Happy New Year's

We have had a blessed year.  We spent last New Year's in Guatemala with little Sophia.  The Guatemalans celebrate New Year's in much the same way they celebrate Christmas Eve, by shooting off fireworks from midnight until two or three in the morning.  I doubt there will be fireworks in Provo, and for that I am glad.


The year has moved faster than we imagined it would.  It seemed 2008 would never end, and we would never be united with Sophia.  Then all at once, the wait was over.  Now the days seem to speed by.  Sophia is growing so fast.  She has gone from one word answers to speaking in sentences, from diapers to being potty trained, from shy wall flower to superstar.  It seems every day reveals a new aspect of her character.  


I am confident the new year is going to bring a lot of excitement and challenges.  Opportunities abound at church.  The Lord continues to bless.  There is opportunity for personal growth as well.  I'm excited to see what happens.  I hope that you all have a great year in 2010.  God bless.

Sermon Recap 12-27-2009

Morning: The message, "Humble Obedience," focused on the story of Jesus' birth from Matthew 1:18-25.  In this passage we see humble obedience in action.  Joseph demonstrates the right response to a difficult situation.  He responded to the revelation of God with faith.  He accepted Christ into his life.  He demonstrated patience.  He responded with unquestioning faith.

Evening: We looked at Micah 6:1-8 with a focus on verse 8.  The Lord compels his people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

Hard to Find the Words

Sometimes it is difficult to put our feelings into words.  Struggle as we may, somethings are more easily felt than expressed.  Maybe we lack the cognitive ability to comprehend them, or maybe we understand them too good?  Maybe we see the events in all their horrific agony or glorious joy, and we aren't quite willing to share them with others?  It maybe that we want to share them with others, but the feelings are too deep for words.  It is quite possible that you have no idea what I am talking about.  

Holidays are usually days filled with joy and heartache.  There is the joy of family celebrations (although I realize not everyone enjoys family celebrations, but I do). There is the joy of catching up over a good meal.  Yet there are those who are no longer there to share in the festivities.  We can't catch up with them any longer, because they have left this world.

Their absences can often weigh heavy on the mind, even in the midst of laughter.  We all have family and friends who have passed away.  We all mourn their passing.  Sometimes we talk about them, and other times we refrain, because the pain is too near.  It seems to me that many people during emotionally charged times struggle with finding the words to say because they don't really want to feel what their feeling.  I know I don't want to cry, especially in front of people, but at times its the only natural response.  In the year ahead, I hope to find the words that express my joy and my sorrow.  I hope that by expressing them that it will deepen my gratitude for them.  I also hope that you, too, (if you haven't already), find the words to express your joys and sorrows.

A Tale of Two Christmases

This time last year I was in a hotel in Guatemala getting to know my daughter. This year has flown by much faster than the previous one. I suppose it is because we didn't have wait this year for our little girl to get home.

We are miles away from the events of Christmas 2008. This year, we won't be startled by a midnight barrage of fireworks that lasts to 2 or 3 in the morning. Most likely, there won't be an attach of diarrhea for Sophia to endure. The days of sign language are behind us.

This year, we have already had the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. Now, Sophia tells us what she wants, when she wants it, and who is to get it for her. Her hugs and kisses flow freely (most of the time), as does her laughter. Most likely, we will enjoy a silent night in our own bed tonight. We'll open presents in the morning (which is like only 40 minutes away by my reckoning), and enjoy a home cooked breakfast.

The joy is different this year, too. Last year, the joy that I felt in being united with my daughter was nearly indescribable. Although, I knew then easier days were ahead, I didn't think I could enjoy them more. I didn't realize that each day would present exciting new discoveries and adventures, or present new and challenging puzzles that would only strengthen the bonds that join us and deepen the love we have. I was naive.

Now I know that each day will provide a fresh opportunity for deeper joy. I am constantly watching Sophia to see what she will teach me. Sometimes, I watch her for the shear amusement. She is a performer at heart, funny and spontaneous, and always "on." Her quick wit keeps us on our toes. She is always working on out-thinking us, and sometimes I am afraid she will soon succeed. She disarms with her pretty smile which radiates charm, and has the power to melt almost any heart.

I don't mean to ramble. I am just reflecting on two Christmases, separated by only one year, but so different. I am reflecting on the power of the Lord, as it has been demonstrated to me through Sophia. I am reflecting on the joy that has enriched my life in ways I still don't fully comprehend. I am pondering the blessings in my life, with gratitude in my heart. I am offering up these words as praise to my Lord, who has bought me and blessed me beyond measure.

Mary Did You Know?

The song, "Mary Did You Know?," is another great Christmas song. There are so many important truths about Jesus that this song highlights. The song seems to ask the questions so many of us wish we could ask Mary. How much of Jesus' life and ministry was she able to comprehend? All we know for sure is what the Scriptures record for us. She knew that her son was the Son of God. She knew he would save God's people. She knew that many would turn to him, and many would turn against him. Beyond this we can only speculate. It leaves us to marvel at the young girl's faith and he willingness to honor her God through humble obedience. Here is a video of "Mary Did You Know?" as sung by Clay Aiken. Although I not a huge fan of his, he does a good job on this song. The video is also well done. I hope you enjoy.

O Holy Night

Another one of my favorite Christmas songs is "O Holy Night." This video combines Mercy Me's version with images from the movie The Nativity Story. I found this video, like the last two, on YouTube. I hope you enjoy it.

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

Monticello's choir did an awesome job of singing "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," during the our Christmas cantata.  Unfortunately, we had a technical glitch and were unable to record it.  It  is another one of my favorite Christmas songs (especially when it's sung with a country accent).  Since I don't have Monticello's version to share with you, I thought the Judds would be fair substitute.  Enjoy.

Welcome to Our World

I really enjoy Chris Rice's "Welcome to Our World."  I think it really captures the message of Christmas. I hope you enjoy this video.

Sermon Recap 12-20-09

Morning: We had our Christmas cantata this morning.  The cantata was called, "Hope Has Hands."  The choir did a fabulous job singing.  The sermon entitled, "The Fall and Rising of Many" looked at Luke 2:34-35.  In this passage Simeon offers a word of what is to come in the life of Jesus.  His words still speak to us today.  They remind us that we either stand with Jesus or in opposition to him.

Evening:  We looked at Matt. 1:18-25. 

The Fall and the Rising of Many

"And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed'" (Luke 2:34-35, ESV).

The scene before us is rich and powerful.  Christ has been brought into the temple to be consecrated to the Lord (see Exodus 13:1-2; Lev. 12).  Here is family is greeted by a man, known to be righteous, devout, and filled with the Holy Spirit.  This man, Simeon, has been informed that he would not die until he had seen the Christ.  It appears that he was waiting for that promised to be fulfilled for quite some time.

The mention of the Spirit's presence in Simeon life is startling.  Although we are not generally startled by it.  We often read this passage in light of the rest of the New Testament, when we should be reading it within its cultural context.  For nearly 400 years the Israelites sat in silence, because the Lord would not send his Spirit to speak through a prophet.  The Spirit's return signaled something big.  It signaled the dawning of a new age.  The eternal King was about to be born and about to bring death's reign to and end.

Simeon must have been the topic of much discussion.  The people, no doubt, followed him around out of curiosity.  Those hungering and thirsting for God's redemptive work probably hung on his every word.  Those of a self-righteous bent probably saw him as a fanatic or a loon.  But no doubt he was known to the people of Israel (and others), or else Luke would have gave a more detailed explanation of who he was.

Simeon is drawn to the the temple by the Spirit.  As he scans the crowd, something deep inside of him recognizes the face of hope--the Lord of Life.  He rushes over to the family and takes the child in his arms.  He speaks over them a blessing and offers them a prophetic word, "This boy of yours will cause many to stumble, even as he his lifting others up.  He will be opposed, and you will suffer too, because he is going to expose the hearts of men."

