17

Jump Start # 4136

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4136

 

Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

 

Yesterday was my final sermon as one of the preachers at Charlestown Road. It also was the ending of my work as a local preacher. I’ve been doing this for close to fifty years. I’ll continue to preach and help out in the kingdom anywhere that I can be used. As the time drew close for this ending, I sat down and wrote out ten things I wanted the church to know before I left. For the next ten Jump Starts I will walk through those ten things.

 

  # 10 Together with God great things are done

 

Throughout the Bible we read of a great partnership with God. For instance, many of the great miracles, done by the power of God, involved a human touch. The parting of the Red Sea came about by God, but Moses raised his staff and it took place. The healing of the cripple in Acts was God working through the apostles. This partnership  is also seen in the proclamation of God’s word. The message was God’s. The means was God. But it was the human voice that proclaimed and preached that saving message. To the Corinthians Paul said that he planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. The growth would never take place as long as the seed remained in the barn. Paul had his part. God had his part. It was a Divine Partnership. Together with God great things are done.

 

In understanding this partnership with God, we see that God won’t do the work alone. How can they hear, the Romans were told, without a preacher? Neither will God go against our will. If we sit on the sidelines of life, then God won’t just do it Himself. And, there are so many times that we do not realize that God is involved, helping, opening doors and providing opportunities for us to bring about good things through Him.

 

Here are some things God has worked through you:

 

First, you have become an incredible person of virtue. God has changed you. You catch yourself from saying words that ought not to be said. Your eyes see opporutnities because you have learned to lift up your eyes and see the good that the Lord can do. A rock in a river doesn’t become smooth instantly. But over time, that river shapes and works on that rock, just as the Gospel has shaped and worked on our hearts. Decades with Jesus has made us a better people.

 

Second, through the Lord you have done some incredible things. Things you never thought possible. We see this through the Scriptures. Moses standing before Pharoah. Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar. Nehemiah before the Perisan king. Paul before King Agrippa and then before Caesar. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things because God was with them.

 

And, think about your life. You have forgiven when you didn’t think you could. You have taught classes when you were terrified of speaking publicly. You have invited people into your home for a meal. You have comforted grieving people. You have defended the truth before family and friends. You have given up a Saturday to help someone. You have served as a shepherd.

 

It is amazing to look back and to see all that you have done. You could have never done that without the Lord.

 

Third, with the Lord, the future is bright. More great things will be done as a new generation of disciples are raised to walk and serve the Lord. In the rely race, it’s not always the fastest that wins, but those that can easily and smootly pass the baton on to the next runner. The fastest team often fails because they fumble, drop and mess up the passing of the baton. Generationally, we do well when we pour effort and thought into how we are passing the baton on to the next generation.

 

With God at the helm of our hearts and our congregations, great things will continue to happen. The future is bright, as long as we remain with the Lord.

 

Roger

 

14

Jump Start # 4135

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4135

 

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

 

I’ve been in a hotel this week. On the road preaching. At breakfast, three tables away from where I was sitting I could tell you all about someone’s father and how difficult he has been. I know this because the person on the phone was talking so loud. She finally finished the phone call and immediately called someone else. Why she didn’t stay in her room or go outside I do not understand. Then walking back to my room, I saw someone leaving their room with a massive dog. I know people love their pets, but when that pet isn’t yours, it’s hard to be a fan. I’ve stayed in hotel rooms that smelled like wet dog. Not a great experience n my way of thinking.

 

That’s how the day started, loud conversations and dogs in the hallway. It’s enough to make one grumpy, complaining and miserable the rest of the day. For some, it’s enough to make them miserable the rest of the trip. But our verse came to my mind as I returned to my room this morning. I generally focus on the end of this passage, the forgiveness factor. Forgiving just as we have been forgiven. But on this day, it’s the front end of this passage that caught my attention. Be kind. Be tender-hearted. There are times when you feel like saying things, but you don’t. You don’t, because likely what you will say will not be kind. Why poke a bear and start a war when it is not necessary.

