John was getting a lot of attention…people were looking his way.  After all, when was the last time anyone saw a guy living in the wilderness wearing an outfit made up of camel’s hair who shouted and preached a lot?  People came to the river to hear him, probably just get a good look at him, and he called God’s people to prepare the way for the Lord.

Can you imagine the buzz?  John was seriously popular.  Crowds pushed in.  He had charisma with a capital “C.”

Just then, John did something amazing - he pointed everyone towards Jesus.

As Jesus came to the river to be baptized by John, John saw him and declared (and can you just see him pointing at Jesus approaching?), “BEHOLD - THE LAMB OF GOD, WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD!”

Focus shift.  From John to Jesus.  From the prophet to the savior.  From the baptizer to the redeemer.

Focus shift.

I say we all take a page from John - let’s all point to Jesus.  He is, after all, the lamb of God–the perfect sacrifice.  He takes away the sins of the world–dying on a cross for your sins and mine.  He is the one, then, to focus on.

When we focus on Jesus, everything else falls into perspective and place.  To be Christ-followers, we need to focus on Him.  We need to point to Him.  We need to point others to Him.

So when you start to get your priorities twisted, or you lose your focus and need to get redirected…my prayer is you stop, and listen for the voice of John…he’s shouting at you: BEHOLD, THE LAMB OF GOD.

Focus…

I’ll be honest…I was worried about the weather.

Pastors don’t like to hear “winter storm warning” on Christmas Eve.  The musicians are ready, the candles for candlelight are piled in boxes to be handed out, the sermon is good to go…but what if nobody comes?  What if the heavy snow keeps people at home this year?  What if we throw a birthday party for Jesus and nobody shows?

And then they started to arrive…and they kept coming…hundreds…and kept coming…over a thousand…and kept coming…over 1,400+…

What snow?

The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, and enlightens the people of God…even in the storm.

Here are a few memories of the Spirit’s work on Christmas Eve at St. Luke:

-Lots of hugs in the entryway between old friends

-Tears in the eyes of worshipers during their favorite carols; eyes closed during “Silent Night.”

-Laughter during worship.  What a gift from God to be able to laugh together!

-Great music - soloists, band, choir, piano - all praising God and celebrating Christ’s birth.

-Candlelight reminding us that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

After all was said and done, I sat (collapsed into my chair, really) at my desk at midnight…some 1425 people and six services later.  I smiled to myself, and then I prayed, “God, you are amazing.”

I sensed God saying back to me, “…and you though nobody would come.”

Then I went out to my car in the heavily falling snow and went home, “glorifying and praising God for all the things I had heard and seen.”

First the technical stuff - “Advent” is from a Latin word meaning “the arrival of.”  So, in the church calendar, “Advent” means the “arrival of the Christ.”

So, when we talk about “Advent” at St. Luke, we are talking about a season of four weeks before Christmas that gets us ready for the coming of Jesus Christ!

There are two ways in which we need to be thinking as “Advent People.”

1) The arrival of Jesus at Christmas.  I’m so thankful for this season in an ever-increasing secular Christmas season.  My son’s class at school a couple of years ago had to sing, “We Wish You a Happy Holiday” instead of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”  I am so thankful that Advent points us to Christ in Christmas - again and again and again.  This Advent, prepare your hearts and minds, once again, for the arrival of the Baby Jesus at Christmas!

2) The arrival of Jesus when he returns in his “second coming.”  The Bible is clear - Jesus will return one day.  We don’t know the day, nor the hour.  Movies and ancient civilations pointing us to 2012 don’t know the day.  Only God knows when Jesus will return.  Jesus says we are to be ready at all times.  Are you ready?  Are you prepared?  If Jesus came back today or tomorrow, would you have your “spiritual house” in order?  Jesus is coming back.  Advent is a time to remember that and get prepared for his arrival.

I pray that these four weeks before Christmas are a powerful and wonderful time for you to prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth and be ready for His second coming.  We celebrate his birth, and we look to his triumphant return!

Advent Blessings!

Pastor Tim

Do you believe in miracles?  I do.  The Bible is full of them, and God has been in the miracle business from day one.  I think He’s in the miracle business because He wants to remind us of who He is, and what He’s capable of.  I also think He likes to give us glimpses of the Kingdom - both now and in His heaven for eternity.

What miracles have you seen this fall? 

I was just up in Lutsen for a wedding - I was privileged to be asked.  I saw the miracle of God’s creation and handiwork, as the leaves turning red burst forth from the landscape of green.  I also saw God’s handiwork as he brought a groom and bride to stand together and become husband and wife.  I was reminded of His perfect and wonderful plan for humankind in marriage.

I also have seen the miracle of new faces all around St. Luke this fall.  With each new person among us, God gifts St. Luke with new gifts, new ideas, and new opportunities to follow Jesus Christ and share His love with the world.  Welcome, new friends!

