Fear of Man

"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe" (Prov. 29:25, ESV).

Do you worry about what other people think about you? Do you feel the crushing pressure to think, act or appear a certain way? Are you afraid to relax? Afraid to let people see the real you? Solomon tells us that this way of thinking is a snare. This way of thinking holds us prisoner to others opinions and strips us of safety. When we live in the fear of man we cannot please God. How different would the ministries of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, or any of the prophets for that matter, have been if they had let their fear determine what they would say and do? Instead of yielding to their fear of man, they trusted in the Lord.

Did trusting the Lord keep them safe? Yes and No. It did not keep them safe in the sense that everything was perfect. They faced ridicule, abuse, rejection, hardship, and so on. Trusting in the Lord did not spare them from the wrath of man, but it did keep them safe from the wrath of God. Their obedience was pleasing to the Lord and he preserved them through all of their difficulties and continued to care for them.

Speaking of the fear of man, Jesus said, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28, ESV). Jesus stresses the futility of fearing man by expressing the limitations that man has. Man can only kill the body. In one sense, the killing of the body is a temporal thing. It does not determine where a person will exist after death, only that they are no longer alive. However, God not only has the power to terminate life, but the authority to determine where a person exists after that termination. We creatures are finite by nature, and thus our actions against each other have only finite consequences. God is eternal, thus our actions against him have eternal consequences.

The fear of the Lord has to do with hating evil (Prov. 8:13), it is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7) and the key to insight (Prov. 9:10). The fear of the Lord is not fear in the sense of terror. The Lord is not like some masked gunman breaking into our life or some crazed axe-wielding maniac. The fear of the Lord is a humble submission to his sovereignty that produces a life of trusting obedience and dependency. It is a life that looks to him to see what should be done next, because he alone possesses wisdom. As we follow in his footsteps, he leads us safely in the paths that please him most, draws us to himself, and sustains us by his power. Don't give in to the fear of man; it is a trap that will draw you away from God and away from safety. Look to the Lord who lovingly sustains you, and rest in him.

Wilderness Wonderings

A friend and I spent some time traversing through the woods today on 4-wheelers. As we drove through the paths so many things went through my mind. I was captured by the beauty I saw. My mind began to wonder what it must have been like for our first parents, Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden. What did an unspoiled world look like?

On one path we had to pass through some brambles and I was quickly reminded of the curse brought into this world because of Adam's sin. Now amid beauty there is thorn and thistle. As we passed by a creek, I was reminded of how much the world must have been changed by the Flood of Noah's day. The world we now see must be so different from the world Adam first laid eyes on.

I thought about the hours I spent as a child playing in the woods in my backyard. I thought about the trails I hiked with friends when I lived in Pineville. I thought about a similar excursion Delia and I had two years ago in Cozmel, Mexico, and I hoped I wouldn't kill my friend's 4-wheeler (like the one I killed in Cozmel).

One thought that kept coming back to my mind revolved around our Lord. I kept thinking, if this place is so beautiful, so majestic, so breathtaking, so enlivening, what will it be like when we see Jesus face to face? When Jesus comes in all his glory, and we are able to behold him in his splendor, what will that be like? I can't say that I came up with an answer. I only know that if this world, even in its fallen state, is any indication of the beauty of that moment, then it will be something marvelous to behold. In that moment we will truly know what "awesome" means.

I thank the Lord for his marvelous creation, for the eyes to see it, the ears to hear it, the nose to smell it, the ability to taste it, and to be able to feel it. I am thankful for wonderful friends. I am grateful for the opportunity to just hang out and have a good time. I am thankful for so many things, things that I often take for granted, but bless my life in so many ways. I am grateful that I was able to get out and enjoy a glorious day, to laugh, to pray, and to play.

Reflections on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is finally here. I had hoped to have Sophia home by now, but we are still waiting. I know many of you have plans of turkey and stuffing, laughter and naps, football and parades, and so on. I also hope you have plans to actually spend time in giving thanks to God for the gifts and blessings he has poured into your life.

The story of God's grace begins with the creation. When God spoke the world into existence and created a lush paradise that was to be ruled by his image bearers. God formed man out of dirt and woman from man's side. He created them to reflect his glory, but our original parents, Adam and Eve, rebelled against God when they ate the forbidden fruit. Their sin brought death into the world and separated humanity from its Creator. God was not willing to let death reign over mankind. The eternal Son of God, stepped out of heaven, taking on flesh in the person of Jesus the Christ, lived a sinless life, willingly dying on the cross, to make atonement for the sins of the world, was buried and rose again on the third day. Now ascended into heaven, Jesus is king over all and extends forgiveness to whosoever will believe. Jesus is the only way that sinful humanity can be reconciled to their holy Creator, therefore every person is called upon to repent and believe. When we turn from our sin to the Lord, trusting Jesus' work for our salvation and righteousness, we enter into eternal life. It is a life that Jesus describes as "abundant" (John 10:10).

For those of us who have embraced this good news there is an unending stream of gracious care and blessing that flows into our lives. I am not saying that there isn't difficulty in the Christian life. There will be tribulation, trouble, turmoil, grief, hardship, testing, and suffering, however, where these are present, the grace of God is there also. That grace strengthens us for the task, empowers us to endure, and points us to the day when God rewards us with the desire of our heart--Himself. Everything else will fade away on the day we meet our Creator-Redeemer. When we see Jesus face to face our troubles and trials will melt away like butter over a hot flame, and in the glorious joy that will accompany that moment all will be forgotten except for our Master.

I hope this Thanksgiving is your best to date. I hope you carve out pleasant memories that will endure throughout your lifetime. I hope your family is strengthened as you gather around the table this year. But, I also hope you will look at your feast and realize that a greater feast is still to come--when Christ returns for his bride. I pray as you bow your heads for grace today your heart will overflow in gratitude for your Lord and Savior, and not just for the gifts he has provided. I hope your turkey is moist and your yams are sweet, but I pray that you have truly tasted the goodness of your God, and yearn for more. I hope you have pleasant dreams when you nap today, but I pray that you are consciously resting in the Lord. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Sermon Preview 11-30-08

Special Note: Since the 30th is a 5th Sunday there will be donuts and coffee in the basement at 9:30 am. Everyone is welcome.

Morning: Lord willing, we will conclude the sermon series, Jesus Our Great High Priest. This sermon is entitled, "Nothing but the Blood" and comes from Hebrews 9:1-10:18. The main idea of the the passage is, "By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" (Heb 10:14).

One of my favorite hymns asks:

What can wash away my sins? (Nothing but the blood of Jesus)
What can make me whole again? (Nothing but the blood of Jesus)

This passage expresses this truth through an elaborate discussion of the tabernacle and the sacrificial system. The author tells us that the tabernacle pointed to the coming of a greater sacrifice that could cleanse the conscience, not just make one ceremonially clean. He tells us that Christ had to die to cleanse us, because "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb. 9:22). And he also demonstrates that Jesus willingly shed his blood on our behalf.

I. The division of the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place points to the reality that the sacrifices were not sufficient to cleanse the conscience (9:1-10).
Hebrews 9:9 states, "This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper."

