I am devastated by my lack of devastation over the tragedy in Haiti.  From this, I have had to repent many times this week and ask God to break me for the 100,000 non-Christians who died on the 13th.  It’s been interesting this week as God has used this to begin to transform my heart for international missions.

Tragedies like the Haiti earthquake remind me of two things.  The first is that we’re not in control, as much as rich-white-america would like to think it.  The second is that there is an extreme urgency to share Jesus with the world.

Join me in praying about spending some time spreading the gospel overseas.  Check out opportunities at gonowmissions.com.

As I was standing in San Antonio counting down to 2010, just seconds remaining in 2009, it hit me - why on earth are we even celebrating a new year?  What really makes it so special?  Let’s be honest, nothing really changes when the clock strikes midnight.  So in the seconds left of 2009 I thought to myself, everyone around me, they’re hoping for a new beginning.  It’s that one time a year where you get a small chance to start over.  You look back at the past year, see the areas you didn’t succeed in, and resolve to succeed in the next.  We celebrate because we hope for a better next year than last year.

It’s funny how in little weird ways, we actually acknowledges our own brokenness.  Like at new years, when exactly a year before, we resolved to do better at things, failed, and again now we’re back, hoping we’ll do better.  We acknowledge we’ve failed, and all we need is a fresh start.  And we’ll do it all again in a year.

What’s also funny is that new years, really, a blurry picture of the gospel.  Where we’ve tried, failed, and failed again, Jesus brings grace and mercy.  He brings us new a new beginning.  He brings grace to cover past mistakes.  He took the shame, guilt, and punishment on the cross so that looking forward all we have is hope for a new tomorrow.  So happy new year - His mercies for you are new.  You have a new beginning.

For the Christian, there’s another new beginning worth celebrating.  When Jesus comes back and sin is no more - when the struggle is over and we get to experience in full the freedom He died to give us.  If you’ve allowed yourself to be trapped in sin, take heart, because nothing but mercy awaits you in 2010.  But even more, take hope, because nothing but righteousness awaits you in the days to come.  That’s what He promised - and that’s what He died to give us.

So for 2010, here’s my broken resolution:  Fight sin with a fury from hell unleashed by a radical hope of heaven so that the glory of Christ might be displayed in me for others to witness.  I just know that if we were to really hope in God for what He’s promised - if we really believe He delivers - our lives would be radically changed.  I think we could actually count our lives as nothing and live for the task set before us - to know him and make him known.  I think our fight against sin would change.  What does this look like for you?  Maybe it looks like getting involved in a small group or a church.  Maybe it looks like making amends in some broken relationships.  Maybe it looks like finally installing that porn blocker.  I think our outreach would change because we would trust in God’s promises and tell people about the great things He’s done being reckless with our pride and reputation.  We would have no shame, because He took it.  We would have no chains, because He broke them.

Let’s fight for our freedom - our freedom from sin, our freedom from shame, and our freedom from fear that God’s not going to show up.  Let’s fight like hell, brothers, because Heaven is just around the corner. 

Who is God? What is He doing in the world? It's important that we find the truth to these questions. Why? Because if God is the creator and sustainer of His creation, our whole purpose for existing is wrapped up in these questions.

On Friday Night, January 22nd from 8pm to 12midnight, we are going to be discussing these questions along with many more. It's important that we base what we do on the truth of who God is and what He is doing. I hope you'll join us.

With the supposed takover of Christmas by materialistic secularists (actually, can the world really take over Christmas? More on that at another time), I hear Christians often remind each other that "Jesus is the reason for the season!" TRUE! I hope we don't forget that, but as I think about it, isn't he much more than the reason for this time of year?

As I read and understand scripture, I am reminded that Jesus is the reason for summer, fall, spring, and winter. He is the reason the world is in existence. He is the reason the sun rises and sets. He is the source of all life. Without Jesus, there would be no earth nor humanity. Without Christ, there is no way of understanding why we exist on this planet. Without Christ, we have no hope in this fallen and depraved world. Without Christ, there is no salvation. He is our redeemer and savior. He is the author and perfector of our faith.

So it's true that Jesus is the reason for the season, but in reality, Jesus is THE reason! A reading and meditating on Colossians 1:15-23 would be a great read this season (actually, any season of the year!). Soak it up!

Jeff

Here are some questions to consider when looking for a church?

