Why Pencils? Which Pencils?

Aside from my career as an elementary student, I’ve enjoyed writing with pencils for a little more than a decade and since the evolution of social media I, on occasion, show off some crafted lead from time to time. Sometimes, I’m greeted with a “pencil nerd” compliment and then other times, I’m asked which pencils I use and why I used those particular ones.

I thought I’d share my top 3 pencils that I currently use on the daily (I may have a rotation, but you’ll never find out!) and each one is for a specific reason because that’s just how I roll.

THE NERDS

BLACKWING VOL. 24 (THE WRITER’S PENCIL)

This pencil is my go-to. I write in my journal almost every day and this is the pencil I use for that time. My favorite thing about this pencil is that it holds a firm point for a pretty decent amount of time and writes dark. My only gripe about this pencil is that because it does write dark, it can smudge on the paper.

TOMBOW MONO 100 PENCIL-F

This next pencil is simply a beast. I write a manuscript for each of my sermons and this is the pencil I use. I freakin’ love it. It writes really smooth and has good point retention, not dark like the Blackwing, and is a premium for writing in my opinion. The Japanese really know what they’re doing here. Before you check this one out, just know that it does NOT have an eraser.

ELEMENT 2 WRITING PENCIL BY VIKING

Much like the Tombow pencil, the Element is right behind in quality. It is similar in structure and quality. However, in my opinion, it doesn’t write as smooth as the Tombow (can fade a little) and it’s a little darker than the Tombow. Still, it’s a great quality pencil that I use for writing and note taking during meetings. And finally, much like the Tombow, the Element does not have an eraser either.

HONORABLE MENTIONS?

BLACKWING VOL. 33 1/3

I was really excited for this pencil and the design is slick. All of the Blackwing Volumes pencils are paying homage to something or someone historical. For instance, the Writer’s pencil is a tribute to the late John Steinbeck and they did a phenomenal job. The 33 1/3 is paying a tribute to vinyl records and again, they killed it. I absolutely love the grip on this pencil, however the retention point is weak so when it comes to journaling or writing a manuscript, I’m afraid it’s not the best one for that. But when it comes to note-taking, this one is my jam.

GENERAL PENCIL NO. 2 (CEDAR POINTE)

This was the first “fancy” pencil I started writing with and I love it. It’s a classic and the smell of cedar courses through it’s lead. If you’re looking to buy a couple of pencils for all of life’s essentials, then this is a great pencil to begin with. The retention point is fair, writes dark, and is very affordable.

I hooked you up with the links to these pencils and I hope you check them out. I will add that these aren’t exactly “cheap.” So, make sure you do some research, write well, and enjoy!

What Are You Fighting For?

Wrestling is one of the most difficult and exhausting sports. There’s nothing I have done competitively that compares to what we were put through in wrestling; physically or mentally. I can remember feeling like practice was really just a test of sanity and whether or not we would cross an imaginary line to finally quit. One of the very first drills we were taught was called “bull in the ring.” We were placed in small groups of three and given a number between 1 and 3. Our coach would then yell “1 and 2, go!" “2 and 3, go!” and “3 and 1, go!" The drill was three one minute rounds of grappling with ten seconds of rest in between. Those were the longest “one minutes” of my life.

Then came match day. Wrestling matches consist of three 2-minute rounds. Those two minutes rounds last four times as long as the one minute practice rounds. In all of that, here’s my point: we never stopped wrestling. Our identity as wrestlers drove everything from the quality of sleep we needed, the food we ate, and the decisions we made; even when we weren’t wrestling we were still wrestling.

In the same way, the Christian life works the same. Our identity drives everything, not just the time we spend reading our bible or prayer, but literally everything. The Apostle Paul writes to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). In this, Paul is speaking metaphorically, but is being literal. There’s a fight that we are involved in. Both the Apostle Peter and James say similar things; that a war is being waged for our souls (1 Peter 2:11, James 4:1-5). So, we fight; even when we’re not fighting, we fight. But what do we fight for? What does “fight the good fight of faith” mean?

FOLLOW JESUS

Before anything, if we’re going to “fight the good fight,” then our eyes need to be fixed on Jesus. This is essential because upon fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the gospel is at the center of everything. The Apostle Paul wrote that the gospel is “of first importance” yet it’s sometimes the first thing that we forget about.

