inside the fire: an action plan to live by

Most everyone knows the universal action plan if you are on fire. STOP, DROP & ROLL However, not many know the universal action plan for living for God inside the fires of life? There are times in life were the heat is poured on and the fires of life get hot. What are we to do? How are we to respond? What is their purpose?

To illustrate this I will be shring a common story from the Bible. The story of Daniel and the fiery furnace. You might have heard this story in Sunday School as a kid and can still visualize the flannal graph. To give a brief History 101 lesson: the nation of Israel had once again rejected God and were living their own way rather than God’s way. Since they disobeyed God, He allowed a pagan nation [Babylon] to capture them. The ruler of this nation was Nebuchadnezzar. He was powerful and very prideful [Daniel 3:1-7]. When he captured Israel he took all their treasures and brightest men. He was strategic and put these men in places of leadership among his empire. Three of these men were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These men took some heat for a heroic action to stand up for what they believed in. This is where we will begin to look at the action plan these men had inside the fire…

1.  Expect flaming words that will throw you inside the fire [Daniel 3:8-15].

Nebby built a big statue to boast in his pride [and god-likeness] and required all to bow to it. These men did not bow, instead they stood out like the squeaky tuba in the marching band. The men didn’t get away with a thing. In fact, some verbal flamethrowers [arsonists] came onto the scene, and accused the 3 men before the king. If you stand up for truth and stand out for Christ you will experience the harsh words of critics, skeptics and bullies. In middle school I was a professional flamethrower. I could cuss people out and cut them down like a lumberjack on steroids. It did not get me anywhere except being labeled among the bullies. Bullies, tattletales, flamethrowers or whatever you want to call them are all-words and no-impact.

We live in a day and age where people think they have a right to be flamethrowers. Just look at some of the examples from the news this week: Joe Wilson said “You Lie!” in congress to Obama, Serena Williams blasting a line judge for a bad call, and Kanye West belittling Taylor Swift at the MTV Music Awards.

Flamethrowers can be large and in charge, but we must rise above their flaming words. Do not stoop down to their level of immature speech, even though revenge is the norm. Be a fire extinguisher. Your priority is to please God and seek His approval. Being a man pleaser will only lead to disappointment. God can use your character in the heat of word battles to shine His glory.

2. Walk inside the fire with confidence [vs.16-18].

The 3 knew the cost of their obedience to God—their jobs and their LIVES. They did not care. They obeyed God and left their lives in His hands. They had confidence [humility], not cockiness [pride]. They weren’t too sexy for Nebby’s shirt. They knew, “Our God can save,” because they had a relationship with Him. They didn’t know if God would rescue them or not.

This week my aunt, Lori Dykstra, died of cancer. She was only 40, leaving behind 4 children and a husband. Yet her faith and perseverance inspired be. She had confidence that her cancer was from God and that He wanted her home soon. She impacted many in her church and family. Last night we attended her funeral. It was the best funeral I have ever attended. It was more of a celebration and worship service. She served God selflessly and confidently. She looked cancer in the face and said, “I do not fear.”

3. Don’t compromise when standing inside the fire gets hotter [vs.19-23].

Some say, “True worship comes from the heart, right? If I bow down and pretend that I am worshipping on the outside, but really worshiping God on the inside, then it doesn’t count. It can happen.” Sure, it can happen, but do not allow your circumstances to compromise you. What you believe on the inside will dictate how you live on the outside Remember the story of Braveheart? It wasn’t a happy ending; he stood up for that was right in the heat of the moment. Obeying God could mean sacrificing your friends, career, reputation, success, etc.

4. Grab hold of God while inside the fire [vs.24-26a].

What is disturbing is that Nebby was watching the 3 men burn. Yet that day he observed something miraculous. A fourth Man [Jesus] appeared in the fire and all the men were alive, walking around. When you go inside the fire others are watching your walk. They might want see you burn or end up getting a glimpse of God. God will sometimes use the fire to burn away things that bind you. Like Job we can say, “I’ve learned that the fire can purify me like gold. It was tough, but I would not trade it. I know God deeper now.” Remember, inside the fire God is with you.

