Throughout the Gospels and into Acts - one word is at the core of their message: Jesus.
Today, on the other hand, religion and spirituality has been focused on words. Words. Words. And more words.
Often when we look to talk to people about God - we often get lost in the muddleness of talking about religion and 'life'. One subject leads to another subject, and that starts a tangent - and that starts another tangent - and we eventually either argue ourselves out of the conversation - or get lost/lose our original objective, and end up at an "agree to disagree" understanding.
Knowing this, that is why Peter and the Apostles in Acts 2 and 3 get straight to the WORD. Jesus. And without shame.
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:36
Bold is it not? Not what most Christians would think would be a good "initiator" to conversation.
But the Jews respond in an interesting way...
"Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?'"
When confronted with the Word (Jesus) - they could not steer the conversation into the fog of war of more words. They had to face the Word - and deal with it - by either accepting Jesus as Messiah and Savior, or by denying Him.
If we are to be objectional in our evangelism - our message MUST be the Word - Jesus - who He was and what He did.
My friends Yegor, Yura and Niko are coming over today - I've talked to them many times in the past about life and spiritual things.
But today - I talk to them solely and simply about Jesus...
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Loving God's children
I think too often I'm focused on sharing the Gospel. And not even that (for sharing the Gospel is good) - but maybe more correctly put: I think too often I'm focused on non-believers.
I've been reading recently in the Gospel of John and John's epistles - about love, and following God's commandments. It's interesting to see how the prioritized object of our love is lineated - from God first, then to fellow believers (which become realities only when we follow God's commandments - 1 John 5:2-3).
But long story short - it's easier for me to be devoted to non-believers, to put all of my focus into them - when rather I'm ACTUALLY called to be first and foremost devoted (by and in my love) to believers.
Recently, through my relationship with one family - that truth has become a refreshing reality for me.
Meet the Kolesov family - Mother Tania and her 4 sons (from left to right in picture below: Serg, Simeon, Mark and Artem. Their grandma is sometimes around too!)
I met Artem and Simeon through one of our English clubs - and I quickly became close to their family. They are a strong Christian family (I went to church with them today) and yet filled with a rough and interesting past.
I could go on and on of how encouraging it has been for me to be apart of their lives - but I wanted to first introduce them to you before I told you more about them!
I am so thankful today for the opportunity to love this family - and to challenge all of the boys to grow in their relationships with God.
Even the youngest - Mark (he loves giving me hugs - and I love getting his hugs!) - was busy today on the metro asking an older man if he knew about God or Jesus!
Praise God for the opportunity He has given me to love His children - the Kolesov family!
I've been reading recently in the Gospel of John and John's epistles - about love, and following God's commandments. It's interesting to see how the prioritized object of our love is lineated - from God first, then to fellow believers (which become realities only when we follow God's commandments - 1 John 5:2-3).
But long story short - it's easier for me to be devoted to non-believers, to put all of my focus into them - when rather I'm ACTUALLY called to be first and foremost devoted (by and in my love) to believers.
Recently, through my relationship with one family - that truth has become a refreshing reality for me.
Meet the Kolesov family - Mother Tania and her 4 sons (from left to right in picture below: Serg, Simeon, Mark and Artem. Their grandma is sometimes around too!)
I met Artem and Simeon through one of our English clubs - and I quickly became close to their family. They are a strong Christian family (I went to church with them today) and yet filled with a rough and interesting past.
I could go on and on of how encouraging it has been for me to be apart of their lives - but I wanted to first introduce them to you before I told you more about them!
I am so thankful today for the opportunity to love this family - and to challenge all of the boys to grow in their relationships with God.
Even the youngest - Mark (he loves giving me hugs - and I love getting his hugs!) - was busy today on the metro asking an older man if he knew about God or Jesus!
Praise God for the opportunity He has given me to love His children - the Kolesov family!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Ministry Reconnect!
