Ahhhhhh, Finally- Our New Wicker Park Campus is Here!!!

Praise the Lord!!  Home, sweet home!!!  Two things I have learned while trying to secure a new location for our Wicker Park Campus, (1) The Devil is a Liar, (2) God is Fathful! : )

We just signed a 15 month lease on a very warm and hip location at 1635 N. Ashland! It is the perfect size, location, and the price we needed.  The landlord gave us a great "3 month head start" so we could focus on promoting and getting the word out.  We are already working on the paint, building it out, and putting the "Metro Praise" touch on it!

Here is going to be our new schedule in the new location starting Jan. 1, 2012:

///// SUNDAYS at 5pm ///// Main Family Service with Childcare ///// Joe n' Nancy Wyrostek Leading

///// TUESDAYS at 7pm ///// Life Group with Childcare ///// Chris n' Vanessa Vitale Leading

///// FRIDAYS at 7:30pm ///// Elevate Youth Group (Ages 11-18yrs) ///// Eli n' Leilani Leading

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 Here is the main area, "as is," we're gonna make this place look soooo cool!

This is going to be the "chill/kids" room!!

Click here for the map!

Wicker Park for JESUS!!  More to come...

Metro Winter 2011-12 Events!

Here are the upcoming events at the Metro!

Please note that we will be having just one combined service for Christmas at 10am.  It will be a powerful one hour service geared towards reaching your loved ones with the Gospel!

All are invited, please do not let monies hold you or your family back, we will help support all those who desire to come.  This is one of the most powerful weekends of our church!  We also will have a special "Night of Power" planned for the Sunday night service- Jan. 22nd!  Join us! 

For all upcoming events and directions, visit us at, www.metropraise.org/Events.html

Just Turned 16yrs Old in the Lord- Three Lessons I have Learned!"

November 5th, 2011 marked my 16th spiritual anniversary in the Lord.  I will never forget what it felt like the day I first met Jesus on 11/5/95 at my Mother's kitchen table.  I was 18 years old, a high school dropout, with drugs in my pocket, living with a girl I wasn't married to, and a past history of being arrested 8x.  Just moments prior I was cursing God and mocking the power of the cross.  However, within seconds I was repenting of my sins and receiving the everlasting gift of salvation.  Praise God, I have never been the same since, I was born again!

I thought now after 16years of following Jesus, being 34yrs old with a beautiful family, having earned a Master's Degree in Religion, with three church plants, and over 13 years of full-time ministry service I would share some things I have learned along the way.  I hope you enjoy them and they encourage you today!

1. Living for Jesus is Not a Sprint, but Rather a Marathon:  Hebrews 12:1-3 talks about "running the race set before us with perseverance," therefore, we cannot give up or just stick it out for a season but we must start and finish strong.  I have seen so many people throughout the past years start following Jesus strong and run fast, but overtime lose steam, get tired, and quit.  They all leave the race for different reasons, (a) felt the standards were too high, (b) were hurt by the church, or (c) let doubts takeover- however, the reasons do not matter much.  The bottom line, they quit on Jesus.

Lesson 1: The race is not won based on who is the fastest, but who endures to the end.  
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2. Life is Not Fair:  The books of Job and Ecclesiastes do a great job of explaining this.  Many times "fairness" and "justice" do not come in this life.  I have seen babies come to those who never wanted them and they get abortions, while godly parents have lost their children in miscarriages and infant death.  I have seen the wicked live long prosperous lives, while some of the most righteous people I know live in constant trials and financial tests.  I have seen pastors work a lifetime and lose their ministries because of what sinful staff members have done and at the same time I have watched churches grow overnight on a foundation of sand. 

I have watched people fast and pray for years for their family's salvation and they never saw it, while I have witnessed new believers come to church and within weeks "they and their whole household are saved."  I have watched some of my favorite "healing preachers" die of horrible illnesses well before their time, while those who never taught "Word of Faith" live into their 90's.  I have seen people leave churches wrongly, split churches, destroy churches, and still prosper in life- while dedicated disciples, who have served faithfully at the Lord's feet have lost their jobs, homes, and faced terrible times in life.

I have seen the uneducated being interviewed to speak for a Christian nation to millions of people, while those who have spent their whole life in study of God's Word only speak to dozens.  I have watched many church planters close their churches because they held uncompromising to the Word of God- but lacked "shine and public appeal," while those who rejected the Word and chose a path of compromise became the conference leaders of "church growth."  I have seen marriages end in divorce for ungodly reasons, the people remarry in sin and their life seems to prosper, however, I have watched godly couples stay committed to God and they suffer loss in this life.

Why?  Life isn't fair.

Lesson 2: When life isn't fair, trust God anyways.  He sees all and one day will tip the scales for righteousness and justice sake.

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3. Jesus is The Only Thing That Lasts Forever:  In Philippians 3:7 Paul states that He considers everything a "loss" compared to "having Christ."  After these many years I agree with this truth more than ever before.  The joys of family are temporary, the successes of life all pass, the talents of men fade, but those who love the Lord abide forever.  Even our greatest earthly treasures will pass away one day.  The child will say goodbye to their parents at death's door and then the child who is grown will have their children say goodbye to them when their time has come.  The only thing that lasts in this life is Jesus.  Therefore, Jesus is worth it all. 

