PreachingNow

A new year is upon us, filled with enormous potential and significant challenges. Are you prepared to let God use you to the fullest in 2006?

Here at Preaching magazine, we are excited about the future. In 2005 we saw some significant increases in readership, along with growth in on-line subscribers to PreachingNow (which now goes to well over 14,000 pastors and church leaders each week).

We are glad to be able to make PreachingNow available to you and other readers at no cost. We hear from many pastors in the U.S. and around the globe who have limited funds and who couldn't afford to purchase resources such as this. Even though this is a small ministry (just three of us) with limited funding ourselves, it's a blessing to be able to share in the Kingdom work of such churches.

However, if PreachingNow has been a blessing to your ministry and you are in a position to help us underwrite some of the costs of our work, we'd love to hear from you. Your gift of any size will be a help to our work in the coming year. To make a gift, just click here or mail your check to: PreachingNow, PO Box 681868, Franklin, TN 37068-1868. And don't worry about ongoing requests; we won't mention it again in 2006. But come 2007 . . .

There's one more way you can help: pass along your copy of PreachingNow to friends and colleagues in ministry and encourage them to subscribe (at no cost) for themselves!

Click here to visit "I Was Just Thinking" for insights and observations about faith and culture issues.

Conference sites for 2006: If you'd be interested in hosting one of our "Preaching Truth in a Whatever World" one-day conferences in 2006, drop me a note at truth@preaching.com, and we'll send some information about what's involved.

Marc Newman of MovieMinistry.com has written an article discussing some of the important Christian messages explored in the film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. One of those, he notes, is that God does not call us to be skilled, but to be faithful:

"God is also a help in time of need. Ultimately things work out for the children not because of their prowess as warriors (they have none), but because they are children of prophecy. Their key role is faithfulness in executing the battle plan they have been given. It does not require them to be free from all doubts -- when Peter surveys the numerically-superior forces the White Witch has arrayed against him, his general tells him that 'Numbers do not win battles.' Peter, like many soldiers fearful just before the action begins, replies, 'I bet it helps.'

"Initially I was put off by the relative weakness shown by the child actors in their shiny armor. But after some reflection, I thought, 'Why not?' They appear uncomfortable in the armor because it is foreign to them. They are fearful because they find themselves in the midst of a very real war. Aslan, the Great Lion, is nowhere to be seen. What is heroic about the children is that they stand and fight anyway, because they have been commissioned by Aslan to do so. Faithfulness is what is required. Assuring victory is God's job.

"It is an interesting paradox that although God does not need any human aid, He commands our participation in the battle, and never leaves us unarmed. As three of the Pevensie children (Edmund is not with his brother and sisters, having joined the other side) flee from the pursuit of the White Witch, they are happily surprised by a quick visit from Father Christmas. He gives presents to each of the children, but they are warned that these gifts are 'tools, not toys.' All are designed for use on the battlefield -- to defend, to attack, and to heal. Each child is expected to play a role in the inevitable conflict. . . .

"Aslan must return, because the might of the Witch is transcendent and magical, while the power of Peter and his army -- though willing -- is mundane. Only Aslan has the power to ultimately defeat the Witch. Devices like this offend the pride of those who believe that people can "do it on their own." The whole of Lewis' Narnian worldview (reflecting, again, his earth-bound one) was that we cannot. We are to participate in the battle -- it is one of the chief means God uses to transform us -- but the victory belongs to God. He will be there to claim it." (Click here to read the full article. Click here to learn about subscribing to MovieMinistry.com.)

Religion researcher George Barna has cited four factors that he described as "indicative of the reshaping of the church in the U.S." In a Dec. 20 update, the Barna Group reports:

"The first of those patterns had to do with the priorities embraced by church leaders. Citing a study conducted mid-year, Barna noted that most local churches essentially ignore three critical spiritual dimensions: ministry to children, ministry to families and prayer. His statistics showed that less than one out of every five Protestant churches deem ministry to families or to children to be among the top priorities of the church. . . .

"A second church-related trend defined by Barna is that congregations are rapidly incorporating new technologies into their activities. Among the fastest-growing adoptions are those of big-screen projection systems (now used by almost two-thirds of all Protestant churches) and websites (57% penetration) and e-mail blasts to congregants (56%). . . .

