Bobby Lepinay

Disputable Matters

  "Accept other believers whose conscience is more delicate, without arguing over 'disputable matters'.  For instance, one person believes it's all right to eat anything.  But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegatables (a vegan? pb..).  Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don't.  And those whose consciences don't allow them, must not look down on those whose consciences do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else's servants?  They belong to the LORD, so let Him judge whether they are right or wrong...."  (Romans 14)

Over the years since we started Harvest, at least a few times a year, the subject of 'disputable matters' comes up.  We expect it to, as we have in ONE church so many people with so MANY different backgrounds.

Thus, different CONSCIENCES.

It is amazing how much our family and church background affects us.  About half our church has no problem with moderate use of alcohol, about half has strong convictions against it.  Likewise, we have found many offended by the style of music we play, as to them, it is not 'church music'.  We respect their consciences in the matter and in order to not further offend them, offer assistance in finding a church more to their preferences if it is that distressing to them.

But make no mistake about it:  It's all about the background you came from. 

I could go on and on in the matter.......make-up....movies....hair length....hair dying??...:)...tattoos??....body piercing??.....dresses...dress length??....plastic surgery a sin??......birth control????....dancing???......

Seriously,..... the list is endless and the variety of places our conscience falls just as endless. 

Because of this, some years ago we took extensive time to draw up a document we call the Harvest Lifestyle Statement.  We read thru this entire statment in each of our Newcomer's Classes. 

Why do we take the time to do this?? Because UNITY is everything to church health and this single area is the "Atomic Bomb" that usually destroys it.

I have cut and pasted it here, as I think you may find it enlightening. 

To more of Christ's love filling us,

PB

Harvest Lifestyle Statement

Watch your life and doctrine closely... for if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (I Tim 4:16)

It is our desire at Harvest Church to take this charge seriously.  In our effort to build a Biblically-functioning, outward-focused, Christ-centered church, we feel it is important to define our position concerning certain issues that can, if left unaddressed, create controversy, bringing damage to what God is seeking to build.

In everything, it is our desire to ‘major on the majors, minor on the minors’, and to recognize what truly the essentials of the Gospel.  We liken this problem of addressing "disputable matters" to the early church’s approach to dealing with the inclusion of the Gentiles (whose customs created tension with Jewish customs).  In addressing these matters before the Lord, we as leaders must struggle with what to “lay upon” those who are coming to the Lord from a thoroughly post-Christian society. We must ask, as they did then, What in fact is the LORD requiring of them?, versus our possibly imposing older church cultural traditions from the broad variety of our own various church backgrounds (Acts 15).

Many things the church at large strictly prohibited 100 years ago (cards, theater) are now openly acceptable by the majority of Christians everywhere. A few of the examples of “disputable matter” issues today are PG and R rated movies, stock market involvement, saving, investing, religious holiday involvement, alcohol consumption, card playing, dress issues, women in ministry, use of various Bible versions, theater, tattoos, piercings, dietary disciplines, health clubs, plastic surgery, …

The list is almost endless, depending on the religious background that has trained our consciences. Many of the issues that are disputable today will be laughed at 50 years from now, much like card playing and movie watching, largely ‘taboo’ by the majority of Christians a generation ago.

In deducing the following statements, the following core passages were deeply studied by our Pastoral Team and the following conclusions made. We encourage all who seek to join to Harvest to do likewise:

Romans 14; I Cor 8; I Cor 10:23-11:22

1. We must begin with a deep respect and fearful understanding of “sin”- what in fact,  constitutes “sin”?  Is the matter in question a matter of conscience or of sin? Where is the line drawn to where the matter becomes sin?

2. Biblically, it seems the matters Paul described as “disputable matters” are not in themselves matters of the Kingdom of God in people’s lives, and therefore a matter of personal conscience. (see Rom 14:17, I Cor 8:7-13, I Cor 10:23-11:1)

3.Biblically, they become an issue (entertainment, sports, eating, drinking, etc..) when done in excess and a worldly spirit of non-restraint that has no concern for the conscience of others (love). This the Bible deems not only sin, but idolatry (gluttony, drunkenness, greed, etc..) I Cor 10:14, Col 3:5

4. As with all other matters of conscience (Rom 14), great care must be given to cultural  and personal  sensitivities (the backgrounds and cultures of the people we are with).  This the Bible calls “walking in love” (I Cor 13). To practice any “freedom” in the  presence of those whose consciences may be violated is insensitive, inconsiderate,  offensive, and immature, walking in selfishness, rather than walking in love and thus  fulfilling the law of Christ.

