ON MISSION--Wherever, Whenever, Whatever.

 

In Not a Fan Pastor Kyle Idleman sums up the response of a follower of Jesus as “wherever, whenever, whatever.” These past few weeks I’ve been amazed and humbled again and again at the “wherever, whenever, whatever”attitude of the NMBC family.

The first morning following Hurricane Sandy a dozen volunteers, who themselves were evacuated from their homes to the FMC, with chainsaw in had went out to aid neighbors. By the end of the day Saturday, three mud-outs had been completed on homes that had been flooded.

Our mission grew with the arrival of the SBC Disaster Relief Team from Oklahoma. Within hours of a Facebook post and church-wide email, we had over 30 volunteer s to deliver hundreds of hot meals twice daily to Port Monmouth, Leonardo, and Belford. Additional volunteers accompanied Disaster Relief chaplains and assessors to the hardest hit communities.

Last Saturday 89 volunteers from Calvary Baptist Church, Colts Neck Community Church, Bible Church International, the Boy Scouts and NMBC participated in a Mud-Out Safety Orientation by Dennis and Elaine O'Neill with NY Disaster Relief. Following the training we were able to complete 5 full mud-outs and one basement mud-out. More teams are scheduled for this Friday and Saturday, November 23^rd and 24^th. (Be at the church at 8 AM to join in!)

Last Saturday a man walked into the Family Ministry Center while some of the Disaster Relief team were watching football. He was in need of some food, household supplies and clothing as he had lost everything in the flood. He was provided these things, then sensing a spiritual need the DR team member, who was a chaplain, asked if she could pray with him. After hearing the gospel, this man gave his life to Christ.

Cleared fallen trees and limbs, mud-outs, meals, clothing, and household supplies are the visible aspects of the mission. As important as this work is, a far greater work is taking place in hearts and lives as seeds of the Gospel are being planted throughout our community, state, and region.

For a bigger picture, here are some statistics of the work being accomplished by SBC Disaster Relief as of yesterday: (Keep in mind, this is just the SBC. Samaritan’s Purse, Christian Aid, and hundreds of other churches and missions are at work in our region as well.)

Professions of Faith 189

Gospel Presentations 1,673

Chaplaincy Contacts 5,103

Ministry Contacts 20,705

Volunteer Days 35,750

Meals Prepared 1,578,826

Chainsaw Jobs 1,964

Mud-out Jobs 1,424

Showers 18,446

Laundry Loads 6,677

I came across a video this week about a church in Staten Island. What God is doing in our church and community is being multiplied in churches and communities throughout New Jersey and New York! "Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— " Ephesians 3:20

 

 

NAF- Day Fourty

Today’s Scripture: By obedience to the truth, having purified yourselves for sincere love of the brothers, love one another earnestly from a pure heart. 1 Peter 1:22

Read Mark 16. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

Read William Borden’s story on pages 207-209 in Not A Fan. How is the Holy Spirit leading you to live a life of “No reserves, no retreats, and no regrets”?

Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy, ²⁵ to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen.  Jude 24-25

NAF- Day Thirty-Nine

Today’s Scripture: By obedience to the truth, having purified yourselves for sincere love of the brothers, love one another earnestly from a pure heart. 1 Peter 1:22

Read Mark 12. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman writes, “I think we sometimes confuse knowing about Jesus with knowing Jesus. But there is a difference between knowledge and intimacy.”

Do you feel as if you have a more intimate relationship with Jesus than you did six weeks ago? If so, in what way?

NAF- Day Thirty-Eight

Today’s Scripture: By obedience to the truth, having purified yourselves for sincere love of the brothers, love one another earnestly from a pure heart. 1 Peter 1:22

Read Mark 9. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

How does what I do today- and who I show love for today- affect how Jesus and others see me?

NAF- Day Thirty-Seven

 

Today’s Scripture: 

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another.1 John 4:7-11

Read John 21. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

Followers of Jesus love what He loves. What matters to Jesus. What is He calling you to do?



Are You Following Rules or Following Jesus? Questions for Discussion and Reflection

In Not a Fan Kyle Idleman writes, “I believe in the assurance of our salvation, I also believe that we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). When it comes to where we will spend eternity we can’t be afraid to ask the hard questions and take an honest look at the answers that our lives offer.” (Page 102)

Read John 8:2-11.

What purpose did the Law serve for this woman and her accusers? (See also 1 Timothy 1:8-11.)

How might Jesus’ instructions to this woman relate to the admonition in Philippians 2:12 to “work out your salvation”?

