Monthly Archive for August, 2008

Mark Driscoll Burns Your Plastic Jesus in Sydney

Published
by
Mark
on August 29, 2008
in Gospel Life
. 0 Comments

My good buddy Simon (a.k.a. Lay Guy) and I just spent 9 hours in the car, each way, to spend an amazing evening at the Sydney Entertainment Centre with Pastor Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, USA.  I have been blessed by his ministry over the past 2 years in a way that has literally changed the way I see Jesus, His Church and my calling to serve Jesus in ministry as pastor of CityWest Church.

It was very encouraging to see massive crowds of young and old people unite together as the stadium was filled to a capacity of 10,000 people.  The whole night was centred around the theme “Burn Your Plastic Jesus” as Driscoll in his unique way preached a message that broke down the stereo-typical mindsets of who Jesus is.  We heard him correct the false pictures of the Religious Jesus, the Bling-Bling Jesus, the Moral Jesus, the Aussie Jesus, the Country Jesus, and a few more.

What really impressed me was the way he read the Australian culture and applied these findings into his sermon to give us a very relevant message.  The statistics, the perspectives, our way of life was confronted and we were all challenged to see Jesus in His true light and live sold out to Him and His mission.  What also moved me was Driscoll’s commitment to reach the young men for Jesus.  He spent some focussed time calling them to a higher way of life and to even consider their part in church planting for the spread of the gospel.  Love that stuff!

After the event was done we exited our section and saw Driscoll right in front of us in the foyer meeting and praying with people.  We were able to thank him personally for all that he has done for us and had a photo taken with him (see above).  What was amazing is how after preaching for over 1 hour he still gave of himself to speak to hundreds of people and pray for those that needed it.

After staying for awhile he was still there meeting with people and who knows how long this went for?  It has been a long, long time since I have been empowered like this and having been to many conferences this one stands out as one of the best.  My faith was strengthened, my call was confirmed, my devotion was challenged and my focus renewed.  While I never want to attribute celebrity status to a man or elevate him as an idol, I do greatly appreciate all that Jesus is doing through Mark Driscoll and I look forward to many more teachings that empower the Church of Jesus to rise up and serve God on mission.

Mark was also saying that in 18-24 months he intends to return with the intention of conducting an Acts 29 boot camp to train and equip church planters in Australia and hopefully we can connect with him then.  It is encouraging to see the church in Australia move towards a more missional mindset and go back to a more Reformed view on theology.   To see so many young people attach themselves to this gives me great joy and hope for what is ahead.

So, we move foward with the gospel of Jesus to tell the world about the real Jesus and not the plastic version that is so unattractive and comical to this world.  I encourage you to review the way you see Jesus and make sure your perspective lines up with the way the Bible describes Him.  For a great picture be sure to read Revelation 19 and have your views revived to see the power of King Jesus!

Mike Guglielmucci Uncovered

Published
by
Mark
on August 22, 2008
in Christian News
. 4 Comments

The news that Michael Guglielmucci’s so-called battle with terminal cancer was a fraud has hit the Christian community really hard.  When I read about it my heart sank, my mind struggled to come to terms with it and my alarm of what this would do brought me great grief.  Here is a news report about the situation from nine msn’s website.

No doubt many will be hurt and disturbed by this and I can’t even begin to imagine what his family and churches connected to him must be going through.  Below are some statements given to explain this tragedy.

This is a general letter sent to all Hillsong Church members as Michael featured as a guest artist on their latest CD recording:

“Dear Church,

In the past 24 hours it has been brought to our attention that Michael Guglielmucci’s illness is not what we have been led to believe.

Michael has confirmed that he is not suffering with a terminal illness and is seeking professional help in Adelaide with the support of his family.

This news has come as a great shock to everyone including, it seems, his own wife and family.

We are asking our church to pray for the Guglielmucci family during this difficult time.

God bless,

George Aghajanian

General Manager”

God help them to pick up the pieces.

This was all uncovered at a recent meeting of the Representatives of the National Executive of the ACC (Australian Christian Churches) as they met with Michael Guglielmucci. At this meeting Michael read a statement indicating that his claim to have cancer was untrue. His credentials with the ACC was immediately suspended.

In their official statement it reads, “The National Executive is taking this matter very seriously and is awaiting the results of medical tests before determining the full extent of the discipline that will be imposed upon him.

We are very concerned for the many people who have been or will be, hurt by Michael’s actions and we encourage all of our churches to pray for all those affected.”

Very devastating to all involved and yet another example of human frailty and how close moral failure is. So how do we respond to this?  Coming across a great blog by Pastor Mark Conner of CityLife Church here in Victoria, I was inspired to post it here for you to consider…

“Like myself, most people who talk to me are in disbelief and bewilderment. Lots of questions are flying around … “How did this happen? What are we supposed to think and feel about this? Where do we go from here?”