Lesson 3: Always remember to love God with all your heart and place His kingdom first, for it is He who gives and takes away.

Why Elders and Deacons are So Important

As we are getting ready to graduate and ordain 10+ deacons tomorrow at Metro Praise Irving Park, I was in awe of what God is doing.  Not only will this be our largest graduating class, but they are also serving in more Life Groups with more new disciples than ever before!

Plus, I wanted to share why Metro Praise believes it is so important to have a strong church built on the two main church offices (elders/deacons) and the five-fold ministry gifts (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, & teacher).

Please read the section below from our website page, "Leadership Structure." (Also, found in our 201 book, "Disciples that Make Disciples," Joe Wyrostek.)


 

Metro Praise believes in restoring the biblical form of government back to the modern church, namely the offices of Elders and Deacons.  Since today in many churches people confuse the "gifts" with the "offices"  I will take the next few paragraphs to explain the difference between the two.  The five-fold ministry gifts found in Ephesians 4:11 are (1) Apostles (2) Prophets (3) Evangelists (4) Pastors, and (5) Teachers.  The two offices found in 1 Timothy 3 are (1) Elders and (2) Deacons.

Therefore, we simply believe that the "gifts" are given to those who fulfill the requirements of the two offices, Elders and Deacons. As a result we believe that the gifts are given by God and the offices are earned by walking worthy of a true minister.

Gifts vs. Offices

1Timothy 3:1& 10 (KJV), 1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

Here are some simple points to better understand the biblical way of viewing leadership as Elders/Deacons verses the all encompassing title "pastor."  First, none of the leaders in the church used their office or gift before their name. You never find the phrase the "Apostle Paul" in the Bible; it is always, "Paul, the Apostle" (Gal. 1:1, Eph. 1:1, Col. 1:1, & 1 Tim. 1:1).  Also, the idea to call everyone in the church "Pastor" has been a tradition that is not found in the Bible. (For example, to call someone in the church "Pastor Bob.")

Second, the word "Pastor" is only translated as such 1x in the New Testament and that is when it is listed in the Five-fold ministry. However, the word is translated 15x as the word, "shepherd." Therefore, if the title was to be used properly it would be "Shepherd Bob" not "Pastor Bob."

Thirdly, everyone in the ministry was either an Elder or a Deacon and then they operated in their ministerial gifts.  For example, we know that Peter was called to be an Apostle by Jesus and that was his ministry gift from God out of the Five-fold ministry. However, he referred to his office as an Elder and he commanded all the Elders to be good shepherds, so it is clear that Elders pastored or shepherd. Therefore, the office of Elder or Deacon is the "noun" or "title" and the gifts, such as Pastor, are the "verbs" or the "actions" the Elders or Deacons perform in their office.

Please read Peter describe how he thought of himself as an Elder in his office:

1 Peter 5:1-4, "1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

Therefore, Elders who are gifted as Teachers, teach. Elders, who are gifted as Evangelists, evangelize. Elders, who are gifted as Prophets, prophesy. Elders, who are gifted as Apostles, are sent out. And Elders, who are gifted as Pastors, pastor (or shepherd). Therefore, we not only see that Elders are used in the Five-Fold ministry, but so are Deacons. Take for example, Philip who was appointed by the twelve apostles to be the first of seven Deacons and also was called an Evangelist.

Acts 6:2-6& 21:8, " So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait (This is the first time the Greek word for Deacon is used, "diakoneo") on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 21:8, "Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven."

Therefore, at Metro Praise we use the government system of "Elders and Deacons." Our goal is to make every believer a disciple and ordain every disciple as an Elder or Deacon.  We believe everyone in the church should do the work of the ministry for the building up of the body of Christ.

Titus 1:5, "The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

 

Elders & Deacons

Elders and Deacons are the offices in the church that God uses to rule and govern the Body of Believers. Everyone can desire or set their heart on being an Elder or Deacon, but only God can give each person their gift of ministry. Therefore, every believer should live up to the standards of the office of Elder and Deacon and seek God for their own personal calling and gifting. Then at the right time God will give each person an anointing and an appointing into ministry. I truly believe that God will give each person who desires to be used in the ministry one or many of the Five-Fold Ministries!

Therefore, set your heart on God and the noble task of being a leader and let the Holy Spirit set your life on FIRE!  Here are the requirements for a disciple to be an Elder or Deacon.

 

Elder

1 Timothy 3:1-13, Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his hearton being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know  how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

 

Deacon

Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the  same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

 

At Metro Praise we believe the qualifications of the Elder and the Deacon are one in the same, and thus we as a church determine, with the leading of the Holy Ghost, what each person should be appointed and ordained as. Here is the complete list of requirements with definitions and examples so that you may have a clear and sound understanding of how you ought to live if you want to used by God as a Elder or Deacon.

Elders and Deacons Must Be:    

 1.  Above reproach: Elders and Deacons must always be in good standing with the church and nothing seen in the Bible can prove them of sin or err.    

 2.  Husband of One Wife: Elders and Deacons cannot be polygamists, or have an unbiblical divorce.    

 3.  Temperate: Elders and Deacons must have their emotions under control, they cannot be easily angered, depressed or full of pride, they must have a balanced emotional life.    

