A Big Kid in NOLA

Losing Interest with the power of the World - Part 3.1

2010-05-26T12:49:00.001-07:00

What happened when you were baptized?
This may seem like a strange question but let's think about it for a minute. Many know that at our baptism we were not saved or cleansed of our sinfulness. Many also know that at our baptism we gained a public identity with Christ. Our new identity is what I desire to write about today.
How much have we really taken seriously this concept of new identity?
While reading Mere Discipleship, I believe I have found one of the best descriptions of what this new identity really means. The reality comes with letting the familiarity with which we often read Galatians 3:27-28 be challenged by God the Holy Spirit. Familiarity with texts can get us into such a rut that we do not see the sins that entangle us. We need to approach God's word to be challenged in our sinfulness and encouraged in our faithfulness not merely one or the other. If both are not happening when we live our relationship with the Creator then we may be missing most of what He wants us to read, see, understand and live.
In Mere Discipleship, Lee C. Camp reminds disciples that baptism brings a shift in our existence that is paramount. Baptism is our public declaration that we are not longer aligned with the trappings of this world but are aligned with the kingdom of God, the way of Jesus. "Baptism inducts one into a community with certain specific requirements, a community of discipleship." Baptism without discipleship then is not Christian baptism rather it is merely getting wet.
The baptized who are in Christ are now citizens not of American Christian culture but citizens of the Kingdom of the one true King. Baptism radically dramatizes that our allegiance has changed form the ways of the world to the ways of the kingdom of God: loving and pursuing the enemies of God as God loves and pursues His enemies. "The baptism that we are apart of beckons us to act against imperial mandates, reject infant baptism, refuse allegiance with the government, and refusing to war against the enemies of the empire. The baptism the Word of God calls us to be apart of makes us brothers and sisters of a 'new humanity.'"
The heart of baptism, the baptism in the Christ Jesus, is "all division, all the social groupings, all the forms of identity that serve to categorize, divide, estrange, and alienate one from the other-- these are broken down. There is, for those who have been clothed with Christ in baptism, a new identity, an identity that transcends race, economic class, ethnic grouping, and citizenship." Baptism takes an axe to the root of the tree of cultural imperialism and labeling we so often cling to.
If we are truly baptized into this biblical baptism then "we are to be the church, a baptized community walking always in the way of Christ, offer in the hope of redemption to a world trapped under the domination of those principalities and powers desperately clinging to an illusion of control." This baptism "inducts one into a new humanity, a new social order, a new way of existing in the world." By the world's standards "race, sex, denomination, family, and citizenship can all become levers for exclusion--and subsequently, a means of oppression. Baptism does not induct us into a group that seeks to wield power and control over others." The truly baptized are the 'new humanity' of the world proclaiming love, reconciliation, and forgiveness which sows peace and inclusiveness not constant divisiveness.
Did you get wet or get baptized?
Are you living the old ways of the flesh with a Christian varnish or are you apart of the 'new humanity' implementing the kingdom of God by living the way of Christ?

Oh the Wonderful Power of the Blood!

2010-05-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Oh how there is so much power in the blood of the Lamb slain for God's glory and our salvation!!! We must proclaim this from the rooftops.
I believe we have been proclaiming this great truth throughout the ages. One of the most familiar hymns of Christendom is "There Is Power in the Blood."
As you know I have been reading When the Church was a Family. I recently read that the most significant relationship in the Mediterranean world was the sibling relationship.
So what does sibling relationships and the power of the blood have to do with each other?
Well I was told the other day by a friend that the brother-sister talk in the church is sort of strange. I began to wonder why this was so. I has pretty much adopted the language myself and never thought of it as strange. Except on occasions when I did not know how to address a pastor or lay leader of the church.
The language may be strange because we have only stressed the spiritual power of the blood of the Lamb. The blood is what washes us white as snow, cancels the debt of sin, frees us from pride, victoriously triumphs over evil, and empowers us to live for the King. Notice these are primarily vertical aspects of our relationship with God. What I mean by vertical is that they primarily have to do with our spiritual relationship with God and do not say a whole lot about our relationship with one another.
It is very interesting that throughout the New Testament that Jesus chose to use family language to speak of the relational aspect of Believers. Notice all the brother language in the Scriptures. What if we have missed something tied into the power of the blood?
I believe the thing we have missed is that the power of the blood work both vertically and horizontally.
Remember what Jesus says when Peter pipes up and says, "We have left everything to follow you (Jesus)." and Jesus replies, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life." (Mark 10:28-30)
There are some amazing things this passage reveals once we really see the significance of the sibling relationship in the first century world.
Notice one relationship we place great value on in Western society that did not make the list. Marriage. This does not mean that marriage was not valued but I was not the most significant relationship of Jesus' time.
Notice also the timing of the blessings of following Jesus. Jesus tells us that we will be blessed now and in the future. At this time we will receive 100 times what we once had in brothers and sisters and land (possessions). In the future we will receive eternal life.
The blessing of 100 times what we left behind to follow Jesus is wrapped up in the power of the blood. We follow in such a way that disconnects us from our biological families but makes us adopted children of the King. The blood makes us new family members. We are what Joseph Hellerman calls "surrogate siblings." By the power of the blood we are forgiven, sinless, and apart of the King's family.
We have become brothers and sisters in a family that shares everything for the benefit of one another so that none are in need. We have become members of a new family that will love one another in a way that the world will know who our Father is. We are brother and sisters in the kingdom of God so that when we come to the alter of the King we will go forgive our brothers and sisters before we make our offering. We will not do these things out of obligation to the power of the blood but because of the power of the blood of Christ.
Are you a family member of the kingdom? Are you a brother or sister?
Live by the power of the blood--loving, living, caring, supporting, and walking with your other brothers and sisters in such a way that Bride would be most beautiful on the day of the Savior's return.
Oh, how there is power in the blood, wonderful power to bond us to one another as family and turn us from our rebellion against God.

What IF the Church Was More Like a Family?

