A Re-Emphasis On Missions

Right teaching leads to right practice. Gospel intake should lead us to gospel living. Enlightened and transformed by the light of the gospel message, with Jesus as it’s center, we are not merely encouraged, but rather mandated by it to live a lifestyle of missions. What would it look like if we truly believed that God has come, died and resurrected for the forgiveness of sins? What would it look like if it saturated our apartment buildings, blocks, community, work places and parks with gospel living? How much spiritual change would we see if we were to meet some of the physical needs of our community while anchoring our good deeds to God’s saving grace? These questions are few of many to consider while living in light of your local church community’s evangelistic values.

Read Mark 12:29-31

Jesus answered, “The most important is,‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’The second is this:‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Jesus responds to the crowd’s questioning with foundational truths of Gospel discipleship – Love God with all and above all, and Love our neighbor.

• What does it mean to love God with all our heart? Mind? Soul? Strength?
• What does it look like to love our neighbor practically? Ultimately?

Read Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Before bringing his earthly ministry to a close, Jesus commissioned those that had given themselves to following him. This final commissioning of Jesus is central to the Christian life, therefore, the local church’s life. Notice two things:

• Jesus’ main concern is that all people be introduced to this gospel message. That all nations hear and have the opportunity to respond to this salvation message.
• He does not call us to do this on our own, rather he says, “behold, I am with you always”. Jesus calls all of his devout followers to be on mission with him, not only for him.

Reflection Questions:

• What are some things that can keep us from “going”?
• We all are challenged to be disciple-making disciples. Are any of you living this way?
• What does “discipling” look like for you in light of where you are in your walk with God?
• How much discipling should we do? Does inviting unbelievers to church suffice?
• Being inviting doesn’t merely mean being hospitable in your own place but it can also mean a willingness to be where the unbelievers are.

As the local church, we desire to promote and cultivate in our community a genuine and passionate relationship with the God of the Bible in light of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. As a community within the community, we desire to express and move in a unified love fellowship with each other as revealed to us by the Father, Son and Spirit. Lastly, as representatives of Jesus, we do not desire to exclusively huddle around each other, but intently seek to bring others into the family of Jesus Christ, our brother, through his “good news.”

Counting Another As More Significant, This Is Humility

Psalm 34:2; Philippians 2:2 – 11

“My soul takes boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad”

As a native New Yorker it’s tough seeing others get the glory or recognition that you would like to be getting.  Humility is not the cup we often, if at all, drink.  If we are entirely honest, we’d admit that we want as many “likes” on our statuses as the next person.  We want as many following up on us and we want as many re-tweeting our self – proclaimed clever and witty statements on Twitter.

How difficult, then, is it to truly and altogether be glad for another’s success and accomplishments?  Not merely being glad, but to rejoice and celebrate someone else and their glory?  If you sit and think, it’s quite difficult.

This is the challenge of humility.  This is the challenge the Bible sets before us.  In fact, Biblical humility challenges us to actually boast in Jesus and his accomplishment on the cross.  You know, it’s interesting to hear this word boast used in this way simply because it’s a word that is only used in relation to oneself and one’s own accomplishments.  And so, in order to boast in an accomplishment realized by someone other than oneself is to identify yourself with the one realizing the accomplishment.  This might be what a guy named Paul was referring to in Galatians 2:20, “ I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” To subject yourself and the greatest of your accomplishments under Jesus and his one accomplishment on the cross.  To find the essence of your joy and your boasting in someone not yourself, but in Jesus.  Counting another as more significant.  This is humility!

This is also very difficult.  But where is the encouragement, yet, where is the strength to live it?  Philippians 2: 5 – 8 gives us the answer.  Jesus.  Be encouraged that God does not command us to this kind of radical humility with an utter and personal disconnect to how it looks and how it feels but He is the same God that first demonstrated it to us.  Jesus is everything yet became nothing that others may be made children of God.  This is humility!

Join Us, CCF Calendar

What's up guys!

My family and I have been really excited because for the last couple of months several opportunities have opened up for us to share the good news of Jesus in both intimate as well as public settings.  For several months now myself along with my wife, some good friends and tons of other partnerships have begun what's commonly known as a church planting work.  I'm sure many have already been following us and God's work with Christ Crucified Fellowship (the church name) via the social mediums, Twitter, Facebook, etc. However, we want to extend our resources a bit more.  Here's a Calendar of Events for CCF that extends from now to December.  Come Join us!  Our hope is that many more would join us in knowing Jesus more fully, loving Him more deeply and make Him known wider.

A Faith We Can Put Our Hands On

As the Gospels give us a glimpse into the historical life of a man named Jesus from Nazareth about two thousand years ago, we come across an event that seems most peculiar to us living in the 21st century.  We’ll look at the event according to the records of a young man named Mark, who experienced it through the eyes of one of Jesus’ most intimate friends – Peter.