Thus, in a few short words, Simeon gives us a glimpse of how Christ's life will unfold.  Many will fall away on account of him, but many will be raised up.  He will face opposition, and grief will be experienced by those who love him.  The hidden realities of the hearts would be exposed by Christ.

His prophetic word was fulfilled as we see in Luke's Gospel and the book of Acts.  However, the word has not ceased speaking.  Simeon was not only describing the 1st century response to Jesus, but the response of every generation.  The gospel still raises up those who believe it, and repels those who reject it.  Jesus is still revealing the hearts of men, through the witness of the Spirit, and he is still opposed by many.  Jesus shines a light into dark places, but the people love the darkness and hate the light.

Were Simeon here today, I believe he would ask us, "Where do you stand with Christ?"  Are we opposed to the message of Christ?  You might be saying, "Hey, I wish people a 'merry Christmas.'"  But are you living a life that points to the Christ of Christmas.  Are your holiday celebrations so filled with trees and lights and gifts, that you have missed the greater meaning of Christmas?  Christmas isn't just a time of love, family, and giving.  It is about God's love, that was demonstrated by sending his Son into the world, to offer up his life as a substitutionary atonement on our behalf.  Christmas is about the appeasement of God's wrath.  It is about having a place in the family of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  We rise or fall, because of Christ.  We either cling to him in faith, or we oppose him in disbelief.  We either hate our sin and leave the light, or we hate the Son and live in our sin.  Thus, Christmas means we have to pick a side: humble obedience to the Lord of Life, or prideful rebellion against the Light of the world.  Which side are you on?

Joseph's Obedience

"But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins'" (Matt. 1:20-21, ESV).

Joseph had discovered his betrothed, Mary, was with child.  He knew the child was not his, yet he did not want to open Mary up to public humiliation. Because he walked with the Lord, he knew instinctively that it was not the right thing to do.  But how could he marry her?

As he thought about this the Lord spoke to him through a dream.  Whatever the dream consisted of beyond the angelic proclamation, we cannot say.  We can say that it was sufficient evidence for Joseph to commit to the plan.  He would marry his beloved Mary, and raise this child as his own.

Some might call Joseph a fool, because he "bought" Mary's story of a virgin conception.  Others write the dream of as wishful thinking.  However, the evidence we have surrounding Joseph doesn't leave us with the image of a fool.  He isn't Mr. Gullible.  He is Mr. Devout, or Mr. Take-God-At-His-Word.  He knew this was no meal induced nightmare.  He sensed the holy presence of the Lord's messenger, and his conscience ached with urgency.

The message in this dream roused Joseph from his sleep, and sent him running toward his destiny.  The doubt that had filled his heart and mind prior to closing his eyes were wiped away in an instant.  The hesitance we see before Joseph's dream is nowhere present afterward.  No, Joseph had heard the voice of God, and as a righteous man he had no choice, but to obey.

Not only was he to take Mary to be his wife, but he was to raise her son as his own.  The angel said, "You shall call his name Jesus."  Joseph would adopt, raise, and love this child "conceived of the Holy Spirit."  All the while, he would know that this son of his would "save his people from their sins."  The long awaited king had come, and Joseph would help ready him for his throne.

Joseph reminds us that it is not the size of the task that matters, but hearing the voice of God.  For when we truly trust the Lord, we will be driven to obey his voice.  What may seem like foolishness to others, who have not heard the voice and who cannot understand, will to those who believe the only course of action.  The only logical, sane response to God's command is obedience.  Joseph demonstrates such sanity.  He hears and rises to obey.

As you look at the numerous nativities you will see this Christmas season, meditate on the characters you see.  The baby Jesus, our Immanuel-God with us, calls us to hope.  Mary, Christ's mother, calls us to faith.  Joseph, Jesus' adoptive father, calls us to obedience.  Though a carpenter by trade, Joseph appears to be a shepherd at heart.  He watches over his ewe, Mary and their son, Jesus.  He goes to great lengths to protect them and to provide for them.

As their figures sit silently in the stable scene, realize they preach non-stop.  Father and mother look toward their child who signals hope anyone who will look to him, also.  They would have us bow to our King with joyful hearts prepared for service.  They would have us come and see the fulfillment of all the promises of God.  God's Gift had come, wrapped in flesh, and free to all who would receive him.  Joseph received him with a ready heart.  Have you?  I certain hope you have, but if you haven't it isn't too late.  Hear the voice of the Lord, and realize Jesus is still saving his people from their sin.

What Is Your Passion?

How would you answer the question, "What is your passion?"  What moves you to action?  What stirs your emotion and turns the wheels of your mind?  What fuels you?  How much passion is enough? too much?  How do you determine if you are passionate about the right things?

I want to know what drives you.  Why do you get out of bed every morning?  What keeps you going when it feels the world is crashing down around you?  How do you get motivated?

The answer to these questions are crucial.  How we answer them will shape the life we live.  The passion that guides our life will set our priorities.  Thus, we can look at the the order of our lives and figure out our passions.  Every detail matters.  So, what is your passion?  How do you know?

Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come

The Christmas hymn, "Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come," is good reminder of why Christmas is such a joyous time.  In this hymn, Isaac Watts celebrates the birth of Christ and Christ's reign over all creation.  He writes,

Joy to the World! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev'ry heart prepare him room,
And heav'n and nature sing,
And heav'n and nature sing,
And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, Repeat the sounding joy.

 

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessing flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, Far as the curse is found.

He rules the wold with truth and grace,
And makes the nation prove
the glories of his righteousness
And wonders of his love
And wonders of his love
And wonders, and wonders of his love.

The celebration of Christ's birth is the celebration of the birth of a king, but not just any king.  He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.  He is the Sovereign of the universe.  There is no end to his majestic glory.  His splendor knows no equal.  As believers in Christ, we have great reason to rejoice, not only at Christmas, but always.  I pray that this Christmas Christ will bring you a joy that will put your tongue to work singing his praises.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Bad news never takes a holiday. Illness and loss never celebrate Christmas by taking a break.  Darkness doesn't just lift because we are celebrating the entrance of the Light into our world.  Somewhere out there among the flashing lights, brightly decorated Christmas trees, and holiday yard decorations, cancer is ravaging a child.  Somewhere a family is exchanging gifts while mourning a loved one who has passed away.  Depravity hasn't settled in for a long winter's nap.  It's thriving in the human heart and let loose in the world.

One of the reasons that Christmas still has such a grip on our culture, even as many within the culture are abandoning orthodox Christianity, is that Christmas celebrates the hope that this cursed life will soon be put right.  Christmas celebrates the coming of the one Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ our Lord.  The birth of Christ signals God's willingness to rescue this fallen creation.  He was not only willing to rescue his creation, he did so with a tremendous price.

The message of Christmas calls us to hope.  It comforts us with the reality that our Redeemer has walked a mile (and more) in our shoes.  It encourages us to cling to him for mercy, because he understands the demands of human existence and the power of temptation, although he never sinned.  He is there waiting for us, scanning the horizon for the first sign of our return.  He is ready to embrace us, if we will only come to him.  Our coming is a march of victory, a victory won by Christ Jesus himself.

This brings me to the Christmas hymn I want to share, "O Come, All Ye Faithful."  I love this hymn, because it expresses such joyous worship of the Christ-child.  As we remember the birth of our Savior, we must also remember that his life, death, resurrection, and ascension are all inseparable from the story.  He was not just a baby born in a stable, and placed in a manger.  He was, and remains, Immanuel.  He was, and remains, the Lord of Glory.  The hymn, "O Come, All Ye Faithful," expresses the proper response to the birth of Christ.  Our response should be one of humble submission and joyful adoration.  Here are the words:

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold him,
Born the King of angels.