2010-05-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

IF the church were more like a family, living as a Christian could be drastically different for the Western church. I picked up When the Church Was a Family, finished chapter one the other day, and my thoughts have been running wild. I have also had some good conversations with friends.
What if you could save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year? If the church were a strong-group family, as possibly intended by Christ, then these dollars may be used for the advancement of the kingdom of God instead of paying your psychologist and pharmacist.
Let me explain.
You and I are individuals raised in a radically individualistic society. Three key questions define who we are. 1)What do we do (job, student, ect.)? 2)Who we are married to (wife or husband)? 3)Where we live (current location)?
Think about it for a minute...(Are you thinking?)...if you get into a conversation with someone to introduce yourself, you typically answer these three questions after, and some times before, you have stated your name.
The most interesting thing is that in being apart of a radically individualistic society (of which you really did not have a choice) has given you and I great freedoms. But, at what cost?
The cost has been dynamic and exorbitant.
A person today has to make decisions about those three questions. This decision making process has caused a drastic increased is the use of psychotherapy and medication to help people cope with the stresses they now encounter because of this dynamic decision making process. People who make these decisions do so with vast amounts of stress added to their emotions and psyche. People experience stress additionally because of the isolated existence they find themselves in while making these decisions. The emotional, psychological, and 'solitude' stresses people experience are causing large amounts of cash to change hands between patients and doctors.
However, when Jesus instituted the church he said it was to be something more like a family than indviduals existing together in a common group playing at church. A family for Jesus was drastically different from families you and I have experience of in our culture. When people in Jesus' time thought of what they would do, who they would marry, and where they would live they did not experience the stress you and I do. They did not experience the stress because they did not have to make those decisions by themselves.
What if the church was like the family Jesus expected it to be?
If the church were more like a family you and I might not be on Prozac. You and I might not have Thursday afternoon appointments to lay on our doctor's' couch and answer question about our childhood (some of us need to do this and others of us are doing it because of 'the stresses of life' we needlessly put ourselves through as Christians).
If the church were more like a family you and I may not have the emotional and psychological struggles we have. We could be collectively dependant on one another in such a way that we bore each other burdens and even helped one another out during the decision making times of life (no room for pride here).
If the church were more like a family the hundreds of thousands of dollars each year spent on psychotherapy and psychotherapy drugs could be used for the advancement of the gospel.
For the church to become more like a family is going to be difficult work. However, we are set apart to be cross-cultural. We are called to be a family of brothers and sisters, bearing each other burdens, and loving each other so that the world will know that God loves us.
The society may not be able to revert back to a strong-group culture but the church needs to find these roots. We are no longer individuals doing our own thing in this world. You and I have crucified the old self and are new creations in Christ. You and I have laid down our self for the advancement of the kingdom via cross bearing (that is if you call yourself Christian).
Are you ready for the church to be more like a family? It begins with you and I with the help of the cross riding ourselves of the concept of self and understanding that our decisions (both God glorifying and sinful) have an impact on the body of Christ, the family of God.

Losing Interest in the power of the World - Part 2

2010-05-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

Last night I was allowed by a dear friend to preach for the church where he ministers. I challenged the church as God has challenged me in the past month to live the Gospel. There are many aspects of our lives that this concept touches, but in what God laid on my heart last night to teach about I used a quote from Mere Discipleship, a challenging book on my book list.
Lee C. Camp writes, "Christians must realize that walking in the way of the cross may, indeed, lead to a cross."
I began to think about this. Are Christians walking the way of the cross? Am I walking the way of the cross? And if the answer is no, then what is at least one implication if this is not true of Christians and myself? (I submit that there very well may be many implications if Christians are not walking the way of the cross.)
The one implication that strikes me to the point of repentance comes from how Believers get to respond to the slain Lamb in heaven. Believers get to sing along with the rest of the new creation, Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!
If we are not walking the way of the cross, which is the same path the Lamb walked, then we may be saying, not verbally, that the way of the Lamb is not worthy of our footprints. We are dramatizing it by the way we live. (Understand here that I know there is a drastic difference in what the Lamb accomplished on the path. In no way do we become savior(s). Rather we become like, similar to, the Savior.)
If we are walking in such a way that says the way of the Savior is not worthy to trod down, then how are we going to be able to stand with the heavenly host proclaiming, Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy is the one who died on a cross!
Our Savior is worthy. His path is worthy! Let us, Christians, rise together to the challenge to live the gospel. Our Savior has asked us to walk the path. The amazing thing is that when we walk the path of the Savior we become like him. Then in becoming like him we begin to accomplish what he has given us the responsibility to accomplish. When we live the Gospel, Believers, we establish the Kingdom of God. The way of the cross, the way of the Lamb, Jesus the Christ, is the power of God used by God through obedient children to continue to establish his kingdom on this earth.
I challenge you, walk the worthy path of the cross (it will not be easy), so we can stand together in that new day and sing, Worthy is the Lamb, that was slain. Holy, Holy is He!

Who Are You?

2010-05-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

I just read something very interesting (my wife does not like this word and how often I use it). On my book list is the book When the Church Was a Family. The author has been describing how individualistic our society is better yet how we are. Something the author posed as a sort of thought experiment was a common introduction of someone in the bible applied to a modern setting. Imagine you meet someone at a church gathering for the first time after seeing them at church for a few Sundays.

Your new friend says, "Hello, I am Joe, son of Sam, son of Ben." Most of us would be mystified as to how to go through the rest of our set conversation. Because we all know what the next questions should be (What do you do? and Where do you live?). These questions tell a lot about our identity. But the introduction Joe gave would send these questions tailspining out of our thought pattern.

So, who are you? Think of this question from a more biblical stand point. I would love to get some feedback on this.

I am Thomas, son of John Tom, son of Robert.

What if we begin to see ourselves past our own noses? Could it be that we have been the 'me monster' for too long. Have a bigger picture of who you are than everything you have accomplished up to this point.

Remember what Paul says: "What do you have that you did not receive?" 1 Corinthians 4:7b. He is calling us to remember that what we have comes from a legacy not merely our efforts, ability or 'dumb' luck. And ultimately what we have comes from God!

Through somebody for a loop next time you introduce yourself. Help them see past your ego.

Losing Interest in the power of this World

2010-04-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

Since my last post I have lost a great deal of interest in the government. The loss of interest in due to multiple events and thoughts over the past few months (books and mission trips tend to change your perspectives).
Just before I went to Nepal in October of 2009, I had almost become consumed with the political schemes of America. Admittingly I was obsessed over ideas and concepts that at the time made me angry and worrisome. Much has changed since Nepal.
I got to spend time with an amazing man who loves his congregation, orphans, and the lost. His name is Babu. He trains pastors and runs an orphanage. He adopted a street baby, named Sweetie. I got to play tea with Sweetie while visiting. Being in Babu's house/orphanage brought joy to my heart. I was apart of something God is doing on the other side of this world. God blessed me with that trip to begin to open my eyes to something more grand than I would have ever imagined. (I will be writing about what God is doing now in my life.)
Nepal in a since changed me, only for the better though. God reminded me of my passion for him and what he is doing in the world. He is the sovereign God of the universe. He is not worried with governments. He establishes kings and takes down kings. My King is the one who put little kings and presidents into power. So to say the least: what is going on in America does not consume my thoughts as it once did. I still think of the political schemes of this world because they are unavoidably posted on the web and things like that. But they are no longer an all consuming endeavor for myself.
I am glad that I went to Nepal and hope to go back some day. I have been out of touch with Babu and will email him soon. Pray for his orphanage and the boys and girls there. The militant Hindus and Buddhists do not like the work of God. When the Kingdom of God is being established in this world the principalities of this world make significant attempts to stop it. Nepal challenged me to live in such a way that I am apart of establishing the Kingdom of God not making rants about my political angel in order to be continually focused on the things of this world.
While in Nepal I got to speak at a Christian conference. Amazingly almost two thousand people packed a hall to hear the Word of God preached. There was now air conditioning, not cold water, and no chairs. There was a deep desire to hear God's word proclaimed. There was a deep desire to worship the One True God of the Universe. I also got to encourage pastors while I was there. I could not believe this because I am hardly qualified, if qualified at all, to be encouraging pastors. It was amazing though.
God is good, gracious and kind to my family. The Nepal trip only affirmed that and affirmed God's work in my life. May He keep it up as the days pass. Stay tuned for updates on what God does with this willing and obedient (most of the time) servant.

Do Not Fall into The Trap!

