Video: Heart Conditions "A Wise heart"

This is a weekend message I preached at Crossroads Church in Pittsburgh, PA on Luke 12:13-21.  I hope it too sparks insights and thought into your life.  God Bless.


Heart Conditions: A Wise Heart from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Generosity

Here are a couple thoughts on generosity I found this week.  It is amazing how we can relate too these quotes hundreds of years later.  This is challenging. 

Ambrose (theologian and church leader, 4th century) wrote: "There is your brother, naked and crying! And you stand confused over the choice of an attractive floor covering."

Basil the Great (theologian and bishop in modern-day Turkey, 4th century) wrote, "The bread you do not use is the bread of the hungry. The garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of the person who is naked. The shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot. The money you keep locked away is the money of the poor." 

John Chrysostom (theologian and pastor, 4th century) said, "The almsgiver is a harbor for those in necessity: a harbor receives all who have encountered shipwreck, and frees them from danger; whether they are bad or good. … he escorts them into his own shelter. So you likewise, when you see on earth the man who has encountered the shipwreck of poverty, do not judge him, do not seek an account of his life, but free him from his misfortune."

Video: Faith and Culture

This is a small group video I created for North Way Christian Community in Pittsburgh, PA.  I hope it sparks thoughts on how faith and culture mix.  Enjoy

Faith and Culture from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Hurdles: Doesn't Religion Promote Injustice in our World?

This is a weekend message I preached at Crossroads Church in Cranberry, PA. I hope the thoughts I share here spark thoughts and and insights in your life. Enjoy.

Heart Conditions: Luke 12:13-21

Here are some quick thoughts from the Scripture we will be studying this weekend at Crossroads Church.

·      If you ask Jesus to come between you and another He may expose your faults.

·      Jesus always exposes our hearts.

·      Actively guard your hearts from things that take you away from Jesus.

·      Greed always interrupts our lives.

·      Greed can take over your life.  It can own you.

·      Greed can ruin your relationships with others.  Be aware of the stuff that gets between you and others.

·      A windfall of money can expose a lot of issues in one’s heart.

·      You are much more than the things you own.

·      It is not wise to trust your stuff. 

·      Life is fragile.

·      Your future is not in your control.

·      Don’t let the pursuit of treasure in this life take you away from living a life of eternal worth.

·      Look beyond yourself.

·      Look beyond this world.

·      Possessions do not give security

·      It is foolish to focus on things of this world.  Life should be focused not on self but the Lord.

·      This may be more difficult if you live in prosperity.

·      Invest wisely in the things of eternity.

Heart Conditions: A Wise Heart

One author I read this week described this weekend’s topic as “the most difficult topic to apply personally to our lives as modern western Christians.   We live in a culture where our primary pursuits are our own security and pleasure, both, we think achieved by possessions.”

This week at Crossroads Church we are continuing our series entitled “Heart Conditions” by looking at what it means to live with a wise heart.  In Luke Chapter 12:13-21, Jesus shares the parable of the rich fool.  In this story, Jesus shows us the foolishness that comes when we seek contentment and security in the “stuff” we own. 

In fact, Jesus says that life is fragile, and that when we become too focused on “our stuff” that our focus can become skewed and hearts can become sick.  A wise heart, according to Jesus, is one that is focused on the things of eternity. 

Join us this week as we continue this great series and I encourage you to take some time this week to read through Luke 12:13-21

God Bless,

Pastor Mike

Heart Conditions: Luke 12:1-12

I am preaching this weekend on living with a brave heart.  Here are a couple of early thoughts on this weekend’s text.

·      Jesus can still draw a crowd.

·      It is disappointing when people hurt each other in their pursuit of God.

·      There are things we need to actively push away from our hearts.

·      A little hypocrisy can go a long way and will grow if left unchecked.  This is a slow, constant process that can dig deep within.

·      Jesus would rather have a blunt sinner than someone who puts on the act of godliness.

·      There are no secrets.  God will reveal all.  Do not deceive.  Do not lie.

·      Your heart will be revealed.  Make sure you keep it pure. 

·      The goal is not the appearance of good.  The goal is to be good.

·      Live for eternity.

·      Be brave: respect and follow the Lord no matter what the consequences. 

·      Faith in the Lord takes courage. 

·      We all choose either to fear man or fear God. 

·      We will serve who we most fear.

