Gospel every day) But for some reason, leaving for a missions trip always makes me ask, “What if I don’t come back?” I refuse to let these anxieties paralyze me. By the grace and strength of the Lord, I will not quit going on mission trips because of flying, dangers, or terror. I pray through those things, I give them to God, and I go. However, going through those fears forces me to stop my busy life and take note of my soul before God! It is always a refreshing time of bearing my soul, my sins, and my life before my Creator and Savior. I’m thankful for those little “phobias.” They keep me coming back to God in total surrender, trust, and faith.

Second, foreign missions places the sovereignty of God before me like no other activity in my life. My issue with flying may be a control deal. I don’t know. I do know this—when I sit down in my seat and the plane begins to taxi down the runway, I am forced to admit my life is totally, completely in the hands of my Father. Yes, it’s true, my life is always in the hands of God, but it’s never more clear to me than when on mission (or flying). Will I make it home? I must trust God. How about my wife and kids back home? Who will watch over them while I’m gone? Who will take care of them if I don’t return? The answer comes down to my loving, faithful, wise, sovereign Father! What will happen when we reach the field? What will be our assignments and opportunities? Only God knows! If you doubt the sovereignty of God, just go on a mission trip! The sanctifying effect comes when I am able to rest from all of my little fears because I can leave them with my sovereign Savior. He always knows best and always acts for His glory and my good. When I reach that point somewhere on my trip, I rest in Him, and it is good.

Third, the vast and various reach of the Gospel becomes ever so clear to me when I am on foreign soil. I read about missions, practically daily through Operation World, the Joshua Project, VOM, NTM, and other internet sources. I know some of what God is doing around the world. However, nothing replaces seeing it unfold firsthand. Last month I found myself standing in a rice field, located far off the main road where it was hidden, down a washed-out path, right in the middle of a remarkable ministry that began just 6 years ago. A church, an orphanage, and a seminary all tucked away in this little, unknown, green corner of God’s world. And unknown to most of the world, this little ministry is making a significant impact for the Gospel. That is just one example of how God is doing billions of works, in all kinds of places, in all kinds of ways, to move His Gospel to the ends of the earth. It is a glorious, sanctifying experience to stand in the middle of such a Gospel-soaked, God-honoring ministry and see the hand of God.

I’m thankful for the work God accomplishes in me when I “go” for Him!

Take a short-term mission trip this year. Even better, commit your life to missions full time. Missions tends to have a tremendous sanctifying effect!

Search and See Ministries - November 2011 Update

2011-11-07T17:12:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! I pray this update finds you well and growing in the knowledge and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, and we have so much to be thankful for at Search and See Ministries! We are thankful for a successful, blessed mission trip last month. We are thankful for each opportunity the Lord opens for us through our mission partnerships, internet ministry, resources, etc. We are so thankful for every one of our prayer and financial supporters. How blessed we are to have such faithful friends.

Please take note of the following updates and an urgent prayer request.

Sermon Ministry - 280 downloads in 20 States and 11 Nations. Continue to broadcast in Liberia twice each week as well.
If you support a pastor in Kenya, it is time to renew your support, if you do so on an annual basis.
We will be shipping the ESV Study Bibles to the graduates in Myanmar this week, 11/6!

Urgent Prayer Request: Please join us in prayer for a very crucial matter. As we transition to CA, we need someone to volunteer or raise their support to be our Executive Director. This individual would be responsible for all of our bookkeeping and can also help improve all of our existing ministries. Without such an assistant, we will not be able to continue this ministry. If it is God's will for us to continue, He will provide. Please pray with us. If you feel led to inquire about this position, please feel free to contact us at searchandsee@att.net.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wil Owens

Gal 2.20

I'm Just Not a Cool Pastor

2011-10-27T18:05:00.002-04:00

I have a confession to make. I’m never gonna make it as a “cool” pastor in regard to what seems to be “cool” in today’s culture. There are several reasons why. First, I simply can’t wear skinny jeans. Honestly, seriously, I cannot wear skinny jeans! It’s an entirely undoable task for me. It seems to require too much effort to put them on and looks incredibly uncomfortable having them on. Second, I’m not going to shop for my shirts in the women’s department. Call me fundamentalist, old-fashioned, dinosaur, or whatever you want to call me. I just believe pastors should not capitulate to our current cultural trends of blurring gender lines. Third, I’ll never have a $300 salon-groomed hairstyle. Even though my church provides me with a gracious salary, I still cut my own hair with Wal-mart clippers. I know, it doesn’t look great, but it’s free.

As far as “coolness” goes though, I’m glad that it doesn’t bother me that I’m lacking on the “coolness” chart. It’s not my goal. It’s nowhere on my radar. Frankly, I’m delighted that is the case for a number of reasons.

If I were striving to be cool, achieving “coolness” would cost me far more than I am willing to spend. It’s costly monetarily to keep up with trendy wear. Even if it’s easily affordable, money spent to keep me “cool” could be spent in ways of far greater eternal value.

If I were striving to be cool, I fear my world would begin to revolve around me instead of having the proper priorities of God, family, others, and then me.

If I were striving to be cool, I fear I would begin to believe that in terms of my communication as a pastor, relevance would be centered on my appearance rather than exposition of and reliance upon God’s Word.

If I were striving to be cool, I fear that I would become my own idol, seeking the appreciation of others toward my “coolness” rather than viewing myself as a servant of the Word, a feeder of the flock, who delights in watching people grow in the faith, not in the growth of my own little fan base.

If I were striving to be cool, I fear that the effort put forth to make sure that I am constantly “hip” would interfere to a large degree with what should be my aim, namely, to pursue “holiness.”

Can a pastor be “cool” and holy? Maybe. Can one be trendy in clothes, appearance, lingo and still remain in serious pursuit of godliness? I’m not saying it is impossible, but it is surely very difficult to strike the right balance of pursuing godliness internally when everything externally is so absorbed in culture. So can it be done? Again, possibly. But you are probably going to wear yourself out if your aim in life is to be both.

The question comes down to this: what matters the most in terms of eternal value, lasting impact upon God’s people, and satisfying joy for your own soul? Being hip? Or being holy? Jesus calls us to the latter, not the former (Matt 5:48). The Bible calls us to the latter, not the former (Heb 12:14). And when life crumbles, when life is coming to an end, when life hangs on the cliff of eternity, our people will hunger for the latter, not the former. Be holy, dear pastor. “Coolness” never lasts.

Waiting.......and NOT Expecting.

2011-10-24T16:08:00.002-04:00

In a recent post, I spoke of how my wife and I had been waiting for some time to have another child, and that now, we are expecting. I shared how the time of waiting and the joy of realizing God had blessed our home in this way again demonstrated once again the sovereignty and goodness of God. My purpose in this blog is to address how believers can respond when we wait and wait and are not expecting.

I know of couples who deeply desire children and are unable to have them. I also know of couples who waited for years and when all seemed hopeless, even after heartbreaking miscarriages, God gave them children. Either way, the inability to have children when the desire is present to do so can be a difficult strain on marriage, a trying test of faith, and paralyzing when facing other issues in life. There are real questions that couples face in these circumstances. I’d like to offer some hopeful counsel to couples in this situation by listing a few possible questions and answers that may arise. I wholeheartedly believe and trust that if we bring Scripture to bear on our concerns, we can find comfort and contentment. So here are a few Q and As.

Why do we have the desire for children if we are not going to be able to have a baby? The desire for children is a God-given, good desire. God created us to participate with Him in creation, to procreate. Having the desire for children, then, is a godly desire. Although we have godly desires, that does not necessitate their fulfillment. God is pleased when we desire His blessing of children but we must also know that God is all-wise. If He is withholding children from us, we must pray for the faith to believe and trust that He is working all things for our good. We must also guard against becoming enslaved to this desire to the point of being completely unsatisfied and unfulfilled unless we have a child. God’s gifts, whether given or withheld, are meant to lift our eyes to Him in praise not to turn our hearts away from Him in unbelief.

Is it wrong to keep praying for a baby or having the desire for one when the answer seems to be “no”? I believe this comes down to the issue of contentment in Christ. So the answer is “yes” and “no.” It would be wrong to pray for a child and desire a child if becoming pregnant has captured your life and totally taken your focus away from Christ. If you refuse to be content with the many hundreds of other ways God daily blesses you, if you find yourself upset or angry with God for refusing your request, if you cannot rejoice with others who are blessed with children, if you feel as though life is void and empty unless you have a child of your own, it is time to get alone with God. When you reach this point in life, having a child is not the answer and will not solve anything. The answer is to return to the Fountain of Life. Return to Christ, and first find Him as He is, namely, all-satisfying. Learn, as Paul, to be content in all things. Seek Christ first. Then, you can rightly prioritize your desires instead of being controlled or enslaved by them.

However, if you are leaning upon Christ and rejoicing in His abundant graces toward you, then “no.” Praying and desiring to have a child is not wrong if you are able to trust, accept, believe, and live with God’s answer.

What is God doing? Why doesn’t He give us a child? Of course no one can definitively answer this question. The “why” to God’s answers often remain hidden. For example, why does God allow others to become pregnant? We don’t know the “why” there either. We only know that He does. On the other hand, there are some very real possibilities for couples to seriously pray over and discuss. (1) Maybe God would have you adopt a parentless child. Adoption is one of the more vivid, living demonstrations of salvation, and there are many children who need godly, loving homes. I would suggest to any Christian family that if they are unable to have children and yet deeply desire to raise children, adoption is the likely answer. But there are more answers to consider. (2) Maybe God is calling you to some form of ministry that requires your full attention, extensive travel, unusual hours, etc. (Matt 19:11-12) Maybe your ministry is helping others who are childless to continue in faith and joy in the Lord. Maybe God has a unique role for you to fulfill in His Kingdom work. (3) Maybe (assuredly) this is a time of teaching for you. A time for God to stretch your faith. A time for God to call you to return to your first love. A time to learn to trust, love, and be content in the Giver of all blessings. (4) If you are sure that #2 is not where God is directing and you have given sufficient prayer and consideration to #4, then I would return to #1! Adopting a child does not mean it is any less yours just as our adoption in Christ does not mean we are in any degree less than a child of God!

What about the desire to have a child, but “no” comes in the form of health issues or from one’s spouse? I believe this falls under the “two learning to become one” category of marriage. Whether health related or disagreement for one reason or the other from a spouse, this calls for couples to have open, honest, prayerful dialogue. Maybe one says, “I don’t care about the health risks.” Maybe one spouse says, “I don’t think we can afford another child.” Whatever the issue may be, the husband must take seriously the wife’s feelings, and the wife must seriously consider the husband’s concerns. There are no quick resolutions here. I would counsel couples to pray over the matter separately, pray over the matter together, schedule times where they can share with one another their feelings, concerns, understanding of God’s will, etc. Continue in patient, loving prayer and discussion until both partners can be a rest with a decision. Don’t put it off. Don’t make demands and ultimatums. Don’t “plan” a “surprise” pregnancy. All of those solutions are recipes for disaster. Reach a conclusion together in prayer and trust that God has led you both to it.

Finally, for all who are struggling with this issue, you can know with all confidence, God is not finished even when we think He is! Lean upon Him. Love one another. God will either grant a child or He will withhold children. Either way, God will do what is best for us and for His glory! He is Sovereign. He is good. He is blessing and gracing us abundantly every day. If you are in Christ, He is 100% for you!

Book Review: Rethink

2011-10-21T14:08:00.001-04:00

Rethink: Decide for Yourself is Student Ministry Working? By Steve Wright with Chris Graves. Wake Forest: Inquest, 2008.

The problem: Statistics and testimonies across the board all agree, too many students leave the church for good when they leave our student ministries. The answer is not to dig in our heels, work harder, provide more programming, be more relevant, more hip, and more entertaining. Those are simply more of the same that will produce more of the same.

Steve Wright directs student ministry to Scripture for the true, lasting answer. Parents are called to be the primary disciplers of their children. The church is called to equip and encourage parents in this high calling. That is the biblical model, and he provides many passages to support his position.

There are many challenges to face. Parents will feel ill equipped and have become comfortable with handing over spiritual matters to the church. Students must become accustomed to relating to parents about more than their wants and their sports. Churches must adjust to what student ministry should be about, ministry to families not numbers and fun. These are not insurmountable though. Through patient teaching, training, parental involvement, resources, and examples, student ministry can be transformed into a partnership between parents and the church.

Apart from the biblical mandate for parents to teach their children, this model makes the most sense for the future spiritual well-being of the student. Who will be with there when students graduate from college? enter into a vocation? get married? have children? encounter life’s challenges? It won’t be the student minister. It will be the parents. It only makes sense for student ministry to focus on putting parents and students together because student ministry is a four-year calling. Parenting is for life!

Wright strikes a great balance between the traditional forms of student ministry and the pendulum swing to a families-only model. Yes, our churches should be far more family integrated. However, that does not necessarily mean children and student ministries have no place. Rather, if approached as partnering with families, strengthening families, and reinforcing parental guidance, these ministries can be valuable assets.

Rethink has many strengths. The basic premise is balanced and biblical. Wright provides examples of how he has initiated and implemented this model in his ministry and church. He also provides several testimonies of how parents have embraced this model and have experienced the positive results in their children. All of the suggestions and examples are very helpful and practical.

The only weaknesses are a bit of repetition and maybe a few too many quotes and statistics. These are hardly worth mentioning though because the purpose of calling and equipping parents is such a worthwhile goal.

I would hardily recommend this book to pastors, student ministers, and parents. Let’s get families worshipping together, praying together, and studying Scripture together at home! If so, families will be strengthened, the church will be healthier, and when students grow up, they won’t leave the church!

