The Story Chapter 3 / Trading in Your Dreams for Another’s

People nearing mid-life often crash into some startling and unexpected observations. For instance, we all dreamed big dreams when we were younger.  But as we move at a break-neck pace through our twenties, thirties, and forties, we eventually slam head on into the realization that some of our dreams will never be realized…which is a big fat sports car inducing tantrum which many fall victim to.

That observation throws some people into a mid-life crisis.  Some don’t make it that far with their aspirations, having already given them up somewhere along the way.  Some run into conflict that makes them weary and they settle for less.  Still others make bold decisions to trade one dream in for another… sometimes helpful and sometimes hurtful.

That’s what Joseph did.  Talk about dreams!  He had some big ones.  At seventeen he dreamed his ten older brothers would bow down to him.  It’s enough he dreamed that dream.  What makes it worse is that he told his brothers about it.  The older brothers already had issues with the younger son.  Their father favored Joseph.  He had even given him a valuable, multi-colored coat.  That’s the modern-day equivalent of a parent of four teenagers giving one an iPhone and the other three a stack of quarters each for a pay phone (assuming they could find one on their travels).  The brothers banded together and tossed the dreamer in a ditch, eventually selling him into slavery at the first opportunity.   The next thing Joseph knew he was waking up in Egypt.

From there his life was a roller-coaster thrill ride. 

One minute a slave. 

The next in charge of an Egyptian official’s house. 

The next in prison. 

The next in charge of the prison. 

Then he found himself in front of Pharaoh, called upon to interpret the leader’s dreams. 

With God’s help he was able to warn Pharaoh he would have seven years of abundant crops that he should be put in storehouses in anticipation of seven years of famine.  Recognizing his wisdom, Pharaoh put Joseph second in command of all of Egypt.

And because of God’s personal involvement in his life, he was able to save his family that God would one day build into a nation.  Joseph was in position to bring his family to Egypt and give them the most fertile land to work.  And it was definitely fertile.  In the time they were there they were “fruitful and increased greatly” (Exodus 1:7).  Joseph could have lost his life getting caught up in the details of his life, chasing his dreams and desires.  Instead, he chose a better story.  God’s story. 

You can do the same.  If your life’s dream has stalled, look to God. If your dream now realized is not all you thought it would be, look to God. He can give you another dream.  A better one, not according to the world’s standard but God’s criterion.  Just like Joseph’s.  Then you’ll have a story to tell.

The Story Chapter 2 / When the Last in Line Gets Chosen for the Team

The casting agent enters the room with their top picks for the show’s leading man and lady.  The new series will follow the spellbinding story of a clan that builds a powerful, world-impacting family tree.  This is the pilot, and it is crucial to make the right call on the individuals who will fall in love and launch this Kennedy-like family of influence and fame.  Producers and writers alike have waited breathlessly for this moment, the moment when who they have envisioned as the leading characters will be finally realized in an actor and actress.  But when they turn to see who has been tapped for these most special of roles, the thud of their collective jaws hitting the majestic mahogany conference table muffles their mutual groans.

There before their wide eyes, instead of the expected vibrant, young couple with gleaming white teeth and tanned and toned bodies, stand a 75-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman.  Not what they had pictured for their production.  And yet, this is what God has chosen.  His screenplay called for a couple to launch a new nation, one that would impact the entire world.  As he would say, a nation through whom “all the nations of the earth would be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3).

Abram and Sarai stand there, adorned perhaps by dusty old robes and crowned with wispy white hair and loosely fitting skin and as befuddled as anyone else.  God chose them to begin a nation.  An unlikely pair, especially after factoring in the fact that Sarai was barren.  How could God expect to start a nation with a woman who could not bear children?  To complicate the story line, it will be 25 more years before they actually have their child of promise.  By that time Abram and Sarai will be 100 years old and 90 years old, respectively (and their names will be changed to Abraham and Sarah).  Perhaps Social Security checks will help this special couple decorate the baby’s tent and they’ll be able take naps when the baby does.  And the rest, as they say, is history.  His story.

God picks people you and I wouldn’t necessarily select to take part in his story. In fact sometimes we are shocked who plays the starring roles in his stories.  Unlike the way we do business, he taps people, not merely because of their abilities, but for their availability.  God searches for people who are open to be used by him.  Since he uses only those who are willing to be used for his purposes, there is no doubt that it is he who is doing the wonder-working.  Let there be no doubt, throughout history he is the one making things happen. 

That’s good news, isn't it?  In the business world, you may not have a great pedigree.  In academics, you may not be a Rhodes Scholar.  You may not have a lot of money and you may have average looks.  But you may be sitting in a pretty good position to be a top pick for God’s work.

The Story Chapter 1 / God’s Great Passion is to Be With You

Some movies start at warp speed.  Case in point: Star Trek.  From the opening scene to the end it barely lets you breathe… I like movies like that.  If you slip out for popcorn you were sure to miss something important.  And yet, people did.  This disturbs me greatly since I am a movie snob.  I think the way to maximize the movie-going experience is to be in your seat at least 20 minutes early.  Never done that?  Then next time you go to a movie look around and spot the person that is in the prime seat—dead middle, eye level with the center of the screen.  That’s what 20 minutes early gets you.   Popcorn and drink in hand, nothing will move this person from their secured spot for the duration of the movie.

