You might want to read through my whole ranting before you click on any of the included links…
Here is the latest greatest controversy in the religion realm.
www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36196
www.DividedTheMovie.com.

Wow! Seriously? And we wonder why students are leaving the church in droves… Let’s be real… it’s not just teenagers. Adults and senior adults are leaving as well. This video is pretty typical of what is presented all the time in churches. There is much Truth (God’s Word) sewn throughout the video which causes people to believe there is validity to their research and opinions. There are many true and real statistics (and some that are not) which causes people to believe there is validity to their research and opinions. There is reference to history and past experiences which causes people to believe there is validity to their research and opinions. But it is full of agendas and "out of context" statements. Just like Sunday mornings. This generation is pulling back the curtain on the “great oz” of the institution and wants nothing to do with them. Yet many are still mesmerized by all the smoke & mirrors.

There are some great conclusions that are presented. I totally agree that the parents have the greatest impact on their own children. Parents cannot outsource or subcontract the raising and discipling of their kids to good people who they even trust. It just doesn’t work… if it does… it is only by the grace of God. It is Biblical that the parents are to teach their kids.

So, is the answer “worshipping together” on Sunday Mornings? Absolutely not! No! No! No! If the result of this documentary is to negate youth ministry/programs and promote family worship… they are still missing it.

I know this may sound arrogant… bitter… know it all… whatever… This is the world I lived in for most of my life. Serving as a youth minister for 15 years and now serving as a pastor to families… I have been there done that.

Of the list of videos on the www.DividedTheMovie.com site the most practical one is by Vodie Baucham (http://vimeo.com/28372823). I believe Vodie is spot on when he talks about the what the real issue is (31.5 mins into the video). He knows the parents have the greatest impact. He talks about importance of keeping the family together in worship. I think the editors used his video out of context to support their point of family worship.

Here is what I know and believe with all my heart. I will teach what I know. (Christ has redeemed me. I am forgiven. I live free of the Law but walk by the Spirit of God that lives inside of me and choose to obey the Law of Christ that reigns in me.) I then trust the Holy Spirit to reveal this to the men and women that choose to hang out with me… and not just on Sundays. It is not my responsibility to cause parents to “get it”. I pray that not only will I see more and more of this Truth every day, but my family and friends will see this truth as well. I pray that the Holy Spirit will cause them to believe it… I pray that they will trust the Holy Spirit to cause them to live it. When that occurs… the children are naturally taught on a day to day basis simply by watching their parents living it out and processing it as a family.

The Church has to wake up! We are absolutely in a battle and the tactic of the evil one is to consistently lie to us and keep us distracted. The institution and programs and videos like this are nothing more than distractions that emerge as light but lead to darkness. If it isn’t about the Biblical Jesus and what He has done for me and other believers… I’m really not interested.

Wayne Jacobsen stated it all very eloquently here… Read this!

http://www.story.house2house.com/2011/03/24/why-house-church-isnt-the-answer/

Trust me… you probably don’t want to waste your time on the above links (except Jacobsen’s)… as I did. Just stay focused on Jesus. He is what matters.
Right on Vodie… we have to stop focusing on changing the behavior of man and trust the Spirit of Truth will continue to save!

Rusty 

On January 5th, 2009 the Indianapolis Star editor decided to eliminate a 46 year tradition of the newspaper that was started by the Pulliam family that formerly owned the newspaper. They deleted the daily prayer. This decision outraged readers to the point that they reinstated it a few days later. But interestingly enough, the editors left the Bible verse that has graced the Star for many years alone; 2 Corinthians 3:17. Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty.

If you want to find good news in the newspaper, look no farther than the masthead of the Star. Just below the name of the paper, everyday there is a reminder of the result of God’s promises and the Gift of Pentecost. God delivered His promise to people, the mystery of the gospel, “Christ in you the hope of glory.”

As Independence Day approaches and you consider the life you have, remember those who fought for our American freedom, but more importantly, remember the One who fought for you to enjoy true Liberty; Jesus. He didn’t come to put you under a new set of rules and regulations as some would erroneously lead you to believe. He came to set you free from the law and the tyranny of the evil one.

He not only was born a virgin, lived a sin free life, died on a cross according to prophecy, resurrected, witnessed by hundreds, but sent His Spirit to live inside the spirit of those who know Him. And if you have His Spirit (Romans 8:11), then you are free indeed. John Stark was a Revolutionary War hero. I don’t know whether he knew Jesus or not. (He did name his first son Caleb.) But Stark was all about freedom. He was not intimidated by an enemy that wanted to enslave him and his countrymen into their rules and regulations. So convinced of the principle of freedom, he was willing to risk everything along with his family for that liberty. Late in life, Stark was invited to a celebration of one of the battles he led. Unable to attend the celebration, he sent a toast that has been memorialized on New Hampshire’s license plates. Stark encouraged his friends of the battle, “Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils.” This Independence Day, I encourage you to enjoy the freedom Jesus has given you. LIVE FREE!

Leavener... it's a change agent. If I have chosen to name this ministry Leavener, then I most likely embrace the opportunity for change. But at the same time I am a loyalist. (i.e., I have served Jesus at Northside for the past 18 years and I am even still a Dallas Cowboy fan post-Landry era). So, as much as I respect loyalty and commitment, I also look forward to change and being on the cutting edge. Oh yeah... I even carry a picture of Michelle and me from when we were in high school (25 years ago)... ask me... I'll show it to you... We have changed a little!