Book Review: John MacArthur

2011-10-20T09:05:00.001-04:00

John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock. By Iain Murray. Carlisle: Banner of Truth, 2011.

I thoroughly enjoyed this biography. As a Teaching Pastor, it was extremely encouraging to me because it reinforced a conviction that I hold to with a firm grip. At times, looking out over the landscape of evangelicalism, it appears as if this conviction is in the minority or even called into question. What is this conviction? True ministry is built upon the faithful proclamation and application of God’s Word!

How refreshing to read of MacArthur’s ministry and find that same conviction endorsed and faithfully embraced over the years. For that reason, and many more, MacArthur is a living hero of the faith. It’s not about him. It’s about faithfully standing on the Word and relying on the Word to accomplish the work.

The story of Grace Church, Grace to You, and the Master’s College and Seminary really is a miracle story. It’s amazing and thrilling to see the worldwide audience and impact that has been realized through sound biblical exposition.

My favorite portion of this work was when we are given a glimpse inside MacArthur’s study. While preparing messages preaching through the Gospel of Matthew, he wrote this to a friend:

There are many days when I can hardly stand what I am discovering. It just overwhelms me. In every paragraph there is this incomparable Jesus Christ and He is just devastatingly powerful and glorious. It is a crushing experience to be exposed to Him, and yet it is the most exalting thing—to realize He has embraced me for all eternity! I would rather preach Christ than anything else. He is the most compelling subject in all the universe. (p. 62)

This is the lesson from MacArthur’s life and ministry, a man thoroughly overwhelmed with the beauty and glory of Christ and therefore committed to exalting Him through sound biblical preaching! As pastors, we will not all have such extensive ministries. In fact, the majority of us will have ministries that will never be widely known. However, if we run after BIG, we will miss the most IMPORTANT. Let us run after Christ. In our lives, our study, and our preaching, let it be known by our congregants that Christ is all sufficient! The scope and expanse is God’s business. Faithfulness to His Word is our calling.

At times it seems that some of the young, restless, and reformed grow impatient and dismissive of MacArthur, especially if he directs a word to them (us). I appeal to my brothers in ministry, learn to listen without feeling the compulsion to quickly reply. I don’t agree with everything MacArthur says and does, but he is a stable, mature, wise, and proven voice. There is far more for us to learn from him and appreciate of him than there are points of disagreement to argue over. He has walked in the Word, in the local church, and in ministry long enough, with steady faithfulness, that if he feels compelled to say it, we should feel compelled to listen, even if we don’t like it or agree with it.

I readily recommend this book to every pastor. It will not only encourage you as a minister, but it will remind you of the main calling, priority, and focus of your life: the Word of God.

Book Review: The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love

2011-10-18T09:24:00.001-04:00

The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love: Reintroducing the Doctrines of Church Membership and Discipline. By Jonathan Leeman. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.

Recently, I began to search out books on church membership because the elders at CEFC were discussing the issue. If you have ever conducted a similar search, you probably discovered, just like me, that there are not many books in the evangelical world that provide a thorough, comprehensive treatment on the subject. For that reason alone, Leeman’s book is a valuable contribution.

Leeman spends a great deal of material in the opening chapters to demonstrate how our culture’s misunderstanding of authority, submission, love, and the benefit of institutions have become an influential factor within our churches. As a result, biblical practices such as membership and discipline have been downplayed or jettisoned altogether. You simply can’t expect people to “join” a church in our day. You simply can’t discipline a person in our day. Those actions hint of judgement and authority, not “love.” Right?

Leeman unpacks those assumptions, pointing out how the conclusions to lower the bar on membership and discipline are founded upon philosophical, cultural definitions. If we begin with the Bible’s definition of love, authority, etc., we arrive at a much different conviction. Membership and Discipline actually portray true love, God’s love, to the world. They are key aspects of a healthy church.

Along the way, Leeman addresses some questions that are sure to arise. For example, he illustrates how membership was indeed practiced in the NT even though it was not named “membership,” and he explains how tools like covenants are helpful in carrying out in our day what we find occurring in the NT church.

Strength: If I had to choose one part of Leeman’s book that is most helpful in building biblical case for membership, it would be his explanation and application of Matthew 16,18, and 28 (pp.178-195). Leeman shows how these passages are thematically connected (authority and presence) and then explains how the local church carries out this authority through the practice of membership and discipline. He writes, “Jesus is building not a group of unassociated individuals but a church, a gathering” (p.189).

Weakness: Way too much material is the book’s most notable weakness, in my opinion of course! I believe Leeman could have made his case and his points with far less, in depth analysis and illustration, maybe even as much as 30% reduction. I don’t consider myself an avid reader, although I am a daily reader. I usually have at least 5 books going at the same time, and I enjoy it. However, I found myself trudging through the material and only because I wanted to have a better grasp on membership. I fear the massive amount of information is going to either dishearten readers into quitting before they finish or dissuade them from starting it at all. That’s a shame because the church in our day really needs to give attention to this issue. If a couple of opening chapters were dedicated to brief cultural and church observations followed by chapters devoted to engaging biblical texts and concluding with a few chapters of application, in about 1/2 or 2/3 the size of its present form, accessibility would increase enormously. As it stands now though, I only know of a very few people I could recommend this book to as their next read. Don’t get me wrong. I wholeheartedly commend it, as far as Leeman’s conclusions. However, I can’t recommend it to a wide-scale audience; it’s just too difficult to complete.

For me, though, I am glad I did force myself to finish it. As a teaching pastor of a local church, membership and discipline are issues that I strongly desire to ground in Scripture. I want to know how best to put into practice what we find in the NT church and why because I want our church to be healthy, to be biblical and sound.

So if you are looking for a challenging study on membership, dig in and enjoy. If not, better keep searching for another source.

Love for Christ Runs Deeper Still

2011-10-14T14:56:00.000-04:00

I wrote this poem for my family while away on a mission trip last week. Enjoy!

Love For Christ Runs Deeper Still

Dear Little ONe, so precious and tiny in the womb.

We saw your heart beat today, and joy filled the room.

Even though I’ve yet to know who you are and what you’ll be,

I love you with a father’s love. You are a gift from God to me.

As years go by and you grow up, you’ll find my love to be so real.

For my love for you runs Oh so deep,

But love for Christ runs deeper still.

Dear Haddon, Daddy’s Little Buddy, so glad you are my son.

It is my earnest desire for you, the Christian race to run.

No matter what we do together, for me it’s always sheer delight.

The time we share in play or prayer, I cherish with all my might.

Through talks and hugs, through tears and joy, you’ll see my love is real.

My love for you, little buddy, runs Oh so deep,

But love for Christ runs deeper still.

Dear Talitha, Daddy’s Little Girl, my joy from the very start.

If I could have my greatest wish for you, love God with all your heart.

Playing Princess, Barbie, and dress-up became part of my day

Because that’s what you loved to do, that’s how you loved to play.

As you grow, you’ll always know, my love is sure and real.

For my love for you, princess, runs Oh so deep,

But love for Christ runs deeper still.

Dear Summer, my Bride, companion for life,

I bless the Lord in heaven above that you are my covenant wife.

Although we’ve known our struggles where one has come from two,

The joy and fullness of life spent together has been so rich with you.

Till death do us part is just one way I’ll prove my love is strong as steel.

For my love for you, dear wife, runs Oh so deep,

But love for Christ runs deeper still.

I hope you know, dear family, my heart is fuller than my pen.

It is beyond my mind and strength to convey the feelings within.

With great plea and sincere prayer, I trust that you will see,

Loving you in this way is as close and dear as ever could be.

Resist the thought that loving Christ more means loving you less.

To love christ above all else is to love you in the way that is best.

If God is true love, has raised us with Christ, and in Christ set us apart,

Then the beginning of true love toward one another is loving Him with all our hearts.

Holding Christ closer means holding you firm with bonds eternally real.

My love for you runs Oh so deep,

Because my love for Christ runs deeper still.

Matthew 10:37

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 22:37-39

You shall love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

2011

To the Ends of the Earth - Myanmar!

2011-10-13T15:28:00.000-04:00

It sure felt that way in terms of travel! Reaching our final destination in Kalaymyo, Myanmar required 5 plane rides (1 of which was 16 hours) complete with layovers and 2 nights at a hotel in Yangon. Including losing an entire day flying over time zones, we spent 5 days in route to Kalaymyo! Please don’t mistake these facts as complaints though. The journey there was part of the adventure, and what we found upon arrival was well worth it.

Pastor Joseph met us at the airport in Kalaymyo and escorted us to our hotel. Later that day (Wed.), we went to his ministry site to visit the students and orphans. The reception was truly a humble moment. We were welcomed with smiles, songs, and introductions. In the evening, we held the first of four evening worship services. The students and orphans sang with loud joy. Lyrics to one of their songs became a favorite instantly, not only for the words but for the passion with which they sang them. “Give me no name, O Lord. Give me no fame, O Lord. Give me souls for Myanmar to be saved.” Very touching. Very moving.

Thursday and Friday, each member of our team taught the students. On Saturday, we visited two villages and taught there as well. One of the biggest highlights of these days for me was distributing the clothes to the students and orphans. For most of them, they had never owned a new outfit. For the first time in their lives, they unpacked new shirts, new pants, and new shoes. Once again I was reminded in a very profound manner that it is truly better to give than to receive.

Sunday was a full day of exciting ministry. We worshipped with the saints, participated in the baptism of 9 students, and each had a part in the student graduation. To our amazement, over 600 people (at least) from the community attended the graduation. You may wonder why this number is amazing. First, the graduation was held outside and the heat was almost overbearing. In fact, two of us suffered heat exhaustion during this trip. However, 600+ maintained their seats and their attention for a service that lasted almost 3 hours. Second, the seminary is not located in an area of visibility (that’s an understatement), does not boast of grand facilities (that’s an understatement), and does not offer its graduates premier placement in the job market but rather a call to go and make disciples. 21 students answered that call, and this was the second graduation of Emmanuel Theological Seminary. Simply amazing!

On Monday, we began the long journey home and by Wed evening, we had all reached our separate homes.

This is just our itinerary though. The real story is in the ministry of Emmanuel, Kalaymyo. That is where the grace and power of God are truly evident.

In 2006, Joseph Bawi Ceu arrived in Kalaymyo to begin ministry. In 2011, he held the second graduation of seminary students. His ministry includes 44 students, 21 orphans, 7 professors, and helpers. The degrees include Certificates of Theology and Bachelor of Theology. Students arrive with their belongings in a travel box. The boys and girls have separate facilities, each on the top level with classroom space underneath. When they are not studying, they are engaged in worship, fasting and prayers, or manual work. The orphans are raised in anticipation of joining the seminary. The goal is that through this ministry, the gospel will be sent to every corner of Myanmar, and it has begun to reach fulfillment. While we were there, we met Josiah, a former student. As a missionary, he has led over 30 Buddhists to the Lord!

It really is a miracle story to stop and think this began in 2006 from nothing! Only God could bring about such lasting fruit.

It has not been without great difficulty. From what I could ascertain, their greatest struggle, among others, is hunger, and they face it often. When there is no rice, they spend the day in fasting and prayer. Maybe twice a week. Maybe twice a month. At times there simply is no food. They don’t quit. They don’t question God. They fast and pray. The result of their joyful, patient, suffering perseverance is a graduating class of 21 students, discipled, made strong through suffering, and ready to go into the fields of harvest.

Indeed, the story of grace is not that four Americans traveled to Myanmar but what those four Americans found when they reached their destination. The Gospel is alive and well and growing, without our Western necessities, or “niceties.” The Gospel is going forth from the pure grace and power of God. It was, from every angle and perspective, a marvel to behold.

Pray for Pastor Joseph and all the ministries of Emmanuel, Kalaymyo. And pray for Myanmar.

To God be the Glory - Great Things He Has Done!

Myanmar Project - COMPLETE!

2011-09-27T18:17:00.002-04:00

Our team leaves Saturday for Myanmar. While there we will be involved in teaching/training Bible College students, caring for orphans, visiting villages, worshipping with the believers, taking part in a baptism service, and participating in a seminary graduation service. The dates for our trip are Oct 1-12. We deeply appreciate your prayers for safety, health, strength, open doors, and many opportunities.

One of my goals in short-term missions is to make sure that our teams are a blessing to the nationals and not a burden. While they are always eager to host American visitors, it is a tremendous strain on them physically and financially to care for foreign guests. I strive to make it our ambition to leave them refreshed and energized not exhausted!

For this particular trip, I had four projects in mind to “refresh” the saints of Myanmar. By the grace of God and the generosity of His people, these four projects are achieved!

Brand new ESV Study Bible for every graduate. COMPLETE!
Permissions from the gov’t to visit the villages. COMPLETE!
$1,500 to purchase a new outfit for every student (44) and orphan (21). COMPLETE!
$1,000 to provide food for the students and orphans. COMPLETE!

In addition to these blessings, my family and I want to bless Pastor Joseph and his family. I am bringing him 5 of my personal favorite books, right off of my shelf, for his enjoyment and edification. For his family, our family is going to give them a special gift to care for their needs. For his son, Jedidiah (you may not know that Pastor Joseph asked me to name his son. Jedidiah means “beloved of the Lord”) Haddon and Talitha are sending toys, clothes, and pictures.

To God be the Glory!

Great Things He has Done!

p.s. And there is more to come. Stay tuned! God is good.

Waiting......now Expecting!

2011-09-22T18:35:00.002-04:00

Most of you know by now we have some very exciting news....my wife and I are expecting our third child!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!