II. The Law decrees that blood must be shed in order for sins to be remitted (9:11-28).
Hebrews 9:22 states, "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

III. It was for this purpose that Jesus willingly entered our world (10:1-18).
Hebrews 10:9-10 states, "Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ . . . And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

This passage compels us to cling to Christ alone as our righteousness. It calls us as believers to worship the Lord for his gracious gift. It calls us to walk in confident faith, knowing that Christ has perfected us in righteousness. It compels the unbeliever to turn to Christ and find forgiveness.

Evening: We will look at giving thanks.

Seasons of Grief

"Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda" (Prov. 25:20, ESV).

What does this proverb mean? What is Solomon trying to tell us? More importantly, what is the Holy Spirit trying to tell us?

It appears that there is a conspiracy to minimize grief. Stand in line at a funeral home and it won’t be long before you hear someone say, "God has a plan in this," or "God is in control" or "Eventually it will get better" or some other well-worn, good intentioned cliché. From experience, I can say, that walking through the line and greeting the family is always difficult for me. I want to comfort them. I hate that they hurt. I am made uncomfortable by their discomfort and I am afraid I may cry (this fear is a vestige left over from my life before Christ that seems almost impossible to shake). I often say the only thing that will come out, "We are so sorry for your loss. We’ll be praying for you all." I want to escape this discomfort, and experience has taught me I am not alone.

Grief is a solemn reminder that all is not well in our world. Death is not natural, even though it currently operates within the natural order. Humanity was intended for more. Grief seemingly functions like a person, coming and going freely, in the lives of those it has stricken. For some grief is a nearly constant companion, although never a positive one. For others grief is more like an unwelcomed house guest rushed away at the first opportunity. Is all grief bad? I mean bad in a moral sense. Is grief sin?

Speaking of Jesus, Isaiah prophesied that he was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isa 53:3, ESV). During his final hours Jesus told his disciples, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death" (Matt 26:38, ESV). These passages demonstrate that grief is not, in and of itself, sinful. Jesus never sinned, but did know grief. Therefore, since grief is not bad in a moral sense, we need to avoid minimizing it. Grief is a powerful means appointed by God to bring about some greater end. Or it may be better to say, that God has order circumstances in such a way that he can bring about good from even the worse situation (i.e., the cross).

The experience of grief is like coming to a crossroads in life. As Yogi Berra allegedly said, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it." Grief presents us with two distinct alternatives. It will either drive us to God, who alone is sufficient to help us. Or it will drive us away from God in search of something else, something that will ultimately leave us worse off than when we started. Some may be inclined to argue that there must be other alternatives. However, Jesus strips us of such arguments when he states, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (Matt 12:30, ESV). Exodus 20:2-3 remind us that there is but one God, he alone must be served.

It is important to understand the positive role suffering plays in the life of a believer. Paul states, "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put 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, ESV; see also James 1:2-4, 2 Pet. 1:3-11). Paul also states that God comforts us "so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Cor. 1:4, see 2 Cor. 1:3-11). Thus, the Scriptures teach us that grief (suffering or affliction) is used by God to shape our character and faith, as well as, to equip us to minister to others who grieve. Therefore, any attempt to minimize grief short circuits the process.

Grief, and the emotions that come with it, create within the griever a vacuum. It leaves them searching for something to anesthetize them to their pain, to rescue them from their situation, and to help them carry on. This response is natural and is often used by God to draw his people to him (see 1 Sam. 1:10; 2 Sam. 22:7; Neh. 9:27; Pss. 4:1, 6:7, 13:2, 18:6, 25:17, 31:7, 9, 55:4, 81:7, 106:44, 107:6, 13, 19, 28, 118:5, 120:1; Isa. 26:16). 2 Chronicles 15:4 states, "but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them" (ESV). In essence, grief has the power to be a good thing if it draws us closer to God. If in our grief we are sent scrambling for God, then we will find in him our all-in-all.

This truth brings us back to Solomon’s words, "Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda" (Prov. 25:20, ESV). The Spirit is saying through Solomon that the wise know that there is a time for grieving (see Eccl. 3:1-8). It is cruel and aggravating to stop the grieving process short of its goal. There is a place for encouragement, but sometimes we need to just mourn with the mourners. Ask questions, seek understanding, listen attentively, and when appropriate, gently point them to God. Don’t feel the need to correct them for expressing their grief. Give them the benefit of the doubt, but if necessary, gently remind them of God’s grace and his love for them. Don’t talk about you and your experience too much. If you are moved to tears, let them flow. Allow their pain to affect you, and ask God to use you as an agent of comfort. Wisdom instructs us to distinguish between those who are grieving in a healthy manner and those who are grieving in an unhealthy manner.

Bitterness and apathy are often signs of unhealthy grief. These people have become stuck in grief like a boot in thick mud. Some people wallow in grief, allowing the loss to define them. Others consciously deny grief, while being slowly eroded away by feelings of despair. As believers, these options are not open for us. We know that we are not to grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thes. 4:13). We know that the things we suffer are not worthy to compare to the glory we will receive (Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor 4:17-18). And we know that the Lord will remove our sorrow (Isa. 51:11; Jer. 31:13, 25; Rev. 21:1-4). Until our final foe, Death, is cast into the lake of fire, we will continue to mourn. However, we must always remember that God is willing and able to comfort us. The next time you are in line at the funeral home; don’t worry about what to say. Instead, pray that God will grant the grieving the wisdom to draw close to him. Pray that he will comfort them as only he can. Pray that at this crossroads of life, they choose to run to Jesus. Then when it is your turn, let them know that you love them and are praying for them.

Sermon Review 11-23-08

Morning: We continued the series Jesus Our Great High Priest. The sermon was entitled, "The Nature of His Priesthood," and came from Hebrews 7:1-8:13. The main point of the passage is that we have a priest who has sat down an the right hand of the throne of Majesty in heavy. That is to say, Jesus has completed his work and upholds us before the Father. The sermon sought to answer three questions: What does it mean that Jesus was a priest in the order of Melchizedek? Why was another priesthood necessary? and How was Jesus' ministry different from the Levitical priesthood?

What does it mean that Jesus was a priest in the order of Melchizedek? It means that Melchizedek foreshadowed Christ and that we can draw parallels out of his life that help us to understand Jesus' priesthood. First, he was a king. More specifically, he was the king of righteousness and the king of peace (Salem). Likewise, Jesus is a king who reigns in righteousness and is referred to by Isaiah as the Prince of Peace. Second, the are both priests of the God Most High. Jesus is even called the Son of the Most High. Third, Melchizedek's story possesses no genealogy. He appears in Genesis 14, seemingly out of nowhere (chronologically), and blesses Abraham. The fact that there is no reference to his beginning or end, is used by the author of Hebrews to stress Jesus' own timelessness. Before he was the man Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, existed eternally with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Forth, Jesus is greater than Abraham, as he states in John 8. As the author of Hebrews states the greater blesses the lesser.

