Video: "What is the Gospel?"

Here is a video that does a good job of summing up the good news of Jesus Christ. The video was produced by Southern Seminary.  Check it out.

Death by Slow Cooker

"You may be very sure men fall in private long before they fall in public." J. C. Ryle.

Read those words again. They remind us of a brutal reality. Things don't just happen. Moral failure is a slippery slope. Usually, sin begins innocently enough. Many affairs begin with the "simple" exchange of compliments or office gossip. Friendships bud, feelings bloom, and then all of the sudden-boom,lives are destroyed. What starts out as "innocent" flirting, ends with disastrous consequences. In many such situations, people ignore the warning signs as things begin to speed out of control.

Ryle explains that the final, public fall (plunge into sin) is the result of a fall that occurred much earlier. We set ourselves up for a fall when we grow lax in our prayer life. When our devotions grow cold or are abandoned altogether, we teeter on the brink of danger. Negligence in prayer and Scripture intake is a certain path to destruction.

Spiritual decline is difficult to detect because it doesn't happen all at once. It is similar to boiling a frog. I once read that if you tossed a frog into boiling water it would jump out. However, they say that if you put the frog in a pan of water and gradually increase the temperature, the frog will just sit there until it's dead. We are like that frog when it comes to sin. Throw most people into the middle of something they know is wrong, and they run away. Yet when their consciences are gradually worn down, they move deeper and deeper into sin. By the time they realize it, the damage is already done.

The only real solution to falling into public disgrace, it to constantly, diligently keep one's heart focused on the Lord. This focus can only be maintained through prayer and Scripture intake (reading/studying/meditating/memorizing). To resist the devil, we must humble ourselves and draw near to God. As we pray, we pray for protection from evil. We pray to maintain our alertness. We keep turning to the Lord in repentance and faith. And in so doing, we find the strength to face each challenge.

If you have grown lax in your prayer and devotions, be warned: your in dangerous territory.  It doesn't take long for warm water to turn too hot. Take care to honor the Lord in private, and you won't likely dishonor him in public. Don't let sin burn you, consider the frog and be wise.

Spiritual Songs: "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns

This song came to mind while I was working on another blog post. I have decided to post this first. This is the official video for "Slow Fade." I love Casting Crowns. They have a lot of excellent music. This song was in the movie Fireproof.

This song serves as a warning. When people are "blindsided" by sin, it is usually because they have been slowly drifting off center for a long time. I hope this song ministers to you, and I hope you read Wednesday's post. (I can't do anything about the commercials, sorry).

FAQs Mondays: How Do We Come to Know God?

Last week, we answered the big question, "What is God like?" You can read that post here. Now, we turn attention to our next big question: How do we come to know God? The catechism answers the bigger question through these questions.

Where do you learn how to love and obey God?

In the Bible alone.

Who wrote the Bible?

Holy men who were taught by the Holy Spirit.

Can we trust the Bible?

Yes; the Bible is all-sufficient and without error. Note: As with other longer answers, younger children should be allowed to answer with the simple "yes." Then the parent should read the whole answer.

We come to know God through the Bible. It is true that we can see evidence of God through the creation, but it can't tell us everything we need to know about him. If we are to know God as he is, we must read and understand the Bible.

Children (and adults) need to understand that the Bible was written by men under the inspiration of the Spirit. These men recorded the very words that God intended. The Bible is all-sufficient in the sense that it says everything God intended. Wherever the Bible speaks, it speaks without error, and with authority. We don't need an elite leadership, a church council, a board, or an additional book to help us understand it. The Bible alone is enough.

We need to learn early (and often) that the Bible is our guide for life. If we will read and believe it, the Bible will teach us to know God, through Christ Jesus, and how to please him.  Taking the Bible as our guide, we turn to our next big question: "Where did it all begin?". Next week, we'll seek to answer that question. Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.

Sermon Recap 3-27-11

Morning: The sermon, "Heart of Darkness," explored Romans 3:9-20. In this passage, Paul explores the reasons we need to be born again. The passage begins with the warning that we are no better than anyone else. We are sinners saved by grace. Paul then explains in Romans 3:10-18 what God sees when he looks at fallen humanity apart from faith in Christ. God sees corrupt thoughts, corrupt words, and corrupt deeds. Finally, Paul explains that the law serves to silence us in the presence of God, and to show us that we need cleansing.