·      Man’s power over you is limited.  God’s power is unlimited.

·      Man’s care for you is limited. God’s care is unlimited.

·      The Lord cares about the details of His creation.

·      He knows things about you that you do not even know.

·      God knows about the pain you will go through because of your faith in Him. He lets you go through this for something much better.

·      The Lord loves you greatly.  You are of great value to him.

·      Let others know that you are a follower of Jesus.  Do not be afraid or ashamed.  If you do this Jesus will remember this in eternity.

·      If you disown Jesus he will remember this as well.

·      If you continually ignore the Spirit of truth in your heart you will lose your bearings in life.   This will lead to destruction.

·      The Holy Sprit will guide you through the trials of this life.

Heart Conditions: A Brave Heart

One of my all-time favorite movies is Braveheart with Mel Gibson.  Any one who has ever seen this movie can remember the pre-battle speech given by William Wallace; who just moments before leading his men into battle yells at the top of his lungs, “They may take our lives but they’ll never take our freedom!” For the men in this movie this was a defining moment that called them to live in courage.

This week at Crossroads Cranberry we will be continuing our series entitled, “Heart Conditions” by looking at what I means to live with a brave heart.  In Luke 12:1-12, Jesus challenges the crowd around Him to live bravely in light of eternity.  “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do not more.”  In this passage Jesus challenges us to live with integrity, honesty, and courage no matter what the cost.

I encourage you to take some time this week to read through Luke 12:1-12.  And Join us Sunday at 10:30 as we take some time to explore this passage together.

God Bless,

Pastor Mike

Something Must Die

Pride is a killer.  In Luke chapter 11, Jesus challenges the Pharisees about the pride that is in their hearts. “Woe to you Pharisees because you love the important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. “  Later in this chapter, Jesus says it is this very pride that caused their forefathers to literally kill the former prophets that brought them truth.

As I studied this morning I was faced with the truth that when pride is exposed in our lives something must die.

We will either repent and kill the pride in our hearts, or we kill the one that exposes our pride.  We will either humble ourselves or belittle, slander, and excuse the one that shows us our faults.  This is why they killed Jesus, He exposed their pride and something had to die.

The truth is that there is a “little Pharisee” in each of us.  A sickness in our heart that left unchecked will continue to grow.  The choice is ours, we will either allow Jesus to remove this from our hearts and kill our pride or we will kill the very ones who show us our sin.  Either way something must die.

Heart Conditions: A Pure Heart

Have you ever waited in a hospital emergency room with a minor injury for a long time?  Maybe you had broken arm or sinus infection that needed attention but once you entered into the emergency room you had to wait and wait.

If you ever go to an ER and complain of chest pains you will notice the hospital will react differently.  Matter of fact, there are very few people sitting in the waiting room who complain about pain in their heart!  This is because the heart very important, even essential to life.

This week we are starting a new series entitled “Heart Conditions” at Crossroads Cranberry.  

The “heart” is a great image in scripture.  If one’s physical heart is sick it will affect their entire body and if one’s spiritual heart sick it will affect every area of their life as well.

This week will we will be looking at what it means to live with a pure heart and will be studying from Luke 11:33-54.  I would encourage you to take some time this weekend to read this passage and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

God Bless,

Pastor Mike

Heart Conditions: Luke 11:33-54

This week we are starting a new series entitled “Heart Conditions” at Crossroads Church.  Our Core text is Luke 11:33-54.  Here are a couple of quick insights on this text as I prepare for this week’s message.

Luke 11:33-54

·      Light shines in the darkness

·      It does not make since to hide a light.  If it is on we should free it for others to see.

·      If you close your eyes all you will see is darkness.  Even if a light is on.  If you close your eyes to Jesus you will miss Him. Even if he is right in front of you.

·      Jesus has already done enough for us to believe in Him.  He problem is not Him.  It is us.  We need to open our eyes to him.  If you have doubts, look to him.  Seek Him.  You will find him.

·      Be carful what you focus on.

·      Your focus will determine your direction.  We go where we look. 

·      If you focus on “the light” it will enlighten your heart.

·      If you focus on “darkness”  it will take you to darkness.

·      Where is your focus today?

·      You will shine if focus on Jesus. 

·      Make sure you spend time cleaning your inside.

·      Clean out greed, wickedness, and pride.

·      Give the inside away.  Give your heart to others in need.  If you do the Lord will fill you up.

