The above was the title of a session today here at the RightNow Church Leadership Conference. It was led by a young pastor (he's 37) that I believe is one of the very BEST teachers anywhere in Christendom:
Matt Chandler. I have been listening to his podcasts for a few years now - and it was a deep blessing to hear him speak live.
He has an incredible personal story of conversion - from being a cynical, unbelieving young man - to becoming a dedicated and humble follower of Christ - and a powerfully gifted teacher of the Word of God! He leads a Church here in Dallas that has been growing by leaps and bounds for almost a decade now. A crazy twist in his his life recently: He was diagnosed two years ago with a malignant brain tumor and has gone through treatment and surgery - yet that seems to have only increased his passion - and his anointing - as a Preacher of the Gospel.
I have been in many rooms where gifted speakers have shared the Good News of Christ - but I must say that God is using this young man in incredible ways. Many can lead well - but to lead other leaders well - that is not so common. To say that I was challenged and blessed - to the point that "my socks were blown off" - is a serious understatement!!!
From his talk today:
God has a PASSION for Holiness and Purity. He detests decietful and wicked men. A common Biblical misunderstanding is that God hates the sin but loves the sinner. Chandler argued that this is partially true - but we are not to under-estimate how much God despises those that are wicked and how actively he opposes sinful men and women - especially those that are intentional in their sinful decisions. Wouldn't that be most, if not all of us?
God seeks to discipline us - out of LOVE. Chandler defines Discipline: "A view of the future through actions taken today." God will discipline us today - because he has a glorious view of our future!
ALL sin is incredibly offensive to God!! God will "break your hand" if you fondle with sin - because he cares so deeply for you! He knows this does not feel loving - but it truly is.
It is impossible to hide sin - and it WILL eventually be exposed and brought to light by a God who TRULY loves us - because THAT is how it can be most powerfully dealt with - to the point of real change. And Real Change is what is required.
God provides a way for us to battle sin -
by growing continually in our affections toward Christ! As we pursue Christ and His righteousness, our sin is put to death.
I love this: Our battle against sin is intended to be a Grace Driven Effort - not driven by guilt!
How? Confess everything to Him. Yes - EVERYTHING!! Do it!! God wants to eliminate ALL of the shadows in our lives - because He is SERIOUS about HOLINESS!! No one "stumbles into the righteousness of God." We are to TRAIN ourselves in this pursuit. And diligent, complete and genuine confession is a priceless tool of sanctification.
We are invited by God to experience COMPLETE FREEDOM from sin. Who doesn't want that??
Leaders: Pursue the Holiness of God - by growing closer to Christ - and being fueled by His Grace.
The key "edge" found in fantastic leaders and teams is not Aptitude as much as it is Attitude! Think of any good or great team you have been on or know of... Does the above "test" true in your experience and observation?