 

And, I’ve noticed this about our times. Not only does everyone have an opinion about things, they feel compelled to share that opinion with the world. And, when you don’t have the same opinion as they do, they’ll let you know. Mention politics and the battle lines are drawn. Talk about drivers on the highway, the price of things today, the kind of movies being produced, the construction zones, the temperature in the church building, the type of hymns led on a Sunday—and just about everyone has an opinion and most feel the need to express it.

 

Be kind to one another. One has to wonder what God had in mind when He sent those words to the apostle. Be kind. Did the Lord see something missing in the relationships among His people? Was there tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians? Or, was the problem coming from the masters and how they were treating their slaves? Many of the slaves may have been Christians.

 

Be kind. Give some thought to that:

 

First, kindness comes from the inside out. You can have two kids who are fighting over a toy and mom will tell one to share the toy with the other. He’ll do it, but he certainly doesn’t want to. In fact, he may hand the toy over, while sticking his tongue out at the other kid. Kindness is something we choose. It is a quality of the heart. It begins from  the foundation of God and grows as one loves others. And, that’s the key. When selfish people only think of themselves, they won’t be kind. They will do things that benefits themselves and only themselves.

 

Second, kindness must not stay in our hearts. Until it is reflected and shown, no one else knows that you are kind. So, the choice of words, the tone of our voice, our facial expression, the amount of time we give all show others kindness. One never has to say a word, but all it takes is a look and someone will know that you are not kind. The frown. The stink eye. The rolled eyes. Those are all the early signs of a volcano that is about to erupt. Not only do they show that you are not happy, it reveals that what is about to come from your lips will not be kind.

 

Third, we do not have to express our displeasure, our opinions and our attitudes in every situation. Somehow we get this when referring to the world, but within the congregation, we feel that it is our duty to express our feelings about everything. Any given Sunday morning in church one is bound to hear, “It’s freezing in here,” and at the same time, “I’m burning up.” I was in one church building where the air conditioner fans blew so strong, that it’d turn the pages in my Bible. I had to put a pen on my Bible while I was preaching to keep the page where I wanted it to be. Get to know your place. Dress accordingly. If it runs cold, put on layers. If it runs hot, wear fewer layers. Make it work.

 

You don’t have to express your displeasure about the songs that were led, or who prays or the length of the sermon. You do that enough and your family is going to wonder why you even go. Be kind.

 

Kindness is what leads some to send a card or a text thanking someone for what they did. Kindness is what compels someone to buy a gift card to someone to let them know how much they are loved. Kindness helps a mother who is trying to balance diaper bags, kids, Bibles and bags of books. Kindness asks the shepherds if there is anything that can be done for them this week. Kindness pulls us together. Kindness keeps us coming back. Kindness builds relationships.

 

There are some who are just good at being kind. Others need to work at it.

 

Be kind to one another. Can people say that’s you?

 

Roger

 

13

Jump Start # 4134

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4134

 

1 Peter 4:11 “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supples; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. “

 

Throwback Thursday: An article written from the past

 

What are you talking about?

 

A congregation in Indiana is looking for a preacher. Here is what they wrote in regard to finding a preacher:

 

  We suffered a split in 2004 that weakened us numerically and financially. We were essentially three congregations under one roof and two of the groups pulled out. God is restoring us, but we need a missional (sic) ministry partner to help us harness our spiritual gifts and connect with the community Monday through Saturday. Our young families relate to the post-modern experience and feel that prevailing ministry models lack meaningful purpose. We want to foster a spiritual environment that introduces spiritual explorers to authentic connections with our ancient God and his timeless kingdom.

 

My first reaction was, “Wow! What in the world are they talking about?” I understand the words, but I don’t understand how they fit in with New Testament Christianity. “Postmodern experience,” “authentic connections,” “spiritual explorers”? What are those supposed to mean?

