God chose His heavenly messengers, the angels, to deliver His incarnational news. The recipients? Shepherds, a low-class, marginalized, rough-and-raw, working class people, who ironically were also living a life ostracized from synagogue and typical religious expression (even though their work helped provide for the religious experience of others). The fact that these shepherds were living out in the fields and tending their flocks at night has suggested to many scholars that this historic night was more likely in spring than the depths of winter (there certainly is no sign on snow on the ground–sorry, “The First Noel.”).

The message of the angel is one of the greatest declarations of “Gospel” (= good news) anywhere shared in the Scripture: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2.10-11). While the shepherds are told that this news will be for “all the people,” twice they are told that this news includes them, too (“you,” “to you”), since typically they were treated as “outsiders” even though within Israel as a whole.

Notice that the angel’s declaration gives Jesus the titles of “Savior,” “Christ” and “the Lord,” three richly significant terms.

• Savior: the Deliverer
• Christ: the Anointed, Chosen One
• The Lord: Master, a term reserved in the Old Testament for God alone

The sign (which points beyond itself to a greater reality) given to them–a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger–would have eliminated the possibility of mistaken identity. But it did not remove faith from the equation. The shepherds still had to leave their flocks and believe in the reality enough to seek and discover the baby on their own. There was no star to lead them.

The armies of heaven (“heavenly hosts,” KJV) joined the original messenger in singing praises to God and attributing to Him the glory He so deserves. Although the King James version of the Bible made well-known their subsequent declaration of “peace on earth, goodwill to(ward) men,” all modern versions discount that translation as based on evidence that is less credible than newer manuscripts that have been found since 1611, when the Authorized Version was published.

We are given no hint of the reaction Mary and Joseph must have had to the arrival of the shepherds on that miraculous night, other than to say that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (v. 19). They were likely no more amazed that God had revealed this most historic event to shepherds than they were that He had chosen them for this special service. Their character and integrity is once again seen in what they do rather than in simply what they say.

The shepherds become the first evangelists (modeled for them by the angels from above) in the New Testament. Their lives had been changed–transformed–by the event and they were never to be the same again. Being in the presence of Jesus–Savior, Christ and Lord–was in fact such an incredible, life-changing experience that they could not help but tell anyone and everyone about this child, no matter that their lack of acceptance and social status would cause others to be amazed.

My question to you today is this: has it changed your life, too?

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that WHOEVER believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3.16)

WHOEVER includes you.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” (Acts 16.31)

Why not believe in Him today and accept the greatest Christmas gift you’ll ever receive?

By all accounts, it was a humble and scary experience. Mary and Joseph had likely traveled for days to arrive in Bethlehem, as required by Roman law. Typically, Jews who ventured south from Galilee to Jerusalem would travel in groups, both for safety and fellowship. But the scandal that surrounded the pregnancy of Mary may have caused this normalcy to have escaped them. If they were able to travel with others, it was probably strangers who accompanied them along the way.

While we must be careful not to read too much into the silence of Scripture about details not mentioned, the absence of family members–parents and siblings–in the entire storyline seems telling. Weren’t they also of the “lineage of David?” Wouldn’t they likely have to travel south, too?

Yet, here we see Mary–ostracized by society as an unwed mother-to-be (the typical rumors of the father centered around Joseph or a Roman soldier who had raped her) AND now also as a liar for not admitting to what her townspeople believed to be so obviously the truth. Joseph, too, was ostracized for not following the Jewish law, by which he could stone her to death, AND for not following Jewish tradition, which allowed him to divorce her quietly in order to keep her shame from becoming his shame, too.

Alone and together, they relied on their God and the faith He gave them to believe what they had been told. And He led them on; there is no sense–even in between the lines–of feelings of abandonment, anger or despair. Rather, the story suggests commitment, determination and faithfulness of their behalf. It demonstrates why they, of all people on the earth, had been chosen for this heavenly assignment.

