What is this Advent Conspiracy?

The family at Hermitage Hills is engaged with a Conspiracy … an Advent Conspiracy.  What is this all about?  It’s about a group of Christ Followers planning and agreeing to commit a subversive act together to undermine and overthrow the commercialization of Christmas of today’s culture by discovering a New Christmas with Christ and His Gospel at the Center of Giving.

To do this we must Re-Think Christmas. We must reach back into history to understand the true meaning of Christmas.  It’s about Jesus.  It’s about His birth.  It’s about giving glory to God.  How can we better connect with these kinds of celebrations this Christmas?

Worship Fully:

Acceptable worship does not happen spontaneously. Preparation is essential.  In a worship service, for example, the choir prepares, the preacher prepares, the musicians prepare, and etc. BUT the most important preparation of all is the preparation of the individual worshiper, and that is usually the most neglected. Hebrews 10:22 – is a call to worship, it gives rich insight into what kind of preparation God expects from a worshiper: “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled _⌊clean_⌋ from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.” God loves to draw near to His people.  James 4:8 … “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!” Worship is not about a song or style.  It’s about hearts opening up to his presence as we sincerely worship Him.  Think about these four checkpoints as you consider your worship today.  Sincerity, Fidelity, Humility, and Purity. Without them we are not prepared to enter God’s presence to worship. If, however, we can pass those checkpoints, we may draw near in full confidence, and God will draw near to us. That is the divine promise, and worship reaches its most sublime heights when the worshiper is living in God’s presence, in the glow of His glory, a life of worship.

Spend Less:

Spending less combined with Godliness brings Contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6 - “But godliness with contentment is a great gain.” This Greek word for contentment means “self-sufficiency,” and was used by Stoic philosophers to describe a person who was unflappable and unmoved by external circumstances because their “self-sufficiency” was founded in the “sufficiency of Christ”. Christ sufficiency brings to one’s life His Supremacy in all things … including our belongings. Christians are to be satisfied and sufficient, and not to seek for more than what God has already given them. Therefore, Christ should be our source of true contentment.  The truly godly person is not interested in becoming rich. He possesses inner resources which furnish riches far beyond that which earth can offer.

Spending less births Contentment that brings Perspective: 1 Timothy 6:7 …“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.” When someone’s spirit leaves his body at death, it can take nothing with it because, when that person came into the world at birth, he brought nothing with him. Whatever wealth we accumulate goes to the government, our heirs, and perhaps charity and the church. We always know the answer to the question, “How much did he leave?” Everything!

Spending Less allows a Perspective to bring Balance: 1 Timothy 6:8 … “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” The basic necessities of life are what ought to make Christians content.  Paul does not condemn having possessions, as long as God graciously provides them (see v. 17). He does, however, condemn a self-indulgent desire for money, which results from discontentment. A miser without food would starve to death counting his money.  Remember the simple-living Quaker who was watching his new neighbor move in, with all of the furnishings and expensive “toys” that “successful people” collect. The Quaker finally went over to his new neighbor and said, “Neighbor, if ever thou dost need anything, come to see me, and I will tell thee know how to get along without it.” Henry David Thoreau, the naturalist of the 1800s, reminded us that a man is wealthy in proportion to the number of things he can afford to do without.^[1][1]

Give More:

Give More of Your Time: The word Time is found 916 times in the = HCSB. The phrase “Using Time Productively” got 1,770,000 hits on Google.  So, it is easy to say that Time is a very important issue to just about everyone. But, the fact is everyone has the same about of time … no one has less or more.  It’s one factor in life that does not have favorites or is unequally distributed across economic cultures … and yet … it is a Treasured Possession … it is what everyone desires more of …. More time … to live … to love … to share … to grow … to experience … to connect.  But, you can’t purchase this Treasured Element in Life … it is GIVEN! Therefore, Plan this Christmas to give more of Your Time.