 4.  Self-Controlled: Elders and Deacons can not be addicted to anything in this world; not to sports, food, perversion, or the like.  

 5.  Respectable: Elders and Deacons must live their lives worthy of respect in the areas of finances, integrity, speech, time management and overall lifestyle in the community, church and home.    

 6.  Hospitable: Elders and Deacons must have a home and heart that is always open to fellowship, discipleship, and comfort for the people they minister to.   

 7.  Able to Teach: Elders and Deacons must be able to teach the sound doctrine of the Apostles, passionate worship for God, the true Gospel of repentance, and instruct new believers in the way of true discipleship and devotion to Jesus and His commands.   

 8.  Not Given To Drunkenness: Elders and Deacons must not be addicted to alcohol or the like (cigarettes, drugs, etc).    

 9.  Not Violent, But Gentle: Elders and Deacons must be kind and loving to the world that opposes them and patient with those they are disciplining.    

 10. Not Quarrelsome: Elders and Deacons must be able to learn under submission of the other Elders and they must teach with humility, not with an attitude of pride and dissension.    

11. Not a Lover of Money: Elders and Deacons must be tithers, generous givers, and not indebted to the lusts of this world; they must be an example of a wise steward of God's financial blessings and not pursue dishonest gain in any way.    

12. Manage Their Home Well: Elders and Deacons must keep their home in order. The children should serve God and must be submitted to them as their parents. This also includes the marriage as seen in 1 Timothy 3:11, both the husband and wife must live equally godly lives and the wives must not be slanderers, but rather trustworthy.   

13. Not a recent convert: Elders and Deacons must be thoroughly trained and proved faithful before they are given their appointment. Therefore, they must be tested and approved before they are appointed.     

14. Must Have a Good Reputation: Elders and Deacons must have a good name in their community, on their job, and with their extended family.  There can be no evil thing said about them, as seen in the Bible, whether in their  character or conduct by non- Christians.

Our church does not withhold the office of Deacon or Elder from women because we believe that women are able to lead in the church according to Scripture. We see that women in the New Testament were given the same baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Five-fold ministry gifts, and were used in the offices.  Here are some verses that show the equality of men and women in the ministry.

Acts 2:17-18, " In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy."

Acts 16:7, "Greet Andronicus and Junias (Name of the wife), my relatives whohave been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was."

Acts 16:1 (NLT), "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. However, we do insist that a married couple be in agreement and both be ordained to the same position, meaning we do not agree with a man being an Elder and his wife being a Deacon, or the wife being a deacon and the believing husband is not in ministry. We believe that for all believing families that both husband and wife must be appointed to the same office of either Elder or Deacon. Read some of the examples of husbands and wives working together as a team."

Acts 16:7, "Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was."

Acts 18:24-26, " Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately."

If a believer is married to an unbeliever we do not forbid the believing spouse to have a position in the church as long as they are not hindered from serving by the unbelieving spouse and or brought into reproach on Biblical grounds by the unbelieving spouse. So if the believing spouse is truly serving God with all their might, we will not withhold any good thing from them in the ministry.

How the Church Works

I will now take a few moments to explain how Metro Praise governs itself with the system of Elders and Deacons. First, we have three different categories of Elders because we see that in the New Testament even though Peter was an Elder like the Elders he was writing to, he had a greater authority than them and was over them.  So with the desire to stay as close to the New Testament example and the early church form of government we have made three types of Elders.

Which are:

1. Apostolic Elders: these are the Elders that oversee the Pastoral Elders and kept them accountable, this would be like Peter overseeing the churches he  was writing to, or like Paul to Timothy. 

2. Pastoral Elders: these are Elders that shepherd and watch over the whole church and implement the God given vision for the church, this would be like Timothy and the church he oversaw at Ephesus.

3. Governing Elders: these are the Elders that lead different ministers and services, these would be like the Elders that Timothy and Titus both appointed  in their cities and churches to manage the church's affairs.

4. Deacons: They work and assist the Elders in the various ministries. Deacons are the servants and helpers of the ministry that make it possible for the Elders to do their job. Just like when the original Apostles (Elders) needed help, they appointed seven servants (Deacons) to wait on tables and take care of the needs of the people so they could focus on the study of God's Word and prayer (Acts 6:1-7).

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I hoped you enjoyed reading about why Elders and Deacons are so important.  May God build His church on disciples in the order of godly leadership!

Review of the Wicker Park Campus Grand Opening

Tons of laughs. Great conversations.  New friendships.  Delicious rice crispy treats. Encouraging feedback.  Intimate acoustic worship.  Powerful talk.  Life changing prayers.

We had a great turnout and were very happy with the positive reaction and reception of the people.  I would like to thank all who came out to support us.  I hope that you come back and spread the word.

We are a church for those who are bored with church as usual!

Here is a video highlight of the message, "Loving God, Loving People;"



One of my favorite stories is from a young lady named Jennifer who just moved to Wicker Park.  She was praying and looking for a new church when she found our flier on the ground by her car.  She was so excited she came with three of her friends and even brought the flier!  Here is the pic of us with her and her friends,

We have a great series for the next four weeks on the subject, "Who is Jesus?"  Here is the promo video,



All the hard work for the last three months was well worth it.  Thank you to the team of nine that worked long hours and served with joy.  I now look forward to all the great things God will do in this beautiful church.

