Wednesday we continue our study "What is a Healthy Church?". We will be looking at chapter five, Expository Preaching, from Mark Dever's book What is a Healthy Church?
Lord willing we will look at "Jesus--No Greater Brother," from Hebrews 2:5-18 this coming Sunday morning.
Sunday Evening we will be looking at Monticello's function and purpose including stewardship, worship, prayer, evangelism, missions, etc.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday Review
Mondays are not my favorite days. I neglected to mention that last Monday was free of computer problems (and so far so is today). I always feel groggy on Mondays. Anyway lets review yesterdays gatherings.
The Sunday morning sermon was entitled "Jesus, No Greater Salvation." The passage under consideration was Hebrews 2:1-4. The author of Hebrews reminded us that 1) we must be diligent in the faith, lest we drift away; 2) there are inescapable consequences if we neglect the salvation that Jesus provides; and 3) he tells us why the gospel should be diligently applied. It should be applied because Jesus announced it, the apostles confirmed it, God demonstrated it, and the Holy Spirit displays it in the life of believers. How do we apply the message: we allow this warning to drive us closer to Jesus.
Sunday evening we looked at the Church Covenant. This document has been used by our church for a really long time. It is a helpful tool for describing Christian community. It is an expression of how we will live together for the glory of God. The more I study it the more I see its merits. We had lively discussion last night. I love the chance to interact and bounce thoughts off other people. It provides the opportunity to see if one has thought carefully and clearly through a matter. The opportunity for correction and clarification often comes from these interactions and I am thankful for these opportunities. We need to continually realize that we can learn so much from each other. I want to thank every one for their questions and insights.
The Sunday morning sermon was entitled "Jesus, No Greater Salvation." The passage under consideration was Hebrews 2:1-4. The author of Hebrews reminded us that 1) we must be diligent in the faith, lest we drift away; 2) there are inescapable consequences if we neglect the salvation that Jesus provides; and 3) he tells us why the gospel should be diligently applied. It should be applied because Jesus announced it, the apostles confirmed it, God demonstrated it, and the Holy Spirit displays it in the life of believers. How do we apply the message: we allow this warning to drive us closer to Jesus.
Sunday evening we looked at the Church Covenant. This document has been used by our church for a really long time. It is a helpful tool for describing Christian community. It is an expression of how we will live together for the glory of God. The more I study it the more I see its merits. We had lively discussion last night. I love the chance to interact and bounce thoughts off other people. It provides the opportunity to see if one has thought carefully and clearly through a matter. The opportunity for correction and clarification often comes from these interactions and I am thankful for these opportunities. We need to continually realize that we can learn so much from each other. I want to thank every one for their questions and insights.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friends, Fellowship, and Fun
We have all heard it said that laughter is the best medicine. There is a great deal of truth in this statement. I got to hang out with my best friend yesterday. We had a long talk about ministry and calling. These talks always seem to encourage me and solidify the calling in my life. Proverbs 27:17 states, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another" (ESV). God has continued to use my friend to encourage me in the ministry, and I hope he has used me to encourage my friend. He has a passion and commitment in ministry that is rare. He is a humble servant of God who seeks the spiritual well-being of his flock. I thank God for him and his ministry.
He went with me to the hospital to visit. I went to visit a church member's family member. Armed with the information that this person was in the hospital and the number of their room I headed to the hospital. It was not until I got to the door of the room that I realized I couldn't recall the person's name. So there I was standing outside of this hospital room staring at the people inside, looking to my friend to help me (and knowing that it would have been a miracle for him to have identified complete strangers) trying desperately to recall the patience name. At last I introduced myself, confessed my ignorance and discovered I was indeed in the right place. I don't know if the family laughed after I left, but my friend and I did. Humility is a lesson taught often, if we will learn it.
I also got to hang out with Delia' s Sunday school class. We had a time of fellowship at the church. I love to laugh and cut up. I'm a bit of a goof. Through this time of fellowship I was reminded that I am part of something bigger than myself.
At the end of the night, when the lights were out and my head was on the pillow, I came to the conclusion: when we are connected to our great God and Savior life cannot help but be great. I don't mean to suggest that it is all fun and laughter in Jesus. There is a lot of hard work and heart ache, but life in Christ is far better than life without him. Thank you Lord for a wonderful day, and thank you all for a lot of laughter.
He went with me to the hospital to visit. I went to visit a church member's family member. Armed with the information that this person was in the hospital and the number of their room I headed to the hospital. It was not until I got to the door of the room that I realized I couldn't recall the person's name. So there I was standing outside of this hospital room staring at the people inside, looking to my friend to help me (and knowing that it would have been a miracle for him to have identified complete strangers) trying desperately to recall the patience name. At last I introduced myself, confessed my ignorance and discovered I was indeed in the right place. I don't know if the family laughed after I left, but my friend and I did. Humility is a lesson taught often, if we will learn it.
I also got to hang out with Delia' s Sunday school class. We had a time of fellowship at the church. I love to laugh and cut up. I'm a bit of a goof. Through this time of fellowship I was reminded that I am part of something bigger than myself.
At the end of the night, when the lights were out and my head was on the pillow, I came to the conclusion: when we are connected to our great God and Savior life cannot help but be great. I don't mean to suggest that it is all fun and laughter in Jesus. There is a lot of hard work and heart ache, but life in Christ is far better than life without him. Thank you Lord for a wonderful day, and thank you all for a lot of laughter.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
A Lesson From Nature
Sunday night, as I was walking to church, I noticed a stalk of grass growing out of the pavement. Although it was not a new sight for me it did make me think. A few questions came to mind that I am still trying to answer. How did this tiny plant make it? Why hadn't other plants made it as well?
Looking down at the this botanical Houdini it was apparent that this little plant had overcome great obstacles. Its blades protruded from a gash in the pavement which was swollen like an infected cut. Some how this little plant had snaked up through dirt, gravel, and asphalt. It pushed past all opposition flinging its arms to the heavens in worship.
Another question occurred to me. Why do some people come through difficulty stronger for it and others never break through? This little plant made me wonder why this seed had overcome, when others had obviously failed. Why was I on a road, when the grass had demonstrated its ability to break up pavement?
There are so many lessons we can learn if we will just apply ourselves; if we will let our minds turn the thoughts over and over. I was encouraged to persevere. I was reminded that man can never truly tame nature, but must always seek to diligently subdue it with gentleness and care. I was inspired to allow God's glory motivate me to new heights.
Looking down at the this botanical Houdini it was apparent that this little plant had overcome great obstacles. Its blades protruded from a gash in the pavement which was swollen like an infected cut. Some how this little plant had snaked up through dirt, gravel, and asphalt. It pushed past all opposition flinging its arms to the heavens in worship.
Another question occurred to me. Why do some people come through difficulty stronger for it and others never break through? This little plant made me wonder why this seed had overcome, when others had obviously failed. Why was I on a road, when the grass had demonstrated its ability to break up pavement?
There are so many lessons we can learn if we will just apply ourselves; if we will let our minds turn the thoughts over and over. I was encouraged to persevere. I was reminded that man can never truly tame nature, but must always seek to diligently subdue it with gentleness and care. I was inspired to allow God's glory motivate me to new heights.
Friday, September 26, 2008
A Real Family
Webster defines "real" as 1) of or relating to fixed, permanent, or immovable things (like land) and 2) not artificial, fraudulent, illusory or apparent. Real love defines a real family. Genetics are important, but not ultimate. I am not just saying that because I have no biological children. I say it because it is true. In Christ, we have a family that transcends genetic, ethnic, geographic, cultural and all other bounds.
Paul states, "For you did not receive the spirit of slaver to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him" (Rom 8:15-17).
This Spirit of adoption brands our heart with the love of God. The love of God in our hearts brings us into a deeper love of his other children. This reality if evident in John's words, "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death" (1 John 3:14).
Our love for Christ and obedience to his Word may drive us from our biological families, but it will never calls us to part ways from our real family. I am not saying that biological families are not real, only that they are not eternal, not permanent. There are many believers in the world today, and who have gone on before us, who have had to forsake or who have been forsaken by their families. Yet, not one of God's children will ever be forsaken by God.
Earthly families should be patterned on the heavenly family. The glue that bonds the heavenly family together is not a mixture of guilt, or manipulation, or familial loyalty, or sense of duty. Love bonds the heavenly family together. It is a love that looks remedies imperfection by sacrifice. "Love covers a multitude of sins." We should esteem others better than ourselves, because that is what Jesus did. He willingly took the place and punishment of sinful people and gave up his life for them. In his act of self-sacrifice he extended forgiveness to those who receive it and demonstrated the kind of love we must have.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sermon Preview
Sunday Morning (9-28-08): We will look at "Jesus-No Greater Salvation." We will be looking at Hebrews 2:1-4. The author issues a stern warning about the dangers of rejecting Jesus. Is Jesus the only way to heaven? Why does Jesus matter? Is it worth it to hang on to Jesus?
Sunday Night : We will be looking at the church covenant.
Wednesday (10-1-08): We will look at the first mark of a healthy church: Expository Preaching.
Sunday Night : We will be looking at the church covenant.
Wednesday (10-1-08): We will look at the first mark of a healthy church: Expository Preaching.
The Doctrine of Salvation
This post will look at some key figures and principles involved in the doctrine of salvation.
