Charleston, Racism & Jesus' Kingdom

The tragedy in Charleston once again gives us reason to pray for God’s Kingdom to come as we see in the Kingdom-Vision of Jesus that racism and bigotry will be one day be gone forever when the human race is unified around Jesus (see Revelation 5:9 and 7:9).

However, today we live in the “not yet” aspect of the Kingdom—left to mourn for the loss of life and ponder the evil that once again has risen from the human heart. But it is the Kingdom-Vision of Jesus that offers hope and a path forward.

The Kingdom-Vision of Jesus is more than individual salvation and includes racial reconciliation.

Jesus died to launch a community where the only race we see is the human race and what we share in Christ surpasses all our differences. This is the dream society Jesus created when He died and then commissioned His followers to help enact when He said to “make disciples of all ‘ethnic groups’” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Part of being His disciple is to live “a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ who created this new life within you. In this new life one’s nationality, race, education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and he is equally available to all” (Colossians 3:9-11, TLB). In other words, who we are in Christ means more than who we are by race, ethnicity, nationality or economic status.

We must realize that what Jesus did on the Cross was not merely about our individual salvation but also about a new community that is practicing intercultural and interracial reconciliation. This is where God is taking the human race and we co-labor with Him for that purpose. Therefore, we must be ashamed of racism in our past, repudiate it in our present, and work against it in the future we are moving toward in Christ.

In the Kingdom-Vision of Jesus, we must be committed to honor.

Christ-followers are committed to honoring one another ahead of and beyond ourselves. In fact, Paul calls us to “outdo” one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10). 

Take for example, the issue of flying the Confederate flag. I understand the case for history and heritage but the biblically-informed response is that honor should trump both history and heritage. We, especially white Christians, must recognize how this flag dishonors our black brothers and sisters. Additionally, the history of this flag is at odds with the values of Jesus’ Kingdom-Vision. For more on the history of the Confederate flag from a Christian perspective, please read Russell Moore’s blog.

The Kingdom-Vision of Jesus starts with forgiveness.

When the family members of the slain entered the courtroom to forgive the murderer of their loved one, people across America were amazed and astounded. Christ-followers know that Jesus was present. Forgiveness is the starting point for any reconciliation. Where did the members of Charleston AME church get this capacity to forgive? They got it from the One who forgave them—Jesus Christ. As Martin Luther King, Jr said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

This is why the ultimate solution to racism is Jesus Christ crucified, buried, and raised from the dead.  From in Christ we are given a new vision of what it means to be human and are taught a new way to live, to be, to relate and to respond to tragedy. The world saw a glimpse of this vision in the forgiveness given to a murderer, and the world was speechless, in awe of such amazing grace and such a radical response to evil. This is why we as Christians must be committed to being “salt and light”, allowing the light of Christ to shine from our churches and in our responses to the woes and tragedies of this world. This is why our prayers matter, our witness matters, our work for justice matters, and our presence in the world matters. This is why we pray, “Your will be done on earth as it in heaven” and why, while we are on earth, we co-labor with God through His Spirit to answer that very prayer.

“50 Shades of Grey” in Black & White

by: Matt Evans

This past week Russell Wilson, QB for the Seattle Seahawks and committed Christian, was criticized for seeing the movie, 50 Shades of Grey. Wilson tweeted a reply that he was still “faithful”--presumably this means to his Christian beliefs and ethics. So can Christians remain “faithful” and watch a movie like Grey, which was rated ‘R’ by the MPAA for "strong sexual content including dialogue, some unusual behavior and graphic nudity, and language”? More specifically, the book/movie includes domination and sadomasochism.

What is an appropriate response to Grey and should a Christ-follower even watch it?

Like anything, a Christ-follower must ask if watching a movie like Grey could dull their passion for Jesus or at least be a distraction from their walk with Him? When what we see is a distortion of God’s design (as Grey distorts God’s design for sex), we must exercise great caution and discernment. So here are two reasons why Grey might negatively affect our affections for and walk with Christ:

What we see can affect what we prize. Job said that he made a covenant with his eyes not to look “lustfully” at a lady (Job 31:1). This indicates the power and potential that come from what we see. Watching scenes of nudity and sexual activity are not neutral engagements for our eyes. When you watch certain type of scenes in a movie, what thoughts enter your mind? Are you moved toward purity or lust? We are warned that ways of the world can affect us through the “lust of our eyes” and therefore, diminish our love for the Father (I John 2:15-16). There are things we see in this life that can blind us to God; conversely, becoming a Christ-follower is described as having “our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6, MSG). Therefore, Christians are frequently commanded to set our eyes on the prize Who is Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:1-3; Hebrews 12:1-2). Does watching a movie like Grey take our eyes off the prize or make the prize less appealing to us? That possibility certainly exists, and we must remember that the prize--Jesus--is worth joyfully giving up everything we have (Matthew 13:43-44).

