When It's "GO TIME!"

When God says “Go…”, we should be ready to follow His leadership…no matter where it takes us…what needs doing…or for how many.

Key Passage:  Acts 8:26-40

Any John Fogerty fans here?   “Put me in coach…I’m ready to play, today.”  Center Field.  Put me in there where I am trained to play, where I can make a difference for the team.

Let’s Go!  Let’s do this.  It’s go time! I’m ready!

I’m one of those guys that is ready to go…to jump in there and go for it.  Those of you who know me know that I have a hard time not jumping in, especially if music or fun is involved.  God has really used that part of my personality in a positive way over the years, even when I didn’t know it.  Each of us has special gifts and talents and expertise that are useful in various situations, and when someone needs something done, guess who they call?  The person that they think can really help to get the job done.  Now, I’m not talking about moving…so don’t get any ideas.  I sold my truck…sorry.   But, you have specific knowledge and abilities that are valuable to those around you, whether personally of professionally, and at some point it is very likely that you are going to stop riding the bench and be called into the game.

We're going to focus on this guy named Philip.  Philip is no bench warmer; far from it.  He might even be considered a closer.  So, at a time when he is in the midst of great excitement, he is still ready, so when God says “Go!”, he doesn’t hesitate.  “OK. Whatever you say coach.”  Or, in the business world…Whatever you need me to do, boss.

So, here we go.  The Acts of the Apostles, written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel, noting his name, presents a selective history of the early church from Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to the rather thorough spreading of the good news of Christ from Jerusalem to Rome.  Acts is dedicated to Theophilus…as opposed to Acidophilus…who we all know was the guy who ran the dairy farm. (cheesy smile) An interesting thought on the book of Acts - - it could be described somewhat as the “genesis” of the Christian movement.

 Here, we are looking at a bit of history that, for those who have been around church for any amount of time, is likely pretty familiar.   Now, if you’re not a “churchy” person, or if you’ve never been to church before, this story has something important to say to you as well…so you can hang out during the “religious stuff” part, but be ready to dig in with us.

Starting at Acts 8:26²⁶ Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. ²⁷ And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship ²⁸ and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. ²⁹ And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” ³⁰ So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” ³¹ And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. ³² Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

 

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
    and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
    so he opens not his mouth.
³³ In his humiliation justice was denied him.
    Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”

 

³⁴ And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” ³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. ³⁶ And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” ³⁸ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. ³⁹ And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

 

Be ready to Go!

God tells Philip to Go three times within this single story, and each time Philip responds immediately.

• Leave the party and walk down a desolate, wilderness road?  Sure thing.
• Go talk to this one, specific guy on a chariot…from another country?  No sweat.
• After you baptize him, move on?  You got it.

Philip’s readiness and trust has countless implications for each of us, Christian and non-Christian.  Being ready to go or do is ALWAYS important.  The Boy Scout motto?  Be Prepared.  It speaks well of you in any and every situation if you can think on your feet and be ready to jump in when someone needs you.

One of the best known Scriptures in the Christian dialect is the Great Commission.  Go ye therefore…  We are instructed to go.  God has a reason for telling us to go, and we really need to be willing to listen to Him and trust in Him, even when we may have no idea what the outcome might be.  Whether to help someone in need or to teach someone something that you know, bring them out of a dark place…whatever.  Be ready!

Don’t Assume…

If we walk up on someone reading the Bible, would we assume that they knew what they were reading?  Would we assume that they are a Christian?  Would we assume that they have some level of spiritual maturity to be reading the Bible on a train or a plane or in some public place?

Now, Philip…at the behest of the Holy Spirit…had to run up alongside this guy on a chariot…apparently moving.  It’s pretty interesting to mentally pull into the story all the pieces that are left out, probably because those who heard the message in that day would have just understood.  This guy was a in a chariot and it turns out that he is a eunuch…and a very important guy.  He is over the treasury for the queen of Ethiopia, so he’s not going to be out here by himself.  What if this guy were to get captured?  He’s going to be protected.  Now, some strange Jewish guy runs down the path, through the guard, up to the chariot…running alongside…and say,  “Hey.  Sup?”  As he approached, he hears the guy reading Hebrew Scripture out loud, which would actually have been pretty standard in that day.  This official says that he was reading Isaiah, which Philip would likely have caught, and then admits that he didn’t really understand what he was reading.  How many of us are willing to say that?  Those “Wait…what?” moments are important, aren’t they?