Pelagius (ca. 354-420) was a British monk. He was deeply concerned by what he perceived to be spiritual laxity in the Church and blamed Augustine's writings. He argued (1) that if God expected moral perfection, then it must be possible to live above sin, (2) that humans have the natural ability to choose righteousness, and do live righteously, and (3) that Adam's sin's impact was only in that it left a bad example for us to follow. The terms Pelagian and Pelagianism refer to this doctrine.
Augustine (ca. 354-430) was Bishop of Hippo. He taught that humanity inherits the corruption and guilt of Adam's sin. Due to Adam's rebellion all his descendants' intellectual, volitional, and moral faculties are depraved, the entire race is lost, and none has the ability to save themselves. From here he reasoned that salvation is possible by God's grace alone.
The councils of Carthage (418) and Orange (519) accepted the Augustinian view and rejected Pelagianism. Pelagianism was condemned as a Heresy.
James Arminius (1560-1609) studied under Beza (Calvin's successor) in Geneva. He rejected Beza's Calvinism and began teaching a different view of predestination. After his death his followers, known as Remonstants, took up his call. There protest had five points: (1) God conditionally elects individuals according to their foreseen faith, (2) Christ died fro the sins of the whole world, (3) no one has the power within himself to turn to God without the assistance of God's grace, (4) God's grace can be resisted, and (5) it is possible for a Christian to lose his salvation. The term Arminian refers to this theological position.
John Calvin (1509-1564) was a pastor and theologian. He wrote the Institutes of Christian Religion. The acronym, TULIP, which is often associated with the theological position labeled Calvinism, did not come from Calvin. The Synod of Dort (1618-1619) formulated the TULIP in response to the five points of Arminianism. The points associated with Calvinism are: (T) total depravity--sinners are incapable in their own power to respond to the gospel; (U) unconditional election--God elects and reprobates according to his own inscrutable will; (L) limited atonement--Christ died only for the elect; (I) irresistible grace--the Holy Spirit works irresistibly in the heart of the elect; and (P) perseverance of the saints--God gives sufficient grace to the elect for them to persevere until death.
The debate is often spoken of as a disagreement between Calvinism and Arminanism. Calvinism generally emphasizes God's sovereignty, while Arminianism emphasizes human freedom. However, speaking of the doctrine of salvation in terms of Calvinism and Arminianism is really an oversimplification because their is great diversity on both sides with some overlap in the middle.
I owe a great debt to Kenneth Keathley's "The Work of God: Salvation," in A Theology for the Church, Danny Akin, ed. (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2007), 686-764. I tried to present this material as originally as possible, but I acknowledge that most of it came from Keathley's article.
Pelagius (ca. 354-420) was a British monk. He was deeply concerned by what he perceived to be spiritual laxity in the Church and blamed Augustine's writings. He argued (1) that if God expected moral perfection, then it must be possible to live above sin, (2) that humans have the natural ability to choose righteousness, and do live righteously, and (3) that Adam's sin's impact was only in that it left a bad example for us to follow. The terms Pelagian and Pelagianism refer to this doctrine.
Augustine (ca. 354-430) was Bishop of Hippo. He taught that humanity inherits the corruption and guilt of Adam's sin. Due to Adam's rebellion all his descendants' intellectual, volitional, and moral faculties are depraved, the entire race is lost, and none has the ability to save themselves. From here he reasoned that salvation is possible by God's grace alone.
The councils of Carthage (418) and Orange (519) accepted the Augustinian view and rejected Pelagianism. Pelagianism was condemned as a Heresy.
James Arminius (1560-1609) studied under Beza (Calvin's successor) in Geneva. He rejected Beza's Calvinism and began teaching a different view of predestination. After his death his followers, known as Remonstants, took up his call. There protest had five points: (1) God conditionally elects individuals according to their foreseen faith, (2) Christ died fro the sins of the whole world, (3) no one has the power within himself to turn to God without the assistance of God's grace, (4) God's grace can be resisted, and (5) it is possible for a Christian to lose his salvation. The term Arminian refers to this theological position.
John Calvin (1509-1564) was a pastor and theologian. He wrote the Institutes of Christian Religion. The acronym, TULIP, which is often associated with the theological position labeled Calvinism, did not come from Calvin. The Synod of Dort (1618-1619) formulated the TULIP in response to the five points of Arminianism. The points associated with Calvinism are: (T) total depravity--sinners are incapable in their own power to respond to the gospel; (U) unconditional election--God elects and reprobates according to his own inscrutable will; (L) limited atonement--Christ died only for the elect; (I) irresistible grace--the Holy Spirit works irresistibly in the heart of the elect; and (P) perseverance of the saints--God gives sufficient grace to the elect for them to persevere until death.
The debate is often spoken of as a disagreement between Calvinism and Arminanism. Calvinism generally emphasizes God's sovereignty, while Arminianism emphasizes human freedom. However, speaking of the doctrine of salvation in terms of Calvinism and Arminianism is really an oversimplification because their is great diversity on both sides with some overlap in the middle.
I owe a great debt to Kenneth Keathley's "The Work of God: Salvation," in A Theology for the Church, Danny Akin, ed. (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2007), 686-764. I tried to present this material as originally as possible, but I acknowledge that most of it came from Keathley's article.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Day of Redemption
The term "day of redemption" has been on my mind. I keep thinking of of Christ's glorious appearing and the joy of being united with him. This pondering is not some morbid fascination with death. I really enjoy my life. I am excited about the things I see God doing all around me.
I think that the news that Sophia will be coming home soon has caused me to think about reunions in general. Some day soon I will receive the word that I can fly down and get her. When I get her I will take her to be where I live. I have prepared a place for her. With each of these thoughts the words of Christ have been driven deeper into my mind and heart.
I am beginning to understand that this earthly reunion foreshadows our reunion with Christ. One day the Father will tell the Son to go down and get his bride. He will take us to live with him. He has prepared a place for us. We will be with him forever.
This realization has deepened my joy when I think about being reunited with Sophia Hope. This earthly reunion, with all its attending joys, points to a greater reunion with even greater joys. Don't misunderstand me I really want to be with my daughter. I want to tuck her in at night; pray with her; read Scripture to her; eat meals together; make her laugh; nurse her to health when she gets sick and watch her grow. But more than all of that I want to lead her to follow Jesus. I want her to yearn for that heavenly reunion where she will walk and talk with her Creator and Redeemer.
With my eye to the east (where Jesus will come from) my heart is on the south (where Sophia is). I await my reunion with both of them--knowing full well both will come in God's timing.
I think that the news that Sophia will be coming home soon has caused me to think about reunions in general. Some day soon I will receive the word that I can fly down and get her. When I get her I will take her to be where I live. I have prepared a place for her. With each of these thoughts the words of Christ have been driven deeper into my mind and heart.
I am beginning to understand that this earthly reunion foreshadows our reunion with Christ. One day the Father will tell the Son to go down and get his bride. He will take us to live with him. He has prepared a place for us. We will be with him forever.
This realization has deepened my joy when I think about being reunited with Sophia Hope. This earthly reunion, with all its attending joys, points to a greater reunion with even greater joys. Don't misunderstand me I really want to be with my daughter. I want to tuck her in at night; pray with her; read Scripture to her; eat meals together; make her laugh; nurse her to health when she gets sick and watch her grow. But more than all of that I want to lead her to follow Jesus. I want her to yearn for that heavenly reunion where she will walk and talk with her Creator and Redeemer.
With my eye to the east (where Jesus will come from) my heart is on the south (where Sophia is). I await my reunion with both of them--knowing full well both will come in God's timing.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Practice of Waiting
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We spend the majority of our life waiting; waiting for someone to write, or call, or visit, or email. We wait for someone to fix our car or for the doctor to see us. I have had a lot of practice at waiting. I waited (impatiently) to turn 13 and be a teenager. I waited to turn 16 and drive a car. I waited to turn 18 so I could vote. I waited for High School to be over, then college, and then Seminary. I waited for the right woman to come along before I got married. I am currently waiting to be united with my daughter, Sophia Hope.The Scripture calls us to wait on the Lord. David states, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourselves over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices" (Ps 37:7). We do not know the end of all things. We cannot even see what will happen five minutes from now. But God knows all things, and more importantly he is in control. Be still, wait, don't fret--we are called to remember these truths, and to live them out.
We say we "can't wait" for something to express our impatient desire (rightly or wrongly) for immediate satisfaction. We want others to know the depth of our yearning for that thing to pass. I remember when I said, "I can't wait until I get to drive!" But, I did wait--a few years to be exacted. And now my heart says, "I can't wait to go get Sophia!" But, I have to wait--this time only a few weeks. I am okay with it, however, because I have had practice.James reminds us, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (Jam 1:2-4). Paul also says, "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, know that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Rom 5:3-5).
I don't mean to minimalize the suffering of others, nor do I think that having to wait to bring Sophia home is a massive trial. But, I do believe it is a trial, or test if you will, a trial that compels me to be still and wait on the Lord. He will unite my family. He will bring us together. I do not need to fear or allow worry to consume me. I wait on him who is always faithful, him who is always in control, and him in whom I have placed my trust. My heart cries out, "I can't wait!", but the Spirit speaks to my heart, "I will give you the strength to endure."
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Sunday Recap
This morning we looked at "Jesus--Greater than the Angels." Hebrews 1:3b-14 informed us of four ways that Jesus was better than the angels. He had a better ministry (he made purification for sins), he had a better positions (he was seated), he had a better place (he was at the right hand of God), and he had a better name (Son). Jesus was the Son who did the will of his Father, the angels are merely servants. The author emphasizes Jesus superiority to the angels, because he is the eternal Son of God, the Creator and Redeemer of the world. Remember angels are great, but Jesus is greater.