Why was another priesthood necessary? Because the old one was flawed. It demanded a righteousness that it could not produce. Unlike the old one, the new priesthood came sealed with an oath that guaranteed success. The old order of priests died, and thus had to be replaced. Our resurrected Lord cannot die. The old order of priests sinned, and therefore had to offer sacrifices for their sins before they could offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. Jesus had no sin--in fact, that author states that Jesus is , "one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above he heavens" (Heb. 7:26). Thus, he could offer one sacrifice once for all. Therefore, his work is finished.

How was Jesus' ministry different from the Levitical priesthood? It was superior. While it was still a ministry that offered gifts and sacrifices it offered them in a better place and was built on better promises. The sacrifice was offered in heaven on the original altar of God, not a copy like the earthly tabernacle and temple. Jesus was at the right hand, the place of honor. It was the right hand of the throne of Majesty, that is God's throne, and he was seated which indicates the completion of his task. The location of his service placed him above his earthy counterparts. Also, his ministry was founded on better promises. It was not man who found the Old Covenant to be useless, and thus, required God to come up with a new one. No, it was God who saw the flaw (man was unable to keep the covenant; there was no flaw in the covenant itself), and promised a new one. In the New Covenant, God would place the ability to keep the law within man, through his indwelling presence. The Lord expresses this truth by saying he will write his law on their hearts and minds. In the New Covenant sins are forgiven and remembered no more, because Christ, our great High Priest, has offered himself in payment for our sins and has cleansed us in the sight of God. Our crucified and resurrected Savior has secured our way to God.

Evening: We had a good time watching "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." This VeggieTales movie is a modern parable that reminds children and adults that God will enable us to do what he has called us to do; we need to only trust and obey.

The Gospel According to Luke

I started reading through the Gospel of Luke today. I was struck by three themes God's sovereignty, his covenantal faithfulness, and his providential care for his people. There is no doubt that the Scriptures present God as Sovereign. Luke's Gospel is no different. God' s sovereignty is demonstrated in his pronouncements concerning John the Baptist and Jesus. It is further demonstrated by his opening of the barren womb and then the virgin womb.

Mary states, "He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever" (Luke 1:54-55). And Zechariah proclaims that Jesus' coming was "to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham" (Luke 1:72-73). We should not underestimate the importance of covenant faithfulness. The covenantal promises defined the people of God and their relationship to them. Just as Israel's identity was tied to the Old Covenant, so our identity as believers is tied to the New Covenant. But more important than the Covenant is the One on whom the Covenant rests. It was God who promised, and confirmed it with an oath, and God cannot lie. Jesus' coming is demonstrated to be the fulfillment of the promises and the completion of the covenant.

We also see God's providential care in Luke's Gospel. He demonstrates God's providential care through his references to the ordering of circumstances. Such facts as "in the days of Herod," "[Zechariah] was chosen by lot," and "the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David" (Luke 1:5, 9, 26-27) all demonstrate God's ordering and his care. These events are no mere coincidence, but a clear plan emerges as we are reminded that these events have been forth-told by the Lord through His prophets.

These concepts are the heart and soul of practical theology. God's sovereignty, His covenantal faithfulness, and His providential care are all practical matters. If we understand these realities correctly they will shape our lives and bring us great confidence in the Lord. They help us to move beyond our circumstances and feelings. They aid us in pressing forward in faith and obedience, confident in the knowledge that God is in control and he cares for us.

Overcoming the Fear of Hope

"Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will never believe" (John 20:25).

We often label Thomas "the Doubter," but I have often wondered if that was a fair nickname. Surely this one event in his life should not be the defining one. Why don't we call him "Worshiping Thomas" since he also said to Jesus, "My Lord and My God!" If we were fair we would acknowledge that Thomas' response was the natural one. He watched them take his Master away, crucify him, and place him in the grave. Men just don't come back from that kind of thing.
Even as his friends tried to encourage him with the news of Jesus' resurrection, Thomas wouldn't believe. Many would say that Thomas' response was that of a realist. He just took the facts, crunched the numbers, and drew the only logical conclusion. However, when we are tempted to be "realists" we better make sure we are dealing with reality. Resurrection, while difficult for Thomas to accept, was a reality. Thomas knew that Jesus had raised people from the dead. He had witnessed it, but when he was told that Jesus had been raised he doubted. He wasn't crunching all the numbers; he had not collected all the facts.

The Scriptures don't say why Thomas didn't believe Jesus had risen. I choose to believe that it was because of his grief. Often grief is accompanied by bitter despair. Grief can make one cynical, even skeptical. I believe that Thomas' response is the response of the discouraged, the broken-hearted, the bereft. His response demonstrates his fear of hope. If he should let hope ascend in his heart and believe that Jesus was alive, and it be proven untrue, then he would be crushed beyond repair. Yet, without hope, he was already crushed. He took what he thought was the safe road.

But there is no safety in a hopeless road. The trials we face in this life are meant to stir hope in our heart. When I stated that I thought Thomas' response was the natural one, I did not mean that it was a good one. We have a God who can do the impossible. He is a God who can do beyond what we can even imagine. And while many of us are just as afraid to hope as Thomas was, most of us are not as honest about it. Scripture teaches us that God is faithful to his promises. God's faithfulness never changes, it never lags, and it never expires. When we truly rest in this knowledge we find hope kindled. Circumstances which are often beyond our control are never beyond His. Things that occur in our lives that the enemy meant for evil, God means for our good.

The burdens you are enduring right now may have you saying, "Unless I see God do a good thing (like removing this trial) I will never believe." However, we must remember when Scriptures tell us that God is always faithful it does not mean he is faithful to our agenda. God is faithful to his plans and purposes. His plans for us include our salvation, our sanctification, our perseverance, our obedience, and our glorification. His plans are for us to be conformed into the image of His Son. He will faithfully, and without fail, bring his plans to completion. If we are to imitate Thomas, let it be his worshipful attitude, not his skepticism. As God speaks to us through His Word, revealing his nature and character, let us fall down and proclaim, "My Lord and My God." I pray we become those who say, "Until I see . . .I will believe," instead of those who say, "Unless I see . . . I will not believe." For we are waiting for the day when we will see Christ face to face, and until that that day we must press forward in faith.

Sermon Preview 11-23-08

Morning: We will continue looking at Jesus Our Great High Priest. This sermon, entitled, "The Nature of His Priesthood," will look at Hebrews 7:1-8:13. In this length passage the author explains what it means for Jesus to be a priest in the order of Melchizedek. He invites us to remember that we have a high priest who has sat down at the right hand of the throne of Majesty in heaven (Heb 8:1-2). Jesus' place secures our own before God. In this passage the author will lay out some parallels between Melchizedek and Jesus, explain why God promised this new priesthood, and explain the superiority of Jesus' ministry as our Great High Priest.

Evening: We will not have discipleship training this evening. We will be showing The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything movie (VeggieTales). Everyone is welcome. The movie will start at 5:00 and there will be snacks to follow.