That’s where you need to be for God’s story.  Its opening scene also starts with a relentless pace that doesn't let up.  The first line reads, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).  Right off the bat we find the main character in the story is not you or me… it’s the Almighty God in all His Creative Glory.  And the rest of The Story will unfold out of the nature and person of this character.  Just ten words in and there is enough action to leave you breathless. 

It doesn't take long to find out what God’s great passion is.  Birds?  Nope.  Animals?  Not quite. Sun, moon or stars?  No, in Genesis 1:31 we find that God made human beings and the Scriptures say, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”  Notice the “VERY.”  That word is added from all the other days.  Also in Genesis 3:8 we find that God is walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve in the “cool of the day.”  Sounds nice if you are in a hot, humid climate, doesn't it?  And yet the “cool of the day” is not the focus.  God is, and He is near.  He is right with Adam and Eve.  And He is right here with us.  His simple vision for his creation was to spend time with them every day, to take a walk with them.  God’s supreme passion is to be with us. 

Some of you have lived your life with the idea that God is some angry cosmic kill-joy who sits in the heavens and watches you, waiting for you to make a mistake so He can zap you.  Or, you feel He is distant and doesn't care or has simply forgotten you.  But from the beginning He has shown us this is not the case.  He wants to be with you.  He has not forgotten you.   In fact, this might be the perfect time for you to go for a walk with Him.  God created you and He thought it was “very good” and He wants to walk personally with you through this life.

IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE READING

Bible reading should be an important part of our daily lives. Pastor Rick Warren wrote, “The Bible teaches that we cannot be disciples of Jesus Christ if we do not have a regular intake of the Word of God.”

John Charles (or J.C.) Ryle (1816–1900) was born at Macclesfield and was educated at Eton and at Christ Church, Oxford. He was a fine athlete who rowed and played Cricket for Oxford, where he took a first class degree in Greats and was offered a college fellowship (teaching position) that he declined. The son of a wealthy banker, he was destined for a career in politics before answering a call to ordained ministry. He became the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool and was a prolific writer and speaker.

In an article titled “Bible Reading,” he wrote:

Next to praying there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible-reading. God has mercifully given us a book which is ‘able to make [us] wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus’ (2 Timothy 3:15). By reading that book we may learn what to believe, what to be, and what to do; how to live with comfort, and how to die in peace. Happy is that man who possesses a Bible! Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it, but obeys it, and makes it the rule of his faith and practice!

If what J.C. Ryle wrote is true, then why do so many people find it hard to consistently read the Bible? Some say the language is too hard, some can’t find connection in reading random and short snippets. Some try hard, but can’t get past the lines of genealogies, lists of rules and duplicate stories and events.

            The Story provides a solution to all those objections. It is developed so any person can read the Bible as one seamless story from beginning to end. The Story is condensed into thirty-one accessible chapters and it sweeps the reader into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events. It’s arranged chronologically from Genesis to Revelation. It uses clear, accurate and easy-to-understand language to communicate the Truth and revelation of God’s story.

The Story is excellent for personal reading, but it’s also available for church-wide use. The Story Church Campaign has all the resources necessary for everyone (from young children to seniors) to participate in a unifying and personally gratifying experience.

            The Story is coming to NBCC in 2013!

MAKE THE WALLS COME DOWN

The Story Church Campaign offers a number of ways for churches to make the walls fall down when it comes to their people’s understanding and knowledge of the Bible.

Mark Coughlin, Senior Pastor of Immanuel Church in Lake Forest, MN shared an example of this recently with us:

“Our Children’s ministry researched the dimensions and size of the wall of Jericho. They had the kids cut paper in one foot squares and taped them together. After worship service, our folks saw our children’s leader bring in a 30 foot extension ladder. The kids filed in carrying a train of paper “bricks.” With the ladder against the wall, our leader put the papers up. It was a stunning visual of the actual wall height (27 feet) in Jericho. It brought The Story (and God’s story) to life because little things like this stick in people’s minds.

Pastor Coughlin adds, “People are hungry to learn what the Bible is all about.”

The Story Church Campaign is a fully-resourced program that will help your people connect with the Bible and God’s story of redemption. Because of its flexible, yet all-encompassing program, you can be creative, like Immanuel church and others, in the way you help you people connect and experience God’s story.

The Story is coming to NBCC and will make the walls fall down!