In his letter so far, Mark has been describing the counter-cultural, scandalous and controversial messages and works of Jesus.  Jesus has been restoring sight to those that have been blind for years, even from birth.  He’s exercised his divine power to stop the 12 year hemorrhaging of a woman with a mere command, whereas other doctors would only worsen her situation.  He has even brought a young girl back to life from having been dead a couple of hours.  But not only this, Jesus has also been making statements that have caused much controversy and attention.  Statement like these: “The Son of Man [referring to Himself] has authority on earth to forgive sins”; “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (meaning He is over all) and “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (a call to suffering).

Mark, along with the other Gospel writers (Matthew, Luke and John) are making a valiant effort to make their readers aware of three major elements to our faith: Who is Jesus? What is He saying? And are we truly listening to Him?

This brings us to Mark 9:7 where Jesus brings his 3 closest boys, Peter, James and John, to receive a glimpse to a promise.  As if it weren’t enough to be at the top of a mountain, watching something heavenly happen to the physical Jesus, all while conversing with two guys that died thousands of year before  this moment, Peter, James and John hear a thunderous voice from the heavens say, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”  When it comes to life and all it encompasses, this statement is monumental.

Who is Jesus? What is He saying? Are we truly listening to Him?

You know, many now in this post post christian era write us off as mythical, spiritual fanatics who leverage their lives on a whimsical faith; but the reality is that we hinge our faith utterly on the life, actions, sacrifice, power and words of a historical figure.  The truth is Jesus of Nazareth really lived, really healed people of diseases, really said He was the Son of God, really predicted His own death, (among fulfilling every prophecy of Him, including his birth); was really crucified, really died and according to the testimony of many, really resurrected.  We cannot deny His existence, history does not allow for that.  We are only left with the responsibility to seek out the truth and even then we fall short.  But in his goodness, God pursues us through His Son Jesus, in the power of His Spirit, to see us in a fruitful relationship with Him.

Only “in Christ” can we have full and eternal security and encouragement.  Center your lives, ministry, work, relationship, and everything around Him.  ”Listen to Him”, not for the sake of listening to Him, but for the sake of receiving the full recompense of obedience – full complete joy! (John 15:11). 

Stripped…down to the socks!

This is the picture: you stand fully clothed, rockin’ all the right trends of the time, all the accessaries that would allow you to carry all the latest techs like your iPhone and Laptop; all of which you are able to have because of the coveted position you hold at one of the most desired and sough-out companies in town.  Suddenly, a handful of strangers come and begin to strip you of all these.  One by one with extreme force, each possession is ripped from you.  As you stand puzzled and confused, one of the assailants stops and says, “Try and Follow Him now”.

It’s easy to follow Jesus if he’s presented with attachments that are appealing.  However, the Bible teaches us differently.  David Platt challenges us this week to take initiative and strip any attachments that we might have on the Jesus we follow.  He challenges us to cling to the revealed Word of God, both written and living (The Bible and Jesus) in order to faithfully (and truly)  follow him.  In doing so, we’ll be constantly made aware of 3 major things about what it means to truly follow Jesus and our salvation in Him:

The sinfulness of our hearts

The severe gap between us and God

God’s loving, passionate and resilient pursuit of our hearts and subsequent transformation

“Radical Truths” – online community

Here’s just another spark of encouragement to seek or initiate a community of dudes/ladies that will radically encamp themselves around Jesus and his Good news. Join us as we look to challenge as well as encourage eachother through this online communiity

Be sure to check the different links to know more about what’s cooking in Wash Heights and Inwood:

http://www.facebook.com/rich.perez716#!/pages/Christ-Crucified-Fellowship/102775703104035

http://www.chiselseason.blogspot.com/

www.siniswack.com

Grace

Life is tough, even for christians

The reality is that life is just plain tough, without the exception of christians.  I say it this way for a number of reasons.  Here are a couple:

