Pastor’s Blog
Great Exchanges
Have you ever been a party to a secret Santa gift exchange? That is where you bring a gift and secretly give it to another while at the same time receiving a gift from someone unknown to you. It is a fun time as long as you have a right heart in the matter. That is, you are a part of this festivity for the purpose of giving, not getting. If you are hoping for a great gift, you may be disappointed, but that isn’t the point of the exercise now is it? I remember one time giving a nice $20 gift card to Starbucks. What did I get? I received a 1-week trial certificate to a local health club (it was a standard advertised notice of a free trial for anyone who walked into the club and what was this person trying to say to me anyway?).
God has a gift exchange for us as well. In the book of Isaiah 61:3, the scripture says this, “…provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” The Lord wants to bestow all of His wonders upon us and all we have to do is give what we have to Him; like the example above, it is not a balanced exchange.
He gives us beauty in exchange for our ashes, joy in place of our mourning and a garment of praise in exchange for the spirit of heaviness on our souls. He wants to exchange our sin for His righteousness, our weakness for His strength, our hurt and brokenness for His healing, our rejection for the Creator’s love and acceptance, our guilt and shame for His glory, our punishment of death for His resurrection and life. Jesus gave His life in exchange for ours. If we are willing, all we need do is surrender our lowly life of sin and Jesus gives in exchange the right to become a son of the living God and joint heir with Him.
Be blessed,
Pastor Chris Hayden
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God Requires Change Sometimes
What a change we are experiencing in weather from last week! We’ve gone from icy cold conditions to feeling like spring in just a matter of days and then back to the tundra. Sometimes change can happen fast. For example, it only took 18 days of demonstrations to bring down the government in the nation of Egypt. So, why does it take us so long to change? Change can be hard for some, but necessary at times.
In my observation, people are much slower to change and accept change than trees, grass, flowers and even governments. What would it be like if you could change your health in 18 days? How about your marriage? Or, improving your finances? God required change of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, James, John, Peter and Paul. God’s presence always brings change. Isaiah 43:19 says it like this, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Is God speaking to you about changes you need to make?
If an entire national government can be changed in less than a month, why does it take us so long to change? Like give up smoking, drinking too much, pornography, other addictions or change in the Church? How come the weather can change, but we are willing to live with the same bad attitude we had a week ago or fail to develop new ways of reaching out to our community? If we are spending any time in prayer at all, there are probably occasions when the Holy Spirit speaks to you regarding something that He requires revision in your life.
It seems like we could learn something from the environment around us. What needs to change in your life? What habits do you still need to kick? What good habits do you need to practice? What can we do to become a more effective and vibrant community of believers? You may not be able to get to the final outcome in a week or 18 days, but I bet you can make some strides if you try. Consider a few you could do today, and if you do, think about where you might be this time next year. And remember what God told Joshua when they were about to change their place of residence (Joshua 1:6), “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.”
Be blessed and be grateful,
Pastor Chris
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Midst of the Storm
We are coming into storm season here in the Midwest, which can mean more warning, alerts and watches for bad weather. I know a lot of people are terrified of storms, while others actually chase them. I guess I’m somewhere in between.
Where is God when a storm is happening in your life? When it seems so dark that you can’t tell what the future might hold? Where is He? 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that He still holds us in His hands, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
He’s right where He was before the storm happened – sitting on His throne high above the storm. Just like the sun will shine again after the natural storm passes, likewise, God will be seen when the spiritual storm passes. This is something that we need to remind ourselves when, the doctor comes back with “bad news,” your parent continues to slip in their health, your children seem to be heading the wrong direction, or your spouse has been unfaithful. Each of these (and more) can be spiritual battlefields where we lose or win.
The way to victory is to keep your mind stayed on the assurance that God is STILL God in the midst of the storms of life. He has not given away His dominion, power, or sovereign rule over the universe. It might be dark for a season, but the SON will shine again and God can restore what the storm can take away. Instead of focusing on your storm, try focusing on God in the storm. Let us remember Psalm 30:5b, “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.”
Be blessed and be grateful,
Pastor Chris
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Oh No, The End?