Arrival in Bethlehem would have been difficult. The last many miles would have been an uphill journey. (By the way, the Scripture nowhere suggests they had a donkey to accompany them on this trip…not that they didn’t; it just doesn’t say.) The throngs of strangers surrounding them would likely have grown in numbers the closer they came to the Holy City. Privacy would have probably been only a dream.

The town of Bethlehem was small and known to us mostly for its relationship to the Temple in Jerusalem. Sheep were raised and sold for travelers headed to make sacrifices in the Holy City, as required by Old Testament Law. Such an event as the census of Rome, done for the purpose of imposing greater taxes on the people, would have expanded it beyond its capacity. Some who came would not find places to stay; some, including Mary and Joseph.

The inn was likely a small “boarding house,” with room for only a handful of visitors. Nothing larger was typically needed, since Bethlehem had become primarily a way-station on the journey to the Temple. The innkeeper, greatly vilified in most interpretations of the Christmas story today, is nowhere to be found in Scripture. Nor do we find a stable. All we find is a manger, a food trough for four-legged animals. Ancient history suggests the baby was born in a cave, a dwelling of God’s own creation, and not a building at all.

The birth of the baby would have been eventful and strenuous. No midwife is seen in the Scripture and thus, out of necessity, Joseph may have had to assist in the birth of the baby. The experience would have been loud, perhaps long and certainly intense. Anxiety about the safety of Mary and the health of the baby would have traveled through Joseph’s mind. There would have been no bed or table to give support or comfort to Mary, only hard soil and perhaps some straw or hay.

The baby’s birth is shared in one of the most matter-of-fact statements in Scripture: “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son,” (Luke 2.7a) though it was in no way an ordinary event. Strips of cloth, likely torn from the bottom of one (or both) of their robes, were used to wrap the baby tightly and give him his very first clothes. It was a solitary experience.

But this humble experience was destined to change the entire world for all time…

(more to come in part two)

We’re back with another interesting post about news and views around the Internet. Let’s start this week with a post from Sheila Walsh, once of the 700 Club and more recently of the women’s writing/speaking circuit. Yesterday she published a post entitled “The Five Most Bizarre Questions I was Asked in 2009.” Since Sheila connects with lots of people all over the world, I suspect she gets a variety of surprising questions. You can check out her thoughts on the “most bizarre” by clicking here.

Bob Roberts Jr. posted earlier this week a new weblog entry that makes the concept of “missional” more practical for most people. In a post called “How to Bring People Along Missionally,” Roberts acknowledges the oft-given concern that getting churches to “be missional” is a lot harder than talking about it. Here he outlines six things each of us who are pastors and leaders of churches can do to see “missional” become more of a reality in our churches. This link will take you to his post.

Kent Shaffer’s website is entitled “Church Relevance,” and he is currently asking for input from you and me on how to make his site more, well…relevant! Kent admits that he wants to be more effective at meeting your needs, but also in attracting more sponsors, who help make the site possible. I mention his site today, because he has attracted a number of sponsors who offer “FREE STUFF” to help you in ministry. You can find them posted on the left-hand side, about halfway down this page. And while you’re there, why not fill out his reader’s survey?

Here’s a shout out to my favorite football team, the Alabama Crimson Tide! They certainly looked impressive last Saturday as they won the SEC Championship in an overwhelming manner against the defending national champion Florida Gators. Next up, they will face the Texas Longhorns for the National Championship on January 7th in Pasadena, California. It should be a great game! In anticipation of that, this Saturday the Heisman Trophy, annually awarded to college football’s best player, will be given. I am predicting that Mark Ingram from the Crimson Tide will become the first ever winner of the award from the University of Alabama. You can read about the Heisman race here.

Finally, JibJab.com is a humorous and entertaining site, in the past mostly focused on political parodies. However, at Christmas time they have created a way for you to become an elf (with up to four other people) and save it (for a cost) or share it with others temporarily. To view the one I created, click here. Then hit the “Make Your Own” button to get started on yours. Enjoy the fun!

This Friday I’m on the road, attending the national winter meetings of the State Directors of Missions, a title I inherited as a part of our relationship with the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Today Ed Stetzer spoke about “high capacity church planting denominations,” and as usual did an exceptional job. I had the privilege of being with Ed two weeks ago also, as a part of the national church planting fellowship.

