Downcity Church Blog

God's Gift of Love

2009-06-24T04:35:48Z

My last post ended with a question: “What did God in His great love do to save sinners?” Believe it or not, the entire storyline of the Bible is the answer to this question. Immediately following man’s rebellion against God and the consequent entrance of sin into the human race, God promised that a child would one day be born to conquer sin (Genesis 3:15). The entire Old Testament from that point on is the story of the preparation of the world for the coming of this Savior. After thousands of years of this preparation, read what the New Testament says: Galatians 4:4 “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” Matthew 1:21 “…you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." These verses reveal some important facts about God’s work to save sinners. First, though God was the offended party, He took the initiative to save. He sent His Son. Second, the sending of His Son was solely an act of grace. God “gave” His Son. This gift was not earned or deserved; rather, it was an act of undeserved favor shown to the human race. Third, love for human beings, not duty or necessity, motivated God to give His Son. “God so loved the world…” Fourth, as already mentioned, God’s plan to save centers not on a system of religious rules, but rather on a person. God “…gave His only Son.” Fifth, God gave His Son, Jesus, for the specific purpose of saving people from their sin. Ok. Lest this post gets too long, I will close with a few questions to consider for next time. Why is God’s gift of the Son the solution? What specifically did His Son do to save us from sin? We will begin to answer these questions in the next post.

Is There Hope?

2009-04-29T01:23:07Z

For some time, a very serious question has been hanging over our blog. Namely, “Has provision been made to restore sinful people to the original purpose and condition of joy for which they were created?” In our man-centered culture, most would assume that the answer to this question must be “yes”. This assumption, however, would be wrong. In actuality, God is under no obligation to rescue humanity from its sinful plight. Remember, it was humanity that inexplicably rebelled against its loving Creator, a Creator who had done nothing but shower them with grace. Thus, a better assumption than the aforementioned is that God would not provide for humanity’s restoration, but rather allows us to continue down the broad path we ourselves chose. Were God to do this, He would be perfectly just for we deserve judgment for rebelling against our loving and perfect Creator. Thankfully, the truth expressed above is not the whole story. The good news is that, while God is indeed a just God who punishes sin, He is also a God who loves sinners. This love compelled God to provide a means through which He would rescue sinners out of their hopeless condition and into right relationship with Himself. Once rescued, humans become part of a great community of people who together know, enjoy, and worship their God forever. This gracious plan of redemption is the storyline of the Bible. What are the specifics of this Divine plan? What did God in His great love do to save sinners? How does one experience rescue from sin and reconciliation to God? We will pick up here next time, but I will leave you with a hint. God’s plan does not involve religion through which humans work their way into God’s favor. No, God’s plan is all about a person. This person’s name is Jesus and He alone is God’s answer to man’s sin. We will discover how next time.

Easter 2009

2009-04-05T23:47:32Z

Fall from Glory

2009-03-02T19:52:34Z

It has been far too long since my last post! We left the human race in a place of indescribable blessing: enjoying life as God’s people in His very presence! The question begs to be asked, “How did humanity fall from such a blessed condition?” Genesis 3 describes the grim details. Humans, created to live in humble submission to their loving Creator, instead chose to rebel against His righteous rule. They doubted Him and instead pursued the vapid dream of being their own god. The results were instantaneous, cataclysmic, and far-reaching. It was instantaneous in that humanity, now tainted with sin, experienced immediate alienation from both God and one another. It was cataclysmic in that death, and all the pain resulting from it, entered into a world that was created to experience the fullness of life. Indeed, all the pain, suffering, disease, conflict, greed, crime, etc. that we see in the world today is a direct consequence of the introduction of sin into the world. It was far reaching in that the entirety of both Creation and the human race fell under the bondage of sin. From the fall of humanity into sin up to the present day, the experience of humanity has been very different then its original condition. Created in innocence; humans are now born in sin. Created to love God; humans are now born dominated by a love for themselves. Created to display God’s glory; humans are now born with a desire for self-glory. Created for eternal life; humans are now born separated from their Creator journeying on a broad road leading to eternal death. Humans do not enjoy viewing themselves in this light, yet Scripture and, if we were honest, our own experience confirms it. It would seem that we the human race find ourselves in a horrific condition. Is there any hope for us? Is there any way to be delivered from this broad road? Is there any cure for the heart infected by sin? Is there any provision for sinful people to be restored to the original purpose and condition of joy for which they were created? We will pick up here in our next post.

