Video Blog: Intro to Acts, Missio Dei

Acts Sermonette: Intro, "Missio Dei" from Josh Saenz on Vimeo.

How Does God Inspire Us Through the Cross?

This is an excerpt from Mask Driscoll's new book, Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe. I have read the chapter on the Resurrection, and it is good stuff!

I love this excerpt because it explains how practical and necessary the cross is for our Christian life. Discoll shows us how the Cross teaches us how to be like Jesus in suffering: not running to it, not running from it. I'll let his words speak for themselves.

Jesus died for our sins, thereby enabling us to experience new life. Jesus lived as our example showing us what it means to live a truly holy human life.

Throughout Jesus' life he repeatedly stated that the purpose of his life on earth was to glorify God the Father, or to make the Father's character visible. Jesus' glorifying God the Father included dying on the cross. Practically, this means that there is joy not only in our comfort and success, but also in our suffering and hardship, just as there was for Jesus.

At the cross of Jesus, we learn that to be like Jesus means that we pick up our cross and follow him as he commanded. Practically, this means that we glorify God by allowing hardship, pain, and loss to make us more and more like Jesus and give us a more credible witness for Jesus. As Christians we should neither run to suffering as the early Christian ascetics did, nor run from it as some modern Christians do. Instead, we receive suffering when it comes as an opportunity for God to do something good in us and through us. We rejoice not in the pain but rather in what it can accomplish for the gospel so that something as costly as suffering is not wasted but used for God's glory, our joy, and others' good. . . .

At the cross we see that the love of God is not merely sentimental but also efficacious. When people speak of love, they usually mean an emotional love that feels affectionate but may not do anything to help the beloved. Thankfully, God does not merely feel loving toward us; his love actually compels him to act on our behalf so that we can be changed by his love.

From Doctrine, Chapter 8. Cross: God Dies (pgs. 274–276).
Order Doctrine now.

Painting Galaxies: Redeeming Culture with the Gospel

So for about two years, my blog has been named Painting Galaxies. I had no good reason for the title other than I thought it sounded cool and captured a creativity that I possess but have difficulty harnessing.

God, in his grace, has recently shown me a new aspect of the title, Painting Galaxies, which has set me a new direction for this blog*. It has to do with what the body of Christ should do to culture: Redeem it. This shows up in a powerful way in Acts 19 when the idol-makers of Ephesus are outraged that the truth of Jesus has shut down their business. CRAZY! Christians changed the economy!!!

This radical, Gospel-centered, Christ-exalting purpose for the Church has not changed. We need to be doing this in our jobs, with our marriages, with our investments, friendships, free time, Facebook accounts, and care for the poor.

Like the Church in Acts 19, saying "no" is only half the witness. In fact, the more powerful witness is what we say "yes" to.

Turn from the idols of culture and run to Jesus. He is the only King.

* Lord willing, I plan to blog a series on different ways we can redeem culture called, "REDEEM IT"

Jesus Wants the Rose

It's All About Jesus!

I borrowed this image and the series title from Mars Hill Church, but found it an appropriate truth to proclaim and prayer to renew my mind. In addition, I am preaching through the book of John on Sundays in our youth group. The truth is, in Orange County, we make it ALL ABOUT US! It is clearly NOT, for one day "Every knee will bow on heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tounge will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!" (Philippians 2:10-11).

Tomorrow, I will preach on John 1:6-9:

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

A couple of things stand out to me:

1. John the Baptist had a specific MISSION and MESSAGE: He was sent by God to testify concerning the light (Jesus) so that all men might be saved.
2. John understands that he was NOT the light...it was not about him!
3. He is pointing people to the light, because it's ALL ABOUT JESUS!

We should take a lesson from John and carry out the same MISSION and MESSAGE. It's clearly not about us, but ALL ABOUT JESUS! Pray that the true light that gives light to every man would shine brightly in Orange County so that God may receive all the glory!

For more on the Gospel and Orange County, visit The Gospel for OC and follow them on Twitter!

Youth Sunday: LIVE!

Last Sunday, I preached for Youth Sunday.  We wrapped up our summer series: LIVE!  You can listen to the recording here.  The first part is a drama by two of our students (Benny and Alex), playing Nichodemus and the Samaritan Woman.  The sound cuts out in the intro, but none of the important stuff is lost.  Enjoy!