"The slow demise of the African-American church community was a third outcome highlighted by Barna. Identifying the decline within the black community of factors such as church attendance, Bible knowledge, faith prioritization, and reliance upon the faith community for support and relationships. . . .

"Barna also pointed out that among the many changes reshaping the church world, one of the most invisible yet significant is the 'changing of the guard among the leaders of the leaders.' Referring to the individuals whom the media and general public, as well as pastors perceive to be the leading spokespersons for the Christian Church in the U.S., Barna turned to a study showing that the leading representatives of the Christian faith now include Rick Warren and T.D. Jakes. "For the last two decades, the representatives included Billy Graham, Adrian Rogers, Jerry Falwell, John MacArthur, Pat Robertson, Robert Schuller, and Charles Stanley. As those respected churchmen have aged, retired or passed away, a new generation of leaders has emerged in their wake. Pastors Warren and Jakes are at the forefront of a new class of faith leaders whose message and media skills reflect the changing cultural environment in which they minister.'" (Click here to read the full article.)

Management coach Philip Humbert recently wrote in his email newsletter TIPS: "In my 20 years of coaching, I've developed a simple three-step process that I use with most of my clients every year. I think it makes a difference and I urge you to take the time to give it a try. Here we go:

1. First, REVIEW THE PAST. "Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it."

The first step to changing the future is to acknowledge what already is. Ask good questions about 2005. What did you learn? What worked well? What would you like to repeat? What are you proud of? How did you grow, change or improve this year? How about your relationships, your career, your lifestyle? How about your income, your health and your hobbies? Ask good questions, and write down the answers.

2. Second, MAP THE FUTURE. I like the term "map" because this is not a dream, a fantasy or even just a goal. What exactly would you like to change in 2006? Do you want to increase your income? Lose weight? Improve some relationships, buy a new house, change jobs?

Mapping the future requires that you balance optimism and ambition with a conservative assessment of what's possible. Remember, reality never lies. It's unlikely that you can change everything or do everything in one year. What are the specifics you really to want to change in 2006? Ask good questions; write down the answers.

3. Third, GET A SYSTEM. I'm a huge believer in plans and budgets and strategies. If you want to increase you income by 25%, you'll probably have to make more sales, work more hours or learn new skills. When (exactly) will you do this? If you want to lose ten pounds, you'll probably have to exercise more and eat less. Make a plan! . . .

The start of a new year is a wonderful time to take stock, adjust course and affirm your priorities, but it doesn't happen by accident. Take time to review. Take time to plan and develop your system. And get the support you'll need. You can make 2006 your best, most productive and rewarding year ever, but only if you arrange for success in advance. Do your homework! Make it happen!

Copyright (c) 2005, all rights reserved. U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: 1529-059X You may copy, forward or distribute TIP's if this copyright notice and full information for contacting Dr Philip E. Humbert are included. Contact him at: www.philiphumbert.com or email to Coach@philiphumbert.com

In a study in Cleveland, Ohio, coroners examined the hearts of 15 assault victims who died after being attacked even though their wounds were not life-threatening. Charles Hirsch, one of the researchers, concluded that 11 of the 15 victims had torn fibers and lesions in their hearts, most likely caused by mortal fear. They died because of what they feared might happen, but didn't.

That study proved that "scared to death" is more than a casual expression. If fear can put a stop to life, think what else it can put a stop to. It can cancel out opportunities that God sets before us. God opens a door in front of us and we freeze -- we're afraid to walk through. We are afraid of being alone, afraid we'll have no resources, afraid we'll look foolish when we fail. But even if we do fail, God has promised to cause even our failures to be for our good. When God promises to be with us wherever we go, there should be no fear that keeps us from walking through His open doors.

