Greg Denham

To a small band of Jews who had no financial or political leverage and who had lost hope nationally and personally Jesus said, “You are the light of the world!” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Isaiah spoke of Israel as a light. God had created Israel to influence the world with its highest expression in Messiah! But the remarks Jesus made were so, personal. “YOU are …” And so purposeful “…the light of the world!”  He was saying, “Let me tell you why you are here …” “Let me tell you how God views you …”

Today, if you follow Jesus Christ, “YOU are the light of the world …”

But what does that mean?

In short it means that God has put YOU in the world so that the world can see what God is doing and that the world can begin to connect the dots to who the Heavenly Father is!

This means that we’re going to have to “DO” something …

In fact, the Father invites us to leave HIS FINGER-PRINT on EVERYTHING we touch. Is. 43:7 “I have created (you) for my MY glory … I have formed (you).” Glory? The Father has created us for His “glory?” What does that mean? Glory is what emanates from God! Glory is to God as wet is to water. Heat is to fire. Light is to the bulb. For example, although we can’t see God we can see His glory in creation and in HIS PEOPLE. And as follower of Jesus Christ we can DO works that glorify the Father. We can do works from which the glory of the Father emanates!

Jesus also said that we are a “city SET on a hill!” (not built on a hill!). This tells us that every Christian is strategically placed! God has strategically placed you in your neighborhood, workplace, family, church etc etc to “do” works that glorify the Father! This is your purpose in life. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

There is only so much glow that emanates from a new job, relationship, or recognition. You were wired to know the Father through the Son. You were wired that your life would express the glow that emanates from your Heavenly Father! So ask yourself today, “What can I “do” with the opportunities that God has given me today to glorify the Father? What can I do that would draw attention to the heavenly Father?”

Maybe at the dinner table or in a restaurant among friends but we’ve all said it,“Could you please pass the salt”. And why?

Because salt is a food enhancer. And you don’t need a lot of it to make the food taste just that much better! And sometimes we need just a little salt to do just that.

But during the time of Jesus, salt was not so much a food enhancer but a food preservative. Salt in the first century was an antibacterial! It preserved meat and vegetables and it was so valued that at times the Roman government paid their soldiers with, salt!

Can you imagine then how it impacted the followers of Jesus when He said to them, “YOU are the SALT of the earth …” He was calling them the refrigerant of the ancient world. He was categorizing them. He was branding them. And He was saying that without their influence the world would rot and decay.

The same is true today.

Every follower of Jesus is the preserving INFLUENCE of the world. Wherever you’re are. Whatever family you’re in. Wherever you work. Wherever you play. Wherever you live. Wherever you go to church. YOU are SALT! Right, now, you are the “Salt of the earth …”

You might be thinking, “Ok, I got it — Jesus categorized me as SALT but what exactly is the influence He is referring to that preserves the world from rotting and decaying?” The answer is found in the most immediate context of Jesus’ remarks in Matthew 5:13(and this Sunday we will begin a series of expository teaching on this very subject and I am really excited about it!)

In the meantime, let me give some perspective.

We may think that the realities of mercy and being a peacemaker and valuing others and forgiveness and sexual purity and worship and prayer — are intuitive. Just something that we’re wired to do. But that is not the case. These realities are not intuitive to everyone! They have been passed down to us and taught to us. They are the result of being transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. And, they are  totally necessary! Imagine a world without mercy, and peacemakers, and the valuing of all human beings, and forgiveness, and sexual purity and worship and prayer, to name a few. What is the alternative to these realities? Total decay!

“You are the salt of the earth” Jesus said. This is one of the ways that we, INFLUENCE.

Sometimes you’ll see a difference that your life makes. Other times you will not. But know this, salt always makes a difference. Living out your faith where you are will always make a difference to God’s glory.

I can’t wait to see everyone Sunday!

Wisdom …

What comes to mind when you hear the term? How attractive is the idea of wisdom to you? If you were to be offered gold or wisdom which would you choose?

