It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged, but pictured above is my valid excuse: Nelson, my 10 week old son!

With fatherhood comes a lot of changes, all good of course. Probably the biggest of such changes is the fact that I’m now responsible for someone who is for all major considerations helpless (but pretty darn cute). No longer am I the twenty-something that can take off to the beach on a whim or stay up all night (that is, not for the sake of a fussy baby). Instead, I’m challenged to be a better, more responsible man than I can imagine. Growing up ain’t so bad…

While we’re on this subject of “change”, TLC will be making a few of our own this spring. Best part is, you can take part in seeing it happen!

Details to come soon. Promise!

In the meantime, be sure to join us this Sunday (11am) at the Midnight Rooster Coffee Shop in downtown Hartsville for the start of our new message series, “Don’t Take My Word For It”.

Is God really who we say He is?

Tricky question. As Christians, we’re pretty good at giving God plenty of lip service disguised as unwavering belief. It’s easy to give God the credit and exalt Him in worship when things go well. It’s when life becomes a little more cloudy, that we let our sinful pride blind us from seeing God for who He is, rather than what He’s done (or not done) for us. God becomes only as big as our satisfaction.

What often gets lost in today’s church world is the senses of glory, honor, and power; the consistent qualities that make God, well… God. In the midst of the practical, “real life”, “purpose driven” kind of  vocabulary, we should keep the proper perspective of just who God is.

God isn’t like us. God is God. This is something we should be thankful for, quite frankly.

And our encounters with Him should give us a sense of awe rather than commonality.

Revelations 4:9-11 paints this picture well:

⁹ Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

 ¹¹ “You are worthy, our Lord and God, 
   to receive glory and honor and power, 
for You created all things, 
   and by Your will they were created 
   and have their being.”

When the twenty-four elders are on their knees worshiping at the throne, they are acknowledging God for who He is. Much like pointing out a friend wearing a red hat, your brother growing a beard, or the waitress having blond hair; these things are obvious qualities about the individual that we notice off-the-bat. Such is glory, honor, and power in regards to our Creator!

We cannot add onto to who God is. We cannot pay Him compliments. He is perfect and is the essence of all that is good. Knowing that, worship should be moved by the realization of who God is, how worthy He is, and how far from Him in nature we are. So when the elders are saying that He’s worthy of these things, they’re saying it out of honest observation… not just of God, but in view of themselves as well.

The Hebrew saying for “give glory to God” means “confess your sins”. Being honest with who we are (as unworthy sinners saved by grace) demonstrates who God is. Repentance and humility simply reminds us of the pecking order in God’s Kingdom.

Paul reminds us in Romans 3:23…

²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Yet time after time, man has propped himself up to be not just God’s equal, but His superior. We somehow know better than God on certain life matters. The third quality we’re talking about, “power”, is perhaps the clearest example of this.

How do we reconcile the power of God today? Do we trust Him for our everyday problems and societal issues? Does He still work “wonders” and “miracles”?

Come join us this Sunday as we close out our latest series, “He is Worthy” and discover why God is… God. (and why we are not)

This month’s message series, “#WINNING” has been one of my personal favorites! I love being able to zero in on removing some of the blockages around our faith and how that translates to our personal success.  It’s a take on a popular meme started by everyone’s favorite addict Charlie Sheen.

His idea of “WINNING” was to live a life of severe dependency on drugs, alcohol, and prostitutes and essentially “get away with it”. It’s a sad commentary on what one’s life can be dragged down into, when the very things that destroy our soul (and body!) is celebrated in such a way.

My idea of WINNING is much different. It’s about conquering personal demons, rather than making them our friends. The best part is, once we win our own battles, God gracefully puts us in the path of others who may have faced similar struggles. We’re able to do all of this with more than a little help from our faith in Jesus Christ!

The series’ parts are divided into:  You / Home / Neighbor / Office / City

It’s very much an inward then outward focus that I feel should be applicable to most any message.

Why this series and why now? Because as a pastor you tend to notice difficulties other believers (young and old in the faith alike) are experiencing. Instead of having a “WINNING” mentality (for real, Christ has already won!) we keep our heads held low and our hearts heavy because of  ”life” holding us down. It doesn’t have to be this way!

When I was young in my faith I have naivety to believe that since I was a committed Christian, that everything would be “hunky-dory”. Surprise, surprise… I would grow frustrated with God when things didn’t work out the way I imagined.