Removing the Clutter

My office is kind of like my Batcave or Fortress of Solitude. However, my office has been in shambles for months. Then yesterday, I had to move some stuff which caused one area of my office to be less cluttered while simitaneously making the rest of the clutter seem greater. So I was compelled to clean my office today--moving books, shelving them, filing papers, throwing stuff away and so on. As the cleanness began to spread slowly, I began to think about how life sometimes get cluttered. Life comes at us fast and we often just react. We push the less urgent things to the side, and think, I'll do that later. However, if we are not careful later comes later than we think. Our to-do lists get longer, and time seemingly gets shorter. As believers, we are not live our lives on autopilot. We are called to make the most out of every moment. This is why self-control is so important.

When trying to rid our lives (and offices) of clutter there are some helpful things we can do. The first step is to slow down and assess our priorities. What really matters? There are two schools of thought on what to do next. First, we can tackle the small stuff, building our confidence with each little victory. Or we tackle the big stuff, knocking out the hard stuff first. A third approach, which is highly ineffective and creates more problems in the long run, is to move the mess from place to place. I used to do this as a child when I cleaned my room. I would pull everything out of the closet and from under the bed spend hours sorting through the mess, get bored and frustrated, and just cram it all back under the bed or in the closet.

The most important thing we can do is to remember we do not possess the power to clean up our lives by ourselves. The Holy Spirit lives within the believer, and works to bring about change in their heart. He works in and through us to bring about in us the image of Christ. Philippians 2:12-13 demonstates the the reality our working in conjuction with the Spirit. Paul state, "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." The reality that the Spirit is at work in our lives, bringing about obedience, does not negate our responsiblity to seek to live obedient lives. Nor does the reality that we are called to walk in obedience minimize the Spirit's work in our lives. We must understand that we are called to do the will of God, and that the Spirit enable such work in us.

When our priorities are correct God will bring order to our lives. When we fail, we must confess and continue to trust that Jesus' blood and righteousness continues to secure our right standing before God. As Jesus stated, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matt. 6:33, ESV). Sometimes when we tackle the big issues first, the small ones resolve themselves. At other times the big ones seem so daunting that we need to bolster our confidence through a few small victories before we tackle them. In the end, what we must come to understand is that when we walk in obedience, it is because the Spirit has done a work in our heart. We are held by the grace of God and for that we should be thankful.

Have You Been to Jesus for Cleansing Power?

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, ESV)

A friend stopped by this morning to help us clean the carpets before Sophia comes home. I had know for some time that the carpets were getting dingy, but until I began moving furniture this morning I didn't realize just how dingy. I have vacuumed them a couple of times over the past week and a half and had pretreated some of the stains, but we still had to vacuum the floors twice today to get them ready for cleaning. I went through the house pretreating spots again. Then it was time to begin. As my friend began running the carpet cleaner over the carpet, I began watch the transformation. The low traffic spots (like under the couch) looked brand new after just one pass of the machine.

However, the high traffic and very dingy areas seemed unaffected by the efforts of the machine. The first pass only made them look dingy and wet. Yet, with each subsequent pass and my friend's vigilant care the grime began to fade. Our carpet, once more spotted than a leopard, began to resemble its former soft cream color. The moral to this story is: buy dark carpet-it shows less dirt.

Actually, what really hit me is the parallel between a dingy carpet and a dingy life. Living has a funny way of tracking dirt throughout the houses of our lives. The Bible calls this dirt sin. Sin is when we break God's law (see Exodus 20; Duet 5) by doing what we shouldn't or not doing what we should. Respectively, these are called sins of commission and sins of omission. These sins have separated us from God. They have made us dingy in his sight. And each day our lives accumulate more dirt. The good news is that God, who is holy (think dirt free/clean) and just (flawless/perfect) has provided a way for our sins to be cleansed. God said that all sin must be punished by death. In his great love and great justice, God sent his Son, Jesus, to be a substitute for us. Jesus lived a sinless life that pleased his Father very much and willingly offered to die in our place for our sins. So that, now if we believe that he is the eternal Son of God, who took on flesh, lived a sinless life, died in our place, and was raised to life again on the third day we will have all our sins cleansed.

After we have our sins forgiven the Lord begins the process of transforming us. We call this process sanctification, which means being made holy (set apart/clean). Through justification (God's gracious acquittal of our sins), we receive a positional holiness. God views us, in Christ, as holy. However, our experience teaches us that we are not yet (completely) holy. Many Bible scholars refer to this tension as the already-not yet. In one sense we are already holy, but in another sense we are not yet fully holy, so we await the resurrection when our holiness is made complete. This takes me back to my carpet analogy. When we turn to Jesus, he drops into our lives and begins to the cleansing process. In the less trafficked areas we look pretty clean. But, in those areas where there was the heavy traffic of sin, the first past may leave us looking dingy and wet. However the vigilant care of our friend Jesus will continue to go over those spots until our lives are as clean as his. Much like a carpet our lives will need perpetual cleaning, because something is always getting tracked in. Unlike the carpet our lives won't eventually get discarded, because the Lord preserves them as he cleans. And one day he will finish the task (glorification) and our lives will never be stained again.

I want to thank my friend for cleaning my carpets. Your hard work and service is greatly appreciated. And I want Jesus for cleaning my my life. His gracious sacrifice has brought me to God. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Sermon Reveiw 11-16-08

Morning: The sermon was entitled, "Behind the Curtain" and came from Hebrews 6:13-20. The author of Hebrews reminded us to be encouraged, "for it is impossible for God to lie." The author explained in this passage the great assurance we have as the inheritors of the promises of God. The promise spoken to Abraham, and fulfilled in Christ, are unbreakable. God demonstrates this by first making the promise and then by swearing an oath. The oath demonstrated God's solemn intention to keep the promise. That promise is the anchor for our soul, because it is unshakable and cannot be broken. That unshakable hope in the promise of God allows us to follow our Great High Priest, Jesus, behind the curtain into the Most Holy Place, into the very throne room of God to find the help we need to live for him. Jesus' atoning death secured for us a place in the presence of God. God cannot nor would he break his promise.

Evening: We zeroed in on the fallenness of man. Romans 5 discusses the entrance of sin into the world through Adam's rebellion, and the subsequent condemnation of his descendants. Romans 3:10-20 sketched a very dark picture of human nature leaving us to conclude there is none good, no not one. Ephesians 2:1-10 describes the human plight as being dead in transgressions and sin, and being by nature objects of wrath. The evidence of Scripture is that man is a fallen creature incapable of rescuing himself. The good news is good precisely because it presents the remedy to our situation. Man is dead and needs life. God in his grace extends to man life through faith in the gospel message. In order to fully appreciate the gospel, we must understand the depth of our sin and how far God went to remedy it. The brutality of the cross was because of the exceedingly sinfulness of sin.

Never Alone

Growing up I loved The Incredible Hulk t.v. show. I guess even as a kid I related to David Banner's loneliness. Here was this poor, nice guy who had to move from town to town to protect himself. He couldn't really get to know anyone. He could never be himself. David Banner's secret kept him on the move.

I think many of us understand that sense of isolation. Many of us feel alone, unable to connect, unable to feel comfortable or be ourselves. We shuffle from place to place emotionally, in the hopes of avoiding heartache. Sometimes it is the fear that others may discover that we have a secret. We desperately want them to think that we have it all together. We don't want them to find out.