• Is this a church where God's Word is faithfully taught?
• Is this a church where sound doctrine matters?
• Is this a church in which the gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?
• Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the gospel?
• Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity?
• Is this a church where people strive to live by God's Word?
• Is this a church where I can find and cultivate godly relationships?
• Is this a church where members are challenged to serve?
• Is this a church that is willing to kick me out?
• Is this a church I'm willing to join "as is" with enthusiasm and faith in God?

(taken from Stop Dating the Church by Joshua Harris)

Campus Groups are beginning all over the campus at Texas Tech and if you are reading this, I hope you are choosing to be a part of one. As of now, Campus Groups meet in Residence Halls. They are designed to challenge others with the truth of the gospel. Basically, these groups are small group Bible studies on steroids. If you are not in a Campus Group, I encourage you to be a part. I really believe that as you do, you are putting yourself in a position for God to do some unbelievable things in your life. For more info about them contact Oscar Brown at oscar@techbsm.com

Only a few weeks left until the Fall 2009 semester begins! Can you believe it? For new students coming to Tech, I hope you are excited. For returning students, I pray you are ready. It's going to be an incredible year as we begin to try a few new things in order to live lives that are dominated by the glory of Christ! To say the least, I'm excited about where God is leading us! It will take courage to follow, but who wants to play it safe anymore?

Jeff

Wow! Can you believe this semester is almost over? This means that it’s not only time to get some rest, but to also become aware of various ministries taking place this summer along with all of the events coming during the Fall 2009 semester.

Are you aware of those doing missions this summer? We are fortunate at BSM because we are reaching the world this summer. There are several students from Tech who will be serving around the nation and overseas in an effort to share the gospel. We need to be praying for them!

Will you pray for new students coming to Tech? This summer, we will be involved in meeting hundreds of new students (mostly freshmen) who will be attending Tech in the fall. What an incredible opportunity we have in praying for them!

Did you know that we are going to have a Campus Group in every residence hall starting in the fall? With our new leadership structure and as we are working more closely with local churches, there will be at least one Campus Group in each dorm this fall. How awesome for local churches to work together for the sake of the gospel! If you want to help with this, please contact us!

Did you know the world comes to Tech? Many new International students will be arriving this summer and in August to attend Tech. We have an opportunity to meet them and help them with furniture or whatever else they need. It’s the great commission in reverse!

Though wearied from a busy semester, I'm excited about the opprotunities that exist in the coming months for us to glorify God on the campus of Texas Tech!

Jeff

As Good Friday approaches, I believe we must continually and consciously focus on the cross. Why? Because without the cross there is no salvation. Without the cross, there is no peace with God. Without the cross, there is no hope for righteousness. Withouth the cross, there is no forgiveness. Without the cross, there is no hope for eternity.

Paul wrote: But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ...(Gal. 6:14). Paul glories in the cross, as should we, because it was the cross in which God was glorified in His Son as He paid for the penalty of our sin. It is at the cross in which both the holiness and grace of God is revealed. Therefore, we must never, and in some sense we cannot, move beyond the cross. We must instead, move to a deeper understanding of it.

We must become cross-centered and cross glorifying people. Though the message of the cross is foolishness to some, to those of us who are saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). Therefore, let's boast in the cross!

Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to the cross I cling.

Jeff

It is vitally important that we know the gospel! What I mean by "know" is that we understand the gospel in such a way that it changes our heart, soul, and mind. We allow it to so encompass our thoughts that it becomes a natural part of our speech and witness. 

I am afraid, however, that many do not know the gospel to the extent to which I am writing. I believe some of this is due to the fact that we think that the gospel is for unbelievers only. We think that since we are now "saved" we can move on to deeper things. The truth is, however, you do not go any deeper than the gospel. 

So, on Tuesdays, we are going to dive in to understanding the gospel and allow it to drive us to evangelism. Can one truly know the gospel and yet remain quiet about it in a "lost" world? 

Though the gospel message will be primary in our dialogue, we will still discuss the fears, concerns, and means of evangelism. SO, I INVITE YOU TO JOIN US on Tuesdays at 9pm at the BSM! On Tuesdays, we hope to learn the how's and why's of being faithful to God's call for us to be heralds of the gospel in this day and time.