This evening I took a stab at doing a new members/believers type discipleship class. I wasn't thrilled with the way it went. It seemed to rushed and information heavy. We went over part of Monticello's doctrinal confession (our Articles of the Faith). I fear "new believers" would have been overwhelmed. Those of you who were there help me to make it better, more user friendly, more helpful and encouraging. If you weren't there, but have been to a new members/believers class that you found helpful--let me know about it.
This evening I took a stab at doing a new members/believers type discipleship class. I wasn't thrilled with the way it went. It seemed to rushed and information heavy. We went over part of Monticello's doctrinal confession (our Articles of the Faith). I fear "new believers" would have been overwhelmed. Those of you who were there help me to make it better, more user friendly, more helpful and encouraging. If you weren't there, but have been to a new members/believers class that you found helpful--let me know about it.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Reading Resources
How would you rate your reading skills? I have struggled with reading speed and comprehension for years. I am an auditory learner. If I can hear it, and it has my attention, it is much easier for me to understand and retain. However, since I came to Christ, reading has been an important part of my growth. I only wish I would have had better ability earlier on in my ministry. I am not suggesting that I have tremendous ability now, but my speed and comprehension have increased. The practice of daily reading certainly helped in those increases, but I also had other help. Here are a few tools I think can help you.
I was introduced to J. P. Moreland's, Love Your God With All Your Mind: the Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul. (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1997) during my last semester of seminary. I would have been more greatly aided in seminary if someone would have made me read this book first, and walked through the principles with me. I didn't agree with everything in the book, but it does explain the importance of the mind in worship and more importantly, how to develop our minds for God's glory.
Smart Faith: Loving God With All Your Mind, is slightly more simplified version of Moreland's book Love God With All Your Mind. Moreland teamed up with Mark Matlock (no relation to Ben) in order to help high school and college students develop their minds for the glory of God. It deals with teaching students the skills of thinking and how to apply that to our faith.
The next tool is referred to as "The classic guide to intelligent reading." Mortimer J. Adler originally released How to Read a Book in 1940. It was revised and updated with the help of Charles Van Doren in 1972. How to Read a Book also deals with the processes of identifying what the author is trying to say. Although I haven't had time to finish it, what I have read has helped me in my reading.
Another tool that I have found to help is the EyeQ reading system. This computer software claims to double your reading speed in as little as four weeks. I have worked through a few of the lessons and have found a noticeable gain in my reading speed (with retained comprehension). I am trying to get disciplined enough to actually spend the recommended three (15-30 min) sessions a week to see if I can really ramp it up. The Butler County Adult Education center has a site licence that allows up to fifty students to use this resource (5 at time). If you live in the area, give us a call (270-526-4560--8:00 am-5:00pm Mon and Wed; 8:00 am-6:00pm Tue and Thur). We will get you enrolled and started.
Reading doesn't have to be a chore. It can be an adventure. It can be fun and exciting and rewarding.
I was introduced to J. P. Moreland's, Love Your God With All Your Mind: the Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul. (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1997) during my last semester of seminary. I would have been more greatly aided in seminary if someone would have made me read this book first, and walked through the principles with me. I didn't agree with everything in the book, but it does explain the importance of the mind in worship and more importantly, how to develop our minds for God's glory.
Smart Faith: Loving God With All Your Mind, is slightly more simplified version of Moreland's book Love God With All Your Mind. Moreland teamed up with Mark Matlock (no relation to Ben) in order to help high school and college students develop their minds for the glory of God. It deals with teaching students the skills of thinking and how to apply that to our faith.
The next tool is referred to as "The classic guide to intelligent reading." Mortimer J. Adler originally released How to Read a Book in 1940. It was revised and updated with the help of Charles Van Doren in 1972. How to Read a Book also deals with the processes of identifying what the author is trying to say. Although I haven't had time to finish it, what I have read has helped me in my reading.
Another tool that I have found to help is the EyeQ reading system. This computer software claims to double your reading speed in as little as four weeks. I have worked through a few of the lessons and have found a noticeable gain in my reading speed (with retained comprehension). I am trying to get disciplined enough to actually spend the recommended three (15-30 min) sessions a week to see if I can really ramp it up. The Butler County Adult Education center has a site licence that allows up to fifty students to use this resource (5 at time). If you live in the area, give us a call (270-526-4560--8:00 am-5:00pm Mon and Wed; 8:00 am-6:00pm Tue and Thur). We will get you enrolled and started.
Reading doesn't have to be a chore. It can be an adventure. It can be fun and exciting and rewarding.
My Reading List
I want to comment on my "What I'm Reading Now" section. This section contains books that I am currently reading (and one that I am currently listening to--audio books are a great way to get excited about "reading"). These books may remain on the list awhile because I only get to read a little of each of them at a time. I may read a few paragraphs, or a couple of chapters one day, and not get to read from the same book again for a few days. The list is really a way to keep me accountable to finish these books. I won't be including a list of commentaries that I am researching through or other background material.
I want the list to be a useful tool for others who may be interested in picking up good books--not to say that everything on reading list is good. If you have questions let me know. Also the "links" are not meant to be an endorsement of any store. These links were the easiest place to find information concerning the books on the list. Once you get the title and author's name feel free to shop around (I do). I am firmly convinced that every believer should have a good library (for some this probably be a small bookshelf with two or three dozen books on it, others would want a more extensive library).
Don't panic at the thought of a library. Some of the larger (and more expensive) books in our libraries are Concordances, Bible Dictionaries and Handbooks which are not meant to be read through, but used as a reference. I am in the process of composing a list of resources that I believe would aid every believer in having. I hope to complete it in the next couple of weeks. I encourage you to start or complete your own "What I'm Reading Now" list, and your own "Finished Pile." It isn't so much the number of pages you read in a week or a month or a year, it is whether or not you do anything with the information you are learning.
I want the list to be a useful tool for others who may be interested in picking up good books--not to say that everything on reading list is good. If you have questions let me know. Also the "links" are not meant to be an endorsement of any store. These links were the easiest place to find information concerning the books on the list. Once you get the title and author's name feel free to shop around (I do). I am firmly convinced that every believer should have a good library (for some this probably be a small bookshelf with two or three dozen books on it, others would want a more extensive library).
Don't panic at the thought of a library. Some of the larger (and more expensive) books in our libraries are Concordances, Bible Dictionaries and Handbooks which are not meant to be read through, but used as a reference. I am in the process of composing a list of resources that I believe would aid every believer in having. I hope to complete it in the next couple of weeks. I encourage you to start or complete your own "What I'm Reading Now" list, and your own "Finished Pile." It isn't so much the number of pages you read in a week or a month or a year, it is whether or not you do anything with the information you are learning.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Gratitude
My mind has turned toward gratitude this morning. I am not quite sure why, although I am aware that I can always mature in this area of my life, I don't know why the Holy Spirit has brought into my mind this morning. Maybe it is the euphoria of knowing in a few short (7 to 11) weeks we will be reunited with our little girl; that Daddy can begin the process of spoiling his little princess. It may be that I am beginning to realize that soon I will be praying with Sophia, not just for her. It could be that soon her laughter (and everything else that comes with a child) will be ringing in my ears; her little hand will be tugging me out of in front of the tv and into something much more important--life.
It could be the unconditional love of a godly woman who challenges me to expect more from God, and to attempt more for him. It could be her beautiful smile that makes me remember that God is in control, that he loves me, and that he has not and will not forget me. Maybe it is the realization that she has prayed for me, with childlike faith, fully convinced that God can accomplish his will in and through me.
It may be the support of my parents who have continued to believe in me. Who have given sacrificially so that I could have an education, build a family, and have a stable life.
It may be the words of encouragement that I have received lately from many of my family members and friends--comments expressed about this blog (or my sermons) that help me to see that God is still at work in me, and still continuing to work through me. It could be the support my family, church family, and friends have provided throughout Ellie and Sophia's adoption.
It could be the deepening of friendships. Or it could be the rising awareness of the spiritual thirst that continues to grow in the people around me. It could be that God's faithfulness has rested on me in a tangible way that has caused it to move from a theological concept to a verifiable reality.
It could be any one of these things, but it is in reality all of them and so many more. For all of these reasons, and more, I praise God. I cannot help but see his gracious gifting in my life. Everywhere I turn, I find something else, another blessing, another sign of his unwavering love. I look at all my weakness and failures and wonder how he can love me. I sigh with David, "What is man that You are mindful of him?". Then I remind myself, He loves me, because God is love. And once again gratitude wells up in my heart.
It could be the unconditional love of a godly woman who challenges me to expect more from God, and to attempt more for him. It could be her beautiful smile that makes me remember that God is in control, that he loves me, and that he has not and will not forget me. Maybe it is the realization that she has prayed for me, with childlike faith, fully convinced that God can accomplish his will in and through me.
It may be the support of my parents who have continued to believe in me. Who have given sacrificially so that I could have an education, build a family, and have a stable life.
It may be the words of encouragement that I have received lately from many of my family members and friends--comments expressed about this blog (or my sermons) that help me to see that God is still at work in me, and still continuing to work through me. It could be the support my family, church family, and friends have provided throughout Ellie and Sophia's adoption.
It could be the deepening of friendships. Or it could be the rising awareness of the spiritual thirst that continues to grow in the people around me. It could be that God's faithfulness has rested on me in a tangible way that has caused it to move from a theological concept to a verifiable reality.