2009-06-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

The President stated in an interview two days ago in his healthcare plan that the concerns of the private insurance industry are illogical. Private insurers must not fall for his (ir)rationale on their statements and concerns. The burden of pro0f is not on the statements of the private insurers. The burden of proof is on the President. He must prove that allowing a government run healthcare program is the most logical project for his administration to implement at this time.
So, is his plan the most logical solution to putting the breaks on high cots of insurance? He says so but does him saying so make it logical or the most logical task to accomplish? Just because a politician says something that sounds too good to be true, does that make him a trust worthy politician? I do not believe so and I do not believe you do either. At least before the current President took office most of us thought most politicians were snake charmers. I am not a snake and last time I checked none of you are either.
What is so special about the current snake charming President? History and nostalgia are wonderful concept truly apart of his candidacy, but when the snake charmer has honey in his mouth (a treasury dept. that will print as much money as it takes to accomplish his plans, congressmen and women who will bow to his radical plans in a split-second, and a media who is whored to him like a heroin addict to heroin) you better watch out.
I am just warning you not to fall into the trap the charmer is setting. Just see if PETA like all the snake charmers out there defanging and enslaving snakes (http://blog.peta.org/archives/animals_in_entertainment/).
Are you ready to be defanged and enslaved?

Have you run the numbers for gov't run healthcare?

2009-06-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

Is the government being upfront about the numbers? I currently have an insurance plan that costs about $200 per month (this is just what I pay, I do not know what my employer pays; a lot of Americans do not know what their employers contribute to their plans either). Let’s say that all of the 50 million American receive the same plan that I currently get and the government receives a 20% reduction because of volume (lets say it is $250 is for the entire plan cost, employee plus employer).
This means that the government will be spending $260 billion per year and the say that it will only cost $10 billion per year. Where does the $250 billion come from? Well just yesterday the President “sidestepped” a question about taxing health benefits that employees pay now (AP, David Espo, Obama sidesteps on health benefits tax). So, it seems as if the money needed to pay for the 50 million uninsured Americans will come from those who are already insured and paying taxes. I am sure that some of these 100’s of millions of insured Americans will love footing the bill for the 50 million uninsured.
In addition, I believe that these 100’s of millions of insured Americans include many in the middle class that must be insured because they cannot afford healthcare costs directly and need these benefits [Notably, these people do not wait on someone to pay the cost for them even though they this is a real need for their livelihood].I distinctly remember that the President stated that he would not raise taxes on the middle class. He even directly said in his campaign speeches that he would not support a healthcare benefit tax.
Another point here that must be discussed, is the fact that if the President keep his campaign promise, then how will the government really afford these cost are keep it within the numbers they have released? Could it be that the government is planning cost around only approximately 10-25% of the people getting the health insurance they will provide. If this is the case the why are they trying to be so expedient in only covering that many people? Why don't they take the time to come up with a more comprehensive plan to cover all the 50 million? Do you really think that your government can truly handle an influx of 50 million newly insured participants and continue to run the country into the ground (I mean continue to make stifling laws that increase their involvement in our lives)? Read this article if you think I am crazy (http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/103xx/doc10311/06-16-HealthReformAndFederalBudget.pdf). Also check out the www.cbo.gov website for more results of the Presidents spending habits which will directly impact most if not all Americans.
What is going on here? Are you ready to be bamboozled? You should be out raged if you are already a tax paying middle class insured American but you are just sitting idly by while the President creeps ever closer to taxing you to death.

July Newsletter Article to Faith

2009-06-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends of Faith,

I pray that each of you are doing well. As you know hurricane season is upon us. Praise be to God that this year is supposed to be another year of a lower number of named storms. Even though there will be fewer storms we must never grow complacent about how we are to approach all storms or rainy days in our lives.
David states in Psalm 27, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?”
David faced many storms and fears but his confidence rested not in his kingship, wisdom or his ability to stick things out, rather David’s strength and confidence came directly from the Lord. We too are to have the kind of resolve in God that David had. Having that type of confidence in God will bring us safely through to the other side of the storms of life. May the God of Heaven and Earth be your confidence this storm season.
Along with receiving confidence from the Lord while we live out our faith now, we are also people of action. I challenge you to be as prepared as possible for hurricane season. God does not give us confidence so we can just sit around and do nothing. He actually desires for us to act on that confidence and trust in the measures His sovereignty puts into place to help us. The most significant place believers see this is the cross.
God has also given us the Red Cross and, surprisingly, the New Orleans City Office of Homeland Security to help us step up to the challenge of preparedness. God is our provider in many ways. He provides for us this day, this hurricane season, people to help us with the stress of the storms.
The Red Cross’ Challenge is to be Red Cross Ready. What they mean is for you and people you know to be ready for the storms that may come. The steps of being Red Cross Ready are:
get a kit (First aid kit, meds, common supplies, ect.),
make a plan (know where you are going and how you will get there)
be informed (listen to radio and the TV for updates on the storm).
Following these steps will help prepare you to be storm ready if we are to evacuate.
Three items that I believe will be extremely beneficial to you:
call 311 now if you are need medical assistance for evacuation
get a printout of those medications and a copy of your prescriptions from your pharmacist now if you take medication
get on the Safe and Well List now (https://disastersafe.redcross.org/).
Doing these things will prepare you for the physical nature of the storms, and having confidence in God will assist you in the mental and spiritual natures of the storms we will always face.

In Christ,
Thomas Hudson
Associate Pastor

Dark Matter for $550 Million Mr. President...

2009-06-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered where all your tax dollars go? Projects like these (see below link) are funded year in and year out that make little since to anyone who desires to see less debt and more stability in the United States Economy.

This reminds me of a book I am reading and suggest others read (Tough-Minded Christianity). In the book there is an article about IDT (Intelligent Design Theory) (p. 152-160). Now you may be wondering what this has to do with the said topic; just buckle up. Scientist are in a way getting away with any explainable theory, no matter how absurd, in order that they may gain a deeper understanding into our existence, all the while, passing on the possibility of an Intelligent Designer. IDT looks for design responsible for complexity that simply defies Darwin's THEORY of Evolution (not law). This is a complexity that could not have come about by "gradual Darwinian mechanisms" (TMC, p. 157). So the author of the article poses this question which points directly at the absurdity of tax payers anting up for Dark Matter Research.

This is a critical question: Has God (or for those who get queasy when the read God 'an intelligent designer') done anything that modern science can detect? Before we try to answer that question we have to stop and ask another: 'How does one define 'modern science,' and what are its goals? Phil Johnson and many others have noted that the current definition of science requires that all 'scientific' explanations be naturalistic, physical ones. Since God is nonphysical, science by definition cannot detect God. Because of this restriction, any observation in nature which suggests that God might exist must be given a naturalistic explanation no matter how strange that explanation seems (TMC, 155).

The author goes on to use an example that points out this absurdity but I am going to use one here that ties in to the link below. Example: Dark Matter would give clearer insight into how exactly the Big Bang works and whether the galaxies can form without the existence of Dark Matter. Dark Matter is even a supposed substance that defies all known substances (no atoms) and has to be captured, if it exists, in highly sensitive pools of liquid xenon deep beneath the surface on Earth. Therefore, Dark Matter will become one of the 'key pieces' of the scientific, naturalistic, explanation of why the universe is the way it is. "Apparently faith in the existence of [a non-physical, semi-actual substance] is more acceptable faith [to politicians and scientists alike] than simply believing in a transcendent, infinite God" (TMC, p. 155). Dark Matter Research makes it seems as if the 'scientists' have come up with a very strange naturalistic explanation for galaxies and existence as we know it today.