Evening: In Foundations 15, we looked at the book of Judges.  Judges can be summed up in one verse, "In those days Israel had no king, everyone did as he saw fit" (Jud. 21:25). We explored the cycle: Israel follows other gods, God sends judgement, Israel cries out to God, God sends a judge to deliver his people. As deliverers, the judges of Israel point to Jesus, who rescues God's people from the oppression of sin and death.

Thursday Humor: Maybe It's Not Your Fault

I like to post humorous stuff on Thursdays. It's like a warm-up for the weekend. Here are a couple of funny pieces from The Onion, a humorous news source. Some of their material can be very crude, but some of it is funny without being offensive. These fall into the latter category.

Watch the video, and then follow the link to read Dave's story. I hope these make you laugh, but if they don't it's probably not my fault.


Cases Of Shaken Manchild Syndrome On The Rise

Have you ever thought the world was out to get you? Maybe you're right. Dave was. Read his story here.

These stories serve as a subtle (or not so subtle) reminder. Both poke fun at our culture's unwillingness to take responsibility and its lack of shame over it. Don't be a manchild, and stop waiting for the world to say, "I'm sorry."

Spending Time with the Lord

Have you ever spent a day in prayer? How about a half of a day? How about a few hours? Have you ever prayed for an hour? Talking about prayer can be intimidating. Most of us have struggled at one point or another in our spiritual walk.

Sometimes, the day sweeps away our good intentions and it is night before we can pray. Sometimes, we rest our weary heads upon our pillows, begin to pray, and discover with the morning alarm that our prayer time was cut short. Some days, things are just so hectic we can only snatch a couple of minutes of prayer at at time.

How do we spend an extended amount of time with the Lord that is both fruitful and invigorating? Here are some ideas:

• Find a time and place that is right for you. When are you most alert? When do you have the most free time? Do you have a place were you can pray in private, that is comfortable (but not too comfortable)?

• Have a plan. You can see a sample plan here.  Consider these elements:

• Prayer. If you are new at praying, find a pattern that will help you get started. There are several acronyms that can help you (ACTS and R.I.G.H.T. H.E.A.R.T. are good ones).
• Read the Scriptures.
• Meditate.
• Pray the Scriptures.
• Journal.
• Sing or play music.
• Read devotional material. 

• Here are some tools you can use:

• Music. Use CDs or MP3s. Listen to music that brings you into a worshipful place. You can also use a hymnal to aid you.
• Bible. Your Bible is an essential tool. It enables you to hear from God, as you talk to him.
• Pen/Paper/Journal. The pen helps to record insights and promise that spring to mind during your devotions. Journaling can be helpful in remembering specific prayers the Lord has answered.
• Prayer list. Keep a list of people and things you are praying for.
• Prayer Guide. There are several guide the can help you spend an extended time in prayer. Check out this one, this one, this one, and this one.
• A Good Devotional Book. There are a lot of excellent Christian books you could read that would help you grow closer to the Lord. Knowing God, Desiring God, The Holiness of God, and Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life are all good places to start.

The Sinners Scale

If I were to ask you to rate sinners on a scale from 1 to 10 with 1 being the absolute worst sinner imaginable and 10 the person who sins the least, who would you put at number 1? Who would you put at number 10? Think about it. Do you have your scale yet? For example, Let's say Adolf Hitler is at 1, and Billy Graham is at 10.

Where do you rate on your scale? Surely you imagine yourself somewhere between 1 and 10. I know humility prevents you from saying you're a 9 or a 10. Where do you see yourself on the scale?

I'll play it safe and say that I'm a 5. I'm no Billy Graham, but then again, I'm not Adolf Hitler. But how does God view our scales? Are our scales like his? Somehow I doubt that it is. In fact, I'm convinced that it certainly isn't.

If ever in the history of the church there was a 10, it would be the apostle Paul. However, Paul doesn't seem to see himself as a 10. It doesn't appear he thought he was even a 5.  He explains to Timothy, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst" (1Tim. 1:15, NIV). Paul says that he is a 1.