Give More of Your Heart: The word Heart is found 715 times in the HCSB. See 2 Cor. 6:11 … Paul speaks about how his heart has been opened wide …  Lit. “our heart is enlarged”.  This is evidence of Paul’s genuine love for the Corinthians was that no matter how some of them had mistreated him, he still loved them and had room for them in his heart.  A part of this “Enlarged” Heart that Christ gives to His followers is to have the ability to feel what others are feeling with great sympathy.

Give More Of Your Abilities and Talents: The word Ability is found 13 times in the HCSB. See Acts 11:29 … according to each one’s ability they gave financially to help others in need. Some may have had the money to give and just gave it. Some may have had to go and work to gave it. Some may have had to sell something they had made in order to give. Some may have had to trade something and gave it. But, the point is … each one “according to their ability” Gave!

Advent Conspiracy Video

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[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (1 Ti 6:3). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

Why do some believers get upset at the government when it attempts to help the poor?

I’m not quite sure where this question is coming from but let me share at least my personal opinion concerning this subject.  It is very clear in scripture that God calls upon His church to be about the work of assisting the poor.  In 2 Corinthians 9:9 the cheerful giver opens his or her hand and freely gives to the needy. Certainly this does not mean that a person must give away everything. If Christians were to donate all their belongings to help the poor, their resources to generate additional income would be gone and they themselves would be poor. The members of the early church helped the poor by selling parcels of land or houses, but they did this only from time to time (Acts 4:34). The apostles never coerced the rich to sell their property, but they expected that each person would give voluntarily from a cheerful heart.  By distributing blessing upon blessing to our fellow human beings, we in turn will receive multitudes of unexpected blessings from God. Whatever one distributes bountifully will be returned eventually in even greater measure. Calvin, in this commentary on 2 Corinthians, page 121, paraphrases rightly the words of Paul and says, “The more liberal you are to your neighbors, the more liberal you will find the blessing that God pours forth on you.”  We are instructed in scripture to remember the poor and to find ways to relieve their pain.

So, if a fellow believer has a cause to be concerned about the government’s actions to help the poor it could be because their disappointment is with the church.  If the church was doing what has been commanded of her to perform, there would be no need for the government to take action.  Think about that for a moment.  If every Bible believing church was taking serious action to relieve and remove poverty the results would be far greater than what the government could ever do.  So possibly the concern is over the lack of church participation in this much needed ministry from the body of Christ to those in need.

Let’s be honest.  What is your New Testament church doing to give relief to the poor in your community?  Now I’m not talking about a simple 3 or 4 shelf closet in your church that has a few canned goods.  I’m talking about a weekly intentional outreach into the community of those in need.  How often does your church have a food drive each year to give to the poor?  How is your church helping to clothe the naked and give warmth to those who are cold?  Is the body of Christ seriously taking up the mantel of removing poverty in our society?  From my view … I don’t think so.  Therefore, the government has stepped in and is doing what it can.  Is this the government’s responsibility? No, I don’t think so.

Let’s be prayerful about God’s call on His church to meet the needs of those less fortunate in our communities.  May we get more proactive in making a difference.  I know it will be blessed by God and will bring a smile to His face.

At Hermitage Hills we have the joy of celebrating our Heartbeat Ministry to the community:

Open every Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Hermitage Campus … the Heartbeat ministry provides food, clothing and spiritual counseling to families in need throughout the Hermitage and surrounding areas.  Hundreds of volunteers are active in this ministry every single weekend in order to make an impact against poverty and the help the hurting.  It is the call of Christ on His church.

Why do some believers think that tithing/giving is not for them?

The word tithing sends some believers into convulsions.  The subject has always been questioned, complained about, viewed as only an Old Testament principle, and disregarded by many believers.  The truth is the church doesn’t have a financial problem it has an obedience problem.  Because if every professing believer gave according to scripture, whether you are an Old Testament tither or a New Testament cheerful giver, there would be more than enough that the church would ever need to invest in ministry to see the Gospel released on a world in need of truth, grace, and mercy.