The Original Human Condition

2009-02-13T22:44:51Z

In my last post, I set forth Jesus’ teaching that all humans begin their lives journeying on a “broad road” which ultimately leads to destruction. This is, admittedly, not a very pleasant prospect. Just how did humans end up in this dire predicament? To answer this question, we must travel back to the opening chapters of the book of Genesis. Here, we discover that the human race was in fact not originally created to journey on said “broad” path. Rather, humans were created in the very image of God (Genesis 1:27) and consequently occupied the place of highest privilege within God’s creation. At the center of this privilege was the blessing of knowing and enjoying the glory of God’s very presence. This blessing included the ability to engage in intelligent, personal relationship with their Creator. Elsewhere in Scripture (Psalm 16:11), the presence of God is described as the “fullness of joy” and the location of unending pleasure. Indeed, far from being on a road to destruction, God lavished humans with the highest good possible: life with Him. So then, what happened? How did we get here from there? We will pick up here in my next post.

Everyone Is Journeying

2009-02-06T01:39:59Z

Before we consider the Christian life as a journey, we should first recognize that every human being, Christ-follower or not, is in fact on a journey. Jesus himself used this metaphor when He described the two “roads” of humanity (see Matthew 7:13-14). Humans begin their journey of life on what Jesus called the “broad” road. The entrance to this road is wide and journeying on this road seems “easy”, perhaps because it is so natural. All it requires of a person is that he follows the dictates of his heart. Following one’s heart may not seem so bad, until one discovers that the human heart is terminally infected with sin (Jeremiah 17:9). Since Scripture reveals the wages of sin to be death, it is no surprise that Jesus declares the destination of the broad road to be destruction. Thankfully, Jesus reveals a second road upon which humans may travel. Jesus’ description of this road is quite different: rather than broad, it is narrow; rather than easy, it is hard. With such a description, why then does Jesus urge humans to “enter through the narrow gate”? Because it is the narrow gate alone that leads to eternal life. Entrance through this gate begins the journey of the Christ-follower. We are left with the obvious question: “If every human is born on the broad road, how does one change paths?” Or to ask it another way, “How does one begin a new journey; a journey on the road leading to life?” I will pick up here in my next post.

Journey - part 1

2009-02-03T01:32:03Z

Yesterday, Downcity Church began a new gathering called JOURNEY. We chose the name JOURNEY because it communicates some important things about the nature of the Christian experience. Dictionary.com defines a journey as “a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time; passage or progress from one stage to another.” This definition implies three distinguishable stages of a journey: a starting point, a destination, and the journey itself. Recognizing the presence of such stages in the Christian life, as well as understanding their nature, is critical for the Christ-follower. In the next few posts, I am going to explore these stages and their implications for our lives.