I'm hoping to do alot of videos in the next week or so - such as what my flat looks like and what I do during the day etc. - but here is a video I sent to a church in Indianapolis to share during their World Missions program. I hope you are encouraged by it!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Конешно!
The past 3 days have been awesome for me! I've been able to spend the majority of each day at a school here in St. Petersburg, meeting new students and starting relationships with some guys here!
You'd be amazed at how far "Ти Играеш Спорт?" (do you play sports?) can get you in ministry! I asked that to some guys I met in the hallway at the school. And the next thing I know they had invited me to play volleyball with them after school - and my immediate response was: "Конешно!" (of course!). If any of you know me, I absolutely LOVE volleyball! I've been able to establish a friendship with those guys over the past 3 days (just got back from a hockey match with them!) - and will be playing volleyball every Monday and Friday with my new friends!!
I don't know how Jesus or the Apostles felt when they were in the midst of doing face-to-face ministry...
but I think I've gotten a glimpse of it the past few days!
I encourage you, also, to spur yourself on to having the hard conversations with your coworkers, or others you may randomly meet on the street corner (even if it means butchering a language to talk to them!). God wants to work through us as living vessels of His mercy and love.
You'd be amazed at how far "Ти Играеш Спорт?" (do you play sports?) can get you in ministry! I asked that to some guys I met in the hallway at the school. And the next thing I know they had invited me to play volleyball with them after school - and my immediate response was: "Конешно!" (of course!). If any of you know me, I absolutely LOVE volleyball! I've been able to establish a friendship with those guys over the past 3 days (just got back from a hockey match with them!) - and will be playing volleyball every Monday and Friday with my new friends!!
I don't know how Jesus or the Apostles felt when they were in the midst of doing face-to-face ministry...
but I think I've gotten a glimpse of it the past few days!
I encourage you, also, to spur yourself on to having the hard conversations with your coworkers, or others you may randomly meet on the street corner (even if it means butchering a language to talk to them!). God wants to work through us as living vessels of His mercy and love.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Yo Queiro Taco Bell?
I've experienced languages before - but the past 2 days have been a crash course of various cultures and tongues for me. What began in Russia and my most recent language fixture/preference of Russian - was quickly put on halt as my flight arrived into Prague, Czech Republic, for our conference trip to Malaga, Spain.
After gawking at some Czech speakers - I then flew to Madrid, Spain, only to quickly be reminded of the harsh realities of a failed try at Spanish during my highschool years.
Over the past 24 hours I have also heard sparingly some French, Italian, what seemed like an African dialect, and a few quotes of PigLatin for good measure.
It has left me stumped, annoyed, and feeling slightly awkward for being an ignorant and uneducated American!
Nevertheless, it is quite interesting, though... so many languages and so many different cultures.
The Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 is what first comes to my mind...God, in realizing that man was slowly beginning to worship themselves (in building the tower to the heavens for earthly esteem), scattered mankind - each to their own lands throughout the world - and changed their native tongues.
God used man's attempt at self-glorification to humble and put up a lasting obstacle in front of the efforts of men - the dreaded language barrier.
What once brought all together - now would only separate, confuse, and lead to disunity.
-------------------------------------------------
But - and God is so good at the "buts" (and the therefores, etc.)....this week-long conference, and my experiencse in Russia, has already reminded me of the ONE language we as Christians speak.
The common word we speak: Jesus.
Whether it be in worship, in fellowship, or in accountability - no matter what tongue, color of skin, or culture we derive from - Christ is the commonality. Christ is the standard of communication.
What a wonderful Word God has given us, in His Son, to allow unity and a bond of association to the body of Christ.
How awesome it is to know that God has used man's past try at building a self-glorifying Tower, and it's resulting consequence of ending the world's One common language - to in turn restore the rightful glory to Himself - and ALSO restore one common language to His children.
Hmm I'm ready for heaven - no more gawking - no more charades or gestures. I'll understand everyone. Because it'll all be about Jesus. And we'll worship His name for eternity.