5. Concerning ‘disputable matters’ (Rom 14, ie, movies, tv, drinking of wine, etc…), we must take great care in guarding our lives. Because self-deception is at the very root of our human nature, we must continually ask ourselves, “Is this wise for me to do?” All of us have different backgrounds with different ‘weaknesses’ and propensities.  It is vital that we know ourselves and not trust our flesh. Our deepest desire must be to stand before the Lord free, clear and blameless.

6. Likewise, the Bible makes it abundantly clear that we are to refrain from judging each other in matters of conscience that are not clearly laid out in Scripture, each giving an account of himself to the Lord. (Rom 14:1-12)

7. While recognizing the freedom of individuals to make responsible choices before the Lord based on scripture and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we DO NOT CONDONE unrestrained license in any of these matters, hoping to avoid the necessity of dictating prohibitions beyond the clear teachings of scripture.

8. Our ultimate goal is to raise up mature believers who truly seek the scriptures over all matters, walking in a deep reverence for God and His Word, who are wise regarding themselves and their own unique predispositions, who live in true love and consideration for their fellow man, free, yet under the Law of Christ and the governance of His Lordship. To sum it up, the key governing factors that we see concerning all ‘disputable matters’ are:

1. Intention….What is the ‘spirit’ this is being done in?
2. Sensitivity...Am I considering how this might affect others?
3. Responsibility..Is this wise for me?
4. Yieldedness…Am I open to the voice of others in this?
5. Thankfulness..Can I see this, eat this, drink this and give thanks for it?

Pretense

    "pretense" - insincere; a false 'show' or act

Some years ago, after swearing off attending local 'ministerial fellowship' meetings where I would just come home with a critical attitude (my fault....), I decided to give it one more shot, as I really wanted to be a part of something that made a real difference in our community.

Long story short, after the breakfast, we sat in a big circle, pastors from all over the area, all denominations, and were asked what we were hoping for.  When it came to my turn, I poured out my heart, as candidly as I could, stating that "I just wanted a place where we as pastors could stop all the 'posturing' and be real, and really, sincerely, from the heart, pray for each other and our community." 

I was "sick of the 'airs'; sick of all the 'yicky religiousity'..."

The room went dead quiet.

Within about 5 seconds, the moderator said, "OK....Brother Lepinay??...is that how to pronounce your name??..thank you for sharing that.  Br. _______________?? (the next guy to my left)....what are you wanting?"

(Br. __________________, with deep baritone voice...) "Well,.....I just want to extend the invitation to each of you fine gentlemen to come join us for the revival services we are having this week.  We are having so and so and so and so .....then so and so (big name singers known on Christian TV) and so on....etc..etc..."

You get the point...

I was so disappointed.  Every ounce of me wanted to just crawl under the chair, then find a convenient way to get out and never come back.

I hate telling that story.  But it does form the fabric from where Harvest was started. 

"Done" with it.  Done with the 'show'.....done with the 'airs'. Done with the religious pomp and cirumstance.

To this day, one of the best compliments I can receive is that "you sure dont look or act like a pastor." 

I am not (I hope) trying to lift myself up.  I just detest that thing that makes us try to be something and someone we are not, ....."pretense".  It makes us unreal, unrelatable. 

It makes ministry something so ridiculously elevated that it cant help but to disappoint.

Pretense affects us all.  We have to fight it at every stage of life.  From young girls trying to look like the latest pop star to the gray haired guy with his red convertible (gosh....I am liking those....for real...!...:)...) and gold chains with his shirt unbuttoned to his navel......pretense is ever-present, seeking to get us into being someone else, something, somebody NOT real.

I saw this 1 minute piece on David Kerr's blog and it came to mind as I was thinking about this whole thing.  I want to be me, the BEST me I can be, not an actor acting out a 'role' that I end up losing my real self in...