CONNECT with Us! Part 3

2009-01-18T22:06:01Z

Downcity Church CONNECT seeks to accomplish three primary things. At the risk of sounding trite, they can be expressed in the following way: Looking Upward, Looking Inward, and Looking Outward. Below I will give a summary of each purpose. First, we ‘Look Upward’ by worshiping God together. We worship God by giving serious attention to the revelation that He gave to us. At CONNECT, we further explore the Biblical themes we are studying on Sunday morning with a particular focus on “CONNECTING” (applying) these themes to our everyday lives. We also worship God by demonstrating our dependence on Him through prayer. Second, we ‘Look Inward’ by loving one another within the CONNECT group. CONNECT provides an opportunity to share with one another what God is doing in our lives. We share our blessings and burdens, our dreams and concerns. We seek advice from other seasoned Christ-followers. We encourage one another with the Gospel. As people share in this way, we discover practical ways to support and serve one another, while at the same time growing in our own application of Biblical love. Such body-life is a beautiful means of grace through which the Spirit grows Christ’s church. Third, we ‘Look Outward’ by engaging in shared mission. Any sort of small group ministry faces the danger of becoming inwardly focused. This can and must be avoided by intentionally uniting in shared mission to those outside the small group. This mission can take many forms. For example, a CONNECT group can minister to other people within the church fellowship. Or, a CONNECT group can discover ways to tangibly demonstrate and declare the love of Christ to the neighborhood in which the group is meeting. Perhaps a park in the neighborhood needs some TLC. Maybe children in a low-income housing project could use some structured tutoring. Or, perhaps several streets could be invited to a 7-week evangelistic small group. The options are endless for a small group of people desiring to impact the world around them by God’s grace! This Wednesday at 7 pm would be a great time to visit a CONNECT group. Stop by 63 East Manning Street or 427 River Avenue! We would love to see you!

CONNECT with Us - Part 2

2009-01-14T03:54:06Z

In my last post, I introduced our CONNECT ministry. I ended the post by asking the question, “Why is CONNECT so essential?” In this post, I would like to begin answering that question. One reason that CONNECT is an essential ministry is because it fosters the authentic Christian community necessary for our spiritual growth. The gospel of Jesus creates a new community of people united together by their mutual faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit intends to progressively grow this community into increasing likeness to Jesus. This growth cannot happen, however, apart from significant and intentional Christian relationships called body-life. The New Testament describes these relationships as mutually supportive friendships in which Christ-followers pray for, serve, encourage, support, exhort, counsel and love one another (among other things!). These body-life activities are performed not out of duty, but rather out of the overflow of our own experience of God’s love. The Holy Spirit then uses such activities as means of grace to transform the life of the church. The Bible assumes the existence of this body life among the people of God. In the early church, this body-life appears to have occurred spontaneously. In the typical modern setting, however, it must often be nurtured through some type of intentional structure, which in our case is CONNECT. CONNECT provides an atmosphere where this type of body-life can take place. Of course, the activities of body-life do not just occur within the context of a structured ministry such as CONNECT. Our desire is for Downcity Church to increasingly replicate the spontaneity of New Testament body-life. Because we live in a culture of radical individualism, engagement in CONNECT will take determined effort. Let's be honest - our propensity toward fulfilling body-life is not naturally strong. This, however, cannot become an excuse to give up! Underneath our culturally shaped aversion to transparent and dependent relationships is a God-placed need for others in our lives. Remember, the Christian journey is not meant to be travelled alone! I hope I have begun to convince you, or at least made you curious, about the value of taking part in CONNECT. We would love to see you on a Wednesday night!

First Two Weeks

2009-01-12T00:17:39Z

We got off to a great start last Sunday, January 4th! It was great to see the room filled with people and to join with others from all walks of life singing praises to God and listening to His clear Word. People stayed around for almost an hour after worship getting to know each other and hanging out in the "upper room" which overlooks Kennedy Plaza. It seemed that everyone was comfortable and energized by the gathering. This morning we considered canceling the service due to the winter storm, but decided to go forward with worship. Although the crowd was significantly smaller, we are so happy that five new people braved the weather to join us today! Jesus is going to build His church!

CONNECT with Us!