Chorus
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
O sin, all ye bright hosts of heav'n above!
Glory to God,
All glory in the highest! (Chorus)

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv'n;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing! (Chorus)

Let us approach the celebration of Christ's birth with a renewed adoration for the Lord and a renewed desire to serve him. Come, let us adore him, for he is worthy of all our devotion.  No matter how dark our situation seems, we must always remember, but especially at Christmas, that the Light of the world has dawned on us.  Christ has come into the world and is working all things to the good of those who love him and are called according to his purposes. He first coming guarantees that he will come again, and when he does he will make all things new.

Daddy Are You?

This morning while gathering the garbage, I managed to move a few inches out of Sophia's line of sight.  When this occurred she said, "Daddy Are You?"  I leaned toward the doorway where she sat smiling at me, and told her, "Daddy's right here, honey." I knew that she knew right where I was, but she wanted to play, so I played along.  Later, as I remembering her words it got me to thinking about an article I had read recently.  Pastor Mark Driscoll, recently posted 16 Christmas Tips for Fathers at the Mars Hill Church Blog. While the tips he gives are specifically geared toward Christmas, they have a wider application.  Many of the tips revolve around making pleasant memories with your children.

The article really challenged me to rethink my Christmas strategy, especially since I didn't have one.  I (legally) downloaded two Christmas albums: the free Holiday Sampler from iTunes, which has some great songs (and a few not-so-great songs) and the Chipmunks' Christmas album from Lala.com.  The other night we cuddled up together as a family to watch the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie.  When we drive we're jamming to "Christmas Don't Be Late."

Sophia's "Daddy are you?" struck my heart much like Mark Driscoll's "Dad, are you a servant like Jesus to your family?"  Both questions call for a reevaluation of priorities.  They call for us to make the most of the opportunities given us for the glory of God and the good of our families.  I hope you fathers (and mothers) will read Mark Driscoll's article and allow it to challenge you to be ready to answer, "Daddy Are You?"

Sermon Recap 12-13-09

Morning: The sermon, "That You May Know," looked at Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21.  In this passage, Paul prays for two things: first, that the believers would by strengthened in their inner being, and that they might begin to understand the unfathomable depths of God's love for them in Christ.  The goal of his prayer is that they would live a life that would bring glory to God.

Evening:  We began looking at the doctrine of God.  Our main resources, apart from the Scriptures, are the Baptist Faith and Message 1963 (supplemented with the BF & M 2000), and Monticello's Articles of Faith (which is based on the Abstract of Principles).

A Quality Parade

Monticello took her float on the road again today.  This time we went to Quality, Kentucky (it's a little farther than Morgantown, or least if felt like it).  The parade had a lot to offer those who attended.  There were tractors, classic cars, clowns, and of course, floats.  Again, we had a tribe of happy children riding the train on our float.  They loved ringing the bell and eating the candy (which was meant to be thrown to the waiting crowd).  No, they were really good.  They would toss the candy to kids on side of the road and shout, "Merry Christmas."

If you have never participated in a parade, there is a lot of work that goes into it.  The twenty or so minutes a parade takes to run its route, is only a small fraction of whole process.  It also takes a lot of talented, hardworking people to pull it all together.  The Lord has certainly blessed Monticello with both.  I am grateful to everyone who helped, it provided a chance for us to help create some lasting holiday memories for the children (and adults) of the church.

The judges awarded Monticello third place in the float division, which is pretty good considering the competition. It was amazing to see how large of a parade a small community can host.  It made for a busy day, but it sure was worth it.  We even have a few of our creative people working on ideas for next year.  Who knows? We might even try three parades next year.  Putting a float together can be a great team building exercise.  It is also a great source of fellowship.  It provides a natural means of creating lasting memories.  I hope you are making some lasting Christmas memories this year, because I know I sure am.

Glory That Brings Peace

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased" (Luke 2:37, ESV).

This verse reminds us of two important truths that come through the Christmas story.  Although the message of Christmas is richly textured and multifaceted, we will only look at the two that are expressed in this verse.  The first truth is that God is highly glorified because of Christ's coming.  The second truth is that peace is available to those the Lord favors.

As the angels are singing their heavenly chorus,  their primary concern is proclaim the glory of the Creator.  He who spoke the world into existence, had come down to rescue the fallen image bearers.  The God Most High had come to dwell among the lowly, fallen creatures who had rebelled against his rule.  This truth inspires awe among the heavenly host, and should leave us full of awe.

God has chosen to be most glorified through the process of redemption.  For his own purposes, he has chosen to demonstrate the greatness of his mercy by rescuing man from the penalty of sin.  This willingness on God's part means that now man can have peace with his Creator.

In the Christmas story, we see that God has chosen to glorify himself through the appearing of the Son in human flesh, and that that appearing has brought us peace.  Through faith in Christ Jesus, we can approach the Father in heaven.  We have access to his abundant mercy for all our needs.  Christmas means that God wants to glorify himself through rescuing sinners like me and you.  It means we can abide in his peace.  I hope and pray you are abiding in that peace this Christmas season.

Picture Available @ http://picturesofjesus4you.com/catalogview_do.html.

Good News of Great Joy

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord'" (Luke 2:10-11, ESV).

As we gather to celebrate the coming of Christ, we are proclaiming good news of great joy.  We are sharing a message that has brought hope and transformation for nearly two thousand years.  We are proclaiming that the long awaited hope of deliverance has come into the world.  We are proclaiming that sin and death no longer have the right to reign over mankind.  The rightful King as come, and in his coming he brought life.

The heart of the message of Christmas is that sinners no longer have to fear the wrath of God.  The proclamation of Christmas is that God has sent his Lamb into the world, to be a substitutionary atonement, on behalf of fallen man.  Christmas means that God is pleased to dwell among the image bearers, and has made it possible by reconciling all things to himself through Jesus Christ.

Christmas proclaims the reality of sin, and the truth that man needs a Savior.  The angel says, "For unto you is born . . . a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  The fact that he was born to be the Savior indicates that Creation needed to be saved.  Even the name Jesus means Salvation.  The title Christ (Messiah) reminds us that he was "anointed" for this task.  Thus, the anointed Savior came into the world to redeem mankind by offering up himself as a ransom.

So this Christmas, take time to consider if you have received the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Savor the goodness of the message--Jesus saves.  Rejoice with great joy that he has stilled your fears, and brought peace between you and God.  And Remember, that Jesus has ascended on high, where he reigns over all of Creation, and that he still delights in saving those who don't yet know him.

Art work from: PicturesofJesus4You.com.

Immanuel--God with Us

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means God with us)" (Matt. 1:22-23, ESV).  

This promise holds great comfort for the followers of Jesus.  He is Immanuel-God with us.  Not only is he with us, he is for us.  He became one of us, to rescue us from sin and death.  It is right that we meditate on the incarnation during this season.  As John stated, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).  Jesus is God in the flesh.  He is the God-man--100% God, 100% man, two natures, one person.  This is the mystery we celebrate every Christmas. 

Thus, we celebrate the coming of the one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ our Lord.  He is both high priest and sacrifice.  He is King of kings, and yet a servant who yielded his life as a ransom.  He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who is worthy to take the scroll and open it.

It is right that our Christmas celebrations are filled with anticipation, because we await his return.  As we rejoice in his first coming to rescue us from the penalty of sin, we wait for his second coming to restore all things.  As his coming in the flesh was heralded by the angels, so to his coming in the clouds will be attended by angels.  Even as he is in his Father's house preparing a place for us, he is dwelling with us through the Holy Spirit.

Christmas presents us with an opportunity to meditate on the reality of the Word made flesh.  We should pause and remember that Jesus is God with us.  With us. Hear those words.  Roll them around in your mind.  Speak them until they take root in your heart.  He is always with us, preparing us to be with him.  Christmas means God is with us, because he is for us.  And it means through Christ, we can be with him.

What Child Is This?