Question was, did my faith bleed into my everyday life’s actions? Did I really trust God for all things? The answer was simply no. I had to learn that my faith is my life, not just a part of it. Faith in Christ should not only influence my behavior, it must direct it! The choices I made in life carried consequences, thankfully none that would last long enough to do permanent damage.

I was able to learn from them, but it was always the same lesson:  to make God first and foremost in all areas. That alone will give perspective as to not just what is less important, but also what is not fruitful or are possibly outright mistakes to engage in.

Eventually as I grew more mature in my faith in the Lord, the more I was able to be used by Him to influence the people and things around me. We must win our personal battles if we want to effectively influence others! You cannot expect someone else to “live the life” if that is not seen in you!

Also…

- You cannot tell someone the value in tithing and giving offerings unless you do it yourself!

- You cannot desire your children to be chaste and respectful in relationships if you aren’t!

- You cannot believe your loved ones will easily find Christ if your weak faith is blinding them to Him.

But it’s amazing that once you get your life in order (with reliance on the Holy Spirit!) how much God will use you to influence those around you (and even those that aren’t part of your “circle”). This my friends, is truly WINNING… when God can take losers like us to bring others to Him. Both history and the Bible backs this up!

The Apostle Paul makes a great case for it. He was responsible for persecuting the early church and putting many believers to death! Despite his past he was able to find Christ and realize that righteousness cannot come from following the law, but instead by faith in Christ!

He even had the gall to say to the churches he wrote to that they should follow his example:

Philippians 3:17…

¹⁷ Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

And 1 Corinthians 11:1…

¹ Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Don’t get tricked into thinking that we cannot be used as good examples! Parents do this a lot. “Do as I say, not as I do (or did).” is a common expression that has little effectiveness on those it’s intended for. A Christian, saved by grace, who is repentant of their past but also one who embraces God’s grace and His righteousness, is much more useful.

Think about it this way, most folks (Christians and non-believers alike) will accept that Jesus Christ was a pretty decent fellow (and then some) and he would be a model to live one’s life by. But Paul? He was just another guy… right?

God’s saving grace and power in building us up to His picture of righteousness has to be seen in something that needs it. Kind of like a “before and after” demonstration for a cleaning product you see on a TV infomercial. It’s one thing to see it in Christ, but another to find that it can work for a dirty rotten sinner. It has to prove itself applicable to the common man, even the “bad guys”. And again, Paul (author of the bulk of the New Testament) was one of them!

He writes in 1 Timothy 1…

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. ¹³ Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

If we desire to see our family, our neighbors, our co-workers, and our city won over to Christ, we must first honestly look at ourselves and assess where our faith is at. Realize that every difficulty we face carries a unique opportunity to increase our trust in God, with our faith growing stronger as a result. This translates to others finding commonality and yes, even inspiration by the life we lead.

Join us again this Sunday at the Midnight Rooster as we continue #WINNING!

Are you seeing clearly? If not, what is the way to find out?

I remember when I was in 4th grade having difficulty seeing the chalkboard at school. My teacher noticed my drop in my academic performance (hey, I was a straight A student believe it or not!) and let my parents know. My mom took me to the eye doctor later that week.

It was there that I sat up in some uncomfortable pleather chair and took a vision test (with those terrible iodine eye drops and that clinking goggle contraption).

Sure enough, the eye doctor determined I needed corrective lenses and off I went with a snazzy new pair of big metal-rimmed glasses. I was kind of like a cool white version of Steve Urkel… at least I thought so at first.

Well, wouldn’t you know I could now see the chalkboard from afar and my grades improved, even if my self-esteem took a hit. (did I mention I looked like Urkel?)

In the church world, the word “vision” gets tosses around a lot. It’s a familiar Christianese term that pastors and leaders use often to describe what the future could look like. Our church is no different, in that before I ever thought about starting a church in my hometown, God gave me a vision for TLC and showed me the impact it can have on Hartsville.

The vision part of a ministry is vital because it outlines where it is heading (if followed). This week we’ll be examining the church’s vision and determine whether we are seeing clearly or not. If our sight isn’t 20/20, then we’ll simply grow frustrated with our ability to further reach the city we love.

Make plans to join us this Sunday at the Midnight Rooster Coffee Shop at 11:00 am for “The Vision Test”, part one of our “Seeing is Believing” series.

I recently went on vacation to southern California with my wife where we did all of the touristy things. We went to Disneyland, Laguna Beach, and made several trips to In-N-Out Burger (a must!). One day we ventured into Hollywood where we were part of a “Price is Right” taping at CBS Studios. We had a blast and possibly even made it on TV a few times cheering and waving our hands wildly in the audience.