We are excited because we believe that children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Yes, they require you to have much more responsibility, much more energy, much more patience, and plenty more self-denial. The outcome though is more than worth the effort. Children are a joy. In fact, you don’t really understand the joy of giving, sacrifice, and love until you have a child, or two, or three. There is really nothing that comes close to sharing special moments with your little ones like praying together, playing together, birthdays, family worship, helping your kids see, embrace, and then follow Jesus! I cherish every single one of these splendid gifts from God! I simply will never tire of hearing “I love you, Daddy” or getting a big Goodnight hug!

What most of you may not know is that Summer and I have wanted another child for some time now. Haddon will be 6 years old by the time that our next child is born. We had planned for a much smaller age difference. God’s delay in sending this next bundle of joy proved to be a time of teaching and stretching for us. We never shared with others that we would really welcome another baby so it made for awkward moments when family or friends would jokingly ask when we were going to have another. Somewhere inside I would feel helpless and yet hopeful. Helpless because I knew our circumstance. Hopeful because I knew God is ultimately in control. It was in those times that God stretched us and reminded us of some of life’s greatest lessons.

God is Sovereign. You can’t read the OT without realizing that God opens and closes the womb for His greater purposes and glory. His sovereignty extends to both the male and female. In other words, the “closing” and “opening” of the womb could just as easily be a matter involving the husband as it involves the wife. Yes, we wanted a child. But no, we were not pregnant. With our first two children, we were expecting very soon after planning. This time was very different. This time we really began to understand that God oversees all of His creation. Conception is not merely a matter of natural operations! Conception is a miracle wrought by the hand of Almighty God according to His wise, sovereign timing.
God is Good. Sometimes our desires, even if they are really good desires, may not be the best plans for our good and God’s glory. How is one to know this? You simply have to trust in the wisdom, love, and goodness of your heavenly Father. When He says, “Wait,” it must be good for you. When he says, “No,” it must be good for you. For some reason that we cannot see today, it will be better for our family if our third child is much younger than Talitha and Haddon.

So what if Summer and I would not have been able to get pregnant again, ever? Believe me, we discussed this possibility as well. I’d like to share some thoughts tomorrow on that very issue. How does the sovereignty and goodness of God apply to couples who long to have children but are never able to conceive?

On a final note, we would appreciate your prayers. Please join us in praying for a good pregnancy, a healthy baby, a wonderful birth, and strength for mommy!!!

Forgiveness: Accomplished, Applied, Ongoing

2011-09-12T19:08:00.000-04:00

Forgiveness of our sins is expressed in three ways in the Scripture.

Category 1 could be called Forgiveness Accomplished. This is part of what Christ accomplished, achieved on the cross. His sacrificial, substitutionary death secured the grace of forgiveness for us. Colossians 2:13-14: ...God made [us] alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us...nailing it to the cross.

Category 2 could be called Forgiveness Applied. This is what occurs when we cry out to God, through faith and repentance, for salvation. When we come to Christ, acknowledge our sin, embrace Him as the only hope for forgiveness and salvation, God applies to us the forgiveness that Christ accomplished for us. Acts 2:37-38: Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Category 3 could be called Ongoing Forgiveness. This is what occurs with us daily as believers when we confess our daily sins to God. He grants us ongoing forgiveness based on the Accomplished Forgiveness Christ secured for us on the cross. 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Categories 2 and 3 spring from Category 1. On the cross, Christ secured forgiveness for us by paying the penalty for our sins. When we come to God in faith and repentance, at the new birth or in daily communion, God grants forgiveness to us!

Thank God for His grace of forgiveness, abundant and available, because of Christ!

Having received God’s gracious forgiveness, live in the victory Christ has won for you!

Help Wanted

2011-09-09T14:26:00.001-04:00

ANNOUNCEMENT: Search And See is looking for a volunteer bookkeeper who lives in the Fresno/Clovis area. The duties normally require around 5 hours of work each week. A modest stipend is given when available. If interested in donating your time and talents to a ministry that reaches around the globe with the Gospel, please reply to searchandsee@att.net.

Myanmar Project 2011 Update

2011-09-07T16:53:00.003-04:00

As part of our mission to Myanmar, we desire to bless the saints and share Christ to the greatest potential possible. Thus far, we have completed 2 projects.

1. ESV Study bibles for all 20 graduates. COMPLETE.
2. Permission from government to visit villages. COMPLETE.

We have two more projects to complete before our departure on Oct 1.
1. $1,500 to purchase a new outfit for every student (44) and every orphan (21).
2. $1,000 to purchase a year's supply of rice and beans for the seminary and orphanage.

If you would like to partner with us in this endeavor, please send donations to Search And See, PO Box 1304, Paintsville, KY 41240. Be sure to designate your gift "Myanmar Project."
Blessings!
Wil Owens

Search And See - September 2011 Update

2011-09-03T17:07:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! I trust this update finds you well and rejoicing in the Lord’s salvation. Thank you for standing with us in prayer and supporting our efforts to further Gospel efforts around the world.

MYANMAR PROJECT!!! We would LOVE to raise $2,500 before we depart for Myanmar on Oct 1. $1,000 will be used to purchase rice and beans for the orphans and students. $1,500 will be used to purchase a new outfit for the orphans and students. We have ESV Study Bibles to give each graduate and the funds to purchase permissions for visiting villages.
Myanmar Trip: Oct 1-12. Team of 4. Training Bible students. Visiting orphans. Visiting villages. Services nightly. Sunday worship gathering. Sunday afternoon graduation.
BIG NEWS: A lot of interest is building for the Bible College graduation in Myanmar. Many university students and Buddhists will be in attendance. Please pray for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Sermon Ministry: 368 downloads last month in 28 States and 14 Nations. Broadcasting weekly in Liberia.
Annual Financial Report was posted last month.
Annual Board Meeting was held last month.
Pastor Whittman, from Kenya, lost his wife to fever last month. Please pray for him and his orphan ministry.

Blessings!

Wil Owens

Galatians 2:20

Benefits and Dangers of Technology

2011-08-31T12:20:00.000-04:00

Our age of technological advancement and capabilities is astounding and so fast-paced that being aware of the “latest” becomes an exhausting, endless pursuit. The doors of opportunity that such technology provides are both extremely beneficial and potentially dangerous. I was made keenly aware of this dichotomy recently.

Skype is a wonderful tool. Over the course of one weekend, I enjoyed three opportunities that, without the technology, would have been impossible. First, the kids and I skyped with most of my family. It was a blessing and a huge deal since we have recently moved to the other end of the US! It is a great joy to be able not only to hear a loved one but see them as well! Second, the board members of Search And See held a group skype for our annual meeting. A tremendous cost effective tool for non-profits! Much less expensive than hotel, travel, and meals required to hold a meeting! Third, and my FAVORITE, I skyped with two missionaries serving in Africa! As their pastor, I counted it a privilege to speak with them face to face, pray for them, seek to encourage them, and just let them know as their pastor, I care for them!

Technology can be very beneficial.

However, it can also be devastating, destructive, and dangerous. The advancement of technology has increased the opportunities to privately sin or hide ongoing sin to multiple proportions! You see the effects of this around you every day. Porn is just on click away. You can become another person, an alias, through social media. You can live a different life. You can say things on the keyboard you wouldn’t dare say in person. You can present yourself unrealistically as reality. You can maintain secrecy. You can set up false accounts. The list goes on and on. Pit after pit. Temptation after temptation. Ruin upon ruin.

Technology can be very dangerous.

How should the Christian respond?

Filter EVERYTHING through Christ! Philippians 4:8 is an excellent grid.
Don’t fool yourself - be accountable! The tools are available. Christian spouses and friends are available. Use the tools and allow your spouse and/or friends full access. Put up barriers.
Use every available means of technology to encourage the saints and proclaim the Gospel.
Stay in touch and keep healthy relationships with friends and family. We no longer have an excuse. God has given us multiple means in our day to stay connected.

Take advantage of the benefits and do all you can to avoid the dangers!

Annual Financial Report

2011-08-29T16:48:00.001-04:00

One of the joys of Search And See is the annual financial report. I am always thrilled and amazed to see how the Lord has allowed us to touch lives with the Gospel all over the world with such little means. It is true! Search And See is a very small ministry, and yet God opens very big doors. I praise His name for the joy of equipping saints and witnessing to the unsaved, all over the world, on a daily basis, through varied means. It is an awesome joy.

I am also so very grateful for our friends who stand with us, our prayer supporters who uplift us, and our financial donors who make all of our outreach possible.

The following is a summary of our income and our ministry endeavors for our previous fiscal year.

Total Income from Donors: $70,169.97

Ministry Endeavors:

Hopegivers (orphan support for India) $3,729.80
Compensation (Wil Owens) $4,000.00
Kenya Mission Trip (all expenses for 17+ projects) $56,394.74
Compensation (office management) $747.50
Support for Pastor John Musiikhu $1,159.00
Sermon Broadcasts in Liberia $616.00
Internet Sermon Ministry $422.30
South India Orphanage $2,720.00
Book Publication and Costs $1,214.00
Family Conference in KY $464.03
Fees $15.00
Office Supplies $516.32

TOTAL: $72,043.69

To God be the Glory - Great Things He has Done!

Wil Owens

President

Search And See Ministries

Glory to the Father - Glory to the Son

2011-08-18T13:22:00.000-04:00

Since our church completed Colossians 1, I decided to teach on two other Christ hymn passages before we take up Colossians 2. Last Sunday, I taught on one of my favorite passages, Philippians 2:5-11. During my preparation, a marvelous truth opened up to me. It was so exciting to share it with my church, and I’d like to share it with my readers here.

The glorious truth unfolding in Philippians 2:9-11 is this: The mutual pleasure of the Father in the Son and the Son in the Father is expressed by glory to the Father and glory to the Son!

Take a look at the text.

Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

First, notice the “therefore.” God the Father responds to the willing, sacrificial obedience of His Son by bestowing on Him a name, a name so high above all names, that at that name, Jesus, His Son, will be glorified!

Second, notice the final phrase “to the glory of God the Father.” The Son willingly became a slave in order to endure the cross so that He could redeem the Father’s children. The Son knew He would be exalted. And He also knew that His exaltation would result in bringing glory to the Father!

Now watch how Jesus’ prayer in John 17:1 matches this interpretation of the Christ hymn in Philippians 2!

Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify You!

Nothing brings more glory to the Father than glory to the Son! Nothing brings more glory to the Son than glory to the Father!

The application for us is that salvation in the eternal state is that we will be brought fully into the Father and Son’s relation of glory, love, and joy! We will know ultimate joy because we will be with the Father and the Son in their glory. (John 17:24)

*I am indebted to Jonathan Edwards and John Piper for helping me to see this beautiful relationship between Father and Son. I know the Spirit used the knowledge I have gleaned from them to open this text to me.

Myanmar Project 2011

2011-08-17T18:44:00.001-04:00

Listed below are the 4 projects our team would like to see achieved for our visit to Emmanuel Ministries, Kalay, Myanmar. We desire to bless and encourage the saints in both practical and lasting ways. We go to serve them in any way possible.

ESV Study Bibles for each graduate (20). Our team is supplying these at our own expense, and we are delighted to do so. What a joy to place a solid translation that comes with great study aids and tools in these hands of these graduates! They will spend the rest of their lives studying and teaching the Bible. Presenting each graduate with a brand new Bible is going to be a blast!
A new outfit for every student (44) and every orphan (21). We need $1,500 to accomplish this. That’s about $23/person. Most of these orphans and students have very, very little. This is our way of reaching out to touch “the least of these.”
A large purchase of rice and beans for the orphans and students. We need $1000 to accomplish this. The quantity that this donation would purchase could provide meals for these believers for a long time. What a blessing to be able to study and not be hungry! We want to feed them spiritually by teaching, preaching, sharing our faith. We also want to feed them physically and sponsor their meals in Jesus’ name!
Purchasing permission to visit the surrounding villages. We need $100 to receive permissions from the government to visit villages in the area. These are the places where the students go to share Christ. We will accompany them and share our faith with as many as will listen.

We need $2,600 to clothe and feed the orphans and students and to visit the villages. Please join us in prayer for this provision. If you can give to the Myanmar project, please designate your gift “Myanmar” and send it to:

Search And See

PO Box 1304

Paintsville, KY 41240

Remember our team in prayer during our trip, Oct 1-12.

Blessings!

Wil Owens

Galatians 2:20

Stop By, or "Click By", and Visit Us!

2011-08-11T18:43:00.001-04:00

As most of you know, the Lord called me and my family to sunny California! After a memorable road trip across the country, we arrived at our new home in Clovis, CA on May 9. We are now entering our 4th month of settling in to a new home, new town, and new church. It has been extremely busy, but very exciting!

I’d like to invite you to check out our new place of ministry, Clovis Evangelical Free Church. (www.clovisevfree.org) Many of you prayed for us so faithfully. I thought you would enjoy getting to see and learn about “how, or where” the Lord answered your prayers!

It’s an honor for me to serve this great church as Teaching Pastor. The Lord is working in lives and drawing people to Himself through His Word. I am currently preaching through the book of Colossians. It has been a thrill to proclaim the supremacy of Christ in this glorious epistle. In fact, I have requested that as a result of our study in Colossians, we should adopt the motto “In All Things, Christ Supreme!”

On Sunday, August 21 we will begin two morning worship services. It is such a joy to need more space!

If you are reading this and happen to reside near the Fresno/Clovis area, we would love to have you and your family worship with us THIS Sunday!

To God be the Glory - Great Things He Has Done!