Maybe this all goes back to the beginning of one’s faith. Did they understand the true meaning of repentance?  Did they really grasp Lordship and ownership?  Have they truly been baptized into His death and raised to walk in “newness of life”?  It would seem to reflect that if the answer to these questions is YES, then giving is a mute issue.  If I truly believe that it is all about Him, His Gospel, His plan, His will, or His purpose … then giving the tithe is a simple yes.  It would seem that true believer’s love to give as the scripture indicates, cheerfully giving out of abundance of love for their Savior and to see His kingdom advance through giving.  But, sad to say, it seems that many stumble around this truth.  Some even pitch in a little here and there and feel as though they have made a big difference for the Gospel.  How does a believer making a good salary come to the Lord’s Day and put in a dollar when the offering plate comes by and feels as if they have truly done their part or have been obedient? That’s a great question.  I don’t know how they can do this.

Perhaps the pulpit needs to do a better job of expounding on God’s Word when it comes to giving. But we all know that that breeds, “Every time I come to church all they do is talk about money”.  We know that is not true but that statement is common when the pulpit teaches on this subject.  Of course we know that when you throw a rock into a pack of dogs the one that yelps just got hit … so it should not surprise us that people will be people and everyone is on a different place in the journey.

Where are you when it comes to giving? Is Jesus Christ truly your Lord?  If so, giving is just as important to you as praying, sharing, learning, singing, or any other spiritual practices that will enhance your relationship with Christ.  Let this blog be an encouragement to you to trust God.  If you have trusted Him with your eternity … then don’t you think you can trust Him with your finances?  God makes you a great promise in Philippians 4:19 … “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Follow Him, trust Him, and give cheerfully to His church the storehouse so that the people of God can push back the darkness together.

Mark marks the Spiritual Spot … a lesson in servant-hood and sacrifice

It had been a great week in Crown Point, Indiana taking care of our grandson, Hudson but it was time to head on back to Nashville in time to rest a few hours before Sunday’s responsibilities.  So, Julie and I headed back to Nashville on Saturday around 3 PM.  Expecting to arrive home around 9 PM and have time enough to prepare for the Sabbath.

But, God had another plan and a huge reminder for us both.  About 2 hours down the road just north of Indianapolis our car broke down.  Traveling South on I-65 just cruising along all of the sudden the motor just quits.  I immediately put the car in neutral and made several attempt to crank up the engine to no avail.  Coasting now, slower and slower I headed towards the next exit praying that we could make it off of the interstate and its dangers.  Coasting up the exit ramp (uphill) our car just made it to the top … without another turn of the wheel left … caught a downhill turn to the right and coasted all the way to a truck stop at that exit.  WOW … what a miracle to go that far and be at a place where we could get some help.  Nothing is worse than being on the side of the road and not knowing where you are or how to get help.

Anyway, working through a number of scenarios I called Dustin (our son who lives in Crown Point) and let him know what had happened.  He tells his choir about our situation (they have a Saturday night service) and the piano player tells her husband – Mark.  Mark finds Dustin and tells him he’d be glad to drive down to Indy and pick up our car, bring it back to Crown Point to repair it and leave us his Suburban so that we could get back to Nashville so I could be in the pulpit Sunday morning.  After much debate, Julie and I agreed on Mark’s offer … little did he know of the events to follow on this night.

Two hours later Mark and Stephen pull up to the truck stop where we were waiting and proceeded to load up the mustang. He told us to take the suburban on to Nashville.  Off we went.  Traveling to Nashville we got about 3 hours down the road and what happened…. just South of Louisville the suburban broke down.  It’s about midnight and we are on the side of the interstate (I-65) completely baffled at our circumstances.  Not only has our car broken down but now a car we borrowed broke down as well. Ok, what are the odds of this happening?  We later found out that both cars needed a fuel pump … so now we have two cars within hours of each other breaking down with the same problem.  What are the odds of that?

Sitting on the side of the interstate I called Mark.  Mark, you won’t believe what has happened … the suburban has broken down … no really it has … Mark’s immediate response was — I’M COMING! What, no way.  We can get the car towed to a safe place and get a hotel room and talk about what to do tomorrow.  Mark said, no I’M COMING! Without any hesitation, it was settled.  Now remember he has just arrived back to Crown Point.  He has driven 2 hours to pick up our car … driven 2 hours back to Crown Point … and now is immediately coming to us 3 hours away.  Mark said I’M COMING … he told me to get a place to stay and he’d fix the car over night and have it ready for us to drive home on Sunday morning.