Jeff

jeff@techbsm.com

So the other day I was reading through Philippians with some friends and we got stuck on the “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (1:21)  We could understand the “to die is gain;” Heaven being better than earth and all.  But what does Paul mean when he says to live is Christ?  I think he explains it in the next few verses.  Verse 22, “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.” and verse 24, “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”

He says two things.  Paul’s living is more necessary for others (in this case, the Philippians) so that he may continue to help and instruct them.  And secondly, as Paul helps them, his labor will be fruitful.

You could take this several different ways, but I think there’s something big to be grasped here.  When I read this, this is what it says to me: “Every day God keeps me on this earth is because He’s going to use me to change lives.”  It was a chilling realization, that every day I’m here it’s to fruitfully labor for Christ.  To wake up in the morning knowing that the only reason I’m still breathing is so God can use me to change lives today.  As every hour passes, “Why did you leave me here?  What impact am I to make?  Who am I supposed to talk to?”  This is the purpose driven life, if I've ever seen one.  Paul had one purpose, as do we.

My college pastor at home was talking about new years resolutions; his being to live in, live by, and live out the Word of God.  I think if we’re practicing living out the Word, lives can’t help but be changed every day.

I’m hopeful for what’s to come as He uses us to call His children home every day in 2009.

oB

Fall 2008 was one of the best semester's we've had at the BSM and Spring 09 is looking even better!

Are you spiritually healthy? Important question. Many times we evaluate spiritual health with actions such as church attendance, etc..., but spiritual health is much more than just activity. It involves the motivations and attitudes of the heart.  Consider the following questions as you gauge your spiritual health:

1. Do you thirst for God?

2. Are you governed increasingly by God's Word?

3. Are you more loving?

4. Are you more sensitive to God's presence?

5. Do you have a growing concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of others?

6. Do you delight in the bride of Christ (the church)?

7. Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly important to you? (ie. Bible study, prayer)

8. Do you still grieve over sin?

9. Are you forgiving of others?

10. Do you yearn for Heaven and to be with Jesus?

(questions taken from Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald Whitney)

I was reading the other day some thoughts by David Wells, a professor of theology at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. What he argues I find very interesting. He basically writes that it takes no courage to "sign up" as a protestant, or in other words, to "say" that you are a church member somewhere or "belong" to a certain Christian denomination takes "no guts!" He does say however, that to BELIEVE in Christ and to ACT upon those beliefs takes tremendous courage. 

So I've been in Alaska the past week on a fishing excursion with the men in my familia. God has been impressing on me the importance of witnessing recently and how poor of a job I have been doing at it. So I decided that I would make it my goal to share the gospel this trip several times, to my family, to our fishing guides, and to just whoever else might cross my path. 

Thus far God has let me share with 3 people. All three of whom were under the impression that as long as you were a good person, helped others, and said you were a Christian, then you were one. And more so, if you were just a good person, it didn't matter what you really believed, you were golden for heaven. As I hear these things from these people I begin to get excited to flex my spiritual muscle a little because, as always, the truth is about to overcome the lies. 

So I tell my new friends why Jesus really died. I tell them it's not because He was a do-gooder that for some reason no one liked but because we fall so short and we need redemption. That we all have done evil and deserve punishment, and so in His death He took that punishment and in His resurrection He conquered sin. I then tell them about how good works come after salvation... How once we trust in Christ, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and this new creation is drawn toward holiness. And this holiness is what produces the fruits we call good deeds. Salvation by faith in Christ produces good works. Not salvation through works produces even more works. 

All three of them responded in the exact same way, "Oh, well that actually makes a lot of sense." What?!

Not the hostile reaction I was expecting, but I'll take it! The gospel, when you think about it, makes perfect sense. I just could never see that until I was saved. Which makes me hopeful that since these people see that with their minds now, they will embrace it in their hearts very soon. 

From the last frontier,

Oscar

This was written by an American doctor serving in India.

I was studying Psalm 43 with a friend in Urdu (their language) the other day. We came to where it says in English, "I will go to the altar of God." As I read along in Urdu, I did not know the word for "altar," so I asked my friend what it was. He didn't know how to translate the word into English, but he gave the following English description: "It is God's bloody place, where the throats of the animals are slit for sacrifice."

Of course. It's an altar.

Sometimes I think of an altar as the carpeted stairs and dais at the front of the church meetinghouse. But it's not. It is a bloody place - a place of sacrifice and death.

I need to remember that. 

desiringGod.org/blog

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