In Matthew 24, the Word tells us that in the latter days there will be wars, rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes in various places. We certainly see that today. The global conflicts, earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and now Turkey, as well as other natural disasters, are only examples of the signs that Jesus said would point to His return and the end of the age. Nations are rising against nations and scientists inform us that there have been more earthquakes in recent history than all of the previous centuries combined. While some in the world may blame simple political differences or Israel’s unwillingness to give away their land (and the security the land gives them) that God gave them on these conflicts and every weather-related disaster on global warming, God informed us over 2000 years ago that this would happen signaling the season of His return.
These man-made and natural disasters are like birth pains that are announcing the arrival of a new age. The day of grace is coming to an end and a final judgment is soon approaching. What time is it? Is it time to panic, be fearful, or have anxiety? Not if you are a child of God. The redeemed of the Lord are to be looking up expecting His soon return and reaching out to those around who are without hope. Jesus even promised that the Holy Spirit would give us words to say in these last days to reach their hearts.
There is only one kingdom that cannot be shaken and all of those who are a part of that Kingdom have a huge opportunity for outreach. It’s time for every Christian to be encouraged, full of the Holy Spirit and faith!
Be blessed,
Pastor Chris
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The Whole Armor
One of the most precious possessions I have, other than my wife and children, is a little Bible that was given to my father when he fought in the Philippine Islands during World War II. It is called, “The Heart Shield Bible”, a pocket size New Testament covered by a steel plate with the words, “For God and our Country” etched in its face. I have been told that the New Testament fits in the uniform pocket that conveniently covers the soldier’s heart to provide, in a small way, partial physical protection from a ballistic projectile (a shot that was not direct or point blank) and at the same time, spiritual protection for those who understand that they might be in the presence of God at any moment. I am moved with the knowledge that my father held on to this book for comfort as he defended this nation during this conflict with tyranny.
In Ephesians the 6th chapter, we are told to put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand against the enemy of our souls and his devices. Verse 12 tells us why; because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. We have an enemy who will do whatever it takes to subvert us from the path our Lord has placed us on. We are not ignorant of the devils devices. He wants to steal, kill and destroy us (John 10:10). We need to make sure we our adorning ourselves with the armor that has been provided to us. Our Lord won the war on the cross, yet we are still subject to spiritual battles. Let us be comforted in the fact that we need not fear for Jesus is our Captain; more on this later.
Be blessed,
Pastor Chris
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The Trouble With Apathy
The definition of “apathy” from Merriam-Webster’s is illustrated as a condition of lacking interest or concern. The word comes from the Greek word “apatheia” which means lacking feeling or emotion. All of the flavors that describe this word can be found in the Church when we begin to allow ourselves to become disengaged from the mission bestowed upon us from the Word of God. While there are several things we as believers are called to engage in, the mission given to the Body of Christ is articulated quite clearly in Mark 16:15-16a, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe, will be condemned.”
When this simple mandate to bring the Gospel to the world goes unheeded, the Church begins down a slide that ends up with an apathetic and lackluster faith that will struggle to draw those who are truly looking for answers in their quest for meaning and truth. We also fail to truly love others when we hold back the way of salvation because we fear the consequences of confronting a world that excels in promoting the notion of “whatever you believe is ok, just as long as you’re sincere.”
Now, grasping and fulfilling this mandate will not be easy. The world, in general, is resistant to the Gospel because it requires belief in what God says in His Word, and as we see in the scripture above, describes a penalty for those who do not. It is easy to be a Christian if you can believe whatever you want. But when the Gospel challenges a previously held position that is contrary to the truth of the Word, the sinful nature will resist it. If we maintain our faith and integrity in the mist of bringing the Gospel to the world, we will be persecuted. And if we fail to take the Good News to the lost, that Christ has risen to pay for the sins of all who dare believe [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth…AMPLIFIED], we risk becoming mired in an apathetic form of religion, and miss out on the power the Spirit provides those who truly engage in Christ’s mission.
Be blessed,
Pastor Chris Hayden
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I’d Rather See A Sermon
It’s Monday morning, 7:30am, and we have just sat down for breakfast at the IU Health Center in Noblesville. Moments before we prayed for Maggie as she was being taken into surgery for what we hope will be her last hip replacement. Every person at the hospital, from the receptionist, to administrative workers, to nurses, to the anesthesiologist, to the surgeon himself were beyond kind; warmth and compassion for the patient, family and friends permeated every aspect of the operation. Everyone felt very cared for.