 

Peter said, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet 4:11).   This is a good reminder for all of us to speak as the Bible. For years the world has renamed sin into less offensive terms, such as lifestyles and affairs. It is easy to move away from the language of the Bible to a language that is so obscure and fuzzy that it can mean anything and teaches nothing.

 

The term spiritual explorers, I guess is supposed to mean people who are seeking the truth. I wonder why they just didn’t say that?  Young families feeling that the prevailing ministry models lack meaningful purpose sounds like they are either tired of preaching, or they want women to preach. I wonder why they just don’t say that? The language is not clear.

 

The bottom line of all of this may be a people that has simply outgrown the Gospel and the church as God has designed. Some throw out the old for the new. Changing the words may appeal to a changing culture, but it doesn’t resolve the real needs, and that is the message of Christ. Let us speak the language of the Bible. Call Bible things by Bible words. Let us not be ashamed of what the Bible says.

 

  Give me the Bible.

 

Roger

August, 2005

 

12

Jump Start # 4133

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4133

 

John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were no so, I  would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.”

 

We had some company coming for a visit. I took out the trash, swept the floors and my wife was busy in the kitchen doing what she does so well, baking. We were getting ready for company. I have often thought of this passage in that way. Jesus was up in Heaven, getting things ready for us to come. Company was coming and the Lord was busy preparing the place.

 

Cool thought, but I don’t think that’s the way this  passage works. First, it would imply that Heaven wasn’t ready. Don’t get there too soon, because God’s  house is a mess. It needed to be prepared for us. I doubt God’s house was ever a mess. Not with God there. Second, the going to prepare didn’t take place in Heaven but on the cross. That’s what the Lord had in mind. He prepared a people who were broken and lost for the holiness of His Father. How did He do that? It wasn’t sweeping the floors of Heaven, but instead, the shedding of His pure and innocent blood for us. That’s how the Lord prepared a place for us. Without that sacrifice we wouldn’t be invited to sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the heavenly banquet table.

 

We have moved in to our new house in Noblesville. I no longer have a home in Southern Indiana. My days of driving back and forth are just about over. The last room to get the final touches in our new home was a bedroom that was converted to an office. Custom shelves line the walls. A stained glass fandelier sits above my desk. The door is frosted glass. The books are on the shelves. Boxes and boxes of stuff had to be gone through. Pictures, collectables and mementos placed in just the right place. I poured hours into getting this room just the way I wanted it. It had to be me. It had to have character. Although, few will see it, I wanted a “wow” factor every time I walked into the room. And, now, it’s finally done.

 

Have you thought about “God’s house.” It’s His, not ours. Just as my office reflect me. There are signed baseballs, Dodger hats, rocks from Israel, pictures of my preacher friends and my favorite books. This room is so Roger. What do you think God’s house would be like?

 

First, like the Lord, it will be perfect. There won’t be one thing that’s not right. There won’t be anything to complain about. There won’t be any wishing to be somewhere else. Heaven is God’s house and it will be a reflection of the Lord.

 

Second, like the Lord, only the best will be there. Has God ever done something half way or just thrown things together to get something done? Eden is referred to as Paradise. It was the best. God’s word, simply the best. Jesus, the best. Everything God provides is the best. One might argue, we’ll be in Heaven and we aren’t the best. We aren’t. Not in our selves, but with the grace of God, we are God’s people. Imagine no bad news. Nothing to cry about. No disasters. No fear. No nights. No enemies. No trouble. Only the best, because that’s what God is. Heaven is a reflection of God.

 

Third, like the Lord, Heaven is enduring. It’s not a weekend get-a-way. We won’t pass though as tourists. God’s  home becomes our home. It’s everlasting. It’s eternity. That’s beyond us. Everything we know ends. Books end. Movies end. Pets end. We end. Nothing lasts. We get use to that. It’s the moment. It’s now that we live for. Heaven won’t be like that. It won’t  get old. It won’t get out of date. We won’t get tired of it. We won’t be looking for something new and fresh. As God is enduring, so is Heaven.