1. I say it for the non-christians who think that christians think that we believe we are exempt from a troubled and pain-filled life.  Not true.  In fact, following Jesus and living as he did is so difficult we can only do it through the help of His Spirit. Romans 8:6-11 reminds us that its only through God the Spirit that we can do what the “flesh”, us, can’t otherwise do – submit to Him and live in a loving relationship with him.  Galatians 2:20 also reminds us of this.  That in this life we have the faith that what Jesus has done for us, in our place, has positioned us in right relationship with God.  And that through that faith God sets up shop in us and empowers us to live in a way that not merely acknowledges God but highlights him!  And, please, don’t get me twisted, I’m not saying we’re incapable of anything, BUT, living a Jesus-centered, Father honoring life without the Spirit’s empowering isn’t one of them.
2. I say it for the christians that really do believe that we are exempt from trouble, pain and suffering because that’s only reserved for those who lived opposed to the God of the Bible. WRONG!  It’s bogus to even remotely think this way.  If you think of the process that the Father takes us through – saving us from sin and death, preparing us for the indescribable banquet with Jesus upon his return through sanctification, and then finally, glorifying and perfecting us for eternity; trouble, pain, and suffering are all factors to that final product. (I know, run-on sentence…leave me alone, I was in the zone! lol)  I can sit here and type away the numerous passages of scripture that point to this but I’ll only give you two.  First, Paul, who in speaking about our inheritance as believers in Jesus says this about receiving our inheritance, “if children, then heirs-heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided that we also suffer with him in order that we may be glorified with him.” Keyword: “PROVIDED.”  Second passages comes from the mouth of Jesus himself in Luke 24:26, “was is not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter in his glory?”  If we are to pick up our own crosses and follow Jesus, then surely, in a broader sense, this applies to us.

Anyway, I’ve said more than what I intended.  I’ll be real loose and leave y’all with an email I sent my wife, Anna about a week or so ago during some suffering we were in.  Hopefully it encourages you to see how the Bible isn’t merely a book but a “light to [our] path.”

Hey, I thought I was more important to cuddle a bit last night, so I didn’t get the chance to share some things…

When u can, take a look through these passages and see where the answer to ur question is:

• Philippians 1:12,13
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
• 1 Corinthians 1:6-8
• Romans 3:5-6

I believe this is all a strengthening of our faith.  Taking us through what CCF people are or will be going through in order that we can say to them “yeah, we’ve been through that too.  here’s how we overcame…”

My phone is almost dead, but I wanted to send this b4 it died.  Love u

Rich Perez

www.christcrucifiednyc.org

Sent from my iPhone



Refreshed by the company

A group of local church leaders from around NYC gathered at Gallery Church this morning to pray….the long lost art of young aspiring Christian leaders. For a long while I’ve wanted to sit and join in on something like this. I did and it was great! The only regret was not having my wife there with me.

I was surrounded by older seasoned leaders who were transparent enough to say, “we don’t know much but here’s what we do know…”. From a young guy like me, that was refreshing. As I shared some request that I wanted to bring before Jesus they were very careful to listen and eager to share wise insight. This time of corporate prayer was refreshing on a number of levels. Here are some of the things I took away:

 

• I was strengthened in the faith and encouraged to share my faith…Philemon 4-6; Romans 1:9-12
• I confessed area of weakness and sin, serving as a relief and reminder of God’s faithfulness…1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:1,3-5

Get up! Get it in prayer with the rest of the body. If you’re not a christian but know of some, ask them to pray for you. You’ll be amazed by Jesus.

Remix Wednesdays

About a month and half ago i met two kool Cali brothas. I want to show love to Ruslan and Beleaf, The Breax, tearin’ it up and reppin’ Jesus well in the Hip Hop arena!

Follow the link below for their latest track teaching us that God cannot be contained by this world and that as his kidz we live in light of that!

http://www.thebreax.com/notofthisworld.mp3

A time of listening to His voice

On Saturday night (9/11) Anna and I spent the ride home from NJ reflecting on where God has us and where we thought he was taking us.  Anna shared some thoughts, but a large part of the conversation was my venting and fighting off feelings of anxiety, lack of trust in God and not being able to spiritually see through the “rubble.”

With the baby asleep in the backseat, the car in front of our apartment building, Anna and I looked at each other and took a deep breath.  Anna closes her eyes and began to share some final thoughts.  Here are some of the major points she hit:

1. God is supplying us with His grace for this difficult season – 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
2. This difficult season is preparing us for what’s ahead – Romans 5:3-5
3. God is faithful to us – Romans 5:5; 8:28; 2 Timothy 2:11-13
4. The work He’s preparing us for is near – Ephesians 5:16 (prophetic)

As Anna spoke, I never felt the impulse to respond.  At that moment I knew God had particular words to share to both of us – and He was using Anna to share them.

After speaking the last words, she broke into tears and said, “thank you, Jesus.”

Jesus is a shepherd and he cares for his sheep.  John 10:3 tells us that he “leads them.”  John also tells that the sheep “know his voice”, implying that he speaks.  Of course, he speaks mainly and ultimately through the Scriptures, but also through the Spirit which he’s placed in the believer.  The Spirit “will guide us in all truth…and glorify [Jesus].” (John 16:12,14)

My encouragement: Husbands, love your wives by leading them in reflections of everyday life and aligning it with what God has to say in Scripture.  This allows for your wife to develop and cultivate spiritual maturity and/or whatever gifts God has given them.  Wives, love your husbands by encouraging them.  Your gifts and maturity are a priceless contribution to the team.

These will aide to reflect Jesus and honor the Father.  Continue to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus!