Nick Poindexter

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Get To Work

January 25, 2011 / / 0 Comments

‘Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all! But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’
-Haggai 2:3-5 (NLT)

While the Jews were in captivity in Babylon, their homeland of Jerusalem had been ransacked and destroyed. Once they were finally able to return home, they initially started rebuilding the Temple, a symbol of God’s presence. But their emphasis quickly shifted to more personal needs instead. For over 15 years, the Temple was ignored in favor of their extravagant houses. For all intents and purposes, God was homeless.

So when Haggai enters the scene with his message of reprioritizing, the people had to feel somewhat overwhelmed. Yes, Haggai was right — the Temple had been neglected. But where do you even begin?  And despite the shear size of the project, how could another Temple even compare to Solomon’s? Rebuilding the Temple was going to be a monumental undertaking.

God replies to their fears with a direct, purposeful response: I know this is an intimidating calling. But do not be afraid. Why? Because I am with you. So be strong and get to work.

I don’t know why, but for some reason many Christians feel the need to hesitate when God is calling them to action. I know people that will pray, pray and pray some more about something, God will give them a definitive “Yes,” and they will still refuse to do it! I mean, really… This is God’s will we’re talking about here! He has promised that he is with you… God will see it to fruition. So step out in confidence and do it!

Just like the Jews 2,600 years ago, sometimes we too need a swift kick in the rear to get us moving. Whether it’s rebuilding the Temple, going on a mission trip, or changing careers… We must not be apprehensive of any God-given task. Even though our resources are limited, we had complete access to the Unlimited.

Whatever God has told you to do, the wait is over.

Get to work, for the Lord is with you.

Shipwrecks And Snakebites

January 20, 2011 / / 0 Comments

As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, “A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.” But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god.
-Acts 28:3-6 (NLT)

Imagine this scenario: You give up everything and follow the call of God with your life. It has even reached the point that you are imprisoned for your obedience. While being transferred to your trial, your boat runs ashore and your are left shipwrecked on a tiny island. That’s where we catch up with Paul here in Acts 28.

But, believe it or not, it gets worse. Once arriving on the island of Malta, Paul is bitten on the hand by a snake. The natives assume he’s a murder and he’s getting what he deserves. However, the bite doesn’t hurt Paul, so the people then decide that he’s a god instead.

Think of what happened to Paul in less than a 24-hour window: Shipwrecked on an remote island. Bitten by a venomous snake. Accused of being a murderer and a god. And it all happens while being faithful to God! I would say that’s enough to constitute a “bad day.” Honestly, that’s enough to question if what you’re doing is sincerely the will of God. I’m sure that thought crossed Paul’s mind.

A lot of people are at that exact moment in their life right now. Everything is falling apart. Things that are out of your control are controlling you. All your plans are unsuccessful. There are questions, doubts and fears. You feel like a living example of Murphy’s Law… Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. But Paul’s story didn’t end there, and thankfully neither does ours today.

Because of his new-found “god” status, Paul is taken to meet the chief official of the island. Paul is able to pray and heal the man’s sick father, along with others on the island. And as a way of saying “thank you,” the islanders give them enough supplies to complete their trip to Rome. Amazing!

If Paul’s boat doesn’t sink, he doesn’t end up off-course in Malta and he doesn’t get bitten by a snake. If Paul doesn’t get bitten by a snake, the people don’t mistake him for a god and he doesn’t get to meet the chief official. And if Paul doesn’t meet the chief official, the sick aren’t healed, supplies aren’t received, Paul doesn’t reach Rome, and God isn’t glorified.

When everything you thought was right is blowing up in your face… Hang in there. Sometimes failed plans are the best plans. God can use any circumstance to accomplish his purposes.

Even shipwrecks and snakebites.

The Great Omission

January 13, 2011 / / 0 Comments

Then Jesus came to them and said, “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 of 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 28:18-20 (NIV)

As Jesus is about to depart from Earth at the end of Matthew, his last words to his disciples are recorded, commonly known as the Great Commission. The statement Jesus gives contains three key commands: they are to 1) make disciples, 2) baptize disciples, and 3) teach disciples. No ifs, ands or buts about it… Those are three distinct actions that Jesus requires of his followers.

Unfortunately, many people like to cherry pick Jesus’ words here and just adhere to the instructions they want. When applied to their life, if often sounds something like the following: “I’m a Christian? Check. Been baptized? Check. OK, I’m good. See ya in heaven!”