Loving Christ by Serving the Saints - Will You Help Us?

2011-08-05T14:54:00.000-04:00

If you are familiar with Search And See Ministries at all, you know two things about us. Number one, we love to take teams on short-term trips to visit strategic ministries all over the world! Number two, when we go overseas, we go to be a blessing to the believers!

This year’s trip and purpose is no different, and we are asking for your prayer and support to help us bless the saints laboring for the Lord in Myanmar.

Prayer: Our team members are Peter Copeland, Randy Alston, Greg Smith, and Wil Owens. We depart on Oct 1 and return home on Oct 12. During our visit, we will participate in a Bible College graduation, teach students, worship with the believers, and visit the surrounding villages. We earnestly desire your prayer support for safety, health, strength, spiritual insight as we teach and visit, and foremost that the saints would be uplifted and many will be drawn to faith.

Support: We would love to bless the saints in the following ways: an ESV Study Bible for each graduate, a new outfit for every student and orphan, and sponsoring the college and orphanage with food. Along with these projects, the permission to visit the villages cost $100. The grand total is $2600.00.

Please pray that we can reach this goal before our departure on Oct 1. If you would like to give toward this project, please send your gift to:

Search And See

PO Box 1304

Paintsville, KY 41240

***Be sure to designate your donation as “Myanmar Project.”

Matthew 25:40 - “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.”

Hebrews 6:10 - “For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you showed for His sake in serving the saints, as you still do.”

Search And See - August 2011 Update

2011-08-03T12:36:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! I pray this update finds you well and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Savior! We have some exciting news to share this month, and as always, we are so encouraged to have you stand with us in prayers, support, and financial donations.

*Sermon Ministry: 286 downloads in 27 States and 13 Nations. Weekly broadcasts in Liberia as well.

*Myanmar Trip: October 1-12. We have a team of four; Peter Copeland, Randy Alston, Greg Smith, and Wil Owens. All of our expenses are paid. I have received my visa. Please pray that the others will receive their visas with no problems. Also, please pray for strength and health as we will be enduring one long flight and several short flights to arrive at our destination!!!!! During our visit, we will teach students, participate in their Bible College graduation, visit villages, and join them for worship. As part of our trip, we will be blessing the believers. Keep a watch on the blog to see how you can help us be a rich blessing to the student and orphans!!!!!!!!!!!

*Kenya: PLEASE PRAY!!! Most of Kenya is under a famine, and it has affected Tiriki where Pastor John lives and serves. Pleasant Grove Baptist, SC received a love offering for this need on July 31. We continue to support all the pastors on a monthly basis, and support has also been raised recently for their 3 orphanages! My daughter, Talitha, was pleased to find out that Pastor John has named their bookstore after her!!!!!

*Search And See Ministries has a tremendous need approaching. This is something only God could provide. Please join us in praying for His will to be accomplished!

*I am ready to send “Wonders in the Word” to the publisher. It is now only a matter of raising the sufficient funds to purchase a publishing package. My children’s book will be ready soon!!

*Our family has settled into our new home and church, and we are having a wonderful time! It’s exciting to see the Lord working through His Word among His people. Check out the church at www.clovisevfree.org!

Thanks again for standing with us as we strive to take the message of Christ to the ends of the earth!

Blessings!
Wil Owens
Galatians 2:20

Book Review: What is the Gospel?

2011-07-18T17:34:00.001-04:00

What is the Gospel? By Greg Gilbert. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.

Some evangelicals, when reading the title of this book, may question, “Is there a real need for this? Don’t we know the Gospel?” The answers to those questions would be “yes” and “maybe.”

There will always be a need in the church to restate the Gospel in its biblical presentation from within the current context. The pure message of God’s holiness, man’s sinfulness, Christ’s redemption, and man’s necessary response of faith and repentance gets sidelined, skewed, undercut, redefined, overloaded, simplified, and complicated with time. Fresh, clean statements of the true Gospel remind us, refresh us, and refocus us.

As to whether or not we [evangelicals] know the Gospel, that is determined by our responses to books just like this one!

Gilbert’s work is part of a series from 9 Marks, each devoting attention to one of the marks of a healthy church. He does an excellent job of clearly communicating what the Bible reveals as the Gospel, both the message and the response to the message. It’s succinct and accessible as a tool for young believers, a witness to unbelievers, or an encouragement for mature believers. I am convinced that the church should develop a healthy habit of preaching the gospel to ourselves often! What is the Gospel? is one way to do so.

To quote from D.A. Carson’s forward, “Read it, then buy a box of them for generous distribution” (p.14).

Isn't Jesus Enough?

2011-07-13T18:10:00.000-04:00

During our recent trip to Kenya, our team had the privilege to meet Abraham and Sarah. They are members of Search And See Church, Tiriki, Kenya. Abraham is lame in both feet and so moves around by pulling his body with his hands. He is a man of God who witnesses to other men in his village. In order to attend church, he must travel about 4 miles, often by pulling himself along the side of the road.

Our introduction to Abraham occurred during a church service. The offering is received in their church by members coming forward, placing their gifts in a basket. Abraham scooted down the aisle and dropped a few coins in the basket, and did so with the joy of the Lord written all over his face. His love for and devotion to the Lord made a tremendous impact on all of our team members.

One of our team members was speaking to one of the young pastors. She was struck with Abraham’s determination to be in church. She asked, “Why does he come this far since he can’t walk?” He looked at her with a look of puzzlement, as if he were surprised such a question would ever be asked. And he answered her by asking, “Isn’t Jesus enough?”

As our church family studies through the book of Colossians, that question keeps surfacing in my mind. Last week we looked at 1:15-17. I believe if we could look through the words of Colossians, back in time and see Paul penning this letter, the look on his face would bear the same puzzlement as that of the young pastor. In the air, the question would linger, “For those who are being distracted from the faith by lesser things, Isn’t Jesus enough?”

May this same question stir our very souls. May it move us to lay aside the sins and distractions that so easily beset us. May we see Jesus as the Lord of creation, God in the flesh, the glorious Son of God! Yes, He is enough!

Book Review: The Shepherd Leader

2011-07-06T19:59:00.001-04:00

The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church. By Timothy Z. Witmer. Phillipsburg, P&R, 2010.

This is a great tool! God’s design for the care of His Church is clearly set forth in the NT, a plurality of elders watching over the flock. Pastors are shepherds. They are gifted, called, qualified men who are entrusted by the local body to oversee the spiritual matters of the whole congregation and also of each individual member. It is a daunting task, but a thrilling one. It is the pervasive NT model, but sadly, it is one model among many in today’s evangelical world. Churches that do practice a plurality of leadership often do so with a board-of-directors mentality instead of a shepherd-leader approach. Witmer’s work call us back to the Lord’s model and also equips us to pursue it.

There are two important strengths of Shepherd Leader. It is both biblical and practical. Witmer demonstrates how the shepherd model for leading God’s people is grounded in the OT, exemplified in Christ, and entrusted to men in the NT era. After presenting the scriptural evidence for a plurality of shepherds, Witmer provides a strategy that enables the elders of any local church to begin caring for their members spiritually. With the Bible as his guide, Witmer divides the shepherd’s responsibility into four categories. A shepherd should know his sheep, feed his sheep, lead his sheep, and protect his sheep. Within each of these divisions, Witmer explains how to achieve these steps at the level of the entire church and at the level of the individual. In addition, he provides examples and illustrations of what each aspect would look like.

The end product is a manual that teaches what a shepherd does and how he could go about fulfilling his ministry. Witmer is to be commended for giving the church a tremendous resource. Qualified and gifted men may be overwhelmed when realizing the work of an elder is the care of souls. Witmer’s work gives elders the categories and the means to put spiritual care into practice.

I read this book because the elders I have the privilege to minister with have read this book. I’m thankful God used Witmer to help direct us toward a shepherd model. I’m thankful God has given our men the desire to shepherd the flock and a framework whereby to move from discussing a shepherd ministry to implementing a shepherd ministry. As I said at the beginning of this review, this is a great tool!

Search And See - July 2011 Update

2011-07-06T17:38:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! I pray this update finds you well and growing in the grace of our Savior. I am simply amazed at how far reaching the Lord allows this ministry to be! As small as we are, the Lord has opened opportunities for us to reach out to Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist regions. It is the Lord’s work, but He is accomplishing this work through His people. So, I praise Him, and I thank you!

*Sermon Ministry - 327 downloads to 24 States and 11 Nations. Continuing to broadcast in Liberia.

*Books - The Scripture-reading based devotion has been edited and the children’s book on salvation is almost done!

*Kenya - Pastor John and the other pastors are supported each month. They are reading through the Scripture with me this year. Their work continues to grow with orphan care, clinics, and schools.

*India - We continue to support a number of orphans through Hopegivers Int. Most of these children grow up to be missionaries. It is an exciting work.

*Myanmar - This October, 2 of my friends will join me on quite an adventure! We are going to visit Pastor Joseph, take part in the graduation of his Bible College students, visit the surrounding villages, and spend time encouraging the believers.

To God be the Glory - Great Things He has Done!

Blessings!

Wil Owens

Gal 2.20

Book Review: The Meaning of the Pentateuch

2011-07-04T15:04:00.002-04:00

The Meaning of the Pentateuch: Revelation, Composition and Interpretation. By John H. Sailhamer. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2009. 612pp.

Finally—all of the years of study and insight into the world of the Pentateuch by John Sailhamer are gathered in one place! It is a treasure of OT theology that is certainly worthy of attention and study.

I have to admit my personal bias toward the teachings and biblical observations of John Sailhamer. During my M.Div. studies, I took Intermediate and Advanced Hebrew along with additional OT studies, not because they were required for my degree but because Sailhamer was the teaching professor of those courses! When I walked into his classroom, I walked into the OT. His lectures seemed to rise from within, from behind, from under the text. His insights into the text were so surprising, yet founded squarely on the text, I was sure he conversed with Moses and Abraham directly!

Sailhamer’s approach, compositional theology, is not unique, but his application of compositional strategy is. His interpretation of the Pentateuch, and therefore of the rest of the OT, is a striking balance between dispensational theology and covenant theology, between conservative regard for the inspiration of the text and critical observations of how that inspired text has sources behind it. The result is a profound and fresh reading of the OT!

To sum up Sailhamer’s findings, the NT is in the OT, the new covenant is there as well as the Messiah. The NT is not a new reading of the OT. The NT authors interpreted OT texts just as they were interpreted by OT authors and their audiences! (OT authors mainly being ostracized prophets.) The NT does put a new spin on the OT. The NT is only repeating what the OT has already said!

For you to be convinced, you have to read his collected studies, all 612 pages! However, once you do, you will NEVER read the OT the same anymore and you will be glad you did!

When I read Sailhamer’s conclusion, I thought if I ever recommended this book, I would recommend that a newcomer to Sailhamer’s thoughts should read the conclusion first. It provides a nice, clear, succinct summary of the book. If you read it first, it will equip you with an understanding of where he is going and therefore aid in grasping the content of his observations as you read. Take the following sentences in the conclusion for example:

“My general conclusion was that the message of the Pentateuch is not so much about Mosaic law and Sinai covenant as it is about the prophetic hope of a new covenant. At the center of that hope, and extending to the whole of the Pentateuch, is the role of the king from the house of Judah who will reign over Israel and the nations. I found that focus particularly in the poems that accompany the narratives” (p. 603).

*Of particular interest and fascination is Sailhamer’s demonstration of how the design, placement, and theology of the poems throughout the Pentateuch, and the OT, convey the main theology of the OT!

Concerning weaknesses, it’s hard for a student like me that appreciates the wisdom of a teacher like Sailhamer to offer any critiques! Some have commented that Sailhamer repeats material too often. It is true that there is much repetition in this work, however, I would suggest that the bulk of it is necessary for two reasons. First, often the repetition of theological insight is demonstrating another point being made. For example, the poetic theology illustrates not only that point but also how one finds that same theology throughout the OT. Second, given Sailhamer’s uncommon observations, repetition enables the reader to grasp what is being said. It helps bring understanding when something new is repeated often and in different contexts.

If you love the OT, read this book.

If you are not a fan of the OT, read this book and you will be!

Be Filled and Be Strengthened!

2011-06-29T13:18:00.000-04:00

One of the blessings of having some of Paul’s letters included in the NT is that it allows us to peek inside Paul’s prayer closet. In most of his epistles, Paul will share with the church specifically how he prays for them, how he intercedes for them. By reading his letters, we then are able to hear his prayers, particularly his prayers for believers. If we pay special attention to Paul’s prayers, we realize they are not what we would expect because they do not sound at all like how we usually pray for believers. We often pray for temporal benefits and comforts. Paul teaches us to pray for spiritual, eternal matters.

Paul has two basic prayers that he brings to the Lord on behalf of the Colossian believers. He prays that they may be filled (v9) and he prays that they may be strengthened (v11).

Be Filled. Filled with what? Paul could have prayed for any number of good things here, but he prays for what is most uncommon in our prayers! He prays that they “may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” In other words, the foremost prayer request in Paul’s heart was that believers in Colossae would grow in what they know! Why? Because by knowing God’s will, they could then “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (v10). If we are not growing in our knowledge of God’s will, we are not walking in a manner pleasing to Him simply because we don’t Him! Where do we go to grow in God’s will? We go to His revelation. We go to His divine self-disclosure. We go to His Word, and we treasure it, read it, study it, pour over it, meditate on it, and embrace it. The more we know His Word, the more we know Him. The more we know Him, the more we know how to live in a way that glorifies Him!