The irony, for the believer, is that the sensation of isolation is an illusion. While we may feel (deeply) alone, we are never alone. When we are in Christ, God is always with us. It is precisely for this reason that we must learn to make our relationship to God the focus of our lives. It has been said that we play to an audience of one. When we concern ourselves with pleasing the Lord, the fear of man will drift away. For some the desire to please others will fade more slowly. For others, such liberation may come with welcomed speed. But may it be that it comes.

In Search of Wisdom

A wise man once said, "Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the Lord is instruction is wisdom, and humility comes before honor" (Prov. 15:32-33). I have a sneaking suspicion that God is trying to tell me something. It seems that everywhere I turn in the Scriptures I am confronted with the concept of being teachable.

I have always assumed I am teachable, but I am beginning to have my doubts. I know that by reading a chapter of Proverbs a day that I will face a fair amount of references to being teachable, but even in my studies elsewhere this issue has been visited and revisited. I think there is a danger in studying that often goes unaddressed. I fear that we often forget that learning facts is not the same a being teachable. We may sit in Sunday school and hear something we had not known before, and yet our lives might not be changed. Or we may hear something in a sermon that we had not previously considered, and yet we often do little about it.

Being a disciple is not about collecting facts like an encyclopedia. It is more like being a toolbox. Information, knowledge, and experience are gathered together like tools, so that we may effectively accomplish the tasks set apart for us by the Lord. Being teachable means that we not only possess some tools, but we are willing to gather more with the full intention of learning to master the new ones, as well as the old. When the Scriptures call us to teachability, or discipleship, they call us to become apprentices who study under the Master. We study the tools that he has given us. We learn all their uses. We watch to see how he uses them and we imitate his actions. He watches us as we use them and corrects us when we err. Skill comes through constant, consistent, correct practice.

I want to be more teachable. I want a humble heart that handles correction with gratitude. I want to learn the art of skillful living, often referred to as wisdom. Lord, open my heart to your Word that I may be corrected, purified and wise. Amen!

Preoccupied

Have you ever found yourself not wanting to think? Have you ever wished your brain could just stop the wheels of thought long enough for you to catch your emotional breath? I admit there are times I don't want to think. I have tried for the last several week not to think about how long it will be until Sophia comes home. As the days stretch into weeks and August crawled into November another day approaches. It is a day that stays at the back of my mind, lingering around like some inconsiderate guest who doesn't realize the party is over and it is time to go home. That day lingers there unwelcomed and, in reality, uninvited. It is the day of Ellie's death. This coming Monday will mark the 2nd anniversary of her going home. It is a day that I will never forget, no matter how hard I try. The irony is that it feels like I have to struggle to remember much of the days we had with her.

I am a man caught between straining forward and looking back. The hope of celebrating Sophia's homecoming does not eradicate the grief of Ellie's homegoing. Sometimes the grief is tangible like a blanket or a weight. It is not a burden I bear alone, but it is one I seldom talk about, yet never stop thinking about. I miss my daughters. I know that I will see them both again; Sophia in a few weeks and Ellie when I get to heaven, but that reality only makes the pain bearable. However, I continue to rely on the Lord; I know that he is with me and that he will sustain me.

But, I find myself trying to stop the thinking. I'll watch some tv or a movie. I'll read a book. I'll daydream from time to time. These things however do not help. They only prolong the inevitable. I am trying to find a better way--a way that doesn't seek to empty my mind, but fill it. I meditate on God's character and nature. I think about the Scriptures a lot. I desire to start memorizing Scripture again. As Christ's servant I want to be fruitful and effective. I want these experiences to help grow closer to the Lord. We can't bear fruit if we are always trying to escape. Fruitfulness comes from hard work and perseverance. We must, however, strike the right balance as Paul reminds us, ". . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work in his good pleasure" (Phil 2:12-13, ESV). As we abide in the Lord, he brings fruit to bear in our life (John 15). Sometimes the sweetest fruit comes from the darkest circumstances.

Again Paul states, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Phil 4:8). When the burdens that wear you down tempt you to empty your mind, give them over to the Lord and rest in him. Begin filling your mind with his Word, and allow the knowledge of his presence to fill your heart. He cares for you, and he is with you.

"Is it I?"

Something I read in John's Gospel has disturbed me. In chapter 13, John is recounting the events of the night that Jesus was betrayed. He states, "After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, on of you will betray me.' The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke'"(John 13:21-22, ESV). My mind jumped to another passage that states, "They began to be sorrowful and say to him one after another, 'Is it I?'" (Mark 14:9, ESV).

The main reason this passage disturbed me is because it demonstrates the deceptiveness of the human heart. These men had seen all the miracles Jesus' had performed and had received special tutoring from Jesus on the meaning of his teachings, yet these men were not sure if they would betray Jesus. "Is it I?" How could they not know if they were going to betray the Lord? This moment, brief as it was, was probably the most humble moment the disciples ever had while walking with Jesus. In this moment the veil was drawn back a bit, revealing the true nature of their hearts. For one short moment they got it. They saw in themselves their sin and rebellion, their self-pity and pride, their foolishness and pettiness, and they were uncertain where their loyalty lie. They knew in that moment that they could betray the Son of God, but hoped desperately that they would not. And were it not for the grace of God we, too, might betray our blessed Savior.

I think this is what Paul meant when he said that we should be careful when we think we are standing so that we do not fall (1 Cor. 10:12). Our hearts are prone to wander. We are like straying sheep. For this reason the Scripture calls us to continual watchfulness. Peter states it well, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8, ESV; see also, Mark 13:33-37; Luke 12:37-38, 21:36; Acts 20:31; 1 Cor 16:13; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2; 1 Thes 5:6; and Rev 16:15). Friends continue to be vigilant. Keep your eyes on the Lord for he alone is able to keep you from falling (Jude 1:24-25).
This passage also reminds me that I am thankful for a Great Shepherd who seeks the lost sheep and who brings the straying lambs back to safety.

Sermon Preview 11-16-08

Morning: We continue looking at Jesus Our Great High Priest. After prodding us toward maturity and following the examples of those who inherit the promises (Heb. 5:11-6:12) the author now shifts his attention back to Jesus' ministry as a priest. The sermon is entitled "Behind the Curtain" and focuses on Hebrews 6:13-20. In this passage the author stresses the surety of the promises of God.

Evening: We will be looking at the doctrine of man with particular focus on the extent of the fall.

Patient Lord Jesus

I feel like a child again. When I was child I measured everything by my birthday. Halloween came a week after my birthday (Candy day was my favorite holiday). Thanksgiving would come about a month later. Then, two months to the day, we would open presents on Christmas Eve. Building up to my birthday I would say I want this, and this, and this, and this, and this, and this (you get the picture). I would often nag to open my birthday presents early. And if my parents made the mistake of telling me they already had my present, I would begin my Christmas wishlist. October 25th always started the same when I was a child: "Two more months to Christmas. I want this, and this, and this, and this, Oh, I didn't get that for my birthday, I want it for Christmas." Its a wonder my parents celebrated Christmas at all. I begged and pleaded, fussed and nagged, cried and pouted for two months solid in the hope that I would have everything I wanted and to get it early.