Wicker Park for JESUS!!
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Metro Praise has started a new campus at Wicker Park meeting every Tuesday at 7pm. Located at the world famous Chopin Theatre on 1543 W. Division.  We are a relevant, Spirit-filled, non-denominational church with a great love for God and people.   For for information visit us at www.metropraise.org 

Five Things Metro Praise Brings to Wicker Park

Just thought I would write a short list of what makes Metro Praise special as a non-denominational church.

Plus, describe how Wicker Park, Bucktown, Rodger Park and the surrounding areas can be blessed by our new church in their neighborhood.


1. Evangelism: Already every Tuesday from 5-7pm in front of the Chopin Theatre we hand out free water bottles and talk to all the people about our church and Jesus.  This is unique to the area, having not seen any public witnessing on such a regular basis.  This will continue weekly, year round, all 52 weeks a year!  To hear some great messages on evangelism, visit here.

2. Discipleship:  We take the command of Jesus to go and make disciples very serious.  Starting with our "connect" phase which is done "one-on-one."  I believe many will see we care for them individually and wish to invest our lives into them.  For a complete view of our discipleship process, visit here.

3. Biblical Depth:  The talks and messages from the "pulpit" will come with not only biblical depth and whole passage reading, but it will also come with today's best scholarship and defense.  To read some of our treatment of such subjects as biblical infallibility please see, "Can the New Testament be Trusted?" Visit here.

4. Demonstration of the Spirit:  We are unashamedly Spirit-filled and people of esoteric experiences.  We believe in the gifts of the Spirit being visible- whether through speaking in unknown spiritual languages, prophesy and foretelling, or healings and exorcisms.  Really!  We are definitely not, "church as usual!"   To learn more about our belief in spiritual gifts, visit here.

5. Love for God and People:  I hope and pray that our love for both God and people will be such a breath of fresh air that all will know we are the "real deal."  We desire to love God will all of heart, soul, mind, and strength- and to love our neighbor as ourselves.  This is more than our motto, its a way of life!  To see our work around the world in over 200 churches, click here.
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Metro Praise is launching a new campus in Wicker Park Tuesday Sept. 13th at 7pm. Located at the world famous Chopin Theatre on 1543 W. Division.  We are a relevant, Spirit-filled, non-denominational church with a great love for God and people.   For for information visit us at www.metropraise.org 

Tuesdays Become the New Sundays in Wicker Park!

Here is the Metro Praise "press release" for the new Wicker Park Campus.

Tuesdays at the Chopin Theatre are the new Sundays for Wicker Park church goers!  Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 13th at 7pm at the world famous "Chopin Theatre" Metro Praise will be bringing a fresh look at faith and spirituality.

Joe Wyrostek, the 34 year old pastor, has been working in the city for over six years at their first campus on Irving and Pulaski.  He states, "Metro Praise is a church for those who hate church as usual.  And where perfect people are not allowed, but everyone else fits in perfectly!"

Joe believes most churches have failed young adults and hopes with free Rice Krispy Treats, coffee, vibrant live music and thought-provoking messages he can bring them back to faith in God.

With over 200 churches in four different nations- India, Nepal, Nigeria, and Pakistan and outreaches to Chicago's troubled Westside.  One thing is for sure, "Wicker Park has never seen a church with such biblical relevance and passion like Metro Praise!" 

Visit www.metropraise.org for more info.

Metro Praise is launching a new campus in Wicker Park Tuesday Sept. 13th at 7pm. Located at the world famous Chopin Theatre on 1543 W. Division.  We are a relevant, Spirit-filled, non-denominational church with a great love for God and people.   For for information visit us at www.metropraise.org 

Chicago Neighborhoods Get Ready for a New Church!

Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, and the Loop are just some of the places we hope our new non-denominational church will reach!  Metro Praise was established in 2005 with the hope of building a great church for the city of Chicago.  We set a goal at the very beginning to reach 100,000 disciples with 50 churches in the area.

Starting our new campus at the iconic "Chopin Theatre" in the heart of Wicker Park is just the beginning of the revolution!  On Tuesday, September 13th at 7pm we will be making Metro Praise history and hopefully Chicago church history.  We hope that with our "five loaves and two fishes" God will start a church planting revolution in Chicagoland.  We pray that this new location will be the spring board to greater things in the future.  Reaching children, families, youth, and even the homeless and hurting!

We will continue to be faithful in our ministry to reach Old Irving Park, Portage Park, Humboldt Park, and Riis Park from our current campus at 4323 W. Irving Park Rd.  However, we believe that as we rely on God's grace we can see every Chicago neighborhood changed for the glory of God! 

Let me know what Chicago neighborhood you would like to see the next Metro Praise church in?

Please pray for us and consider joining us for a life-changing service!  Our website is, www.metropraise.org

Here is our new promo video for Wicker Park,



Metro Praise is launching a new campus in Wicker Park Tuesday Sept. 13th at 7pm. Located at the world famous Chopin Theatre on 1543 W. Division.  We are a relevant, Spirit-filled, non-denominational church with a great love for God and people.   For for information visit us at www.metropraise.org

Steve Jobs Resigns and What We Can Learn from Him

Wow, hard to believe such an icon as Steve Jobs would have to resign because he is sick.  I am definitly an Apple fan.  You know the saying, "Once you go Mac, you never go back!"  The picture to the side shows "almost" all the Apple products I own, note "almost."