Talking with Doc as we observed the kindness of the staff, he was reminded of the saying, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one.” I’m not sure if he was complaining about my last sermon or not, J but his point is well taken! It is extremely important that we tell people about the love of Christ, but unless we show the love of Christ and act like a child of God, our words will fall on deaf ears.
In the book of James the second chapter, the James, the half brother of Jesus tells us that faith without the corresponding works to back it up is dead. The 18th verse says this, “But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James is telling us that we need to let others know that we are a disciple of Christ by how we treat one another rather than trying to be self righteousness with our words but uncaring by our actions.
In 1 John 3:7, the scripture says, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.” Let us do what is right in the sight of God, thereby showing the world that we truly have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Be blessed.
Pastor Chris Hayden
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Give, It Will Be Given
There are many important principles to learn in life and from the Word, another one is that of sowing and reaping. This is explained in detail in 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.
Let me break it down for you:
If you sow little – you’ll reap little
If you sow generously – you’ll reap generously
God loves cheerful givers
God provides the seed you need
You are blessed to be a blessing
In the book of Luke the 6th chapter and 38th verse (NLT) we read, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full–pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” While we do not give to get, the principle is still the same that we sow what we reap whether it be good things or things not so good. If we are generous towards the work of the Lord, we will receive generosity in return.
In a few days the leadership of Central Christian will be sending out pledge cards for members and attenders to participate in this years stewardship campaign. During this time of examining the finances and stewardship of this ministry here in Huntington and surrounding areas, I would ask that we examine our own hearts as to what God would ask of us individually in response to the call to stewardship surrounding our participation in the work of the Lord.
The past two Sundays we launched a stewardship campaign (Back in Black) and we talked about giving principles. The last thing we need to do is become legalistic about our obligations to the ministry of God, however let me sum up this past weeks message. God wants us to give to honor him and to provide for the ministry (Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:10). However, just as important is that do so cheerfully, sacrificially, and regularly.
Be blessed,
Pastor Chris
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What Happened To My 2009-2010 Colts?
My Colts! What Happened?
Well, I have to confess, in January of 2010, I was more than a bit disappointed in the result of that year’s Super Bowl. After the Colts went up by ten points I thought we were on our way to another championship. The newspaper’s headlines stated “Super Letdown.” Maybe so, however, we know that disappointments will come. Not everything always goes our way. The Super Letdown is actually a very minor inconvenience compared to the struggles many go through each and every day with the loss of gainful employment, a home that can no longer be afforded or loss of a loved one.
In the book of Hebrews 2:8, God lets us know that, at present, not all things are under our control. We will experience disappointment, some very minor like our favorite team losing, and some very severe such as the earthquake disaster that hit the island nation of Haiti a few years ago. Hebrews goes on to tell us that, even though these things are true, we can still look to Jesus who went through the same types of struggles and disappointments so that He can be a faithful minister. When difficulties arise remember the words of our Lord regarding tribulation in this life, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Be blessed,
Pastor Chris
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Wisdom From God
In the first chapter and first and second verse of the book of Psalms, the writer gives some very sound instruction. It reads, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord…” Verse three goes on to tell us that if we will keep this simple rule, “Whatever He does will prosper.”
Who you listen to is crucial in the decisions you make which leads to the outcomes you experience. With that in mind, you better be careful where you get your advice. The Bible is full of illustrations of this, for example: 2 Chronicles 18 tells the story of Jehoshaphat (King of Judah) aligning himself with Ahab (King of Israel) for battle. Jehoshaphat wisely suggests that before they march into battle to “first seek the counsel of the Lord.” However, Ahab invites 400 prophets to come who only tell the king what he wants to hear. So, they all give the thumbs up!
Instead of being satisfied with this, Jehoshaphat suggests hearing from a “prophet of the LORD” for a second opinion. Ahab reluctantly calls for a prophet that he despises because he never prophesies “anything good” about him. Sure enough, this prophet tells that calamity awaits and sure defeat, and Ahab says “I told you he never prophesies good about me.”
Rather than listen to this one godly prophet, they take their advice from the crowd and go into battle only to suffer great defeat. The same thing will happen to us when we take our advice from a crowd. I would rather listen to one wise person than a crowd of fools!
Just because a number of people are saying the same thing doesn’t make it right. We will only bring trouble into our lives if we surround ourselves with advisers whose only thought is to tell us what we want to hear.
Be blessed,
Pastor Chris
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