The World

06.29.09

Last week we looked at how the Devil wants to trick you into wasting your life. As part of his plan to do that he has created a way of thinking and viewing the world around us, a perspective on life. The Bible refers to this system as “the World”.

1 John 2:15-16 NASB
“Do not love the world nor the things in the world, if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”

In attacking surfers, the Devil capitalizes on three of our weaknesses by using this “World system”. The first is the “lust of the flesh”. Hedonism, the natural cravings of man, in other words – if it feels good do it. As a surfer this sounds strangely familiar. The Devil wants you to spend your life chasing waves and believing that ultimately surfing will fulfill you. I have one question that challenges that idea – have you ever had a wave so good that you were so deeply satisfied that you didn’t need to ever surf again?

Doing what we enjoy, whether surfing, sex, drugs or helping old ladies across the street will not ultimately fulfill. We were not first and foremost made for that. We were created to know God, to live in friendship with Him and only through Jesus is that possible. What are you investing your life into? Having fun or loving God?

Who do you surf for?

Life's Currency Trade

06.22.09

2 Corinthians 11:3 “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

The Devil is a liar, a deceiver. He comes at surfers trying to trick them.

Life is like a man with a pocket full of money. He goes about spending it however he desires. Sadly, it isn’t until his pocket is almost empty that he begins to consider whether his purchases were wise.

Every day surfers trade the currency of their lives. How many times have we traded it for waves over family, work or responsibilities. Sadly, many an old surfer has come to the realization that they’ve been tricked and invested their life in something that wasn’t that important. One famous old icon was overheard saying, as he watched a husband play with his children, “I have wasted my life.”

Over the next few weeks we’ll look at three ways that Satan desires to deceive surfers. Be on guard and spend your life in a way that you won’t regret.

MAKE Disciples

06.15.09

In Matthew 28, Jesus is wrapping up one stage of HIS ministry and transitioning to another. HE looks at HIS disciples and basically says, I’ve got unfathomable power and I’m going to be with you and work through you so wherever you go from here on out – MAKE DISCIPLES. When HE ascended to Heaven they stood staring and I get the impression that they were thinking, “make disciples, what? HE makes disciples. We are disciples. This is about us – me and Jesus – HE guides me and teaches me and helps me and heals me. I’m confused.”

As surfers we understand selfishness. It’s about me getting my wave. But sadly, as Christians I’m not sure that our perspective is all that different. I mean church is about messages that connect with me, music I like, services that minister to and encourage me. Right? Christian Surfers is no different. It’s a “cool” movement that I can plug into and really fit.

What if Christianity isn’t primarily about me and God serving me and ministering to me? What if it is primarily about God and the mystery of HIM living HIS life and ministry through me in order to bring the Father glory?

In the United States alone there are over 3 million surfers, a majority of which are separated from God by their sin. How will they ever hear the Good News if someone doesn’t tell them? Who will tell them? It would take an army…YOU ARE THAT ARMY.

Today I am calling each of us to take action. CS doesn’t primarily exist to minister to you but to help you get active so Jesus can minister through you. One rallying event is the CSUS National Conference in Oct. Register today and begin focusing on others by making a list of whom you will invite to go to the conference with you. At the conference you will be equipped to carry out the mission.

Enjoy Jesus and your personal walk with HIM but remember, the ride really gets good when we yield ourselves and let HIM work in others through us.

We must mobilize to action! God’s glory and surfer’s souls are on the line.

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