Here is a full list (including for our church) 4 macbooks, 2 imacs, 2 ipads, 2 iphones, and apple tv.  I love the do-dittles too, wireless keyboard and track pad.  Don't judge me, some people collect "precious moments," others "coke products," me... its apple products.  Well, atleast they can be used for ministry!


Here is a short list of what we can learn about Steve Jobs:

1. Second chances are never too late to take: He took back the failing Apple company and made it the best company in its field.

2. Never stop being you:  Steve Jobs always wore the same kind of shirt, pants, and shoes that he liked.  He didn't care about the current trends, he was just himself.  We all should be more like that.

3. Creativity is based on many creative minds: He brought the best people in together in their own field of experitse and let them dream.  That is why Pixar became so great and why Apple could invent something new every three years- great minds can invent great things.

4. Bad things happen even to the uber smart and rich:  Basically, I pray he finds Jesus and joins a great church.  He needs to find the real meaning of life- Jesus Christ.  I hope he might stop by our new Wicker Park church, find a group of young people who love his products and learn how to worship Jesus and be at peace with God.

What do you think about Steve Jobs, Apple, and the eternal soul? 

Metro Praise is launching a new campus in Wicker Park Tuesday Sept. 13th at 7pm. Located at the world famous Chopin Theatre on 1543 W. Division.  We are a relevant, Spirit-filled, non-denominational church with a great love for God and people.   For for information visit us at www.metropraise.org

Get Past Your Past!

Just wanted to post this awesome message from last Sunday.  Some in the service said it was their "all time favorite."  The message in based on the storm in Jonah's life and touches on the issues why we run away from God, but how God is always willing to give us second and third chances!

Do not let failures stop you from running after God!

Enjoy!

"Chicago for Jesus!"

If you haven't heard, we at Metro Praise have started a website to join together soul winners in the city to help better our efforts in reaching Chicago!  The website is called, "Chicago for Jesus!"  Please watch the video and then visit our new website, www.chicagoforjesus.org



We are offering the following:

1. Churches and leaders to post up their events and outreaches!

2. Disciples from all over the city to join large events like "The Taste of Chicago" and work together to win a city!

3. To get trained for free to start new outreaches in new local areas and help spread the word!

Thoughts About the Debate with Nadir Ahmed (Muslim)

I debated Nadir Ahmed last Sunday, Aug. 21st 2011, on the subject, "Who is Jesus?"  I will not go in depth to the debate and the points.  I feel the video can do that best.  However, I would like to take sometime to describe some of my thoughts:

1. Muslims claim over 20 prophets to be legit, but offer not proof for any of their work other than the Quran. Literally, nothing. Thus, it is really Mohammed versus over 40 writers of the Bible.

2. Though the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, give the best historic proof for the prophets accepted by Islam (Abraham, Noah, Moses, etc), they reject it because the Bible contradicts their Quran.

3. Yet, in the the debate when I was asked to give support for the accuracy of the Bible I gave the history of the companions (followers) of the Bible, contemporary non-Christian historians, manuscript evidence, and best of modern scholars (Richard Bachman, E. P. Sander, and even Bart Ehrman).  And this was rejected because it was contradictory towards the Quran.

4. Thus, the Muslim is asking the Jew/Christian to reject the best sources of the prophets and accept the Quran which was written over 600 years from the life of Jesus and over 1,000 from the OT prophets.  Simply because Mohammed, who didn't read or write, was given a "vision" from Gabriel.  Really? That was exactly what Paul warned about in Galatians 1, not to receive "another gospel." 

5. In conclusion, the only thing Muslims like Nadir try to do to prove the superiority of the Quran is by the prophecies- yet they are extremely vague, are not as great in number as the Bible, and are actually forbidden by Mohammed and Moses to be used as proofs.  Books and messages are to be judged by doctrine, not miracles or prophecies. 

Well, those are my "after thoughts," let me know what you think about the debate, here it is:



If you like this debate, you will love the ones on this website, www.answeringmuslims.com!  THE NATIONS FOR JESUS!!

Six Types of "Christians" to Avoid

Many people think we as Christians should never say to someone, "You should not come to church."  However, Paul in 1 Corinthians 5 actually teaches us when we should say to people, "you are not welcome."  Please read the passage and then check the post out:

1 Corinthians 5:11-12, "But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”


Therefore, here is a list of "Six Types of Christians to Avoid."  Note: "Christian" is placed in "" because they claim to be a Christian, but really are not.

1. A "Christian" that is sexually immoral:  This is someone who lives in unrepentant open sexual immorality- this could be sex before marriage, pornography, homosexuality, or any kind of perversion.

2. A "Christian" that is greedy: Someone who loves money, loves to have money, to boast about what they have and buy, and to not help the poor or hurting.

3. A "Christian" that is an idolator:  Someone who puts false gods before Jesus- their job, their cars, their hobbies, their selfish ambitions, or their false gods.

4. A "Christian" that is a slanderer: They spreads lies, half truths, harmful secrets about others to make themselves look good and never make it right.

