The Gospel, Part II THIS Sunday

Do you remember that couple in Thomas Hardy’s novel? They had a daughter named Elizabeth, and Elizabeth died. And they agreed that if they had another child and it was a girl, they would name her Elizabeth, and maybe it would help. They had another child, and it was a girl, and they named her Elizabeth, and it didn’t help. They realized they could have had fifty daughters and named them Elizabeth - and they would still miss Elizabeth. Some things you don’t fix.

But the Gospel DOES fix things. John the baptizer said: "The Messiah is coming; get ready by repenting and confessing your sins." And low and behold, they heard John preach, they confessed their sins, were washed in the Jordan, and they were forgiven. They were... forgiven!

The power of the gospel is that it forgives sins. It fixes the greatest problem of the human race. Forgiveness. What is that like?

The Bible has so many images for forgiveness. One of my all-time favorite preachers is a man by the name of Fred Craddock. In one sermon I heard him preach, he said this forgiveness is a new creation (don’t let that slip past you). New creation? Morning has broken like the first morning? Yeah. Blackbird, like the first bird? Yeah. New creation, that is what the Bible calls it.

The Bible also calls it a new beginning. Picture a child, third grade, trying to do arithmetic, in a hurry...bell’s about to ring, teacher’s fussing, "Hurry up, children,"... tries to erase the mistake, tears the paper, makes a black smear, starts to cry, teacher comes by, "Oh my goodness," and slides a new, crisp, white sheet of paper there and says, "Why don’t you just start over then?"

The Bible calls it a new birth. You have been to that window, haven’t you? The maternity ward, the nursery, and all that stuff up there in that big window? And all the men outside trying to figure out which is the one? You know, "Julie is in there somewhere, and I know she’s the prettiest one", and you can’t read those little old bands, where the arm comes down and joins the hand, there’s a deep wrinkle and then there’s that hand, and it’s so small, and you say, "Well, I think that’s..." And the Bible says, that’s what it is, that’s it - new birth!

And John preached it and Jesus offers it to EVERYONE!

The Bible says it’s like a snowfall. You know, when the winter chill is in the air and the forecast calls for snow but you doubt it will happen. You get up in the morning early, look out and there is about four inches and not a single print in it yet. And you look across the alley, and what yesterday afternoon was the ugly garbage pile, is now a mound to the glory of God. That’s what the Bible calls it.

And John preached it and Jesus offers it to EVERYONE!

I hope you will join me again this Sunday. As you can tell, I can’t wait to paint the pictures of God’s grace-filled Gospel.

See you in the morning...

Many Rooms

Two weeks ago, Anna Grace and I traveled to Asheville, NC to preside over the wedding ceremony of a lovely couple in our church, namely Dave and Katie Johnson.
The wedding was spectacularly located by a beautiful river near the Blue Ridge Mountains. During the day, Anna Grace and I had some free time, so we toured the Biltmore Estate. Have you seen this place?!

The Biltmore Home was built by the Vanderbilts over one hundred years ago. The Biltmore has 250 bedrooms, 43 toilets, a bowling alley, and a swimming pool. What kind of family needs 43 toilets? :-) It is positioned on 8,000 gorgeous acres of land in the western part of North Carolina. Truly, a magnificent place to behold.

I was struck by how many rooms this one house contained - 250! As I toured the rooms, I was reminded of Jesus’ words in the gospel of John, when He declared, “In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

And then it hit me - this place doesn't compare to my Father's Mansion in heaven! While the Vanderbilts might have 250 rooms, our heavenly Father has prepared a far greater home with an inexhaustible number of rooms for those who know and love Jesus! And check this out - the moment a person accepts Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of his or her life, our heavenly Father places a permanent and pending reservation for one of those rooms! That is too freakin cool. I can’t wait to visit my room. In fact, just thinking about it makes me a little home sick.

This Sunday, we continue our brand new series titled, “The Gospel." Last week, we saw hundreds of people either accept Christ or renew their faith and hope in Jesus' substitutionary atonement!