5. Standing inside the fire is not forever [vs.26b-30].

The king was impressed. He had just witnessed the power of God. The character of the 3 men out shined the too-hot-to-handle fire. He immediately restored the 3 to their jobs and gave them a promotion. The greater reward inside the fire is the promotion we receive from God, “Well done. You have been a faithful servant, and I am pleased with you.” That will be amazing!!

In conclusion, a follower of God will undoubtedly spend sometime inside the fire. The question I must ask is not “Will I win? Will everybody see that I am right?” Rather, “Am I obeying God?” The consequences of our obedience are in the hands of God.

inside the fire

Our theme for FUEL Student Ministries in 2009-2010 is inside the fire. You are aware that there are times of trial or testing for even just standing up for your faith at school or wherever. In Daniel 3:28 when king Nebuchadnezzar says, “praised be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednago… who were willing to give up even their own lives rather than worship anyone but Him”

These dudes were lights in their world and it is our choice to shine (or stand inside the fire) in such a way that others around us will say “praised be the God of [insert name] who will do anything for their God.” Thus our vision and passion this year is to challenge one another to be bold to stand out and stand in the fire for our God.

FUEL Student Ministries kicks off again on September 2nd @ 6:30pm. We are looking forward to an exciting Fall and hope many will join us in the action.

this is it: MJ version

The title of my blog is, “we got IT good.”

So what is IT anyway?

Being a child of the 80’s of course I was a fan on Michael Jackson. I would hum his tunes, practice the moonwalk (but couldn’t figure out that anti-gravity move), and was enamored by his story. Most agree he was a music and dance genius. There was a fascinating mystery surrounding his life. From a five-year-old boy he was a star. He had record-breaking fame, wealth that is unfathomable, but tainted by private scandalous and outrageous debt. His private life was a mystery, but his following very public. He was idolized icon.

In March, MJ announced that he was launching a final tour, THIS IS IT. I wonder if THIS IS IT is more of a question than a statement? Rather than this is it! Could the king of pop think, “This is it?”

This is IT: the GOSPEL.

What is the gospel?

Put simply, the gospel means “good news”- which IT is! The gospel is good news because IT is God-centered not people-centered. Salvation is a gift from God that is freely received purely by faith. If our eternal life was achieved by good works or obeying the Ten Commandments, it wouldn’t be good news at all! Why? Because that’s like someone offering a gift, then asking you to pay for it. Also, if we tried to get into heaven by our own good deeds, we all would fall short. The gospel is the message of freedom and salvation.

The basis of the gospel.

The basis of the gospel is the cross of Jesus Christ. Without His death there would be no good news! God the Father poured out His wrath for all of mankind’s sin on His own Son. When Jesus died, the penalty of death for your sin and mine was paid completely. He died in our place. This fact is the foundation of Christianity. Because He died we will never die! Because He rose from the dead we will live forever! The only requirement for receiving this eternal life is complete faith in Christ.

Do you believe Jesus is IT?

real question: miracle?

Ned Anzers: I would certainly believe God is real if He would show me a sign. Why doesn’t God just give me a miracle?

We all love magic tricks. We know that they are just illusions, but they still fascinate us into believing they are real. Jesus was no magician. No doubt He was the real deal. The miracles He did were seen and experienced by many. Some of His miracles include: Calming a storm, feeding 5,000 people with 5 pieces of bread and 2 fish, walking on water, turning water into wine, healing the sick, paralyzed and blind, and raising a person from the dead.

Why did Jesus do miracles? Certainly it wasn’t to show how cool He was, but to help others believe He was God. Miracles did catch the attention of those watching. So why doesn’t God do similar miracles today as He did through Jesus? If He did certainly everyone would believe in God, right?