....Hope this all in some way makes sense to you.....!

Grace,

PB

Monday Morning Mind-Dump

• Sunday was a GREAT day!  The highlite for me?  A new couple I chatted with after the service.  Sunday was his 2nd time at the RAVE, his wife's first.  He explained to me how he had a hard time understanding the Bible, but that the messages here really helped him to understand it.  She was precious, and like him, a true seeker.  He told me, "I am almost ready to 'be saved' :), but I want to make sure I understand."  Did I say I LOVE being a part of a church like this?????  :)
• Sunday night was a knock-out as well.  Marty Hogan performed "The Witness" and it was a full house.  The part that stuck with me was "Are you expecting when you pray?"
• Saw "Dan In Real Life" Friday night.  Funnnnyyyyy!  I didnt expect much, but it way delivered and was pretty clean.  I dont even recall any bad language....pretty rare these days.
• I am blown away by the sucess of our Community Groups!  We had a few give their lives to Christ this past week in their groups, from what I hear.....AWESOME!! The Holy Spirit is doing a great work in our midst and I am LOVE, LOVE, LOVING it...!!
• Went to Carraba's with Marty and Deborah Hogan and our crew after church last night.  Trying to lose weight and just had a bowl of the sausage and lentil soup......yumm!!!  Marty said it is 18 degrees today at their home in Montana........October......my southern blood wants to run when it even HEARS that kind of talk!! :)
• On weight loss.....I am going for my first workout in a long time at lunch today.  "Grace and mercy, Lord..!!"
• Man,...I love 98% of the new song introduced this Sunday.....but I'm having a hard time swallowing the phrase "like a big wet kiss..." .....or something in that order.  Should be an interesting Creative Team meeting this afternoon...! :)
• The Harvest Men's Golf Tourney was a BLAST!  Great job Scott on putting it together.  We had alot of guys play and picture perfect weather.  My team shot 5 over par, which pretty much stinks, but did I say we had fun?????

To a 'favor-filled' week!

PB

PB

Cross Purpose Productions

This weekend is going to be INCREDIBLE! 

Seriously, folks, .....whatever you have to do to be at Harvest Sunday, do it!!!

And most importantly:  Bring as many people as you possibly can with you!!! ....especially those who are far from God!

THIS IS TOO GOOD AN OPPORTUNITY TO PASS UP!!!!!

Mary Hogan of Cross Purpose Productions will be with us this weekend and you will not want to miss it.  Marty is a professional actor who has one goal:  SEEING PEOPLE COME TO JESUS!

Here is a description from Marty himself of what we can be expect this weekend:

"Drama raises questions in the hearts of the observers, thus causing them to seek answers.  My desire is to point them to Jesus, the great Teacher. I seek to edify, encourage, restore and renew the belief of those who observe the productions. I am dedicated to serving the Body of Christ through quality, thought-provoking TEACHING dramas. I concentrate, not on entertaining, but on "breathing life into the dying embers in the hearts of believers."

And a few testimonials........

"Marty has an anointing for drama ministry. His portrayal of biblical characters and rendition of scriptures is powerful. Having seen Marty & Deborah's work in my own church, I wholeheartedly commend their skills to both inspire and organize drama teams for local congregations."
Pastor Paul Ogle - Whitefish Foursquare Church

 

"Impact is the only word that can describe the ministry of Marty Hogen.
It is apparent through his passion, cultural understanding and gifts that Marty Hogen can make the Bible come to life.  As an observer, you will be amazed how you will feel a part of what is being performed to the point of which you can't tell if you are a participant or actually in the scene at the time it is taking place in history."   
Pastor Chet Lowe Director of Patmos Reality Discipleship School.

"Your rendition of John, the Beloved in his later years is excellent! My impression of your portrayal of him is most in keeping with what we know of his writings and his sense of humor. Thanks so much for your gracious offering of your excellent portrayal."
Rev. C.W. Proudfoot, Spearfish Presbyterian Church, Spearfish, SD

Please PRAY for this coming Sunday's services, folks!  I am seriously asking God to bring many people this weekend into His Kingdom.

More, more, more for Jesus...!

PB

Sunday's Video

I have had a number of requests to see the video Dave put together for Sunday morning's message. 