After such a Sunday, what now? Once we fully understand and receive this good news at the foot of the cross, where do we go from there? How do we appropriate this gospel?

That's our focus for this weekend...

Crazy Early in the Morning...

For the last two weeks, God has been getting me up VERY early in the morning before I preach. It is odd - it only happens on the nights before I speak. And it is happening at exactly 3 am. I have spent the last two hours going over my notes, praying and reflecting on these early moments with the Lord.

Here are some of my thoughts this morning:

* I know why Jesus got up early and spent time with the Father. It has to be the richest time of the day.

* Everything is silent. The kids. The world. The birds. The wife. All is silent and I love it.

* The coffee smells absolutely amazing.

* The kids are growing so fast and seem happy.

* I can't wait for the Birthday Party for my twin boys tonight. They want to sleep in a tent.

* I can't believe I get to spend my life leading the people of newhope and preaching God's Word. This has to be a dream.

* The birds just started singing. Soon, billions of Christians around the world will join them. I love that thought.

* I am so jacked up about sharing the gospel this morning.

* Is there any coffee bean better than Tanzanian Peaberry? Answer - NO. It tastes even better than it smells.

* I can't wait for the kiddos to come walking into my study, one at a time, and crawl into my lap with crusty sleep in their eyes and morning breath. It's a beautiful thing.

* I will be changing my blog a lot this summer.

* I can't wait for the series One Prayer. This is so Kingdom Minded.

* I hear a "youngin" stirring now - it has be Joshua because he is always first to rise.

* Gotta go - if you are a newhoper, I can't wait to Worship Jesus with you this morning. If you are not, blessings to you on this Lord's Day as you lead and/or Worship with those you love.

* Peace...

The Gospel, Part I this Sunday

I can't wait for Sunday! We begin a new series, simply titled, ”The Gospel”. I like the simplicity of the title, yet the life changing power the gospel contains!

The gospel is the core of Christianity. The gospel literally means, ”good news!”

There’s an old hymn that sings, ”I love to tell the story...” That is my story - I love to tell of the greatest story ever told. Trust me, there is nothing better than being a pastor and talking about the gospel.

If you are not a Christian, come join us and pay close attention - this is the greatest love story ever told and you are one of the main characters in the narrative. If you are already a Christian, you will be reminded and encouraged by the grace and love of God shared in the message. You will also be inspired to invite your friends. After all, who wants to keep the greatest news to themselves?

Think about it - the biblical teaching of grace goes against everything “the world” thinks about God. The world believes that God helps those who help themselves; grace teaches us that God helps those who can't help themselves. The world believes that God's attitude toward us is one of stern disapproval; grace teaches us that God's attitude is one of love and acceptance. The world believes that God's mercy has limitations; grace teaches us that God's mercy is unlimited. His grace is free, it's big, and it's strong. And it's available anytime a person decides to ask.

Phillip Yancey tells of an organization in Los Angeles, California that operates an "Apology Sound-Off Line." basically it is a telephone service that allows people to call in and confess their wrongs for the price of a phone call. They log over 200 anonymous calls a day; people confess everything from adultery to murder. One lady who had caused a traffic accident that killed five people called in and said, “I just want to say I'm sorry. I wish I could bring them back.” [From What's So Amazing About Grace? by Phillip Yancey. (c) 1997. Zondervan Publishing House. page 35]

Everyone needs forgiveness. Everyone needs a fresh start from time to time. Come join us Sunday as we look at the never tiring story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't wait...

Pray for Stephen Curtis Chapman & Family

After coming home from the most amazing Encounter ever, watching America "get it right" by voting David Cook the winner, I heard the unimaginable. It appears that Stephen Curtis Chapman's 4 year old daughter was killed in her driveway when her older brother accidentally hit her with his SUV. Friends, I can't even imagine. It is one thing to lose a child, but imagine that loss coming through such a horrific accident involving another child of yours. Please join me in prayer for this amazing and Godly family. They will need to hold fast to the One whom Steven has been singing for so long. Father God, may the powerful lyrics from Steven's career become true and sure in this most desperate time of need. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen!