To answer this question I will to zero in on one of Jesus miracles. It was the last, but the greatest miracle of Jesus’ public ministry. Lazarus was a friend of Jesus and sister to Mary (the prostitute). There is nothing fishy about this miracle. Jesus simply says in three words, “Lazarus, come out!” and a man wrapped in grave clothes comes out of his tomb, not as a mummy but back from the dead. Jesus doesn’t do this I secret, but a crowd of people saw the miracle (John 11:1-44).

There are some general principles to be wrought from this miracle of Jesus. First, Jesus purposed for Lazarus to die. He delayed in coming (v.6). He could have prevented Lazarus’ death as Mary and Martha believed (vs.21, 32), but He chose to let Lazarus die. God purposes things to happen in your life to see how much you trust Him.

Second, Jesus Loved Lazarus (vs.3, 5). He loved them because He knew them very well. Throughout the text Jesus was outwardly affectionate toward his friend, “deeply moved in the spirit”, “troubled”, “wept” (vs.33-38). Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, he felt sorrow for Lazarus’ loved ones and those who still did not believe. God loves you too because He knows you very well.

Third, Jesus delay and the death of Lazarus was for the Glory of God (v.4). God is glorified by the demonstration of His power (v.25-26 “I AM the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”) And God is glorified by the demonstration of your faith (vs.14-15 “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.” / v.40 “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” / v.45 “therefore many…put their faith in Him.”). Jesus purposes things to happen in your life to show His glory.

So why doesn’t God do a similar miracle today so that people would believe in Him? Well look are verse 12:37, “Jesus did all these miracles in their presence they still would not believe in Him.” It is true, after Jesus many recorded miracles people still didn’t believe that He was God.

Jesus miracles were not done to amaze us, but to show how amazing God is. The miracle is not so much what Jesus did, but who He is. Miracles illustrate a deeper truth about Jesus. After Jesus feed the 5,000 people with a little boys lunch He says, “I Am the Bread of life.” To this the disciples replied, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” It is not that they did not get what Jesus was saying or doing, since they could still taste the miracle on their very tongues, rather they did not like the implications of His miracles on their lives.

Some might say, ‘Sure Jesus did miracles, but I don’t have to believe He is God.’ You’re right. However, the greatest miracle He wants to do in you is one that He did in me, rescue you from death and bring you into new-life.  Will you trust that Jesus is the “Resurrection and the Life”? (John 11:25-26)

real questions: faith?

Ned Anzers: Isn’t faith a psychological crutch?

To answer this question we must answer a series of questions:

First, what is faith? Faith is the believing in the unknown. Heb.11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” We all show faith each day in things that are unknowable. You have put faith in your car that it will get you from point A to B. You have faith that George Washington was really the first President of the USA. You put faith in the fact that the very chair you are sitting in will hold you up.

Second, what is our basis of faith? The Bible was written that we might have faith. John 20:30-31 says, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Faith has a source, which is His Word: the Bible. The Bible never encourages us to have faith in someone or something we can know nothing about. Rather it does the opposite, it asks us to have faith in One we can know. The Bible helps us know and examine the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Third, Why do I need faith? Faith fills what is lacking in my life. Jesus says in Matt. 9:12, “But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” I am spiritually sick and faith is for the weak. When you look at the world can you honestly say everything is alright. A person that believes that is more blind that a person who has faith in God.

Since I am sick I need spiritual help. In Matt. 11:28-29 Jesus meets this need by saying, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Fourth, So isn’t faith for the weak? Faith calls you to die to yourself. Now Jesus gives a unique challenge in Luke 9:23-24: “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” God calls a person of faith to a radical life. He doesn’t promise that faith in Him is an easy-cheesy life, rather it will be difficult. Imagine what the image of the cross brought to mind of a person in Jesus day. It would be like a noose or electric chair to us today. Yikes. [Note: The example of Paul (2 Cor.11:24-27), no he is not insane (Acts 26:24-29).]