Yeh, I can't wait!
"That every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" Phillipians 2:11
слава богом!
:)
After gawking at some Czech speakers - I then flew to Madrid, Spain, only to quickly be reminded of the harsh realities of a failed try at Spanish during my highschool years.
Over the past 24 hours I have also heard sparingly some French, Italian, what seemed like an African dialect, and a few quotes of PigLatin for good measure.
It has left me stumped, annoyed, and feeling slightly awkward for being an ignorant and uneducated American!
Nevertheless, it is quite interesting, though... so many languages and so many different cultures.
The Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 is what first comes to my mind...God, in realizing that man was slowly beginning to worship themselves (in building the tower to the heavens for earthly esteem), scattered mankind - each to their own lands throughout the world - and changed their native tongues.
God used man's attempt at self-glorification to humble and put up a lasting obstacle in front of the efforts of men - the dreaded language barrier.
What once brought all together - now would only separate, confuse, and lead to disunity.
-------------------------------------------------
But - and God is so good at the "buts" (and the therefores, etc.)....this week-long conference, and my experiencse in Russia, has already reminded me of the ONE language we as Christians speak.
The common word we speak: Jesus.
Whether it be in worship, in fellowship, or in accountability - no matter what tongue, color of skin, or culture we derive from - Christ is the commonality. Christ is the standard of communication.
What a wonderful Word God has given us, in His Son, to allow unity and a bond of association to the body of Christ.
How awesome it is to know that God has used man's past try at building a self-glorifying Tower, and it's resulting consequence of ending the world's One common language - to in turn restore the rightful glory to Himself - and ALSO restore one common language to His children.
Hmm I'm ready for heaven - no more gawking - no more charades or gestures. I'll understand everyone. Because it'll all be about Jesus. And we'll worship His name for eternity.
Yeh, I can't wait!
"That every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" Phillipians 2:11
слава богом!
:)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Peter Rush? hmm...
I wish my parents had named me Peter.
Maybe, just maybe, (if they had) I would've already connected myself with him in the Bible more by now...
Nevertheless I got the name William Richard Rush. Simply known as Will.
(It wasn't fun growing up though as I had a speech problem with my R's and W's. As a result my name became Willyum Wichard Wush for a few years...but i'll save childhood memories for another day.)
But anywho...
------------------------------
Today, I'm reminded of my likeness to Peter, again...
Peter, in the New Testament, is a perfect picture of what emotions and passion can do to you. They have their positives, sure - duly noted - as his spontaneous following of Jesus surely must have been affected by Peter's acting-before-thinking mentality. Nevertheless, the negatives cannot be overlooked either (*cough*denying Jesus 3 times after Peter said he'd follow Christ even to death*cough*).
Other emotion-filled and passionate Peter examples are throughout Scripture (the goods and the bad!):
John 21:7 - Jumping out of a boat fully clothed to swim to his Lord
John 13:9 - Jesus washes disciples feet - Peter wants his whole body soaked
Luke 9:33 - Jesus is in full glory and Peter asks to build a house...Jesus doesn't even answer.
Luke 5:8 - Peter asks Jesus to leave him because Peter was a sinful man (not yet reminded that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us)... Jesus again doesn't answer.
Matthew 16:16-19 - Peter boldly proclaims Christ as Son of God, Messiah - Jesus proclaims Peter as the one whom He will build his church
Matthew 16:22-23 - Jesus calls Peter "Satan" for allowing his man-centered thinking to get in the way of Christ-centered thinking.
---------------------
So I think you get the picture - Peter was driven by emotions. His passion fueled his righteous-peak highlight moments - and burned his "what were you thinking?!?" doldrums.
And then, one day, Jesus would ask Peter to sit with him for breakfast...and obliterate the emotional fat around Peter's heart.
(John 21:12-22)
"Peter, do you love me?" Jesus asked.