Have you ever thought about Learning styles.  Visual.  Audio.  Experiential?   Can reading something really give you what you need to know?  Can you read the Bible on your own and catch the nuances within the text?

This stranger says to Philip, “How am I supposed to understand it unless someone teaches me the right way to understand it?”  He didn’t know exactly what he was reading, even though we learn that he is returning from Jerusalem where he went to worship.

But…look at that again.  Perhaps there is a better way of looking at this from today’s perspective.  “How am I supposed to understand this without a mentor?”  Again, that’s pretty important…

Philip leads him through the Scripture and the eunuch asks about the Scripture presented.  Is about some guy in the past?  Is this about Isaiah or someone else?  He is paying attention and wants to know, and we get a sense in the presentation of the story that Philip is excited to share the story of Christ with this stranger.  Whether personal or professional or spiritual, those of us who are prepared and ready should do our best to give others what they need…and then some.

 ^“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.” He expressed the gospel of Jesus, AND talked about Jesus. How did these things spoke in Isaiah relate to what happened to Jesus?  Would the gospel of Jesus Christ be sufficient, or would Philip go further into who Jesus was as a man and what happened to him?  He MUST have gotten to the point of explaining baptism, because the eunuch was obviously excited about the stream that they encountered.  “Baptize me now…”  So, that is what he did!  In a single conversation in the back of a chariot, an Ethiopian eunuch comes to understand that Jesus was the Son of God because Philip was ready to put into the game.

Be ready to go…again.

The coach decides to pull Philip out of the game suddenly, but this guy was already changed.  He went of joyfully…even though he would never see Philip again.  He was changed forever by Philip’s willingness and readiness to get in there and play.  He finds himself in another town, preaching away and leading more and more people toward Christ.

If you’re ready to go, that’s great!  You may have some idle time, but don’t sit down and get comfortable.  You have to warm up…you don’t want to pull a spiritual hammy.  And, if you’re ready to Go…then LOOK AND LISTEN.  Don’t sit back and wait for an opportunity…LOOK for an opportunity and then LISTEN for God.  He’s not going to yell at you, but it should be obvious when an opportunity presents itself.  When the opportunity arises - Get In There!  Get it done to the very best of your ability. Don’t hold anything back.  Give them what they need and then some!

Then, when it’s time to go…go. When you’re done, you’re done.  Moving on might be hard, but God has plans for you and will use you mightily if you will simply respond when It’s Go Time.  Just as my favorite Scripture speaks in Isaiah 43, God is doing a new thing.

Conclusion

Each of us will have those Go Time moments in our lives, and it’s imperative that we listen and respond/react.  Philip got up, set out, met the chariot, caught up, struck up a conversation, taught, revealed, baptized…then left.  Whether it’s one person or hundreds, or even thousands, we don’t want to miss that opportunity.  Someone’s life...perhaps even their eternal life…may be forever changed by our readiness and willingness to step up when we’re needed.

Are you sitting here reading…KNOWING that God has been speaking to you?  “Hey…it’s time to go.

What is God saying to you right now?  Right here?  Is it Go Time?  Is there something that you KNOW needs to be done but you’ve been waiting for a sign from God?  Well…here is your sign.  God has gathered those here who needed to hear Him.  It was intended for each of us…even me.

            So what will you do?  Will you go home and have a conversation with your husband or wife or your mother or father about that thing that you’ve been putting off for whatever reason?  Will you be obedient to the Holy Spirit? Will you become a mentor?  A teacher?

If you don’t have a relationship with Christ, will you take a cue from the story and open yourself up to the opportunity for someone to mentor you?