Do you like Christmas music?  I like a lot of the Christmas hymns, but I'm not a big fan of rest of the holiday classics (like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer").  Every year I dread the weekend after Thanksgiving, because the airwaves become polluted with "Holiday" music.  There is some good music in the mix, but I just not that into it.

Some of the most popular Christmas hymns have rich meaning that is often lost or confussed when they are played in a lineup with "Jingle Bells" or "Blue Christmas" (although the Porky Pig version is quite funny).  The blending of sacred and secular concepts tends to halt reflection and meditation.  It's hard to contemplate on the meaning of the words, "Christ, by highest heav'n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time, behold him come, offspring of a virgin's womb.  Veiled in flesh the God-head see, Hail th'incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel," (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing) when they are followed by "Grandma got ran over by a reindeer."

Over the next couple of weeks leading up to Christmas, I thought I would share some of my favorite hymns.  Tonight I want to share "What Child Is This?".  William C. Dix penned these words:

What child is this, laid to rest on Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King; whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!

Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading:
Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through, the Cross be borne, for me, for you
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of Kings, salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high, the Virgin sings her lullably;
Joy, joy, for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary!

The second verse grips my heart in ways I cannot fully communicate. The opening question, "Why lies he in such mean (average/low) estate, where ox and ass are feeding?," points to the fact that Christ, the Lord of Glory, willingly laid aside his glory and wealth in order to rescue us from sin.  The author would have us to approach this manger with reverence, because this Child has brought our redemption.  He goes on to connect the Christmas story with the Easter story, because the goal of Christ's birth was to become the sacrifice that put away the wrath of God by dying as our substitute on the cross.  So I say with this song, "Hail, Hail, the Word made flesh, The Babe, The Son of Mary!"

Image from http://picturesofjesus4you.com/storeindexbaby.html.

All I Want for Christmas

As a child, I spent a great deal of time laboring over my Christmas list.  I spelled out in great detail the numerous items that I wanted.  I wanted almost everything I saw.  Of course, from the ages of four to twelve my list revolved around G. I. Joe (3 3/4 inch action figures).  Every year about twenty (or forty) Joes and eight (or ten) Cobras would hit the market.  Most boys in the 80's needed every G. I. Joe and every Cobra (they really need 10 or 20 of each Cobra soldier to even out the battle ratios).

We opened Christmas presents on Christmas Eve in my family.  Each year my I would start my Christmas list immediately after opening my last gift.  Usually, it included numerous G. I. Joes and Cobra soldiers that didn't make it under the tree.  However, it would grow at an ever increasing pace leading up until dinner on Christmas Eve.  Every year I would almost cry (sometimes I succeeded), because something was left off my list.  I scoop up my loot and go pout in my room, unsatisfied and ungrateful.

Writing these words shames in me.  Looking back on the spoiled brat I was (and still can be) I wish my parents efforts would have been more greatly rewarded.  It seems, looking back on it, it was never enough.  Ten or twenty G. I. Joes at $4 a pop was an expensive proposition, and that doesn't include the vehicles or non-Joe stuff I wanted.  Maybe my parents should have just given me a lump of coal, since I was going to pout anyway.  But that's not their style.  They're givers.

I would like to think that I have matured over the years.  I have struggled to become a gracious receiver, although at times I really fall short.  I don't struggle as much as I used to with the "want bug," but I still struggle too much.  At one time, I couldn't hardly pass a book without buying it.  Now, I try to make more responsible choices.  I want to be a good steward of all God has given me.  I want to have money to adopt again, to give to missions, and to help those in need.  I don't need another box of toys to stuff in storage or another stack of books (that one was hard to write).

I have been trying to answer the question, "What do you want for Christmas this year?," for the last several weeks.  But my wanter seems broken.  I don't have a long list of desires.  There are a few books that would be nice to own, but I can't find time to read the ones I already have.  There are a list of impractical toys I could borrow money to buy myself like a motorcycle, an ATV, a 50" LCD T.V., a home theater system, or any number of other things.  However, whatever pops in my mind is systematically eliminated for being too expensive, too impractical, or too unnecessary.

I have come to the conclusion that I don't really want any "thing" for Christmas.  I have collected things most of my life.  They sit collecting dust on a shelf, in a closet, or in the attic.  The reality is that I am truly blessed.  The Lord has surrounded me with wonderful people who love me.  I have a place to rest my head and food to eat.  I don't know what I want, because I have so much.

I guess what I am trying to say is that what I really want for Christmas is to grow in gratitude.  I want to be able to open a gift from someone and be thankful that they would even think of me.  I want to receive it as the treasure it truly is, because it is an expression of love.  I want to be able to sit and watch Sophia open her gifts, and not notice that she has more gifts than I do.  I want to spend Christmas making memories and forming traditions.  I want to celebrate the birth of my Savior, because he is "God with us."  I want to continue learning contentment, while similutaneously simplifying my life. I want to live every day praising God, because of his glorious grace and mercy.  This Christmas, and hopefully every day after, I want to live consciously aware of the grace that has been shown to me through Jesus Christ my Lord.  I pray your Christmas is rich and rewarding as you celebrate the gracious gift of Christ.

Sermon Recap 12-06-09

Morning:  The sermon, "Amazed By Grace," focused on Ephesians 3:1-13.  In this passage, Paul is exploring the grace of God that is demonstrated in his ministry.  Paul wants his readers to understand the mystery he proclaimed and his ministry, in light of the grace of God.  Paul informs his readers that the mystery of the gospel is that the Gentiles were co-heirs with Israel, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise of Jesus Christ.  Paul's ministry was to preach to the Gentiles to the unsearchable riches of Christ and make plain the mystery hidden for ages, all for purpose of making God's wisdom know through the heavenly realms.  Through the gospel proclaimed by Paul, we now have access to to the Father with freedom and confidence.

Evening: We had business meeting.

A Note About the Christmas Parade

Monticello Baptist Church entered a float in Morgantown's annual Christmas parade.  Our float won in the church category.  I want to thank all the people who help to decorate the float. Beechtreenews.com has a picture of our float here.  I think everybody had a really great time working on the float and participating in the parade. 

A Call to Heed

"Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching" (Prov. 4:1-2) ESV.

Walk This Way

"My son, do not lose sight of these--keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.  Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.  If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet" (Prov. 3:21-24, ESV).

It is easy to lose sight of sound wisdom and discretion.  Sin comes and whispers softly in our ears, "No one will ever find out," or "It feels right go ahead and do it," or "You're not hurting anyone."  The lie is so simple, so sweet, so subtle.  Its siren song seduces the heart into foolishness and indiscretion.  All the while that sin is coaching us to believe our transgression will go unnoticed, it's coaching someone else to snoop in our business.  Having set the trap, sin waits for us to take the bait.

If wisdom and discretion are forgotten, destruction is not far behind.  Solomon informs the reader that wisdom and discretion sustains and adorns our lives.  When people abandon wisdom and discretion their lives begin to go downhill.  Often their lives spiral out of control.  Sin dogs their every step awaiting to destroy them.

The wise and discrete have their lives adorned with the fruit of righteousness.  They are the fragrance of life to those who are living.  They have a natural charisma that draws others to them.  They speak words of life and offer sound advice.  They walk without stumbling.  That isn't to say that they don't ever sin.  It means that as long as they are walking in obedience the Lord will uphold and protect them.

The urgency in these verses should compel us to listen.  They should drive us to focus on maintaining wisdom and discretion in our lives.  These verses also imply that this process of setting our sights on wisdom and discretion is to be an ongoing process.  We cannot let up or back down, because the instant that we do we will stumble in our way.

There are many who lie down at night and are unable to sleep, because of anxiety.  I'm sure somewhere in the world tonight there is a person who is hoping his sin will not become public.  He is praying for the first time in a long time, and yearning for mercy.  However, ultimate peace cannot be obtained apart from the path of wisdom and discretion, because one must walk, by faith, in the Lord Jesus Christ to truly walk in wisdom and discretion.  When we walk with the Lord, we are free to lie down at night and rest.  If we have sought to live out our faith in humble obedience during the course of the day, we can rest easy.  When we walk this way, we know that the Lord is pleased.