Faith in Christianity is not blind faith at all. In fact, it is faith in the knowable and personable Jesus Christ that was a real historical figure, really written about and really is who He says He is. Faith is not a psychological crutch. Faith is for the weak and the doubter, the skeptics and the atheist.

taco bell theology

Earlier today I was craving a chili cheese burrito. So I decided to head over to Taco Bell for lunch. Why does TB always sound so good, but you hate yourself for days afterwards?

It got me thinking. Taco Bell is a lot like sin. Okay, weird, I know. Just trust me on this.

Sin is fun. In the moment, sin sounds like a good idea. Just like my idea of Taco Bell: I could not resist the hankering for an ooey-gooey chili cheesy burrito (by the way, is that real meat in there?). It tasted so good going down. Mmm, yummy. However, it wasnt but a few minutes later that I already started feeling yucky and questioning why I had made such an idiotic decision. So it is with sin. The after taste of sin is disgusting, unsatisfying and leaving you with an empty gut of guilt. You see, sin is worse than silly Taco Bell. The Bible says, sin separates us from God and that sin is a slap in His face to the satisfying joy He desires us to have (Rom.3:23; 6:23).

I might be thinking outside the bun on this, but God is so more satisfying than Taco Bell. There is no comparison. Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man who trusts in Him.” When we do not satisfy our hungers with God it is like eating 10 bean burritos at one sitting and expecting to run a marathon immediately afterwards. It ain’t happening.

I am incredibly thankful that God forgives us of our sin, cleans us from all unrighteousness and is more satisfying to the soul than anything on this planet. I am also thankful for the guy at the bank who gave me a breath mint!?

real questions: God?

We as human beings have questions. Big questions. Significant questions. Questions about life, God, and the future. As a pastor, I often get questions from people inside and outside our church. These questions are real and expect real answers. I will begin a series of blog-entries that show some of these questions and seek to provide them with biblical answers. 

Ned Anzers: I think that the largest reason I believe in God is because I was taught to. If I were born in an Islamic, Jewish, or atheistic family I think it is safe to say I would be what I was taught. Surely this is not what God wants my faith in him to be founded. In the past I have asked myself why I believe in God and have found ‘answers’ but after deliberating on them I no longer feel they  hold any weight. My question is this: Why do you believe in God?

This is a very good question. Can I ask you a question in return?

How is your belief in God different than your relationship with God?

To answer your question, I will give you both a short and a long answer. 

Why do I believe in God? In short, I choose to believe in God. That’s my snapshot answer. If it is not satisfying I will try to give you a clearer panoramic picture of why I choose God. Actually, it is more like He chose me…

The long story:

I grew up in a home that believed and taught about God. We were Catholic (by title and church attendance). My priest baptized me as a baby, yet I don’t remember a thing because I wasn’t even old enough to eat smashed carrots. I went to Catholic mass every week because my grandparents took (and sometimes dragged) me there. I went to Catholic Sunday School (called Catechism), and had my first communion. We called ourselves Christians, but I had no understanding what that meant. I believed in God too.

As I grew older church became less satisfying. God was still real, but less desirable. There was this disconnect between God and me. God was like some cosmic grandfather that I never talked to or understood. He was like some story my family told me, but almost like He was an ancestral fairytale. Little did I know this was a very small and insignificant view of a very big God.

I was a troubled kid. I had an appetite for attention. I didn’t “feel” like I received it at home, so I was sort of a class clown around school. I was well liked by my peers. I was a friend to all kinds of people. I truly treasured the attention I received from my peers. When the attention would wear off, I would do something wild and crazy to get attention. It would draw a crowd and satisfy my tastes buds for a bit, but more often I would get into trouble.

My quest for attention led me to friends that were bad influences and not law abiding. I found myself doing things I never intended or desired to do just to be around people that I thought cared. These friends introduced and diverted my attention to girls, pornography and vandalism. Note: I was still involved in church and considered a rather good kid. Overall, inside and out, I was left feeling empty, lost, confused, full of questions, needing hope, and handicapped by my guilt. I was to the point of thinking suicidal thoughts. God seemed even more distant.

