Busyness or Barrenness?

Jesus calls us to produce fruit for the kingdom.  Fruit in the lives of believers is a natural result of taking time to hear and obey God’s Spirit in our lives.  A lack of fruit is a sign of a barren Christian life that may be the result of busyness.  All of us need to learn how to draw aside, still our spirits, and simply rest in the Lord on a regular basis. This is not easy, because there are many important things that continually demand our attention. But God is at work in all of us teaching us to say “no” to some of these urgent demands, and “yes” to Him.  The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-45 is about this very thing.  I’m wondering how many of us need to change our “Martha” ways, and become more like Mary.  Think about it.  Pray about it.

Mythological Hell

This Sunday we begin a three week study on the subject of hell.  In recent years, I have encountered more and more Christians who dismiss the idea of hell.  I’ve read more and more church leaders who explain hell as a metaphor, or as non-existant. Interestingly enough, I have heard very few sermons on hell.  I suspect that one of the reasons such confusion and inaccurate teaching exists is a lack of instruction by pastors concerning the Biblical teaching of hell.    I want to encourage you to join me as we take a close look at what God’s Word teaches concerning hell.  See you Sunday.

Learn to Be Still

A friend lent me a DVD of a concert by the popular American band, The Eagles recently. Sherri and I sat down to watch, and listen to it a few days ago.  The band was maybe six songs into the concert when God spoke in a powerful way to me through one of their songs.  The title of that song was Learn to be Still. Part of the lyrics go like this -

We are like sheep without a shepherd,
We don’t know how to be alone
So we wander ’round the desert
And wind up following the wrong gods home

There are so many contradictions
In all these messages we send
(we keep asking)
How do I get out of here
Where do I fit in?
Though the world is torn and shaken
Even if your heart is breakin’
It’s waiting for you to awaken
And someday you will -
Learn to be still
Learn to be still

As I listened to the lyrics, God spoke powerfully to my heart.  He brought to mind His words in Psalm 46:10, Be still and know that I am God. Literally, this verse reads, Cease striving and know that I am God. I thought about the Holy Spirit’s voice echoing in my heart, and in the hearts of many of our leaders in recent days, as He calls us to repentance in the area of prayerlessness, and to a renewed commitment to seeking God’s leadership and direction for our lives and our church.

Then I thought of how easily we can be led astray, if we do not seek the leadership of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.  That’s why I am going to begin a series of messages entitled, The Practice of Prayer beginning March 6. It is no accident that this date coincides with the merger of SIBC with our partner church, International Baptist Church of Seoul, and the beginning of our 3:00 p.m. service. God has great plans in store for us, but we must seek His leadership for our church, as well as for our individual lives. Would you begin praying with me now for the Spirit’s presence and power in us, and in our church?

Blessed to be your pastor,

Pastor Dan

SIBC in 2011

It’s a new year and for many of us that means new beginnings.  Like our new Wednesday night prayer service and ladies Bible study.  I’ve just come from an encouraging prayer meeting, and even as I type these words my precious wife Sherri, and a wonderful group of ladies are engaging in a lively session centered around God’s Word.
I can’t help but sense in my spirit that God is going to bless SIBC in 2011.  For me, as pastor, those blessings are seen in the lives of God’s people as they renew their commitments to Christ, and begin to see Him with new found energy and vigor.  On a more personal note, I hear God calling me to Himself.  Calling me to spend more time alone, more time in His Word, more time in prayer.

I wonder what God is saying to you? Can you hear Him?  Are you listening?  Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still (literally, “cease striving) and know that I am God.”  I look forward to hearing what God is speaking to you as we begin this new year.