5. A "Christian" that is a drunkard: Someone who over indulges in alcohol, gets drunk at parties & alone, and allows alcohol to change their behavior and moods.

6. A "Christian" who is a swindler: Someone who lies, lives a dishonest life, breaks the law, rips people off, and has a hidden agenda behind their business dealings.

_____________

What should you do if you are this person:

1. Repent of your sin

2. Stop making excuses

3. Ask for help to change

4. Become accountable to a leader

5. Ask God to transform your life

6. Live in repentance if you should fall again and do not indulge in sin


What should you do if you see someone claim to be a Christian and do these things:

1. Pray for them

2. Confront them and ask them to repent to God

3. If they do not, let them know you can hang out with them

4. Let godly leadership know so they can help

5. Help disciple and teach them to live free their sin


What about the "non-Christians" who live this way:

1. Love them

2. Ask them to repent and accept Jesus

3. Be their friends but not support their behavior (they reason why Paul says you cannot be around the Christian who lives like this, is because your friendship is a sign of support for their sin- but we can be friends with the world who does this because we have to reach out because they do not know anybetter)

4. If they accept Jesus teach them the same principles of holiness, so they will be willing to leave their old life behind

Three Marks of a Prideful Church/Group of Disciples

I have been motivated lately by my own personal tests in ministry to sincerely read the Scriptures and let them speak to me.  Thus, in my study of 1 Corinthians 4 I have been deeply impacted by how Paul viewed the church he had planted.  And how the disciples turned away from his leadership and were being led by spiritually immature leaders who thought they were "super-apostles" (1 Cor. 3:1).  



Here are the three things I believe he points out to show their rebellion and pride:




1. The Corinthian church claimed to be "wiser, richer, more popular, honored, and more powerful than Paul":  They actually thought that because they had more friends, more money, and more honor among the people than Paul that they were more spiritual than Paul.

⁸ Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! ⁹ For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. ¹⁰ We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! ¹¹ To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. ¹² We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; ¹³ when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. 

2. They boasted that they had "10,000 instructors" and thus didn't need their "spiritual father":  They believed that because they "church hopped" around and read all the books of other teachers and got the messages of the other "preachers" they did not need the leadership of Paul, who was the one who led them to the Lord and was their God-given leader.  (Note in 1 Cor., 1:1-3, "Paul was called by God to be their Apostle.")

 ¹⁴ I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. ¹⁵ Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. ¹⁶ Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

3. The church was so arrogant that they believed if Paul never came back, they could win over the whole church by their "words":  As Paul was traveling and now living in Ephesus they were convinced that if he never came back they could persuade the whole church to follow them.  Even though Paul was sending them Timothy, his "son," they were still going to rebel. 

¹⁷ For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. 

¹⁸ Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. ¹⁹ But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. ²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. ²¹ What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

  

_________

I pray for those reading this that they will see how churches and their members can treat the leadership of God.  To actually mock and ridicule them and claim to be more wise.  I do not write this blog from a place of going through this now, though I have in times past.  However, I write this blog to warn those who may consider doing such things or have done them and feel God has forgotten.  

Also, I write this blog to encourage other pastors and leaders that may feel at times that they are facing trials and tests with the people God has given them and think it strange- it is not, even the great Apostle Paul suffered these things from His people.


Therefore, here is a short list of what to do in times like this:

Church Member/Disciple

1. Submit to the leadership God has placed over your life
2. Reject intrusive and harmful leadership/counsel, i.e., "those who lead you away from your God-given leader."
3. Pray for your leader to remain faithful to their call so they do not grow weary in doing good
4. Grow in maturity in your own spiritual walk, most intrusive/harmful leadership takes advantage of weak-willed, sinful, and compromising believers.  


Church Leader/Pastor


1. Openly correct those who are causing the divisions among you
2. Remove the sin from the congregation
3. Bless those who curse you and pray for those who use you
4. Use spiritual sons/daughters to help restore order
5. Ask your church to pray for you so you do not grow weary in well doing

12 Signs That You Are Running From God

I have been wanting to write something along these lines for awhile, but just have not had the chance lately.  I know some in my life may think I am speaking directly to them, however, the list of people I have seen run from God started within the first week of me being saved and has continued until this day.  Though the reasons and excuses are always different, that fact remains- "people run away from God!"

I saw a close friend choose not to go to Bible college to stay with his friends, a pastor divorce his wife because he was unable to humble himself, a former boss who refused to cut the bad relationships out of his life and always lived with one foot in and one foot out, a fellow on-fire minister cool off and started making small compromises- until he lost his passion, and all this happened just in the first 9 months of me being saved!  However, even though it was over 15yrs ago, I remember their stories so vividly like it was yesterday.

Therefore, I write this list to help those who may have started to stray in hopes they will avoid these signs.  And for those who have already run away, that they will stop lying to themselves and come back to God.  So if you know any to send this to, please do so in prayer.  And for those who have received this message, it is because you are greatly loved! 

Definitions: I would like to clarify my terms before starting so people understand the full meaning of what I am saying.  (1) Running Away from God: This means the person could still be saved but is growing cold or that they have fully lost their salvation.  (2) Backslidden:  They either are lost and have been saved, or are saved and know what good things to do, but are not willing.

