Sacrificing All for the Savior Out of Joy

10/40 Window

"The Last Frontier of Christian Missions"

Here is my latest sermon. I preached it at Kenwood Baptist Church on June 22, 2008. In it is my hearts cry for sacrifice in the American church as we embrace suffering for the sake of Christ among the nations - starting in our own home towns and stretching out across the globe; and specifically to the most unreached parts of the world - the 10/40 Window.

In this sermon I discuss some major differences between what Paul thought and then what most in the American church think. For us, it is those who desire to go out as missionaries making tremendous sacrifices that are considered unusual. On the other hand, Paul found that those who expected to live normal comfortably lives without sacrifice or suffering for the sake of the gospel to be odd and contrary to the call of Christ. It is striking how different we as the American church are from what Paul expected. Thus, this sermon is a call to consider our lifestyles to see if we have truly heeded the call to being disciples of Christ.

John Piper and the Prosperity Gospel

I watched this video and was driven to tears. I pray that it would impact you as it has me. May we live with Christ as our treasure and God as our joy and turn away from the things of this world and suffer that we might live for His glory and for the joy of the nations.

GOD is the Gospel

For those who might not be aware of John Piper I strongly suggest you check him out.

desiringGod.org

I heard and my inward parts trembled,
At the sound my lips quivered.
Decay enters my bones,
And in my place I tremble.
Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress,
For the people to arise who will invade us.
Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds' feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.
--Habbakkuk 3:16-19