KINGS

Last night was the two-hour season premier of NBC's new show, Kings.  It is a modern-day story of King David and is reminiscent of Bourne Identity.  I am basically obsessed with this show.  It aires Sunday nights at 8pm, and is absolutely worth watching.  The creative ways they tell the story in a modern context is outstanding.  Bible buffs will enjoy all of the parallels and artistic decisions made in the creation of this show.  Read about Kings on Relevant's website or watch the premier on NBC's site.  

Youth Sunday: "Crazy Love"

Last Sunday I preached on "Crazy Love."  The title and idea was not my own, but came from Francis Chan's book. The Youth Group took over the service and ran everything from sound, offering, greeting, worship, announcements, and artistic scenery.  You can listen to the sermon recording here.  I also showed a video, so you may want to watch it here so you know what's going on.

What God Said

God said, "Listen."

Why?

1. To "Be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10).
2. To avoid being "conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of my mind" (Romans 12:2).
3. To discover "the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). 

My ears and heart are attentive...

Micro-Gospels

Yesterday I started discipling a student through the book of Matthew.  He wanted to learn what this whole "Christianity thing" really was rather than buy into his parents faith.  I was so excited to see his maturity in the situation.  He really has a hunger for truth.  So as I we went through the first couple chapters of Matthew, I was so encouraged by the micro-gospels I saw within the larger context of the Gospel of Matthew.  In almost every other verse I saw whispers of redemption, salvation, hope, and Jesus!  It focused our time to talk about salvation and the Messiah!  Praise God for his meticulousness in speaking to us and revealing the truth of Jesus Christ! 

My Prayer for Us All

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you man know him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may come to know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.  

Ephesians 1:17-19

Help me out here!

Okay, I am really struggling with this question and I want to get some responses, so please help me out!

Is it Biblical for us to aim to be "relevant" in reaching people or are we trying to take over the Holy Spirit's role of convicting them and inclining their hearts to Jesus?

I see two or three possibilities:

1. Yes, we need to be relevant in the culture, doing all we can to be "in the world, but not of it" and bringing Jesus to people.
2. No, we are to preach the word of God and leave the conversions up to the Holy Spirit.  We cannot make Christianity look cool, because the Gospel is offensive and Scripture doesn't show people focusing on relevance.  
3. Both.  I hate this answer.  It seems to be the easy way out.  I just don't see both possibilities equal.  One has to be more important.  ...I think.... actually i really don't know...That's why I'm asking YOU!

Help me out here... PLEASE!

Cries for the Kingdom

Today it all came crashing down on me in a moment of Divine revelation.  Well, maybe just a good chunk of the puzzle was just pieced together.  Ya, I like that one more.  Anyway, here is how it went: This morning, after reading a bit of Thomas Schreiner's "New Testament Theology" (concerning the miracles of Jesus as signs of the Kingdom of God being present and that Jesus is King), I decided to open up to Mark 5:1-20 (where Jesus heals the demon-possessed man).  I had a great time of reflection and praise for the fact that Jesus brings the fulfillment of the Old Testament expectations that God would begin to rule on the earth, binding the evil and bringing healing to his people.  I personalized this and meditated on the reign of Christ in my life and the healing that he brings.  However, in concentrating on the presence of the Kingdom in the ministry of Jesus and how that still continues today, I was quickly moved from a time of rejoicing to a time of deep sorrow and lamentation.  I realized how many things surrounding my life are broken and how those are still parts of this world that await the final consummation of the Kingdom of God: broken families, poverty, addiction, death, and sickness (both spiritual and physical).  This created a somber rhythm the rest of the day.  There was goodness in meditating on that which awaits fulfillment, for my prayer became "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."  

No Limits

I was driving around and saw this sign.  I stopped and chuckled to myself because it was posted in a church parking lot.  It seemed ironic to me that the gate to a church would have limits, times, and days that one could enter.  I know that this is for parking purposes only and has nothing to do with salvation, but I can't help but think of that.

In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door [or gate].  If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture."  He is always available!  There are no time constraints or "hours of operation" for Jesus.  He is always there, ready for those he loves to enter into eternal life!

