Relying On The Church

What a great summer it has been here at FBC Greenville. As we looked ahead at the calendar, I knew this was going to be a great and busy summer. All of our events have been for the purpose of bringing glory to God. I am so appreciative for the team effort that has been on display to make sure all of our events and regular services have gone smoothly. With these efforts comes great sacrifice on the behalf of our church members and staff alike. For me personally, I regret being away at the moment when some church members and their families deserved the support of their pastor. The other leaders of the church stepped up in a great way to cover for me and I am feeling thankful today. Being away doing one great thing lead to missing other opportunities to fulfill the great calling God has placed upon my life. My ego is not great enough for me to believe that only “Chase Clower” could meet these needs and no one else could. That is foolish! In fact, there are others far greater than myself in providing the support needed. I do believe, however, that everyone deserves the support of their pastor, especially during difficult times. As this week closes out youth camp and we head into kids camp next week, we are moving into another opportunity for God to do great things. I love centrikid camps and enjoy going as a chaperone whenever I can. I have looked forward to it and hope to go many more times. In preparation to being away from my regular responsibilities for another week, I am appreciative for the patience and efforts of the church to work together for the glory of God in meeting each others needs. I thankful for the patience of those who work with me during these times where I am overwhelmed with the tasks of ministry. The desire to be available for all things and all people is overwhelming and unrealistic. Having the help of others is a privilege and hard to accept sometimes. My fear earlier in the week was being away again without my personal vehicle to ensure my availability for pastoral care needs that might arise during the week. The frustrations that I felt were from a lack of trust in God and the help that the body of Christ could provide for me. (yes, this is a confession) I believe as pastors, we are so consumed with providing help to others that we can’t even see those that are trying to help us. This is foolishness and sin! Lord help me to listen and trust in you more! Thank you church for your patience and help! I am thankful for FBC Greenville membership and staff! I hope the sharing of these struggles and the way that God has helped me to be thankful for my church family will encourage you to do the same. Be thankful for the body of Christ and trust in the way God works through His church!

Some verses that have helped:

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”  -Acts 2:42-47

“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”  -Ephesians 2:18-22

Who You Are In Secret

Privacy is something of great importance in our culture and really is a part of worldwide culture. With the desire to have aspects of our lives that are unknown to the outside world comes the effort to put up hedges. One question for the follower of Christ is, what is going on in your life during those moments of privacy? Who are you in those secret moments of your day or week. There is no doubt that Jesus emphasizes the importance of withdrawing from others to spend time with God the Father. This was modeled in the life of Christ and emphasized as evidence of a sincere faith lived out. When serving others by meeting their need we are to value this as a private act and not something to draw attention to ourselves. The consequences of not have a private life that is focused on drawing close to the one true God is that we begin drawing close to the praise and attention of others. Seeking righteousness in our times of privacy is empowering for our public life of faith. This empowerment is not only for the purposes of being effective in the act but to reinforce the object of your obedience and worship. Whether it is in giving, prayer, or even fasting, Jesus points to starting with private obedience to make sure that your motives are pure when seen by others. This world needs to see a display of righteousness from the people of God. This display must come as an overflow of private worship and devotion in order for God it get the glory that is due Him. We are not to withdraw from the world in complete isolation, as that would be counterproductive in being heralds of the gospel. We are to make disciples and spread the good news of the Gospel for the glory of God. To ensure that we do not seek the building of our own personal kingdom but are contributing to the furthering of God’s kingdom, let us be devoted to private righteousness in seeking the Lord. As the Lord feeds our hunger and thirst for righteousness in private, then we are ready to publicly declare the Gospel with our actions and words. 

Recommended Passages

Matthew 5-6

Matthew 28:19-20

Romans 10:15

Luke 5:16

Matthew 14:23

Mark 1:35

Worry About Your Neighbor

At the heart of the Gospel is the concept of sacrifice. Jesus died on the cross to take the place of the sinner. This was for the permanent sacrifice for the sins of the world. (John3:16-17) This has a great impact immediately on the one who trusts in Jesus for this sacrifice that brings forgiveness in relationship with God the Father. Now that we have this forgiveness we are in a new position of righteousness before the Father because of Jesus the Son. Because of this life-giving sacrifice of Jesus, believers are called to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2) in serving the Lord by serving others. Throughout scripture, the call for loving your neighbor as evidence of your close communion with God in Christ is evident. (Matthew 22:34-39) We must serve and sacrifice to meet the needs of our neighbors because of  our trust in Jesus. This service is not only to meet needs, but to reveal the grace and mercy of God through the decency of kindness shown to others. Our neighbor, in scripture, is to extend to all we come in contact with. (Matthew 5:43-48) If how we treat others is within the context of the sacrifice of Christ for our sins, then our actions will be sacrificial and loving no matter the obstacles or circumstances. Let us not limit our neighbors to only those who love us back or those that we agree with us, but extend our service ministry to all that we come in contact with. This will bring glory to the Father and reflect the life we have in Him.