One of our national young SBC leaders, Matt Chandler of The Village in Dallas, Texas, underwent brain surgery today and needs our prayers. Matt has been a respected preacher and advocate within our tribe for multisite churches, among other things. You can read what the elders in his church wrote this week about the church and his surgery by clicking here. Pray for wife Lauren and three children, as well.

Tiger Woods has dominated the news this week and his “transgressions” (his word, not mine) has been placed under significant media scrutiny. His life lessons have been discussed in a recent post by Pastor C.J. Mahaney of Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland. You can read Mahaney’s comments here.

On a lighter note, my favorite college football team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, will be playing in the SEC championship tomorrow for the second year in a row. Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and the rest of the team are once again underdogs to Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators as they enter the game, though some in the media are picking them to upset the Gators tomorrow. Roll Tide, Roll!

Finally, many of you–like me–probably use Twitter for social media connections too. One of the more recent Twitter applications out there now makes it possible for you to send your “tweets” in Klingon (yes, that’s right; the made-up language, which started on Star Trek years ago). You can use the application by clicking here. And until next time: ghaj Dun juS! (that’s Klingon for “have a great weekend!”)

As I am in the process of revamping the content that I post on my blog in the future, I have decided today to return to an old favorite. Last year, the “25 Random Things about Me” phenomenon swept the Facebook scene in a major way. My list eventually made it to this blog; in fact you can read it here.

The enduring popularity of that post that prompted me to return to its theme one more time while decisions are being made on the future content of this site. So without further ado, here are an additional 25 random things about me that you likely did not know.

1. I sent my wife into labor by breaking bones in my right foot, so that as a result, our first child was born exactly on her due date (not intentionally, of course!).

2. I won a “closest to the pin” golf contest when I was 14 years old AND a putting contest in college, but have never been a great (not even good, but mediocre at best) golfer.

3. A major earthquake, whose epicenter was less than 2 miles from our home, rocked southern California on the morning of my 30th birthday. My wife and I crawled under the table and continued to open presents.

4. I have climbed the (inside of) Great Pyramid, just outside of Cairo, Egypt.

5. I have served as an interim pastor in more States (4) than a permanent pastor (3).

6. As a seminary student, I’d travel over to Texas Stadium to watch the Cowboys (Staubach and Dorsett era) play and would buy a ticket without exception from a “scalper” outside the stadium BELOW ticket price.

7. The first memory I have of Christmas is at age 3 years and 3 months, when my sister was born (on Christmas Eve).

8. I saw “Pistol Pete” Maravich of LSU set an all-time NCAA college basketball record in points scored against the University of Alabama when I was only an elementary school student.

9. I was asked to serve as a two-year “missionary” in Daytona Beach, Florida, after college, but did not feel God leading me there (why not? yeah, I know…). However, I had already determined to say “yes” to the collegiate ministry position at Ohio State University, but I was not offered the job.

10. I was given the privilege of voicing the prayer for our Holy Land Tour Group in the Garden of Gethsemane.

11. The first time I went fishing, the only thing I caught was a snapping turtle.

12. I have taught New Testament Greek classes for two different seminaries, in addition to college classes on spiritual formation at a well-known Christian university in southern California.

13. While on a date, I serendipitously met Kevin McHale and Cedric Maxwell, at the time both current players for the Boston Celtics, outside of Reunion Arena in Dallas after their game there ended.

14. I was in charge of Chapel hospitality and coordination with our guest speakers and program during my senior year in college. I was able to meet some well-known writers and lecturers, as a result.

15. The only two home runs I ever hit were both inside the park jobs. Thank goodness for speed!

16. My wife, Joyce, and I were both valedictorians of our high school graduating classes.

17. I was stopped by police for speeding on Easter Sunday of 1977 in Dallas, Texas, but since we (there were 4 of us) had been at First Baptist Church to hear W. A. Criswell preach and were leaving town that afternoon, I was not given a ticket.