Another thought that ran through my head was a point I preached on last Sunday:  "There is no division between the secular and the sacred!"  We have bought into the notion that Church is what we do on Sunday mornings and small groups, and the rest of the week is our "life."  Not at all!!!  It is all sacred!  God is not so small that we limit Him to a building or place or time!  We are called to be followers of Jesus Christ (continuously), not merely spectators a couple hours a week.  

I pray that we will be people who start to see God in the ordinary.  That we would live out of our identity in Jesus Christ all the time.  I pray that we would start seeing life through the eyes of God, and that we may approach Him ANY TIME... for He has NO LIMITS!

Cake + Bible + Baseball + Dads = Blog Update

Here is the update I have been waiting for so long to do.  I have been so busy for some reason and have had no time.  My weekend is just a taste of the next 3 weeks ahead of me... I need to find time to rest rest rest! 

CAKE

Kaitlin and I went cake tasting on Friday for our wedding.  It was so much fun.  However I could not look at cake without getting sick afterwards.  Read all about it on Kaitlin's blog. 

BIBLE

I have found that I am craving the Bible more and more.  I have tons of opportunities to read it, but I am not bathing in it.  This sounds so strange, but books and commentaries have actually been keeping me from the Word.  I have decided to take a one week fast from extra materials in order to focus on the Bible.  This will be more fruitful for myself, my relationships, and my teachings.  

BASEBALL

Last night the Youth Group went to the Angels' game!  We had a ton of fun talking, eating, taking pictures, and NOT watching baseball! Here is a photo review:

Most of the group.

Cuz' we're cool like that...

The Girls...

Kaitlin and the gang!

The after-fight!

DADS

Happy Fathers' Day!  I have to say that this Fathers' Day I have appreciated my dad so much.  He does so much for my brothers and I, especially through the recent family difficulties.  Please tell your dad "Happy Fathers' Day!"  No matter how much or how little they point you to your Heavenly Father, rest in the fact that the Lord will never leave us, stop loving us, or providing for us.  Yay for Fathers!!!

Broadcasting Blessing

God's intention has always been to create a community, a group of people, that broadcast who He is to the world.  

We see that deeply woven into the fabric of humanity is the design to be conduits of God's blessing, shining forth His glory to the nations.  

The promise made by God to Abram in Genesis 12:2-3 is the pure intention for humanity.

I will make you into a great nation

and I will bless you;

I will make your name great,

and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,

and whoever curses you I will curse;

and all the peoples of the earth

will be blessed though you.

There are three important things here.  First, the people of God will be a "great nation," not individuals.  The focus is community.  Secondly, God says, "I will bless you."  It always starts with God, and all we can do is receive the blessings he bestows on us.  Finally, this great nation "will be a blessing."  They are blessed to be a blessing!  This is their purpose on earth.

Therefore, our mission is to be a blessing to the world, pouring out into the lives of others the love and grace and forgiveness that God has poured into our lives.  

Exodus 19:3-6 talks about how the people of God are to be a kingdom of priests.  Priests represented God to the people and people to God.  The same is said not only of Israel in the Old Testament, but also about followers of Jesus Christ in 1 Peter 2:9.  We, as Christians, are "...a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that we may declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).

The Christian mission flows out of the God-given identity as representatives and broadcasters of who He is and what He has done!  May we live our of our identity as found in Him and be faithful to the mission to shine forth the blessings of God. 

Thursday Morning Sabbath

Espresso. Bible. Creation. Relevant Magazine. Worship Music. My ideal Sabbath. I began the morning by sleeping in. (Something much needed due to being sick!) While my espresso was brewing, I took a walk around my backyard.

I thanked the Lord for His artistic beauty- the use of color, shape, and texture.

The flowers in bloom are a reminder of Spring's offerings- newness, life, and joy!

Thank you Lord for sharing your beauty with us!

"Flowers appear in the earth; the season of singing has come..." (Song of Sol. 2:12)

After reading an article in Relevant Magazine on "Gorging on Jesus," I sat down to sip on espresso and the Word.  The Lord convicted and encouraged my heart with the following Scripture:

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 4:4-7)

The "do not be anxious" part is what is the most convicting.  I find myself anxious with floods of thoughts concerning job security and financial future for Kaitlin and I.  The Lord plainly spoke to my heart as I was asking to see His heart: Josh, do you desire job security, even in ministry, more than you desire ME? Wow!  What a wake up call!  

