Series Reflection on 1 Peter (Exiles)

We started this year with a new sermon series on the epistle of 1 Peter and titled it EXILES. Now, I understand we’re well into the year finding ourselves in March during Spring Break, but I figured I’d share anyway in large summary. We’ll be in 1 Peter until June and I have really been digging this series because from the beginning we have seen God do some pretty amazing things through some of the ministries or initiatives that we’ve started.

THE CONTEXT

The Apostle Peter is writing to Christians who are scattered through what is known as modern day Turkey and are on the brinks of experiencing an increasing amount of persecution. Many of these Christians had already begun to experience social persecution and affliction; rejection by family, friends, and society as a result of their beliefs. Peter writes to them not only to encourage them, but inform them that more persecution will come and that their only hope is in what God has done for them through Christ in an effort to endure alongside of one another, stand firm with one another, and pursue holiness in spite of what is to come.

EVIDENCE OF GRACE

In the first twelve verses of chapter one, Peter pours a great deal of attention and detail into the work of God for us. As we walked through this section, we launched our “STORIES” ministry where we showcase videos of members from our church and link it to what we’re seeing in the Scriptures. Our hope, through Stories, is that we communicate God’s story of redemption and how, by His grace, He has folded us in that story.

Our first story was Cathy Fonseca where she shared her story of redemption; God’s work for her through Christ. You should check it out. Click here.

In the same chapter, Peter turns his attention to the pursuit of holiness and speaks directly in the context of holiness toward one another in the church. This was a total demonstration of God’s sovereignty as we walked through the church discipline and restoration of a brother who demonstrated repentance and restoration back into the church. My prayer is that God was glorified throughout that season (one we’re still walking through together).

As we walked into chapter two, Peter begins to shift his tone on the pursuit of holiness as it pertains to those who don’t know Jesus. During this, we started The Grace Initiative, a three week giving campaign where we’re looking to raise $1,000. That money will go back into our community groups so that they can go back out into our city and community and love them by demonstrating grace provisionally and proclaiming grace lovingly.

All of these are just the beginning of what is to come. We’re looking at launching a few classes this semester, Recovery Groups, and another giving campaign for church planters. So. Freakin’. Excited.

JUST STARTING

It’s been an incredibly series thus far and this Sunday, we’re wrapping up chapter two where Peter’s address toward the pursuit of holiness involves submission and suffering. I’m looking forward to it. You can check out the series HERE. Pray for us as we continue to hear from God through this series and glorify Him in the proclamation and practice of His gospel toward one another and our city!

New Series and Missions

Yesterday, we began a new sermon series titled "Kingdom Come." It'll be a series that carries us through the beginning of September; pretty trippy to think that September is only a matter of days away. In any case, this series is meant to prepare our hearts for our final transition as a church: moving locations to central McAllen. 

Over the past several months, Storehouse Community has been in a season of transition and growth. It's been incredibly encouraging to see our people commit their lives to one another for the purpose of furthering the kingdom; no local church is perfect, but we serve a perfect Jesus.

My prayer during this series is that we would grow in our understanding of what it means to be kingdom minded as we move forward. Central McAllen is rich in culture and tradition; right at the heart of the city and the center of the arts district, historic district, and entertainment district. Our desire is to be a church that is in the city and for the city, meaning that we look to meet the needs of our city--physically, culturally, and spiritually. 

We opened our time yesterday with God's vision for the kingdom and over the course of the next several weeks we'll begin to narrow down this vision to what it looks like for God's kingdom to come in the everyday of our lives and finally into the life of our city. 

Check out the sermon if you missed yesterday: Kingdom Come | God's Kingdom Vision

SENDING OUT? 

In addition to our time, we prayed over Nathanael and Nicole Sommers; two missionaries from Indiana that came to McAllen two years ago through an organization called World Gospel Mission (WGM). Over the past year, Nathanael (who we call "Nano") became our director of missions and mobilization and has done a tremendous work building this ministry; first by educating and casting vision for local and international missions at Storehouse Community and then by leading the start of several local outreach opportunities. 

Nathanael and his wife Nicole serve two-year terms with WGM before having to return to Indiana for a debriefing over their time on the border--discussing how things went and what could be improved--and to begin raising financial support for their next 4 years in the Valley. Nano has been one of my closest friends, especially during this season of transition, and has helped shepherd my heart in the midst of difficulty. He and his wife have been an instrumental part of our ministry and I believe this is only the beginning for them. 

Nano and Nicole's goal is to raise funds (both for their salary and ministry at WGM) by December of 2017. I wanted to take this opportunity to covet your prayers as they travel throughout the midwest and for favor as they raise financial support. Additionally, I'd like to provide a few links so that if you are led by the Holy Spirit to financially support them (reguluarly or one-time), you can (below). I'd love for them to be back in December in the place they now feel like is their home--McAllen. 

