(DON’T) Just Follow Your Heart

by | Jul 12, 2018 | church, culture, Devotions, discipleship, Faith, Leadership, pastor, Pastor's Reflections

How do you know the “right decision” to make in life?

  • Some would say, “Just follow your heart…”
  • Trust the “inner voice.”
  • Listen to your heart.
  • The heart wants what the heart wants.

All of these sayings could find themselves on the cover of a Hallmark card or in the affirming comments of a Facebook thread…but does that make them accurate?

Can we really trust our “heart?”

Scripture reminds us that, “He who trusts his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26.

This proverb really captures the essence of the tension we face daily in the discernment and decision-making phases of our lives.

First…there is the affirmation of CHOICE that is given to each one. “He who trusts…he who walks…” Here there are two truths: What a man does (his walk) testifies to what a man thinks in his heart (his trust). It is foolish and inconsistent to look at a man’s evil activities and then comment, “but he has a good heart.” That is patently untrue, unbiblical, and unhelpful.

Jesus said, “Out of a man’s mouth comes the meditations of the heart” (Matthew 15:18-19). Anger spews from an angry heart. Attacks, slanders, lies…they all overflow from the percolation of the evil within a man’s heart. Kindness, humility, and meekness rise up from a heart rooted in and committed to Christ.

It is critical to accept this truth because without it we are left with self-help practices of learning to “count to 10” before we speak or some other form of behavior modification. Until we identify the source of the problem we will only treat the symptoms. The prophet Jeremiah helps us to identify the source when he states, “The heart of man is desperately wicked…who can even know his own heart?”(Jeremiah 17:9).

Second, there is the identification of the source of our authority in life. Do we trust in our feelings, logic, leanings, or polling to determine what is right? Aren’t the outcomes of such ideas the billboards of foolishness…the enacting of laws that allow the taking of a living child before birth, but the preservation of a murderers’ life while on death row? In the case of abortion, are we (as a society) not elevating one life over another (the mother over the child) and in the case of death row…the inmate’s life over the offense to the image of God and the necessity for justice?

We choose which authority to rely on: our hearts…or Holy Scripture. Because of our wicked hearts, it is difficult to submit to Scripture, but only God’s Word (the objective standard for truth) can deliver us from the consequences of evil.

Third, there is the reality of consequences. No one draws salt water from a spring, or fresh water from an ocean. You cannot follow the heart and expect protection from the consequences of unwise living. Following your heart leads to a fool’s reward…with one exception: a heart that is intentionally turned to and dependent on the Lord will find its delight (Psalm 37:4-5). To follow one’s heart apart from God’s Word is to live foolishly (as if there is no God but self). However, to bow before the Lord, to submit to the truth of His Word will always deliver.

I suspect we all “monkey around” with the truthful declarations of the Lord in hopes that we can find a way to pursue wickedness with a clear conscience. Such desire is foolish. Choose a wise walk. Follow Jesus, not your heart.

Following Jesus takes GRIT by Jodi Aiken

by | Jul 9, 2018 | Uncategorized

Being a person of faith requires a measure of tenacity that is rarely spoken of in the modern Western church. This article by my precious wife, Jodi, was originally written for an online ministry she occasionally writes for. I am pulling it from Jodi’s site. It is worth your time today! Happy Monday! If it is a blessing to you, drop by Jodi’s website and check out other articles she has written. You’ll be blessed!

Following Jesus Takes Grit

Four Reasons for Groups

by | Jul 6, 2018 | church, discipleship, pastor, Pastor's Reflections, Teaching

What an amazing privilege to serve with you at Englewood! Jodi and I are grateful to the Lord for leading us here, and grateful to you for welcoming us. We are so excited about serving alongside this great church in all that the Lord has for us!

I have been asked a few times what my specific role entails. In a sentence…I am responsible to provide leadership to the education, discipleship, and evangelism ministries here at Englewood. I am excited about this role for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that developing Christ-followers is the Lord’s design and desire for each one of us.