I am just wondering why in these tough economic times the government decides to fund $550 million in Dark Matter research (and possibly more)? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090622/ap_on_sc/us_sci_underground_science
Do you believe Congress is spending your tax dollars properly? (Clearly this is a rhetorical question.)

How does a nation become socialist?

2009-06-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

This way: Well, I must confess that I have thought some of the econmic policy of our gov't were a bit socialistic but now I believe. If you have any coment or question please read this article first (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/business/08bank.html?_r=1&ref=business) and then let me know.

Do you think?

2009-06-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

I just want to know some views on a Believer being involved in government could be? I personally do not want any of the stimulus money. I live in a city where the mayor wants the money. I live in a state that declined most of the stimulus money. And I live in a nation that is spiraling into debt faster the space shuttle gets out of orbit. How do we respond and act towards these things with out being a passivist?

Hard-Working Farmer Begins Last Semester

2009-01-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

The semester ahead seems to be one of the most looked forward to times in my life. I graduate in May. I really do not know what else to say. I haven't seen the light at the end of the tunnel for a long time. Now all of a sudden the light just burst into send all the darkness running. I have been in many classes where the question was posed by the prof. "Who is graduating?" and people here and there raise their hands. I got to raise my hand the other day in class and I thought I was the Big Cheese. Until I heard a quote in a sermon that brought be back down to reality. "You (me) are not as smart as you think. If you (me) surround yourself with morons then you are only the smartest moron." Now my friends are not morons but I might be if I think I am the Big Cheese. I mean people know Chucky Cheese better than they know me. Wow how cheesy is that? The feeling of being done is great and scary all at the same time.
The next step is going to be a step of faith in the direction God is leading. If that sounds like I do not know where I am going and what I will be doing, I have conveyed my situation fully. The next decision that is made in my life will be the decision God is leading me to make and leading out on for the plan a purpose he has for me. That said, at least I know that I will be in the safest place in the world: on my knees, following after the real Leader of this vapor of a life, God the Father of Heaven and Earth, who spoke me into existence and can take me out just as fast. If I vaporize then He did it. If I move He led me to move. He steers the ship. I am just a hard-working farmer plucking weeds praying for it to rain (2 Tim. 2:6). I may rain in may not but I will be hard-working, single-minded, and finding joy in the commands of Christ.
Please pray with me as I walk this part of my journey with God. God is good and pure and His ways are higher than the ones I would chose for myself. May His wisdom and character guide you on you journey too.

Starting Out the New Year

2009-01-10T17:46:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone is having a blessed new year. I had a great Christmas with my family and friends. I went to see my dad, step-mother, brothers, and sister. They are all doing great. Amanda, JT and I also went to see my mom and step-dad. Travel and visits were wonderful. I wish I could see them more often. I love my family deeply and miss them much.
Christmas is an exciting time and JT our little boy just got a taste of it this year. I hope to share with him the true meaning of Christmas next year. Pray that he is ready to hear the truth about the Creator of this universe coming to be born on earth in order that he might save men and glorify himself. The Incarnation of the Second Person of the Trinity is such an amazing story that transcends Santa Clause. I still am struggling with how all to explain this but God will give me the words to train up my son in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
I recently went to Orlando, FL to take a class. This very well could have been one of the best dessions every on taking a workshop class. Thank you so much Dr. Harvey. I am not a person who would be called an administrator but he peaked my interest in the area and taught me much about a more Christ-centered approach to the idea of administration. I will be indebted to his effort to teach is such a manner. I wish more profs would teach in a more Christ-centered manner rather than an information driven approach. I have lots to learn about the whole idea of administration but Dr. Harvey gave me a great foundation. I also have to give props to by friend Grey F. for the drive down there from NOLA. WOW it is a long way to Orlando. Oh and riding 3 deep in a two door Tundra is not the greatest way to travel but it worked. The learning experience was worth the drive thought, I must say. A couple of things I learned that we must begin to do when we are approaching this topic in the church and in education: The Holy Spirit must be much more primary that we have made Him to be in this aspect of the ministries that God has graced us with and we must begin to move away from the institutionalism of the 2oth century and move more towards a central biblical emphasis on ecclesiology. If we continue to fail in these two aspects of administration we may continue to set up failing systems that look nothing like the Bride Christ intends to have a the banquet table.
I cannot believe that I am about to celebrate my son's 1st birthday. One year went by so quickly. I hope it slows down some time soon but I hear it only gets faster. Pray for me as I raise up my son to follow hard after Christ and not the fleeting passions of this world.
I am going to take an Apologetics Class in the midst of the Defend the Faith Conference this week in New Orleans. This is going to be great. I pray God challenges me in my sinfulness and encourages me in my faithfulness as I learn now to defend the faith he allows me to be apart of in a world that needs Christ more than ever. May God train me up in order that I may give a defense of the Gospel when asked.
I hope each of you have a blessed day. Maybe next time I will share with you some of the commitment God is challenging me to make in the coming year.

In Christ Jesus our Saving Lord.

Christmas Holidays

2008-12-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

I hope that all who are keeping up with my blog are doing well. I have been way too busy this semester. I truly desire to write here often, and know I should more often. I will hopefully be more active in the blog sphere in the coming months.
I am about to enter my last semester in my Master's of Divinity at NOBTS. I am so excited about finishing up but I may begin to search out a doctoral program to be a part of in (Ph.D. in New Testament Studies). As most know by now I love the Gospel of Mark. Read the Gospel if you get a chance. Then read it again at a bit of a slower pace and see what the Holy Spirit challenges you with and encourages you in as you walk by faith.
My wonderful family and I are going to pack up on Christmas Eve and head to the Hudson Family households and enjoy a little time in Georgia. I cannot wait to see all my family for Christmas. I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas and safe traveling.

One other fact that I have not shared is the books that I am reading at the moment. I have a long book list because of school, otherwise I would only ready 3 at a time.

Mere Christianity
Miracles
To Everyon an Answer
Creation Out of Nothing
Not the Way It Is Supposed to Be
Searching for God Knows What
When God Goes to Starbucks
Rethinking Church

These are all great books and I do not suggest reading them all at once like this it sometimes tends to be information overload. Mere Christianity has been wonderful again. Craig and Copan are amazing in Creation Out of Nothing.

I have much more to share but I must hold off unitl next time. Hopefully and prayerfully it will not be as long as it has been this time.

In Christ

The New Stuff

2008-08-08T06:46:00.000-07:00

Well thanks for all of you who have kept up to now. God has recently recharged me since going to San Diego. I went there with the intention of just doing missions with Upward. While I was there, God truly used the time as a time of rest and relaxation. I did serve and many kinds learned how to play basketball more effectively and about the Gospel. I was very elated to be apart of the Upward ministry in San Diego.