Is there an open door that you're afraid to walk through? Don't be. Trust God -- you have nothing to fear with Him by your side. (Turning Point Daily Devotional, 12-9-05)

In his book Hearts of Iron, Feet of Clay, Gary Inrig writes, "In May 1855, an eighteen-year-old boy went to the deacons of the church in Boston. He had been raised in a Unitarian church, in almost total ignorance of the gospel, but when he had moved to Boston to make his fortune, he began to attend a Bible-preaching church. Then, in April of 1855, his Sunday school teacher had come into the store where he was working and simply and persuasively shared the Gospel and urged the young man to trust in the Lord Jesus. He did, and now he was applying to join the church. One fact quickly became obvious. This young man was almost totally ignorant of biblical truth. One of the deacons asked him, "Son, what has Christ done for us all -- for you -- which entitles him to our love?" His response was, "I don't know. I think Christ has done a great deal for us, but I don't think of anything in particular that I know of."

Hardly an impressive start. Years later his Sunday school teacher said of him: "I can truly say that I have seen few persons whose minds were spiritually darker than was his when he came into my Sunday school class. I think the committee of the church seldom met an applicant for membership who seemed more unlikely ever to become a Christian of clear and decided views of gospel truth, still less to fill any space of public or extended usefulness." Nothing happened very quickly to change their minds. The deacons decided to put him on a year-long instruction program to teach him basic Christian truths. Perhaps they wanted to work on some of his other rough spots as well. Not only was he ignorant of spiritual truths, he was only barely literate, and his spoken grammar was atrocious. The year-long probation did not help very much. At his second interview, there was only a minimal improvement in the quality of his answers, but since it was obvious that he was a sincere and committed (if ignorant) Christian, they accepted him as a church member.

Over the next years, many people looked at that young man and were convinced that God would never use a person like that. And in doing so they wrote off Dwight L. Moody. But God did not. By God's infinite grace and persevering love, Moody was transformed into one of the most effective servants of God in church history, a man whose impact is still with us today. (Click here to learn more about the book Hearts of Iron, Feet of Clay)

"Preaching Creatively" is the theme of the 2006 National Conference on Preaching, which promises to be one of the strongest programs in the long history of this series. The event is scheduled for April 24-26 at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, TX (suburban Dallas).

A remarkable team of speakers will be on hand for NCP 2006, including: Ed Young, Jr., Haddon Robinson, Calvin Miller, Dieter Zander, Jack Graham, Doug Pagitt, Steve Wende, Bryan L. Carter, David Allen, Timothy Warren, Leroy Armstrong, Jr., Ramesh Richard and many more. You'll draw insights and encouragement from the theme-related addresses on preaching creatively, plus great sermons and many practical workshops.

Mark your calendar now to be part of the conference. Click here for additional information or to register (or call 800-288-9673). Register now and save $55 off the regular registration fee.

Tim Wilkins is a former homosexual who now has a ministry to reach gays for Christ. In a recent article he talks about how important it is to demonstrate a caring spirit: "I had counseled Brandon for some time -- every session a trying experience. He was haughty, arrogant, high-minded, caustic, and more abrasive than 40-grit sandpaper. On the morning of an appointment he left me a voice message "I don't think I need to see you anymore; this is not helping."

My first thought was "thank goodness that's over with!" But I realized my response was wrong and unbiblical. So I called him and left this message. "Brandon, I got your call and appreciate your honesty. I want you to know that if you ever need someone to scream at or curse, call me. You can say what you feel and I will listen."

A few minutes later Brandon called. He spoke haltingly, "Tim, this is Brandon. I got your message and was wondering if I could still make my appointment today?"

Brandon walked in my office and sat down. I began, "Your initial message was that you did not want to continue, that this was not helping. What did I say in my message that changed your mind?"

Brandon's arrogance was gone. Unlike previous appointments, his demeanor was broken--his words sobering. "Tim, it's not so much what you said; it's because you care."

Warren Wiersbe writes "Lost sinners came to Jesus, not because He catered to them or compromised His message, but because He cared for them." (You can learn more about Tim's ministry at www.CrossMinistry.org)

In A 3rd Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul, there is a story about a student who was unlike most students. One day in the 11th grade he went into a classroom to wait for a friend. The teacher appeared and asked him to go to the blackboard. He replied, "I'm not one of your students." The teacher said, "Doesn't matter. Go to the board anyhow." The student told him he couldn't do that and when the teacher asked "why not?" the student told him he was mentally retarded. The teacher came over to the student and said, "Don't ever say that again. Someone's opinion of you does not have to become your reality."

