February 28, 2008
I was thinking this morning about my Lenten “fast.” I reflected on how ironic the term “fast” is! There is nothing fast about a “fast”. Now that I am about at the half-way point, I confess I find myself wandering, at times, how long I must keep doing this. It seems like my “fast” is taking an eternity. My “fast” needs to hurry up and be over! I catch myself longing to participate in my temporarily forbidden activities. My “fast” sure seems slow!
It is a good reminder for me though. “Good things come to those who wait!” “Patience is a virtue!” These common sayings seem trite, but they are true nonetheless. Character does not come fast; wisdom does not come fast; Christ-likeness does not come fast! The most valued aspects of life are slow-developing. So, while I participate in my Lenten “fast”, I will remember that this discipline slows me down enough to reflect on God’s goodness and my need for Him, and it helps me focus on that slow process of becoming more like Christ and appreciating more deeply what He has done and does for me.
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Posted by Darrell Anderson
February 25, 2008
Part four of our new series Authenticity has been posted. Saturday’s sermon topic was “Pure Imitation,” based on Ephesians 5:1. Listen to “Pure Imitation” here or direct download it here (right-click the link and select “save target as…”).
As always, feedback is welcome.
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Posted by Jason Boyett
February 23, 2008
Tonight at EXP, we heard part 4 of Authenticity, our Lenten sermon series. Tonight’s topic: “Pure Imitation,” about the two sides of holiness (purification and imitation).
We want your feedback! Give us your thoughts about anything related to EXP tonight, from the sermon to the music to the part with the High School Musical dance instruction. Thanks!
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Posted by Jason Boyett
February 23, 2008
Song (Artist/CD)
God With Us (MercyMe/All That is Within Me)
Mighty to Save (Hillsong/Mighty to Save)
Holy is the Lord (Chris Tomlin/Arriving)
Overcome (Desperation Band/Everyone Overcome)
Take My Life (Holiness) (Scott Underwood/Take My Life)
I Will Boast (Paul Baloche/A Greater Song)
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Posted by Kenny Steward
February 20, 2008
Psalm 51:16-17 says, “You (God) do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you (God) do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
During Lent, many decide to offer a “sacrifice” by giving up something they love. However, God is not impressed by our “sacrifice.” There is no virtue in simply giving up something. The virtue is in why! Broken and contrite both mean crushed. The psalmist’s idea is to stress the intent and condition of the heart and spirit of the sacrificer.
The despised sacrifice is one that comes from a heart of arrogance and pride. It says look at me! Look how holy I am! Look at what I am doing for God! The focus is on what “I” am doing. The delightful sacrifice is one that comes from a broken and contrite heart. It says, thank you Lord for what you have done! I am nothing without you! I am totally dependent on you! The focus is God! It is birthed from humility.
As you “sacrifice” during Lent, be sure your offering is delightful to God and not despised by God. Keep the focus on Him, what He has done and what He is doing. Keep it off of yourself and what you are doing.
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Posted by Darrell Anderson
February 16, 2008
The Amarillo Globe-News has a great article by Joe Southern this morning on the front page of the “Faith” section about denominations that (perhaps unexpectedly) observe Lent. Because EXP is part of a Southern Baptist church, we get a lot of very positive mentions in the article — including substantial quotes from Darrell, Cheryl Crain, and Mark Hotmann. Lots of good things to think about.
From Darrell:
“It has been a positive worship experience for our people. It is not mandatory. We do not pressure people to participate nor make them feel guilty if they do not want to participate,” he said.
From Cheryl:
[Cheryl] said she was at first inclined to give up something for health reasons but instead felt compelled to give up a luxury she really enjoyed. Jerry agreed.
“This is just not a traditional practice for Baptists,” she said. “It’s very foreign.”
From Mark:
Mark Hotmann, who plays in the EXP praise band, said he grew up Baptist and didn’t know much about Lent.
“I didn’t know about the background or purpose, but last year they explained the background and purpose and encouraged us to participate,” he said.
Read the whole thing here: “Many Denominations Observe Lent“
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Posted by Jason Boyett
February 12, 2008
Romans 12:1 reminds us to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” As I participate in Lent, sacrificing a few pleasures, I am reminded of this verse. However, today I reflected on the fact that Jesus did this very act. He offered Himself as a living sacrifice. His sacrifice was pleasing to His Father! Jesus did not merely sacrifice a few pleasures, He sacrificed Himself.
Though my sacrifice dims in comparison to Christ’s, a common thread does exist. They both are a spiritual act of worship. My participation in Lent is an act of worship. It says I want to focus on Christ and what He did for me. It speaks to my desire to remind myself of what is really important in life. It is a unique way, (something I do not do year round) to express worship to God. It is more that simply a discipline or an old church tradition. It is a fresh way for me to worship!
So, as you “sacrifice” during this Lenten season, remember you are worshiping and you are following the pattern of Jesus.
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Posted by Darrell Anderson