The next morning I get up and Mark is calling me.  It’s 8 AM.  He has picked up two friends, driven to Louisville, KY, found where the suburban is located, towed it to a Dollar General parking lot and replaced the alternator, battery, and the fuel pump in the parking lot and has it ready for me to pick up. Amazing!  While I was sleeping at a friend’s home he was traveling, fixing, working, and now ready to drive back 3 hours just in time to pick up a group of students at church and drive them to camp!  What … yes it’s true.  When Mark got back to Crown Point he immediately left with a bus load of students to take them to camp.

As I reflected over this event it continues to amaze me, concerning the servant heart and sacrificial lifestyle of Mark.  He does not even know me. We’ve only met very briefly a year ago when I had the joy of preaching in his church.  He knew my son, Dustin.  Dustin is the worship director at Mark’s church … Bethel Church.  Because Mark knew the son he dropped everything to come along side the father.

Is there a spiritual correlation? I began to think.  Because I know the SON I should have the same kind of servant spirit to come along side the Father to see how I might help. Honestly if I’d been Mark … I probably would have tried to think of another way to help.  Ok, help once but now at midnight … help again?  Without hesitation Mark did … would I? Conviction came over me for sure.

BOTTOM LINE: Father I need to have more of a servant spirit like Mark.  Because I know the Son I should be willing in a moments notice to drop what I’m doing to be apart of what the Father needs!

Thank you Mark for reminding this Pastor that Biblical maturity shows up in servant-hood and sacrifice.

Can a Parent allow their child to be involved in to many activities?

This was a great question asked by someone attending our Mount Juliet campus last weekend.  Last Sunday we were focusing on Serving Together.  One of the points was to consider slowing down the pace of life so that we could have time to serve the body of Christ that we are connected with. 

Let’s consider the fact that God desires for every believer to serve in His kingdom somewhere.  The problem is that many are so busy with work, family, events, sports, and etc. that we don’t have time in our calendar to serve.  Thus the question:  Can a family be so involved with sports and activities that they’re on overload?

Answer:  YES … I think it’s an epidicmic!  In trying to be “good” parents we’ve become over involved and over committed with our children’s extra cirricular activities.  I think sports, music lessons, dance, and etc. are great for kids but I’m afraid that many have taken them to a level that has become unhealthy.  I see parents running from one activity to another, from one season of sports to another … and it’s becoming an expected yet unhealthy pattern of life.

Parents have the responsibility to “train up their child in the way he should go…” — that means some decisons need to be made along the way.  You can’t do everything and you can’t be involved everywhere.  It will run you ragged and will hurt the health of your family and spiritual lives.  Sports has become the dictator in many homes today, it runs the calendar and runs the family.  Being involved in sports must be kept in balance with all areas of life … education … church … relaxation time … etc. 

Any family that let’s their child(ren) do everything is heading for trouble and will find themselves so busy that they have become a “child centered” home.  What does that mean?  Well if the home is child centered then it is no longer God centered.  The child(ren) and schedules run the household instead of God’s principles and design for the family.

Julie and I raised three boys and I can tell you from expereince I don’t think we handled this area very well all the time.  I remember during baseball season being at the ball field from 8 am until 9 pm and having to order in pizza to have an opportunity to eat.  I’m not sure my zeal for ball and my boys was honoring my Lord at that time. 

So, be careful … be honest … how does your family calendar look?  Who controls your family calendar?  Do you keep enough balance in your family so that God and service to His Kingdom is not pushed aside because “I am just to busy.”?

This is a difficult area … pray hard … be sensitive … follow the Holy Spirit’s leading  and don’t feel like you must have your child at every event or sporting opportunity in order to be a “Good” parent. Because honestly the best parents know the value of BALANCE!