It became a liberating moment for the student, a time of great learning. The teacher, Mr. Washington, became the student's mentor. Later that school year Mr. Washington addressed the graduating seniors. And in his speech he said, "You have greatness within you. You can touch millions of people's lives." After the speech the student went up to Mr. Washington and asked him if he had greatness within him. The teacher replied, "Yes, Mr. Brown, you do." The student thanked him and told him that one day he would make the teacher proud.

In his senior year it happened that Brown was placed in Mr. Washington's speech and drama class. Although Brown was a special education student, the principal realized that this would be a good match up. Mr. Washington gave Brown a larger vision of himself. While other teachers passed Brown from class to class, Mr. Washington made more demands of him. He made him accountable. He enabled him to believe in himself. Years later the famous Les Brown produced five specials on public television. Mr. Washington saw the program and called Les Brown to tell him how proud he was of his achievement.

When others believe in us we gain confidence in ourselves and are able to do great things. Naturally, we still have to apply ourselves. Les Brown had to work hard to finish high school, but he was now motivated to learn. Our children need to hear from us that we believe in them. Our students, who could be our friends, relatives, or co-workers, will be motivated to aspire to greater things when we believe in them. (from Keith Wagner, St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Sidney, OH)

ILLUSTRATION: Quotes -- Optimism, Possibilities

"If you can DREAM it, you can DO it." (Walt Disney)

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." (Les Brown)

"Aerodynamically a bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway." (Mary Kay Ash)

ILLUSTRATION: Silence

"I've never been hurt by anything I didn't say." (Calvin Coolidge)

"A critic is a man created to praise greater men than himself, but he is never able to find them." (R. LeGalliene)

Classic excuse messages

~ I can't come in to work today because I'll be stalking my previous boss, who fired me for not showing up for work. Okay?

~ I have a rare case of 48-hour projectile leprosy, but I know we have that deadline to meet . . .

~ I am stuck in the blood pressure machine down at the Food Giant.

~ Yes, I seem to have contracted some attention-deficit disorder and, hey, how about them Skins, huh? So, I won't be able to, yes, could I help you? No, no, I'll be sticking with Sprint, but thank you for calling.

~ I just found out that I was switched at birth. Legally, I shouldn't come to work knowing my employee records may now contain false information.

~ The psychiatrist said it was an excellent session. He even gave me this jaw restraint so I won't bite things when I'm startled.

~ The dog ate my car keys. We're going to hitchhike to the vet.

~ I prefer to remain an enigma.

~ I can't come to work today because the EPA has determined that my house is completely surrounded by wetlands and I have to arrange for helicopter transportation.

~ I am converting my calendar from Julian to Gregorian.

~ I am extremely sensitive to a rise in the interest rates.

~ I refuse to travel to my job until there is a commuter tax. I insist on paying my fair share.

~ I've used up all my sick days . . . so I'm calling in dead!

~ I set half the clocks in my house ahead an hour and the other half back an hour Saturday and spent 18 hours in some kind of space-time continuum loop, reliving Sunday (right up until the explosion). I was able to exit the loop only by reversing the polarity of the power source exactly e*log(pi) clocks in the house while simultaneously rapping my dog on the snout with a rolled up Times. Accordingly, I will be in late, or early. (from the PearlyGates list)

And finally . . .

A federal law in Brazil has blocked a new or expanded cemetery in the town of Biritiba Mirim, so the mayor has proposed a novel solution: outlaw death.

According to a Dec. 13 story in USA Today, Mayor Roberto Pereira da Silva's proposal to the Town Council asks residents to "take good care of your health in order not to die" and warns that "infractors will be held responsible for their acts."

A 2003 decree by Brazil's National Environment Council bars new or expanded cemeteries in so-called permanent preservation areas or in areas with high water tables. Environmental protection measures also rule out cremation. That has left few options for Biritiba Mirim -- a town on the so-called "green belt" of rich farmland that supplies fruits and vegetables for Sao Paulo, Brazil's biggest city -- since most of the town sits above the underground water source for Sao Paulo's two million people.

The town's cemetery has run out of space, and the twenty people who died since November have been forced to share a crypt, which will reach capacity in six months. For now, town officials simply say they hope no one else dies. (Click here to read the full article.)

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/americas/12/13/death.ban.ap/index.html

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