Little has changed since I was child. Now I nag Delia instead of my Mom. And sometimes I nag God. When we got the word that Sophia was out of PGN I was disheartened by the timetable they gave us. I began to say to God, "Sophia coming home on my birthday would sure be a good present." As if God hadn't showered an abundance of good gifts into my life everyday. My birthday drew closer and we hadn't gotten a call. I begin to think, "Sophia coming home for Halloween would sure be a treat." It was clever, but God isn't impressed with our cleverness.

Now I find myself daily asking, "Can I have her today? How about today? Wouldn't today be a good day to go get my little girl." I am reminded of two related sayings of Jesus. Matthew 7:11 states, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him." Luke 18:7-8, "And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Jesus is reminding us that Our Heavenly Father is not a slacker. He is not some cosmic dead beat dad. He is not emotionally withdrawn. He is a passionate protector, provider, and caregiver. When we fail to trust him we doubt the Ever-Faithful, who cannot and would not break his covenant. The God who saw fit to bring Sophia into our lives, sees fit to say, "Wait child, wait." His wisdom is unquestionable, even if I struggle with it, because he sees all things. He is not withholding good from me. He doesn't withhold good things from his children, but delights to give them. However, he gives them in his time and in the way that best suits his purposes. Who are we to question him?

Several weeks ago I said (in a moment of discouragement) that if Sophia wasn't home before Thanksgiving I would have much to be thankful for and that I wouldn't celebrate the holiday. I was wrong. This year, maybe more than any other, I am, and will be continually, thankful for God's patience with me. The Sovereign Creator of the Universe, who redeemed me from the kingdom of darkness, has set me at His table and called me son. He has continually treated me with gentleness and grace. He has poured out, in abundance, gifts beyond measure. And time and time again, I only ask for more. By God's grace, and with his help, I hope to follow his patient example. I will wait for the fullness of time to come for my earthly reunion with my daughter, knowing in my heart that God will bring it to pass. I also know that even as now, my heart will continue to cry out until that moment we are together: "Today, Lord? Will it be Today?" I rest in his patient graciousness and know that he not only hears me, he loves me, and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Reflections on the Resurrection

I was going to title this post "I'll Fly Away," but decided against it, since most of you would assume I was headed for Guatemala. We wish we were headed for Guatemala, but God in his perfect wisdom has not yet open that door. We are more than confident that it will swing open soon, but we are a bit impatient. Lord, strengthen us. Now back to the post.

I was reading in John 11 this morning and the song "I'll Fly Away" popped into my head so I sat down and listened to the Jars of Clay version. The words, "Some bright morning, when this life is over, I'll Fly Away," capture so powerfully the anticipation we should have for the resurrection. The song speaks of the completion of our redemption; the day when our struggles with the flesh, the world and the devil will all be over. And what we shall be is not fully known, but we will be like Jesus (Phil 3:21; 1 John 3:2).

More than the reunion with loved ones who have gone on in the Lord, we should long for the resurrection. Because with our redemption complete (often called glorification) we will be able to stand in the glorious presence of our Gracious Creator-Redeemer, without shame, and be acknowledged as he people (1 John 2:28; Rev. 21:1-4).

John 11 provides a powerful picture of that day. We see Jesus standing at the tomb of Lazarus. He has already told Martha, "I Am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25, ESV). Jesus stands outside of the tomb and calls Lazarus to come out. And Lazarus, who had been dead four days, came out still wrapped in his grave clothes. This image reminds me of Jesus' words, "Truly, Truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live" (John 5:25, ESV). Lazarus' resuscitation foreshadows our resurrection.

We must live in light of the resurrection; seeing it as a real and imminent event. Paul warns, "Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (Rom. 13:11-14, ESV).

And again Paul reminds us, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good" (Titus 2:11-14, NIV).

May the resurrection become more real and sweeter to you every day. I pray that we all continue to walk in obedience while we await his glorious return. We will not all sleep, but we will all be change ( 1 Cor 15;1 Thess 4:13-18). Even so Lord Jesus, come (Rev 22:20). Amen.

Teachability

Have you ever asked yourself how teachable you are? I don't mean how easily you can acquire new facts or how much you remember of what you have studied. I mean how open to correction are you? Does it bother you when someone corrects your pronunciation? Are you easily offended when someone offers you unsolicited advice? Imagine, you are wearing a new shirt and someone says to you, "that would look better on you if you lost ten pounds." How would you respond? Would you be hurt? Angry? On the treadmill as soon as you got home? Would you throw a fit or maybe a fist? Would you thank them for their honesty?

How teachable are you when it comes to spiritual matters? We must always remember that humanity is just flawed, its ruined. The Scriptures teach us that none of us are capable of pleasing God in our natural state (see Romans 3:10-18). The good news is that God became a man in the person of Jesus Christ, died for our sin, as a substitute, and rose from the grave. Through Christ's sacrificial death, God extends to us forgiveness and fellowship if we will turn from sin and trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior. When we trust in Jesus, God discards our old natures, and creates in us a new one that shares in his righteousness (2 Cor 5:17-20).

Christians are disciples, which means we are students of Jesus. We are not students in the modern sense where we sit and listen for a few hours to the teacher, take a few tests, and do a little homework before we call it a day. We are students in the ancient sense. In Jesus' day, a disciple sought not only to understand his teacher, but to follow his example. They became imitators of their master. We are to be imitators of Christ. Thus, Christianity is teaching driven. After we get saved (justified) we enter into the process of being made holy (sanctified). Sanctification is a constant and continual learning process. If Christianity is a life long learning process where redeemed sinners are taught how to live in Christ's righteousness, then teachability is an important trait to possess. Let me ask again, "how teachable are you?".

Solomon said, "Whoever heeds instruction is on the path of life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray" (Prov. 10:17). The Scriptures were given to instruct us. Paul reminds us that they profit us through teaching, rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).

By "teaching" Paul means that Scripture are the only source for sound doctrine. As Monticello's articles of faith state, "The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience." "Rebuking" means that the Word convicts us of our sin. It addresses our intellect correcting errors in thought and reasoning. Scriptures move us away from misunderstandings, misapplications, and bad theology. "Correction" addresses the slumbering conscience with sharp warning of impending judgement. It insists on the return to the correct path of Christian living. "Training in righteousness" means that the Scriptures teach us how to live stable, obedient, and moral lives. They teach us to walk in wisdom.

We are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). As the author of Hebrews warned, the lack of teachability is a dangerous sign something is wrong (Heb 5:11-6:12). He goes on to compare spiritual immaturity to a person (well past the age of weening) who is still dependant upon milk. He states that such a dependence on milk reveals their lack of skill (though a lack of use) with the teachings of righteousness (the Scriptures). They have changed, because they don't live the Word.

Again we return to the question, "How teachable are you?" When you hear something you have never heard before in a class or from the pulpit, do you reject it out-of-hand immediately because it is new? Or do search the Scriptures to see if it is true? When you hear something you disagree how do you assess its value? Do you weigh its value through careful reflection upon the Scriptures or upon the weight of your opinion? Do you seek to apply every message and lesson to your life or do you assume that they really only apply to others?