“THE STORY”… COMING TO NBCC IN 2013

What Pastors and Church Leaders Say

"I have loved The Story series. It has been a great journey for me, for my preaching, and for our members. We have had visitors throughout the entire series and have given over 100 books away... Getting God's word into people hands is always a good thing!"
Tim Halstead, Senior Pastor

New Life Community Church

Odessa, TX

"Quite often I have been asked what The Story is. What I tell questioners is that The Story is a condensed chronological account of the Bible telling the story of creation, what went wrong, and how all will be made right again. Who God is, who we are, and the meaning and purpose of life."
Jim Barker, Adult Sunday School Teacher

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

SPARKING CONVERSATION

"We’re excited about The Story. It has our church talking about the Bible more than anything else. It offers an opportunity for the congregation to gel. It really becomes the watercolor conversation!"
Mark Whitlock, Pastor
Christ Our Redeemer, A.M.E. Church
Irvine, California

LOVING SCRIPTURE

“So many people simply did not have a grasp of the biblical narrative, let alone how it all fits together. Our groups also loved it as we followed the preaching track – giving them a year of growth together.”
Eric Camfield
Christ Church of Oak Brook
Oak Brook, IL

CONNECTING FAMILIES

“We have enjoyed walking through the Bible in a chronological manner. In addition, we have LOVED being on the same page as our parents.”
Julie Chors, Director of Children’s Ministry
Hosanna Church
Lakeville, MN

UNITING CONGREGATIONS

“The campaign resources have been an incredible plus. This has really given our church a united focus and we are becoming more united because of it.”
Derek Stemen, Senior Pastor
Ohio City United Methodist Church
Ohio City, OH

DRAWING SEEKERS

“People began literally parking illegally in the access roads to participate in the experience.”
Max Lucado, Minister of Preaching
Oak Hills Church
San Antonio, TX

OUTREACH

"We were told that Debbie’s parents (one of our members) visited our church on Week 1 of The Story, and were so thrilled with what they were seeing and hearing that morning that they went out and bought copies of The Story for their whole church."

Davida Lambert
Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

"As a whole, The Story increased our church's biblical literacy. So many people simply did not have a grasp of the biblical narrative, let alone how it all fits together. It also brought awareness of the value of regularly reading Scripture as a spiritual discipline."

Eric Camfield
Christ Church

Oakbrook, IL

GROWTH

"We are already seeing almost a 20% increase in attendance. Not only are our members excited, we are seeing a lot of new faces all of a sudden. We are bracing for the fact that we have underestimated crowds. We're currently packing out our 1200 seat facility and we only have one service going now."
Travis Eades, Worship Pastor

Southwest Church of Christ

Jonesboro, AR

YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

"We have LOVED being on the same page as our parents. That is a connection that cannot be beat."
Julie Cohrs, Director of Children's Ministry

Hosanna Church

Lakeville, MN

"The Story has had an amazing impact on the level of comprehension our students have of the Bible. They can now see the big picture so much easier in the Old Testament than they did before. They feel they have a better grasp on the Bible itself, and can now see ONE connected story."
Crysty Kimberlin, Youth Leader

Preston Rd. Church of Christ

Dallas, TX

"Many of our teens are reading the Bible for the first time. They are engaged in the learning process and are asking good questions. Several of them have started discussion groups outside the church (in their homes) for their school friends."
Youth Ministry Leader

Bay Harbour United Methodist Church

League City, TX

SMALL GROUPS

"Everything we've been using has been OUTSTANDING! The discussion questions for small groups are stimulating. We can spend an entire hour on three of the ten questions. Several of our members plan to use them for personal study. The Story may be one of the most important movements in the city and beyond."
Alana Ownby, Small Group Leader

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

"The Story provided an amazing synergy and common focus like nothing we have ever done here at Oak Hills. Someone in our small group mentioned that they now have a clear understanding of the terms Upper and Lower Story, and that has made a difference in how they understand the circumstances in their daily lives."
Pat Hile, Small Groups Pastor

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

Through my eyes...hobbies

Wow…I haven’t written a blog in a while! School is great so far!

Now, the title is my hobbies, right? So let me tell you some hobbies of mine……

1. Writing

2. Reading

3. Socializing

4. Learning

Writing is so great. I have been writing since the 2^nd grade. My teachers have been amazed at my writing skills. There are so many great writers in this world that I admire. In fact, Bethany Jett just finished a book! I would love to write a book some day. What kind? Well, I don’t know. Maybe teen novels….those appeal to me.

Reading…..ah, reading. I have always loved to read. I love reading stories and the stories just make a movie in my head. I see everything happening to ME (not the character) as I go. Especially stories with a great deal of suspense. Suspense captures me and drags me on the end of a line. I hate it, but I love it at the same time in a book.

Socializing is my absolute favorite. I love to talk…it’s a fact. I can basically strike up a convo about nothing with someone and talk for hours. I love people. I am a big socialite, as Justin says. I love to talk and be seen.

Learning is a big one too. I love learning about the past. As a PK, I know that there is so much more to learn about the Bible – even if you are experienced. Recently, our youth group went over the story about how Jesus heals the man who has demons and sends the demons into the pigs! I thought I knew everything about the story. I learned so much about that story, I thought it was totally different! 

Through My Eyes…..I love writing, reading, socializing, and learning. 

Abby!