Some people have referred to this new adventure in ministry as the biggest change in my life. I cannot agree with that statement. It was about seven years ago that I learned the greatest change in my life occurred when I was eight years old. That means it took me 27 years to come to that conclusion. You may be thinking I am a slow learner. No, I was a loyalist who didn't want to change my mind. I was churning out my life and ministry but never reaching my desires. Nothing was ever good enough... including myself.

It was about seven years ago that I realized the change God made through His Son that caused me to be changed when I was eight years old. Get this... In Acts, Stephen was accused of proclaiming that Jesus will change the customs that came from Moses. Thank God for that change. You see, it was that very change in God's plan that allowed me as a child to die from the law and be free as a child of God. The problem is, I never understood that change until seven years ago. I was a freebird who lived my life under many restrictions and yet, never knew it! I repeatedly tried to be the best I could be and would always fall short of even my own expectations (not to mention many other's expectations). It was at that point of understanding that I no longer felt the pressure of what other people thought about me or the things I was doing. God's Spirit changed my heart and allowed this truth (Romans 2:28-29) to be discovered. I will never be the same. I have been changed.

I truly believe this misunderstanding of the truth that I lived under for 27 years is prevelant in today's church. It is the evil one's way of keeping children of God bound up and even non-believers wanting nothing to do with Jesus. It has been that way for a long time. Even Paul tells the church in Rome they don't have to be bound up and fearful. They have the ability to see God as their "Daddy". It doesn't get any better than that. Truth that changes lives. It absolutely has changed mine and I can't do anything but be loyal to that transformation.

I don't want to hear any comments about that picture... I've changed!

Rusty

For the last year, three Duke lacrosse players have been fighting for their freedom. They have been proclaiming they are innocent of all charges that they sexually assaulted an exotic dancer. Millions of dollars have been spent on this case (through media alone). Their short lives (and others) have suffered greatly through this experience.

Can you imagine the emotions of these three young men (and their parents) when the attorney general says, "Based on the significant inconsistencies between the evidence and the various accounts given by the accusing witness, we believe these three individuals are innocent of these charges"? What an incredible burden lifted. What joy went throughout the individuals, the courtroom, the state, and the country, even the world. Absolute relief and joy!

On the same day, in another room across the country, I got to experience people discovering even a greater joy than the three Duke lacrosse players. I have the opportunity to teach a class on the book of Romans with my very good friends Keith & Terry. Our class each week consists of 10-15 people who desire to discover truth through God's Word. I can honestly say this group has been given a desire to learn... it is absolute fun each week.

I asked the question, "What is going to happen when you and your sin are standing at the Judgment Seat face to face with God?" There is always hesitancy with that question because most people have an idea but aren't really sure. Most everyone in the class was brought up (in the church and at home) believing that we will be held accountable for our sins at the Judgment Seat.

So look at these verses: Ephesians 4:32 Colossians 2:13 I John 2:12 Hebrews 9:26, 28 Jude 24 - Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy... Romans 4:7-8 - "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT."

Are you kidding me? How in the world can this truth be more evident in the Word of God yet we have been taught differently?

The realization of this truth caused freedom and joy to run amuck in our class. The three Duke lacrosse players experienced a temporary relief and joy. Our class experienced joy they will reign throughout eternity! One student in our class proclaimed, "I had never heard or understood this thought until tonight!!" I can imagine that he is going to sleep incredibly well tonight.

This simple truth that is hidden even within the church makes God's Word to be incredible news.

Some day... I'll stand at God's Judgment Seat and Jesus (the attorney general) will stand before God on my behalf and say, "Based on the lack of evidence I declare Rusty innocent of any charges"!

WAAHHOOOOOO!!!! Does it get any better than that?

Rusty

Micah was a prophet with an objectionable message to his audience. The people of Judah thought that everything they were doing was exactly what God wanted them to do. Micah pointed a finger of "religion" at them. They were performing so well their duties as followers of God but... God could care less. Micah informed his peers that they were missing what God desired from them which was to act justly, love with mercy, faithfulness, kindness and walk humbly with your God.

In other words… Micah is saying it is not about you and your crusted rituals. It is about meeting the needs of others and your relationship with your God. (I actually have a friend named Micah and I imagine they are very similar… that is way cool!)

The one question that I have to deal with everyday during this adventure is, “So… what are you going to do after May 20th?” My favorite counselor even asked me that question today… that is pressure! For the very first time, I think I gave an answer besides, “I’m just not sure… whatever God has in store for me.”

I absolutely know that I am going to be in the “people” business. I know that is a “God-thing”. My personality is one that deals with tasks better than people (much like the people Micah was prophesying to.) But because of the Spirit that lives in me (Romans 8:11), I am interested about others. I want them to discover their identity in Christ. I want them to know exactly how the Spirit can change their life. I want them to know their faith makes them righteous. They are saints, not sinners. They are forgiven, redeemed and made new. Jesus has restored the believer and made them holy and blameless.

I am FREE… FREE INDEED!Understanding my relationship with God causes me to walk humbly. Understanding my relationship with God causes me to walk with confidence.

I can’t help but tell people about this FREEDOM with a humble confidence.

Thank you God for allowing me to be in the “people” business.

Rusty