Link to story...

5 Things that can Cripple the Church

I recently read a leadership article by Gerald Harris on 5 things that can cripple the church. I shared these with the Pastoral Team today and it led to some great discussion. So, I thought you might enjoy, as well. If you are a pastor out there, pay close attention and pray hard that these don't come from you or those you lead. If you are in the church, pray that you might be one of those who helps your leadership stay away from such traps and prevents others from bringing these kinds of cancers into the body of Christ!

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The Lord Jesus loves the church and has given Himself for it, and he obviously wants the church to be healthy and vibrant. The devil hates the church and since its inception has been hurling all the weapons in his diabolical arsenal in an effort to cripple its witness and its effectiveness. Here are five things that weaken the church and minimize its effectiveness.

1. Scandalous Leadership
When immorality bred by lust or greed is found among the leadership of the church the results are devastating. That is precisely why pastors, church staff and lay leaders such as deacons must have lives marked by physical chastity, moral purity and spiritual integrity.

I have pastored a church that was marked by a staff member who was guilty of immorality of the worst sort and the results of his sin had a devastating impact, not only upon him, but also upon his family, friends, the church and even the community. In fact, the church may still bear the stigma of that heinous sin. Someone said that it might take the church a generation to overcome the humiliating and ignominious scars suffered from the grievous sins of one staff member.

2. A Discordant Member
I am not speaking of the person who registers an occasional disagreement. I am referring to the person who sows seeds of discord among the believers. Such an individual can make life miserable for the pastor, sandbag decisions in a church business meeting, discourage other church members, repel the lost and summon an ominous cloud over the entire church.

3. Apathy
Vance Havner said, "We have anarchy in the world, apostasy in the professing church and apathy in the true church." An indifferent, indolent, lukewarm church nauseates God and renders the church helpless and ineffective.

One pastor went down to the train station every day to see the one westbound passenger train that came through their small town each afternoon at 4:30. One day the ticket agent, who saw the pastor watch the train pull out of the station each day, asked, "Preacher, why are you always here to see the 4:30 train pull out of the station?"
The weary pastor said, "I just like to see something moving forward that I don't have to push."

Did you hear about the company that makes blank bumper stickers? They're for people who don't want to get involved. Too many churches have too many people who just don't want to get involved. Such apathy cripples the cause of Christ and paralyzes the effort to build healthy kingdom churches.

4. Inflexibility
Some churches do not grow because the members are so unwilling to change, so unyielding, so set in their ways. I have known Sunday School class members that were so married to their class that they would never agree to serve anywhere else or move to another class or help start another class. Some classes have their own budget in order to purchase their own chairs, carpet their own classroom and purchase their own television in case they want to watch a certain television preacher instead of have their own teacher teach the lesson. The class is like a country club and for the most part visitors and new members are not welcome unless they are "approved."
Gordon Venturella says, "Inflexibility leads to idolatry; and change is the only road out of self-centered control to servanthood." Yet many churches are inflexible, unwilling to change.

5. Purposelessness
One church put a sign on their church door in 1963 that stated, "Gone out of business. Didn't know what our business was."

Thomas Carlyle said, "A man without purpose is like a ship without a rudder: a waif, a nothing, a no man. Have a purpose in life, and, having it, throw such strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you." The same is true of a church. Proverbs 29:18 emphasizes: "Where there is no vision, the people perish …"


A special thanks to Gerald Harris for this article. I thought it was spot on and well worth our time.

Is your church avoiding the problems that cripple the family of God? Are you a part of the problem or solution?

Choosing Life

Can I remind you that we only have one life to live? On Tuesday night, Amy Lynn and I celebrated 13 years of marriage. (Thanks honey for putting up with me) While enjoying dinner with two of our best friends, the guy asked, "Hey Amy Lynn, what has surprised you the most about 13 years of marriage?" Without hesitating she said, "How much we have experienced in 13 short years!" I thought that was very insightful.

This is related to The Bucket List series we just finished at newhope.