Do You Treasure Wisdom?

"My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God" (Prov. 2:1-5, ESV).

This passage contains a lot of "ifs."  Each "if" reminds us that the outcome is not guaranteed apart from diligent labor and careful study.  If we will receive sound instruction and treasure it in our hearts, then we will get understanding.  If we force our ears to hear and bend our hearts toward obedience, then we will know God.

God will not permit a half-hearted search to yield great treasure.  In fact, the Lord knows we won't search for him at all.  He must search for us and place in us a new heart.  The new heart the Lord gives, through the gospel, causes us to yearn after him with earnestness.  It makes our souls pant for him as for streams of water.

The new heart causes us to hang on his words as a child on the words of their beloved father.  We want to search them out, because he reveals himself to us, through his Word.  "Abba, Father," is the cry of our hearts as we yearn for his presence.

Thus, the desire he birthed in our hearts, he fulfills with his presence.  He invites us to know him, and to be known by him.  He invites us, as beloved children, to sit at his feet and learn from him.  He says, "My child, incline your ear to your Father, and hear the wisdom he speaks.  Seek me and you will find me.  I Love you with all my heart, love me, too." 

When it comes to knowing God and doing his will, we must approach the task as if we were on the trail of the greatest treasure ever.  For that is exactly what we seek--our precious Savior.  This pursuit of God is wisdom.  Insight into heavenly matters compels us to pursue them no matter what it costs, because we know that a disobedient life would cost us more.  Do you treasure wisdom?  If so, turn your ear toward Word of your Father, and heed his instruction.

It Could Be Worse, But You Might Not Think So!

Do you ever find yourself grumbling about all the difficulties in your life?  Does it ever feel like you got the short end of the stick? Or that everyone else has it just a bit better than you do?  The human tendency is to overestimate the actual amount of difficulty in one's life.  Maybe it isn't the human tendency, I just might be the only person who suffers this way.  You see what I mean.

There is a real danger in overemphasizing our own hardships.  Things are rarely as bad as they seem.  If we look hard enough (and sometimes we don't even have to look that hard), it is easy to find someone (or many) who is walking through an even darker valley.  There may be those who have life just a bit better than we do, but there are, most likely, those who have it far worse.

We spend so much of our time focused on what isn't, that we never get around to celebrating what is.  We snuggle up with our regrets as if they offer us warmth and security, when in fact they are slowly squeezing the life from us like a serpent.  Countless hours are wasted on "what ifs" and "if onlys."  It is one thing to look at something you wished you had accomplished in the past, and become motivated to accomplish it now.  However, it is a waste of time to wish you would have done something in the past, while doing absolutely nothing about it.

Yesterday has no potential.  It cannot be undone, only revisited, and even then it only serves to teach us about today.  If we will listen to the past, we will not be doomed to repeat the same mistakes.  It can make us wiser, but only if we refuse to worship it.  We have to go back and ask the right questions.  The wrong questions will only detain us in the past, and keep us making the same mistakes.

Thus, we must learn to reclaim the present, having been informed by, but not chained to the past.  In the present there is only one pressing issue with which we must come to terms: what is it that God would have me to do.  Every other issue will spiral out from this initial one.  Once we know what God would have us to do (the starting point on this journey is trusting Jesus), then we set out to accomplish it.  God has given us everything we need to accomplish his will, if only we will obey his Word.

What that means for us is that time wasted in grumbling would be better spent in prayer and praise.  It mean that God has given us the ability to learn and grow through the difficulties that are in our lives.  It means that there is a greater purpose in our lives than personal euphoria.  God isn't as interested in our comfort as he is in our conformity to the image of his Son.  God isn't as concerned with our happiness as he is with our holiness.  By the grace of God, we can put the past in its proper perspective, and live for the Lord's glory both now and forever.

Sermon Preview 12-6-09

Lord willing, we will look at Ephesians 3:1-13.  In this passage, Paul takes a deeper look at the mystery of the gospel: "that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Jesus Christ through the gospel" (Eph. 3:6, ESV).  Paul's reflection on his ministry to the Gentiles is meant to remind them that in Jesus "we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him" (Eph. 3:12, ESV).
Please pray for me as I study through this passage.  Pray that I would understand the passage correctly and be able to preach it with clarity.

Sermon Recap 11-29-09

Morning: "He Didn't Have to Love You, But He Did, Be Thankful," was the title of the sermon that came from Ephesians 2:11-22. In this passage, Paul reminds Gentile believers that God's love for them is especially gracious.  God demonstrates his love for us by giving us a place, by giving us peace, and by giving us a purpose.
He brings those who are far off near through the blood of Christ.  The distance is describe in bleak terms: separated from Christ, aliens, strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and with out God.  Yet, God has brought us peace.  He has bought our peace with himself and reconciled Jew and Gentile, in Christ, as one new people.  Finally, he gives us purpose.  We are his people, his family, and his temple.  These truths demonstrate the praiseworthiness of God.

Evening: We continued to look at the doctrine of Scripture.  We focused on 2 Tim. 3:14-17, 2 Pet. 1:20-21, and Jer. 36.

Warning: Ignoring This Post Could Be Dangerous

"Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall" (Prov. 28:18, ESV).

Do you ever read warnings? Warning: do not use this blow dryer in while taking a shower. Warning: do not stick a fork in this toaster while it is plugged in.  Warning: this coffee is extremely hot and will burn you if you spill it. Warning: this plastic bag is not a toy and could cause suffocation.  Why are there so many warnings?  It is probably because there are so many people who do foolish things.  There is a reason that common sense is called common and not universal sense.  The term "common" implies that it is a "sense" generally experience by most people.  It is common as opposed to rare.

Do you listen to warnings?  I have to admit the thought of using a hair dryer in the shower never occurred to me until I read a warning against such practices.  Why would anyone attempt to dry their hair while still in the shower?  It seems counter productive, not to mention extremely dangerous.  Yet someone somewhere sometime ago, most likely entered into eternity because they decided to multitask at shower time.  It probably went something like this, "I bet I can shave five minutes off of my prep time if I dry my hair while I'm scrubbing my toes."  Thus, the warning was born.  The inventor of the hair dryer probably thought that using the product outside of the bathtub went without saying, but obviously he was wrong.

It may be that hair dryer companies were thinking ahead.  They may have tried to think of every possible situation in which their products would be used (and misused).  Foreseeing that there maybe some individual (or several such individuals), that lacked common sense, they may have issued the warning to be on the safe side.  However the warning came about, its purpose was to head off severe and dangerous consequences.  Let's return to the question.  Do you obey warnings?

Solomon here issues a warning to the wise.  He states, "Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall."  This warning is placed in simple, clear, and concise language.  It is so logical, we are tempted to dismiss it without actually heeding it.  You might be tempted to voice a sarcastic, "Well, duh!," but it doesn't remove the obligation to respond.  Solomon's warning is meant to head off eternal consequences.  Let's look at it in more detail.

Often in the Scriptures, the imagery of walking is used to speak of one's way of life.  Thus, your walk is how you live.  Walking in integrity means that you are living in wholeness, your words and your life are in harmony.  A person of integrity practices what they preach.  They are the same when they are alone as they are when they are in a crowd.  It doesn't mean that they are sinless, it means that they are very candid (and repentant) about their sin.  The person of integrity can have confidence that they will be delivered.

However, those who fail to heed the warning will suddenly fall.  The imagery here suggest a person taking a very nasty spill while walking down the road.  Imagine walking up a very narrow and winding path that curled up the side of a very steep mountain.  Such an adventure would require care and effort.  You would have to be vigilant, because if you weren't you might fall down the mountain to your destruction.