Just before, I left for San Diego and couple of my friends and I decided to begin to memorize scripture. One of the parts of Scripture that we memorized contained a verse about how much Paul loved the people of Philippi. Paul loved them with the affection of Jesus Christ. I believe that this is how everyone is to love in the community of Christ. Do you? Do I love this way the brothers and sisters around me? It is a challenge from God's Word to love with the same love that Christ loves all of his children with on earth and in heaven. (Phil. 1:8, ESV)

Through this God has truly deepened my passion for the people he has led me to at Faith Baptist Church. I am learning to love them more deeply and care for them as a shepherd should. I am learning to be a pastor as God changes me and molds me in to the man that he desires me to be. God can do a great work in me and through me. I hope this encourages those who are fighting the good fight and those who love me so dearly.

I plan to keep up a little better from now on. Please keep me accountable. Help me keep everyone who reads up to date. I would love to hear from everyone. Also, check out Faith's New Website in the links on this page. Have a blessed day.

First Easter Sermon (03/23/08)

2008-03-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

“Encountering the Resurrected Christ”
Mark 16:1-8
Thomas Hudson

Funeral’s are real events in humanity. Many people have been buried since the time of Adam and Eve. Many of us have experienced funerals of loved ones and know how difficult it is to go through such life-changing events. Our experience leads us to react in multiple ways. Some of us, go to the viewing for the funeral and that is it. We leave the event from a distance. Some of us continue to visit gravesides each year or during important events with family. Amanda and I go to her grandmother’s house every other Thanksgiving and I know that we will buy flowers and go to her grandfather’s grave. Death is a reality that we all must contend with while we are here on earth and eventually we will even have to face our own. We know there are multiple ways to face this grim reality but there is only one way that is appropriate for us if we are indeed Believers.

Death is not grim for those of us who believe in Christ. Death has no sting anymore after this day 2000 years ago. Christ was raised up to die on the cross so that death may be defeated. Colossians 2:13-14 tells us “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with the legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” His Father crushed him for the sinfulness of the world. Romans 5:6-8 says, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ took upon himself the death sentence that is on all of our heads because of sin. Even though death comes, we know that our great God has removed us from the eternal death and condemnation to eternal life through our risen Lord. The promise of Romans 8:1-2 tells us “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” So with this great hope in Christ that we as believers have we will look into Mark and see how he reveals the good news of the very first Resurrection Sunday.

When we partake in the reality of death we may find ourselves as the disciples did after Jesus death. They were not calm, cool and collected. They were dispersed, depressed and in shock. They fled the scene with no hope at all. Jesus led them to Jerusalem for a take over and transfer of power, right? Remember the study in Mark 10. What was he thinking getting himself nailed to a cross and dying at the hands of the evil governments that he was supposed to usurp? Therefore, the response of the mentioned bystanders at the cross must not shock us either. We may approach this day with gladness but know that on the first resurrection Sunday the hopes of the people were not very high. Jesus was dead and buried in a sealed tomb. The revelation that we get from Mark is that Christ was resurrected from his burial three days ago (CIT). Marks revelation of the empty tomb and resurrected Jesus calls for a response from the eyewitnesses. What will their response be (Proposition)? We must not forget also what will our response be (Purpose)? The death, burial and resurrection has had a ripple effect throughout history because of the response of the people. Will we be rocks thrown into the massive lake of history and have the right response and conversion as the believers that came before us?

So let’s turn to the first resurrection text of the early church, Mark 16:1-8.

"16:1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid."
Exposition:
I. The women are Convinced (v. 1-7)
The first thing that we see is that the women are convinced that Jesus was dead. On the night that the Sabbath ended, they go out and buy spices (v.1). The Jewish Sabbath day was not like our days. They considered the beginning of a new day when the sun set. Therefore, around six o’clock, most scholars say, the women went into the open shops and bought spices with the intention of going to Jesus’ grave to anoint him possibly because of his improper burial and to show their faithfulness to him.

We do like wise when we buy flowers for a deceased friend or family member. We do not buy flowers or send our condolences because we think that the family needs them. We do these things because we are convinced of their death.

Next, the women go early the next morning after buying spices to the tomb of Jesus (v. 2). This also reveals to us that they were convinced that Jesus had died. Who would go to an empty grave sight to pay respect if they knew that the grave would be empty? We might call that person crazy. With the conviction of the women so heavily keyed into here by Mark, we see that historically that the death of Jesus was real. Some scholars refute the point that Jesus actually died on the cross. Some believe that since Jesus made “resurrection” appearances that Jesus was actually removed from the cross before his death and healed by his disciples. Mark gives us ample evidence from his resurrection story that Jesus’ death truly did happen.

The women were also convinced that something was different (v. 3-5) as they approached the tomb of Christ. First, they were unprepared for the task of their journey. They ask who will roll the stone away. Neither one of them could do it and the left their crowbar at home because of all the spices they had to carry. Therefore, someone had to roll away the stone so that all the spice and oil would not go to waste. There on the road questioning one another the look at each other in the moment doubting in anxiety, Who will roll away the stone? Then they look to see that the large stone that they saw seal the tomb three days ago has been rolled away. The reason for the stone’s movement is not explicitly understood here in the English text but in Greek, the word choice of Mark is poignant. His verb for the rolling away brings in the notion that the stone was rolled way by a divine power, namely God. Something was very different about this new development in the story as the women are on their way to anoint Jesus.

The next conviction of things being different comes from the unexpected young man in the tomb (v. 5). The stone was rolled away so they had to enter the tomb. Tombs are supposed to contain dead people not young men who are sitting around in white robes. This is obviously unexpected. The young man inside was a messenger from God. The women know this because of their response to him. The women were alarmed. We see this through Mark’s description and the women’s response. Young white robed men that invoke a spirit of apprehension usually are from God and have a message to reveal to those who see them. The messenger reveals that they are seeking the same Jesus that they ministered with and witnessed the death of three days earlier. He asks them not to be alarmed as all messengers of God ask the ones the come to when revealing a message. The beauty here is that the message that is revealed is that Christ was raised. Some English texts say that Jesus “has risen” but that possibly gives of the idea that he rose on his own, but the messenger reveals that he was raised. Jesus being raised means that he was raised by something, better yet someone other than himself. Again, this is Mark’s revelation to his readers of a divine interaction just like the rolling away of the stone.

The third idea that we see the women convinced of is the fact that Jesus was gone (v. 7). The messenger from God reveals to the women that the place where they saw Christ laid at his burial is now empty. There is no body. Jesus was raised by his father. Jesus is not there for their spices to be used. Then we see the women flee the tomb. Yes, they were scared but if the body would have still been there they would have stayed and Mark would have recorded how they anointed the body. However, Mark does not end his gospel this way. The empty tomb here is strictly the revelation that Christ has been raised. Mark reveals to us and his readers that Jesus is resurrected.

Are we convinced? Do we believe that this truly happened from our reading and understanding the Word of God? We do not have a direct, firsthand account like these women but we do have the four Gospel accounts and multiple historians of the time like Josephus and Tacitus that tell us this was a real event in history. We have to respond out of faith and believe what Mark reveals to us here. The same Jesus that Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Solome saw crucified and buried is the same Jesus that has been raised by God the Father from the grave to triumph over death forever more. Jesus is gone. He is no longer in the tomb.
Confucius founder of the eastern philosophy of Confucianism died in 479 BC and people still go to his tomb to this day in the Chinese city Lu.
Muhammad founder of Islam died Monday, June 8, 632 AD due to illness and is entombed in Medina, Arabia.
Mary Baker Eddy fonder of Church of Christ, Scientist died December 3, 1910 and is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts with a memorial tomb for people to visit.
Jesus died approximately 29-33 AD and rose from his tomb on the third day so that we would not worship a god that is dead but have a God who is resurrected and alive. Our God has a empty tomb not a grave site. He was raise to be the God of the living not the god of the dead.