It appears that the closer one draws to Christ, the more they understand of their own sinfulness. They see the multitude of ways in which they offend a holy God everyday. The Spirit refuses to allow them to settle into believing that their actions make them right. Two rights don't cancel out a wrong. Sin must be confessed and repented of before it can be forgiven and cleansed.

A temptation for us as believers in Christ is to assume that our sins don't matter because they have been washed in the blood of Christ. That is to say, we sometimes (wrongly) think that sin is permissible because Jesus has already atoned for it. Such thinking is blasphemous. It denigrates the sacrifice of Christ. Sin is always an offense to a holy God.

Another temptations for believers is to assume that what we do makes us right with God. We often think that if we do something wrong, we just need to do something good to override it. But this approach will never work. Just like flowers won't erase a bruise, so to good actions cannot cancel out bad ones.

In the end, the only solution is the gospel. The gospel teaches us that we have sinned against God. It also teaches us that God loves us and wants to rescue us through the finished work of Christ. We owed a debt (because of sin), and Christ paid (by dying in our place). The gospel strips us of all self-reliance because we cannot save ourselves. Jesus must always stand in our place.

How is it that Paul could see himself as a 1, and yet experience such joy and peace? Simple, he knew it was Jesus who made him right with God from start to finish, and he rested in the knowledge. Do you see the sin in your own heart? Where do you see yourself on that scale now? Are you moved to cling more closely to Christ? If you're trusting in Christ, don't fear. Jesus has you covered.

FAQs Mondays: What is God Like?

We press further into our study of A Catechism for Boys and Girls. Last week, we answered the big question, "Who is God?" You can read that post here. This week's questions seek to help us understand what God is like.

Does God have a body like ours?

No; God is a Spirit, infinite and eternal. Note: It is okay to let younger children answer with a simple "no." However, be sure to read the rest of the statement to them.

Where is God?

God is everywhere. Note: Don't be afraid to let the child answer with a shorter "Everywhere!" The goal is for them to own these truth in both heart and head.

Can you see God?

No; I can't see God, but he always sees me.

Does God know all things?

Yes; nothing can be hidden from God.

Can God do all things?

Yes; God does all things according to his perfect will.

By mastering these questions and their answers, the child is gains important insights into the nature of God. They learn that God is all-seeing, all-knowing, all-present, and all-powerful. They learn that God is an infinite, eternal Spirit. They learn that God does all things according to his perfect will.

As you use these questions and answers, seek to memorize them with you children. When they get one of answers right, praise them. Say something like, "That's right!" or "Very good!" If a child gets, stuck take what (if anything) they have given you and add to it. For example, you say, "Can you see God?" And you child responds, "No, but he sees me." Then you should say, "That excellent. No, you can't see God, but he sees you."

If your children can't remember an answer, go over it with them. It shouldn't be frustrating working through the catechism. Don't push to hard.  It is better to be gentle, remind often, and praise when they get something right. Try to make it fun. After all, you are spending time with your precious children talking to them about your Creator and Redeemer. If you hate it, so will they. It will also send the message that you think God is boring. Please, don't send that message.

Next week's big question is "How do we come to know God?" We'll explore that topic next Monday. If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact me. God bless.

Sunday Recap 3-20-11

Morning: The sermon, "The Necessity of the New Birth," explored John 3:1-8.  In this passage, Jesus interacts with a Pharisee named Nicodemus. In this passage, we learn that it is necessary to be born again, and why.

The new birth is necessary, because knowledge of Jesus isn't enough to save you. Sound theology doesn't convert. Even the devils have good theology (James 2:9). It take more than mere mental ascent to be delivered. Nicodemus didn't seem to understand that. He was, possibly, a legalist who though we become right with God through the things we do.

The new birth is necessary, because it opens our eyes to the kingdom. Paul says that the god of this age has blinded unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:4). They need their eyes to be open. The new birth opens blinded eyes, and makes the kingdom visible and lovely.