I don't know how you answer the question, "How teachable are you?". But I have to frequently ask the Lord to make me more teachable. I am like the father who said to Jesus, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief." I still struggle. I want to be open to correction and fulfill James' command: "be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1:19). It is still hard, but not impossible. With God all things are possible. And in Christ we can do all things, because he strengthens us (see Phil 4:11-13). My hope is that we all increase in teachability.

Sermon Review 11-9-08

Morning: We continued in the series, Jesus Our Great High Priest. The sermon was entitled "Before We Move On, Pt. 2." and it centered around Hebrews 6:4-12. The main idea of the passage was that we are to imitate those who by faith and patience inherit the promises.

This sermon began with the author's stark warning: "For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they then fall away" (Heb 6:4, ESV). Through this warning the author is compelling us to imagine the dire consequences of walking away. He wants his audience to consider the full impact of drifting away from Christ. He warns that if one were to fall away there is no coming back. Verse 6 goes farther explaining why there would be no more second chances. He states, "since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt" (Heb 6:6). These verses mean to encourage us to faithfulness. They call on us to dread the "fall", and thus avoid it, because such a fall would dishonor the great sacrifice of Jesus.

The author illustrates his point with a farming metaphor. The one professing to believe in Christ is compared to a field. If , after they have been cultivated with the gospel and watered by the Spirit they produce a crop, then they are blessed of God. If, however, they fail to yield a crop they will be cursed.

Yet the author does not leave the burden of his heavy words on us. He lightens the mood with these sweet words, "Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things--things that belong to salvation" (Heb 6:9, ESV). That is to say, the author believes he has seen evidence of salvation in the life of his congregation. He reminds us that God will remember our deeds and reward us. And he compels us to continue to follow the example of "those who through faith and patience inherit the promises"(Heb. 6:12, ESV).

Night: I attempted to review five common ways people attempt to interpret the warning passages in the Bible (passages like Heb. 2:1-4; 3:7-4:13; 5:11-6:12; 10:19-39; 12:1-29). I fear, however, that I muddied the water. These views are not all Baptist, nor are they all equal. They are the approaches various individuals take in trying to interpret the warning passages in the Scriptures. Here is a recap of the five views as laid out by Thomas R. Schreiner and Ardel B. Caneday in their work, The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance and Assurance (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001).

Loss-of-Salvation View: This view understands the warning passages to be addressing believers. From this they conclude that it is possible, even if highly unlikely, that a believer can fall away from the faith (apostasy). They often use the warning passages to interpret the promises of perseverance in the Bible, suggesting that only if a person remains in the faith can they receive the promises.

Loss-of-Rewards View: Those who hold this view see the warnings as addressing believers, also. However, they believe that the warnings are addressing the loss of heavenly rewards, not eternal life. This view is often tied with the a radical understanding of eternal security that separates biblical discipleship and conversion. That is to say, they believe a person can have Jesus as their Savior and not as the Lord. Those who believe in Jesus, but continue in sinful rebellion, will lose out on rewards not salvation.

Test-of-Genuineness View: Those that hold this view believe that the warnings actually reveal the hypocrite within the church. They believe the warnings speak to the false believer and encourages them to really get saved. Those who hold this view believe that biblical conversion and discipleship go hand-in-hand (often called Lordship Salvation). They believe a true convert is a disciple, and a disciple is a convert. They often qualify the warnings with the promises of Scripture.

Hypothetical-Loss-of-Salvation View: Those that hold to this view believe the warnings are meant to correct believers misunderstanding of the danger of apostasy. Falling away from the faith is serious business, but a true believer can never fall away. This can often lead to apathy, so the warnings are their to keep people spiritually engaged.

God's-Means-of-Saving-His-People: This view understands the warnings as being crucial means that God uses to protect his people from falling away. Whereas the other four views seek to answer the question, "Can a true believer lose their salvation?", this view seeks to answer the question, "What is the function of the warnings?". Those that hold this view answer the question by say that the warning elicit belief that perseveres in faithfulness to God's heavenly calling on us. The warnings exist to compel us to faithfulness.


I have been working through these concepts for nearly two years and I am still struggling to come to the best conclusions. I realize that these matters are meaty and that such a brief and hurried introduction was probably not the best route to take. My prayer is that I have not totally confused someone. I encourage you to get the book, The Race Set Before Us, and work through the material. If anyone needs a point of clarification please let me know.

The Quest for Wisdom

I have spent the last eleven months trying to really understand how we become wise. Every day I read through a chapter of Proverbs and wrestle with the material. I really want to grasp it, to understand what it means, but more importantly, I want to be able to live it out. I want to know at the end of my life that I have walked with wisdom to God's good pleasure. I want to be wise. I want to know how to live, how to be a good husband, how to be a good father, how to be a good pastor, and how to be a good Christian. Wisdom is about being what God desires.

The book of Proverbs is so rich in its descriptions of wisdom and folly. Wisdom (godly maturity in action) and folly (ungodly immaturity in action) are compared and contrasted through the book. We are told that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7) and that the fear of the Lord is hatred of evil (Prov. 8:13).

The book of Proverbs is about living a life that glorifies God. It is a book about how our faith should play out in the real world. When we claim to know God it should produce change in us. If we really know God, he will work out his character in us and through us. As I read through Proverbs I am often reminded of Jesus' teaching and I am reminded of James' letter. I wise man once informed me that the book of James is the New Testament equivalent to the book of Proverbs. It encapsulates practical advice on how to live out the faith we proclaim. True religion, as James calls it, is a matter of faith worked out in obedience.

James reminds us to pray for wisdom (James 1:5). He also tells us that if we really trust God will grant us wisdom. The question that comes to mind is, "How does God give us wisdom?". I think the answer is so simple it is often over looked. God teaches not by abstract signs and omens that have to be interpreted. He doesn't "speak" through tea leaves, or astrological phenomena. We don't have to gut a pig and read the entrails to know what God desires for us. Most, if not all, of the signs in the Scriptures do not come without God's voice. He spoke, and continues to speak, through his Word. As Paul reminded Timothy, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16, ESV).

How does God grant us wisdom? He speaks to us through his Word. He reveals his character and nature. He reveals our character and nature. He reveals our need for Christ. He reveals, through Christ, how we must live in order to please him. He reveals all of these things and more, then he places us in real life situations where we have to put those truths into practice. As we believe the Scripture and practice it, God works in us to bring about a life that glorifies him. As we grow in Christ, we grow in wisdom.

Friends grant that God would continue to build a desire for wisdom in my heart. Pray that he would guide my steps in his wisdom. Pray that I would lack nothing concerning wisdom. And I will do the same for you.

The Greatness of God

Today we received a copy of Sophia's passport and it reminded me of an old expression: "God is good, all the time." However, this statement does not fully express the true magnitude of God's character. Jeremiah stated, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lam. 3:22-23). A statement like Jeremiah's makes "God is good, all the time," seem a little trite. In truth, God is great, all the time, and our understanding of the depth of that greatness should be ever expanding as we continue to flourish under his gracious love and care for us as his children.

