For 2009-2010, the FATHERS Ministry at Grace Evangelical Free Church is studying the classic Christian book, “Knowing God” by J. I. Packer. Each year we focus on a different core relationship. Year 1 – God; Year 2 -Wife, Year 3 – Chldren. This year, through our study of “Knowing God” we are seeking to grow in our knowledge, understanding, and intimacy with God.

Tomorrow’s study focuses in on the Incarnation. For years I have been quoting Wayne Grudem who says refers to the incarnation is the “most amazing miracle in Scripture… far more amazing than the resurrection, and even more amazing than the creation of the universe.” Those are pretty amazing events. How can that be true? The Incarnation of Christ is the mystery of “infinite God joining with finite man, and remaining that way forever.”

Here is how Packer describes this mystery:

Here are two mysteries for the price of one–the plurality of persons within the unity of God, and the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus. It is here, in the thing that happened at the first Christmas, than the profoundest and most unfathomable depths of the Christian revelation lie. “The Word became flesh” (Jn. 1:14); God became man; the divine Son became a Jew; the Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless humn baby, unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. And there was no illusion or deception in this: the babyhood of the Son of God was a reality. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the Incarnation.

Nothing indeed. Ponder this greatest of mysteries. The deeper you go, the more in awe you’ll be of God’s grace!

The following is a “vintage” Rhinosrampage.com article that was written on May 28, 2003. At the time it was written, I really believed it was “profound.” In the years since, it’s become a driving principle of my life. I’ve shared this concept with hundreds of people, and it’s as true today as it ever was… enjoy. – Rhino

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Recently I was filling out a questionnaire. The final question was (paraphrased)… What is the most important leadership principle that you have learned? I struggled for awhile with this question. First, like many individuals I’ve read a number of books on leadership, and have found a number of principles which I would consider helpful or important. Second, I sometimes struggle with the disconnect between the term ‘leadership’ and ’servant leadership.’ Too many of us in the church have forgotten what it means to be a servant. Until we can reclaim that concept, we’ll never understand ’servant leadership.’

As I pondered these questions, however, I came up with this principle. This is something that, to the best of my knowledge, you won’t find in a book (unless I write one someday). I’ve taught this principle to young men for years, and I’ve shared it across many breakfast tables with friends. Today it gets written down for the first time.

“Everything you DO, and everything you DON’T DO, sends a message.”

If you read leadership books they will talk about how the ‘little things matter.’ Of that there can be no doubt. If you read communication books, they will talk about how our ‘nonverbal’ communication speaks louder than our words. Of that, there is also no doubt. This concept, however, marries the two.

Every action that we take, or conversely every action that we ‘choose’ not to take (consciously or subconsciously) sends a message of some kind. More often than not that message is one of ‘value judgment.’ The message sent says that I either value this person or thing, or I don’t. Either way, the message is sent.

Positively, I might share words of encouragement with someone (which says I value you), or I might attend a particular event (which says this is important to me), or I might take time away from something else to minister to your needs (which says I place a higher value on you than I do on my calendar), etc. The list is literally endless. Remember, I said “everything you DO.”

Negatively, I might look the other way when I see you in the hall (which says I do not value you), or I might cancel a meeting or event (which says that I have higher priorities), or as you share your feelings/hurts/etc., I might look at my watch (which says, “when’s lunch?”). Again, the list is literally endless. “Everything you DON’T DO.”

To this idea, you can also add the corollary: The volume of the message is directly proportional to the position of the leader. The reason is simple. Those of us who serve in leadership roles (pastors, elders, business leaders, etc.) are being much more closely scrutinized. Since we’re more scrutinized, the antennas of those who follow are “up.” The message, intended or not, is received clearly.

This can often be a difficult concept to live with. Should I live my life totally by what others perceive about me from my actions (even the actions I don’t do)? Certainly not. Still, there is great benefit in knowing that the little things that we do (both positively and negatively) communicate value to individuals. Often, it can make us rethink our actions, and enable us to communicate positive value to another.

What messages are you communicating today?

This morning I had the wonderful opportunity to present to about 35 Southern Baptist pastors in the Dayton, OH area. It’s always such a blessing when Pastors meet together. For the past few years I’ve been able to meet fairly regularly with the EFCA Ministerial. Before that I enjoyed presbytery meetings with the EPC on a fairly regular basis, and also attended several of Alistaire Begg’s pastor’s conferences. Today, one of the highlights of my month is the Pastor’s Briefing at the Creation Museum.

There is always a sweet spirit when Pastor’s meet. In some ways, I’m not sure if it’s even relevant what they discuss. What’s more important is that brothers in ministry come together and see… “I’m not in this alone!”

This morning, the association shared their announcements and business, and then allotted about 20 minutes for the “Ministry Focus.” That was my presentation on the Creation Museum. After that we shared a wonderful time of worship together, and heard from a gifted young pastor from the Word of God.

He preached from Hebrews 11:32-40 and made the connection between those mentioned by the writer of Hebrews and those in ministry.

In verses 32-35 he described those situations where God “showed up.” (his words).

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.

In verses 36-38 he described those who suffered… where God “appeared” to withdraw his hand.

36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Still… all were commended for their faith… those who were blessed in this life, and those who were apparently not.

39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

A great encouragement for all of the pastor’s present.

Sermon Audio: Mature in Christ (Col. 1:24-29)
Grace Evangelical Free Church, Cincinnati, OH
November 8, 2009

Many years ago, before blogging was cool… Rhino’s Rampage was a frequently updated site that was filled with my thoughts on life, scripture, and much, much more. As life and busyness set in, I updated less and less frequently. Eventually, Rhinosrampage.com became stagnant, and was no longer worth visiting.

Welcome to the relaunch. The new Rhino’s Rampage will be a forum for me to post my sermon archive, thoughts on articles, Scripture, and anything else that might be on my mind. Enjoy!