The popular idea that is threatening this aspect of the christian life is that of not worrying about your neighbor. To pay attention to the things that impact your life alone sounds very attractive on the surface. This type of self-isolation actually violates the christian mission and purpose of loving your neighbor. By taking the opportunities to show love and kindness to others you are choosing to worry about someone else other than yourself. You have to worry about your neighbor to be a kind and loving follower of Christ. Let us make a commitment to be sacrificially obedient to the Lord by taking the love we have in Him and pour it into the lives of all people. 

Appropriate Reaction

In the wake of the current election, the importance of reacting in ways that point to the presence of salvation through Jesus is my dominant thought. Temptation to give into emotions that originate in the flesh is always the first impulse in worldly circumstance. For many rejoicing in a earthly victory will be that impulse. Some will be overcome with anger and embarrassment during this time. Believers will be present in both of these situations. Like in everything, one must be in constant connection to the Lord’s guidance in His word and through constant prayer. As we react, seeking to celebrate life in Christ and not over emphasizing the worldly victory, will reveal what is most important. This is keeping Christ’s victory on the cross as the most important victory in your life and all of life since creation of the world. 

Opportunities to share the life we have in Christ are always present and especially during elections. No matter the place of support for earthly leaders, the source of confidence is in the saving knowledge of Jesus as Savior. By being firmly established in this truth, believers are able to take the opportunity to share Jesus in your reactions. These opportunities come from conversations that stem from the rejoicing and weeping of those we come in contact with. Every moment and circumstance is an opportunity to serve the Lord and reveal the truth of God’s word. Fleshly emotions and misplaced devotion always ruin the believer’s chance to be obedient.  Removal of the idol worship placed on political leaders is essential for God to truly use you as His instrument of righteousness. Resisting temptation will and has always been impossible without connection to the Lord’s voice above all other voices. People of God take the opportunity to allow the Spirit to guide you in influencing the world for Him. Through constant seeking of His will, we can be ready to respond to this world with things of eternal value!

Suggested Passages:

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Romans 12:9-21

“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” -Jeremiah 9:23-24

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its 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. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” -Romans 6:12-14

A Believer's Poise

It is of great value in many areas of life to have poise. This is the ability to face any circumstance without losing self control. To remain balanced and graceful despite being tempted to be otherwise, is of great value for believers living in the midst of darkness, as well. The consequences of losing your poise can be very destructive. When we lose self control, the instincts of our flesh dictate the next action instead of the impulse of the Holy Spirit that has sealed us in Christ. Disappointments and temptations are sure to enter our life, but this is an opportunity not to be wasted as you can bring Glory to God. Resisting the urge to partake in the things that are contrary to the righteousness of God and giving yourself wholly to the working of God should be evident for all to see. Being a good witness for God is the purpose and the desire of all who trust in Jesus. Being a witness definitely takes poise as losing self control will lead to actions that are harmful to others and are not reflective of the faith we profess. Perfection is out of reach and the need to repent of losing control does remain constant. Poise will  provide opportunities to show victory and progress towards perfection is possible for the Glory of God. Perfection does not come until we are in the presence of God for all of eternity, but progression is possible on a daily basis.

Suggested Scripture:
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." -Ephesians 1:13-14

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." -Galatians 5:22-23

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." -2 Timothy 1:6-7

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." -1 Corinthians 10:13

Build a Growing Sense of Momentum

When striving for growth or serving for kingdom purpose, it is very important to find a sense of momentum. This feeling of momentum is looking to the progress that is being made through the Lord's working through His church. If our confidence comes from the Lord and we understand that He is always working, we can see this progress taking place. Seeing the work that is needed to be done is important, but finding awareness in what has been done is motivational. Through the Holy Spirit, we are aware of needs and also the present working of God. That is the Lord's motivating work in our lives. We are to pressing and continue with our service to the Lord and trust that He is the provider of effective ministry and progress in kingdom work.

Suggested Scripture reading: Philippians  1&2

From Failure to Growth

Much of the Christian life is about growing through failure. In order to become holy and Christlike one must wrestle with struggles that exist within and externally. By acknowledging these struggles, we are saying these actions or thought processes are sinful and not in line with the standards and expectations of God. Our desire is to strive for change that does not come easily. Then comes failure to change in the initial efforts. But there is value in this failure as it forces us to look to the Lord for the eventual success over the struggle with sin. It has been said before that we should not fear failure to the point of inaction. This is true as failure, suffering, and disappointments help you to raise your focus on leaning on Jesus. Once you make practical steps in the name of Jesus, victory over the flesh and the world is inevitable.


Suggested Passage:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."   -1 Peter 1:3-9