18. My first car was a 1973 copper-colored Ford Pinto (you can laugh out loud; I understand). I once loaded the “hatchback” area of the car so full that the back window gave way and came out, freeing my clothes to litter the state highway I was traveling.

19. I ran on my middle school track team in the 440 yard dash and relay. I never finished better than third.

20. One of my (now not-so-secret) dreams is to rent a RV and travel across the United States, especially the north central and north western states. My wife, though, is (strongly) not in favor of this idea, so it will likely only remain “a dream.”

21. I had the privilege of writing the last thesis mentored by Dr. Bruce M. Metzger, New Testament scholar, before he retired.

22. In college I took P.E. classes in bowling and golf. After completing them, my scores were worse than before.

23. Just before God called me into church planting, I was planning to attend the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, to secure a Ph.D. in religion. God obviously had other plans.

24. As a senior, I preached in a student-led Youth for Christ 3-day “revival” on the campus on my high school (I know; amazing, isn’t it?).

25. When Joyce and I determined that God was calling us into church planting, we ultimately considered four major cities in the North(east): Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit and Washington, DC. We ended up in Boston for ten years, but now find ourselves for the past decade just outside of DC.

I am in the process of revamping the content that I post on my blog in the future. Until recently, I have been posting message notes on Monday from my sermon the previous day, a church planting/church growth article on Wednesday and a “Friends & Family” post on Friday that is primarily a list of links and sights regarding items of curiosity and/or interest to those who know me and/or the ministry work I do.

Since I’m not preaching anywhere at the present time, I’ve been wondering what path I should pursue, specifically what I should post here on Mondays. That led me to consider whether or not I change the other content, too.

So I’m up for suggestions: what would you like to find here? how often? If you are a frequent visitor here, what have you enjoyed most? Please send me your thoughts over the coming week in the comments section below. Next week I’ll begin to incorporate some of your ideas on my site.

As Frasier Crane used to say, “I’m listening…”

The apostle Paul ends the book of Romans with the longest list of greetings he sends in any of his letters. While there are scholarly disagreements about why this may be, the list serves as a declaration of relationship “yet to be” since the apostle–while he may know several people who are a part of the church in Rome–has yet to visit there. His hope in writing this letter, which contains his most systematic teaching on the doctrine of salvation, is that it will encourage the church at Rome to assist him in further mission plans to travel to Spain (1.15; 15.23-29). So as he comes to the end of his epistle, he mentions at least twenty-seven people by name, different in role, rank, race and gender. He reminds them that, this side of heaven, all endings are only new beginnings.

What does the apostle Paul do here? First, he commends (vv. 1-16). He starts the passage by mentioning Phoebe, who is the bearer of this letter to the church in Rome. The text literally says he “speaks well of her,” for several reasons including the fact that she is: a sister in the faith (relationship), a servant (ministering), a saint (holy one, made so by the redeeming power of God) and a great help to many (self-less). He also commends others like Priscilla and Aquilla, who are called “fellow-workers” (colleagues in the Gospel) and risk-takers (trusting in God as they put their own lives on the line for Paul). By implication, he wants to commend the church at Rome to others he may later meet because of their willingness to help him on the way to Spain, too. He suggests that encouragement and commendation is one of the best gifts we can give to others.

Second, he warns (vv. 17-20). He turns his attention to the concerns he has for the church at Rome to “be alert, on guard” in the days ahead. He is convinced their commitment will be challenged and tested. He warns them against false teachers (they will be those who cause divisions and put obstacles in the paths of others); against perceptions (are you serving self as these false teachers are or do you desire to be known for your obedience); in principle (be wise in what’s good; innocent (pure) concerning evil); and, in recognition of your opponent (the Devil, not the church down the street or the Recreation Department that plans soccer leagues on Sunday mornings). Our lives are to be wrapped up in love and accountability to others, so Paul warns them to watch out and keep away from these things that will destroy them.