We also have no reason to be anxious over the circumstances, trials, warfare, and suffering in our lives.  I know this is the hardest thing to understand and incline our hearts towards during difficult times, but we MUST TRUST God's promise in His Word: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!

God, give me the peace for all situations. Teach me to incline my heart to Yours.  May my moments be saturated with prayer, ever relying on You!  You give me life to the full, strength for the battle, and words of truth to exhort others.  May I not take lightly life in You! 

Yes, I Like Eugene Peterson!

Some may call me a heretic.  Not so fast.  I'm not even talking about The Message, though I think it has its place.  I'm talking about Eugene Peterson's writing and preaching ministry concerning spirituality and spiritual theology.  I was exposed to his amazing, lesser-known-to-The-Message work titled Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Place.  My rating = A!  

He does a beautiful job weaving together theologies that we learn about in classes and congregations into a "big picture" that is saturated in Scripture, but screams for living it out in the daily life.  He uses a poem, As Kingfishers Catch Fire by Gerard Manely Hopkins to set the stage for his conversation:

As king fishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame;

As tumbled over rim in roundy wells

Stones ring; like each tucked string tells, each hung bell's

Bow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;

Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:

Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;

Selves -- goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,

Crying What I do is me: for that I came.

I say more: the just man justices;

Keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces;

Acts in God's eye what in God's eye he is --

Christ. For Christ plays in ten thousand places,

Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his

To the Father through the features of men's faces. 

I have been greatly blessed by this book over the last year.  It has taught me wonderful practical theology (which I believe is the only necessary theology--If it doesn't change us, there's no use studying it.  What a word of truth for myself and peers in Biblical Studies!).  This is the only place that I have found excellent bible exposition, background study, literature, art, and poetic stories of daily life.  

Haven't convinced you yet? Check out these articles or READ THE BOOK!!!

Christianbook.com describes it this way:

Eugene Peterson realizes that within our seminaries, congregations and, most importantly, our lives, spirituality and theology have been estranged. Thus, in Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places Peterson works to ground our spirituality in Trinitarian theology and provides an illuminating discussion of how such theology shapes spiritual lives. After sweeping aside the misunderstandings that hinder our discussions of spiritual theology, Peterson clearly describes how spiritual theology can remain sensitive to ordinary life, effectively present the Christian gospel and find its rooting in the "fear of the Lord." The foundational book in a new series on spiritual theology, Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places serves as an essential resource for those of us who have committed ourselves to incarnating the Christian gospel in a contemporary context.

Read the Christianity Today article on Eugene Peterson and spirituality. 

A Conversation with Eugene Peterson article concerning spiritual theology. 

Daydreams of Genesis

I daydream of Genesis:

The Creation, Destruction

The Promises, and Lies

And people call on the name of the LORD.

I daydream of Grace:

The Provision, Fulness

Purity, then Pollution

And the LORD covers man's nakedness and shame.

I daydream of Beginning:

The Newness, Life

Assurance, but Barrenness

The LORD making his people a Great Nation

The LORD, the LORD:

Creator of all.

Sustainer of all.

All in All:

Even before the Beginning. 

A Crucified Messiah?

Good Friday.

A time to remember the greatest death in history.

The death of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior of the world.

Placing myself in the shoes of a first-century Palestinian Jew,

Gives me an interesting insight to this day.

You see, these Jews had been waiting for hundreds of years

For God to restore his Kingdom on earth, as he had promised.

They expected a Messiah to bring the Kingdom powerfully:

As a mighty warrior-King on a white horse, sword drawn!

God's plans are always different than our expectations.

Enter Jesus, 

The True Messiah.

A baby born to a unmarried teenage mother.

A mere carpenter.

A servant who washed his friend's feet. 

As if this wasn't enough to throw them off,

Jesus dies.

The Messiah dies?

Yes, and in one of the most shameful ways--

On a Roman cross, between two criminals.

No wonder the Jews had such a hard time

Accepting Jesus as Messiah!

Their expectations didn't leave room

For God's plans.

We know how the Crucifixion story ends, though:

Life!

God does the greatest thing in history

In the most unexpected, shameful, difficult way.

Do we think that way about our lives? 

Do we view the daily struggles,

the broken families,

the sickness,

the oppression,

the stress, 

the pain as God's abandonment and uninvolvement?

Or do we see those things as the unexpected ways

For God to bring about the greatest things?