After the show, we decided to drive around and see the area. Well, let’s just say that the Hollywood commonly portrayed in the movies isn’t exactly like the one in reality. We saw marijuana shops (or “clinics” at they were called), slummy looking apartments, houses with iron bars over every window, strange people jumping in the middle of the road during traffic (yes this happened), and hardly any beautiful palm trees to line the streets.

Aside from Drew Carey (host of The Price is Right), the only “star” we got to meet during our time there was the brother of Marc Summers (host of the old Nickelodeon show Double Dare and the Food Network’s Unwrapped).

In other words, none of the “glamour” was visibly apparent while driving. Even the famous “HOLLYWOOD” sign wasn’t in Hollywood itself, but far back in obstructed views (which doesn’t make for a good camera shot).

This experience lines up well with our next message series we’re calling “Lights, Camera, Action”. You see, much like my idea of Hollywood was an illusion based on unrealistic portrayals, the same applies with people’s view of Christ’s bride, the Church (capital C for the Body of Christ – the Christian Church as a collective whole).

The world sees the Church as many different things, both good and bad (but mostly bad). For some it’s a place where they might get married at someday. Others it’s where they know to get some half-rusted cans of green beans and pumpkin pie filling. Then there’s those who see it as a group of hate-filled bigots who want to push agendas on the rest of the world.

Where did it all go wrong?

What was the original purpose of the Church?

Why do people get so confused and angry about Christ’s bride?

What should we as the Church be focused on?

We’ll explore these questions and more over the next few weeks. Make plans to join us!

This Sunday we’ll be wrapping up our message series, “The Amazing Grace of God”. I think it’s been a healthy topic for all involved in exploring the depths of God’s mercy and love for us, in addition to looking at our flaws and how far we are away from being like Christ.

One word came to mind when anticipating this week’s message: gracious.

Merriam-Webster defines it as…

a – obsolete / godly
b – archaic / pleasing, acceptable

2 a – marked by kindness and courtesy

b – graceful

c – marked by tact and delicacy

d – characterized by charm, generosity of spirit

3 – merciful, compassionate

Basically, graciousness is grace personified in us.

But being gracious is quite uncommon, especially in today’s culture of isolation, vain attempts at community, and selfish habits. We’re “too busy” to be concerned with the feelings, desires, and needs of others. Why be “nice” when no one else seems to be?

In other words, graciousness sticks out. People notice it because they don’t expect it nowadays.

One expression you hear in using the word is being a “gracious host”. Jesus talked about this in Luke 14:

7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.

10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.

13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

You see, being gracious is not about “getting something out of it”. There is no guarantee of a return on your investment of love and kindness. Instead, it truly means that you treat people better than they deserve, doing so lovingly.

Who does that sound like? I’ll give you one guess…

Do you remember the show, “Cheers” from years ago? Most likely the thing you remember the most is the catchy theme song, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”. (It’s going to be stuck in your head the rest of the day now, so you can thank me later!)

The premise of the song, if not the series itself, is that you can walk into a familiar hangout where you’re never a stranger and your favorite drink is ready for you before you even think of ordering.

While you’re there, you share news and opinions, make friends, and if you’re an on-the-go type like me, maybe actually get some work done! Since I’m not much of a bar-patron, this is more applicable to my time spent at my favorite coffee shop, The Midnight Rooster in downtown Hartsville, SC.

When we moved back here to start TLC, it quickly became my office and a second home. I got to know a lot of the baristas and regulars there. Before long, they remembered what kind of coffee I like and where I typically sat. (Their dark roast brew is awesome, by the way!)

From the amount of time I spend there, I’ve been able to meet some really cool folks that have ended up becoming part of our church family. I think as pastors we could afford to “get out” a little more often. We need to take the time to build relationships and listen to people’s stories.

Upon considering a “summer venue” for our services, the Rooster naturally sprung up as a possibility. There’s a stage, sound system, and plenty of seating to go around; not to mention it’s a popular place that just about everyone in town has been to.

While we’re still in transition looking towards this fall (more on that later), this is a great fit for us right now. It will allow our current members to have the time to talk and get to know one another, while being an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

Come join us this Sunday, June 19th (11:00 am) and the following Sunday, June 26th for a time of worship, a life-giving message, and a Q & A session where we’ll take on the relevant church issues of today. We’ll have FREE coffee provided as well as having our kids church and child nursery available.

This Sunday marks another moment where we get to witness the life-changing power of God through water baptisms. Many have responded to this great opportunity when it was offered and I couldn’t be more excited!