Be Strengthened. It’s one thing to know His will; it’s quite another to live it! We need His power to live His will! Especially, Paul prays, we need His “glorious might” to live out our faith with joyful endurance and patience (v11). We are not to just grind out the Christian life! There is available to us in Christ the glorious might of Almighty God, enabling us to live through the long, unexpected trials and sufferings with unexplainable joy! We can know His will and sludge our way through this life giving the impression that Christianity is a depressing journey. OR, we can know His will and experience His glorious might in order to convey an accurate portrait of Christianity: joy even in sorrow!

In studying Paul’s prayer, may we be the kind of believers Paul prayed the Colossians would be, filled with the knowledge of God’s will and strengthened with God’s power! Furthermore, may we adopt this intercession for one another. Imagine spouses praying this for one another, parents praying this for their children, and believers praying this for each other!

May you be filled and may you be strengthened today!

Faith, Love, and Hope

2011-06-22T14:05:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday, our church studied Paul’s thanksgiving for the Colossian believers. We noted that his usual three virtues, faith, hope, and love, (1 Cor 13:13) were part of his thanks to God. However, they were listed as faith, love, and hope.

Faith: Not just any faith or some kind of belief, but this is a particular faith, “faith in Christ Jesus” (v4). Jesus Christ is the object of true, genuine saving faith. Paul is thankful for the Gospel fruit of faith that is evidenced in their lives. Faith in Christ is Gospel fruit because only believers really believe that Jesus is God Incarnate, that He died for our sins, that He rose from the dead, and that He, and He alone, is our only hope of salvation. Paul was grateful for the Gospel fruit of faith!

Love: Not just any kind of love for any and everyone, but this is a particular love, “love...for all the saints” (v4). Love for all people, even love for our enemies, is also Gospel fruit, but Paul has in mind the love shared between believers. There is a way that we love every person or should love every person, and there is a way that we do love one another as believers! This love is rooted in our bond and unity in Christ. Because we have experienced the love of God and are united in God’s family through Christ, there is a special affection believers have for one another. However, it does not come naturally. We don’t naturally love anyone as we should. That’s why love for the saints is a work of the Spirit (v8). Therefore, since it is a work of the Spirit, it is evidence of genuine faith. It is Gospel fruit, and Paul is grateful for it.

Hope: Not just wishful thinking, but a certain assurance that believers posses. Everyone hopes, in a wishful way, that they will go to heaven. Believers, however, hope in an assured way because we know we are going to heaven. Gospel hope is not a wish that may or may not materialize, but rather it is a realization that we are awaiting. That is what makes it hope; we are waiting for it. It is not a wish because based upon the work of Christ and the promise of God, it is already ours. We only wait to receive it. You hope for it knowing that it is “laid up for you in heaven.”

Unlike faith and love, hope has a special role to play in faith and love. In fact, Paul grounds the Gospel fruits of faith and love in our hope, “because of the hope” (v5). This means that because we KNOW our hope is in heaven, we believe and we love! The assurance of glorification feeds our sanctification! We know we are going to see Jesus, be with Jesus, and be transformed by Jesus, and therefore, we believe and we love!

Paul is grateful for the Gospel fruits of faith, love, and hope. They are proof that the Gospel is bearing fruit and growing in the Colossian church (v6). May we be grateful for the Gospel’s work in our lives, and with Epaphras and Paul, may we be servants of the Gospel to see it advanced in the lives of others!

Bible Students Return!

2011-06-21T17:54:00.001-04:00

Pastor Joseph, Emmanual Ministries, Kalay City, Myanmar, launched a new semester of studies at the Bible College. He currently has 37 students! Below is a report of student testimonies. It is really exciting to hear what God is doing through this ministry. In October, we will have the privilege to visit with them and attend a graduation.

This is one of my testimony to you that our students who are below sent into the Lord harvest.
But I can not support them unfortunately nevertheless God provided for them by others men and works.
I am so happy for they became laborers in His glad service.

1. Mr. Kawl became a Pastor to a denomination at village.

2.Mr. Ngin Do became missionary among the Buddhists in Magwue division.

3.Mr. Nei became Sunday school teacher to a denomination.

4.Mr. Josiah is a missionary man.

5.Mr. Van became an Evangelist.

6.Mr. Thomas became a missionary man to the darkness.

7.Miss. Rem a teacher of boarding school as well as Bible teacher at the school.

8. Miss. Nuam and Tha became Sunday school teachers to their each denomination.

9.Mr. Rual became a missionary man in Shan state.

10. Miss. Sung became Sunday school teacher in Chin state.

Some of students are are saved and now they are the witness of Christ in the cities and the villages to different fplaces of Myanmar. Thank you for continuing prayer with us that the Master of the harvest to send out the laborers into His harvest for He has more people in Myanmar for the Gospel is our nation hope.
God bless you!

Yours in His great commission,
Joseph

Unusual and Refreshing

2011-06-16T17:27:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday, I began a teaching series at CEFC through the book of Colossians. We are excited about this journey together, especially with the theme of our study being "In All Things, Christ Supreme!" (Col 1:18)

Part of the introductory sermon was very unusual. After giving an overview of background, context, and theme, I simply read through the book of Colossians to our church Body! I say this is unusual because I don't know if I have ever heard a pastor read a book of the Bible to the church. It was a joy for me to read Scripture to our fellowship, and it was well received.

So why do such a thing? There are four reasons I decided to read the whole letter to our church as part of our introduction to the book.

First, reading a book is a great way to study a book! Second, in 1 Tim 4:13, Paul instructs Timothy, "devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture..." Third, I wanted the church to see for themselves how Paul magnifies Christ extensively in this letter! In almost every verse he speaks of Christ in some way, always pointing to the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ! Just hearing Paul's firm confidence in Christ is inspiring and upbuilding for our faith. Fourth, the first recipients of this letter would have received it just this way, by hearing it read not by reading it (Col 4:16).

I say unusual - for us. This would not have been unusual in the first century church.

I say refreshing because we just simply allowed the reading of the Word to do its work in our lives and fellowship. I believe we left encouraged, inspired, and understanding to an even greater degree "In All Things, Christ Supreme!"

You can listen to last week's message here.

Toward a Theology of a Healthy Lifestyle

2011-06-10T13:07:00.002-04:00

The Scriptures are filled with exhortations warning against the dangers of sinning with our bodies and how we should view our bodies as gifts from the Lord. From the biblical perspective, healthy living is not about maintaining a youthful appearance, being consumed with your body, using the body to gratify lusts, finding your pleasure in enticing others with your body and appearance, or feeding our natural notion that we can defeat anything and live forever! Those are the worldviews of the body found in health magazines, muscle magazine, and the gym. However, that is not the biblical worldview of how our bodies can be used for the glory of God and for our good! A couch potato is wasting the body God has given him to be used for His glory, but so is the gym nut if his emphasis on health is about building up himself and not the kingdom!

It’s a good thing to pursue healthy living. It’s better if you pursue it for the glory of God, not the glory of self!

Scriptural Guidance for Glorifying God with our Bodies.

Romans 6:12-13 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Timothy 4:8 “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way...”

A Theology of Body and Soul.

The Scripture is clear that we are created by God with a twofold union of the physical and spiritual realm. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We can deduce from this text that the Lord is interested in the sanctification of our bodies as well as our souls and the two, body and soul, are intricately connected.
The body and soul are so tied in union to the one person that activity in one realm always affects the other.
This is evident during sickness. It has been reported abundantly how prayer has a positive effect on physical recovery. The reverse is true as well. When the body is miserably sick, the spiritual nature often suffers as well. The point is that you can’t separate the two.
If this is the case, then how we treat our bodies will have an effect on our spiritual vitality. Laziness or slothfulness tends to have negative consequences for us spiritually. On the other hand, developing good spiritual disciplines (1 Tim 4:7) often aids in developing healthy disciplines as well.
The point is that the way we treat our bodies, what we eat, what we do, has an effect on our spiritual lives. In addition, the way we treat our bodies, what we eat, what we do, either honors the Lord or dishonors the Lord.
Taking care of the body because of its union with the soul and doing so to glorify God has additional benefits. Foremost being that physical exercise clears the mind and reduces stress. A workout works out mental and emotional stress; it is not just for muscles!

Practical Steps for Pursuing Healthy Living.

Get a plan and a partner. A plan will give you a goal and a partner will give you accountability and encouragement. No greater partner than your spouse, which includes the added benefit of more time and activity together!
Eat less non-nutritional foods (high sodium, sodas, chips, fats, fried foods, junk food, processed and canned foods) and more food that nourish the body (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, non-processed or canned - the closer you get to eating it straight from the ground, the better!)
It’s ok to get ideas from diets and healthy cooking magazines, but don’t get carried away! Just take simple steps to be more health conscious. Many people get discouraged because healthier eating is more expensive. It can be if you try to cook the exact meals you find in healthy diets. However, think about it like this, fat-free milk is not more expensive than whole milk and spending a little extra now for fresh foods and whole grains may save a lot of money later in the form of medicine and medical care.
Get active. Implement some form of physical activity 4-5 times each week. Walking, running, swimming, whatever, just get up, get out, and get moving!

Suggestions for Incorporating Healthy Living into an Already Packed Lifestyle.

For some, the problem is not desire or money but time! I certainly sympathize with the resistance of adding anything at all, no matter how beneficial, to an already jammed-packed busy life. Here are some ideas though of how exercising can be incorporated into your present schedule.
Go for a brisk walk during your prayer time.
Workout, hike, or go for a walk with your spouse and spend this time in conversation and prayer together.
Play with your kids.
Listen to a sermon while you are at the gym.
Meditate on Bible verses or pray through how best to deal with issues in a biblical, godly manner. Time spent exercising, if sent alone, is an excellent opportunity to think with a clear mind.
Basically, learn how to do two things at once, some kind of physical exercise + some kind of spiritual exercise.

In some ways, taking care of the body is taking care of the soul. May we present ourselves, body and soul, to the Lord for His glory!

Installation Celebration and Prayer

2011-06-06T17:45:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Clovis Evangelical Free Church held an “Installation Service” to officially call and recognize me as their new Teaching Pastor. I had never been “installed” before and really did not know what to expect. I anticipated the service to be formal and for there to be a sense of a new beginning, both for the church and for me. However, I did not realize just how worshipful, solemn, and meaningful the day would prove to be!

The service was filled with prayer, hymns, a message, charges to the congregation and to me, and I was given an opportunity to respond. To conclude, the elders gathered around me and prayed over me. It was an absolute blessing.

We ended the day with a fellowship meal, of course! Before we began to enjoy the food, however, I was surprised to be presented with a special gift. The educational ministries of the church presented me with a framed sermon manuscript by Charles Spurgeon, my spiritual mentor and hero! I was completely taken back and simply at a loss of words. I have read Spurgeon and/or about Spurgeon for years. One of the shelves in my library is dedicated to all things “Spurgeon.” As you can imagine then, I have always wanted one of his manuscripts, but figured that was one of those earthly possessions I would just never acquire. It was a sheer delight for me and is already hanging in my office!

I want to thank Pastor Al Oliver for the ministry he conducted the previous 3 years at CEFC and for orchestrating such a remarkable installation service. I also thank everyone who helped plan, prepare food, took part in, and donated toward a wonderful service that stands as a significant marker in the life of our church.

To CEFC, your recognition and charge to me was also an enormous blessing to my family. I am so thankful that my children were able to witness the church demanding biblical fidelity from its pastor and then honoring him for committing to do so. It is my privilege to be one of your pastors!

Below is the response I delivered yesterday during the service. It is framed in the form of a prayer.

Dear Gracious and Heavenly Father,

I respond to the Charge to the Congregation and the Charge to me, as Teaching Pastor, with this prayer to You.

I rejoice in Your saving grace and thankfully confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. I rejoice in Your gracious calling to teach the Treasure that is Your Word, and I gratefully echo the words of Paul in Ephesians 3:8, “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”

Father, the calling and charge that I embrace is that of 2 Peter 5:2, “shepherd the flock of God,” and I readily confess this calling to be beyond me. Therefore, I approach Your throne of mercy to plead for the following graces...

Grant me wisdom, to lead Your people to treasure Christ in all things and above all things.

Grant me discernment, to be gentle with the faint of heart, gracious with the weak in faith, patient with the slow to believe, and yet firm when correction, instruction, and admonishment is needed.

Grant a door for Your Word in the Fresno/Clovis area and beyond to the ends of the earth.

Grant me courage that in the opening of my mouth I may speak Your Word boldly as I ought to speak It.

Grant me the filling of the Spirit that my life may support the message.

Grant me believing grace, to really embrace and believe the Truth of Your Word, sanctifying grace, to treasure Christ, persevering grace, to finish well.

Grant me a God-sized vision so that You alone receive every ounce of credit, praise, glory, and honor!

And I pray these mercies for those You have entrusted to my care...

Open our ears, open our minds, open our hearts, open our eyes, to see, to embrace, to love, to know Christ in all His fullness and in all His glory as we find Him so revealed in Your Word!

May the Truth proclaimed and taught from this Body and magnified in our lives be as a magnet, pulling, drawing, wooing the unsaved, the unbelieving, the lost to saving faith in Christ.

And may our journey together as Pastor and flock be such that we may joyfully sing together, assembled in Your presence forevermore, a praise of celebration - To God be the glory, Great things He has done!

In the name of Your Son I pray,

Amen.

Book Review: Slave

2011-06-04T12:28:00.002-04:00

Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ. By John MacArthur. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2010.