It could be any one of these things, but it is in reality all of them and so many more. For all of these reasons, and more, I praise God. I cannot help but see his gracious gifting in my life. Everywhere I turn, I find something else, another blessing, another sign of his unwavering love. I look at all my weakness and failures and wonder how he can love me. I sigh with David, "What is man that You are mindful of him?". Then I remind myself, He loves me, because God is love. And once again gratitude wells up in my heart.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Lighter Thoughts 1
Some questions penetrate deep into the secrets of the universe. The great luminaries of history have been those who have not only posed great questions, but who have sought to answer them with great care and thoughtfulness. In keeping with that thought, I want to introduce a new segment to "the Burning Word." I am calling it "Lighter Thoughts." No, it does not concern lighters or fires or matches. It concerns questions that will make you smile while you think. Occasionally, silly thoughts cross my mind and a question will occur to me that makes me wonder if any one else has ever had that thought. So I decided to find out. For my first lighter thought, I want to ask:
Is there anything a vulture won't eat?
Let me know what you think and if you know the answer to the question let me know that, too.
Is there anything a vulture won't eat?
Let me know what you think and if you know the answer to the question let me know that, too.
Adoption News
We have received some amazing news. The old saying says, "God is faithful--all the time." It is a true statement. Today we got the news the Sophia Hope is out of PGN (the Guatemalan agency that approves adoptions). What that means that it is all over but the waiting. They are saying it may take us 8 to 12 weeks to get her home. Psalm 27:14 states, "Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!" Thank you all for praying and continue to pray. Delia and I love you all. God bless.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Atheism Remix Review
I finished R. Albert Mohler's Atheism Remix this morning. I found it to be a practical introduction into the movement known as the New Atheism, led by Richard Dawkins and others. Dr. Mohler explains the position of the New Atheists with straightforward precision. Their aggressive attacks on theism (belief in God) in general, and Christianity specifically, coupled with their mass appeal should compel believers to ready a defense against their empty claims.
Dr. Mohler's book is a helpful overview of the situation and concludes with a compelling challenge to be ready to engage those influenced by the New Atheists. He states, "the task is to articulate, communicate, and defend the Christian faith with intellectual integrity and evangelistic urgency. We must not assume that this task will be easy, and we must also refuse to withdraw from public debate and private conversation in light of this challenge" (pg. 107).
If you have heard the names Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens, you need to read this book. If you haven't heard these names but have heard of such books as: Devil's Chaplain, The God Delusion, Darwin's Dangerous Idea, Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon, End of Faith, Letters to a Christian Nation, or God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, then you need to read this book. If you have never heard about any of this, you really need to read this book. These authors and their books have spent weeks and months on best sellers lists.
1 Peter 3:15 calls believers to have a defense of their faith ready should anybody ask. This book is a helpful tool toward that defence. Dr. Mohler demonstrates the error of the New Atheists and approaches that are not helpful. I only wish he would have added another chapter that presented a model biblical defense.
Dr. Mohler's book is a helpful overview of the situation and concludes with a compelling challenge to be ready to engage those influenced by the New Atheists. He states, "the task is to articulate, communicate, and defend the Christian faith with intellectual integrity and evangelistic urgency. We must not assume that this task will be easy, and we must also refuse to withdraw from public debate and private conversation in light of this challenge" (pg. 107).
If you have heard the names Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens, you need to read this book. If you haven't heard these names but have heard of such books as: Devil's Chaplain, The God Delusion, Darwin's Dangerous Idea, Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon, End of Faith, Letters to a Christian Nation, or God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, then you need to read this book. If you have never heard about any of this, you really need to read this book. These authors and their books have spent weeks and months on best sellers lists.
1 Peter 3:15 calls believers to have a defense of their faith ready should anybody ask. This book is a helpful tool toward that defence. Dr. Mohler demonstrates the error of the New Atheists and approaches that are not helpful. I only wish he would have added another chapter that presented a model biblical defense.
Sermon Preview Sept. 14th-24th
Sunday Night (Sept. 14 @6) We will have a Q and A discussion of discipleship and how we accomplish the Great Commission.
Wednesday Night (Sept. 17 @ 7). We will finish our look at doctrine of the perseverance of the saints (eternal security). Do you have questions that you want answered? Let me know through the "comments" link, by email, or you can call me.
Sunday morning (Sept. 21 @ 11) we will look at Hebrews 1:3b-14. We will focus on Jesus' superiority to the created beings known as angels. This sermon will remind us that while the angels are servants of God, Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus has a unique name and place. In our day and age where we talk about "spirituality" frequently, we must be careful to ground ourselves in biblical truth. Not all "spirituality" is Christian nor is it all conducive to spiritual growth.
Sunday Night (Sept. 21 @ 6) If we offered a class for people who were new to Monticello (and Christianity) what would that class look like? If I could go back and start over what would I change? For a few weeks we will be looking at Monticello's doctrine, covenant, vision/purpose, expectations, etc.
Wednesday (Sept. 24 @ 7): We will begin our study on What is a Health Church? and What is a Healthy Church member. I hope you have been studying. I am really looking forward to it.
Wednesday Night (Sept. 17 @ 7). We will finish our look at doctrine of the perseverance of the saints (eternal security). Do you have questions that you want answered? Let me know through the "comments" link, by email, or you can call me.
Sunday morning (Sept. 21 @ 11) we will look at Hebrews 1:3b-14. We will focus on Jesus' superiority to the created beings known as angels. This sermon will remind us that while the angels are servants of God, Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus has a unique name and place. In our day and age where we talk about "spirituality" frequently, we must be careful to ground ourselves in biblical truth. Not all "spirituality" is Christian nor is it all conducive to spiritual growth.
Sunday Night (Sept. 21 @ 6) If we offered a class for people who were new to Monticello (and Christianity) what would that class look like? If I could go back and start over what would I change? For a few weeks we will be looking at Monticello's doctrine, covenant, vision/purpose, expectations, etc.
Wednesday (Sept. 24 @ 7): We will begin our study on What is a Health Church? and What is a Healthy Church member. I hope you have been studying. I am really looking forward to it.
Sunday Morning Recap
The Sunday morning sermon was"Jesus--the Greatest Revelation" from Hebrews 1:1-3a. We looked at the reality that God had spoken in the past, through the prophets, calling his people to repentance and to faith in the coming Messiah. The Old Testament points to Christ and his reign.
The author's focus shifts from God speaking in the past to His speaking now through Jesus. The revelation of God through the person and work of Jesus is greater than previous revelation, because it is the full revelation of God. To have seen Jesus is to see the Father. Christ is the appointed heir of all things, the Creator of the universe, the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of his being, and the sustainer of all things by his powerful word. Because the eternal Son of God has come into the world, God commands all men everywhere to repent and believe.
Christ has been exalted to the highest place and given a name above every name. Let us live in such a way that we honor that name. May God be glorified through Christ Jesus our Lord.
The author's focus shifts from God speaking in the past to His speaking now through Jesus. The revelation of God through the person and work of Jesus is greater than previous revelation, because it is the full revelation of God. To have seen Jesus is to see the Father. Christ is the appointed heir of all things, the Creator of the universe, the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of his being, and the sustainer of all things by his powerful word. Because the eternal Son of God has come into the world, God commands all men everywhere to repent and believe.
Christ has been exalted to the highest place and given a name above every name. Let us live in such a way that we honor that name. May God be glorified through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Snapshots of My Day
My day started with a distressing report about Ray Boltz. The news was shocking and heart breaking. It is a keen reminder that we do not know a man's heart. I hope that the Lord will bring Mr. Boltz to repentance. We need to lift him up in prayer asking God to do a mighty work in his heart.
My day got better when I took a group of people from the church to a SuperSaturday training (put on by the Kentucky Baptist Convention). From my experience and what I could gather from the conversation on the way home it was a very helpful training for everyone. I want to thank Monticello for paying our way and I also want to thank everyone who went. Let's put those ideas to work.
I have been trying not to spend money, but I picked up a few books: Dr. Albert Mohler's Atheism Remix and He Is Not Silent, Ed Stetzer's and Mike Dodson's Comeback Churches, Thom and Sam Rainer's Essential Churh? audiobook, the 2009 Lifeway doctrine study, Vibrant Church by Rainer and Akin, and also Tom Wright's Hebrews for Everybody. I let you know how they turn out.
Don't forget that tomorrow we launch out on our Jesus-Greatest, Highest series. We will look at Jesus, God's Greatest Revelation.
My day got better when I took a group of people from the church to a SuperSaturday training (put on by the Kentucky Baptist Convention). From my experience and what I could gather from the conversation on the way home it was a very helpful training for everyone. I want to thank Monticello for paying our way and I also want to thank everyone who went. Let's put those ideas to work.
I have been trying not to spend money, but I picked up a few books: Dr. Albert Mohler's Atheism Remix and He Is Not Silent, Ed Stetzer's and Mike Dodson's Comeback Churches, Thom and Sam Rainer's Essential Churh? audiobook, the 2009 Lifeway doctrine study, Vibrant Church by Rainer and Akin, and also Tom Wright's Hebrews for Everybody. I let you know how they turn out.
Don't forget that tomorrow we launch out on our Jesus-Greatest, Highest series. We will look at Jesus, God's Greatest Revelation.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Are Terms Important?
Was Juliet right when she said "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"? Do names/terms mean anything? Ponder with me if you will a couple of terms.