Here it is:

If you want to listen to the podcast, go to the website Harvest Church Pensacola , then go to the link on the left for podcasts.  The message title is "Created to Be An Original".  Many people have said the this particular message had a tremendous impact on them, ...timely.

I am amazed at the talent at our church.  Seriously......it is amazing.

We have "All-Staff Meeting" tonight, so got to run..!

PB

The "October Effect"

This is not meant to be one of those 'heebyjeeby' vibe things.....just stating the facts.

A number of years ago, back when Harvest was meeting at the Silver Screens Theaters, I took Michael to get a haircut.  What ensued was like entering the Twilight Zone....!

As the guy was cutting Michael's hair, I sat in the empty chair next to him, just looking to chit chat as he was cutting.  As he was getting started, I couldnt help but notice that he had what was either a Star of David or pentagram necklace on......and he was dressed in total back from head to toe.

'Interesting'.....so thought I ...! :)

So I decided to take the dive.  Here is how the conversation went, almost word for word:

(me) "I can't help but notice the necklace you have on.....are you Jewish?" 

(he) "No.  I am a Wiccan and this is a pentagram."

(me) "wow....You sure are upfront about that."

(he) "Let me guess:  You are a Christian pastor."  "Am I correct?"

(me) "That you would be...."

(he) "I guess that makes us on opposing teams. I am a head warlock in this area and you are a Christian pastor...."

(me) "Well, __________, since we have gone this far (at this point I am pleading the blood of Christ over Michael under my breath, needless to say....!), maybe we can learn from each other today."

(he)  "Ok.....you start....What would you like to know?"

(me)  "What do you guys do.....really....I mean how do you worship whatever it is you worship?"

(he) "Oh, that's easy.  Each 'coven' around the world gathers regularly to go to open fields and places around the areas we live and call in spirit forces.  We use banners and dance and chant prayers to the 'gods and godesses' we worship to come down and fill our regions.  We aren't into the blood sacrifice thing if that is what you are asking."

(me) "Wow...so you guys really call down these spirits?" 

(he)  "Especially all during October.  October is our 'holy month', with the 31st our 'high and holy day' of the year.  We gather much more often during this month, as the 'veil' is thinnest between the spiritual realm and this realm in October, especially the 31st."

(me)  "Thanks, ___________.  That explains alot. (he had no idea!)"

He went on to ask me questions and the conversation was enlightening both ways.  We left and prayed for him. 

I never saw him again, but....it did explain what we at Harvest had come to term "The October Effect", where we would find a much heavier level of oppression/depression overall working against some of our people.

Since that time we have had our intercessors kick it into 'overdrive' during this month and have thus negated much of this junk.  Interesting, though, to get such an insider's view.....like stealing a page out of the devil's playbook!

Grace today,...and stand strong.

PB

Why I Believe Regular Church Attendance Is Important

It's Monday.....!

.....time to go out and EXPECT God's favor this coming week.

We had a good weekend at Harvest.  Solid, with more baptized Sunday night who have just recently surrendered to Christ's Lordship over their lives.

I LOVE being part of a church that is so focused on seeing the lost make their way back to God!!!

On that, I had a conversation last night that really stuck with me.  This couple has extended family I know well and I was asking about how they were doing.  I was disappointed to hear they were no longer in church anywhere. I was likewise sad to hear these folks were going into what I call "the cave of depression and isolation" that so many can draw back to.

Let me go on record:  I believe commitment to regular church attendance is a 'kingpin' of building strong families.

Why?

A myriad of reasons, but here are my biggest:  First, and I believe most important, it models commitment to a greater cause, the GREATEST cause, Jesus' last command, the Great Commission.  By our regular support in attendance, serving and tithing, our kids SEE first-hand what it means to believe in something bigger than yourself, a 'cause' worth sacrificing for. 

Just remember, parents......."monkey SEE, monkey DO."  Your kids are watching and feeling your lack of commitment and it becomes a part of them as well.

Second, regular church attendance strikes at the heart of the 'virus' in so many of God's people, SELF ABSORBTION.  In a world where people are becoming more and more isolated, by being committed to attending, serving and giving to our local churches, we are forced out of our own little "islands".