Third, he refers (vv. 21-33). He mentions eight individuals who are with him as he writes from Corinth to the church at Rome. Part of his point in doing this is to remind them that there are others in the family of faith, key leaders who are also willing and able to help assist them on their faith journey. He specifically mentions “fellow workers” like Timothy, who are skilled in service (Tertius), hospitality (Gaius) and opening doors of opportunity within the city (Erastus). By referring them to others, Paul reminds them that different people help us grow in different ways.

Finally, he prays (vv. 24-27). His glorious benediction in these verses declare to them an everlasting truth: God is able! He establishes (strengthens and stabilizes) them. How, you ask? Paul says it is on the basis of the Good News of God, given and proclaimed; it is on the basis of the continually unfolding revelation of God and His will; and, it is on the basis of the entirety of God’s Word. Our Father’s desire is for all to be obedient to the faith. In this prayer, the apostle reminds us that prayer is not the only thing we can do; it’s the best thing we can do.

So, endings are NEVER the final word in a relationship built on Christ. Rather, they merely move us on to the next stage or season in our life together…now and for all eternity. Experience His grace (v. 24) and bring glory to His name (v. 27). And to that, I, like the apostle, would add my “Amen;” let it be, Lord Jesus.

Yesterday we looked at one of my favorite passages of Scripture in the Bible: Hebrews 12.1-3. This passage is built off a lesson that the writer of Hebrews has been espousing from the beginning of his letter: we are to “risk all” for Jesus by living the life of faith for Him. He has reminded his readers that we are to be forward looking, focused on our future hope–Jesus–even as we learn from those who have lived the life of faith in the past (chapter 11). The writer knows that humans have a tendency to keep looking back (and often wanting to “go back”), but he knows that we need to follow Christ into the future–a lifestyle we can only live by faith.

You see, God wants our future to be greater than our past. He is more interested in how we finish that how we began. As a result, we need to constantly remind ourselves to “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” (William Carey)

In this passage, then, there are five things to note as we look to the future and contemplate the race that is before us. First, there is our encouragement (v. 1a). The writer starts the chapter by mentioned the great cloud of witnesses who surround us. By doing so, he referred back to what he’s already written in chapter 11, where he mentions in details nine heroes of faith (he mentions six others simply in passing). These are ones, he says, who bear witness to us that with God we can do whatever He sets before us. Commentators suggest that he is picturing them as a crowd filling a great stadium, cheering us on. We are to find strength from these who have gone before us.

Second, though, he mentions our hindrances (v. 1b). We are to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us, just like an athlete throws off the warmup suit and the ankle weights before he or she runs. Hindrances might include things like a lack of preparation; distractions from the weather, circumstances or other people, whether in the race or in the stands; pain and discomfort; and certainly, apathy and indifference. Sins that might entangle us would no doubt include a smug sense of pride and self-sufficiency; a lack of love for others; and of course, unbelief (faith is mentioned 21 times in the book). We are to discard all of these things before they “trip us up” (and they WILL, if we don’t deal with them).

Third, he speaks of our determination (v. 1c). Here he gets to the crux of the matter, as he admonishes us to run the race before us with perseverance. This perseverance speaks of endurance, bearing up under the strain of the race (a word from which we literally get the English word “agony”). We are not to quit; we can’t give up. It is a race marked out with us specifically in mind. While I don’t know exactly what God has in store for your race, I do know that it will share certain characteristics. It will be:

• People-centered
• Eternally-minded
• Continually-adjusted
• Character-inclined
• Kingdom-focused

For how we run the race affects not only us, but others all around us.

Fourth, our focus is to be on Jesus (v. 2). This is the ultimate difference-maker in the way we run our race. He is seen here not as our coach, but as the goal! The writer says that literally we are to “fasten, glue” our eyes to Him. We are not to be distracted by anything or anyone else: not a new pastor, not a former pastor, not our finances, not our facilities, not a program, not a policy, not even “seekers” that we hope to reach with the love of Christ. Our focus is to be single-minded: it is to be J-E-S-U-S. Period. This is the number one key to success.