We call the buildings in which we meet "churches." Our Baptist ancestors often referred to the buildings as "meeting houses." They referred to the baptized believers, gathered to worship in Christ's name, as "churches." What is the difference? Is it right for us to refer to buildings as churches?
Also, the meetings that we hold on Sundays and Wednesdays are referred to as "services." They used to be called "gatherings." Is there a difference? Why do we call them services?
We call the buildings in which we meet "churches." Our Baptist ancestors often referred to the buildings as "meeting houses." They referred to the baptized believers, gathered to worship in Christ's name, as "churches." What is the difference? Is it right for us to refer to buildings as churches?
Also, the meetings that we hold on Sundays and Wednesdays are referred to as "services." They used to be called "gatherings." Is there a difference? Why do we call them services?
Discipleship
As a pastor I feel that discipleship is an integral part of my ministry. Actually, I view it as the central focus. Discipleship is the goal of the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20). Yet, I often struggle with the "how" question about discipleship. My first few months in Christ (and Baptist life) I was just given a couple of books on doctrine, a KJV, and then turned loose to preach and teach. I was ignorant, biblically illiterate, and immature. The Lord used men like Bro. Wilbur Lindsey to help me to correctly understand the Bible. The Lord provided me with an excellent education first at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College (CCBBC) and then at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS). I am thankful for his providential care.
While much of my training remedied my biblical illiteracy and a fraction of my ignorance, knowledge is not the same as maturity. Reading about prayer is not the same as seeing prayer modeled effectively and powerfully. Reading about evangelism is not as helpful (although it is helpful) as being with an effective evangelist (not the revival preaching kind, but a person who is very capable at sharing their faith with friends and strangers).
If the me that surrendered to preach almost 13 years ago came forward after a service today, I ask him if he knew the Lord. I would carefully explain the gospel to him and make sure he understood that he was first committing his life to Christ, and secondly to the ministry. I would give him some books on doctrine (for starters I would get them A Theology for the Church--which was unfortunately unavailable 13 years ago), a Bible (probably a NIV or an ESV), but I would not turn him loose. I would invite him to dinner, I would take him with me to the hospital, the nursing home, during evangelistic visits, and I would pray with him. I would call him in the middle of the night and early in the morning to test his resolve, to keep him accountable, an to offer him encouragement. I would ask him pointed and personal questions. I would urge him to integrity in his inner life. I would give him homework and meet with him for extended times of prayer, at the church building, in each others homes. After I was confident is growing character, I would begin helping him understand how to craft a sermon, because the Lord always crafts a man, before he crafts a sermon.
If that guy that I used to be surrendered to the ministry this coming Sunday morning, he would not be preaching two week later. No, I would obey the Scriptures and test him. Having taught him sound doctrine, I would find an opportunity to see if he was able to teach it to others. After, his character and knowledge were growing, I would expand his opportunities. Much of Christian maturity comes from on-the-job training. For example. we learn about evangelism through sermons, testimonies, and books. We learn evangelism through modeling. But we become evangelists by actually telling another about Jesus. Sometimes I wish my start in the ministry would have been different. Although, I am thankful that God not only called me, but has seen fit to us me.
If the Lord gave you the chance to start your Christian walk all over again, what would you change? What would you do differently? What kind of training did you receive? What kind of training do you wish you would have received?
Imagine a slightly different scenario. It is Sunday morning. During the invitation someone goes forward for whom you have been praying. The Lord says to your heart, "Teach them to follow me". How would you go about that task? What would you do? How would the process look like? Where would you start?
How should churches go about the process of discipling new believers/members?
Note: I know many of you are shy about posting comments. But dialog is key to this post. If you are uncomfortable commenting on this page send me an email at: brorandy@ymail.com. If you want I could post it for you or if you don't I won't. All I ask is that you let know what your thinking.
While much of my training remedied my biblical illiteracy and a fraction of my ignorance, knowledge is not the same as maturity. Reading about prayer is not the same as seeing prayer modeled effectively and powerfully. Reading about evangelism is not as helpful (although it is helpful) as being with an effective evangelist (not the revival preaching kind, but a person who is very capable at sharing their faith with friends and strangers).
If the me that surrendered to preach almost 13 years ago came forward after a service today, I ask him if he knew the Lord. I would carefully explain the gospel to him and make sure he understood that he was first committing his life to Christ, and secondly to the ministry. I would give him some books on doctrine (for starters I would get them A Theology for the Church--which was unfortunately unavailable 13 years ago), a Bible (probably a NIV or an ESV), but I would not turn him loose. I would invite him to dinner, I would take him with me to the hospital, the nursing home, during evangelistic visits, and I would pray with him. I would call him in the middle of the night and early in the morning to test his resolve, to keep him accountable, an to offer him encouragement. I would ask him pointed and personal questions. I would urge him to integrity in his inner life. I would give him homework and meet with him for extended times of prayer, at the church building, in each others homes. After I was confident is growing character, I would begin helping him understand how to craft a sermon, because the Lord always crafts a man, before he crafts a sermon.
If that guy that I used to be surrendered to the ministry this coming Sunday morning, he would not be preaching two week later. No, I would obey the Scriptures and test him. Having taught him sound doctrine, I would find an opportunity to see if he was able to teach it to others. After, his character and knowledge were growing, I would expand his opportunities. Much of Christian maturity comes from on-the-job training. For example. we learn about evangelism through sermons, testimonies, and books. We learn evangelism through modeling. But we become evangelists by actually telling another about Jesus. Sometimes I wish my start in the ministry would have been different. Although, I am thankful that God not only called me, but has seen fit to us me.
If the Lord gave you the chance to start your Christian walk all over again, what would you change? What would you do differently? What kind of training did you receive? What kind of training do you wish you would have received?
Imagine a slightly different scenario. It is Sunday morning. During the invitation someone goes forward for whom you have been praying. The Lord says to your heart, "Teach them to follow me". How would you go about that task? What would you do? How would the process look like? Where would you start?
How should churches go about the process of discipling new believers/members?
Note: I know many of you are shy about posting comments. But dialog is key to this post. If you are uncomfortable commenting on this page send me an email at: brorandy@ymail.com. If you want I could post it for you or if you don't I won't. All I ask is that you let know what your thinking.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A Few Thoughts on Prayer
The "With One Voice" prayer service went well last night. We had an excellent potluck dinner and a stirring time of prayer. Prayer is powerful. It is a privilege and command. God has ordained prayer as a means to work in and through his people. Prayer meetings are great, but private prayer is important also. Often we forget that powerful prayer meetings are the result of powerful prayer lives coming together at the throne of God.
I am convinced that one of the greatest sins in the church today is prayerlessness. We excuse it to easily. We have become to comfortable with powerless lives-- with lives that exalt prayer with words, but demean it in practice. If believers prayed (and read their Bibles) as much as they talked about it, we would certainly live in a different spiritual landscape.
I hope that God will move in our hearts to bring about a desire to pray. I hope that we will all set aside time and space for prayer. I hope husbands and wives will begin to pray together. I hope fathers will lead their families in prayer. I hope believers will seek opportunities outside of the worship gatherings to meet for prayer. I not only hope these things will happen, I pray that God will bring them to pass. Will you pray with me?
I am convinced that one of the greatest sins in the church today is prayerlessness. We excuse it to easily. We have become to comfortable with powerless lives-- with lives that exalt prayer with words, but demean it in practice. If believers prayed (and read their Bibles) as much as they talked about it, we would certainly live in a different spiritual landscape.
I hope that God will move in our hearts to bring about a desire to pray. I hope that we will all set aside time and space for prayer. I hope husbands and wives will begin to pray together. I hope fathers will lead their families in prayer. I hope believers will seek opportunities outside of the worship gatherings to meet for prayer. I not only hope these things will happen, I pray that God will bring them to pass. Will you pray with me?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Some Background on Hebrews
Context is the key to proper biblical interpretation. We must interpret each passage in a book in light of the rest of that book. Knowing the situation out of which a book arose helps us to understand it better. We must also remember that no book is an island. While looking at the part, whether a passage or a book, we must keep the whole of Scripture in mind.
Hebrews offers a greater challenge than most of the New Testament letters when it comes to determining its context. No author is named and no specific audience is addressed. In fact, most scholars don't think Hebrews is a letter at all; they think it is a sermon. Let us look at some important facts.
Who wrote Hebrews? The King James Version (KJV) states it is Paul's epistle to the Hebrews. However, none of the earliest Greek manuscripts possess that title or Paul's name. The book was written anonymously. The church has been divided on its authorship. Clement of Rome attributed it to Paul. Tertullian thought it was Barnabas. Martin Luther thought it was Apollos. Others have suggested Priscilla or Aquilla or Matthais. It is probably wisest to conclude with Origen: "God alone knows" who is the author of Hebrews. The anonymity of the letter fits with the authors own emphasis of God speaking to his people.
Who was it written to? We may reason that since it is called "Hebrews" the author was addressing Hebrew Christians. It was probably written to maturing Christians of Jewish decent, but the book does not say for certain. What is clear is that these people were very familiar with the Old Testament and the sacrifical system.
When was it written? Hebrews was likely written before the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. Considering the repeated mentioning of the obsolete nature of the Old Covenant it is hard to believe that the author would neglect to mention the destruction of the temple. Most date Hebrews between 65 and 70 AD.