Last, as I dont have time to go further but could....I dont like and dont want the FRUIT I see from Christians who opt out of church.  By and large they are a depressive, not very happy (at least from what I have personally seen) bunch. 

Not to say people who attend church are always happy.  But I know each and every Sunday at Harvest I ALWAYS am warmed by the smiling faces and happy hearts I meet every week. 

I want that kind of 'fruit' for my kids.  I want that kind of fruit in my own marriage, my own life.

I am not buying it anymore when I hear people tell me they arent attending anywhere, yet name the Name of Christ. 

Just stop it! 

Get sane....! 

Connect somewhere, anywhere where you can CHEER when you see people being baptized, giving their lives to God!

And remember:  Your kids are watching.  There is more at stake than you realize.

Out...

PB

                                                            

This Sunday....!!

What a great week!

Pastor Craig and myself had an incredibly productive time in Chicago.  The event we went to was the first of its kind, focusing on helping churches become more internally aligned around ONE message, or "Big Idea".

I will be downloading more at our CORE meeting next month, as what we learned was immediately transferable to our situation. 

I love it when information results in transformation! :)

I have to say, though, that the week didn't start off so well.  After both of us didn't sleep too well the night before and flying out at 6am, we arrived in Chicago and immediately got lost trying to find the church.  We got there an hour late. 

It only got 'funner' from there.....!

After it dismissed around 7:30 pm on Monday, we got MAJOR lost trying to find our hotel!  We went EAST on Hwy 88 rather than WEST and went on about an hour and a half 'detour'.  The nail on the day was getting a ticket for making a U-turn (my first in many years...!) to get back on the right direction. 

I have never had the 'service' the officer gave though:  They took my credit card to pay the ticket on the spot, in the cop car!!!! :)

Tuesday was much better.  Though it was rainy all Monday and most of Tuesday, it cleared up in time for Craig and I to hit Giordarno's Pizza downtown. 

My, my, my....seriously....unbelievable pizza!

Be sure to be at Harvest @ the RAVE this Sunday.  I will be doing something that will be fun that will also be greatly enlightening for all.

See you guys Sunday!

PB

Big Idea Symposium

Pastor Craig and I are flying out to Chicago VERY early Monday morning (6:20) to join pastors from around the US who are embracing going not only multi-site, but 'Big Idea' as well.

What is 'Big Idea'?

Very simply, it is all about creating alignment in your various venues, campuses, and ministries.  It is having the same 'core' of teaching running through-out your movement, whether kids ministry, youth ministry, whatever. 

Pastor Craig, as our Lead Teaching Pastor, and myself, are going to be soaking up all we possibly can the next couple days.  Please pray that the Holy Spirit really gives us the practical tools we need to move forward deeper into what God has called Harvest to do and be.

The symposium ends Tuesday afternoon so we will go downtown for the evening and do what you do when you go to Chicago: EAT!!! :) 

Uno's Pizza here we come...! Uno Chicago Grill - Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

....Pray also that those cursed calories dont stick....:)

We are totally focused on getting equpped for expansion at Harvest.  I will be heading back to this church Welcome to Community Christian Church in early November with some of our key staff for the Hitch-Hikers Guide to Multi-site.

More on that later.....

I will be back in the saddle Wednesday.

Grace,

PB

In The Beginning.....God Created...

This weekend, we start a brand new sermon series called "In The Beginning....God Created".  What we have planned for it is going to be nothing less than a full-out SLAM DUNK you wont want to miss!

I wont let you know all we have planned for this 3 Sunday series, but we start it off this Sunday with a fantastic exhibit of a wide variety of pieces produced by Harvest people!  Then next week.....well, just let me say that we filmed this morning over at the Belmont Arts Center and Pastor Roger and I had a little 'competetion' of sorts.....:) 

Don't ask questions, just make sure you are there, as the short film we did wont be able to be listened to on the podcast! 

We go all out, folks, to make EVERY Sunday the best day of the week for those who come.  Our only request of you is GO ALL OUT FOR JESUS...!  INVITE, INVITE, INVITE...!  Eventually, if you keep at it....those you have been praying for and inviting WILL come.....! 

Just dont quit praying, dont quit inviting.....

To Christ's love burning in our hearts...!

PB