There is a reason why Pr 16:16 says “How much better to get wisdom than gold….” and it’s important to understand, why.

This Sunday we’ll be studying Proverbs 30:24-28 but I thought I’d give you a little appetizer on the subject of “Exceeding Wisdom” and why it is so important?

In short, it has so much to do with what the WILL OF GOD for our lives.

The Bible says, “See then that you walk circumspectly (Vs. 15 NLT reads, “So be careful how you live …”) not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Eph 5:15-17)

Being careful how you live your life has to do with being wise and experiencing God’s will! The opposite is true with a “fool” and of course it’s not God’s will to be a fool. The book of Proverbs describes a fool in the following way.

#1 A fool is a “BLOCKHEAD!” It’s the word “kaceel” in Hebrew used 49 times in Proverbs and one of which is found in Pr. 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.” It’s a person who does not listen. They are not teachable. It’s why you’ve heard that counseling is with 2% of the people and is 98% ineffective.

#2 A fool is morally and intellectually intoxicated to the extent that they say, “There is NO GOD!” The word used is “Nabal” and it’s found in Pr 17:24 which reads “A fool says in his heart that there is no God!”

#3 A fool does not have fear unless there is a FALL.Pr. 14:16 “A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self confident.” The fool is someone who experiences a lot of unnecessary PAIN and CRISIS.

Here’s the picture that starts to come into focus that distinguishes between a wise person and a foolish person ….

A wise person utilizes the faculties that God has given them: namely, to listen, to learn, to think and to make good choices based on sound judgment and Biblical principle and the moral-revealed-will-of-God! While on the other hand, a fool totally mismanages the capabilities that God has given them. They are inattentive. They are a wanderer. There is an absence of consideration in their choices. This is why an unwise person and an immature person does not make the connection between their choices and their consequences. While on the other hand the Bible says, “A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel …” Pr. 1:5

Proverbs 30:24-28 tells us that there is WISDOM to learn from FOUR SMALL CREATURES: the Ant, the Coney, the Locust and the Lizard!

Sound strange? Check it out!

#1 The wisdom of the ANT is to make the best and most responsible decisions TODAY that leads to the best possible situation, tomorrow.

#2 The Wisdom of the CONEY (a small feeble animal) is to know one’s weakness and therefore depend upon what is greater than oneself for safety and security.

#3 The Wisdom of the LOCUST is to get along with others and to realize there is strength in numbers.

#4 The wisdom of the LIZARD/ Spider is to have a quiet and patient perseverance thriving where you are at!

See you Sunday!

The issue of LOVE is front and center in the Bible.

Yet, what is love?

It’s one of the most sung about and written about subjects in life, and still there is MASS confusion. Even the Beatles sang, “All You Need Is Love” but then they broke up.

Recorded in John 13:34 Jesus commanded that we love one another in a very specific way saying, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”Then Jesus said, “This is how you will know my disciples by the love they have for one another.” Both of remarks came after Jesus had just washed the disciples feet in the upper room. Was Jesus saying, “You’ll know my disciples because they will wash each others feet?” I don’t believe so. But rather the washing of feet by nature provides a window into what love is.

In Middle Eastern culture foot washing was needed in every home. The streets were dusty, dirty, littered with garbage even the waste of animals. The common shoes of the day were sandals. So, you can imagine what feet would look like at the end of the day. And, generally, the host, or a servant, or even a slave would assume the role of washing feet in a home. However, when Jesus had the Passover meal with the disciples, there was no “formal host” So, who stepped up and washed feet? Jesus!

The passage reveals very important insights to the nature of God’s love. Enjoy. And today, with the help of the Holy Spirit, choose to love like the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1) Love seizes non-scheduled opportunities to extend compassion and grace (Vs. 4)

(2) It leaves one’s comfort zone and becomes vulnerable (Vs.4)

(3) It’s others oriented. It’s lives out the priorities of: Jesus, Others, You (Vs. 4)

(4) A Christian’s CORE-identity is that of a servant of God (Vs. 4; 12-17)

(5) Love is a healing power, like water that cleanses and gives life.