Compare Philippians 2:12 with Ephesians 2:8-10. Why is it important to distinguish between “working out” one’s salvation with “working for” one’s salvation?

What evidences of genuine salvation are revealed in the following Scriptures?

Romans 8:7--

2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:8-10--

1 Corinthians 10:31--

1 John 2:9-14; 3:14--

1 John 2:`5-17; 4:7-12--

John 15:1-6; Ephesians 4:12-16--

Matthew 7:21; Romans 16:26; 1 Peter 1:2,22; 1 John 2:3-5--

This week read chapters eleven, Take up your cross daily-- an everyday death and twelve, Wherever. What about there? in Kyle Idleman’s book Not A Fan.

 

Listen to Harry Flarherty's message, Are you following the rules for following Jesus? here.

 

 

NAF- Day Thirty-Six

Today’s Scripture: Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Read Luke 24. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

Spend some time wrestling with Kyle Idleman’s warning,

I‘m just asking: what if many of us are traveling down what we think is the narrow road that leads to life, but we‘re actually on the broad road that leads to destruction? What if we have hit the cruise control and are traveling through life singing along to Christian Radio with a Jesus fish on the bumper, completely unaware that we are headed to destruction? I‘m not trying to make you paranoid or fearful. I believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God and my confidence is in Him who can keep me from falling. But clearly the Bible teaches that there are those who have a false assurance of salvation.

 

Read Romans 8:12-17. Does this Scripture give you confidence?

NAF- Day Thirty-Five

Today’s Scripture: Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20

Read Luke 23. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

How is the Holy Spirit leading you to follow Jesus today?

NAF- Day Thirty-Four

Today’s Scripture: God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.I thirst for You; my body faints for You in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water. So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory. My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better than life. Psalm 63:1-3

Read Luke 22. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

 

Journal about what would lead you not to just pursue Jesus, but to pursue Him passionately.

NAF- Day Thirty-Three

Today’s Scripture:  But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy. 1Peter 1:15-16

 

Read Luke 21. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

Read “Crazy Love Stories” on pages 131-133. Take some time today to express your love for Jesus through prayer and worship. (Sing a hymn or download a MP3 of your favorite worship song. Sing/listen to this song throughout your day.)

Disaster Relief Team Update, November 16th

Yesterday Linda Kolk, Nicole Rodriguez and Sherrill Miller served lunch to the SBC Disaster Relief team and Red Cross workers as the DR team needed “all hands on deck” to prepare the 14,800 meals requested of them. As Dave Karr, the “blue cap” (leader) of the Oklahoma team serving out of NMBC shared with us last Sunday, "the goal of the ministry of SBC Disaster Relief is simply to be the hands and feet of Jesus.”

Every day (sometimes every hour) I hear stories of lives being touched both physically and spiritually through the ministry of the Disaster Relief team. I thank God for these men and women living on-mission for Jesus. Below is a video of the North Carolina DR team’s operation out of Rutgers University. This will give you an inside view of the mission taking place at NMBC and at locations throughout the Northeast.

 

  

Oklahoma Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer Dan Fuller (from left), Pastor Mike Miller and Jim and Beth Conley gather outside New Monmouth Baptist Church. The church is hosting 90 SBDR volunteers from Oklahoma responding to Hurricane Sandy.

NAF- Day Thirty-Two

Today’s Scripture:  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6

Read Luke 19. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman writes, “The cure for pride isn’t shame or self-loathing. The cure for pride is the humble act of receiving unconditional love.”

Spend some time in prayer about what the Holy Spirit is teaching you today.

Joani Tabor in concert Celebration Sunday, November 25th at NMBC.

 

Looking into a sea of faces, Joani Tabor sings for the Lord, forever embracing her motto, "Nothing's Gonna Steal My Joy". The impact on her listeners is unmistakable. Joani, with bubbling personality, conveys her enthusiastic faith in concert- and it is powerful. Worship music has the power to turn people to the heart of God and draw them to Him. Joani Tabor is a blessed individual who shares her voice with the world- and the world responds. She has witnessed over 30,000 decisions for Christ in the past sixteen years and has no intention of stopping there.

It's amazing, the movement of God through music right now. Joani is at the forefront of that movement, possessing the unique ability to greatly inspire people through her music. Joani is a communicator. Audiences find her warm stage presence and unassuming manner very refreshing. Joani combines sincerity with excellence of presentation. Her delightful, multi-styled mix of music renews the hearts of listeners regardless of their age. Joani's clear voice, which covers an astonishing four octaves, has been described as "intense vocal artistry." She also plays the piano, flute and organ.