It’s all taking place at Kalmia Gardens here in Hartsville; a beautiful natural area that borders on the Black Creek. We’ve held two out of our three baptism services there before and it’s a memorable experience for all those who participate and attend.

To “outsiders” it may seem like a strange practice. Even to other Christians, dunking people into a muddy creek seems a bit much when there’s perfectly clean baptismal pools elsewhere.

So, why do we do this? Let’s take a look at Matthew 3:1-3…

1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”

John was calling people to repent in a public river setting for all to see, all the while preparing the way for the messiah, Jesus Christ. “The way”, in this case, means a clear and obvious path to enter.

When we repent of our old ways of living, we are sending the message that we have prepared the way for Jesus to take control of this new life going forward. We now belong to Him! Water baptism is how we as followers declare our complete trust in Christ by being unashamed of God “washing away” our sins in love and grace. Knowing that we don’t deserve salvation from the bonds of sin should inspire us even more to demonstrate our faith outwardly in any way, shape, or form we know how.

Have you been baptized? If not, what has stopped you? There’s still time before Sunday to sign up and I’m here to listen to your story. Contact the church office at: 877-843-4TLC if you’d like more information.

Come join us this Sunday and celebrate life-change!

This is the time of the year where students have accomplished the task of completing a step on the education ladder. Whether it be high school, college, technical/trade school, or otherwise, they will be moving on to greater heights as a result of their achievement. As a church, we want to celebrate this and show support for them going forward!

The economic world today makes it more difficult to find “the right job” or the finances towards more schooling. Windows of opportunity are closing left and right and compromises might be made to “get by”. But what this economy cannot rob graduates of is hope.

Hope is one of the unique characteristics of the Christian faith. Hope is a yearning for the good that is to come. Hope for today and tomorrow; for yourself and others; for this world and the next. It is by faith in Christ that we are strengthened by hope.

One of my favorite verses, Romans 8:24-25, tells us more about it:

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Jesus promises us eternal life in heaven and abundant life in the here and now. Best of all, He does this all out of love, mercy, and grace towards us, when we least deserve it! Unlike a diploma or degree, we cannot earn this gift of salvation through “hard work and dedication”.

So upon the moments where these students will be jumping into “the real world”, it’s a fine time for us to be reminded that we are loved and favored beyond our mortal comprehension. And guess what? God can take us places we never imagined! (this means better than what we wanted) When we stand in that moment victorious, our hope is transformed into reality.

Join us this Sunday at the Center Theater (11:00 am) as we recognize our graduates and rejoice in the hope we have in Christ!

WHAT is to come we know not. But we know
That what has been was good–was good to show,
Better to hide, and best of all to bear.
We are the masters of the days that were;
We have lived, we have loved, we have suffered…even so.

Let the great winds their worst and wildest blow,
Or the gold weather round us mellow slow;
We have fulfilled ourselves, and we can dare
And we can conquer, though we may not share
In the rich quiet of the afterglow
What is to come.

William Ernest Henley, 1892

In an active, community engaging ministry, there is never a “settled” period… of course, at least there shouldn’t be. Every church should have some sense of being “in flux”; having anticipation for “what is to come”. Our church certainly lives up to this notion.

This September will mark two years for The Living Church. A lot has been accomplished in our short history, but plenty has been left on the table as well. Being a self-supported church plant has been tough in every way. One of the more obvious ways is money, as is the case for ministries around the country right now in this economy. Many of the “wish list” things that we’ve wanted from the beginning were put on hold because meeting immediate needs came first. We’ve put ministry work before the latest equipment, heavy advertising, and other budget items that some churches have the luxury of having.

But you know what? As a result, many of the folks that have found their way to TLC have gotten saved, baptized, restored, healed, discipled, and are now actively engaging their community for Christ. The investment in people has been worth it! Our church has truly been a friend to “sinners” (the hurting, broken, lost, rejected, displaced). While we have seen little growth financially, an increase has appeared spiritually in the lives of those in need.

It still seems kind of strange to me that such a divide exists, but I’m smiling because it shows we’re still making a legitimate impact on our city. I remain inspired, optimistic, and driven, because I’m reassured that God does indeed have us here for a reason.

This Sunday at the Center Theater, you’re going to hear about our exciting plans for summer and fall. They were formed from this crazy idea of putting people first in our priorities. On top of that however, you’ll get to hear how this habit is being recognized by others, who will help take us to the next level here in Hartsville.

Stay tuned…

In the meantime, you can participate in life-change by giving towards our vision at: www.tlchartsville.org/giving