2009-01-11T23:40:41Z

One of our ministries at Downcity Church is called CONNECT. If you have investigated our website at all, you have probably discovered a blurb describing this ministry. CONNECT is a network of small groups composed of no less than 5 and no more than 12 people who meet regularly in a specific neighborhood of Providence. What is the goal of CONNECT? In a nutshell, these groups exist to apply the Gospel to our lives through worship, Bible study, sharing, prayer, and mission. The key word in the last sentence is the word "apply". In essence, we are attempting to ensure that all the knowledge we are gaining as we pursue Jesus together is getting CONNECTed to our everyday lives. As this occurs, we are confident that we will experience the power and presence of Jesus resulting in transformed lives. We view this ministry as more than a nice opportunity; we view it as vital to engagement in the life of our church. Why is CONNECT so essential? In my next post, I am going to make my case for the importance of a ministry like CONNECT.

A Resolution Guaranteed to Make this the Best Year of Your Life

2009-01-01T19:43:09Z

I’m glad there is a beginning and an end to each year. Can you imagine if there were no calendar, and our whole life was just one never-ending year? It feels so good to get a fresh start, and it also feels good to close the book on the past year. Before us lies a brand new year. What are some of the things you hope happen in your life this year? I hope that as we begin this new year, you will put a relationship with God right at the top of your priority list for 2009. What could possibly be more life-changing and meaningful for you than a genuine, growing relationship with the living God? Imagine the peace, hope, sense of purpose, strength, and happiness that would fill your heart each day if you knew God was real and that He loves you and is actively involved in the circumstances of your life? Too many people live in a foggy land spiritually, thinking that maybe there really is a God, but maybe there isn’t. Yet they never take the time to really pursue Him and find out. Even many who claim to be Christians basically live their lives as if they’re not sure God is real either. There’s not a better time in your life to really get to know God than right now. Get a Bible and read it. Join a Bible-teaching church. Make this the year you pursue God. This will be the best year of your life–guaranteed.

Will It Really Be Christmas This Year In Your House?

2008-12-23T04:21:12Z

Everywhere that we look and listen we hear and see Santa Claus. People are rushing around preparing for parties and buying presents. We sing and dream of giving and receiving gifts. In the midst of it all, it is rather apparent that the one whom Christmas is about has been forgotten. Do you know what the word Christmas means? "Mas" comes from the word mass and means celebration. Christmas is the celebration of Christ. Specifically, it is the yearly celebration of His birth. Because of whom Jesus was and is, His birth is a genuine reason to celebrate. When Jesus was born nearly 2,000 years ago, an angel announced His birth to shepherds in Bethlehem as “good news of great joy which will be all for all the people” (Luke 2:10). “For”, he said, “there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). Jesus was then and is today a Savior. Jesus’ name means “God saves.” Did you know He was born for you? The Scripture says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The title “Christ” means “Anointed One” or “Messiah”. Jesus is the one God has chosen to be the Savior of all who believe in Him. Christmas means you can be saved. You can be saved from your sins. Recently, the U.S. government bailed out two of the principal industries in the American economy. It appeared that without an outside rescue both the banking and automobile industries were headed for extermination. While some can debate whether or not they truly needed to be bailed out, from their perspective there was no choice – they had to be saved. Have you ever truly comprehended your own spiritual bankruptcy? Do you agree with the Bible’s assessment that you “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)? Jesus was born for the people who know they need a Savior. He said, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:31-32). Do you think you’re a sinner in need of a Savior, or do you think that you’re righteous and in no need of Jesus? Do you honestly think your righteousness can measure up to the righteousness of God? Are you genuinely unaware of the thousands of evil thoughts, desires, attitudes, and actions that have marred you in God’s eyes? Do you not know of God’s absolute hatred of all sin and the eternal judgment that awaits all those who have not been saved? What can wash away your sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! What can make you whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Christmas is cause for gigantic celebration! Jesus was born for you. He was born to die so that you might live. He took God’s wrath for your sin in your place on the cross. Now this is a reason to celebrate! I hope that you will make sure this year that your family and friends know what Christmas really is and what it means. May you have a wonderful and merry Christmas!