"Female Vocalist of the Year" and "Gold Cross"
award-winning musical career

Born in Bluefield, West Virginia , Joani is no stranger to tragedy. At age 11, her childhood was suddenly interrupted when her father passed away. She credits her dad, a choir director, for her love of music. A year later, when she became a Christian, Joani says, "Christ became my father." Joani is a pastor's wife. Her husband, Dr. Glenn A. Tabor, Jr., prayerfully supports her ministry. The couple lost a child, and again she found comfort in Christ. That grace is truly reflective of Joani's heart. Read more about Joani's testimony  here.

Listen to Joani Tabor's music here.

NAF- Day Thirty-One

Today’s Scripture:  Blind guides! You strain out a gnat, yet gulp down a camel! Matthew 23:24

Read Luke 18. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

 

In the NAF Follower’s Journal Kyle Idleman asks,

Straining out gnats is tedious, unrewarding work. If you swallow a gnat, you won‘t die. You won‘t even get sick .Gnats may look big and significant when they are floating in your soup, but in reality their presence is relatively inconsequential, especially when you have a camel lodged in your throat.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the gnats at which you tend to strain - things which feel important to you but in actuality make very little difference in how well you know and love Jesus.

NAF- Day Thirty

 

Today’s Scripture:  Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,  I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. Philippians 3:13-15

Read John 17. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

Read chapter 7 in Not A Fan, The Relationship Defined. Spend some time today in prayer about the questions in this chapter.

 

 



NAF Week 5- Self-Empowered or Spirit-Filled- Questions for Discussion and Reflection

In Not a Fan Kyle Idleman writes, “The only way to be filled with the Spirit is to empty myself of me. When I empty me of me, it provides space for the Holy Spirit to fill me… Think of it this way: I have a friend who got married last year… I noticed that his framed poster of Kramer of Seinfeld moved (from his apartment) to his office… Now let me ask you, was it a coincidence that Kramer moved out when his wife moved in?”

Read “Spiritual Breathing” on pages 95-98 of Not a Fan. How does this help you understand what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

What do the following Scriptures reveal about the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Zechariah 4:6--

John 16:5-15--

1 Corinthians 3:16-- (Note: “you” here is plural referring to the whole church)

Galatians 5:16-26--

Ephesians 1:13-14--

Ephesians 4:3-5; 4:30; 6:18--

Titus 3:4-5--

2 Peter 1:20-21--

This week read chapters nine, Come after Me-- A passionate pursuit and ten, Deny-- A total surrender in Kyle Idleman’s book Not A Fan.

 

 

NAF- Day Twenty-Nine

Today’s Scripture:  And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

 

Read John 16. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman observes,

Fans are very much caught up in an outward appearance. They think that somehow God is going to be impressed with their religious rule keeping or rituals or their traditions. There‘s nothing wrong with those things, in and of themselves. The problem comes when we do those things and it‘s not out of a pursuit of Jesus or a relationship with Him, but as a way to prove or measure our own spirituality.

 Take some time today to pray about your motivation for following Jesus.

NAF- Day Twenty-Eight

Today’s Scripture:  For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34b ESV

Read John 15. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

 

In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman writes,

Fans eventually get burned out from trying to live the Christian life out of their own efforts. If you are depending on your own strength to follow Christ you will soon find yourself drained and defeated. Jesus promised His followers that the Spirit would come on them in power.

Followers of Jesus understand that it’s a journey they were never to make alone. Instead we keep in step with the Spirit and He supernaturally gives us strength and the power we need.

How is God leading you today to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit as you follow Jesus?

NAF- Day Twenty-Seven

Today’s Scripture:  And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. John 14:16

Read John 14. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

“Are you a self-empowered fan or a Spirit-filled follower?” Read Kyle Idleman’s illustration, “Spiritual Breathing” on pages 95-98 of Not A Fan. Spend some time praying about what God is teaching you.

NAF- Day Twenty-six

Today’s Scripture:  Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” “Lord,” he said, “first let me go bury my father.” But He told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-60

Read Luke 17. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not A Fan Idleman writes, “We treat our relationship with Jesus like the diet we keep meaning to start. I’m going to start eating right… as soon as I finish off this chicken chimichanga.”

 
What are you putting off that Jesus is asking you to do today?