(Ok here goes Peter's emotional response - ready?!)
"Yes Lord, You know that I love you!"
(Eh - Jesus had heard that plenty of times before - he digs deeper...)
"Peter, do you love me?" Jesus again asks.
"Yes Lord; You know that I love you."
(Now he's just in repeat mode - giving Jesus what Jesus wants - surely still some emotions tied to it...)
(BUT THEN Jesus throws the curve ball...he asks Peter a 3rd time!)
"Peter,
do
you
love
me?"
Wow. 3 times. The same question. You think Peter had any emotional drive left?! The emotion-filled fat and blubber around Peter's heart had been shrivelled to nothing, discarded as a result of the discerning questioning of a righteous King - and finally, Peter was only left with one thing:
His will.
His volition.
What was underneath the emotional charades, and inside the depths of Peter's heart?
And I think, for the first time, Peter started to get it...If you are to read 1 and 2 Peter - you can see the transformation that has happened in Peter's heart - from a zealous disciple in his youth - to a patient, wise shepherd of the church in his old age.
He finally begins to understand what Jesus wants from those who follow him. Not our words, NOT EVEN our actions...
Jesus wants your will. To recognize by faith Him as Savior and Messiah - and to offer yourself to Him so that He may be glorified (Romans 6:13; 12:1).
And (as Jesus prayed to God at the Garden of Gethsemane) that not our will be done, but God's.
Of course this is why Jesus asks us to FOLLOW HIM! For HIM to lead us. For HIS WORD to guide us. For HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS to be placed upon us. For HIS LIGHT to shine upon us. For HIS WILL to be done, not ours. Less of us - more of Him.
------------------------------
How I yearn for this transformation to happen in my life and in my ministry...
Too often I want to change hearts in my time. By my way. In my will.
I praise God for Peter's transformation - that my life can be guided by the same Holy Spirit that spurred on Peter. And How I praise God for Christ's example...
That in spite of my emotions, I can choose to make God's plan, my own. His desires, mine. His will, my will.
His Will. My Will.
Hmm...Will
Maybe my parents didn't choose such a bad name for me after all!
Maybe, just maybe, (if they had) I would've already connected myself with him in the Bible more by now...
Nevertheless I got the name William Richard Rush. Simply known as Will.
(It wasn't fun growing up though as I had a speech problem with my R's and W's. As a result my name became Willyum Wichard Wush for a few years...but i'll save childhood memories for another day.)
But anywho...
------------------------------
Today, I'm reminded of my likeness to Peter, again...
Peter, in the New Testament, is a perfect picture of what emotions and passion can do to you. They have their positives, sure - duly noted - as his spontaneous following of Jesus surely must have been affected by Peter's acting-before-thinking mentality. Nevertheless, the negatives cannot be overlooked either (*cough*denying Jesus 3 times after Peter said he'd follow Christ even to death*cough*).
Other emotion-filled and passionate Peter examples are throughout Scripture (the goods and the bad!):
John 21:7 - Jumping out of a boat fully clothed to swim to his Lord
John 13:9 - Jesus washes disciples feet - Peter wants his whole body soaked
Luke 9:33 - Jesus is in full glory and Peter asks to build a house...Jesus doesn't even answer.
Luke 5:8 - Peter asks Jesus to leave him because Peter was a sinful man (not yet reminded that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us)... Jesus again doesn't answer.
Matthew 16:16-19 - Peter boldly proclaims Christ as Son of God, Messiah - Jesus proclaims Peter as the one whom He will build his church
Matthew 16:22-23 - Jesus calls Peter "Satan" for allowing his man-centered thinking to get in the way of Christ-centered thinking.
---------------------
So I think you get the picture - Peter was driven by emotions. His passion fueled his righteous-peak highlight moments - and burned his "what were you thinking?!?" doldrums.
And then, one day, Jesus would ask Peter to sit with him for breakfast...and obliterate the emotional fat around Peter's heart.