The new birth is necessary, but it isn't something we have the power to do. Nicodemus was shocked that Jesus expected him to be born again. Nicodemus basic admits he can't do it, and Jesus tells him that he is right. Flesh gives birth to flesh. Humanity has a fallen nature that is bent away from God. We need God to bring us to life, and turn us toward him.

In the end, we are left with the same message: the new birth is mandatory. But if it is beyond our power what can we do. We can stop hardening our heart toward the Spirit. We can begin to cry out to God for mercy. And we can start looking for the signs of the Spirit's work in our lives.

Evening: We had our Foundations Class (Part 14). It was about Joshua and the Conquest. Although, we followed a brief outline of the book of Joshua we focused most on: Joshua 1:1-11; 5:13-15; 6:17, 22-23, 25; and Joshua 24:14-27.  We saw some of the ways that Joshua paralleled Jesus, such as, name, receiving the reigns from Moses, and leading God's people into the Promise Land.

Principles:

• What the Lord commands you to do, he will give you the strength for.
• Faithfulness is success in God's eyes.
• The Lord is our Master, not our servant.
• Faithfulness breeds faithfulness.

One No Too Many

"They got up early the next morning and went up the ridge of the hill country, saying, "Let's go to the place the LORD promised, for we were wrong." But Moses responded, "Why are you going against the LORD's command? It won't succeed" (Num. 14:40-41).

Israel had stood at the doors of the promise land, but they allowed fear to grip their hearts. They trusted more in the strength of their enemies, than in the might of the Lord. God had delivered them with many demonstrations of his ability, yet they would not trust him. They rejected God's plan, and judgment was issued. Everyone over 20, except Caleb and Joshua, would perish in the desert. The quote above reveals their thinking the morning after God had spoken against them. They wanted a do-over, but it was not to be.

How many times to we harden our hearts against the will of God? Yet, each time we expect immunity. We assume that God's patience and grace will embrace us anew with the rising dawn, but will it. Is God required to extend to us mercy upon mercy? If so, what requires him to show his mercy? If not, why don't we fear him more? We have lulled ourselves into presuming on the grace of God.

These people thought that they could just undo their rebellion. They seem to be saying, "Sorry we weren't ready when you were Lord. Now we're ready." They report for duty to a job that is no longer open for them. They have been consigned to wander the desert until they die.

I wonder how many of us are one rebellion away from a wilderness wandering. We might arrogantly assume that God will get over it, but why would we believe that? If we can treat the blood of Christ with such contempt, what gives us the right to believe it covers our sins? Consider who these people were. They were the people rescued by the Passover Lamb, the people who walked through the parted waters, the people who had feasted on the bread come down from heaven. However, when they rejected the will of the Lord, the Lord punished them.  Is Christ not our Passover? Are we not baptized into his death? Is he not the Bread of Life? Will God not punish those who reject his Son?

We each stand at the intersection of obedience and disobedience many times everyday. Are we certain, as we weigh our options, that we can really come back this time? What if we rebel against him and our opportunity slips away forever? What if he allows our influence to diminish? What if he takes our lives, to preserve his glory? What if he allows the consequences of our sins to ravish us?

It will do no good to rise up the next day, and acknowledge the mistake. All our attempts from that point forward would be in vain. The remainder of our lives would be a joyless walk in the desert, until the sun set the last time on us. I think this is what Paul meant when he talked about people shipwrecking their faith. We make a fool's bargain when we jeopardize our testimony for the fleeting pleasures of sin. 

Numbers 14:1-45 should serve as a warning to us. There are many who see the Spirit at work, but who never experience the work of the Spirit in their heart. They profess Jesus, but they have never been born again. Then, there are believers who will damage their testimonies by participating in vile sin. Like Esau, they will cry out for the blessing, but none will be given. My heart trembles at this passage. I see in my heart a rebellious core. My flesh wars against the Spirit. Paul words come to mind, "Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified" (1 Cor. 9:26-27, HCSB).

May it never be that we disqualify ourselves. Run with aim. Fight the good fight. Hold on. Stay Strong. It would be wise to remember that if you harden your heart one time too many, there is no coming back. There is no way to know which time is the one time too many. The promises are stretched out before you. In Christ Jesus, they are "yes," and the "amen" is spoken (2 Cor. 1:20). In faith, with humility, enter in.