My parents took me to see a local psychologist. This ended up being a waste of money. The school enrolled me in special classes. The only thing this meant was getting picked up early for school by the short-bus. I was both embarrassed and frustrated with my life.

In junior high, my mom and step-dad moved. I lived further away from my dad, which really broke my heart. Life seemed like it couldn’t get any worse.

We started going to a different kind of church because my mom and step-dad were dissatisfied with the churches of their youth. I did what most kids do: went to church because I had to. There was something about this Wausau Bible Church that was different than St. Al’s. First, most everybody had a Bible. Second, most everybody was friendly. Third, most everybody talked about God or with God as if He was a close companion. This all seemed very strange to me. On the other hand, I was quite curious. We continued to go. We bought Bibles, even though I could not understand it. I got plugged into the youth group and learned new things about God that I never knew before.

I remember clearly some of the lessons from my junior high boys Sunday School class. Here are 3 that I challenged my thinking and ripened my heart:

Judges 3:1-15 Not only a weird story about a fat king, but a lesson on Idolatry. The people are testing God. God is ready to hear their cries and deliver, but there is a need for a deeper deliverance than they desire. They desire deliverance from their situation, when God desires they to have a spiritual Deliverer. This passage gave me a radical view of Gods purposes. I need Him. I need a Deliverer. I have idols in my life that have taken His place.

Psalm 27 [now my favorite passage] This song of David is a BIG picture view of life, not just reactive living. David is incredibly honest with God. He is living in a world of trouble [enemies, rejection, fear, etc]. Yet among all the trouble he is God centeredness [v.4, 14]. That is incredibly weird. I had to ask myself the question: when trouble comes where does my heart go? Not to God, but my attention in stuff or silliness that did not satisfy.

Col.2:1-15 This passage hit me square between the eyes and stuck my heart with the present active benefits of God here and now. It showed me how a life without God is foolishness [vs.1-5]. I am victimized by my own foolishness. It showed me the power I have over sin in Christ [v.9]. The indwelling presence of God is given to do what He has called me to do. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me…and gave Himself for me. It shows me the freedom of having a relationship with Christ [v.13-14]. I do not have to hide, live in shame, worry about exposure, because Christ forgives all my sin, weakness and guilt. No more fatalism.

I was left with God, I thought “I really didn’t know Him,” but ached in my heart to have a relationship with Him.  I did not treasure Him, but knew only He could satisfy my loneliness and desire for attention. Instead of seeking His attention, I sought to put my attention on Him. It was then I fully understood I needed a Redeemer/Deliverer/Savior. I was lost, but now He found me. Thus, in July 1992, I humbled my view of self and my view of God. No longer did I believe in Him, but I began a relationship with Him.

Well, that’s the long version of His Story with me. Like you, I wonder what if I was born into a Hindu, Muslim, or Jewish family. Would I believe the Truth? Would God in His grace rescue me from a bogus view of God? Then I wonder, why did He choose me? All I can answer is, “Alleluia!!” I thank God that He did! I pray that I would be used to help others see God is real and that He desires a relationship with them.

I would encourage you to take ownership of your belief in God [Acts 16:31]. Take your parents teaching on God and make it your own.

too busy

“We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services, but few conversions; much machinery, but few results.” -R.A. Torrey, How to Obtain Fullness of Power  

 

Busyness or fruitfulness-that is the question… Is your life full of meaningful activities or just busy activities? 

 

It’s easy to be involved in many different efforts and good causes, but the truth is, busyness does not guarantee fruitfulness. It also does not authenticate the fact that I am in God’s will. It is the quality of what our lives produce that determines whether or not we are truly fruitful. 

 

One good way to help determine if you are being fruitful or just busy is by asking yourself some questions like: 

 

Am I spending my time doing what helps fulfill God’s purposes for life?

Am I doing what I really desire to do?

Am I using my God-given gifts and talents?