Love …

This Sunday I’ll be speaking on, The Much Needed Father! and spending a good portion of the time celebrating and giving honor to the Fathers (a lil sample below:)

** Let us thank God for Fathers who work hard to provide for their family.

** Let us thank God for Fathers who have kept their marital vows.

** Let us thank God for Fathers who perhaps have blown it big time but have gotten back up and who are committed to the Lord Jesus.

** Let us thank God for Fathers who listen and understand.

** Let us thank God for Fathers who are there.

** Let us thank God for Fathers who love their wife and the mother of their children.

** Let us thank God for Fathers who have at one time perhaps burned bridges with their children but who are not giving up having a healthy relationship with their children — committed to leave a godly legacy of finishing well!

** Let us thank God for Fathers who “fix things” but who also are just “there” calm and steady and stalwart in trusting the Lord!

** Let us thank God for Fathers who say, “I am not perfect. I have made mistakes. But I am committed to learning from my mistakes and walking humbly and remaining teachable before God!”

** Let us thank God for Fathers who have turned to Jesus Christ and saying by doing so, “Jesus IS who He claimed to be, and we all need Him!”

Also, check out this video promo for this Sunday’s study(Video Promo)

THIS SUNDAY is “Father’s Day” and I want to make it clear that I, along with millions of others, thank God for not just a man in the house, but a father! 

It’s been said that we are in danger of becoming a “Fatherless Society!” Experts say that due to a lack of father figures in the home the past 30 years has seen:

550% increase in Violent Crime

400% increase in Illegitimate Births

200% increase in Teen Pregnancies

300% increase in Teen Suicide

More that 70% of all juveniles in state reform institutions come from fatherless homes.

One of the earmarks of a godly father is they spend TIME with their children. We’ve all heard the term “quality time” but it’s a myth. What is needed is quantity of time! Love is spelled, T-I-M-E.

It’s my prayer that there will be a generation of young men who envision a godly family beginning in their teens! May a generation of young males understand that the most important legacy that they will leave begins in the home!

Let’s “Give it up” for the father’s out there who love the Lord, love their wife, and love their children and grandchildren!

And, I’d like to encourage all husbands and father’s who are reading this blog – make spiritual discipline and the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ the chief priority of your life – and one way you can demonstrate this is by leading your family to church!

See you this Sunday, it’s Father’s Day:)

ACTS 20

Due to the fact that 1,500 to 1,800 men leave the ministry every month, it’s essential to have the right understanding of what a Christian leader, Elder, Pastor is.

In short, we NEED godly and biblical perspective on what a pastor is, so that we embrace what God intended in the pastoral role and calling and benefit from it as well!

Last Wednesday we studied Paul’s message to the leaders in Ephesus which gave us a unique window into what a Christian leader is, what a pastor is.

Below I have copied the seven main points that we have covered so far in Acts 20, with more to come.

In addition, some of you have requested “the letter” I read Wednesday night, that I had written to a friend of my father who asked me about how I view my “career” and “work”. I thought I’d include that too, as it will give you a window into what makes your pastor “tick”:)

NOTES

#1 Vs. 17-19; 31 A pastor is committed to the point of PAIN and thru pain

#2 Vs. 20-21 A pastor is Committed to the whole TRUTH

#3 Vs. 22-25 A pastor is Committed to the CAUSE above personal interest

#4 Vs. 26-27 A pastor is Committed to clear CONSCIENCE and to FINISH!

#5 Vs. 28 A pastor is a WATCHMAN over their own life

#6 Vs. 28 A pastor is a WATCHMAN over the stewardship of the church

#7 Vs. 27-31 A pastor is a WATCHMAN over the church and the dangers that threaten the church from the inside out.