Why was it written? It was written to encourage fidelity to Jesus. The author demonstrates Jesus' superiority to all things and warns his readers (repeatedly) not to allow unbelief to rule in their hearts. It calls us to cling to Jesus no matter what the cost, because falling away would cost more.
Tips:
Read through Hebrews daily while we are going through it on Sundays. It will take the average reader 40 minutes and slower readers about an hour. If you don't like to read you can listen to an audio version.
Read through Genesis (esp. chs 12-25); Exodus (esp. chs 19-40); Leviticus (esp. chs 1-10, 21-27); and Numbers (esp. chs 6:22-25:17)
If your Bible has footnotes, look up any Scripture references and study them. If your Bible has references look up one or two per chapter every day or look up the references for verses that puzzle or interest you.
Pray that God would help you to "see" Jesus more clearly through this study. Pray that he would help you understand this powerful book. Pray for me that God would enable me to accuately open and explain each passage in such a way that we might apply these truths to our lives.
Hebrews offers a greater challenge than most of the New Testament letters when it comes to determining its context. No author is named and no specific audience is addressed. In fact, most scholars don't think Hebrews is a letter at all; they think it is a sermon. Let us look at some important facts.
Who wrote Hebrews? The King James Version (KJV) states it is Paul's epistle to the Hebrews. However, none of the earliest Greek manuscripts possess that title or Paul's name. The book was written anonymously. The church has been divided on its authorship. Clement of Rome attributed it to Paul. Tertullian thought it was Barnabas. Martin Luther thought it was Apollos. Others have suggested Priscilla or Aquilla or Matthais. It is probably wisest to conclude with Origen: "God alone knows" who is the author of Hebrews. The anonymity of the letter fits with the authors own emphasis of God speaking to his people.
Who was it written to? We may reason that since it is called "Hebrews" the author was addressing Hebrew Christians. It was probably written to maturing Christians of Jewish decent, but the book does not say for certain. What is clear is that these people were very familiar with the Old Testament and the sacrifical system.
When was it written? Hebrews was likely written before the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. Considering the repeated mentioning of the obsolete nature of the Old Covenant it is hard to believe that the author would neglect to mention the destruction of the temple. Most date Hebrews between 65 and 70 AD.
Why was it written? It was written to encourage fidelity to Jesus. The author demonstrates Jesus' superiority to all things and warns his readers (repeatedly) not to allow unbelief to rule in their hearts. It calls us to cling to Jesus no matter what the cost, because falling away would cost more.
Tips:
Read through Hebrews daily while we are going through it on Sundays. It will take the average reader 40 minutes and slower readers about an hour. If you don't like to read you can listen to an audio version.
Read through Genesis (esp. chs 12-25); Exodus (esp. chs 19-40); Leviticus (esp. chs 1-10, 21-27); and Numbers (esp. chs 6:22-25:17)
If your Bible has footnotes, look up any Scripture references and study them. If your Bible has references look up one or two per chapter every day or look up the references for verses that puzzle or interest you.
Pray that God would help you to "see" Jesus more clearly through this study. Pray that he would help you understand this powerful book. Pray for me that God would enable me to accuately open and explain each passage in such a way that we might apply these truths to our lives.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sermon Preview for Sept. 14
There is just something about Mondays and computers. I have had problems with mine all day long. I am hoping they are going to finally iron out.
The sermon review for Sunday Morning is coming early this week. We will begin a six or seven week series of sermons from Hebrews 1:1-4:13. The series will be called Jesus--Greatest, Highest. Sermon one will be Jesus the Greatest and Highest Revelation (1:1-3a). I ask you to pray for me as we begin our study of the book of Hebrews.
The sermon review for Sunday Morning is coming early this week. We will begin a six or seven week series of sermons from Hebrews 1:1-4:13. The series will be called Jesus--Greatest, Highest. Sermon one will be Jesus the Greatest and Highest Revelation (1:1-3a). I ask you to pray for me as we begin our study of the book of Hebrews.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
With One Voice
I just want to remind everyone that this coming Wednesday we will have a special prayer service called "With One Voice." We will start with a potluck meal at 6:00 pm. Then at 7:00 we will pray for our nation, our community, and the world.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Adoption Parallels
Article XII of the Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 (the 2nd London Confession) is a tremendous expression of the biblical doctrine of adoption. It states:
Paragraph 1: All those that are justified, God conferred, in and for the sake of his Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption (Eph 1:5; Gal 4:4-5), by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God (John 1:12; Rom 8:17), have his name put on them (2 Cor 6:18; Rev 3:12), receive the Spirit of adoption (Rom 8:15), have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are able to cry Abba, Father (Gal 4:6; Eph 2:18), are pitied (Ps 103:13), protected (Prov 14:26; 1 Pet 5:7), provided for (Heb 12:6) and chastened by him as by a Father (Isa 54:8-9), yet never cast off (Lam 3:31), but sealed to the day of Redemption (Eph 4:30), and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation (Heb 1:14, 6:12).
Benjamin Keach, the seventeen century Baptist leader and pastor, stated it succinctly: "Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, by which we are received into the company of God’s children and have a right to all the privileges of his sons" (Baptist Catechism, Answer to Question 38).
Let’s look at some of the parallels between our adoption as God’s children and the process of adopting a child. We must remember that no analogy is a perfect point-for-point comparison.
Adoption, both spiritual and physical, begins with a decision. Adoptive parents, unlike biological parents, get to choose their children. An adoptive parent is often given the opportunity to see photos of a child or children and given the option: yes or no. Their decision brings a child that they are not biologically attached to into the realm of their love. Spiritual adoption rests on God’s choice. Although God is the Creator of humanity he is not the Father of humanity. Jesus gave us a divine paternity test: "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am now here. . . .You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire" (John 8:42-44). John, Jesus’ disciple, states, "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brothers" (1 John 3:10). God chose to save us and to bring us into his family. Jesus states, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16a). John states, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 1:9).
After the choice has been made, the process of wooing begins. Adoptive parents have a tremendous task before them. Even in the best circumstances the children that are adopted are removed from their original environment (say the womb of their birth mother where they have become acquainted with her heart beat and voice or from a foster home or orphanage, etc.), and thrust into a whole new world. The sites and sounds and sensations are all different, maybe even frightening. The adoptive parent must begin helping the child to develop attachments, the heavenly pattern is helpful. If we first love them (the biblical concept of love is not sentimental, but action oriented), that is if we nurture them, give them affection, and lovingly discipline them, they will come to love us. Spiritually speaking this is the process of drawing or calling. God, through the Holy Spirit, convicts us of our sin, convinces us of our need for righteousness and our coming judgment, and compels us to repent and believe. In that moment when we respond to the gospel it is as if God is calling to us "Come to me," and is waiting to embrace us.
Embracing us in his love, God conforms us into the image of his Son. Adoptive parents also conform their children into a desired image. Adoptive parents will often change the child’s name. This is more than a demonstration of authority over a child; it is a demonstration of the radical transformation that has taken place in a child’s life. It marks the passing of the old standard and being brought into a new one. Look at Jacob, after his encounter with God, he goes from being "deceiver" (Jacob means deceiver) to "one who struggles [with God and man]" (Israel means he struggles with God, see Gen 33:22-32). God does demonstrate his authority over Jacob, but he is also signaling that Jacob is not the same person anymore and the narrative of Jacob’s life bears this out (see Gen 25:19-37:11).
Suppose John and Jane Smith wants to adopt Song Lu from China. Many would suggest they help Song Lu maintain as much of her Chinese heritage as possible. However, Song Lu, is no longer Chinese, she is a Smith now with all that entails. Instead of celebrating Chinese New Year with firecrackers, the Smith’s celebrate New Years with creating a list of resolutions that will be broken in a couple of days. Instead of offering incense in a Buddhist shrine, the Smith’s are faithful Christians who take their daughter to Church. They may like the name Song Lu, or they may want to name her after some relative. Song Lu becomes Sarah Beth Smith. Whatever her heritage was in China, it can never be that again. A radical change has occurred in her life that can never be undone.
Radical change is exactly what happens to us in Christ. We who were once "excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promises, without hope and without God in the world. . . . have been brought near through the blood of Christ" (Eph 2:12-13). We are now "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings, in order that we may also share in his glory" (Rom 8:17). This reality is why Paul states, "Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone the new has come!" (2 Cor 5:17).
It is said that many adopted children struggle with their adoption. Many wonder if life would have been different (better) with their biological parents, or if there was something wrong with them (because they were given away), and the list goes on. Adoption and how it is handled affects the way children perceive their adoption. It is no different spiritually speaking. We often overlook the concept of adoption as a biblical description for salvation. And often when we do think about spiritual adoption we look at it through cultural glasses that are cloudy with misconceptions. The adoptive child shares the same reality as the biological one. Spiritually speaking, many of the doubts that plague Christians today concerning their salvation and/or worth before God stem from a misunderstanding of their own adoption.
This misunderstanding may be a reason God frequently confirms the believer’s status as his child. John states, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him" (1 John 3:1). Again John states, "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who love the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands" (1 John 5:1-2). Paul states, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children" (Rom 8:15-16).
I hope the truth of these words soak into the very fiber of your being. I hope, that those of you who are in Christ, receive from the Spirit that abiding confidence. I pray that if you don’t have Christ, that the Spirit will open your eyes to the truth and draw you into the family. I also hope that thinking about our adoption into the family of God will shape your thinking about adoption in general. I hope you will grasp the reality of being God’s child and that it will help you see that while biology is important it is not ultimate. We have a family that is eternal. The plain teaching of Christ reminds us that not all those who are biologically related to us will be in heaven, only those who through obedient faith trust the Lord. I believe one day we will lay our biology down in the dust. All that will remain is the family formed for and through Christ to the glory of the Father.