Disaster Relief Team from Oklahoma

Last Sunday, November 4th the Disaster Relief Team from Oklahoma arrived to assist with clean-up and food distribution following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. NMBC is honored to be “home” to these 100+ volunteers. There are three “sub-teams”: the Kitchen Team which is currently preparing thousands of meals a day being distributed by the Red Cross, the Chainsaw Team cleaning up fallen trees and limbs, and the Mud-out team cleaning out homes that were flooded. You can read more about the relief work throughout the greater Middletown area here.

One way NMBC has been able to serve on mission alongside the disaster relief team has been to accompany assessors. Assessors go out each morning to the hardest hit communities looking for ways to serve. If there is work that can be done by either the chainsaw team or mud-out team an assessment is written up and given to the appropriate team leader. This has also provided an opportunity to get clothing, food and other necessities that have been donated directly to those in need. As well, we’ve offered the FMC as a shelter or helped those in need find a shelter. While out serving our community the disaster relief team is often asked “Why They Are Here?” Here’s their answer from the information they leave with those they meet:
 

Often people ask what brought us here, why we’re doing what we’re doing. There are three simple reasons I came to serve others this week…

I met God one day, and He has changed my life. I used to live my life pretty selfishly. Then I met the God of the Bible. Now I care about people and meeting their needs in a brand new way.

I want you to see God’s love in my service.  Jesus said, “in the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, NIV). I want you to know that I’m serving others because of God’s love in my life.

I hope you will want to know more about how to have a personal relationship with God.  If you have a few minutes, I’d be happy to talk with you about knowing God personally through Jesus.

SBC Disaster Relief teams from various states are working throughout New Jersey and New York. Here’s a video from the Indiana Team working in Keansburg.

NAF- Day Twenty-four

Today’s Scripture: “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

 Read Luke 14. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

 

In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman writes, “And I don’t care how you position it, carrying a cross just isn’t comfortable.”

 

Spend some time today talking to God about your cross.

NAF- Day Twenty-three

Today’s Scripture: As they were traveling on the road someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go!” Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” Luke 9:57-58

Read Luke 13. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

Spend time today meditating on the Rhea Miller’s hymn, I’d Rather Have Jesus.

 

I‟d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I‟d rather be His than have riches untold;

I‟d rather have Jesus than houses or lands

I‟d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Than to be the king of a vast domain,

Or be held in sin‟s dread sway;

I‟d rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

I‟d rather have Jesus than men‟s applause;

I‟d rather be faithful to His dear cause;

I‟d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;

I‟d rather be true to His holy name.

 

Rhea F. Miller, I’d Rather Have Jesus © Chancel Music, Inc. 1922

 

What would you rather have Jesus than?

NAF- Day Twenty-two

Today’s Scripture: He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him. Isaiah 53:2 

Read John 8. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not A Fan Idleman writes,

Sometimes in an effort to get as many people as possible to follow Jesus I have, with good intentions, made following Him sound as attractive and appealing as possible...I realized that I have been guilty of selling Jesus. And in emphasizing only the parts about Jesus that I thought people would like, and begging people to follow Him, I have unintentionally belittled Him...I‘m sorry if I‘ve ever cheapened Jesus or made it sound like we‘re doing Him a favor by choosing to follow.

Make a list of your reasons for following Jesus:

NAF- Day Twenty-one

Today’s Scripture: Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:4 ESV

 Read John 7. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

Kyle Idleman asks, “Are you more focused on the outside than the inside.”

 

Jesus has a holy jealousy for you. He wants you and does not want to share you with “other gods.” What are some implications of this for your life?

NAF- Day Twenty

Today’s Scripture: The king answered Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it from you for a price, for I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for 20 ounces of silver.    2 Samuel 24:24

 

Read John 6. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman asks, “Fans want to follow Jesus closely enough to get all the benefits, but not so close that he calls them to sacrifice or surrender things that are important. If you‘re unsure if you‘re a fan or a follower, then ask yourself this: When was the last time my relationship with Jesus cost me something?”

NAF- Day Nineteen

Today’s Scripture: Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.           James 1:5

 Read John 5. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

 

In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman writes, “Jesus made it clear. There is no such thing as ‘selective allegiance.’ When we decide to follow Him, he calls for a complete commitment and total surrender.”

 

What is the Holy Spirit leading you to surrender today?

NAF- Day Eighteen

Today’s Scripture: A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

Read John 4. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman observes, “―Ultimately, what separates a fan from a follower is commitment. Many consider themselves followers, but what happens when their commitment is tested?”

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind a time recently when your commitment was tested - and you passed the test. Spend some time thanking God for His faithfulness to you.