What we see can affect our personal relationships. The lead actor of Grey commented that he did not want his daughter to watch the movie when she got older. The lead actress’ mother said she would not see the movie. These statements demonstrate that what we see in a fictional relationship can impact the non-fiction relationships we have. What we see can create fantasies, unrealistic expectations, and a spirit of discontentment that diminish intimacy and honor in our relationships. So for example, if a husband asked his wife not to see the movie, the wife should honor that request (and vice versa) out of respect for her husband and to honor him. As Christians we are called to honor people “above ourselves” (Romans 12:10).

In conclusion, I suppose someone could watch Grey with complete objectivity, recognizing the sinful distortions of sex and offering a biblically-informed critique of the film’s depiction. However, the Bible says to guard one’s heart more than anything else since “it is the source of life” (Proverbs 4:23). So should we play with the fire and risk being burned? Should we get close to the edge of the cliff and risk slipping? As for me, I know the depths of my own sinfulness and how easily my heart can be deceived and distracted away from the prize Who is Jesus Who paid the price for me to enjoy Him forever.

So for me, whether or not to watch 50 Shades is not a gray issue; it’s black and white.

Rock Bridge 10k...

Hello Rock Bridge!

2015 is off to an amazing start as we see more people being consistent in worship attendance than any other season in recent history (see Hebrews 10:24-25). Many of these people are looking to connect with us, our church; they want to learn more and discover the difference Jesus and His church make. So I want to encourage you in 5 areas:

• Keep praying! Ask God to move people to connect to life in Christ!
• Keep inviting! Who are you actively investing in, praying for, and seeking opportunities to point them to King Jesus?!
• Keep welcoming! Let's help people feel welcome. Help people find seats (even if it means giving up our own or going to a different service time).
• Keep connecting! Remember that church is not about attendance at an event, but connection to Jesus, His body, and His mission. This is why we want to encourage people to find a ministry team, small group, or come to the Connect Dinner.
• Keep envisioning! Imagine God using Rock Bridge not only to fuel your own spiritual growth but to reach and connect even more disconnected people! Imagine watching one of your disconnected friends or relatives being baptized! Imagine offering more "H.O.P.E." (Local Missions) to people who are in poverty or tough situations. Imagine MORE glory to God because of MORE disciples, MORE worshippers, MORE Kingdom-seekers.

This envisioning is exactly what our Elders have been doing, and I'm excited to share that we are seeking to discern how Rock Bridge could be positioned to connect 10,000 people in NW Georgia and the Tennessee Valley to life in Christ!! Can you imagine?!  Rock Bridge @ 10k!

That's bold! That's bigger than any of us! That's God-sized!

But you know what? At Rock Bridge, we've been our best when we've been the boldest! Think about how we started with 25 people, launched multi-site, kicked off Rock Bridge PM, or started our HOPE initiatives … each of those were big and bold for God! That's who we are!

Would you pray this verse with me?

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

I love His church @ RBCC!

God bless!

Matt

Reflections on Exodus

Exodus 14:1-31

- The Israelites are camping next to the Red Sea.

- The Egyptians regret letting the Israelites go and mobilize their army to pursue.

- The Israelites are terrified and wonder why God would allow this.

- God parts the Red Sea, and the Israelites go through the sea followed by the Egyptians.

- God destroys the Egyptian army in a final act of triumph and the Israelites rejoice!

Our trials and hardships aren’t just about us!

God has such wonderful rich purposes and plans that are so much bigger than we could ever imagine!  Often times though, we get so caught up in our own little fishbowl of a world that when things aren’t going our way.  We don’t understand that what is going on may not even be about us.  The Israelites were terrified when the Egyptian army came out against them.  This may have been the final “might” that the Egyptians still put their trust in vs. fearing Yahweh.  But God’s love for the Israelites AND the Egyptians was to continue to reveal that He alone was God.  Their mighty armies were crushed by the sea, and the nation that had been so mighty, built on the backs of slaves, had been humbled and brought low.

Many times in the past my own trials and hardships made no sense until later.  Sometimes I found out that my own decision to follow God when it made no sense gave someone ELSE courage and hope.  Sometimes I found out that the whole thing was really for someone else’s benefit, for someone else to see God, and God simply asks us sometimes if we will let Him use us however, whenever, even when it doesn’t seem fair or make sense to us!  But the joy of being a tool in God’s hands is a wonderful thing, and like the Israelites, it will produce in us a stronger and richer faith in God in the long run.

So trust God!  Follow obediently knowing that He can use all situations to reach and impact others, as well as mold us and shape us!  But remember, it’s not all about us!

By: Alfred Turley (Dalton Campus Pastor)

Reflections on Exodus

Exodus 13:17-22

Reflection:

·      Pharaoh lets Moses and the Israelites go!

·      God does not always work in the way that seems best to us

·      God’s path for us will often times look different than our path

·      Moses and the Israelites were reminded of God’s past faithfulness to help prepare them for future deliverance

·      God gave His people a pillar of cloud & fire so they would know day & night He was with them

Early in our marriage Leigh and I, like many young couples, wanted children. Things did not go as we had hoped and planned. For several years we struggled with infertility. We had countless doctors appointments, Leigh was taking infertility medication, and we endured several unsuccessful procedures month after month that eventually included a miscarriage in 1998. It was a very difficult season for us but a season that taught us some valuable lessons about how faithful God is and how He works all things out for His glory and for our good.

