What I learned in Egypt - Environment

Last week I was on a trip to Egypt with Todd Thorpe and Nick Carter. Two guys who are passionate about not only reaching people in America, but across the world with the gospel. I have to be honest, I was a little nervous about the trip. Egypt is in a bit of turmoil is an understatement. But, we were given an opportunity to go and begin the process of beginning a church partnership (I will not disclose the area or pastor's name for his church and families safety).

To be honest we went on the trip as tourists as our cover to not cause any suspicion. In Egypt, you can be a Christian but you cannot openly evangelize in the streets. The people we worked with were of baptist convictions and believed in salvation by grace through faith alone in Jesus. The pastor made sure we knew that it was not his church that was involved in the riots a few days prior that was blanketed in the news (those were the Coptic orthodox Christians).

We were given an opportunity to preach in the church in Egypt and share the good news of Jesus. We were blessed to see 13 people come to know Christ! It was an overwhelming experience for me. I noticed the control of Islam but the passion and confidence of true believers worshiping God.

One lesson I learned is that their environment is not great. There was no free coffee, greeters, full band, perfect lighting, perfect temperature or thought provoking videos. Although the outward environment wasn't as appealing, the power of the Holy Spirit was evident! I'm honestly amazed that in America we have to provide a pre-packaged environment FIRST so that people will think about coming to church. We have expectations that we want before we respond in worship. In the Egyptian church, I simply realized that there are few "fake" Christians. Why would you be? What benefit would it be to you and your family?

One story I heard from the pastor has forever changed me. One student came to know Christ a few years ago at the church in Egypt. He listened to the sermon on prayer and that Jesus is the true prophet of God. At the end of the service he told the pastor that he realized that night that Jesus is the only way and received the gospel. The only problem is that his dad was the Imam. When he shared his decision that night his dad was angered. He stripped him and put him in the streets to die (it was winter). That night the student prayed for Jesus to rescue him. The next day he was still alive and his dad was amazed. His mom quickly sent him away to flee the country to save his life. Now, he lives in Canada and has changed his name to Paul. I would say his environment wasn't all that great! But the power and rescue of Jesus is life-changing and sustaining!

Environments are important and helpful but they are not the ultimate goal. The power of the gospel unto salvation is the goal (Romans 1:16). I noticed the power of their prayers. I noticed the urgency of their worship. I noticed the passion in how the pastor would interpret the preaching. I am still amazed that in a country that has one of the longest histories of persecution to Christians, there is a remnant that is worshiping the true God. What is our excuse? 

Unrealistic Reality

Social networking is a great ''invention" and has helped many people stay connected all across the world. Just as Facebook, Google+(not sure yet on this one), Twitter, and whatever else comes along are helpful, they can bring about obstacles to reality. We have a culture that is obsessed with creating an unrealistic profile online. It is much like wearing a mask that reveals a different person for others to see than who we are in reality. It is basically an unrealistic reality that we want people to perceive about us. I've heard this statement before, "perception is reality." It can be true but it really is not. We can "front" all we want about what we want to be, but God ultimately knows us! "You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely." Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)

Do we care more about what people think than our Savior? It is easy to try to be something that we are not. Honesty should be a non-negotiable for those who claim to follow Christ. Why do we think we can try and lie to people when God already sees our heart?

When we understand our sinful state and clearly receive God's grace, we will grasp the reality of God! The world thrives on unrealistic reality through media everyday. God created us for worship, not of ourselves but Him! We must build our identity upon who He is and what He has done through the cross and resurrection! He makes us realize we are valuable and worthy. Reality is no longer just perceived but becomes crystal clear through a relationship with Christ!

Managing the Social Networking Monster

On Wednesday morning I led a breakout session for Beach Week 2011 on "Managing the media monster." I thoroughly enjoyed speaking and listening to students from Florida, Georgia and Alabama share about the struggles, temptations, and choices they face. We walked through how to apply scripture to the choices they face, especially when it comes to social networking and music.

It is obvious that the Internet plays a huge role in culture today. For many under the age of 20, it is hard to believe that the Internet at one time did not exist! I remember the days that we had dial-up Internet where you would have to make sure everyone was off of the phone so you could connect. What was once a difficult and cumbersome act, now the Internet has now been the place where people are finding their identity and community. It is a wonderful tool that can be used for God but at the same time it can be used for evil.

(I encourage you to read the book, "Chasing Elephants" by Brent Crowe. It has a great chapter about the Internet that I used as a help for this study).

How do we wade through the junk that is online and instead of diving in head first, we engage the lostness with the love and truth of Christ?

Many respond to this question by becoming like monks from any social networking, media or music. They separate themselves from the world at such a distance that they can no longer impact the world. It is a fine line that we walk as followers of Christ. At the same time some people jump off of the diving board of social networking and plunge into deep addiction, identity crisis and sexual temptation.

How can social networking be used for evil?

• To tear down people through gossip (Proverbs 13:3)
• To become addicted to knowing what is happening in other people's lives at all times (Ephesians 4:29).
• To become addicted to wanting other people to know what we are doing at all times.
•  To become “numb” or “bored” with real life adventure, outdoor activities, exercise and face-to-face interaction.
• To lead to Pornography and Sexting. (Matthew 5:28, 2 Timothy 2:22, Job 31:1

Truth:  Our eyes can be the doorway to their hearts and because of that we must guard our eyes.

(an example of how social networking can be used to damage other people)

How can social networking be used for good?

   It takes small decisions in order to be pure!

• Ask for accountability - Covenant Eyes is a great tool.
• “Bounce your eyes!” - Job 31:1
• Invite and encourage friends to come to church!
• Share Bible verses on your status to encourage others.
• Write a note/blog online to tell others of how you can to know Christ.
• Use social networking to build others up!

Social networking is an excellent tool that can be used to help people come to know Christ and focus on what is important. My prayer is that you will learn how to distinguish between the good and evil ways that social networking can be utilized! Instead of using music/facebook/twitter/google+ to escape reality, use it to communicate to people the love of Christ!