Therefore, when someone says, "I still love God, I am going to heaven.  Everything is great."  That may be true for them, but the real question is what does God say!  Thus, it is good to ask them questions like this, "Are you still on fire?"  "Are you accountable?"  "Are you the closest to God you have ever been?"  "Are you doing all the good you know God has command you to do?"

Sure the pastor who divorced his wife thought he was fine, he even had some friends support his decision.  However, God was not "fine" with it.  Of course, the young man I knew who dropped out of Bible college after a semester to stay in Ft. Wayne had tons of "good things" happen in his life.  But it didn't matter- he was running from God! 

Therefore, we are not to be "okay" with people's "Christianese" answers that allow them to hide from what is right.  We are to help "spur" our brothers and sisters to good works and reprove their deeds of darkness (Hebrews 10:24).  Christianity and discipleship was never defined as, "Going to church, singing in the choir, posting verses on facebook, and reading your Bible."  If that was the case, then everyone in the south is saved!

Here is a quote I have in our discipleship book that I believe says it best,

<> We give our free time to sports and entertainment, while Jesus gave His days to ministry and nights to prayer.

<> We want the American dream, while Jesus wanted the power of God to change the world.
<>We want comfort in life, while Jesus lived in constant conflict.

<> We want to be taken in and accepted by the world, when Jesus was put out and rejected by it.

<> We want to be thought of as reasonable and considerate with those who differ with us, when the Jewish leaders called Jesus demon possessed, crazy, and confrontational.

<> We live for the praise of people, while Jesus lived only for the praise of God His Father.

<> We will give to Jesus when it is most convenient and stop when it hurts or brings discomfort, but Jesus gave to us His entire life and in a gruesome bloody crucifixion He died for us all.

<>We are consumed with our wants, our needs, our families, our desires, and our dreams, while Jesus was consumed with God’s wants, God desires, and looked to others hurts, others needs and solved others problems.

<> We wish to save our lives, Jesus came to lose His.

<> Is it any wonder we fail to make the kind of difference Jesus made?

The Twelve Signs: 

1. You Cannot Stand to Be Around the Leadership That Either Won You to the Lord or Brought You to the Closest Places You Had Ever Gone - Hebrews 13:10.

2. You Make Excuses and Compare Yourself to Others in Your Group Instead of Comparing Yourself to Jesus and His Apostles - 2 Corinthians 10:12.

3. You Love to Point Out the "Speck" in Your Brother's Eye, While You Have the Plank In Yours - Luke 6:42.

4. You Expect People To Support Your Decisions but You No Longer Can Support Your Decisions by the Word of God - 2 Timothy 3:16.

5. You Say to Yourself You Are Not That Bad and Say Things Could be Worse - Revelation 2:4.

6. You Redefine What You Call "Christianity" and Being a "Disciple" So It Makes You Look Good - Luke 14:26.

7. You Are Easily Offended When Others Who Used to Lead You Question What You Do, Because You Feel You Owe Them No Explanation - 2 Timothy 4:10.

8. You Pick Friends and Churches that Make You Feel Good With Your Compromise - Jonah on the boat.

9. You Justify Your Actions By Your Actions, "If I Was Wrong, Then Bad Things Would Happen," You Forget That Sinners Can Live "Good Lives" Too - Psalms 73.

10. You Say if You Go Back to God, People Will Judge You and You Will Be Too Embarrassed - Luke 17:11-18.

11.  You Try to Make Grace an Excuse to Live in Sin and Compromise - 1 John 3:9.

12.  You Say You Are More Mature than Others Who Still Serve Jesus and the Church Humbly - 2 Corinthians 11:3. 

If you find yourself struggling with any of these signs, here is my advice.  Not "mine," but rather Jesus,' 

Revelation 2:18-20, “These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." 

Note: For those who feel this blog reminds them of something they read before, you are very right.  I believe it is a modern version of Charles Finney's list of a backslider, for his list in the late 1800's click here.

Great Preaching Video on the Subject:  "Love Sick," Learn How to Keep Your First Love for God! 

What The Stocks Falling Can Teach Us

"Not again!"  I could not believe what I saw for the second day in a row, the plummeting of our cherished economy.  I am not an economist or a financial guy, but I thought I would weigh in on the state of the US economy in recent days and what it can teach us as Americans and Christians.

1.  Not to Trust in Money: In the 1950's America placed on the dollar bill "In God We Trust," but we still trust more in money than God.  I hope we can learn to start trusting in God before the dollar bill has nothing left to trust in.

2.  Jobs Need to Come to America:  Literally, Steve Jobs needs to bring some of the 32 billion dollar a year profits to America.  Just this week for the first time Apple Co. out profited the oil companies!  Jobs needs to bring the factory jobs of Apple to the US!

3.   Political Leaders Must Work With America's Top CEOs:  We need to stop having "community planners" run our country in White House and get some savvy business men to rebuild our nation.  Really!  Has anyone talked to the founders of "Google," "HP," or even "Bill Gates?"  All these companies got their break here in the land of the brave, they need to be brought in to help us get out the mess.

4.  Churches Should Set the Example of Success:  Christians need to rally behind good causes, help their neighbors, turn from greed, invest for the future, and pay off debt.  If the people in the US who claim to be Christians would first be faithful to God in giving and then second, set their priorities, we could display the traits of a good consumer in America again.  Remember, the consumption of the 50's wasn't with debt, but rather with hard earned and saved cash!