I have heard our worship gatherings touch people in profound ways - a miracle of God’s presence when we gather to worship Him.  One member came out of the 9:30AM service a few weeks ago and said, “I’m speechless.  Worship was awesome.  I love the ensemble and the Holy Spirit was all over the place!”  I couldn’t disagree.

I have seen the miracle of new people stepping up this fall to lead Small Groups - God is calling us to be 1 big church made up of 100 small churches.  I can’t wait to see and hear about the miracles that come out of our Small Groups ministry.  Rock on, Small Groups!

Finally, I have seen the miracle of God continuing to stir among us - the buzz at “Feed My Starving Children,” the bright smiles on kids’ faces as they leave our newly formatted Church School Ministry, the harmonies of our choirs and the inspiring worship with our bands, and the faithful cheerful giving of self and resources to live out our God-given mission.

Where have you seen miracles this fall?

Pastor Tim

St. Luke is a big church.  Of the 10,000+ congregations in our denomination, we are in the top 1% for church size based on our worship attendance.  We see 800+ during the program year at St. Luke; and we’ve seen our worship attendance go from 400 to 800 in less than four years.  So, we’re big…

So we’re BIG.  We don’t apologize for that.  We’re big for a reason.  God is blessing our mission and ministry together.  God blesses congregations that are mission-based.  God blesses congregations that are grounded in His holy Word.

I have a secret for you.  Listen close: we need to get small.

What?

Yes, that’s right - I said we need to get small.

No, I’m not talking about declining membership.  No, I’m not talking about not welcoming all people to St. Luke.  No I’m not going to suggest we all stop telling our neighbors and friends about the excitment at St. Luke and that they should “come and see!”

No - that’s not the kind of small I’m talking about. 

I’m talking about getting small through authentic relationships through SMALL GROUPS.

As we continue to grow, we need to continue to get smaller - more and more people connecting with a Small Group.  A place to belong.  A place to know 8 to 12 others in an authentic way.  A place to grow closer to God.  A place to be a “small church” in a big church.

So, St. Luke, it’s time to get small.  If I asked you if you are in a Small Group by the middle of this fall - what would your answer be?

Pastor Tim

So we talked about discipleship this weekend in worship.  “Disciple” is one of those church words that we use a lot, but sometimes people don’t really know what it means.

If I had to peel back all of the layers, I’d say a disciple is “a Christ-follower.”

Everyone follows someone.  Who do you follow?  A political leader?  A celebrity?  A neighbor you’re trying to keep up with?  Someone at work?

Do you follow Jesus Christ?  That’s what his disciples do.  They are His students.  They are His followers.

When we think about the people we spend our time, effort, and resources on just to be their followers, it’s good to ask if Jesus is someone we’re truly following.  Why?  Well, let me ask you this.  When all is said and done, will Oprah save you from sin and death?  Will a president promise you eternal life with faith in him?  Will Joe Mauer forgive your sins?

If I had to pinpoint someone that I followed, it would be Michael Jordan.  I grew up playing basketball in Chicago, so he was my hero…borderline idol.  OK, he was my idol.  Anyway, I dressed like him, tried to play like him (insert “HA!” here), and even talk like him.  If you want an example, you can just look at Kobe Bryant - he’s a Michael Jordan follower.  He has even got Jordan down to his voice and mannerisms.

What if we had the same passion to follow Jesus that way?  Act like him…talk like him…sound like him…live like him…

Hmmm…

How would our lives be different if we were disciples of Jesus Christ?

Next time you catch yourself following someone other than Jesus, ponder that one…

…BALANCE at St. Luke.

What do I mean by “balance?”

I believe that Jesus didn’t stutter when he sent his followers to go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing, and teaching them to obey everything he taught them.  This is why we have a core value about misplaced people at St. Luke: “Lost people matter to God, and so they matter to us.”  “Lost” doesn’t mean anything negative…it simply means “misplaced.”  People outside of faith aren’t where they’re supposed to be–in a relationship with God.

Yet, when a congregation is serious about a Core Value like this, often the impression is the only people a church like St. Luke cares about are those not here.  Here’s where the “balance” comes in.  I believe that St. Luke is at a critical time in her history–we need to also care and love those God has brought together in the congregation of St. Luke.  How could God continue to bless us with more people if we don’t serve and love those who already call St. Luke their church home? 

I believe Jesus said something about this–notice in Luke 15 that with the 1 lost sheep, there were still 99 the shepherd was taking care of.  Notice while the woman searched for her lost coin, she still was caring for 9 others.  Notice while the father ran to greet his lost son, he still had a son at home he was caring for.

St. Luke, we need a balance.  A balance of loving and caring for each other, while we continue to welcome new people into what God is doing in us, and through us.  We just welcomed 55 new members since our February new members group!  With 750 worshippers and growing, how do all feel loved and cared for?

I have a hint for you.  The answer is two words, but it’s not “two pastors.”  The answer is “small groups.”  While the pastors of St. Luke are called to shepherd and care for everyone at St. Luke, it’s when we are in an authentic small groups that we have a “small church,” and the members care for each other in deeper and richer ways than a pastor ever could!  It’s when we have these authentic communities that real friendships are grown.  It’s when we have these small groups of caring people, that God’s Holy Spirit does His best work.