I challenge each of you.  Slow down.  Stop for a moment.  Look and Listen…then Go!

A Cup Of Coffee

"Would you like a cup of coffee?"

Sure!  I would LOVE a cup of coffee.

No, I don't really care what the cup looks like. I started out with a little Chinette cup when I was a kid and have enjoyed coffee from paper cups, styrofoam, china, clay mugs...and my absolute favorite is the coffee mug with the faded pic of my kids on it from Father's Day in 2005.  Such sweet faces.

As far as the actual coffee goes, I realize that I have different tastes than others. Some really enjoy their coffee a deep black, while others prefer a little sugar or some honey. Some like robust, dark coffee. Others like lighter, sweeter blends. Some strong, some weak.  Kona for me, thanks.  Oh, and if you have some Vanilla Caramel creamer, that is my personal favorite.  No sugar needed...it's sweet enough on its own.

Some really enjoy their coffee black, while others prefer a little sugar or some honey. Some like robust, dark coffee. Others like lighter, sweeter blends. Some strong, some weak.  Is that Kona?  YES!!!!

That's why there are so many blends and roasts and coffees that come from all over the world.  But, it doesn't change the essence of the coffee itself; only our consumption of it.

I like coffee hot, but not too hot. I will usually let my coffee sit and cool off a bit before I drink it, sometimes to the point of it being just warm, then off to the microwave for a 30 second boost.

Sometimes I take it in immediately and enjoy the warmth as it approaches my heart. Other times, I like to let it sit so I can take in the odor and let it cool a bit so that I can really enjoy the flavor and texture. The bitterness mixed with the sweetness, the quenching water and the energizing spirit that dwells in it. I drink it in slowly, savoring it.

I usually drink 2 cups (mugs) of coffee each morning. The first is always freshly brewed, usually before it has finished brewing because I just can't wait. I take that first sip. Man, that's good! I drink a sip at a time, but by 1/2 cup, it's getting cool, so I top it off. Steam....that's a good sign.

And the aroma. Even people who don't drink coffee like the smell of coffee. They walk in a room where good coffee is being brewed and breathe in deep. Ahhhhh! Coffee. But, taking a cautious sip, they may turn up their nose and walk away. Too bitter. Too dark. Seems they just haven't acquired a taste. But, maybe they just haven't tried the right roast, or perhaps they haven't had someone take the time to make a cup that hit the right mix of creamer and sugar and cinnamon and cocoa and vanilla......etc. Still, the smell is enough to keep them coming back into the kitchen...the gathering place...for yet another, Ahhhhh! Coffee.Then there are the times that life and work and getting the kids ready for school all get in the way, and my cup of coffee just sits there and gets cold. I forget to drink it....it just sits there.  I don't pick up my mug to reflect on the beautiful faces of my children.  I don't take the time needed to invest in my routine.  I don't make the time to bring the warm, sweet, energizing nourishment into my day.   I have wasted a perfectly good cup of coffee that could have really done the trick as I started this morning.


- - - - - - - -

Have you ever noticed that someone that really appreciates their coffee usually has REALLY good coffee and will almost immediately ask you, "Would you like a cup of coffee? I have this great blend that is fresh. I'll grind some up just for us.  Here, let me make you a cup. Sugar? Cream?"  What they are really saying is, "Can I serve you?" They take into consideration that you have certain tastes and expectations that might allow you to enjoy it bit more, or that you've never had coffee and may need a little special care. They may even give you their own favorite mug.

It is immediately evident that they take their coffee seriously, and are ready to share their coffee so that you can experience what a really good cup of coffee can be.

Then, on the other hand, people who aren't so confident about their coffee, don't really care about its quality or quantity, and are not really focused on serving.  They will generally wave their hand in the direction of the coffee pot and say, "Yeah. We've got some over there if you want to get some yourself."  The pot obviously hasn't been cleaned for a while. Styro cup and generic sugar...maybe creamer, if it isn't clumped up from sitting unused.  Even I...as a coffee lover...have a hard time stopping for coffee here.  I may get a cup to be kind...but, it's not likely I will go back for another.