Whether intentional or not, most English translations of the Bible, beginning with the King James Version, have consistently mistranslated an important NT description of Christianity. The Greek word doulos occurs 124 times in the NT documents. The meaning of doulos in the NT, in secular Greek literature, and in theological dictionaries is always “slave.” However, English translators have replaced “slave” with “servant.” According to MacArthur, this has yielded dramatic results as Christians in the Western world have not fully understood their relation to Christ. I think he’s right!

MacArthur notes that English translators probably shied away from translating doulos as “slave” for two reasons. First, they did not want readers to mistakenly associate slavery in Roman society or in the biblical framework with the harsh, unjust, and evil form of slavery in our recent history. To be sure, injustices took place in biblical times within the institution of slavery, but the institution itself had built-in advantages for slaves, especially those who had good masters. This was the context of “slave of Christ” that the NT authors had in mind. Second, English versions were influenced by the Latin version, which translated doulos as “servus.”

As a result, while Christians in the NT and in the early Church understood their relation to Christ primarily as that of slave, we in the modern context, have understood our relation as that of servant. The problem is that there are crucial differences between servants and slaves. MacArthur concludes,

...while servants are hired, slaves are owned. Believers are not merely

hired servants; they are His slaves, belonging to Him as His possession.

He is their Owner and Master, worthy of their unquestioned allegiance

and absolute obedience. His Word is their final authority; His will, their

ultimate mandate. Having taken up their cross to follow Him, they have

died to themselves...(p. 198).

Therefore, we have missed out on the fullness of gracious freedom that living as the slave of Christ produces! Yes, it is a paradox but it is still true in God’s economy of grace: being the slave of Christ is the greatest, most satisfying, most thrilling freedom one can ever know! In addition, MacArthur devotes a sizable amount of material to explain how viewing our existence biblically as either slaves of sin or slaves of righteousness (cf Rom 6:15-23), compliments the doctrines of grace.

I don’t think it’s possible for Western readers not to cringe at the first glance of defining their relation to Christ as that of slave. However, if we will push through our context and enter the world of the biblical authors, we will discover the joyful truth that they knew and wrote about. Namely, as a believer, I am slave to the most gracious, most loving, providing Master of all! As a believer, I have been freed from slavery and bondage to the most cruel of all masters, sin! As a believer, my status of slave to Christ carries with it my status of adoption into God’s family. O happy slavery is mine for Christ is mine, and I am His..........completely His!!!!

Read this book!

Search And See - June 2011 Update

2011-06-02T12:24:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! I pray this update finds you well and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Savior!

What a delight to share with you this month. I praise the Lord for His goodness, and I thank all of our friends for their prayers and support. As you well know, we have come through a time of ministry transition. It was a time of blessing, rest, and reflection for our family, but no doubt, a time of testing and struggle as well. God proved so faithful in that He did not allow us to lose faith through months of searching for His will and direction, but instead, He gently held our faith firm in Him!

We are now in a new town, a new home, and among new friends. It is a pleasure and honor to be part of what God is doing at Clovis Evangelical Free Church in Clovis, CA! I still have to pinch myself at times! I can’t believe we are now living in California! I can’t believe I have the privilege of being a Teaching Pastor! I can’t believe I get to be a Teaching Pastor here, at this great church! So let me say a heartfelt “thank you” for standing with us through this transition, and please continue to lift us up in prayer. May the Lord guide our steps, keep me humble, and grant me wisdom to lead His people in such a way that He is glorified in all we do!

In other news...

Sermon Ministry: 187 downloads from 25 States and 9 Countries!

Mission Trip: We have a team of 8 leaving for Myanmar and India on Oct 1! We will be involved in a seminary graduation, Bible colleges, caring for orphans, visiting villages, and more!!!

Children’s Book: The illustrations are complete! Now we are entering the editing phase!

New Book: I hope to put my Bible reading blog into book form. Hopefully before Jan1, we will be able to release “Wonders in the Word” as a tool for reading and meditating through the Bible in one year!

Ministries in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, India, Myanmar, and the Philippines continue. Thank you for supporting orphans, pastors, and our various projects. What a joy to encourage and equip these ministries in order to build healthy churches and sound forth the Gospel to the ends of the earth!

Blessings!

Wil Owens

Galatians 2:20

Command and Teach: Pastoral Authority, Pastoral Care

2011-06-01T18:03:00.000-04:00

In 1 Tim 4:11, Paul instructs Timothy to “Command and teach these things.” “These things” seems to refer not only to the preceding verses, but to the entire letter up to that point. In other words, what Paul is commanding and teaching Timothy, he is to, in turn, command and teach to the church at Ephesus. Therefore, part of Timothy’s calling as a teaching pastor was to command and teach the Word of God to the congregation.

It’s important to note that Paul places the two imperatives, command and teach, together. That is, he meant for Timothy to engage in both as part of his pulpit ministry. He was not just to command. If so, he would become an overbearing dictator simply shelling out orders. Pastors, while called to issue commands, are not called to be drill instructors! In order to prevent this from developing, Timothy must always provide teaching for his commands. Or to put it in seminary language, the indicative must reinforce, explain, undergird, support the imperative.

Many church members mistake the place of pastoral authority and believe the pastor to be stubborn, head-strong, or dictator-like simply because as pastor, he must issue certain demands. Pastors must have convictions, biblical convictions, on issues such as sound doctrine, biblical methodology, and holy living. Just because pastors are called to hold the church firm to sound teaching and godly applications, that does not make them dictators. Actually, it makes them God-honoring pastors! (cf 1 Tim 4:11-16) Where do churches end up when pastors do not budge from sound doctrine and holy living?

To be sure, some men abuse the privilege of pastoring by becoming sergeants instead of servants! Through lack of training, personal weaknesses, lack of accountability, or whatever the case may be, some pastors abuse pastoral authority.

How would you know if a pastor is being abusive and not pastoral? The first indicator is that he makes demands without backing his authority on correctly, lovingly, and patiently teaching the Word of God. In other words, if he makes imperatives without indicatives! His reasons must be beyond his personality or his office. His reasoning must be grounded in sound interpretation of Scripture. He must command AND teach. In doing so, people understand the “why” behind the command, and therefore, are spiritually equipped and given the right motivation to rise to the challenge.

How would you help a pastor maintain his biblical position of commanding and teaching the Word properly, in a way that cares for the church? As always, the Bible provides the best answer. Surround that man with fellow elders who will minister alongside him, encourage him, and hold him accountable. Timothy had a group of such men. (cf Acts 20:17-38) I thank the Lord that now, so do I!

Believers Beware: Many False Prophets will Come!

2011-05-26T15:48:00.003-04:00

If you have heard any news in recent days, you have heard of Harold Camping’s failed prediction. According to Camping, last Saturday, May 21, Jesus was going to return followed by 3 months of judgment and then the end. Of course, this did not occur, and, of course, Camping offered an explanation of how he was actually right, even though he was wrong!!!!!!!

Previous to the May 21 deadline, there was the usual cynicism and skepticism from all camps, Christian and secular. Once the deadline past, then came the flood of sarcasm, ridicule, and banter, again Christian and secular. Twitterland was abuzz with humorous tweets. The media had a field day, and as expected, used this as another opportunity to indicate how foolish Christianity and Christians are for believing in Jesus, His return, and the world coming to an end according to the Bible’s description.

How did Camping respond? Sadly and tragically, he did not repent. He did not apologize. He did not rescind. He dug his heels in. The end does not come on May 21, but rather October 21! Yeah - May 21 was a “spiritual” judgment. The literal one is just 5 months down the road!

The fallout for some of Camping’s followers has been devastating! Homes, bank accounts, jobs, and lives have been wrecked and destroyed, not to mention the crippling effects on the faith of genuine, misled believers.

So how should the church properly, biblically respond to failed doomsday predictions that produce such harm to the faith? Let Scripture be our guide.

Be on Guard against False Teaching. Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 have particular clarity in regard to this issue. “See that no one leads you astray...many false prophets will arise and lead many astray” (vv4,11). False prophets are coming - MANY false prophets are coming - they WILL lead many astray. Don’t be among those who are led astray!!!!
Protect Yourself against false teaching and false prophets so as not to get swept away from the truth and turned aside to error! First, measure every truth claim against Scripture. “Test everything” (1 Thess 5:21). But what if the teacher claims to use Scripture? You can pretty much expect a false prophet to claim Scripture as his authority. Matthew 7:15 says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” The question is how are they using Scripture? Are they explaining what is stated in the text or are they claiming to have “special” insight into Scripture and therefore, they see revelation that no one else has seen for 2,000 years? As Paul warned the Galatians, “even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (1:8). By implication, if someone claims new revelation on the end of times beyond what has been given us in the inspired Word of God (no code-breaking needed, just read it!), let him be accursed! Second, protect yourself by immersing yourself in a healthy church that preaches, teaches, and practices the Word of God. If the Bible is the standard of faith and practice, get involved. If not, get out! One of the rich graces of Christian fellowship is that it helps keep us centered on the straight and narrow path of truth. If we go at it on our own, as Camping did, we are far more likely to deviate from the path of life!
Identify the False Prophet. This is not rocket science. It’s really easy. It’s just not politically correct. However, when it comes to making shipwreck of the faith of others, we are more concerned with being biblically correct than being politically correct. False prophets are identified in three ways: they attempt to steer people from the Lord (Deut 13:1-5); their predictions fail (Deut 18:20-22); and the fruit of their “ministry” is destruction (Matt 7:15-20). Camping fits all three descriptions. His claim that the Church has come to an end steers people away from the Bridegroom, Christ, who is still preparing and adorning His Bride, the Church. He now has two failed predictions on his record. The fallout from his worldwide doomsday promotion is bad fruit, if it is anything!
Call Out the False Prophet. I know. I know. I have upset some who may have already quit reading this post. How dare I call Harold Camping a false prophet! Shouldn’t I be more understanding? Am I not being judgmental and uncaring and unloving? Let me be clear. I have no ill will toward Mr. Camping, but at the same time, I will not sit idly by and watch him continue to tear down the name of Christ! A man is a man and should be called a man. A false prophet is a false prophet and should be called a false prophet. That’s not being insensitive; that’s being biblical! What about those who argue that Camping is just misled but he is sincere and has the best of intentions? My response would be that he can only be motivated by arrogance and pride, not sincerity and good will. Why? Because Jesus said, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matt 24:36). To claim knowledge that Jesus states no one knows is nothing short of arrogant pride! Just listen to Titus 1:10-13. “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers...They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach...rebuke them sharply...”
Share the Truth, Protect the Church. Just before Paul addresses these teachers who must be silenced in Titus, he gives the antidote by calling for elders in the church to be men who “hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (1:9). The purpose is to protect the flock by teaching sound doctrine!
Pray and Be Ready. Pray for Camping and his misguided followers. Pray for sound teaching to saturate our churches. And be ready. Be ready to respond to criticism of the faith as a result of the ongoing Camping debacle. Be ready to kindly distinguish between the Bible’s teaching and the “extra-biblical” teachings ascribed to Scripture.
Be Alert and Sober. The end is coming! Jesus will one day return to judge the world and receive His Bride. These things are true. It is not for us to make predictions on exactly when this will occur. However, knowing this will occur, we are to be ready for and long for the return of our glorious Savior! He is our Blessed Hope. And when He returns, we want to be found faithful, not faltering (Titus 1:11-13, 1 Thess 5:1-11).

These Merciful Hedges

2011-05-16T13:58:00.002-04:00

In 2007, shortly after the I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, I was overwhelmed when thinking of how God is constantly gracious and merciful to me, every second of every day. The overflow of my meditation was a poem entitled "These Merciful Hedges."

The purpose of the poem is really threefold. First, I hope to learn to recognize God's persistent mercy in the routine of day to day life. Instead of expecting or neglecting His care, let us remind ourselves to praise Him for His goodness.

Second, I hope to encourage those who have faced brutal tragedies to not allow those terrible circumstances to turn us from God but rather toward Him.

Third, I fully admit that my life to this point has been free of shattering, devastating heartache. Therefore, alongside thanking God for merciful hedges, I also want to lean upon Him in preparation for the possible turmoil. So that if and when that time comes, I will praise Him still.

You can find the poem here. Enjoy!

Good Friday - Horrific and Glorious

2011-04-22T10:08:00.001-04:00

What happened on Good Friday? The most horrific event in all of human history!

The sinless, innocent, guiltless, spotless, pure, harmless, holy Son of God, Jesus Christ of Nazareth was betrayed . . . abandoned . . . secretly arrested . . . falsely accused . . . denied . . . illegally tried . . . wrongly condemned . . . slandered . . . mocked . . . humiliated . . . scorned . . . rebuked . . . rejected . . . beaten . . . whipped . . . ridiculed . . . crucified . . . pierced . . . brutally murdered!

Such was the horror that His body was left mangled, the earth was cracked, and the sky was darkened! Justice seemed to evaporate; hope seemed to disappear; and salvation seemed to vanished! The cross of Jesus Christ was a most horrific site!

What happened on Good Friday? The most glorious event in all of human history!

When the Lamb of God was slain, He took away the sin of world thereby accomplishing and securing redemption for everyone who believes in Him! The Sinless One dying for the sinner. The Savior saving. The Perfect Sacrifice satisfying the Father’s wrath against our sin. The Substitute taking our place. Life dying to impart life to dying men. Righteousness yielded up to impute righteousness to the unrighteous.

Such was the glory that Christ, through the cross, won for the Father, a people from every nation! Justice was preserved; Hope was established; and salvation was achieved! The cross of Jesus Christ was the most glorious event in all the universe, in all human history, and will be celebrated for all eternity!

“For You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Rev 5:9-10

God Has Brought Us a Long Way...In Many Ways!