Through this season, God used our struggles to get us into a local church where I rededicated my life to Christ and Leigh was saved and baptized. We immediately became part of a church family that loved on us, prayed for us and helped us get through our storms. God’s plan and his timing, and his path for us were perfect! He gave us an unexpected, beautiful gift on December 20^th, 1998. An adopted daughter we named Grace (God’s undeserved gift to us) and we were unknowingly pregnant with our 2^nd beautiful gift that arrived 7 months later, named Abigail.

Challenge: We experienced, as Moses and the Israelites did, that God’s plan and path will often times look different than ours but He always knows what’s BEST for us.  He simply wants our obedience and trust in Him without complaining or resisting. Follow Him. Trust Him. Obey Him. He is the God of yesterday, today, AND tomorrow.  God is WITH you wherever you go and with whatever you are going through!

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

By: Carll Converse (Calhoun Campus Pastor)

Elevator rides, Check-out lines, & Facebook

Elevator rides, Check-out lines, & Facebook

“So what’s your church all about?” At Rock Bridge, we hope you have been asked this question before. If so, what did you say? Maybe you’re a Rock Bridge pro, and you knocked it out of the park! Or maybe you’re new to our church, and you didn’t quite know what to say. That’s OK! That’s why we wanted to give you some handlebars, not to memorize necessarily, but internalize to help you talk to people about Rock Bridge and ultimately Jesus!

So we asked ourselves that question. If we were chatting with someone in an elevator, or while standing in line at the grocery store, or even on Facebook, what would we tell them about Rock Bridge? Here’s what we came up with.

Our vision since 2002 has been to connect people from all walks of life to a life with Jesus by helping them become His passionate followers. We have a holy discontent for anyone to be disconnected from Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Kingdom community--the local church. Therefore, we see ourselves as ‘bridge-builders’, seeking to close gaps and barriers that hide Jesus from people: gaps created by legalism and condemnation, confusing traditions, grace-less teaching, unfriendly environments, mediocre ministry, and one-hour-a-week Christianity.

We see ourselves as ‘Kingdom-seekers’: people passionately committed to inviting people to church with us, offering tangible hope to those in hopeless situations, and demonstrating the Kingdom of Jesus in our communities and the world. We envision thousands of people in northwest Georgia experiencing life in Christ, growing in love for God and others, while living in His Kingdom and living sent to those outside of it!

Exodus Reflection

I used to be a high school history teacher.  I enjoyed reading and narrating the independence of many countries including the French Revolution, the American Independence. Exodus tells us of a fantastic account of the independence of Israel.

The story of Moses vs. Pharoah is so fantastic that most scholars take it as fiction or mythology. At the same time, many archeologists keep finding evidence that everything written about in the the second book of the Bible was history, not fiction.

However you see it - as a parable or as history - please focus on the message: God can win your battles. This war of independence is so unique because the Hebrew people did not pick up one single weapon to fight their emperor. God orchestrated every attack, every plague.

This is a constant theme in the Old Testament. Hundreds of years after Moses, other Bible authors narrate different battles where His people did not have to fight. Just sit and watch. Of course, there are many other battles where His people actually wielded weapons and God gave them the victory just as He constantly did with David, since his first battle with the giant.

The slaves in the book of Exodus wanted freedom. Moses as their leader could have drawn up a plan. But God surprised them with the most incredible plan of attack: bloody rivers, frogs, darkness, etc.

If you are facing an impossible situation, you need to find a way to tune your mind and soul to the fact that God is on your side and beg Him to surprise you with an amazing, divine intervention that trumps any human expectations.

- Enrique Govea -

Reflections on Exodus

Exodus 3:1-10

Reflection:

• Moses in the wilderness
• Moses sees a burning bush “Angel of the Lord”
• Moses curiously walks to the burning bush
• Moses meets God
• God reveals His Holiness and reminds Moses of his past

Followers of Jesus have had or will have some type of “burning bush” experience. One of mine came in a hospital room with two broken legs, another came as I walked into a classroom, and still others have come when I strategically made time to meet with God.  Some “burning bush” incidents happen when God desires to get our attention.  While other “burning bush” encounters happen when we as follower of Jesus schedule time to meet with God through His Holy Spirit.

Challenge:

Seek God!

No matter if we are in a symbolic or literal wilderness; curiously seeking something spiritual, or have had past “burning bush” experiences with God;  - God, YAHWEH, “I AM” desires to reveal Himself to you.  God is a personal God!

Suggested Prayer:

(Schedule a place and time) God please meet with meet today.  Jesus I will follow You. Holy Spirit surprise me today. “Lord, my every desire is known to You; my sighing is not hidden from You” (Psalm 38:9). “My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10).


By: Sam Smith, Chatsworth Campus Pastor