Real Hope, Real Change

2008-03-10T19:14:45Z

It's an election year, and once again America is hearing that there are a few of her fellow citizens who are the key to bringing hope and meaningful, lasting change to our lives and the world. Before the recent primary vote, one of the major contenders for president had their Rhode Island campaign headquarters in the first floor of the building I live in. Each day as I walked by these headquarters, signs urged me to vote for this candidate if I really wanted hope. I saw hundreds of people filing in there every day, and many volunteers feverishly working from early in the morning to late at night, because they are absolutely convinced that their candidate is the leader who will meet our deepest needs as a nation. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. Recently, I've had occasions to listen to a national radio personality. In the few times I've listened to this show, as the host discusses all the issues our country is facing, and his feelings about the crop of presidential candidates, I've heard him console concerned listeners who call in by saying, "Let not your heart be troubled." In other words, the caller doesn't need to fear the future, because this radio host is going to be there for them. Again, I don't know whether to laugh or to cry. When I hear other human beings offer themselves up as my hope, my reaction is to say to them the proverb that was quoted in Jesus' day: "Physician, heal yourself!" (Luke 4:23). Our country doesn't need a modern-day messiah. She needs to repent of her sin, and believe the Messiah Who has already been sent! It was He who said (with the power to back it up), "Do not let your heart be troubled" (John 14:1). If any of us are wrapping our hopes up in anyone besides Jesus Christ, we are going to be sorely disappointed. Man's deepest problem is not war, but the hearts plagued by greed, selfishness, unkindness, and bitterness that start wars. Man's deepest problem is not poverty, but hearts plagued by lust that consumes a person's wealth on pleasure, and selfishness that will not meet the needs of others. Man's deepest problem is not racism, but hearts plagued by pride and hatred. Man's deepest need is not intellectual education, but heart transformation. And, no human being can deliver man from his greatest problem: sin. Your biggest problem and my biggest problem is our sinful heart. We have a heart that at its core is not in submission to God. So, our lives, our nation, and our world are filled with violence, hatred, greed, selfishness, lust, unforgiveness and the resulting sorrow that comes from it all. In the midst of it all, God has presented His plan for world peace and peace in our individual lives. God's peace plan is Jesus. The Scripture says, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come" (II Corinthians 5:17). The reason this new life is possible for all of us is because "He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (II Corinthians 5:21). America needs Jesus. I need Jesus. You need Jesus. Will your turn from your sin and put your trust in Him? "Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever" (Psalm 146:3-6).

Looking For A Better City

2008-02-18T21:08:11Z

Yesterday marked exactly one year since I moved to Providence. It has been a great year. I moved downtown into the Peerless Lofts on Westminster St. I really enjoy the bustle of urban life. There are countless things to do and interesting people to meet. I also love the fact that so many great restaurants and attractions are within walking distance. The ongoing beautification of our capital city makes it a joy to live here. I'm so glad to be here and excited to see how great our city is going to become. I really appreciate all the city leaders who are giving the best energy of their lives to make our city a better place. But, having said that, I'm looking for a better city. I don't mean I want to move. I don't. I want to stay here – for now. But, as a Christian the city that I really can't wait to live in is the heavenly one. The Bible says of all true Christians – those who genuinely love and want to follow Jesus – For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come (Hebrews 13:14). In another verse it says, But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:16). Like Abraham, Christians look for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10). While I love Providence, ultimately my hopes and dreams are not wrapped up here. This is only a temporary place for me. Jesus said to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion, Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-3). This promise is the great anticipation of all Christians. While we desire and intend to be the best citizens and neighbors we can in whatever city we inhabit, our aspiration for what we do is not to leave a great legacy here, but to build up one there. We are not captivated by our houses, cars, careers, bank accounts, and retirement plans here, because what we value most, and our retirement plan is out of this world. This is temporary, that is eternal. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal (II Corinthians 4:16-18). What about you – what are you living for? Are you confident that you will have eternal life in heaven when your brief life on earth is done? Jesus says, For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16).