2011-04-11T19:48:00.001-04:00

By God’s grace and through a 100% vote of approval, Clovis Evangelical Free Church of Clovis, CA has called me to be their new Teaching Pastor! Now let me back up and fill in some blanks. It has been quite a journey of faith for us. In more ways than one, God has brought us a long way!

Geographically. As one raised in the South and having family mostly in the state of South Carolina, I thought I would always minister within the local region. God had other plans in mind, and as always, He brought me around to His will for my life! Trials have a tendency to increase your openness to the Lord’s direction. During the past year, God certainly broadened my scope of ministry possibilities. A few years ago, I probably would never have entertained a move across the country. Now, a few hardships and hopefully a bit more wisdom later, it just seems the natural thing to do. In fact, Clovis, CA already seems like home! God has brought us a long way!

Denominationally. Although the Evangelical Free Church considers itself an association and not a denomination, I am coming from the Southern Baptist Convention. SBC is definitely a denomination. I never really thought this would happen either. Again, God had other plans in mind, and as always, He has brought me around to His will for my life! I’ve never known anything else but being a Baptist, and I am thankful for my upbringing, my education at Baptist institutions, and the commitment of the SBC to missions, the Scripture, and theological training. So this new environment will be an adjustment for me, but one I am excited to embark upon. The EFCA has a solid affirmation of faith and is missional as well. There is no doubt in my mind the Lord has made this transition for me and I look forward to seeing His blessing and work among the Ev Free churches worldwide!

Spiritually. The past 10 months have been a test of faith for my family and I. God has provided encouragement, strength, food, finances, friends, prayers, fellowship - in short, He has proven HImself faithful and absolutely sufficient for everything we need. We have found it all falling from His loving Hand! I praise Him! After finding ourselves back in the ocean of an unknown future, the Lord began to slowly reveal our new future via the internet! It was Summer who first spotted a church advertising their search for a pastor. She knew it was a stretch to even mention it to me because, as stated above, it was not SBC and it was in CA! At the time I wasn’t even sure how to locate CA on the map! However, when I logged onto their website, I simply couldn’t believe my eyes. The very fundamentals and convictions of church life that I was fully committed to had been adopted by this congregation as their Principles of Ministry. I was so refreshed, not so much that I thought I would ever actually become the new pastor, but that a church somewhere had so committed to the Scripture’s teaching on the Church!

Needless to say, I sent a resumé right away. I always believed it was a long shot! Why would they even consider someone like me with such short tenures? Then they called! But....they called to inform me that they wanted to put my resumé on hold. I will never forget that conversation. It was the most positive “No” I had ever received (and I’ve received quite a few)!

Then...they called to say they wanted to seriously consider me. It was a thrilling surprise. Next, there was a skype interview. Then, there were three visits. Three members of their committee spent the weekend with us in Kentucky, Summer and I spent a weekend with them in Clovis, and then I spent another weekend with the elders and staff in Clovis. Another skype interview was in there somewhere. We then we were invited to come out for 11 days of candidating!

Candidating included two Sunday morning sermons, 3 Q and As (a few more too), and meeting with the various ministry groups of the church throughout the week. It was a whirlwind experience, but very profitable. After so much interaction, beginning with that first phone call, the church body really has a good knowledge of who I am and vice versa.

It all came to the concluding moment last night. Summer and I were waiting anxiously for the phone to ring. It did. I answered. And the church was roaring!! The Chairman of the elders informed me that the church had voted unanimously to call me as their new Teaching Pastor! Two miracles in the same night! A unanimous vote (God must be at work!) and a church that is actually going to allow me to be one of their shepherds! God has brought us a long way!

To the fellowship of Clovis Ev Free:

My family and I are deeply grateful for the opportunity you have extended to us. You have so warmly and fully welcomed us into your family and we are incredibly humbled. I am surprised that I get to pastor anywhere! I don’t deserve it. So your call is a bountiful grace to me. It is a joy to join with you, on the same page, headed in the same direction, walking, living, and striving together for the glory of God! God has brought us both a long way, and He has a long way before us that is grand, hard, joyful, tearful, and wonderful! Let’s make Him famous together, from Clovis to the ends of the earth, for His glory and for His Church!

Blessings!

Wil Owens

Teaching Pastor

Clovis Ev Free, Clovis, CA

www.clovisevfree.org

Book Review: Crazy Love

2011-04-09T13:22:00.001-04:00

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God. By Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2008.

Crazy Love is both encouraging and very challenging! I was tremendously encouraged reading Chan’s book because he urges us to be authentic, real, New Testament believers! His message is simply that we must take the Bible’s message to heart, and that’s not so simple. We tend to live in a state of comfortable denying affirmation! By that I mean, as evangelicals we affirm the Bible’s teaching but our lifestyles tend to deny it! Being a disciple of Jesus, truly following Him, living for the next life usually results in less comfort, less safety, and more risk! We are conditioned to move in the opposite direction of taking up crosses and denying self! Chan’s work is a gentle, yet stirring reminder to get our priorities off of self and back on Christ!

It is also extremely challenging because while I resonate deeply with living out our faith in honest, radical ways, I have so very far to go. I was personally challenged when Chan gave testimony of moving into a home dramatically reduced in size so that he could spend more for the kingdom of God than for his comfort! I was also thoroughly challenged when he utilized Jesus’ teaching on the Final Judgment in Matt 25 to call us to treat other people as if they were Christ! Christ Himself will say to the sheep and to the goats that the way they treated others, He took personally! It really stung when Chan then used traffic scenarios and family relationships to illustrate the point!

Chan doesn’t just jump straight into pulling us back in line with true Christian living. He begins by drawing our eyes upward to focus on our God. He begins with God’s great attributes, the brevity of this life, and God’s undeserved, relentless love toward us in Christ. In this way, his application that follows is not manipulative or guilt-laden but rather an outflow of reflection on our heavenly Father. We love Him because He loves us!

Other strengths I would mention are Chan’s tone and his emphasis on missions. This book does not come across as beating you up with truth. It is truly speaking the truth in love. No doubt, it punches in the gut at times, but not in order to condemn but rather to correct our affections and purposes. It is also thoroughly missional. Living simple in order to give more for Gospel causes; storing up treasure in heaven instead of collecting junk on earth; having a thirst for dying people rather than glutting on self, I loved it. I hope and pray to grow more in it!

I also applaud Chan’s careful guard against legalism. He doesn’t prescribe specific behavior that we must all follow. For example, not everyone is called to downsize their home. Maybe. But maybe not. However, we are all called to spend this life for God’s glory, and that will take on many forms and various applications.

Crazy Love would be an excellent group study or just as suitable for personal devotion. It’s easy to read in terms of readability, not so easy in terms of repenting from coasting through life and investing this life in the Kingdom of God! It’s worth it though! It’s worth everything to be constantly reminded that the one thing that truly matters in this life (that ends soon!) is that we will stand before our Lord in the next (that is never-ending)!

You can purchase a copy here.

April '11 Update - Search And See

2011-04-05T14:01:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! I trust this update finds you growing and rejoicing in grace and the hope we have in our Savior! The Lord continues to bless us with many ways of being involved in His work around the world.

The Mission Team is now preparing for our upcoming trip to Myanmar and India, Oct 1-13. We are excited about participating in a special graduation, visiting villages, caring for orphans, teaching in Bible Colleges, encouraging the saints and sharing good news!
The children’s book is in the illustration phase.
The ministry in Africa continues to grow with more baptisms and preaching points added this past month.
Sermons received 435 downloads in 21 States and 11 Nations. We continue to broadcast in Liberia as well.
Our orphan sponsorship in India continues consistently.
One more African pastor was sponsored, leaving now only 4 more pastors who need sponsors. (You can sponsor a pastor for $60/month which provides the needs of his family)

*In other news, my family and I are spending the first days of April in what may be (looks to be) our future home for ministry. Many of you have been praying for us. Please continue to do so. I will preach April 10 and the church will vote that evening whether or not to call me as their new Teaching Pastor. God’s will be done for His glory!

Blessings!

Wil Owens

Gal 2.20

God's Design for Leadership Never Changes!

2011-03-29T11:28:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago I had the privilege to preach at the church my family and I are attending, Mountain Community Fellowship. In keeping with our pastor’s preaching series, my sermon was on Exodus 18. Something fresh and insightful became evident to me during my study: God’s design for the leadership of His people never changes!

Exodus 18 is about Jethro’s visit with Moses. Jethro observes Moses judging the issues of the people from morning to evening, and he can’t believe what he sees! He questions Moses, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone...?” Moses replies, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God...and I make them know the statutes of God.” Jethro responds, “What you are doing is not good!”

So what exactly could NOT be good about Moses instructing the people about God’s will? It wasn’t WHAT Moses was doing that concerned Jethro. It was HOW he was going about it, namely, “alone!” Jethro keenly warns Moses, “You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.” In other words, if Moses burns out emotionally and spiritually, and he will, the people will be hurt along with him!

Side lesson: You can do right things the wrong way and end up undoing all of them!

Jethro’s advice for Moses is simple: don’t do this alone! Surround yourself with “able men from all the people...who fear God” and let them assist you in the task of judging the people. The result is that Moses is still the visible, frontman. He still instructs the people in God’s law. However, he is not alone now. Spiritually mature and equipped men also care for the people’s spiritual instruction as well. In a very discerning conclusion, Jethro tells Moses, “It will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”

The benefits of a plurality of leadership in this text are clearly that the burden of leading the people is shared, God’s spokesman is enabled to endure, and the people are spiritually cared for.

Amazingly, one could easily switch a few names around in this narrative and find himself in the New Testament! Replace Jethro with Paul and Moses with Titus and you are in Paul’s epistle to Titus! Titus 1:5,9 “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.” These elders were to “be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

Just as with Moses, these elders would share the load upon Titus to instruct God’s people in Crete. God’s design for the leadership of His people never changes!

When the design does change, we have changed it, and the results are never good! Whether we embrace a corporate model for the church or a weakened leadership model, such as deacons without elders, the consequences are the same. Eventually, the pastor/teacher will wear out in one way or the other. He will wear down physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He will then become irritable, exhausted, frustrated, and impatient. His sermons will grow lacking. In the worse case, he will wear down morally. Usually then after bearing an unbearable load, he then has to bear the ridicule of those inside and outside the church. All of this could have, might have, been avoided. How? He wasn’t meant to bear it alone.

As a result, the congregation will suffer as well. They will suffer through mediocre sermons, a distant pastor, or worse.

For the sake of those whom God has called as pastor/teachers and for the sake of the church, let us adopt and embrace God’s design for leadership. None of our models of church polity will do - no matter if we “think” our church is doing just fine! If we are not following God’s plan, we are only robbing ourselves of His greatest glory among us!

Let our pastor/teachers be surrounded by “able men who fear the Lord” that they may share the burden and help lead the people. God’s man will then be enabled to “endure,” and God’s people will “go to their place in peace.”

News of the Earthquake in Myanmar!

2011-03-28T12:15:00.002-04:00

Below is the letter and photos I received from Pastor Joseph concerning the recent earthquake in Myanmar. Pray for the people of Myanmar and Emmanual Ministries as they share the Gospel! Pray that many hearts will be opened!

Over 500 people are killed by a strong earthquake that struck Myanmar since yesterday and over 1,500 peoples are lost without finding their died bodies. Myanmar 1,000 homes and nine government buildings are destroyed. Over 10,000 people are injured and 90,000 peoples endure this suffering. This earthquake is started from night 11:00pm to morning 4:00 and it continue again again and all the peoples of this city and the villagers went out to the jungle and they all shadow under that jungle and they stay now there with hunger and thirst because the earthquake time is happen gain again .

Book Review: The Catcher in the Rye

2011-03-23T11:34:00.001-04:00

The Catcher in the Rye. By J.D. Salinger. New York: Back Bay Books. Renewed, 1979.

For the past several years I have attempted to introduce myself to the classics for a couple of reasons. First, I was not studious at all during my school years so I didn’t read any books, except the Bible. Second, I thought it might be helpful to gain cultural understanding and awareness. That being said, Catcher in the Rye has almost convinced me of the futility of this practice!

A couple characteristics of this book are glaring weaknesses, in my humble opinion. The language is horrific throughout. I understand that I will encounter course, foul language in a secular novel. That’s one thing. However, Salinger seems unable to express his character without using an expletive in almost every single line! As is the case when movies are labeled “Pervasive Language,” so with this novel, the language destroyed it! For this reason alone, I could not recommend Catcher to anyone.

Furthermore, the novel never really gets anywhere, and maybe that’s the point. (I’m certainly not an expert literary critic!) For example, I had no idea how the title fit the story until the end of chapter 22. There is no plot, climax, turning point, resolution, answer, lesson, insight, unless of course the reader makes up his own. Again, that is probably the intention of the author but when a story ends without an ending it leaves me thinking, “That was a waste of my time.”

Now here is a shocker after such strong criticism. I believe there is one incredibly redeeming value in Salinger’s work! It is an excellent description of how utterly hopeless, horribly void, and entirely unfulfilled a life can be without Christ! I tend to think that Salinger did not set out to make this point, but his description of a human being without any real, true, lasting purpose is exactly how life turns out when salvation and reconciliation are absent. Holden Caulfield, the main character who tells the story, hates everything and almost everyone, never really accomplishes anything, and spends most of his time depressed. If Salinger has done anything in this novel, he has accurately depicted humanity in its state of lostness.

In reading a brief bio of his life, I discovered that Salinger’s life is much like his character Holden. Salinger endured much scrutiny, unwanted attention, and became something of a recluse. Could it be that Holden’s view of life was that of Salinger’s?