God has determined the way of integrity.  Jesus Christ is the way by which we enter into it.  He, through the Holy Spirit, enables us to walk in integrity.  As we walk in him, he ensures our deliverance.  He has taken the penalty of our crookedness upon himself, and shed his blood for our redemption.  He was struck down on the cross, so that we might be raised up.  God the Father has raised us up with him, so that we might walk in a manner worthy of his gift.

Continue to Express Gratitude

As we reflect on all the blessings that are in our lives, we should be filled with a profound sense of gratitude.  What do we have that was not given to us?  What do we truly possess that can not be taken away?  The answer to both questions is nothing.  Everything we have has been given to us by God.  The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Holidays present us with opportunities to slow down and reflect on the numerous ways in which we have been blessed.  Family, fellowship, food, and fun are often things we take for granted when they are common in our lives.  But there are some many people around the world that do not have these things.

Even as we praise the Lord for his gracious love toward us, we must offer up prayers for those who lack.  Many around us tonight lack salvation.  Many lack food.  Many lack friendship.  So we must pray that God would use us to be part of the solution by giving us compassionate hearts, boldness to speak, and tender consciences.  I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving and that you continue to give thanks to the Lord for all he has done.

Happy Thanksgiving

There is something about holiday gatherings that stir slumbering memories. Even in the midst of laughter and festivities there is a hint of sadness. For some, the losses are so great or so fresh that sorrow becomes almost overwhelming. We rarely mention the absences that create such obvious discomfort. We play through the pain, so to speak. Yet, even in the pain there is joy. Joy of being gathered with family, joy of good food, and the joy of living. The Lord has blessed with so many wonderful gifts that we will be eternally grateful.

We remember those have passed on with fondness and affection. We celebrate their legacy (and sometimes mourn it). Yet we must move forward and thrive in the present. We honor who they were and who they helped us become, by rejoicing in life. We must remember that physical absence does not mean absence in heart. I say all of this to say that there are many people for which I am grateful. Many of them are no longer present. They shaped and molded me into the man I am today. God used their influence to draw me toward himself. My love for them has not waned. So today I say thank you to the Lord of life for his love and all his blessings.

Sermon Preview 11-29-09

Morning:  The sermon, "He Didn't Have to Love You, But He Did--Be Thankful," will look at Ephesians 2:11-22.  Paul writes directly to the Gentile believers in Ephesus and explains the reasons God's grace towards them is especially amazing. This passage is a continuation of Paul's explanation of the "spiritual blessings" that belong to Christ's followers.  It flows from his explanation of those blessings (Eph. 1:3-14), his prayer that his audience would understand those blessings (Eph. 1:15-23), and his explanation of grace's role in salvation (Eph. 2:1-10).  In this passage, Paul is going to showcase the exceedingly graciousness of grace.  Ephesians 2:11-22 demonstrates grace abounding toward us who believe.

Evening: We will continue to look at the doctrine of Scripture.

Some Reasons to be Grateful

"Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants and the promises, having no hope and without God in this world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Eph. 2:12-13, ESV).

Apart from the bad news, it is impossible to really understand the good news.  Ephesians 2:12 paints a grim picture of our life before Christ.  We know from Ephesians 2:11 that Paul is speaking to Gentile believers.  He describes their plight in terms of separation, alienation, hopelessness, and God-forsakenness.

First, Paul expresses that Gentile believers were separated from Christ.  As non-Jews they had not access to God.  Jesus said that his earthly ministry was only to the lost sheep of Israel.  The nations were not God's chosen people.  That distinction fell to the Israelites.

Second, they were "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise."  In the narrowest sense the covenants were given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  At least that is how they were interpreted by the Israelites.  They were lawbreakers, idolaters, and unclean.

Third, they were without hope.  They had no expectation of Messiah.  As Israel understood it God's Anointed was coming to strike the nations and crush them in his wrath.  They were going to subjugated under Israel's rule as the nation's eternal King sat enthroned above them.  They were trapped, by heredity, in their sin, with no hope of escape.

Finally, they were without God.  The Creator had rejected them to wonder in their blindness.  He had passed over the nations and chosen Israel.  In so doing, he had sealed the fate of both.  The Gentiles had marched along their merry way down the broad path to destruction toward their doom.  From an earthly perspective, it appeared that God had forsaken them.

If we were to stop at this description, it would leave us terrified.  Fear would tear through our heart like an rock-splitting earthquake.  Our hearts would melt like butter held over a fire.  Paul's expressions seek to drive home the nature of God's grace to non-Jewish believers.  God didn't have to include anyone into his plan of salvation, but he especially didn't have to include the Gentiles.  The Jews were his people, they had the promises and the prophets.

Yet, he determined to bring believing Jews and Gentiles together in Jesus Christ.  Paul states, "you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."  It pleased God to extend his love toward us.  He brought us near, even though we were far off.  We cannot think long or hard enough on this matter.  Paul simply states that God didn't have to save us, but he did.  The expression of  God's grace expressed in Ephesians 2:12-13 should drive us to gratitude.

The Problem with Complaining

Have you ever let the unpleasantness of a project turn you into a seething blob of sarcastic crankiness?  Have you ever given into the temptation to grumble and complain? In these moments of discontent, we allow ourselves more freedom than we should.  We allow ourselves to "vent" our frustrations to whoever will listen.  But is this how we should act and speak?

This kind of behavior damages our witness.  When we spend all our time pointing out what is wrong, instead of doing what is right, it's sin.  It shouldn't matter what we are doing, we should do it for the glory of the Lord.  Mind numbing paperwork assigned to us by our superiors is to be filled out and filed in the joy of the Lord.  We should do it with such excellence that people notice the Lord's hand of blessing in our performance.

This is exactly what we see in the lives of Joseph and Daniel.  Everything they did was executed with such precision that it prospered under their hand.  Of course, their performance was the work of God in their lives, but the results were clearly visible.  The Scriptures don't record incidences of Joseph stomping around like a wounded bear growling at everyone.  Nor do we see Daniel whining because his boss, King Nebuchadnezzar, was a self-worshiping beast of a man.  Instead we see two men who labor for the Lord, in difficult situations under difficult leaders, all because they wanted to honor the Lord with their lives.  They were content in their situations, because they knew it wasn't all about them.  They were given life (and their circumstances) for a purpose.  That purpose was to glorify their God and King.

I easily forget that it's not all about me.  I can be selfish and pigheaded at times.  If I am not careful, I pout when things don't go my way.  It's sin, and I hate it.  I would not intentionally dishonor the name of God, but through my grumbling and complaining I have done just that.  Should I not be singing his praises instead of whining about the situation I'm in?  Which one honors God more--to joyfully tackle every situation with the help of the Lord, or to grumble about how unfair life is?  When we complain about life, we implicate God.  We accuse him of wrong doing, lack of wisdom, dishonesty, unfairness, and the list goes on.  Yet, we know that God is infinitely holy, righteous, wise, loving, honest, etc.  He is perfect in every way, and our life and lips should clearly declare that to the world.

Sermon Recap 11-22-09

Morning:  "Dead Men Don't Chose to Wear Plaid: How God Makes Us to Live through and Raises us up with Christ," focused on Ephesians 2:1-10.  In this passage, Paul explores the human condition apart from Christ and the glorious gift of God gracious salvation.  Paul reminds us that although we experience physical life apart from Christ, until we know him we are spiritually dead.  In that state we walk according to the world, serve Satan, and live habitually in disobedience to the will God as we pursue our own pleasures. 

He also reminds us, that in Christ we have life and standing.  We have been raised from the dead to walk in newness of life, because we have been made alive in Christ.  Salvation is a gift from God.  It is a gift that displays mercy, love, grace, and kindness.  We should respond to this kindness by doing the good works for which God created us.


Evening: We are joining other churches in the association for a Thanksgiving worship service. 

Saved By Grace

"For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that on one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand, that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:8-10, ESV).