II. The women are Convicted (v. 7-8)
The first evidence that we see that shows us that the women are convicted is that they are alarmed (v. 7). They are in the presence of God’s messenger as mentioned above. They get scared and realize the holiness that exists in the presence of the one who brings a direct message from their God to them. The angel reassures them that they do not have to be alarmed but there are very few other responses that are appropriate for humanity when it is in the presence of divinity.

Do we have a holiness alarm in our hearts? When God gets really close to us do we become alarmed? We should consider the way that people reacted in Scripture when God’s messengers and at times when God himself drew close in the lives of his followers. Our God deserves reverence. We must revere and fear our God, not because he is the bad father that is waving his finger at us because of our faithlessness and disobedience. We need a healthy fear of the Most High God who sits on his throne and does all the he pleases. He and he alone has the rights and power to give grace, mercy, life, and death. God gives and takes away as he pleases. He alone is the most holy and we are far from the mark of holiness that he holds us to in this life. Fear is essential to working out our salvation and being in a healthy relationship with the one true God. Again, I am not saying that he his angry or upset and is taking vengeance out on us. I am saying that God is set apart and above all things he is Holy. Let us respect him with fear and awe in his majesty.

Next, we see the women are convicted by the message that God has given them (v. 8). The women leave with fear and trembling. Everything that they had expected up to this point has been completely shattered. They come with spices to anoint Jesus when they come to find out he is not there. They come with their heads hung low believing that their awaited Messiah has failed to establish God’s kingdom (v. 4). They expect to see the body of Jesus yet they find an angel of God in the tomb. They expect to go back and tell people that Christ has been properly anointed for burial but the messenger they encounter gives them a new message to proclaim. Every one of their expectations has been turned on its head. Their response of fear is to be expected. Their trembling almost seems normal at this time.

The uniqueness of their condition is found in the message that they are given by the messenger. They are commanded to go and tell people about what happened. Therefore, they go with fear and trembling away from the tomb with one objective. The most interesting thing about this objective is that this is the first time that anyone is told in Mark’s Gospel to go and talk about the wondrous works that have been accomplished. Every other time in Mark that something miraculous happens people are told not to go out and speak of the event. Yet this time the women are told they should go and tell the disciples and Peter. They have a new command. They can speak now of the miracles of Jesus. There are no more secrets and no more disobedience for speaking about Christ and his works.

The way that Mark records this is very unique. In every instance where people receive a command of not go to out and speaking of the miracles, the people disobey the command. The way that Mark conveys this is in his word choice. Mark records two works right after the command. In the Greek those to words are “but” and “and” (de and kai). The two words placed together in Mark’s gospel show that the people who where commanded not to go and speak were actually disobedient. They went out and spoke anyway. Here in this passage, Mark tells us that the women were afraid and said nothing to anyone. This seems strange because the women are free to go and talk about the miracle that took place at the tomb.

The record seems to show that the women were actually disobedient but the structure of the sentence in Greek shows us other wise. Mark does not use the two-word combination here to show disobedience to the command. He actually only uses “and” or “kai” here not “but” and “and” together. Even though the women were struck with silence for short while they eventually did as they were commanded. They were actually obedient to the command that the messenger gave them. The told the disciples and Peter the news that the tomb was empty. This is how we have the accounts in Matt. 28:8 and Luke 24:8-12 and know that the Word of God is not contradicting itself.
Therefore, we see the conviction of the women to go and tell may have been quenched for a short time, but they eventually tell the disciples. They have a conviction to break the silence caused by their healthy fear and trembling they left the tomb with after the encounter with God’s messenger. Do we have conviction in our hearts to tell others of the Good News of Easter? Are we convicted when we find ourselves in the presence of God? When is the last time that you found yourself at the foot of God’s inner workings of your life and been ready to proclaim everything that God has done for you? These types of experiences make us who were are in our relationship with God. How do you respond? With obedience or disobedience?

III. The Conversion (v. 7-8)
The messenger of God told the women to tell the disciples that Christ is waiting for them in Galilee. I believe that this is very significant for the disciples and for us today. The disciples are disbanded and scared. Their own expectations of who the Messiah would be have been dashed. For us, we must ask where is Christ waiting to meet us? The disciple’s rendezvous point was Galilee. At Galilee Christ would show the disciples that he truly was raised by the Father. He would give them a new command. Christ would promise to them the time of the descending of the Holy Spirit. Galilee was the defining point where the reality of being a disciple of Christ would come full circle. They would go from being disbanded group of disappointed followers to a group of men set on fire to accomplish the establishment of God’s kingdom, the Church, on Earth.
The ending that Mark us unique because it leads us to encounter God. Jesus is waiting for the disciples in Galilee. Where is God waiting for you and I?
God is waiting me for me in godly parenthood.
Is God waiting for you in the sharing of your faith with that friend that does not understand the message of Easter?
Is God waiting for you in the place where true discipleship and higher devotion to God exists?
It took great devotion for the disciples to take the convinced and convicted women at their word and go on to Galilee. We know that they did what the women told them to do. If they did not they we would not have Acts of the Apostles and the establishment of the Church. The reality of the resurrection here in Mark leads the disciples and us to a real point of encountering Jesus on the road in front of us. Jesus is no longer behind us in the grave. He is in front of us ready to pour down the Help that we need to accomplish the mission of establishing his kingdom here on Earth. We must be willing and ready to meet Jesus on this road if we really desire to partake in the significance of a raised Christ. Christ is always ahead of us leading us to new places in our faith. The place we most often encounter our God and Christ is in obedience to the commands that His holy Word give us.
So, is another encounter with Jesus necessary to convert our unbelief and fears in to trust and obedient faith? I believe that from Mark and the revelation of the messenger, divine moments of encountering Christ are necessary for him to set our paths straight and establish his kingdom through us. Without encountering Christ and being converted from our disobedience, we are unable to accomplish the purposes of God.

Conclusion
In Mark 16: 1-8, we encounter the resurrection of Christ in a unique way. The women that go to the tomb are convinced of Jesus’ death, the unexpected events at the tomb of Jesus, and the fact that Jesus was no longer there. Then we see that the women are convicted in the presence of God’s messenger at the tomb. In addition, we see their conviction eventually to allow their faith to break the silence that seized them after they fled. Moreover, in the midst of everything they and the disciples expected to happen we see that another encounter with Jesus is necessary to convert their fears and unbelief into trust and faithful obedience.
Is this our approach to this holy day of Resurrection? Do we come just to celebrate the newness of the moment or do we truly come to worship in the presence of the Most High God as he has powerfully raised his Son from death to live forever? Do we come to have a necessary encounter Jesus once again so that we are in tune with what he desires to accomplish through us and his Church? Have you encountered the Resurrected Jesus today for the first time? Is this the first time that you have understood the message that Jesus lives today and that his death and resurrection have great significance in faith and life. He is no longer in the tomb but he is waiting for us on the road of life in the establishing of his kingdom. Christ Jesus lives today so that our sins will be forgiven. Christ Jesus lives today that we might have a relationship with God the Father. Christ Jesus lives today so that we will have purpose in this life and be able to live with him eternally.