I have heard so many people say "I just can't start my day without a cup of coffee." Or, "Don't even think about taking away my coffee. I just can't function in the morning without it."


But, how often do you hear someone say, or post on Facebook... "I just can't start my day without spending some time with God and His Word, thanking Him for the blessings in my life and asking for help in my own an others' lives."  -or-  "Don't even think about taking away my morning prayer and reflection time. I just can't function without Him."

Excuse me just a minute......

Going to top off my "coffee."

The Church Is Singing! 10 Reasons that Churches Are Singing More And More

1. Churches know their audience.
One of the most important factors in communicating in a manner that draws people in is to consciously focus on the audience...which in this case is your congregation.  Singing is communicating with the Lord...and with each other.

Church leadership is aware of the make-up of their congregation and not lost in the quagmire of tradition versus contemporary debate.  The reality: Every church is unique, whether 100 feet apart or 100 miles.

2.  Music style inspires participation.
If you live in an area where country music is huge, deliver songs that have a little more twang.  An older church (generationally) will likely appreciate more hymns and maybe some Gaithers and southern gospel quartet sangin'.  In a more rural area, bluegrass gospel may be the cornerstone.  Younger, hipper churches may be modern or hipster or rock focused...because that's the form that identifies with them  Some churches are hymn churches and others are worship rock and some are gospel funk friendly.  People sing what they know and what moves them.

Worship leader, ask yourself...and others: "What inspires them to participate?"

Oh...and a mature church trying to gather a younger crowd needs to value the opinions, and the "immaturity", of the younger folk.  A young man doesn't have 20+ years experience singing the old hymns, and they may sound very foreign to his ear...as does rap to others.

As the leadership of the congregation demonstrates a call to worship through example, the rhythm and pulse of music underpins the connection to the body and mind, Scriptural connection in the lyrics connects to soul and spirit.  The outpouring during a modern hymn is no less real than an old hymn.

3.  Volume!
It is important that the volume is correct for the form...not too soft and not too loud.  A church with only a piano accompaniment might not need much amplification from the stage, especially in a small, intimate setting.  But, but a large church with no PA can be challenging if you can't hear the accompanist banging out a sweet phrase on the ivories.

Contemporary worship that is too soft misses the edge and the groove (REMEMBER: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE GROOVE) that comes with the instrumentation and arrangement; and, let's face it...younger people want louder music.  If it's too loud for you personally, but everyone else seems to enjoy it, don't demand that it be turned down.  Put in some ear plugs or turn down your hearing aid (clears throat), turn your voice towards heaven and worship!  If it's genuinely too loud, as in approaching pain level or causing ear ringing, that's a problem that MUST be addressed.

Balance is important.  Instrumentation needs to balance with the drums.  The bass player needs to hear himself more. Always.

4. The song selection rocks!
Do you have a favorite song that makes you want to jump up, throw your hands in the air, and worship with all that you are?  Singing is a form of worship, and song selection is critically important.  Songs can reinforce the message by tying directly into Scripture or theme.  They build a spiritual foundation or energy for the delivery of the Word.

I'm an old 80's rocker, but as a band geek and a Nashville native, I have played virtually every style of music known to man over the past 40 years of musical experience, so my approach to musicality is a little different than the 24-year-old just out of college.  I had a great conversation with a guy at church who is in his late 50's.  I was introducing songs to a more "traditional" church from Newsboys, Third Day, Lincoln Brewster and other artist with a bit more guitar-driven foundation.  He came up after service one morning, shook my hand and said, "Thank you! I was a teenager in the 70's when rock music was really coming together.  I like hymns and some of the worship stuff, but these songs remind me of when I was a much younger man in my muscle car driving too fast."


While there is a critical importance in pursuing the hearts and ears of young people, remember that the folks in their 50's, 60's and even 70's were present when rock and roll came into its own.  Spirit in the Sky.