There’s more involved with being a Christian however than just “get saved, get baptized.” Disciples must also be taught. Why? Because current disciples still need to grow. Then they are ready to evangelize and make more disciples, and the cycle continues.

That’s why Sunday morning worship services are important. That’s why mid-week youth group meetings are important. That’s why daily personal Bible study time is important. They aren’t just things we do… They are commands from Jesus himself about how his followers should learn and develop.

And this isn’t a “You have to go to church to be a Christian” rant. You don’t have to go to church. But you are commanded to be to taught. So if are a follower of Jesus but you are missing out on opportunities to be taught what he said, you might need to rearrange your priorities a little.

Make disciples. Baptize disciples. Teach disciples. All three are equal, and all three are vital to the process of reaching the world that Jesus put into action thousands of years ago.

Anything less isn’t the Great Commission. It’s the Great Omission.

Hidden Treasure

January 4, 2011 / / 0 Comments

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
-Matthew 13:44 (ESV)

In Biblical times there were no vaults or banks, so the practice of burying your money in the ground was rather common. It provided basic protection against thieves or invaders. The problem was that if the owner died or had to quickly move away, then the treasure would remain buried indefinitely.

With that said, Jesus tells a story of a man who unwittingly stumbles upon one such forgotten, hidden treasure. The reaction of the man is evidence of what a huge bargain he viewed his discovery as. He didn’t have to sleep on this one. There was no indecisiveness… He immediately abandons all that he has. It don’t think we can emphasize those words enough. The man didn’t sell some of what he had. He didn’t trade with some of his excess. He gave it all up. The whole nine yards, ball of wax, and enchilada. Everything.

And this man did gave it up full of joy and excitement? I can imagine the scene as he was going around town selling his possessions… The man’s friends and family must have thought he had lost his mind. However, he was never thinking more rationally! From his viewpoint, this transaction was indeed a no-brainer.

I am reminded of the missionary Jim Elliot, who felt lead to reach and minister to the Waidoni tribe of remote Ecuador in the 1950s. While there, Elliot was attacked and killed along with 4 others by Waidoni warriors. Some years earlier, he appropriately enough recorded these words in his journal: He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

So the parable begs the question: What is the kingdom of heaven worth to you?

Jim Elliot, like the man in the parable, understood that one way or another, you are going to sacrifice everything. You can sacrifice everything later to have it all now… Or, you can sacrifice everything now to have it all later.

Some rewards are great enough to be worth great sacrifices.

Celebrate Your Festivals

January 3, 2011 / / 0 Comments

Look to the mountains—the feet of one bringing good news and proclaiming peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah; fulfill your vows. For the wicked one will never again march through you; he will be entirely wiped out.
-Nahum 1:15 (HCSB)

The book of Nahum tells of the impending destruction coming to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The empire had risen to become one of the greatest and most powerful of their day… And in the process had also become the most evil. There wasn’t a nation around that hadn’t suffered from the Assyrians’ deception and cruelty, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah was no exception.

As a group of people who had been constantly beaten down and taken advantage of, the outlook of Judah’s inhabitants had to be pessimistic. I’m sure they were desperately crying out to God… I’m sure they were begging for his intervention… I’m sure they were at their breaking point. Really, how much misery can people take?

So in Nahum 1:15, the focus shifts from mighty Ninevah to downtrodden Judah. Nahum tells of a messenger coming to them with good news and a declaration of peace. They are told to continue to celebrate their festivals that were observed to remember God’s faithfulness. He says their adversary will no longer invade their city. In fact, the enemy will be completely wiped out.

For a change, the people of Judah had hope.

Sadly, not much has changed since the days of Nahum. God’s people are still afflicted and overcome. Problems and troubles persist. It may not be because of an invading army, but whether it’s a person, disease, or addiction causing the pain, it really doesn’t matter. Ultimately, we are all suffering under the oppression of a common Enemy.

Thank God that someone has been sent to deliver us good news as well… Jesus. And his message? Evil will be defeated. Satan will be annihilated. Therefore, we can hold our heads up high.

The story from Nahum is an apt reminder that God defeated the most powerful city on the face of the earth. Your problem has no chance.

So close the books. The fat lady has sung. Game over. It’s time to party!

Celebrate your festivals.

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About Nick

// Disciple of Jesus

// Husband of Twinkle

// Daddy of Blaise, Justice & Trinity

// Teaching Pastor of Collide Church (Yadkinville, NC)

// Lover of 90s music/television, useless trivia, Cheerwine, Krispy Kreme & Chick-fil-A

// Fan of the Tar Heels, Panthers, Hornets & Braves

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