Support Nathanael and Nicole

Speaking Requests or more information, contact nate@storehousemcallen.com

Reflection on Nehemiah's Prayer

This past Sunday we studied the prayer of Nehemiah during his time of fasting as he begins to prepare for what God would have him do in as he is sent to Jerusalem. I felt that the verses were beautifully appropriate for the time our community and country faces. My heart is weighty and burdened for the families who have lost their loved ones over the course of last week's shootings in Louisiana, Minnesota, California, and Texas. I do not want to make this post long, rather I wish to encourage the church, that is the entire body of Christ, with a few quick thoughts I spoke on yesterday morning. 

HUMILITY

Nehemiah's prayer provides us with an example of humility as he reveals his dependence for God. In a time of great need, his immediate response isn't for the blessing of a great plan or some execution. Rather, he appeals to God's character and faithfulness (who God is and what He has done; not what Nehemiah needs or how "good" he's been). 

Humility begins with our need and dependence on God (Nehemiah 1:5-7). 

CHARACTER

Nehemiah's prayer is filled with scripture references which help us to see that he was firmly grounded in the Word of God; whether it's an appeal to God's faithfulness or a request, it's founded on scripture. If the church is going to stand in a time of confusion, anger, mourning, and grief then we must stand on the foundation of God's Word (Psalm 1:1-3). 

UNITY

As a nation, we are in disunity yet the church has been called to model unity and to carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and this includes the cries of our community and nation. Right now, there are many who are angry and scared yet the church has been called to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). This is not a political or economic problem, but a moral problem. 

The church must model unity not because we have it all together, but because while we were still sinning, Christ died on a cross for us (Romans 5:8). We are called to be a bridge in our community not because we have all of the answers, but because the gospel reconciles us to one another and to God. 

FINAL WORDS

Church, in 3 months, when some of this has settled or become a little quieter, will you still be standing? The charge of the church cannot be sustained by simply changing your profile picture and with the use of clever hashtags. Church, the aim of our charge is love. A love that is only possible through a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5). 

A Night of Prayer

This Thursday, we'll be hosting A Night of Prayer at Logos Community Church in light of the shootings that occurred last week. We will be spending time in song and in prayer as we cry out to God to confess our sin, pray over our community and those who protect us, and stand in unity because of the hope found in Jesus. 

Check out the FB Event. 

Further Reflection: For The City | Nehemiah

This past Sunday we began a new sermon series at Logos Community on Nehemiah titled "For The City" and it was great! In another post, I mentioned how Nehemiah is one of my favorite books in the Bible because it's a book that can teach us a lot about gospel-centered leadership. We unpacked the first 4 verses of the book and a lot of historical content in order to better understand not only Nehemiah's context, but the news he was receiving. 

In the initial verses of Nehemiah, we learn a little bit about his job and background and come to find out that he's a pretty faithful dude. He works in the capital city of Susa at the king's palace and has a high risk-high reward job. The encouragement that we discover is that many ask about God's will and what it is for their life. Here, we can look to Nehemiah as an example: be faithful and serve right where God has you. That's the answer and I know many reading this want it to be more specific and elaborate, but it doesn't work that way. I don't think Nehemiah knew that his life was about to change before hearing the news about Jerusalem, but he was faithful to where he was at and doing. 

Later, after the news his brother, Hanani, brings about the destruction of the walls and city of Jerusalem, we learn that these events actually happened 141 years prior to Nehemiah receiving this information. In other words, the destruction of the city was more than likely widely known, especially by Nehemiah. So, what caused him to fast and pray for days (1:4)? 

I believe that upon hearing the news about Jerusalem, God gave Nehemiah a new perspective. That is, He transformed Nehemiah's heart to where the news couldn't be accepted anymore. If there is news about something devastating that happened over 140 years ago and nothing has been done, I would safely assume that many believed "that's just how it is." But for Nehemiah. We see that his heart is utterly broken and his response to the news is not only emotional but biblical. Nehemiah's response is greatly connected to his relationship with the Lord. Because we see that he fasts and prays (and as we look further this week), we see that Nehemiah is a man whose trust is in God and His word. Nehemiah does not simply understand what has happened, but is moved to action. 

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also in much." (Luke 16:10)

Nehemiah was a faithful servant to the king, but more importantly to God. I think his work and response are evidence of that. And the hard truth that we should walk away with is that many would rather complain than get dirty. If you wish to know God's will then serve right where he has you. And if you wish to pursue humility, be ready to respond when He transforms you heart for the uncomfortable. 

Below are some quick resources if you're looking to dig a little more through our time in Nehemiah. Additionally, the video for this week's sermon is also attached. Thanks for the support! 

RECOMMENDED READING: 
• Exalting Jesus in Ezra-Nehemiah (Christ Centered Exposition Commentary) by James Hamilton
• Nehemiah (Expositional Commentary) by James Montgomery Boice