By fixing our eyes and following Jesus, we have a clear understanding of who we are and what He has done for us. You could call this preaching the gospel to yourself; you’re in a position where you have to slow things down and think through the work of God in Christ for you: you have been rescued by the wrath of God with the mercy of God in Christ, Christ has redeemed you from the bondage of sin by His blood, through Christ you have been reconciled to the Father, and not only have we been reconciled to God, we have been adopted into the family of God.

Our eyes fixed on Jesus changes everything because the gospel effect change in every area of your life; physically, mentally, and spiritually. You cannot have Jesus as your foundation and then build your identity off of something else, that’s inconsistent and idolatrous. If that is our methodology, then we’re preaching that Jesus’ work is not enough to make us whole.

Following Jesus means fighting to follow Him. We’re going to be tempted by all of the things that say will satisfy us, but in reality will remove us far from Him.

FIGHT FOR IDENTITY AND FIGHT SIN

Through the work of Christ, we have access and a relationship with the Father (Hebrews 4:16) and as a result, we can approach Him as sons and daughters; image bearers. When we fight for image, we’re fighting for who God says we are not who we used to be. In the New Testament, we read numerous verses to “put off” or “put away” the old self (Ephesians 4:24-25, Colossians 3:9-12, 1 Peter 2:1-3) and to walk as new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).

We are incredibly forgetful to remember our identity and easily default to who we used to be. Our identity in Christ comes from who God says we are as He has revealed through scripture and not a “10 steps to a better you” book. Books are awesome and can be helpful, but they’re not the Word of God. Stop treating them like they are and immerse yourself in His word (1 Peter 2:2).

When we fight for our identity, we are battle ready (Ephesians 6:10-18). There is a spiritual war going on for your heart every single day and you’re going to be fighting sin every single day. Our weapons? The Word of God and prayer. That’s it and that’s all we need.

It is here that you need people around you. You need others around you to help you fight sin. And just like a real battle, there will be some moments of peace and then moments of brutality; don’t waste either one.

FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION

When it comes to fighting to follow Jesus, our identity, and sin you can be reassured that it’s not always going to have in the privacy of your home or car, but in the ordinary means of life when you’re around others (friends, co-workers, gym buddies, etc.). And whether you’re around other Christians or not, your convictions will make or mature disciples, reflecting the character of God.

For the Christian, they may be encouraged by you, learn from something you, or come alongside of you in those moments where you’re in spiritual warfare. And for the non-Christian, they may be attracted to your convictions because convictions motivated by holiness are appealing, not legalistic (1 Peter 2:12).

The Christian life is centered around the truth and beauty of Jesus and we must fight to protect that and fight to display it. While every day is certainly a gift from God, it’s not only a gift to do things better or differently, but to grow closer to Him in Christ through His word. In the next post, I’ll outline what it means to apply the gospel in these areas with a little more details. Now that we have a better understanding of what it means to “fight the good fight” and how it applies to all Christians.

Are you ready?

Make Disciples or Mature Disciples?

There are several Christian organizations out there who build their entire ministry off of the great commission, to make disciples; conferences are held every year with thousands in attendance ready and willing to learn the next steps on discipleship; and churches host classes on the process of disciple-making to better equip their congregations. Each of these opportunities are wonderful because they serve the purpose of ultimately fulfilling the great commission. However, many fail short in accomplishing the mission of the church because they’re on two completely different pages when it comes to what discipleship is.

One one hand, many will teach that discipleship is missional. When Jesus said “go,” He meant to be out on mission (Matthew 28:18). Then, on the other hand, others will teach that discipleship is developmental. In other words, when Jesus said to baptize and teach (Matthew 28:19-20) disciples, he meant believers in the context of the church.

These two outlooks on discipleship are increasingly confusing Christians because both approaches are called “discipleship.” Yet, both approaches are on completely different pages. Let me submit to you that discipleship or disciple-making is not “or,” but “and.”

Discipleship is both making disciples (go) and maturing disciples (baptize and teach). If we separate the two, then we run the risk of confusing the gospel of Jesus Christ and confusing Christians that we’re trying to equip and send out on mission. So, how do we integrate the two? We begin with the gospel.