 

Personal tastes. Putting your own touches on things. We do that when we move into a new place. College dorms get fixed up to the tastes of the students living there. Apartments, homes, get new paint, new light fixtures, new updates—all to reflect our own tastes.

 

God’s house. What a wonderful concept. What a fascinating invitation. Come to God’s house.

 

Roger

 

11

Jump Start # 4132

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4132

2 Peter 3:18 “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity.”

 

Yesterday I finished writing my final sermon as one of the preachers here. I have been thinking about that for a long time. What do you say? After 18+ years with a group and more than 46 years of preaching, there are endless stories, memories and blessings. Good times. Challenging times. Fun times.

 

I shared with my good Tennessee friend Mike how I was going to structure the final sermon. He sent me an audio recording from Robert Jackson about final words. The recording was classic Robert Jackson. He pointed out Paul’s final words, Peter’s final words and John’s final words that are recorded in Scripture.

 

Paul: The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you (2 Tim 4:22).

Peter: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now an to the day of eternity. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).

John: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:21).

 

Three amazing apostles. Combined, they wrote twenty of the twenty-seven books of the N.T. And, in their final words, all three use the word “grace.” It makes one believe that grace is pretty important.

 

Here are some thoughts:

 

First, we are a grace filled, graced lived people. Our emphasis upon obedience and baptism can easily lead to the conclusion that grace isn’t important. It is. It is the most important. Our obedience can never do what grace can. Because many misunderstand and misuse grace, even among us, let us not shy away from this word. We are saved by grace through faith. Grace moves the attention off of us and our performance and puts it on the Lord. Had it not been for the Lord, the Psalmist declared, ought to be what we too declare. Had it not been for the Lord, we would not be saved. Had it not been for the Lord, we would be hopeless and helpless.

 

These three apostles understood that grace is important. Do we?

 

Second, grace is a choice made by a loving God. God does not owe us forgiveness. He does not have to forgive us. He does not owe us a second chance. Mercy comes from the kindness of the Lord and not because we are so cute, adorable and God can’t resist us. We were sinners. We were the enemies of God. Why not turn His back on us and walk away? He didn’t because He loves us.

 

And, once we get a good taste of that, we will quit arguing about “Do I have to attend Wednesday night,” or pushing the buttons of God’s patience. Our hearts will explode with gratitude for the kindness of God. We are prodigals who do not desrve back into God’s house. But, the Lord has done more. He has hosted a celebration in our honor when we have done nothing to deserve it.

 

When I hear folks trying to squeeze social drinking into the Scriptures or winking at the casual and indifferent manner of worship that is promoted today, I wonder why are you not content with what God has done? If you understood grace, you’ll not push God. You’ll not try to improve upon God. You’ll be happy with things just the way the Lord set the table. It’s about grace.

 

Third, growing in grace and knowledge of our Savior, as Peter ended his inspired writings, go hand in hand. The more I know the Lord, the more I’ll demonstrate grace in my life. We have learned how to be the prodigal’s older brother pretty well. We’ve got the Jonah attitude down. Now, it’s time to forgive as God has forgiven us. It’s time to show grace to others.

 

The more time one spends in the sunshine of God’s grace, the kinder, more patient and more forgiving he will be. Because of His grace, we have grace. Because we’ve been given a second chance, we give second chances. We learn from the One who was full of grace and truth. The woman at the well was a mess in her relationships. The Lord was kind to her. The woman caught in adultery was guilty. The Lord was kind to her. And, because of that, we become kind to the toxic co-worker. We become kind to the person having a bad day. We become kind to one another.

 

Three apostles ending their writings with “grace.” Simply amazing.

 

Roger