Finally, he speaks to our motivation (v. 3). Here again he reminds us of Jesus and what He endured on our behalf. This remembrance is to cause us to finish well, rather than give in to exhaustion and fatigue, or be overwhelmed by discouragement. Our plight is no worse than His was (probably not nearly as bad, in fact) and thus, we should–we must–not grow weary and lose heart. We strive to run into the arms of Jesus, and hear the words all of His followers long to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Don’t ever forget! This race is a marathon, not a sprint. As such, the verdict is not in until the race is completed. So run your race with faith and endurance, believing the best is yet to be, as you follow our Lord into the future.

Today brings a rainy end to an action-packed week here in Maryland. Tropical storm Ida has made its way to us and combined with a “noreaster” is packing a punch that is soaking the area. That makes for a great day to be inside and posting my latest entry online about what’s been happening in this most recent week.

Ron Sylvia, founding pastor of Church at the Springs in Ocala, Florida, highlights the week for me. Ron was with us Sunday at our Annual Meeting and did an outstanding job with both the planters at their banquet and in the general session as a keynote speaker. Ron spoke on “God is good…but He’s not Safe,” emphasizing the need to be Kingdom risktakers and sacrificial in the service of our lives. Ron will show up here again in the future as I have the opportunity to dialogue with him about the effectiveness of his ministry with NEXT Coaching Networks. You can visit that website and download a number of free resources by clicking here.

Today our Church Multiplication Team held its first virtual online meeting via Tokbox ™. This is an incredible tool that will host up to twenty participants at a time with visual as well as audio connection…and all at NO COST! Registration is required, but if you attempting group meetings where participants are scattered at a distance, then this is a viable solution. Our experience left much room for improvement, but all in all we were pleased with the website and I recommend it to you as well. I know planters who meet with multiple partners or prayer warriors this way. Click here to go to their site and register to use it in the days ahead.

What was Jesus’ mother’s real name? Seems simple, doesn’t it? This question, though–and others–may stump you in the recently released Bible quiz posted in one of the religion articles on USA Today. Check it out here and see how well you know your Bible.

Few people I know exemplify the priority and lifestyle of “evangelism” like my friend, Frank Shelton. He is a passionate advocate for Jesus and a huge supporter of church planting. Living in the Washington, D.C. area but traveling the world, Frank has a storied life of connections and relationships with Presidents and Celebrities alike. He writes a blog “Frankly Speaking” and has recently published a book entitled “Final Approach” that is available on Amazon. Check him out and enlist him to come to your church or to assist you in evangelism as you minister in the months ahead.

Picture of the Week

Here’s a picture of Jesus, made from LEGO’s, that came through my Twitter feed recently. It never ceases to amaze me how enamored the culture is with our Lord!

Finally, this is to LAST Call for those of you who may be interested in joining my Dad, Jimmy Jackson, and me for our planned tour to the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, and the surrounding region, including Austria, the Czech Republic and northern Germany, too. We will travel there in September, 2010, with the focal point being participation at the once-every-decade Passion Play. We will also visit Wittenberg, site of Martin Luther’s most significant moment in history, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, of discipleship fame, lived during the days of World War II until his imprisonment. Send me a comment below if you are interested in knowing more about this tour and I will send you a .pdf file with all the details pertaining to itinerary and costs. We hope you’ll join us for this historic event.

This week at our Annual Meeting in Towson, our organization introduced a number of (what I call) video postcards to our messengers. These included a variety of ministries that cover a sampling of the services we provide to the 510 or so churches we support here in our multi-state region.

Our church multiplication ministry, known as Mid-Atlantic Church Multiplication, is highlighted in the following video which is also posted on YouTube, bcmd.org and my Facebook page.

Other videos, now also on YouTube, that were presented at the Annual Meeting include:

• Partnership Missions
• Restore My Soul Retreat Ministry
• Women’s Missionary Union
• BaptistLIFE Newsjournal
• Uncharted Youth Evangelism Conference 2009
• Shepherd’s Rest for Ministers and their Families
• Rockbridge Seminary
• EMBRACE Wilmington
• I’m a CP (Cooperative Program)
• e-quip.net

You are free to use and/or share them as you see fit. Enjoy and get connected!