Small Groups are our adult Small Groups grounded in the Word and prayer; but also our confirmation groups; church school groups; preschool groups; choirs & bands; ministry teams; etc. - God brings us together to love and care for one another in profound and wonderful ways that two pastors simply couldn’t do alone.

St. Luke, it’s time for balance: caring for one another; but never losing sight of our mission to seek the lost.  This way, we will be faithful to one another and to those outside our body of faith.

Get ready this fall for a program year focusing on real relationships and real caring.   How does a big church do small church?  Come and see…

Good question, huh?

I can tell where you where I’ve seen Him lately.  He’s been moving through our “4 G’s” at St. Luke:

1) GATHER.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t this the first weekend in our local school district’s Spring Break?  There were almost 700 people worshipping this weekend at St. Luke.  No baptisms (added guests).  No choir at our traditional worship.  I’ve seen God gathering His people to worship Him.  In 2006, we had about 430 people gather on the same weekend.  Thanks for being faithful worshippers, St. Luke!

2) GROW. If you would have told me that our winter Alpha course would have over 50 registrations and need 12 leaders, I would have probably laughed at you.  Well, I’m laughing!  I’ve seen God stirring a hunger in us to grow in faith.

3) GIVE. I benchmark with a lot of churches and their pastors.  These are tough economic times.  Churches are struggling.  Yet, 2008 was St. Luke’s best giving year in her history.  This year, we continue to give faithfully and we are in the black.  This “G” isn’t just about money.  We asked for 90 volunteers to sign up to go to “Feed My Starving Children,” and 107 showed up!  I’ve seen God calling us to give of ourselves and our financial gifts to build His Kingdom.

4) GO. You are spreading the word, St. Luke! You are inviting your friends and neighbors to “come and see!”  Every weekend, and I mean every, I meet a new face.  Someone has invited them to worship.  Someone has told them about a missione event.  Someone has invited them to their Small Group.  I have seen God using you to reach people outside of a faith community.  Keep it up, St. Luke!

GATHER, GROW, GIVE & GO - Oh, yes, I’ve seen God lately…

Pastor Tim

So we had the opportunity at St. Luke this weekend to shred our mortgage - literally.

It was tons of fun to stand in front of everyone at all four weekend services and put a copy of the mortgage through the shredder prompting thunderous applause!  Praise God that we are now DEBT FREE!  It’s amazing to think about how God has positioned us now for future mission and ministry in our community and the world.  We had cake after all four worship gatherings - that was a lot of cake.

We celebrated.  The smiles were genuine.  Maybe even a tear of joy for those who might have been around in 1988 when the mortgage began?

On a day of a big celebration, I think it’s important to encourage us to see celebrations all around us.  You might miss them if you don’t look closely. 

*A baby was baptized at The Grove, and God’s family celebrated the welcoming of another member of God’s family.  A celebration, indeed.

*60 people came to Alpha tonight, and whether they know it or not, a lifelong friendship has begun with a simple, “Hello, my name is.”  God has created a new Christian friendship.  A celebration, indeed.

*A worshipper heard a biblical truth in a brand new way, and commented on how comforting is was for him at this time.  God’s Word is living and active.  A celebration, indeed.

*Our children’s choir, Raise the Praise, sang “Amazing Grace” with actions and beautiful voices.  A classic hymn sung with young voices stirred the memory of a much-older worshipper, and the song stirred the heart and reminded that one of a once-thriving faith.  Perhaps a new commitment to Christ ensues?  A celebration, indeed.

Keep your eyes open, St. Luke…there are celebrations all around us.  Do you think heaven is celebrating with us?

Two great stories to lift up one of our four Core Values at St. Luke: We worship God, not a worship style.

Story One: A couple I was visiting with recently, both around 30 years old, told me they have been church shopping in the area, but they finally picked St. Luke because it’s a good blend of “relevent” and “worship.”  They had gone to check out what they heard was a really “cool” church in the area, but they told me that when they went there, it felt like “we were at a seminar, and not worshipping God.”

Story Two: A couple I was visiting with recently, both in their 60’s, told me that their favorite worship gathering of our weekend four is the Saturday Night worship, “The Grove.”  Keep in mind, this is a worship gathering in which the pastors usually wear Jeans and dress very casual.  The band is loud, but awesome.  This is their favorite worship.  They like the intimacy and the authenticity of this particular worship.

We worship God - we beleive that no matter which of our four worship gatherings we are at, God is truly present.  We are not at a workshop, conference, coffee house–we are actively worshipping the living God, and He is present and actively working through His living Word and the hearts and minds of those who gather.

I just preached the same sermon at all four worship gatherings, but each of the gatherings were very different.  You see, we worship God…not the style.

Come and find a worship gathering that fits your comfort zone, and–be warned–God shows up at all of them and does amazing things!