Mark Conner continues…”There are a variety of responses to any situation such as this, all of them appropriate:

ANGER. It is totally normal to feel very angry about this. People have been lied to, betrayed, deceived, and they feel ripped off. Leadership is a gift from God, as is influence, and when anyone uses that platform for personal gain it is an abuse. When you have prayed for someone, supported someone, and even given financially to help them in their time of need, it’s natural to feel very upset when you find out that they have been a fraud. Yes, we are to look to God rather than leaders but church leaders are representatives of God and when they fail to do so in an honourable way, even God himself is angry. Lying is a serious sin (read Acts 5 if you don’t believe me).

COMPASSION. You can’t help but feel some pity for Mike and his situation. You feel sympathy for what must be going on in his inner world and the unmet needs that have driven him to this life of deception. He has shattered his personal reputation, endangered his future, and embarrassed not only himself, but his family and friends. The guilt and shame must be incredible.

FEAR OF GOD. Moments such as this remind us all that personal integrity is one of the most important qualities to develop. Integrity means that there is an integration between what people see on the outside (when everyone is looking) and who you really are on the inside (when no one is looking). When we fail to live in integrity, God usually gives us some space or time to repent (see Revelation 2:20-22). If we abuse God’s grace during this time, there will be an inevitable exposure of our duplicity (see Proverbs 28:13). What we build with our charisma (the gifts and talents God has given us) we can destroy in an instant through lack of character. The sobering thing is that we are all vulnerable to deception and have the potential for great evil inside of us. How desperately we need to live in the fear of the Lord, which is the awareness that he is always with us, and which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). We reap what we sow - not immediately but eventually.

DISAPPOINTMENT. We live in a generation that longs for heroes and that needs models - people who walk the talk and who live lives worth following. Mike was a role model - a voice to this generation, an incredible talent. What potential and what a platform of influence he had. His fall is a loss for everyone. Yes, we all have feet of clay but, even so, it’s very disappointing.

PRAYER. I hope your heart cries out like mine does. We need to turn afresh to God and pray … for ourselves (that we will walk in the light, living in authenticity and truth), for Mike (that he will experience genuine repentance, deep heart change, and restoration), for his family (for healing grace and consolation), for church leaders world wide (they we will avoid the pursuit of superstar status, an intoxicating state, that we will walk in truth, and that we will build the appropriate accountability processes around us that we all need), and the watching world (that they will see God in our humble repentance and broken hearts).

Maybe you identify with one or more of these responses. As I said, all of them are appropriate. I pray that you will be able to process your thoughts and feelings with some safe friends. It’s not time for gossip but it is a good time to debrief this situation so that we all can learn from it.

How will this incident affect the Christian church? Only time will tell. Thankfully, we have the testimony of the church in the first century who battled through challenges such as false doctrine, fraudulent leaders, and intense persecution. With God’s grace and wisdom, we can do the same.”

Great wisdom in those words.  God bless and keep you and please keep your eyes focussed on Jesus because He never fails!

Sing A New Song

Published
by
Mark
on August 18, 2008
in Gospel Life
. 2 Comments

Ministry can be brutal!  I have had some moments in the life of my ministry that I thought if I took one more step I would literally crumble and cease to function.  But for some reason my story is not an isolated case.  Hearing from many pastors, well those who are honest enough to share about it, I have realised that ministry can kill and as Mark Driscoll once taught, we can suffer DEATH BY MINISTRY!

I remember a recent season of ministry where everything I did seemed to bring me more trouble.  It seemed that once one issue was dealt with there was another test lining up ready to pounce.  Each trial came with greater intensity as they all seemed to build upon each other.  It got so overwhelming that I was dazed and confused and wondering what on earth was going on!  But even in the midst of this dark season the fire of devotion to Jesus and commitment to His mission could not be snuffed out.  Without Jesus I would have collapsed and burned out.

As I began seeking God for answers I had to endure those painful moments of heaven’s silence.  You might know what I’m talking about.  You’re crying out to God and almost pleading for breakthrough, but the silence you get from heaven is deafening.  But I persisted and kept on going to Jesus knowing that He would give me freedom when He decided the timing was right.

But then one Monday night back in May (2008) God gave me a dream.  Now please understand, God has never spoken to me in a dream before and rarely do I even remember dreams because I am so dead tired that a crying baby and a cuddly wife has got no hope of rousing this dead lump, but this time was different.  In this dream I was being led through a large church campus and it was so beautiful.  I soon found myself in a large auditorium filled with thousands of people worshipping Jesus.  My attention focused on the large screens beside the platform and all I could see was a Bible verse in big white letters…PSALM 40:3.  This verse was shown to me on three occasions during this dream.

As soon as I awoke I went to my home office and opened up to Psalm 40.  Here is what it says from verses 1 to 5…

Psalm 40:1-5 (ESV)

1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!
5 You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.