·      Woe to the heart that gives out of duty and pride. They miss out on the blessing of generosity.  Let the injustice of this world break your heart.  Then do something about it.  Respond out of the light that is in you.  Not out of guilt or pride.

·      Woe to the heart that uses God for power and recognition.  You are a servant not at king.  You have received your reward in full.

·      Woe to the heart that goes through the spiritual motions.  You are a shell.  Your efforts do not make you clean before God. 

·      Woe to the heart that burdens people with religion.  God is freely accessible to everyone.  Help others in their pursuit of God.

·      Woe to the heart that rejects Jesus.  To those who know the promise of His coming.  To those who know the words of the prophets but reject Jesus because they want control.

·      Woe to the heart that knows the truth but keeps it hidden for their own personal gain.  The truth of Jesus must be shared. 

Audio: "Is Jesus the Only Way"

This is a weekend message I recently preached at Crossroads Cranberry, the church I currently serve. I hope it sparks further thought and study on a rather challenging issue.

Is Jesus the Only Way? from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Video: A Change Will Do You Good

This is a weekend message I preached at North Way Christian Community in Pittsburgh, PA. I hope that the thoughts I share here will challenge your life in the same way they have challenged me. 

A Change will Do You Good from Michael P Arnold on Vimeo.

Goals

We are already 5 weeks into the new year.  This year I created a list of my personal and professional goals for 2011.  I plan to take a look at this every two weeks to see if I am on track.  Looks like a busy year!  How are your 2011 goals looking?

·      Spiritual

o   Finish reading through the entire Bible

§  Blog my reflections

o   Pray for 10 minutes a day

o   Listen to 2 sermons a week.

o   Slow down and listen to God.

o   Find a local trusted friend to share life with.

o   Seek mentorship from 1-2 other pastors/leaders.

·      Family

o   Date my wife 20 times this year

§  Serve my wife weekly in a significant way.

o   Take my wife away on a trip

o   Date my daughter Elena 10 times this year

o   Date my daughter Ava 10 times this year

o   Take a Family Vacation

o   Find a creative way to honor my parents this year

o   Find a creative way to honor my in-laws this year

o   Be more present during “time off”

o   Continue work projects at home

§  Build a deck on the back of the house

§  Build porch on the back of the house

§  Start finishing the basement

o   Take Elena on a Missions Trip this Summer

·      Personal

o   Read and review 2 books a month

o   Unplug for 3 hours a day.

o   Work out 4-5 times a week. (45 minutes)

o   Play Basketball 1-2 times a week.

o   Find 5 Great ideas this year.

o   Travel

o   Listen more.  Be Slower to Speak.

o   Manage physical energy better.

§  Be disciplined in personal renewal.

·      Ministry

o   Be a good Team Player

§  Listen and serve well.

§  Be loyal at all times.

o   Successfully lead and launch Crossroads Cranberry

§  Hire and develop Staff

§  Develop Core team

·      Create and fill volunteer ministry positions

·      Handwrite three thank you notes a week.

§  Oversee Physical Upgrades to the Campus

§  Foster a environment of Spiritual Health

§  Preach well with passion and truth.

§  Develop a growing network of Small Groups

·      Train and empower Leaders

·      Create a effective entry process

§  Develop Cranberry Crossroads Training School

o   Preach well when called upon at Crossroads Oakdale

§  Protect time for preparation and study.

§  Develop this skill.

§  Listen to God through this process.

o   Develop and Execute Effective Multi-site Process

§  Listen and learn the vision of multi-site from my Senior Pastor.

§  Create an effective model for future campus launches.

§  Identify 3-5 future campus pastors

§  Create a process to hire/train emerging leaders

o   Help Assist in the Development of Crossroads Strategic Plan

§  Work with Church Solutions Group

o   Start Part-Time Consulting Career

§  Finish training for Church Solutions Group Strategic Planning

§  Serve my first 3-4 clients

o   Finish writing my first book.

Video: The Fear of the Unknown

This is a weekend message I preached at North Way Christian Community in Pittsburgh, PA. I hope that the thoughts I share here will challenge your life in the same way they have challenged me.