(John 21:12-22)
"Peter, do you love me?" Jesus asked.
(Ok here goes Peter's emotional response - ready?!)
"Yes Lord, You know that I love you!"
(Eh - Jesus had heard that plenty of times before - he digs deeper...)
"Peter, do you love me?" Jesus again asks.
"Yes Lord; You know that I love you."
(Now he's just in repeat mode - giving Jesus what Jesus wants - surely still some emotions tied to it...)
(BUT THEN Jesus throws the curve ball...he asks Peter a 3rd time!)
"Peter,
do
you
love
me?"
Wow. 3 times. The same question. You think Peter had any emotional drive left?! The emotion-filled fat and blubber around Peter's heart had been shrivelled to nothing, discarded as a result of the discerning questioning of a righteous King - and finally, Peter was only left with one thing:
His will.
His volition.
What was underneath the emotional charades, and inside the depths of Peter's heart?
And I think, for the first time, Peter started to get it...If you are to read 1 and 2 Peter - you can see the transformation that has happened in Peter's heart - from a zealous disciple in his youth - to a patient, wise shepherd of the church in his old age.
He finally begins to understand what Jesus wants from those who follow him. Not our words, NOT EVEN our actions...
Jesus wants your will. To recognize by faith Him as Savior and Messiah - and to offer yourself to Him so that He may be glorified (Romans 6:13; 12:1).
And (as Jesus prayed to God at the Garden of Gethsemane) that not our will be done, but God's.
Of course this is why Jesus asks us to FOLLOW HIM! For HIM to lead us. For HIS WORD to guide us. For HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS to be placed upon us. For HIS LIGHT to shine upon us. For HIS WILL to be done, not ours. Less of us - more of Him.
------------------------------
How I yearn for this transformation to happen in my life and in my ministry...
Too often I want to change hearts in my time. By my way. In my will.
I praise God for Peter's transformation - that my life can be guided by the same Holy Spirit that spurred on Peter. And How I praise God for Christ's example...
That in spite of my emotions, I can choose to make God's plan, my own. His desires, mine. His will, my will.
His Will. My Will.
Hmm...Will
Maybe my parents didn't choose such a bad name for me after all!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Groupie for a Day!
It's crazy what happens in a day.
On a recent hunch to take in the Russian experience - I acted on it yesterday - in hopes to meet some new people and learn more about this country and it's unique culture.
After my language class I decided to stop in a music store to check out some harmonicas. While looking the store clerk approached me and asked me something in Russian (most likely if i needed help with anything - but who knows - its always a guessing game for me!).
Long story short but he ended up butchering enough English - and I ended up butchering enough Russian - and we came to the conclusion that it would be cool to hang out sometime! And not just sometime - but he actually asked me to hang out with him and his band (Indigo Squares - picture above) for the day!
Not to miss out on a friendship making opportunity (those are far and few between here!) - I decided to say "Da!" (Yes in Russian).
So I spent the day yesterday (starting in early evening) - and attended a Russian hockey game (which is pretty much an obsession here) with the store clerk (Sergei - 3rd from the left in picture), Nikolai (on the far left in picture), Camile (not pictured - but in another band) - and Natasha (Sergei's girlfriend)!
At the end of the night they asked me to come and hang out at their recording studio while they practiced for an upcoming gig. And I officially became the band's first groupie!
It's amazing the people that God continually puts in our lives - isn't it!?! Whether it be a Russian music store clerk, a coworker, or some random person you meet in an even more random place - I firmly believe that God gives us these relationships to give us opportunity to point them to the ultimate relationship (with God!). Throughout the Gospels, Jesus was constantly meeting strangers, investing in their hearts and changing their lives (the woman at the well, the adulturous woman, Zaccheus in the sycamore tree, etc.). Actually, He still does that today!
So the next time you're given the chance - take a step of faith and initiate with someone who you WOULDN'T usually talk to...and who knows what could be in store!
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