Are you making a life or just making a living? Are you making your days count, or counting your days? How are you living your one and only life? Can I encourage you to live life to the fullest? That is why Jesus came! (See John 10:10)


Here's the deal:

If you don't go fishing, you can't catch a fish.

If you don't exercise, you won't be fit.

If you don't eat right, you won't be healthy.

If spouses don't treat each other right, they won't have a shot at the best marriage possible.

If you don't listen, you won't hear.

If you don't speak the truth in love, you won't be heard.

If you don't save, you won't have money.

If you don't tithe, you won't have a strong church, strong faith, strong witness or strong ministry.

If you don't study the Bible, you won't know what it says.

If you don't learn God's way, you won't know how to stay the course.

If you don't care about the lost, you won't bring anyone to Jesus.

If you choose not to participate in your church, you won't have a church.

If you don't follow Jesus, you won't end up where He's going.


Time if flying. Here today and gone tomorrow. Start living now so you can become the person you want to be tomorrow. Today is your day.

Jesus is your Lord; live like it.

"I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20a)

Leaving with the 3rd "Love of My life"

I am pulling out of town RIGHT NOW. I am officiating a wedding in Asheville, NC and will return on Saturday. I love this couple but I must admit that I was dreading the drive and leaving town. There is so much to be done.

BUT, that all changed when Anna Grace agreed to miss school and go with me!!! She is the apple of this dad's eye! She is my only girl and I love her beyond words. She is third only to God and then Amy Lynn.

Tomorrow we will tour the Biltmore House and she will turn this experience into an awesome project for school. Tomorrow night, we will enjoy the wedding rehearsal and Friday evening we will join together in Holy matrimony this lovely couple from newhope.

Should be a great time. I am most looking forward to having 4 days with Anna Grace.

Peace -

My Life is SO OUT OF ORDER

An old friend, Dr. Dale Galloway used to say to some of us from time to time, "Your life is out of order." That is such a description of the Kelley Family right now. I remember teaching a sermon series on BALANCE. I think I need to go listen to that dude. Please pray for us.

We have been running way too hard. We have neglected date nights, all in the name of a baseball, soccer, or softball games almost every night of the week and every Saturday. The church life has been incredible, but crazy busy. The house is a wreck, almost feeling like it is beyond recovery. On top of that, I leave tomorrow for a wedding in Asheville, NC. Amy Lynn is stressed. I am stressed. As such, the kids are stressed. I remember a phrase/commercial from my child-hood days, "Calgon, take me away." If I insert the word "Jesus" for "Calgon" I think I will have the perfect prayer. Where's my Bible?

Matthew 11:25 - 30

25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."


* I need to follow the example of Jesus! In the midst of stress and Jesus' great friend, John, being in prison, Jesus chose to praise His Father, Lord of heaven and earth. (Vs. 25)

* Jesus, I want/need to know you and the Father more. I ask you to reveal yourself more and more to me.

* You invite me to come, especially when I am weary. Thank you - I come to YOU.

* You promise rest. In the name of Jesus, I seek and receive rest.

* I am trying to learn from you. I gladly take your yoke upon me. I seek your gentleness and humility. I long for your rest for my soul.

* I trade my heavy burdens for your yoke, the light and easy yoke. I trade it all in.

* Thank you for your Word.

In the name of Jesus, I pray...

Happy Mother's Day

To all the moms out there - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! We could not make it in the family or in this world without you. I thought of you when I read this poem by an unknown author. It speaks of unconditional love in a beautiful way:


A weary mother returned from the store,

Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.

Awaiting her arrival was her eight-year-old son,

Eager to relate what his younger brother had done.

"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,

T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall! It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.

I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow.

"Where is your little brother right now?"

She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,

She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name as she entered his room.

He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom!

For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved

About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.

Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,

She condemned his actions and total lack of care.

The more she scolded, the madder she got,

Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!

She headed for the den to confirm her fears.

When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.

The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.

It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.

Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,

With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.

A reminder to her, and indeed to all,

Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.


Again, Happy Mother's Day.
Pastor Benji

Politics and Religion

I have a confession - I have been consumed with the political arena right now. I am not sure why but this contest has been fascinating.