God expanded on this and it felt as if He was saying to me, Mark, no more singing a song of misery, confusion and doubt, it is time to start singing a new song…a song that I will give to you…a song that will cause many to put their trust in Me. So I did and I still am.

Something changed that day and Jesus has led me out of that long, dark valley and now I am dancing and singing a song of joy as I see Jesus working.  Since then a lot has happened and breakthrough has occured in many areas and it is just the beginning.

One major lesson in this that I will carry with me for all of my days - Sometimes I have to wait patiently for God, but when the time is right He will always breakthrough in a way that defies imagination.  God is so good and I am extremely thankful for what He has done and the wonderful deeds He is yet to do.  I am more hopeful now as I’ve ever been.  More secure in my calling as I’ve ever been.  More focused and clear on the mission as I’ve ever been.  What lies ahead is bigger and better than I could ever dream of.

So if you’re reading this and you too are in that dark, gloomy season, then wait because your salvation is approaching and Jesus will reveal His glory and power.  He never fails, never forgets, never abandons, never late, never early, never wrong and never distant.  Use this time to draw nearer to Him and wait expectantly for your miracle.

Kingdom People

Published
by
Mark
on August 14, 2008
in Gospel Life
. 0 Comments

We recently finished a series at CityWest Church called “Kingdom Come”.  It was a verse by verse exposition on the Sermon on the Mount as preached by Jesus in Matthew chapters 5,6 and 7.  In this series we began to appreciate how much Jesus did for us to adopt us into His family and call us to lives that are lived beyond ourselves.  We are literally Kingdom People…men and women redeemed by Jesus and chosen to make a difference for the Kingdom.  People who have rejected the deception of building their own kingdom but have rather been sent to build into the eternal Kingdom of God.

In this video clip we are reminded that the Kingdom of God is greater the satan’s and it is God’s Kingdom alone that will reach into eternity.  Watch this…

The Sermon on the Mount is a great reminder that we are living beyond ourselves and the life that Jesus calls us to cannot be lived without Him empowering it.  Only then do we make an impact on the kingdom of darkness and express the Kingdom of God to a desperate and lost world.

Let’s live as Kingdom People and show that JESUS IS KING!!!  Let’s reject all temptation to get distracted from our mission.  Let us all flesh out what Jesus preached and watch how He works through us to build His Kingdom and Family.

New Breed Arising

Published
by
Mark
on August 9, 2008
in Teaching
. 0 Comments

Tomorrow I am honoured to preach at Melton AOG.  This wonderful church were really the only ones to welcome us into the area when we first planted CityWest Church in Melton.  With a common heart and a common cause we serve this town and take the life-changing Gospel of Jesus.

In the sermon, titled “New Breed Arising”, I seek to reveal a new breed of Christ-follower totally sold-out to the mission of Almighty God.  A mission that goes beyond our comfort, our excuses, our doubts and even our own dreams and ambitions.  This new breed are missionally minded as they seek to carry the gospel into their context and speak a language the culture can not only understand but also respond to.  This new breed are what I call “dangerous”, “on the edge”, “radical”, “courageous” and “bold” for the things of God.  Dangerous to satan and his schemes…Christians that actually frustrate the work of the enemy!

The greatest picture of this is found in the Apostle Paul’s life in Acts 20 and 21.  Hearing the Holy Spirit say that he will go to Jerusalem, but warned of trouble facing him, he goes without hesitation because his love for Jesus COMPELS him!  He couldn’t help himself but obey God.  The amazing contrast follows as the disciples in Tyre hear the same word from the Holy Spirit yet their response was different to Paul’s, “And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.” (Acts 21:4 - ESV).  Again in Acts 21:10-14 the disciples and those travelling with him urged Paul to not go.  But Paul was driven and drawn irresistibly to the will of God.  What an awesome example!

Are we too comfortable?  Too cosy?  Too concerned with playing it safe?  I belileve God is raising up a new breed of Christian who acts out of a compulsion to serve King Jesus in everything He says.  A breed that are compelled to obey Jesus regardless of what lies ahead because they hold an undying conviction…JESUS IS KING and all is in His control.  What a dangerous person!  I pray that I am counted in that number.

JESUS Revolution

Published
by
Mark
on August 8, 2008
in Gospel Life
. 0 Comments

So, after much prompting by friends I am finally starting my blogging identity.  The purpose of this step is to share the journey I am on as a local church pastor in Melton, Australia and hopefully encourage others to seek their own Jesus Revolution.

Just a quick introduction…My name is Mark Jurisic, the Lead Pastor of CityWest Church. Coming back from a 3 year stint as an overseas missionary, I felt a strong call of God to plant this church and what was ahead was beyond anything I could have imagined.  The last 7 years have been filled with immense joy, intense testing and trials and gut-wrenching discoveries.  But through it all Jesus has become my all in all and I serve Him alone.

So as this blog rolls on I look forward to sharing my heart for the issues of life and faith.  I encourage you to join in if you have some valuable insights.  Thanks for stopping by!