Here at Englewood, we believe that Groups ministry (Bible Fellowship Groups…or BFGs) is an essential tool in the disciple-making strategy. While not more important than the other elements of discipleship ministry, BFGs play a unique and essential role in the process. As such, we desire and expect that every member of the Englewood family to be involved in a BFG. Why would we hold such a “strong stance” on participating in groups? Four reasons come to mind:

  • Groups foster community. It could be easy to get lost in a church family of thousands, or a worship service of hundreds, but in a BFG of 8-20 people, everyone knows your name and your story.
  • Groups provide accountability. Accountability is often seen as a “bad thing” in our current culture but it is an essential part of the New Testament church. Jesus instructed in small groups. He sent out the disciples from small groups and they reported to one another what God had done in and through them. (Matthew 10:1, 11:1; Luke 10:17). The writer of Hebrews affirms that one of the functions of church community is to encourage one another to “love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:23-25). This is accountability! In addition, Groups serve to help restore those who have fallen prey to the enemy (Galatians 6:1-2).
  • Groups promote conversations about the Gospel. A great way to learn the implications of the Gospel for our lives is to live it out and discuss our experiences with other trusted believers. These conversations challenge us. They encourage us. They sometimes correct our ideas about holy living and mission. We learn more and better as we bounce ideas around…in conversation.
  • Groups serve to develop and multiply. Groups are not an end in themselves; rather, they serve a prescribed end. Discipleship always results in sending. Always. ALWAYS. My first teaching experience in church life was in a 4th grade Sunday school classroom. Then an adult class. Then later as a “director of numerous groups. Jodi and I have been part of groups all of our growing years in church and, honestly, I question if I would be in ministry today if I had not been given the opportunity to teach and lead. I know I was terrible at first…but God shaped much of who I am today through those experiences…and perhaps He used some of what I did to shape others as well.

One last thing…and in many ways, the most significant personal thing I have gained from group life…is friendship. I found men who loved me enough to invest in my life. These men were courageous enough to help me see blind spots in my life. Groups helped Jodi and me to develop a strong marriage and learn to be more effective in our parenting. Groups…provided the relational structure that God used (and uses) to shape me into the image of Christ.

So…are you involved in a group? Are you part of a BFG? If not…why not? More importantly, would you consider trying one out for a few weeks? I’d be honored to help you find one where you can both grow and help others grow as well.

Thank you for allowing me the unspeakable privilege to serve with you.

Until He comes,

Pastor Chris

This article was originally published in the July/August edition of the BEAM, the newsletter publication for Englewood Baptist Church, available HERE.

Redeeming Social Media

by | Jul 3, 2018 | church, culture, discipleship, evangelism, pastor

The number one reason people say they find it difficult to have gospel conversations is they can’t seem to get the conversation started. What if…you could?

In a world inundated with connectedness, what if it were possible to leverage things like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Blogs, YouTube, and the like for the gospel. Would you? We live in a highly connected world. Love it or hate it…Social Media is here and here to stay! I know…I have heard the same things. A man (or woman) stands up and declares that they are unplugged and will only talk by phone. No text, no email, no Facebook. Ten years ago that was a tenable position. Today, it is the equivalent of taking down the mailbox in front of your home.

Now my goal is not to convince you to jump into the fray of social media. In fact, I am betting that if you’re not already there…you’re probably not reading this message J. Instead, my goal is to influence you to maximize this tool for the gospel.

I recently read that an overwhelming majority of millennials believe social media to be helpful, and they receive a huge amount of information/news/perspective from sources on the web. Their “feed” is where they plug in and they can peruse huge amounts of content as they scroll through stories ranging from the latest fashion, gossip, world events, and debuts of the latest technology.