5.  Musicianship Is Fairly Pervasive.
Some people have a difficult time singing with confidence if the musical leadership is not strong, especially in learning new songs.  But, today's church likely has more adept musicians than most would imagine.  One of the results of the music explosion in the mid 20th century was an increased interest in being in a band.  Face it...there's a certain cool factor in being with the band.   Put the word out that you need musicians and will be having try-outs.  Players will show up.

This is where an experienced worship leader can really shine, putting together a group of musicians that become a team to deliver on the music that is right for the environment.  And, most importantly...REHEARSE!

Having the opportunity to view other worship teams through online media brings another level of consideration.  As a whole, musicians and singers listen to others and connect not only with styles, but with delivery.  We know...and instruct...that music is a form of worship and should be delivered with as much excellence as can be delivered.  A solid foundation gives people freedom to sing and not worry about the unexpected key change.  :)

6. People Feel An Atmosphere of Worship.
At many churches, there is a definitive focus on atmosphere.  For some, the lights come down in the house and up on the stage.  The smoke machine gives the lights definition.  The worship team approaches with a prayed up, lifted up, intentional motivation.  This is for God.  All of it!  Let's do this...together.  We worship...the Holy Spirit responds.

Again, leadership is key here.  A church with leadership that expresses an openness to worship through music will most often see their church react, and will attract people that love the act of worshiping in song, not as the focus of worship but as an integral part OF their worship.

7. A new song!
Is there a limit to the number of country songs or rock songs that a person will enjoy over their lifetime?  Do teenagers have a new favorite song every other week?  Will you always listen to the Beatles...but nothing else, ever?

An experienced and discerning worship leader can introduce at least one new song per month, especially if the congregation follows KLOV or The Fish or WayFM.  A song that speaks to the hearts of the worshipers can become an almost instant favorite, and trying new things is important.  Some of the songs that are popular today become the standards of tomorrow.  "Because He Lives" was actually a new song at one point in the distant past.

What's also fun about introducing new songs is that a Southern Gospel number or a bluegrass tune can really liven up a "typical" Sunday that is already awesome.  It's like deer at a stream.  Heads go up with a quizzical look, eyes darting back and forth.  YES!

Modern worship artist are plentiful, and so are the songs that are capable of drawing the singer into a personal offering of worship.  There are more than enough songs with the "umph" needed to add one every other week.  Will they stick?  Some will.  Others will be sung once or twice in your church, but a constant rotation in other churches.

There is no try.  There is only Do...or Do not.


8. Teach people to sing parts!
Believe it or not, a remarkable number of people in your congregation know music.  They participated in marching band or in choir in school, and/or have sung in garage bands or church choirs over time.  They know harmony.  They know echos and repeats and drops.  Take a few minutes to teach cool parts to the congregation.  Then, when visitors come in, they hear the congregation singing parts and having fun.  If they are a singer themselves, all the better.

9.  Worship leader -- steps aside.
This is one of my favorite times.  The congregation starts singing a song with such passion that I can wave the team down, pull back, and give the church the mic, so to speak.  It's in these moments that I need to find the tissue box.  I am overwhelmed with the majesty of God's Word and the heart of worship in His people.




10.  Music speaks to the mature and the immature - spiritually speaking.
Music is one of the universal languages and, unlike math or science, most everyone can speak it.  Imagine for a moment a world completely devoid of music.  Sad...



Songs of faith and hope and joy and promise can reveal Truth to a person's heart in 3 minutes and 43 seconds in a manner that is pretty unique and specific to music.  Music invokes imagery and emotion, and while it is not an emotion response that is foundational, emotion is connected closely to memory and experience and, yes, to worship.  Our hearts becomes overjoyed from the celebration of Christ's redemption, or saddened by the realization of our own need for forgiveness.  It is emotional to face one's own life and blessings and shortcomings.  There is joy in overcoming.  There is shouting at victory.  There are tears as we seek peace for a loved one in pain.



Prayer is emotional.  Worship is emotional.

11.  (Bonus)  Sometimes...a concert is OK.