Paragraph 1: All those that are justified, God conferred, in and for the sake of his Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption (Eph 1:5; Gal 4:4-5), by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God (John 1:12; Rom 8:17), have his name put on them (2 Cor 6:18; Rev 3:12), receive the Spirit of adoption (Rom 8:15), have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are able to cry Abba, Father (Gal 4:6; Eph 2:18), are pitied (Ps 103:13), protected (Prov 14:26; 1 Pet 5:7), provided for (Heb 12:6) and chastened by him as by a Father (Isa 54:8-9), yet never cast off (Lam 3:31), but sealed to the day of Redemption (Eph 4:30), and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation (Heb 1:14, 6:12).
Benjamin Keach, the seventeen century Baptist leader and pastor, stated it succinctly: "Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, by which we are received into the company of God’s children and have a right to all the privileges of his sons" (Baptist Catechism, Answer to Question 38).
Let’s look at some of the parallels between our adoption as God’s children and the process of adopting a child. We must remember that no analogy is a perfect point-for-point comparison.
Adoption, both spiritual and physical, begins with a decision. Adoptive parents, unlike biological parents, get to choose their children. An adoptive parent is often given the opportunity to see photos of a child or children and given the option: yes or no. Their decision brings a child that they are not biologically attached to into the realm of their love. Spiritual adoption rests on God’s choice. Although God is the Creator of humanity he is not the Father of humanity. Jesus gave us a divine paternity test: "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am now here. . . .You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire" (John 8:42-44). John, Jesus’ disciple, states, "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brothers" (1 John 3:10). God chose to save us and to bring us into his family. Jesus states, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16a). John states, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 1:9).
After the choice has been made, the process of wooing begins. Adoptive parents have a tremendous task before them. Even in the best circumstances the children that are adopted are removed from their original environment (say the womb of their birth mother where they have become acquainted with her heart beat and voice or from a foster home or orphanage, etc.), and thrust into a whole new world. The sites and sounds and sensations are all different, maybe even frightening. The adoptive parent must begin helping the child to develop attachments, the heavenly pattern is helpful. If we first love them (the biblical concept of love is not sentimental, but action oriented), that is if we nurture them, give them affection, and lovingly discipline them, they will come to love us. Spiritually speaking this is the process of drawing or calling. God, through the Holy Spirit, convicts us of our sin, convinces us of our need for righteousness and our coming judgment, and compels us to repent and believe. In that moment when we respond to the gospel it is as if God is calling to us "Come to me," and is waiting to embrace us.
Embracing us in his love, God conforms us into the image of his Son. Adoptive parents also conform their children into a desired image. Adoptive parents will often change the child’s name. This is more than a demonstration of authority over a child; it is a demonstration of the radical transformation that has taken place in a child’s life. It marks the passing of the old standard and being brought into a new one. Look at Jacob, after his encounter with God, he goes from being "deceiver" (Jacob means deceiver) to "one who struggles [with God and man]" (Israel means he struggles with God, see Gen 33:22-32). God does demonstrate his authority over Jacob, but he is also signaling that Jacob is not the same person anymore and the narrative of Jacob’s life bears this out (see Gen 25:19-37:11).
Suppose John and Jane Smith wants to adopt Song Lu from China. Many would suggest they help Song Lu maintain as much of her Chinese heritage as possible. However, Song Lu, is no longer Chinese, she is a Smith now with all that entails. Instead of celebrating Chinese New Year with firecrackers, the Smith’s celebrate New Years with creating a list of resolutions that will be broken in a couple of days. Instead of offering incense in a Buddhist shrine, the Smith’s are faithful Christians who take their daughter to Church. They may like the name Song Lu, or they may want to name her after some relative. Song Lu becomes Sarah Beth Smith. Whatever her heritage was in China, it can never be that again. A radical change has occurred in her life that can never be undone.
Radical change is exactly what happens to us in Christ. We who were once "excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promises, without hope and without God in the world. . . . have been brought near through the blood of Christ" (Eph 2:12-13). We are now "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings, in order that we may also share in his glory" (Rom 8:17). This reality is why Paul states, "Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone the new has come!" (2 Cor 5:17).
It is said that many adopted children struggle with their adoption. Many wonder if life would have been different (better) with their biological parents, or if there was something wrong with them (because they were given away), and the list goes on. Adoption and how it is handled affects the way children perceive their adoption. It is no different spiritually speaking. We often overlook the concept of adoption as a biblical description for salvation. And often when we do think about spiritual adoption we look at it through cultural glasses that are cloudy with misconceptions. The adoptive child shares the same reality as the biological one. Spiritually speaking, many of the doubts that plague Christians today concerning their salvation and/or worth before God stem from a misunderstanding of their own adoption.
This misunderstanding may be a reason God frequently confirms the believer’s status as his child. John states, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him" (1 John 3:1). Again John states, "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who love the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands" (1 John 5:1-2). Paul states, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children" (Rom 8:15-16).
I hope the truth of these words soak into the very fiber of your being. I hope, that those of you who are in Christ, receive from the Spirit that abiding confidence. I pray that if you don’t have Christ, that the Spirit will open your eyes to the truth and draw you into the family. I also hope that thinking about our adoption into the family of God will shape your thinking about adoption in general. I hope you will grasp the reality of being God’s child and that it will help you see that while biology is important it is not ultimate. We have a family that is eternal. The plain teaching of Christ reminds us that not all those who are biologically related to us will be in heaven, only those who through obedient faith trust the Lord. I believe one day we will lay our biology down in the dust. All that will remain is the family formed for and through Christ to the glory of the Father.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Sermon Preview
I am struggling with two themes for Sunday Morning. I haven't decided which one to preach. Right now it is between the necessity to rest (Sabbath was made for man, not man for Sabbath) or the Adoption of the saints. My mind has been on adoption all week (actually for years now), but I have also had a long week. For the last two days all I can think about is the need for rest.
Fortunately, both of these realities are used as analogies for the faith. We have been adopted into the family of God and one day we will enter into his rest, if we continue on in the faith. Both themes have the ability to enrich our understanding of God's love, both offer the potential to encourage.
Please pray that God would give me the wisdom to make the right choice and that he would help me to be prepared.
Sunday Night (6:00) will be business meeting.
Wednesday Night (6:00) we will have a special potluck meal together followed by a One Voice Prayer meeting at (7:00). We will be joining with our Baptist brothers and sisters around the state in praying for awakening and revival. I encourage you all to come and eat and stay to pray.
Soon we will begin looking at the book of Hebrews on Sunday mornings, so I urge you to begin prayerfully reading through Hebrews. In a couple of week we will begin an exciting study on Wednesday night that will hopefully help us give biblical answers to the questions: What is healthy church? What is a healthy church member? and How do I live a gospel centered life?. A list of books is available for the Wednesday night class so if you need one let me know.
My prayer is that God would reveal his love to you as you ponder your own adoption. Yes, you have been adopted by God, if you are in Christ. And that you would continually remember that a day of rest is coming for all those who have faithfully labored in the Lord.
Fortunately, both of these realities are used as analogies for the faith. We have been adopted into the family of God and one day we will enter into his rest, if we continue on in the faith. Both themes have the ability to enrich our understanding of God's love, both offer the potential to encourage.
Please pray that God would give me the wisdom to make the right choice and that he would help me to be prepared.
Sunday Night (6:00) will be business meeting.
Wednesday Night (6:00) we will have a special potluck meal together followed by a One Voice Prayer meeting at (7:00). We will be joining with our Baptist brothers and sisters around the state in praying for awakening and revival. I encourage you all to come and eat and stay to pray.
Soon we will begin looking at the book of Hebrews on Sunday mornings, so I urge you to begin prayerfully reading through Hebrews. In a couple of week we will begin an exciting study on Wednesday night that will hopefully help us give biblical answers to the questions: What is healthy church? What is a healthy church member? and How do I live a gospel centered life?. A list of books is available for the Wednesday night class so if you need one let me know.
My prayer is that God would reveal his love to you as you ponder your own adoption. Yes, you have been adopted by God, if you are in Christ. And that you would continually remember that a day of rest is coming for all those who have faithfully labored in the Lord.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Still Thinking About Adoption
Here are a few articles on adoption by Dr. Russell Moore. He is a tremendous theologian and writer. He and his wife have two sons that they adopted from Russia. I hope you enjoy these articles: http//www.henryinstitute.org/commentary_read.php?cid=236 http//www.henryinstitute.org/commentary_read.php?cid=420 http//www.henryinstitute.org/commentary_read.php?cid=468
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thinking about Adoption
I am thinking about adoption. I am also thinking about Pinnochio--the wooden puppet who wanted to be a "real" boy. My mind keeps returning to the phrase "a real boy". I wonder what makes "a real boy"? I just don't know. These thoughts are the fruit of something of something somebody said the other day. They were speaking about an adopted child's birthparents and referred to them as the child's "real" parents.
We have all had a turn at misspeaking. Many well meaning people ask adoptive parents if they want any children "of their own." Or they may ask if the adoptive parents have met the "real" parents or if they know anything about the "real" family. These types of questions and statements reveal a fudamental misunderstanding of what adoption really means.