Am I being controlled and pressured by circumstances and expectations of others?

Do I see concrete results-good fruit-from my busyness? 

 

Being fruitful begins with putting God first. John 15:5 says, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much fruit. However, apart from Me you can do nothing. 

 

In Luke 10:38-42, we read the story of Martha and Mary. Martha was very busy serving, even serving Jesus. She got angry because her sister sat at Jesus’ feet listening to Him talk instead of being busy helping her serve. Jesus’ response to Martha was that Mary had chosen the best thing to do at that time-sit and listen to Him.  

 

I can be a lot like Martha. I have to constantly be busy doing something, even busy serving God. It does take long to figure out that this busyness can have bad effect on your relationship with God and others. While being busy I didn’t want to sit and listen to God, and it made me very angry when others did. Why? They aren’t busy accomplishing “things” like you.  

 

You can never do everything you want. And certainly you cannot do anything on your own strength very long before needing to rely upon the everlasting reserves of Jesus Christ. 

 

Busyness often has its roots in pride. It says, “Look at me, look at all that I can do, and see how busy I am.” If you pride yourself on your busy schedule or ability to juggle a packed day timer, you have a problem with busyness. Make time for God. Be still and wait upon Him. This may be the hardest thing for you to do, but in the midst of busyness it is the most fruitful thing. 

 

The Gift of Worship

Worship

Worship s a huge thing.

We look forward to worship every week.

When the music includes one of our favorites, we say, “The worship was great!”

When the music stinks, we yawn and wonder why the worship wasn’t very good.

We leave churches because of the “worship style”.

Worship s a huge thing. 

 

Have you ever wondered if we’re more concerned with what worship does FOR us

And less concerned with the Object of our worship?

It seems like it’s more about what we GET not what we GIVE.

It would be like taking a gift to a friend’s birthday party, but keeping it for ourselves.

 

Worship is all about GIVING our lives (again) to God. 

Worship is not about the feeling we receive when we sing.

Worship is not about convincing God to bless us.

Worship is not about whether or not the guitar is too loud.

Worship is not about what’s happening on the stage.

Worship is not about entertainment, lighting or sound.

 

Worship is not about us at all.

IT’S NOT ABOUT US.

It’s about Him.

And we enter through the gateway of the cross.

At the cross, we surrender, love, cry, dream, give up, shut up, kneel, confess.

We look to God, and place Him about all else

Because He is worth it! 

 

Live gets crazy and painful.

No one can deny that.

Job stress, divorce, death, addictions, parenting, loneliness.

No one is asking you to pretend that those things aren’t affecting you.

DON’T PRETEND.

You’re just being invited to bring that stuff to the cross, and to simply gaze at Jesus.

And as you look at Him, allow your response to be

Worship 

 

-unknown

 

 

quit church

Why do so many young adults quit church? 

 

Three out four young adults walk away from the church. Their is a laundry list of reasons why they walk away from the church: they want a break (27%), church is too judgmental (26%), they move away to college (25%), busy with work (23%). And I would add to this list that churches today lack a ministry that reaches out to young adults. So no wonder they wander off to find something else that will cater to their “needs”.

 

On the positive side, the 30 percent who kept attending church cited solid spiritual reasons, including: “it’s vital to my relationship with God” (65%) and church “helps guide my everyday decisions” (58%)

 

Quiting church during your college and early career years can cause a lot of problems in ones future life. The years between 18 and 25 young adults are making some of the biggest decisions of their lives: living on your own, college, marriage, family, etc. If God is not in these decisions, it is a recipe for hardship. Not to mention, the future of the church is weakened without the involvement of today’s young adults. When you remove the Solid Rock foundation it is difficult to lean on anything else.

 

I want to make a plea to all young adults: don’t be a quiter. I want to take liberty in quoting a popular rapper from the 1980’s: Church, it’s  ”too legit, too legit to quit”-M.C. Hammer

 

Stats taken from USA Today newspaper August 6, 2007