The Root of Happiness for Resurrection Sunday

2008-03-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

So, I asked a great number of people today if they had a good Easter. Most responded with yes it was great. Many people talked about their time with family and great meals that they ate. Others probably had some experience that was similar but over all very few spoke about what the true root of happiness on Easter or Resurrection Sunday truly is.
Do you know?

One person told me that they did think that people wanted to hear about the root of the meaning of Easter. I was taken back. The root of Resurrection Sunday is the most significant even in history. Some may disagree but I ask how does one stay true to the Resurrection history and think otherwise.

The Root of Resurrection Sunday:

On the week, before Jesus died he entered Jerusalem for the last time. He would not get a chance to leave or return. The plan was set in motion by many events. What was the plan you may ask? The plan was for Jesus to experience the Cross of guilt and shame so that those of us who truly desire to have a relationship with the Most High God of this Universe can have it. In no other way was this possible. We can never muster up enough merit or good things that could convince God to allow us to partake in a Father-Child, Lover-Loved, and Grace-given Grace-received relationship. God's divine plan to allow Jesus his one and only begotten Son to die on that shameful cross on Good Friday is truly an amazing plan.

On Resurrection Sunday, the sun rose and the women found the tomb to be empty. God killed the darkness that hung over the earth and our lives in the three days that his Holy Son was sealed in the tomb. By killing, this darkness Jesus made is possible for me to say to you here, your sins are forgiven. That is right our sinfulness, the thing that is wrong with us as humanity was crushed by Jesus dieing and resurrection on Resurrection Sunday.

This is the root of the happy times that we should have had on Easter. Jesus Lives so that we can live also. Jesus lives so that death has no sting and to pay the debt payment for us the exists because of our sinfulness. How much more amazing would our Resurrection Sunday have been if this was our focus. The greatest thing is history gets celebrated once a year. If you are a believer you should marvel in this fact everyday not just once a year. If you do not know what it means to be a believer please dialogue with me so that I may help you in your journey of life. I love Resurrection Sunday because Christ lives and that is what I can proclaim to the world.

Resurrection Sunday was wonderful for me because my Savior, Jesus who was crucified is my Living God.

Catchin' Everyone Up on the Life

2008-01-27T21:34:00.000-08:00

In case anyone has forgotten Amanda and I are about to have a little boy. She is in the beginning parts of labor and J. T. could come at any moment. God has truly blessed with the ability to be parents. I pray that I do it wisely and raise a God fearing young man that will serve the Lord with gladness and not appeasement.
Also, I have recently joined the staff of Faith Baptist Church. God is Great. He works all things to the good of those who love him. I love my Lord and Savior. Our church is very interesting. The church is predominantly an older congregation. Almost all of the members are old enough to be my grandparents. This is not a bad thing at all. My wife and I get love on more than you can imagine by these people. It is possibly a glimpse of the way that our Father and Soul Lover in Heaven loves his children. I am getting to know each of the members and that is a fun process. I have older friends now. That is unique. People who are old enough to correct me when they know I am about to do something unwise because they have already treaded those waters. They are not going to correct me just because they think they have a better way. They have experience. It is fun getting to know them and their journey of faith to Faith.
Faith recently purchased a building for our new location. Currently we rent a chapel from Rayne Memorial Methodist Church on St. Charles St. in New Orleans. We meet there on Sundays at 12:30 in the afternoon and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. for choir and 6:30 p.m. for Bible Study. After going to church in the morning for so many years it is hard to say good afternoon to people when greeting everyone as they come in to the worship service. We hold a traditional Baptist church service each Sunday we meet. At our new location that was purchased at the first of the year, I suspect that we will return to having Sunday morning services. Our new location is at the corner of S. Claiborne Ave. and Fern in Uptown. I am very excited about the potential of the new location. We will be moving there as soon as the building is renovated. We will first renovate the sanctuary and then the educational space. I hope to for relationships with families in the area in order to have weekly Bible studies or topical studies for community groups that will form God willing. I am also excited to see God's church on the move through Faith's actions over the next few months and years. If you are interested in helping out in any way with the church or joining us for worship please let me know by emailing me at tommytomm516@yahoo.com or posting a comment to this thread. I will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.
I have recently resumed classes for the Spring 2008 semester at NOBTS. Class load is going to be fun to keep up with the semester. Pray hard that I can keep up and possibly even get ahead before J. T. enters the world so that I do not get behind from spending a lot of time with him and Amanda after the birth. Hopefully, I have a year and a half left with this semester included.
I am currently reading Water From a Deep Well. If you want to be challenged to be more saintly or more Christlike the I challenge you to pick it up. I am using it as a devotional book reading a small section at a time. It challenges me to confront the devil and evil in my spiritual journey in order to become more like Christ. I am no saint but I pray that I have the heart that the early church saints had. They sold everything and gave up all of themselves to be more and more like Christ. Poverty was their ambition because Christ had nothing. Suffering made the more like Christ not sad and depressed. We strive to have so much when they strived to have so little. For those who call themselves Christians in NOLA, have you thought about or considered selling all that you have to buy a tent and go and live with the homeless under the I-10 in Downtown? As Americans I do not know if we would know how to conduct ourselves if we did not own anything but a tent, a few clothes, sleeping bag or sheets, and a Bible (essentials to saintly living in NOLA). I have considered it. I have thought about living with my family and raising my son in that environment. I have thought about what it would be like to be a saint in present day America. Can I do it? .... I am still thinking it over.
Thanks for keeping up and commenting.

God is Faithful

2007-11-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just taken a step back from your daily life and seen just how faithful God really is. I got up this morning to start with. What a blessing that is. Just to get up in the morning breathing and alive. My wife is with child, and he is healthy, growing, and moving in the womb. I have a job, house and computer. I have books and a bookshelf to put them on so the do not pile up around the house.
I have the Bible. I have Salvation that comes from the Lord. I have hope. I have peace and grace.
Did I do anything to receive such things as I have listed? No! I could never do anything to deserve the faithfulness of my God, but he is faithful to provide all of those things for me. I have been on a journey of testing the faithfulness of God. Not exactly purposefully but with excitement on what God is doing with me right now. God is in complete control. He is my pilot. He is my Father, my Coach, my Encourager, and Strength. I am helpless and hopeless without His guidance and love.
If you have been keeping up with me I am working on revitalizing a church with the wisdom and help that comes from God. He alone has lead me to do one of the most difficult and daunting tasks of the Church today. Church revitalization is exciting. I am delighting in the day that I step back and see all the miraculous things that God has done and will continue to do in New Orleans and the Local Church here.
I met with the intended people that I set out to meet with about a month ago. These people told me they would pray and encourage me. They have been faithful to me also.

I recently met with a leader of the local congregation that God has placed in my path. He agreed with all the proposals that I laid on the table. I thought that there was going to be some resistance or questioning of my motives or something of that nature. Nothing. I truly believe that this was because of God's faithfulness to the desires that he has placed in my heart and the prayers of the faithful that have been lifted up in the past month.