Some believe a wooden puppet stands a better chance of becoming a real boy than an adoptive family has of becoming a real family. So I ask: what makes a "real" parent? Is it merely a biological connection that makes one a parent? Is it a set of skills one learns? Is it a nature or a character? What makes a parent real?
If family was merely biological why would Jesus point to a relationship higher than biology (see Matt. 10:37 and Matt 12:48). Not to oversimplify, but these verses teach us that mere biology doesn't make a family. Jesus said it is more important to be in God's family than to maintain biological connections. Anybody can learn the skills a person needs to be a good parent, yet not be a parent (like a babysitter). A person can have a very nurturing nature, but not be a parent (a person who loves animals).
I would answer the question, "What makes a person a real parent?", with one word--love. Not the kind of sentimental drivel people put on greeting cards, but the kind of love described in 1 Cor. 13. The kind of love that stays by a sick child's bedside all night long; that stays on its knees in prayer to the Lord; that would give its last drop of blood to save its child; that would brave the flames of hell to rescue the erring child; that would endure without requiring a return. We have all heard the expression: anyone can have a baby--it takes love to make a parent.
On June 25th, 2006 at 3:12 in the afternoon. I watched a young woman give birth to my (adoptive) daughter, Ellie Grace, while my wife stood by her side coaching and comforting her. I had met and talked with Ellie's birth mother; her birth father was unknown. But, if you ask me do I know her real parents, I would have to say intimately.
On July 3rd, 2007 my (adoptive) daughter Sophia Hope was born in Gautemala. Her birth father is unknown, and I have never met her birth mother, although I have seen a picture of her. Ask me if I know her real parents, and I will tell you I know them intimately.
Currently I have two daughters. Ellie Grace, has gone on to her heavenly Father. Sophia Hope, will soon come to live with her earthly parents. And in the future we plan on adopting more children and adding them to our real family.
I want to thank all of you who have been by our side during this adoption process. I appreciate your love and your thoughtfulness. We have not morned alone, but have been lifted to God in your prayers and encouraged by your love. May God bless you.
We have all had a turn at misspeaking. Many well meaning people ask adoptive parents if they want any children "of their own." Or they may ask if the adoptive parents have met the "real" parents or if they know anything about the "real" family. These types of questions and statements reveal a fudamental misunderstanding of what adoption really means.
Some believe a wooden puppet stands a better chance of becoming a real boy than an adoptive family has of becoming a real family. So I ask: what makes a "real" parent? Is it merely a biological connection that makes one a parent? Is it a set of skills one learns? Is it a nature or a character? What makes a parent real?
If family was merely biological why would Jesus point to a relationship higher than biology (see Matt. 10:37 and Matt 12:48). Not to oversimplify, but these verses teach us that mere biology doesn't make a family. Jesus said it is more important to be in God's family than to maintain biological connections. Anybody can learn the skills a person needs to be a good parent, yet not be a parent (like a babysitter). A person can have a very nurturing nature, but not be a parent (a person who loves animals).
I would answer the question, "What makes a person a real parent?", with one word--love. Not the kind of sentimental drivel people put on greeting cards, but the kind of love described in 1 Cor. 13. The kind of love that stays by a sick child's bedside all night long; that stays on its knees in prayer to the Lord; that would give its last drop of blood to save its child; that would brave the flames of hell to rescue the erring child; that would endure without requiring a return. We have all heard the expression: anyone can have a baby--it takes love to make a parent.
On June 25th, 2006 at 3:12 in the afternoon. I watched a young woman give birth to my (adoptive) daughter, Ellie Grace, while my wife stood by her side coaching and comforting her. I had met and talked with Ellie's birth mother; her birth father was unknown. But, if you ask me do I know her real parents, I would have to say intimately.
On July 3rd, 2007 my (adoptive) daughter Sophia Hope was born in Gautemala. Her birth father is unknown, and I have never met her birth mother, although I have seen a picture of her. Ask me if I know her real parents, and I will tell you I know them intimately.
Currently I have two daughters. Ellie Grace, has gone on to her heavenly Father. Sophia Hope, will soon come to live with her earthly parents. And in the future we plan on adopting more children and adding them to our real family.
I want to thank all of you who have been by our side during this adoption process. I appreciate your love and your thoughtfulness. We have not morned alone, but have been lifted to God in your prayers and encouraged by your love. May God bless you.
Practicing What I Preach
I try to live out the truths I teach, although sometimes I don't always succeed as much as I would like. All of you will be glad to know that I have had opportunity to practice what I preached on Sunday morning. Proverbs 25:28 states, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." Almost as soon as I had finished preaching God began applying this truth to my life: if my appetites, desires, passions and attitudes control me I am left defenseless and open to attack.
Delia and I ate lunch with the Hispanic church where there is always wonderful food. After we got home from church Sunday night, I tried to get on the internet several times. However, the program would open up, the modem would screech and squeal, but the internet eluded me. When I tried to log on Monday, I got the same response. Every tip and trick I tried failed. Every supposed solutions failed as well. Computers are great when they operate properly, but when they malfunction they often have the ability to not only remind us of the Fall, but of our own sinful nature. Does complaining to a "stupid" computer make it (or us) any smarter? No. Will buying a new one or switch providers really make a difference? Maybe, but the larger problem will still be present.
We are fallen people who live in a fallen world. Our frustration is often a symptom of unfulfilled expectations. We expect the computer to obey us and to do what it is commanded. We expect our will to go unhindered. We want things on our time line, we want to be in control. But, the reality is that we are not in control. So we have to adjust our attitudes and thoughts accordingly. We have to operate on God's time table, do what he has commanded, and trust his unseen hand in all things. And that is the root of self-control.
Whether it is Guatemalan rice and scrumptious chicken that tempts us to eat more than we should, or a computer that refuses to cooperate with our plans, we are called to control ourselves. And more importantly, we are called to be controlled by God. The good news is that God has given us everything we need for godliness through Jesus Christ. John states, "My dear children I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One" (1 John 2:1).
This verse helps us to bridge the teaching from Sunday (morning and evening), and Wednesday night. Sunday morning God's Word compelled us to be self-controlled, Sunday evening we saw that God commanded us be of the same mind as Christ, who humble himself and obediently died on the the cross. Having trusted the promises of God, we do not have to grasp at them as if God would snatch them away. Have come to know the love of God we do not have to fear God removing it from us. The Christ who willing suffered humiliation to redeem man kind is the same exalted Christ who delights in saving all those who believe.
Just as John says we are not to sin. We are called, by the indwelling, life-giving Holy Spirit, to walk in humble obedience to God. Yet, when we fail to do so, God does not abandon us. Christ who died for us speaks in our defense. The perseverance of the saints rests not in their ability, but in God's will. The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is founded on two important truths: God's sovereignty and his faithfulness. Most of us learned these truths early in life through the simple yet theologically rich children's songs: "Jesus Loves Me" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."
Friends continue to pray for me. Pray for Monticello that we will conform to the image of Christ, that God will give us a driving passion for his glory, and that he will do a might work in and through his people. Have a great day! Hope to see you Wednesday night.
Delia and I ate lunch with the Hispanic church where there is always wonderful food. After we got home from church Sunday night, I tried to get on the internet several times. However, the program would open up, the modem would screech and squeal, but the internet eluded me. When I tried to log on Monday, I got the same response. Every tip and trick I tried failed. Every supposed solutions failed as well. Computers are great when they operate properly, but when they malfunction they often have the ability to not only remind us of the Fall, but of our own sinful nature. Does complaining to a "stupid" computer make it (or us) any smarter? No. Will buying a new one or switch providers really make a difference? Maybe, but the larger problem will still be present.
We are fallen people who live in a fallen world. Our frustration is often a symptom of unfulfilled expectations. We expect the computer to obey us and to do what it is commanded. We expect our will to go unhindered. We want things on our time line, we want to be in control. But, the reality is that we are not in control. So we have to adjust our attitudes and thoughts accordingly. We have to operate on God's time table, do what he has commanded, and trust his unseen hand in all things. And that is the root of self-control.
Whether it is Guatemalan rice and scrumptious chicken that tempts us to eat more than we should, or a computer that refuses to cooperate with our plans, we are called to control ourselves. And more importantly, we are called to be controlled by God. The good news is that God has given us everything we need for godliness through Jesus Christ. John states, "My dear children I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One" (1 John 2:1).
This verse helps us to bridge the teaching from Sunday (morning and evening), and Wednesday night. Sunday morning God's Word compelled us to be self-controlled, Sunday evening we saw that God commanded us be of the same mind as Christ, who humble himself and obediently died on the the cross. Having trusted the promises of God, we do not have to grasp at them as if God would snatch them away. Have come to know the love of God we do not have to fear God removing it from us. The Christ who willing suffered humiliation to redeem man kind is the same exalted Christ who delights in saving all those who believe.
Just as John says we are not to sin. We are called, by the indwelling, life-giving Holy Spirit, to walk in humble obedience to God. Yet, when we fail to do so, God does not abandon us. Christ who died for us speaks in our defense. The perseverance of the saints rests not in their ability, but in God's will. The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is founded on two important truths: God's sovereignty and his faithfulness. Most of us learned these truths early in life through the simple yet theologically rich children's songs: "Jesus Loves Me" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."
Friends continue to pray for me. Pray for Monticello that we will conform to the image of Christ, that God will give us a driving passion for his glory, and that he will do a might work in and through his people. Have a great day! Hope to see you Wednesday night.
Monday, September 1, 2008
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