We have had to continually remind ourselves of God's great goodness over and over again throughout the this long journey, but his faithfulness has never wavered. His care has never waned. His mighty arm is never too short; his grip never loosens. We are grateful to our Great God, who upholds us in his great mercy. Lord, may your name be magnified in all the earth. This picture represents the reality that our little girl is one step closer to home. We thank God for that, and all of you for your prayer.

Distractions

The world is full of distractions. There are countless voices calling and clamouring for a hearing in our lives. Some of these voices are good, some our bad, and some are neutral. Often, we distractions based on their outcome. If they help us forget something unpleasant, they are good. If they make us miss out on something we wanted, then they are bad. But distractions are not those things that interrupt our agendas, but the things that interrupt God's agenda for us.

Even things that are not inherently bad in-and-of themselves, can become bad if they distract us from what is most important. The reason we exist in this world is to bring God glory and to enjoy him forever. Having trusted in Christ's death and resurrection, we have been brought into the unique place where we can both glorify and enjoy him. This reality must shape our thinking about distractions.

We all struggle, even it the best of times, to grow in faith. Remember how Elijah struggled after his great victory over the prophets of Ba'al (see 1 Kings 18-19)? Even after witnessing the mighty outpouring of God's power in answer to his prayers, Elijah despaired. He allowed himself to be distracted. Granted his distraction came in the form of a death threat, but God had still demonstrated that He was on Elijah's side. Despair was a form of distraction.

Sometimes we are distracted by entertainment. We get tired of the drudgery of day-to-day living and want to escape it all. Often, we do this by watching countless hours of television, playing video games, reading books, or listen to music. We go places to watch movies or hear a band. We invest our time and money in the name of entertainment.

Sometimes we are distracted by the fear of vulnerability. We don't want anyone to see the chink in our armour. We don't want them to know that we are not as perfect as we imagine they imagine us to be. We are desperate to seem to have it all together. Other times we are just distracted by fear--fear that people won't like us; that we won't fit in.

Again, it is easy to be distracted by work or achievement. We measure our success by our ability to produce results. We can become distracted by our pride. We want more than anything to be successful. Yet, the question remains, "What does it mean to be successful?" Who decides what success is? Is it a bigger house? Bigger car? More money? More friends? Beautiful children?

If God created us with the chief purpose of glorifying and enjoying him, then success must be defined based upon our ability to achieve that purpose. Success is humanly impossible. For all have sinned a fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). We have all failed to glorify and enjoy the Lord. But, God has rescued us through the willing sacrifice of Jesus, who paid our debt and gives us a new nature when we trust him. He has made us new creations with the ability to glorify him and enjoy him. In Christ, we can succeed in accomplishing the purpose God has planned for us.

Now anything that distracts us from our God appointed purpose, to glorify and enjoy Him, becomes a bad thing. However, many things that distract us may be used by God to accomplish his purpose. For example, you are preparing for Sunday school (let's say the lesson is about encouragement), and the phone rings. The voice on the other end of the line is someone who isn't in church and they have just lost a loved one. You feel bad for them, but you really want to get back to studying this lesson, because you want to be a more spiritual person. However, just before you tell them you need to go, you realize that God has given you an opportunity to practice the lesson. This "distraction" becomes a means to the end of glorifying and enjoying God.

Let's say you go to the movies. You buy a ticket, you buy some popcorn and soda, you go into a dark room and watch stuff blow-up (if your a man) or watch women cry (if your a married man on a date with your wife) or watch cartoons do funny things (if your a dad spending "quality" time with the kids). It can be time well spent if entertainment isn't the end for which we aim. If the movie is a means to the end, say starting a conversation that will lead to spiritual matters, particularly the gospel, then the movie is an excellent use of time and money.

We must remain focused on our mission: to glorify and enjoy God. We can't allow ourselves to get distracted. The driving question we should come to ask in every circumstance is, "Will this enable me to glorify and enjoy God, or is this a complete waste of time?" We must come to realize that if it doesn't glorify God and deepen our enjoyment of him it is a complete waste of time.

When you see a show on t.v., before tuning in and tuning out, ask, "How can this show help me glorify and enjoy God more?" Before turning on the radio or popping in a CD (or playing an mp3 for you youth), ask yourself, "Does this music make me love the Lord more?" Before you plop down with another book to devour, ask yourself, "Will this book help me serve God?" Maybe we're not used to thinking this way, but we should be, otherwise we will continue to get caught up in one wave of distraction after the next.

Sermon Preview 11-9-08

Sunday Morning: We will look at Hebrews 6:4-12 in part 2 of "Before We Move On." The author of Hebrews continues encourage his audience to look at their condition and move on towards mature obedience.

Sunday Night: I am still praying about what to teach on for the evening service.

Get Out and Vote

I voted today. It is one of the rights granted to me as a citizen of these United States of America. It is a privilege that we should not take lightly. It is an honor that many men and women have sacrificed their lives to preserve.

To vote or not to vote was a tough choice for me this time. I am not the most civic minded person. I don't attend rallies, or put out signs, or wear buttons, or endorse candidates. I do not care for politics. I can't measure the character of the people running for office, except through second hand information, which may or may not be factual.

But I am not worried. I know that if the Lord tarries the decisions made today will pass away in a few years, and new leaders will be appointed when the time comes. I know that I will have to pray for those who take the reigns in the days ahead. More than all of that, I know that God is in control. His Chosen One is enthroned in heaven and no one can move him. His work is complete, his kingdom is coming. And that will never change.

Sermon Review 11-2-2008

Sunday Morning: We continued in the series Jesus Our Great High Priest. The sermon, "Before We Move On, Pt. 1", from Hebrews 5:11-6:3, began a look at the audience that received the letter. In this passage the author looked at the spiritual dullness of his congregation and urged them to move on to maturity.

The problem was that they had become lazy spiritually. They were slow to learn or dull of hearing. They had forgotten that maturity is woven into the warp and woof of life. Their difficulty was not based in the material, but in their mental laziness. They were stuck in the spiritual ABC's and couldn't move on. They should have been mentoring others, teaching them the gospel, teaching them how to walk with the Lord, but instead they were stuck in the basics. They were stuck on the milk, because they didn't know how to apply God's Word to their life. They were inexperienced in the teaching of righteousness (Heb. 5:13).

They should have been those who need solid food, but they were stuck on the milk. Those who need solid food are those who have applied the word of God to their life consistently so that they walk in righteousness. This kind of maturity comes from constant practice--from persistent obedience.

The author wanted to move beyond the basics to some of the deeper things of Christ, but they resisted. He warns them in this passage that maturity is not an add-on option, but the mark of someone who is spiritually alive and healthy. He urges them to move on to maturity.

Sunday Night: We looked at some practical tips for the Christian life. We need to feed on God's Word daily, to pray, to fight the good fight of the faith, to believe, to worship, to fellowship, and to evangelize.

Update

We got word today that Sophia's passport should be ready tomorrow. We have two steps left. First is the 2nd DNA. Then, after our results come back, they will set our appointment.

I have also added the newest pictures of her to the slideshow, so keep an eye out for them. Please keep praying that everything moves quickly. God Bless.