LETTER

Dear Mr. Silberman,

Over the years I have tried to avoid deriving the value of who I am and the value of my work based upon leading a larger and more affluent congregation than the one I presently pastor. In other words, I have tried not to base my own value or the value of our ministry on numbers. However, at the same time, I do believe that it is essential to cast vision and work toward the influence of as many people as possible. I believe that the sacred responsibility of each generation of Christians is to know Christ and to make Him known in their generation. Ultimately, I believe that the core of “church growth” is that “healthy sheep beget healthy sheep!” I believe it’s essential to focus on the individual and God will build his church.

While at times I have had questions with the issue of new beginnings in my life and ministry, at the same time I have worked very hard not to allow it to derail me from my present responsibilities as an overseer, a teacher, and a leader in the ageless and eternal priorities of scripture. I have tried to live the adage, “Wherever you are be fully there!” I have tried to avoid the idea that our ministry in Auburn would be a stepping stone to something else.

The core of my thinking is the idea that I am a steward which means that I oversee what is not mine and I want to be as responsible and fruitful as possible with the resources and opportunities that are before me. I have tried to live with the thinking that if the Lord wants me to “play” outfield, or be the water boy, it is His call and His pleasure. I see my responsibilities as a sacred task, the value of which, and the measure of which, is ultimately weighed by God.

I believe my life is a part of something bigger than myself and that it is essential to leave a godly legacy for the next generation that hopefully will be something that they can build upon to God’s glory.

I believe there is a difference between excellence and success. Success is more often measured by culture and is based on finances, name recognition, or a broader and more influential platform. At the core of excellence is that which is measured by God and is based on doing your best and faithfulness to God. I have tried to focus on excellence, rather than success. I hope to be able to say like the Apostle Paul who at the end of his life wrote from prison, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!” (2 Tim 4:7)

God bless you,

Greg Denham

(October 2009)

Does it strike you as a bit odd that Jesus asked a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:1-12)

It may seem like a rhetorical question, but it is not.

The Lord wants to bring “Break-Thru” into our lives. He’s building His Kingdom from the inside out. But it’s important to realize that there is God’s part and there is our part.

The reality is that not everyone wants God’s best for their life. So, to ask, “Do you want to be made well?” is a legitimate question.

Maybe one of the reasons Jesus asked this question was because in some places in the Middle East a man who was healed would lose a good living. Was such the case with this man? Was he comfortable in his condition? Did he ever look through the porticos of the pool realizing that if he was healed his life would face larger responsibilities?

The question of whether we want God’s best is a legitimate question.

The reason the “WANT factor” is so important is because the GROWTH and RENEWAL that the Lord wants to bring in your life requires some PERMISSION on your part.

What’s your “WANT” factor look like on a scale of 1-10? Do you want change? Do you want to be delivered? Do you want a new beginning? Do you want transformation? The man Jesus was speaking with suffered from a physical handicap. But there are other types of PARALYSES! There is the crippling of BITTERNESS! There is the crippling of LUST! There is the crippling of just being COMFORTABLE with where you’re at undermining potential growth!

As strange as it may seem there are people who do not want help! They like the lifestyle they have chosen. They are comfortable to be in darkness. And, other’s will “play the victim”. They want others to feel sorry for them. They crave the attention that it brings them!

Ultimately, our WANT factor is revealed by how we believe and act upon the Word of God.

For this man, Jesus said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk!” And, he did. The paralyzed man received the authoritative command of Jesus, believed it, and acted upon it, and was healed!

What about you?

What has brought paralyses to your life?

What has held you over the years?

Jesus came to bring “Break-Thru!” Today, “Rise, take up your _____ and walk!” Walk with Jesus in victory because in Christ you have the victory!

A few more snapshots as we prepare for home. Looking forward to seeing everyone Wednesday night! Shalom, Shalom from Jerusalem …