Fear of the Unknown from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Deliberate Simplicity (Part 1) by Dave Browning

After 14 years of full-time ministry in American mega-churches (1000+) I have often felt tired and disillusioned by the corporate structure of the church.  Being a strategist, I naturally gravitate to finding new and better solutions to reach more people with the message of Jesus Christ.  However, in the recent years I believe the over pursuit of ministry efficiently has at times ripped the heart and soul out of doing church.  There have been too many times I have felt like a salesman rather than a shepherd, a manger rather than a minister.

Over the past month, I have been reading and discussing Deliberate Simplicity with our Leadership team at Crossroads Church.  In my opinion, Dave has created a well thought out strategy to create a growing, entrepreneurial, church movement that feels more like a ministry than a marketplace. 

Dave begins his book by creating new equation for church ministry.  This is part one of a summary of his book that I would strongly recommend to any church leader.

Minimally (<) Intentionality (=) Reality (-) Multility (x) Velocity (x) Scalability (∞)

< = - x + ∞

< Minimally

·      Simplify: Do more by doing less

o   Worship (love God more), Small Groups (love people more), Outreach (love more people)

o   Doctrinal Minimalists

§  Major on the Majors

·      God and His Word are trustworthy

·      Christ is the Savior and King

·      There is hope for the future and forgiveness for the past

·      The church holds the hope of the world in its hands.

o   Practical Minimalists

§  Prioritize what’s important

·      Do what works

·      Small is Huge

o   Not everyone likes huge.

o   Culture is moving “micro”

·      Good Enough

o   Find the “comfort zone” of excellence

o   There is a diminishing return on the high end of extreme quality.

o   Ministry is not about getting the programs perfect!  It is about changing lives. 

= Intentionality

·      Keep it missional

o   The church is not “for us”

o   The church “is us”

o   We are here for the lost.

o   “No enterprise can exist for itself alone.  It minister to some great need, it preforms some great service, not for itself, but others;  or failing therein ceases to be profitable and ceases to exist.”  President Calvin Coolidge.

·      Churches are Driven by:

o   Tradition:  a church driven by tradition looks to the past for guidance for the future.  “We have always done it that way.”

o   Personality:  a church driven by personality finds itself directed by a key figure or figures. “We need to talk to ___ before we change that.”

o   Finances: a church driven by finances finds itself looking to the budget for direction.  “We don’t have the budget for that.”

o   Programs: a church driven by programs defines itself by the programs it offers.

o   Buildings: a church driven by buildings finds itself in the constant pursuit of bigger and better facilities.

o   Events: a church driven by events finds itself regularly gearing up for its next concert or pageant.

o   Seekers: a church driven by seekers finds itself trying to get into the mind of “the customer.” 

o   Purpose: a church driven by purpose finds itself by evaluating what it does in relation to its sense of purpose.

o   Mission: a church driven by mission is caring out marching orders from it Commanding Officer.  This is the purpose of the church. 

§  “The greatest sin of the church today is not any sin of commission or sin of omission but the sin of no mission.” David Neeleman

§  “All Authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:18

§  “To seek pleasure, comfort and happiness is to guarantee that you will miss them all.  On the spiritual as on the natural level, these subjective states become heart-realities only as by-products that come from focusing on something else, something perceived as valuable, invigorating, and commanding.  The seeds of happiness, it has been truly said, grow in the soil of service.” J.I. Packer

§  “This last statement is one of the reasons I am no longer in a traditional church ministry.  In the modern-day church, there does seem to be a preoccupation with “us.”  I got weary of being about us.  It’s not about us.”  Dave Browing

·      Two Tensions

o   Outreach (care for those “out there”)

o   Nurture (care for those “in here”)

§  Without deliberate effort nurture always wins

·      An Outreach Church

o   Outreach instead of Evangelism

§  Outreach includes deeds as well as words.

§  Anyone can be apart of outreach

o   Outreach instead of Seeker

§  Seeker starts in the mind of those far from God.

§  Outreach starts in the mind of God.

§  They both build a bridge between the two.

o   Outreach is the work of each individual

§  “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15

o   Outreach is the work of every small group.

o   Outreach is the work of every church.

·      Passion for People

o   People matter to God.

o   Søren Kierkegaard warned of the danger of the church losing its passion for the gospel and treating it like just another piece of information.  The result for the church could be compared to reading a cookbook to a hungry person.

Video: Breakthrough "Selfishness"

This is a weekend message I preached at North Way Christian Community in Pittsburgh, PA. I hope these thoughts will challenge your life in the same way they have challenged me.