I can only hope that other readers of Catcher would catch a glimpse of how desperate humanity is, set out to find the answer, and embrace Him! I can only hope that was also true of Catcher’s author before his death.

A Tribute to My Grandmother - In Her Own Words!

2011-03-22T14:59:00.001-04:00

Mittie Owens (July 3, 1917-Feb 28, 2011) was the fifth of seven children. Her father provided for them by farming, working in the mill, and sharecropping. Her childhood was filled with hardship and joy. She lived through the Second War, the Great Depression, the death of siblings, and several moves. However, when reflecting on her childhood, she recalled a caring father, a sweet mother, nightly family worship, and making the best of their life together.

On March 2, I had the privilege of joining my brother, brother-in-law, and her pastor in her homegoing celebration. As difficult as it is to preach the funeral of a loved one, I found the weight of honoring her and comforting her family to be a light one. She had preached her own eulogy while she lived. She was known by extended family as a caregiver because she would often provide food and clothes. She was known by her church family as a teacher because she taught Sunday School. She was known by the community as a prayer warrior and a student of the Bible because she prayed for others and diligently, daily studied the Scripture.

In 1973, our family gave her a Bible. It was for her a treasured possession. She left it to me, and now it is a treasured possession of mine. It is literally worn out. She had duct-taped the spine to hold it together. She has notes, quotes, sayings, insights, lines, and highlights on almost every page. Some of her favorite preachers signed the inside cover. There is no doubt about it, Granny loved her Bible. She loved her Bible because she loved her Lord!

But that's enough of my thoughts. I'd like to share with you some of her own words. The following are some lines she wrote in the pages of her Bible. These dear words, which she took the time to write down, are a tribute to her, her faith, and her Lord!

"What I spent, I had. What I saved, I lost. What I gave, I have."

"There is no limit to what a man can do if he doesn't care who gets credit for it."

"Law - Do and Live. Grace - Live and Do."

"God owes us nothing but gives us everything."

"I want Wil to have this Bible. Wil, I love you. I love this precious Bible given to me by Bruce and his family. I will treasure it all my life. I want Wil to have this Bible to read to his children and grandchildren after I'm gone."

"Praise is the pay we owe for the space we occupy."

"Kindness is the language the deaf can hear and the blind can see."

"Sin is your greatest problem and forgiveness is your greatest blessing."

"God formed us. Sin deformed us. Christ transforms us."

And my personal favorite - "I treasure this Book. I love every word in it."

Happy Birthday Spiderman!

2011-03-16T11:04:00.004-04:00

5 years ago today, Talitha gained a little brother, Summer gained a "little man," and I gained a great little buddy! The Lord graced us with His gift to us, Haddon Carey Owens. He is my partner. We ride together, work together, and play together. Children are indeed a blessing from God! In fact, the only difficult aspect of being his father thus far as been that time has not flown by, it has sped by at lightening speed! Where did five years go?

Summer and I realize that having Haddon as a blessing from God is a matter of stewardship. He has been given to us in order that we might care for him, and that means so much more than protecting him physically and guiding him into maturity. We are responsible for directing him toward the greatest joy and treasure in the universe, the Lord Jesus Christ! We fail miserably at times, no doubt, but it is in our hearts, minds, and prayers, and we do not sit idly by and hope. We strive to point Haddon to Christ through personal piety, family worship, and loving care.

Nothing would please us more than for Haddon to spend his life for the glory of God. It's fine if he excels in sports, music, academics, or vocation, as long as he does those things in pursuit of God! It's also fine if he does none of those things but yet has a passion for Christ! Nothing would hurt us more than to see him get sidetracked from true joy by the allurements, trinkets, gadgets, and pleasures of this world, especially if we contributed to that end!

Parenting well is a burden because we want the absolute best for him; we want him to embrace Christ! We desire to foster that outcome, not hinder it. Parenting well is also an incredibly joyful experience! There is hardly a greater delight in this life than seeing your child live as a child of God!

3 John 4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Happy Birthday Spiderman!

Search And See - Feb 2011 Update

2011-03-11T11:50:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! I hope this update finds you well and enjoying all that God is for us in Christ! Please continue to pray for us as we continually strive to utilize every tool available in order to accomplish our mission, and thank you for your faithful support and friendship!

1. Sermon Ministry: 209 sermons downloaded in 21 States and 12 Nations. Two sermons each week broadcasted in Liberia.

2. Preaching Opportunities. I had the privilege of preaching once at our church in KY in Feb and for my grandmother's funeral on March 2.

3. I have finished the rough draft of the children's book on salvation and am now in the process of securing an illustrator!

4. We have a team of 7 that will be ministering in India and Myanmar this October!

5. Search And See Kenya has established three new orphanages and three new preaching points!

6. Please continue to pray with us as the Lord is leading us to a new place of pulpit ministry.

Blessings!

Wil Owens

Galatians 2:20

Letter from Pastor Joseph

2011-02-25T10:15:00.002-05:00

Below you will find a letter I recently received from Pastor Joseph. The Lord has sent him many students to train for gospel ministry throughout Myanmar. They are constantly moving from place to place because they do not own land for their seminary. Please pray for their courage and perseverance as they study, prepare for ministry, evangelize, and face many hardships along the way. This coming October we will join them in a special graduation service. If you are interested in this trip, please contact us soon.

*In the photos, Pastor Joseph is pictured with his family and the students and also teaching the students.

"Dear Dr. Wil and Summer,

Our Students are very eager ed to be given by you their degree and to listen your live message.

We closed our seminary Today and we will begin our seminary in next coming June. It is for us to open again our seminary like a camel can not go through the eye of a needle but God is making impossible to become possible For His glory. God is giving us many people to be His disciples for His sending laborers into His harvest.

I think that God has displayed us the apostles as men condemned to death, for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

Even to the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless.(Icor 4:9,11)

God provided a small home for our orphans only but our students and some believers are sometime rejected and sometime banished from home to home and from land to land and our missionaries are in Christ suffering daily.Now our Bible school is almost collapse.

Please pray for Bible school land and continuing it in June."

The Foundation of Search And See Ministries

2011-02-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

How did we arrive at the name “Search And See Ministries?” There is a story, a reason, and a Bible passage behind it.

In 1997, I begin to feel the Lord directing me to begin a ministry. One of the first questions of course was what would it be called. I believe the Lord gave me the name of this ministry during a prayer time. As I was praying, I began meditating on Psalm 139. The last two verses read, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And See if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

The Lord began to speak to me about ministry from those verses. Ministry begins with the minister. Well-known, well-organized, far-reaching ministries have fallen and crumbled by the dozens because the minister within the ministry fell!

I knew without a doubt my personal walk with the Lord was far more important than how large or how far the ministry would expand. The Lord would supply resources and open doors according to His will. I should always strive to be a faithful steward, a faith-filled risk-taker, and stretch every dollar as far as possible. In the end, however, the ministry will only have the funds and the opportunities that the Lord sees fit to give.

By far, the harder task is keeping an eye on my heart! Breadth of ministry is not as good a measure as is depth! Indeed, breadth is worthless without depth. Long lasting ministry with eternal results comes not from being the biggest, brightest, coolest and most popular around. Deep results are produced from a deep walk with the Lord.

It occurred to me so clear and with brute force, the Lord was not calling me to head up a “ministry,” the Lord was calling me to Himself! It wasn’t so much about what the ministry would do or ever become as it was about who I would be and become in Him! It doesn’t matter so much how many people “see” me or how they “see” me as it does that the Lord “sees” me and how the Lord “sees” me!

And that is when it hit me. We will call it “Search And See Ministries” so that even the name will be a constant reminder that we do not exist to make a name for ourselves; we exist to make much of Him! And that begins not on a platform in front of others but in the private prayer closet in front of Him!

And so we pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And See if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Pursuing the Mission

2011-02-18T09:53:00.000-05:00

Having a mission statement is a great way to focus your ministry and efforts, but forming one and pursuing it are different matters. By God’s grace, He has given us special opportunities, special friends and supporters, and various means to pursue our mission. Below is an outline of how we are currently seeking to spread the message of Christ and some dreams we have for the future.

Sermons. The preaching of the Word is our primary means of equipping the saints and introducing unbelievers to Christ. We consider it our primary tool because we believe that the preaching of the Word is God’s primary method of advancing His Gospel. Therefore, we are constantly seeking for ways to spread the teaching of the Word to the ends of the earth. Currently, we are posting sermons on www.sermonaudio.com/searchandsee. This allows sermons to be accessed from any point on the globe that has internet capabilities. We have a podcast through Itunes, and we are also broadcasting 2 sermons each week in Liberia.

Media. In the age of information, there are more opportunities than ever to promote biblical truth and Gospel opportunities. Currently, we are on Twitter (@searchandsee), Facebook (Search And See Ministries), and maintaining 2 blogs (www.searchandsee.blogspot.com and www.sermonaudio.com/searchandsee)

Resources. We believe in supplying God-centered, Christ-exalting resources for the encouraging of the saints and witness to the lost. These include books, poems, papers, and blogs. All of these can be accessed or purchased on our Sermon Audio site.

Partnerships with Indigenous Christian Ministries. One of the most exciting opportunities for us is our partnerships with churches, pastors, and ministries in other nations. We currently have partnerships in India (Hopegivers Intl), Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda (Search and See, Africa), Myanmar (Emmanuel Ministries), and the Philippines (Pastor Decena). We arrange short-term mission trips to these ministries and take on projects to enable and equip them for ministry. We build churches, donate resources and books, sponsor orphans and pastors, purchase cows, etc. We are always asking God for help in order to help them!

Missions. As mentioned previously, mission trips is a major focus of Search And See. Our purpose for short-term missions is not to “see” the world, take exotic vacations, or provide an appearance of godliness in having “suffered” on the field for two weeks! Our purpose for short-term missions is that long-term results would be produced. We go to exhort the saints, share the Gospel with the lost, provide resources to the Church, alleviate any suffering we can, determine long-term investment strategies and projects, and expose as many people we can to as many foreign ministries as we can in order to raise awareness, support, and prayer. Our next missions endeavor is Myanmar and India this October!

Dreams for Future Ministry!

For a setup fee of $199 and a monthly fee of $10, Sermon Audio will design an app for the Iphone, Ipod, and Ipad. This would give our sermons more exposure and accessibility. We are praying God would grant a sponsor for this project.
Hopefully, in the near future we will launch a website. It is simply a matter of finding the time to design one with a nice presentation that is user friendly with easy access to all of our ministry opportunities and resources.
We are praying to send full-time missionaries to our mission partner sites. There is great need for all kinds of full-time ministry like caring, teaching, and administration, but the main need is the training of pastors and church leaders.

Search And See Ministries is a very small ministry with a big vision! We have three men on our Board (Adam York, Tommy Kiker, and Peter Copeland), an Administrator (Barry Rowland), and the Founder (Wil Owens) who are all volunteers. Alongside these officers, God has given us a family of faithful friends, prayer warriors, and financial sponsors. We are thankful and amazed at the many God-sized opportunities the Lord has given us. It is our desire to walk through every door He opens.

To God be the glory! Great things He has done!

The Mission of Search And See Ministries

2011-02-17T11:27:00.001-05:00

The Mission of Search And See Ministries

Search and See Ministries exists

to take the message of Christ

to All people, in All places, by All means, at All costs

so that the Gospel may be heard

and God may be glorified!

A mission statement is simply a tool to provide direction as to the purpose of a ministry and to provide a means of evaluation to enable the ministry to maintain its priorities and focus. The mission statement of Search And See Ministries is grounded in scriptural convictions and motivates us to continue striving towards its accomplishment with whatever means and resources the Lord provides. It is essentially a four-part platform for our ministry.

The Purpose: “to take the message of Christ” It is our fundamental belief that the greatest and most needed message on earth is the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. We further believe that salvation is found in no other name or means. Jesus Christ is our only hope, and therefore, He is our only message! Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...”
The Method: “to All people, in All places, by All means, at All costs”

“to All people” - God means to bring to Himself a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. It is God’s desire, therefore, it is ours as well. Revelation 5:9 “...for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation”
“in All places - Missions and evangelism is about spreading the Gospel across all human barriers; racial, ethnic, social, and linguistic. Unity in Christ amidst diversity of color, background, tongue, and culture displays the power and glory of Christ. Ephesians 2:14,16 “For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility...and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”
“by All means” - We are committed to utilizing every means, resource, and avenue of proclaiming the Gospel to the nations that is available to us. Titus 2:14 “who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.”
“at All costs” - Joyful labor, exciting endeavors, remarkable accomplishments in advancing the Gospel come through self-denial, living sacrifice, and many costs. If we are to see the Gospel envelope the globe, it will come at great, yet worthy, costs. Philippians 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel”

3. The Necessity: “so that the Gospel may be heard” No one is born again apart from hearing the Gospel. Therefore, it is the glorious, joyful, delightful duty of God’s people to share this message with the world. As the Gospel advances, people are won to Christ and the Church grows and prospers. Romans 10:14 “...how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard?”

4. The Motivation: “and that God may be glorified” We believe that the primary motivation, reason, and result of everything we do should be the glory of God! We further believe that God is greatly glorified in the spreading of His Gospel, the exaltation of His Son, and the growth of His Church. We also believe our lives are never more focused on God’s glory than when they are spent to proclaim and advance the Gospel! Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure”

This is our mission. It is our platform. It is our guide. Our desire is that everything we pursue and every dollar we spend might come under the umbrella of this mission. This is how we started, how we have operated for 14 years, and by God’s grace, how we will finish!