What if…you and I were present in the feed? Well placed and interesting articles, pictures, and memes are great ways to “slow the scroll” in order to catch a little attention. Now, before you declare me a crazy person (which may be true) I am wondering if you could use this instrument of connection for good? Here are a couple of ways that may prove effective:

  1. Share a Verse. If you use a bible app like YouVersion, there is a graphic of the verse of the day…as well as a way to easily create your own. Be “that guy” who shares a verse a day (just one) in the morning on your Instagram.
  2. Share and Retweet. At Englewood, there is an event or activity being promoted several times a week. When discipleship classes relaunch, there will be promotion pieces available that you could share.
  3. Tweet a Takeaway. I usually grab a “nugget” or two every Sunday from pastor’s messages. Tweet it and tag him in it.
  4. Brag on Someone “status.” Snap a pic or just mention how someone blessed you. For example, a status like, “I LOVE how pastor Jordan loves my kids. @EBCrockymount is blessed to have him.” #EBCkids. We have so many awesome servants here, this one is easy!
  5. Church Selfie. Grab a friend and snap a fun selfie in your Bible Fellowship Group, with your friends in the EDGE, hanging out at the Café or just coming into the building. Even an after-church lunch selfie with friends that tags the church are wonderful!

These are just five quick ideas of how you can open the door for a conversation…one that might lead to Making Friends Forever at Englewood.

Love Isn’t Enough…Reflecting on 30 years of Marriage

by | Jun 25, 2018 | discipleship, Faith, Marriage, pastor, Pastor's Reflections, Personal

Today, Jodi and I celebrate our 30-year Anniversary. It is an amazing thing to look back on three decades, two children…homes in six states and two countries…and various job and business pursuits. Two teenagers from Upstate South Carolina…in love…setting out on a course ‘til death we do part. After 30 years, let me say to you with some degree of experience…Love isn’t enough.

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I know it seems like a weird thing to say. I love Jodi and she loves me…now more than ever before, BUT love isn’t enough. In our world today, we want to tap into some sentimental source of power that says love conquers all and if you love one another, nothing else matters. I am not certain we really believe that. After all, I am fond of living indoors and eating meals…especially eating. Love is important…and love INFORMS our actions…but love alone would not result in 3+ decades of marriage.

 

 

 

Here are twelve things that I think are essential…and perhaps this list will be a help to you as well:

  • A commitment to serve one another. A good marriage is about what you bring to the table, not what you want to get out of it. Christ is the example. There is no better servant than my wife…bar none…anywhere.
  • A humility that demands death to self-interest. This is related to serving but speaks more deeply to the motivation. Spouse > Self.
  • A commitment to Covenant. God designed marriage to “image” (though we do it imperfectly) His covenant commitment to His people. The promise we made in 1988 was to one another and to God. We have no right to quit on the promise.
  • Laugh…especially at yourself. Yep, life is too funny to be serious all the time. Laugh at yourself and with one another.
  • Don’t stop pursuing. We tell couples this all the time. Apathy is a killer in marriage. Be IN THE HUNT! Hey sir…if you know more about the patterns of deer on your game-cam or preferences of fish in your favorite fishin’ hole than you know about your wife…you’re doing it wrong.
  • Listen…a lot.
  • Say “I’m sorry” a lot…and forgive quickly. You blow it. She does too, but not nearly as frequently. Apologize immediately…and forgive as Christ forgave you.
  • Unmitigated respect. My wife is amazing at edification. She never exposes my deficiencies to her friends or others. She speaks well of me to others. If she has a complaint (and I give her tons of material), she brings it to me. We acknowledge that neither of us are perfect but we don’t lay out the laundry piece by piece. That honors me.
  • A common purpose. Pursue something together. Build to the future as a couple. Don’t run individual roads that occasionally cross. Choose a road together. Run in your lane but work it together and enjoy the victory together. This starts with your common faith pursuit but certainly doesn’t end there.
  • Think generations, not decades or years. Jodi and I are interested in how we can influence our grandchildren’s grandchildren.
  • Rehearse the journey and share the lessons. When we get to invest in other couples, we re-tell the stories of wins, losses, and lessons learned. Each time…my faith is strengthened.
  • Remind yourself and your spouse often, after God, she is NUMBER 1. She must not be forced to compete with hobbies, jobs, the kiddos or the phone. Anything that is a rival to her, must be forsaken.

How did you make it thirty years? Because God is gracious and Jodi is godly. If I had to depend on her love for me alone, I would never have made it through my childish Army days. The greater question is how will we make it the next thirty and the thirty after that if the Lord gives us that many days. One day at a time, loving passionately and intentionally…and trying to give attention to these things.