Confession

It is 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13th and I have two confessions to make.

First - least important

I have done a very poor job of updating this blog. In fact, the last update was in November. I apologize to the few people who actually read this. I have been using Facebook as our primary way to keep people updated on the happenings here in Nashville.

I will post a quick update about the training and the preparation for our church plant by the end of the day.


Second - most important

"Church planting takes great faith." But, I believe I have been using this phrase as a crutch for my lack of faith. I continue to find myself fearful of how the future church might turn out.
Instead of trusting Him, I continually seek ways to trust other people.

One of the main issues I have been dealing with in the area of trusting God is with a staff team. I understand that we are better together than we are apart. I believe that partnerships in the Gospel are not only a blessing, but are required for long-term health.

The times I have seen ministry really flourish are when God leads mighty men and women of faith to join the work He is doing in and through us. I understand that this is a blessing from the Lord.

As the time to leave the "nest" of Brentwood Baptist draws near, I have a decision to make. Will I continue to replace my trust in God with trust in others? Or, will I repent of this sin and believe that God is with me?

In my Bible reading, I came across Exodus 33 today. Before reading I asked God to speak to me about this issue of team, and to increase my faith.

Exodus 33:12-23-
Moses is in the process of leading God's people into the land He has promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses comes down from Mount Sinai after receiving the two tablets on which God Himself wrote the 10 commandments. God sent Moses back to the camp because the people had begun to lose faith in God and had created an idol to worship.

This leads us to 33:12. Moses comes before God in the tent of meeting and asks God this question, "See, you say to me, 'bring up this people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.' Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people."

Moses' lack of faith in God for leading the people started back in Exodus chapter 3 and 4. In fact, this lack of faith is what allowed Aaron the opportunity to lead with Moses. I am at a place in my calling to lead in which I have the opportunity to move forward in faith, believing God is with me. Yes, I desire to have a team and to do the work of church planting with people who will help hold me up. But, my desire for this team has stemmed from a fear of failure. I have lacked faith in God, and trusted in man. This is idolatry.

In 33:14 God answered, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
There it is. Back to the basics. Is God enough? Do I need anyone else?

Those who have received Christ have received His Spirit. The Spirit of God indwells every believer for the purpose of teaching us about Jesus, growing us in His likeness, sealing us for salvation, and empowering us to glorify God by making disciples.

Therefore, I have confessed my sin to God and to others. I have repented of this lack of faith and the ungodly desire for a team without trusting in God. I am asking God to increase my faith.

I am moving forward with the work of church planting believing that God is enough. It is Jesus who will build His church. I will move forward believing that He is pleased with me, and that He is with me.

When God sees fit to bring a team, I will celebrate His work. I will understand that this is a gift, and that these people need to be shepherded to trust God, not man.

I move forward in the presence of God. Apart from Him I can do nothing.

Pray for me as I continue to walk by faith.

Josh