THE GOSPEL

The first thing we need to understand and embrace is the gospel of Jesus Christ, this is of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). In many Christian circles, when we begin to talk about discipleship, many think that the main thing is discipleship—the process of making disciples, but it’s not. The gospel is.

We’re not making disciples just to make disciples, we’re making disciples so that more people would not only come to hear the gospel of Jesus, but in hope that more would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. The gospel is the good news—heralded news—that God came into human history as the man Jesus Christ, lived the life that you and I cannot live, and died a death that you and I deserve to die, was raised on the third day showing that He conquered sin, Satan, hell, and the grave. As a result, God saves sinners not because of their merit, but because of the merit and righteousness of Jesus.

The gospel must be central to discipleship because if it is not, not only do we run the risk of confusing the gospel, we also run the risk of losing it.

People who do not know Jesus need the gospel so that through faith and repentance, they would come to know and worship Jesus AND people who do know Jesus, Christians, need the gospel so they’re reminded of the work God has done for them; that their works are first determined by their identity in Christ!

Everyone needs the gospel!

MAKING DISCIPLES

The call to make disciples is missional and if you’re a disciple of Jesus, then one way or another you have been sent to where ever it is that you’re at. Whether you’re a business owner, college student, teacher, or stay-at-home parent you have been sent. This is fundamental.

In the Great Commission, Jesus reveals His agenda to the disciples by telling them that they are going to be sent. They are sent to make more disciples under the authority of Jesus. The mission starts and ends with Jesus.

Think about it. Jesus’ method for discipleship and ultimately making Himself known was men. Robert Coleman says it this way:

“…He had to devote himself primarily to a few men, rather than the masses, so that the masses could at last be saved. This was the genius of his strategy.”

In other words, Jesus didn’t focus on mass special events to usher people into the Kingdom, though He was not against speaking and preaching repentance and the Kingdom of God to large crowds, His priority was to develop a few in order to reach the many. You have been commissioned by Jesus to go and make disciples; sharing the good news of the gospel in word and deed. If you are a disciple, then you are sent.

MATURING DISCIPLES

The Great Commission, however, isn’t only about making disciples but it also includes maturing disciples. When an individual becomes a Christian, it doesn’t mean they stop hearing and learning the gospel. I think one of the biggest failures of the church is that we often assume that once an individual becomes a Christian, it’s not that they don’t need the gospel, but more importantly they need bible studies, community groups, they need to serve, and do several other things. And yes, all of those things are necessary compliments to the Christian life—in community we confess our sin to one another (James 5), we love and serve one another to build one another up (Ephesians 4)—but the priority is still the gospel, not programs.

We learn the breadth and depth of the good news by continually situating ourselves in it, through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Jesus is the gospel of our teaching and observing…disciples are made, whether for the first time or the fiftieth time, through the gospel.” (Jonathan Dodson)

MAKING AND MATURING DISCIPLES

Evangelism and discipleship are not at odds with one another; they’re not in conflict, but the foundation upon which evangelism and discipleship stand upon is the gospel.

While I’m sure I could think of more, here is the biggest challenge that I have seen Christians have when it comes to discipleship:

1. Picking A Side
   Just because you may be more gifted in one area of discipleship doesn’t mean you’re excused from the whole process. If you read this and think, “I’m more about maturing disciples,” then you run the risk of teaching that the gospel is only informational and not missional. And if you read this and think, “I’m more about making disciples,” then you run the risk of teaching that the gospel is only missional and not relational.

“The gospel reminds us that Jesus is central, and as we believe its good news, we discover discipleship integrates and interweaves us deeply into his life. In his lordship we perceive that all things exist in, through, and for him (Col. 1:15-23), making all life a matter of devotion to him (Col. 3:23-24), not to pious or missional performance…

We learn the gospel, relate the gospel, and communicate the gospel in everyday life. It is central in everything, from the way we relate to god to the way we relate to others.Of course, just because the gospel integrates our lives in Christ and under his lordship does not mean we struggle. In fact, sin want sot disintegrate and unravel us from belief in the gospel, spinning us away from jesus in any other possible direction. This why why the Bible constantly calls disciples to fight for belief in the gospel. (Jonathan Dodson)

As disciples of Jesus, we must remember that we have been commissioned by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit to herald the whole gospel. As we move forward, let us stand firmly upon the foundation of Christ as our cornerstone and not be ashamed to proclaim the excellencies of His gospel (1 Peter 2:4-6, 9-10).

What's a Disciple?

“A disciple of Jesus never stops learning the gospel, relating the gospel, and communicating the gospel.” (Jonathan Dodson)

The term “discipleship” is often thrown around in churches as a way to communicate one of two things: internal growth and maturity (programs) or external proclamation (evangelism). And often, we have Christians who side with one of these two options and I think we miss it.

Often, we reduce the gospel to a training program for new Christians or a ticket to exchange upon our death and arrival in heaven. If we’re going to be honest, I think we simply don’t know what discipleship really is.

Dodson’s definition of discipleship helps to provide us with clarity in a number of ways.

WORSHIP

We learn that as a disciple of Jesus, we are to worship God by knowing who He is and what He’s done for us in Christ. The grace of God is the air we never stop breathing because our worship and devotion points us back to the Lord Jesus and He reveals Himself to us through His word.

Never stop learning.

TRANSFORMATION

The Bible teaches that we are not only reconciled to God through Christ, but to one another as a result of the transformation of our hearts and minds through the Holy Spirit. While being relational may be difficult for many, it doesn’t mean that we’re not relational at all. The context of the gospel for the disciple is in relationships!

MISSIONAL

The gospel not only matures disciples of Jesus, but makes disciples of Jesus. Discipleship isn’t only maturity and it isn’t only evangelism; they’re not at odds with one another. In fact, they walk alongside of one another.

“The gospel integrates, not dichotomizes, evangelism and discipleship by announcing a grace that saves and sanctifies people!” (Dodson)

At Storehouse, we share life with one another primarily through community groups which means that all of the aspects of healthy disciples are present in each one of our community groups (worship, transformation, and mission).

We’re certainly not against programs or assimilation processes, but that’s ultimately not what is going to make and mature disciples. It’s going to be disciples making and maturing disciple of Jesus with the gospel.

RECOMMENDED READING
• The Masterplan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
• A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester

3 Reminders About Counseling

I am often asked about counseling at our church. I think providing counsel and care is both a privilege and a burden for any ministry leader because as you aim to point people to the gospel, you carry their grief with you at the same time. I think counseling is an incredibly important ministry in the life of the church as it provides formal avenues to care for people in our churches. I would also add that simply because you provide biblical counsel, that doesn’t make you a counselor and I hope that’s some pressure off of your shoulders because it is for me.

Here are 3 things that I have learned (and have often failed at) about counseling:

1. PRAY

I feel like this sounds obvious, but I cannot stress it enough. During your day, be sure to schedule or block appointed times of prayer, especially before meeting with an individual or couple. This is vital because it'll do a few things.

First, prayer connects you with the God of the Bible and places you in a position of humility before God. Second, prayer helps to remind you that the same God you're asking people to fix their eyes upon is the same God you're turning to. And third, prayer reminds you and whoever you meet with that you're hope is not in yourself or them, but Christ. 

2. PREPARE

While part of your job is to be present, don't be afraid to have an agenda in order to stay on topic, but also to help you bring the conversation back to the gospel. I've walked into several counseling appointments without any sort of a plan and there have been some appointments that should have lasted an hour but went three hours. Or I've had appointments that should have lasted three hours, but I only spent an hour with members. 

An agenda helps you stay on track in the conversation and also reassures those you're meeting that you're looking to get to the heart of their disconnect with God and one another. Additionally, an agenda helps you stay organized should you recommend practical next steps; this helps those you're meeting with a direction.

3. FURTHER CARE

It is perfectly normal to refer people to professional and licensed counselors. You're not going to have all of the answers. Your job is to point them to Jesus AND some need further care that is outside of your wheel house. I think many leaders often place a great deal of pressure on themselves to be someone they’re not or feel pressured by others to be someone they’re not; just because you’ve hit a wall doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Make sure to have a list of counselors in your area that you trust and potentially have partnered with.

The ministry of counseling is certainly one that needs to be handled with great care and sensitivity, but you should also be aware of your limitations and do not be afraid to ask for help. The goal is to walk others toward hope in Christ and it is also equally important to cast our burdens on God because He cares for us just as much as He care for those we’re caring for.