As a pastor, I am often asked about my stance on this political subject or that particular candidate. Worry not - I have my views and opinions, just like you. :-) But I am always a little hesitant to voice those due to my calling as pastor.

I came across a great article this morning that I wanted to share with you today. It appears that we have our two candidates, namely Barak Obama and John McCain. As this political race is certain to gain even greater intensity, I think this communicates the sensitivities required by Christians in general and pastors in particular. John Ortberg is one of my favorite speakers and authors and this is golden.

You can check it out here.

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Reflections the Day After Van Halen...

* A LOT has changed since 1984. I was expecting them to come out like they did in 1984. Why did I expect such a thing.

* Eddie Van Halen is still amazing. I have never heard anyone rip a guitar apart like he did last night. WOW. His son, "Wolfgang" was also strong on the bass guitar.


* David Lee Roth tried too hard to be something he is too old to pull off. Dude, you can't even try to jump around like you did in 1984. It has been 24 years. Take a cue from Eddie and just be comfortable in your own skin.


* The crowd was interesting. Lots of mid-lifers trying to recapture the "good ole days." I guess I was one of them. :-) Still rocking - just much older and far less crazy.

* I was struck by the use of cell phones instead of Bic and Zippo Lighters. Cell phones were taking pictures everywhere.


* I was struck by the laid back crowd. I guess that has to do with the aging part. Instead of teenagers going plum crazy like it was 1984, everyone was chillin and just enjoying the tunes.

* I loved "non-smoking," though I did have this cat beside me who kept sneaking a smoke.

* The music was so loud. I know, must be related to the age thing again. There were many people around us using ear plugs. LOL. BTW - I did not do such a lame thing. I was offered, thought twice about it, but could not sell my soul. :-)

* My head is still echoing from the amplifiers.

* Did I say a lot has changed since 1984. I am thankful to still be kicking.

This Day Has to be a Dream!

I kept my twin boys out of school today to celebrate their 9th birthday. (Yes I did - sorry if you have a problem with that - I love it :-) They are stoked. We have spent the morning playing spy games and shooting each other with Nerf Darts! This gift came loaded with Velcro chest plates, super spy sun glasses, and a carry case for all 22 Nerf darts! Ahhhhhh - to be a young boy again! :-)


After lunch, we are going fishing at University Lake. This is great fishing pond near our house. Later this afternoon, I will cook their requested dinner of choice - "Dad's cheeseburgers on the grill."

Tonight, I will pick up my buddy Steve Garrett in Raleigh and we will jam out to Van Halen on the 11th row from the stage on the main floor! Pinch me - this must be a dream! I shared a little Van Halen song and story with our church a few weeks ago and this gracious friend surprised me with two tix! THANKS - YOU KNOW YOU WHO YOU ARE and in my book, YOU ARE THE MAN!

David Lee Roth has hooked back with the old band and Eddie Van Halen's son, "Woolfgang" Van Halen is jamming on the guitar at the age of 16, with his dad.

I first saw Van Halen in 1984 for my very first concert. A lot has changed since 1984. I am sure tonight will be one long trip down memory lane. The biggest change in my life is JESUS! The last time I saw Van Halen, I was a lost 14 year old boy on the fast track to hell. Now, I am a redeemed disciple of Jesus Christ. It will be a different experience, no doubt.

Say a pray for me tonight at 8 pm. Pray that God allows us to rock hard into the night. Most importantly, though, pray that God allows us to shine His light in an arena that will have its fair share of darkness.

Jamming with Jesus...

Oprah's Spirituality - Scary...

I am chillin in Panera and getting ready to go to the church for the Jon Bauer concert!

I just had to throw you this link, though. Please know this - I have never had anything against Oprah but this is freakin scary.

Jesus said, "For those who have ears listen." Check out what many are calling the largest online church on planet earth. You can see some of it here.


I caution you to be a little more skeptical when you listen to the advise of Oprah. And remember to pray for Oprah and all those caught up in this movement.