5.  We Need to Pray for Our Country and Leaders:  Paul commanded Timothy in the Bible to pray first of all for leaders and those in authority so that we could live peaceable and safe lives.  Watching the stocks fall simply reminded me to pray again, "God bless America!"

Psalm 127:1-3, "Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves."

Why Amy Winehouse Matters to Wicker Park

While I do not want to claim to be an expert on Winehouse or the current "fancies" of Wicker Park. I do believe I have a pulse on the young adults out there and why people like Amy matter. Check out my points and let me know what you think!

1. Amy Winehouse Represents a Generation of Extremes: Lets face it, for most in their 20's the "normal" 9-5 life is too boring. So young adults try sky diving, snowboarding, rock climbing, and clubbing. Sad but true, drugs and alcohol begin to follow this sense of extreme living because when the show is over or the weekend at the lake has passed- how do you "keep the high?" Drugs and alcohol.

2. Amy Winehouse Represents Super Talented and Creative People: Listening to a few songs by Winehouse it is very easy to see how talented and gifted she was. She had a unique sound, pushed the limits of her music, and was creative in her look. Just like so many I meet in Wicker Park- super gifted people whether in business or the arts and they have the world in their hands. The only problem is they lack the wisdom and maturity to find balance in life and make time for what matters most- "faith and family."

3. Amy Winehouse Represents Failed Expectations: Wasn't she supposed to change the world through music, be the next "it thing?" Now, it is all over. Sure she will be remembered for her short life, but probably her death will overshadow the real reason why she famous anyway. Really, has anyone listened to a Janis Joplin song lately? So true for young adults today- aren't they supposed to find a cure for aids, end world hunger, and make the world a better place to live?

What happened to all the "MTV" kids who grew up believing they would help change the world? Well, maybe they have gotten so let down by failed attempts at making real change, they just started the slow process of blending in and following the crowd. I wonder what would happen if all the gifted people actually followed a cause worth dying for and that has already changed the world? I can only imagine what would happen if this generation was sparked with a "Jesus Revolution!"

Hope you enjoyed the thoughts and weren't too disappointed I jumped on the "Amy Winehouse Media Frenzy," but maybe you thought of something different because of this blog.

Matthew 16:25-27

²⁵ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. ²⁶ What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Metro Praise is launching a new campus in Wicker Park Tuesday Sept. 13th at 7pm. Located at the world famous Chopin Theatre on 1543 W. Division. For for information visit us at www.metropraise.org

Why the New iPhone 5 and iPad 3 Will Not Change Wicker Park

I know as some of you are looking at the "sneak peak" picture of the iphone 5 you are starting to drool- I have to admit I kinda am too. I found this picture today as I was reminded of how slow and over stocked my iphone 4 is. Thus, I wondered when the new iphone 5 is coming out and what it will be like- what new things will it bring into my life.

This time I will actually get the 32g- the one bigger than the 16g because my music collection is getting too big. Plus, I will hopefully find more people to ichat with and not have to be on wifi to do it!

However, as I was considering all the cool "do-dittles" the new iphone 5 may have and all the cool apps that will go with it- I became aware of how little it will actually change for the good the community that I am falling madly in love with. So I thought I would make a short list of things the iphone 5 and ipad 3 wont change about Wicker Park. (Note: I just bought the ipad 2 and I really don't want to even talk about a possible ipad 3 in November- that just wouldn't be fair!)

1. Wicker Park Will Still Have Lonely People: Ya, I know the new phone and ipad could really help lots of people do social networking better- but lets face it- 99.99% of those people on facebook and the new google+ aren't real friends anyways. Sad thing is, many people feel alone in clubs, lounges, and cafes all the time. New techy things wont change that.

2. Wicker Park Will Still Have Broken Relationships: I am amazed at how so many young adults today repeat the same mistake over and over again. Isn't there a "Chinese proverb" about that? Really, I hear the same sad story all the time. A young woman says, "I really love this guy... he is so different than all the rest... and ya, were moving into together... I know its a bit rushed and I said I wouldn't move in with a guy so fast again like last time... but this is really different- we are so made for each other!"

Need I say more? We all know how it ends. Six to nine months later its a different story, the girl now says, "I am so hurt now... I wish I never let him convince me he was serious... I am so over guys right now... I am taking a break... and if I even think about a relationship with another guy like him- just slap me!" Of course, new phones don't fix broken hearts.

3. Wicker Park Will Still Need Jesus: I know it sounds "cliche," but its true. My generation- 20-30 somethings keep thinking that the new car, great house, fun job, and new toys will satisfy... but they never do. Simple answer to man's rat race for happiness- Jesus. Try a new life, being born again, you will never be the same! Yes, you can still have the phone too, but Jesus will do things an app can never do and you don't have to get a new one every year! See John 3

Take it or leave it, but you know its true- new techy toys wont change Wicker Park community for the good. Don't wait till the iphone 12 to find that out!

For more info on the iphone 5 and all the hype, check out this cool website- click here.


Metro Praise is launching a new campus in Wicker Park Tuesday Sept. 13th at 7pm. Located at the world famous Chopin Theatre on 1543 W. Division. For for information visit us at www.metropraise.org