Please everyone that has prayed, continue to pray. If you are reading this and have not prayed, pray now that God would continue to prepare the avenues and people for the great work that he is doing in me and through me. I am truly blessed to be able to be the hands and feet of God, my Lord and Savior. Please let me know that you are praying for me. It is a great encouragement to my wife and I to know those saints who are supporting us daily through prayer and supplication. Keep up the great work of prayer in your lives because great works are truly be done in this city because God hears the prayers of the righteous. Not that we deserve to be heard but because he loves his children and B. Manning once said, He loves it when his children climb into his lap and talk to him and pray to him even if they do fall asleep doing it.
I cannot thank all of you enough for the prayer that you have yielded on our behalf. Thank You on holy ones who continually pray. And let us thank God for his faithfulness to hear our prayers.
Until next time: PRAY!!

"Well, there is no doubt about it."

2007-10-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

No doubt about what you may ask? Well the doc. said that there is no doubt about me having a son. My wife and I saw the making of a great man yesterday.
I am so excited. For all of those who prayed for me to have a son, THANK YOU!! God is amazing in blessing my wife and I with the child we wanted. That is right, I wanted a son. Yes, I wanted the baby to be healthy and have 10 fingers and 10 toes but I also really, and I mean really, wanted a son.
His name will be John Thomas Hudson, III. We will call him J.T. He will be a boy but my hope and prayers are that he becomes a man of God. Please continue to pray as I am a father to a child who needs to meet Jesus. God has blessed us with a child and now I have to be a godly example to a son. I did not have a modle for this in my life, but with the help of God the Father, I may be able to pull it off from here on out. Thanks again for all that prayed and supported us until this day. Please continue to do so, so that the faithfulness of God will avail through you. Stay posted for all updates.

Living by the Grace of God

2007-10-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

I know that this is a lot for my first post but here goes if you are wondering about what God is doing in my life for his Glory through the spreading of the Gospel in New Orleans and the nations.

Here is the desire that God has put in my heart.

I love the idea of church revitalization (CR for here on out). Here are some reasons why. I desire to commit to a church for several years. I believe that God has placed this desire in my heart and through CR I can fulfill this desire. I desire to see the local community of a church come to know Christ through a pure teaching of the Scriptures. God has given me a great passion for his Word and the power that lies in it to change men's hearts. Only through expository preaching, will people truly come to an understanding of the Word and an understanding of their condition before a Great God whether they are saved or not. I also desire to learn from established members the history of the church and the desire of the people to see the church grow and in turn help them accomplish this goal. Committing time to a church will allow both of these things to happen. I will get to hear the people out and I will be able to help them with the Power of the Holy Spirit to see the most effective way their church can grow. I also have a great desire to see a dead church living again for the Glory of God. I have no power to do this on my own but I do pray that I am before the cross daily praying that God would work through me to bring back to life that which is dead. Luke says in Ch. 16 if the people do not have the Word of God an rise from the dead they will not convince people of repentance. The walking dead have no life to give. But the dead made alive again through the Word of God will bring people to their God so those people can live also. I pray I am in the business of putting life back into dead, hard, stubborn, people of God who want the Glory of God back in New Orleans through the Power of the Gospel.

What is CR?

It is basically going into churches that are declining and dying or almost dead and turning them around again. It is similar to a church plant but the church already has an existing body, bylaws, and mission in the city. CR plans to equip the body with the Word, infuse the bylaws with the missional aspects of God's Word, and invigorate the people to be mission minded to New Orleans , the USA , and the Nations. CR plans strategically to develop people’s mindset to the point that their efforts are no longer solely for themselves but those efforts are effectively used to maximize the potential of people coming to Christ in the local community, the greater region of that community, and the nations.

The plan that I believe that God has given me in CR?

First, to commit a season of my life and my family's life to a city. In this case, my wife and I love New Orleans . We believe that God has called us here. We will stay as long as he allows us to. We have said that we will commit 10-15yrs to the city. This is up in the air because God could radically change that at any moment.

Second, to commit to expository preaching. I plan to speak only the Word of God. I do not want to be topical. I will commit 1-2yrs to preaching on the over arching theme of Who is the Church? In addition, Why are we here? I will do this primarily through Acts and other scriptures that tie directly into this theme. In some way or another, I believe that the church has lost its focus on these two things. We must return to the basics of who is the church and why does the church exist if we truly desire to spread the gospel for the Glory of God.

Third, to commit to have everything that we (family and friends who support us in New Orleans) be covered in prayer. You are getting this email because you are the tip of the prayer chain. We are unable to do anything with out the unceasing prayers of those who believe that God IS doing something great in New Orleans and the nations. We believe that he is. I believe that he is. My friends believe that He Is. I have always said that I believe that God has me on the edge of something great. CR may be it. Revitalizing churches in the USA may be the greatest thing that God does through my life for his Glory. I pray that he does. Please pray and do not cease praying that God would allow all these things to happen for his glory and his recognition not mine or any of our supports.

Fourth, to commit to having a staff that reflects the community of the church. Right now in my life, there is a fear of joining a single cultural staff or calling a mono-cultural staff to do the work of God in New Orleans or any city God calls my family to in the future. I believe that churches today have lost site of the community that surrounds them. Most dead and declining church have not figured out how to minister to the community that directly surrounds their church. God has given me the desire to change this mindset of the church slowly. Let me emphasized slowly. I know that these kinds of barriers and changes are not going to happen overnight. This will take years. I committed to a lifetime of service when I answered the call of God into FULLtime ministry. I do not plan to retire and I do not plan to forsake my God. I plan to engage students on our campus of NOBTS on this issue to gain wisdom and help in forming a multicultural staff. This will most likely involve making diversity a key point in church policy and bylaws. Please pray for the hearts of those who oppose such changes. God can and will transform the hardest of hearts through an emphasis from his Word on the diversity of his kingdom. We must see this point as essential to truly making any church effective in its community.

A final note. God is not just doing this in my life. Another friend of mine and supporter of what I am doing began the same process about three months ago. He thought that the process of even getting into the church was going to take 1yr. He spent many hours in prayer over the church and engaging the community surrounding the church. Two months later he got to share his heart and passion with the pastor. A month later the pastor admits to praying for something like this. A week later, the pastor gives my friend the keys to the church and the church constitution. There are no time constraints on what God is doing in New Orleans . The thing that does constrain us is our willingness to seek his help in what he is doing where we are. If we are willing to do whatever he leads us to do through prayer we are not constrained. If we do not pray, we are constrained. I want to be a man of prayer of every area of my life right now.

This is a link to what my friend above is doing http://robwilton.blogspot.com/2007/09/relevant-emergent-emerging.html

Some good news about prayer: My wife was in a great deal of pain about two weeks ago because of the changes that come with having a baby inside of her. I committed to praying for her. From the prayers lifted up until this day there has been no pain. I prayed over a friend of mine who was speaking a week ago and a student gave his life to Christ. I do not claim to have any special power in prayer. But I do know that God hears the prayers of the faithful. I will continue to pray. I hope you do the same. I am truly excited about these passions that God has given me and plan to follow Him until he takes me to another season in life. Please do not take these things lightly because God is doing a mighty work in New Orleans . Thank you for your time to read this and your time to pray.