Salvation from start to finish is a work of grace.  We could never mine the depths of what that truly means.  It is mind blowing to consider the reality that though we were formerly dead, we have now been brought to life in Christ.  Paul wants his readers to be clear about this truth.  We cannot accurately talk about salvation without referencing grace.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith," Paul reminds.  Paul's statement, although blunted by years of familiarity, is truly striking. We hear it, as we have so often, but we don't fully grasp how shocking it must of been to the recipients of this letter.  Every major religion put forth some merit system, whereby worshipers could appease the gods.  Worshipers need only give this, or do that, and the gods would not make their lives miserable.  Even the Jews experience confusion in worship.  They came to believe that God would have to accept their service or their offerings.  Many of them believed their worship obligated God to do what they wanted.  However, salvation has always been a work of sovereign grace.  In grace, God revealed himself to Abraham and made him a nation.  In grace, he promised to make them his people and to be their God.  In grace, he sent them his Word to shepherd and guide them into righteousness.

Paul explains, "And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God."  Since salvation finds its starting point in the grace of God, only God can bring it to its proper conclusion.  We didn't save ourselves, nor could we.  It is difficult to know if Paul meant that salvation was the gift or if our faith is the gift.  Scholars are divided on how to interpret it.  Either way, it is God who saves us.  Paul presses on, "not a result of works, so that no one can boast."  Grace prevents pride.  It also halts division.  If we are not saved by what we do, but because God loves us, then we must in turn accept others on the same basis.

Paul concludes, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  We are examples of God's craftsmanship.  Through our salvation, God is displaying is incomparable glorious grace.  However, he does not shelve us like a trophy, but places us into service to do the work for which he has created us.

Thus, through the gracious act of redeeming us, God has changed our course.  Once we formerly traveled down Death Road, pursuing the passions of our flesh, serving Satan, and working disobedience.  Now we travel down Life Highway, pursuing the glory of our Father, through faith in the Son, as the Spirit works obedience in our hearts.

And Now for the Good News

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--and raised us up with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:4-7, ESV).

These verses are so rich.  They point us to the heart of the gospel message--God is not content with our destruction.  Paul has just painted a bleak picture of what we were before Christ.  We were sons of disobedience, servants of the prince of the power of the air, and spiritual corpses.  We slavishly labored after our own fleshly desires without the slightest concern for the glory of God.  Although he was the author of our life, we expended his gift in the service of a false god--ourselves.

"But God," Paul states.  But God is rich in mercy. But God loved us with a great love.  But God made us alive in Christ Jesus.  But God shed his grace upon us.  But God raised us up with Christ in the heavenly places. But God desired to showcase his glorious mercy in the coming age by extending his kindness toward us.

The word "but" is such a small word with such a powerful impact.  It is the sun breaking through the darkness of our life before Christ.  It turns the gloom of Paul's description of us into a breath of hope to sustain us.  The simple expression "But God," shifts our attention to the "immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe" (Eph. 1:19, ESV).  Paul explains that this power finds its greatest expression in the the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ (see Eph. 1:19-23).

In Ephesians 2:4-7, he demonstrates the how that power has been worked out "toward us who believe."  Just as God raised Christ from the dead (physically) and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places (physically/spiritually), he has also raised us from the dead (spiritually, and eventually physically) and seated us with Christ in the heavenly places (spiritually, and eventually physically).  Thus, in Christ, we have life and standing before God. 

Our life is not something that God begrudgingly gave us.  No, it was something that sprang forth from his abundant stores of mercy.  He is "rich in mercy."  He is rich in mercy toward us.  He loves us, but not with some puny, fickle, wishy-washy love.  No, he loves us with a "great love."  In all of this he shows immeasurable kindness toward us.

In the midst of this passage, Paul can't help but express the obvious.  He states, "By grace you have been saved."  We swim in a sea of God's grace from the moment of conception.  It is amazing that he chose the exact pairing of chromosomes that make us up as individuals.  He appointed their union, and brought us into existence.  His grace extends to every facet of our life--heartbeat, breath, relationships, joy, pain, work, play, etc.  His grace is immeasurable, in part, because of its constant presence in our lives.

His grace is also immeasurable for another reason.  Beyond all of the general graces God bestows upon us, there is also particular graces.  We see some of them in Paul's thanksgiving in Ephesians 1:3-15.  We are chosen, predestined to be adopted as sons because God loves us, redeemed through the blood of Christ, and sealed until redemption is completed, just to name a few.

This grace has extended life to us through Jesus Christ.  When we believed the gospel, we were made alive in Christ.  We were seated with him in the heavenly places.  That is to say, he has guaranteed our pardon and place with the Father.  Such good news should make us continually praise the glorious God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Spiritually Dead

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind" (Eph. 2:1-3, ESV).

Spiritually speaking, we were dead before the Holy Spirit regenerated us, by applying the gospel to our hearts, and brought us to faith.  Our trespasses and sins had us cut off from God's holy presence.  We had no access to him, nor any desire for such access.  We were dead.  Cold. Rotten. Stinking. Dead.  That is not to imply that we were without morals or scruples, for even the most ungodly live by some internal set of rules. Yet, human morality is little more than a tomb covered over by whitewash (see Matt. 23:27).

Apart from the gracious work of God, in our hearts and minds, through the Holy Spirit applying the gospel, we would continue to be incapable of coming to life.  The dead are unable to do anything about their situation, even though they want to do something about it (see Luke 16:19-31).  Once the human spirit has left the body, our fate is sealed.  There is no second chance in the grave.  James states, "As the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead" (James 2:26, ESV).  Likewise, the author of Hebrews reminds us, "And just as it was appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (Heb. 9:27, ESV).

We are born into this world spiritually dead and slowly creeping our way toward physical death.  Those who are not born again from above, that is, through the Spirit's regenerating work, will suffer the second death.  However, Paul speaks to believers as those raised from the dead, and so they are.  Paul prayed for their hearts to be enlightened so that they may know "what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe" (Eph. 1:19, ESV).  He explains the "immeasurable greatness" in terms of the resurrection.  It seems that Paul understands the resurrection of Jesus Christ to be the greatest display of God's sovereign power.  That power Paul reminds us, is the very power that raised us from our deadness.

Where once we followed in the "course of this world" and "the prince of the power of the air," we now follow a different course and a different prince.  Where once we were filled with "the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience," now we are filled with the Spirit "who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it" (Eph. 1:14, ESV).  Formerly, we were children of wrath, now we are the children of God--chosen, adopted in love, forgiven, known, cherished, and kept (see Eph. 1:3-14).

The description of this death is that we willingly obeyed our dark master.  We served him with the "passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind."  We earned all of our bitter wages. We deserved every penny we were to be paid.   As it is written, "For the wages of sin is death . . ."(Rom. 6:23).  We were not only born corrupted by sin, but we willfully indulged ourselves in it.  The desire to sin is not something imposed on us from the outside.  If a person is forced to do something against their will, they are not guilty of that sin.  A woman who has been raped is not guilty of fornication.  Yet, a man who seduces and uses multiple women is a fornicator.  He willful does what is unlawful, because it is what he wants.  Paul states that obeyed the spirit that works in the disobedient to serve our passions and to carry out the desires of our mind and body.  Sin strikes from the inside (see Rom. 7:7-25, James 1:13-15).

Paul's description in Ephesians 2:1-3 would cause us to despair were it not for one word--were.  If we are in Christ, then we are no longer "dead in the trespasses and sins" in which we once walked.  If we are in Christ, then we are no longer "following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air."  If we are in Christ, we are no longer "by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind."  No, in Christ we are holy and blameless (Eph. 1:4).  We are the beloved children God has adopted (Eph. 1:5).  We have been redeemed through Christ's blood (Eph. 1:7).  We have been told the secret of God's plan (Eph. 1:9-10).  We have become his prized possession (Eph. 1:11).  We have been marked out as his people (Eph. 1:13-14).  Once we were dead--killed in cold blood by sin, but now we have been made alive in Christ. 

Chosen

"Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him" (Eph. 1:4, ESV).

One of the many spiritual blessing bestowed upon us by the Father, through the Son, is that he has chosen us.  He has selected us to be his, in Christ, before the world was formed.  Before he formed Adam from the dust of the ground, God had chosen to love us.  There is a song that says that while Jesus was on the cross we were on his mind.  That song only captures part of the truth.  This verse suggests that before he said, "Let there be light," we were on his mind.  The choice was made in eternity, prior to the beginning of time.

It was a choice to accept us through Christ.  The cross was on God's mind, even as he planted the Garden of Eden and placed man there to work it.  The determined to offer up his Son, so he might display his infinite grace and mercy toward us.

It was a choice with a purpose.  We were chosen to be holy and blameless before him.  He desired to make us holy by the work of Christ on the cross, but also to make us holy and blameless through the working of the Spirit in our lives.  He has set us apart for the purpose of obeying his commands.  He is bringing about in us a spotlessness.  We have been cleansed by Christ's blood, and washed of every stain.

By choosing us, the Father has blessed us beyond comprehension.  Our fallen minds will never fully understand what it means to be chosen by God, to be the object of his delight and desire, to be free to serve and worship him, and to be able to approach him without blemish or spot.  We are his people, because he chose us.  We love him, because he loved us.  We pursue him, because he pursued us.  How richly blessed we truly are to be chosen by God.

Study Indicates We May Be Lazy

We are beginning a study on laziness on Wednesday nights.  Tonight we looked at Proverbs 6:6-11 and 24:30-34.  These passages give a good overview of "the sluggard."  Starting Wednesday December 2, 2009, we will look for a biblical definition of laziness, the underlying causes, and the remedy for spiritual laziness.  Here are some of the other verses to consider (Prov. 10:26; 12:24, 27; 13:4; 15:15, 24; 20:4; 21:25; 22:13; 24:30; 26:13-16; Rom. 12:11; and 1 Th. 5:14).

Sermon Preview 11-22-09

Lord willing, this coming Sunday Morning we will continue to look at Ephesians.  The sermon will come from Ephesians 2:1-10.  In this passage, Paul explains how God's "incomparable great power" that raised Christ from the dead, that seated him at God's right hand as ruler of all, and that placed him as head over the church, has been worked out "for us who believe" (see Eph. 1:19-23).  Possible title, "Dead Men Don't Choose to Wear Plaid: How the Father Raised Us to Life through Christ the Son."

Sunday Evening we will be moving our services to participate in the Gasper River Association of Baptists' annual Thanksgiving service.  The service will be at the Butler County High School at 5:00 P.M.  Eric Allen will bring the message and there will be special music from the Gasper River Association of Baptists' Choir.

It Is Well with My Soul

I have loved the song, "It is Well with My Soul" (or "Peace Like a River"), for a long time.  The author, Horatio Spafford, supposedly wrote this song after losing his four daughters.  As a work born out of great tragedy, this hymn displays the texture of Christian hope.  It demonstrates that hope does not rest in pleasant circumstances, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  The believer finds his strength by focusing on Christ, and not his circumstances.  I am greatly comforted by the truth this hymn reflects.  Here are the words:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul. (chorus)

Though Satan should buffet, thou trials should come,

Let this blessed assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed his own blood for my soul. (chorus)

CHORUS

It is well (It is well) with my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin--oh, the bliss of the glorious thought:

My sin not in part, but the whole

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,

praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul (chorus).

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be roll'd back as a scroll,

The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,

"Even so," it is well with my soul (chorus)

My favorite line is, "My sin- oh, the bliss of this glorious thought: my sin not in part, but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul."  The cross is an undeniable display of the love of God for us (see Rom. 5:6-8).  I don't know what all circumstances you all face, but most likely, many of you are enduring great difficulty.  I pray that you have anchored your hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, and found it is well with your soul.

In Memory

Elena Grace Burns

June 25, 2006-November 17, 2006

Today marks the third anniversary of the passing of our little Ellie.  In some ways, it seems like a thousand years ago.  In other ways, it feels like it just happened.

That morning plays over and over again in my mind.  I remember receiving the phone call, the anger, the disbelief, the powerlessness, the longing to comfort my wife, and to be comforted.  I can still remember having a disconnected feeling.  It was almost like someone had separated my mind and body' I was there, but not there at the same time.  Yet, in the midst of that disconnection I remember feeling the presence of the Lord.  He surrounded Delia and I on that day with his people (our family, church family, and friends), and loved us through them.

Through their love and service, the Lord enabled us to endure.  We are both eternally grateful to God for the time we had with Ellie, for the loving support we received from so many, for the gracious confidence that we have knowing we will see her again, and for his sustaining power that not only brought us through, but made us stronger.

They say that time heals all wounds, but I don't believe that is true.  Only the Lord can bring healing to a wounded heart.  He may use a loved one, a doctor, or a counselor to assist us in the healing, but it is unmistakably his hand that does the work. The Lord, through his grace, has caused me to hope, and it is a hope that will not be disappointed.  So I celebrate Ellie's life, even as I mourn her passing. I also celebrate the Maker of her life, and rejoice in knowing He will never pass away. I believe I will meet her again around the throne of God.  However, that reunion is not the source of my hope.  My hope rests in the One who conquered death and the grave, because by his grace he has cleansed me of my sins and given me everlasting life.  For this reason, my heart says with Job, "The Lord gives, and he takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Opinions

Our culture places a high value on the right to hold an opinion.  In an era of tolerance, we pretend, for the most part, that all opinions are created equal.  Your opinion is yours, mine is mine, and if they happen to contradict each other, that's okay, they are just opinions.  Of course, not everyone is so civilized.  There are those individuals who are very dogmatic about their opinions.

The simple truth is that not all opinions are created equal.  A person who draws a conclusion based on faulty logic or erroneous facts will, almost always, draw the wrong conclusions.  They old saying, "two wrongs do not make a right," applies here.  We can't start from the wrong point, with the wrong directions, and drive to the right location.  Even if someone did arrive at the right conclusion while working with erroneous facts and faulty logic, their arrival would only be accidental.  As I have heard it put, "Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then."

While we need to show respect to others, even when we disagree with them, we must have a higher authority than our opinions.  That authority is the Bible.  As God's revelation of himself to man, the Bible teaches us about life from God's perspective.  We need to test all of our opinions by the Word.  We need to ask ourselves, does the Bible shape our opinions or does our opinions shape our understanding of the Bible.  Many people often try to explain away doctrines with which they are uncomfortable.  The danger in this kind of thinking is it may lead us to twist the Scripture.

The Bible, rightly interpreted and correctly applied, speaks with the full authority of God.  Thus, to ignore a passage or to force upon it the wrong meaning is to twist the very words of God.  It doesn't matter if we like a particular doctrine or not.  What matters is what the Bible says.  For this reason, we must diligently labor to rightly understand the Scriptures, and allow them to shape our thoughts.  Where the Scripture is clear there can be no compromise.  Where it is less than clear, we must be careful not to force a contradiction with the rest of Scripture and deal with other of differing views with graciousness.

I have found that during the course of my service to the Lord, many of my opinions have changed.  Often, as I study, I am forced to evaluate the underlying assumptions and biases I have.  The doctrinal convictions I hold mean nothing if they are not drawn from the Word.  And there are times when, through careful study, I find that something I thought to be true cannot be supported by Scripture.  I remember well the time I discovered that the phrase, "God helps those who helps themselves," was not Scripture, but the words of the Deist, Ben Franklin.  The biblical truth is that God helps those who can't help themselves.  We must continually seek to rightly understand the Bible and shape our lives (and opinions) by it.  And that's more than just an opinion.