Powerful AND Good

In reference to the recent events in Japan, I heard someone voice this question, "Is God all powerful, but doesn't care about the people of Japan, or does he care about the people, but isn't all powerful?". The question is framed in such a way to force the person answering to chose one of the options. But are these the only two options. Actually, the question poses a false dilemma.

Agnostics and atheists have long argued that if there is a god, these are the only two options available. In a world without god you are left with random events that have no purpose. They just occur. Every situation is a matter of presence and timing. Good things happen to you because you just happen to be at the right place at the right time. Bad things happen to you because you just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. There is not providential hand orchestrating the events of your life. There is no logic or reason behind anything that happens, good or bad.

When you assume there is a god, things tend to look purposeful. Apply that logic to the situation in Japan. The devastation and loss of life is staggering. It all seems so pointless. Why would God allow such senseless, wholesale destruction? If God is behind these events, it suggests there is a purpose for them. We cannot think of one reason that such would be the case, and there in lies the dilemma. We are stuck with a powerful god, who can create the world and fill it with destructive forces, but who is unconcerned with his creation. Or we are left with a god who cares deeply for his creation, but has no ability to act on that concern.

On the face of it, it looks as if we are left with no other options. However, as I already pointed out, it is a false dilemma. The Bible declares God to be both all-powerful and benevolent. Whether we look through a microscope or a telescope, it is evident that God is powerful. He brought this world into existence, and the evidence of design confirms it. While there are some evidences in nature that God is good, like the rain falling on the just and unjust, we need the Bible to see his love most clearly. The Scriptures declare that the cross is the greatest demonstration of God's love. In the cross, God was reconciling fallen humanity to himself.

The dilemma arises out of a basic misunderstanding of God and humanity. We assume that God, in order to be good, must always prevent "bad" things from happening. Anything to do with pain, suffering, and discomfort are always lumped in the category of evil. Next, we assume that humanity is, for the most part, good. Unless an individual or society actively seeks to inflict pain or suffering on another, we assume the best. However, humanity is morally corrupt from birth to death.

When it comes to humanity and circumstances, we judge things as "good" and "bad" in relative terms. Without a clear, objective standard, it is impossible to speak authoritatively on what is good and bad. Even when we can objectively define something as "bad" or "evil" that doesn't mean that some greater, objective good can't come from it. True moral evil exists, but that doesn't mean that moral good doesn't. In fact, it is hard to argue that something is truly evil apart from have a concept of good.

Catastrophes don't leave us torn between a god who is powerful, but unkind, or a god who is kind, but not powerful. They drive us to rethink our categories. Maybe the box we've put God in isn't the right size. His ways are beyond our ways. His wisdom is greater than us, as is his knowledge. He not only sees the cause, but the effects as well. Humanity wants a god that easily managed. He is allowed out to help us in our times of need (which are few and far between), and to do good to us, but he isn't allowed to do anything that we can't fathom.

We shake our fists at the thought of his judgment. We are uncomfortable with his holiness. The God of the Bible is so unlike us it is frightening. He can't be controlled. There is no manipulating him. He is free to bless or curse at will. His every action is right and true. He is the only truly autonomous Being in the universe, and that offends human sensibilities.

The question posed at the beginning of this post is a trick. It seeks to lure the one answering into acknowledging a false god. A god who is powerful, but unkind, is not worthy of our service. A god who is kind, but powerless isn't worth following either. We have to reject the false dilemma, and answer with confidence, "The God who is, is both powerful and good." We don't have to know the reason he permitted something. We just need to know that he is absolutely trustworthy.

Hymns: "How Great Thou Art"

Over the years, I grown to love this hymn. Although, there are several good options out there, my favorite is by Michael Tait. I find that the upbeat music conveys the joy one experiences at the experience of God's greatness. Some find that the slow music conveys the reality of God's holiness. Here are a few different versions. You decide which you like best.

FAQs Mondays: Who Is God?

We began our look at A Catechism for Boys and Girls by answering the bigger question, "Why are we here?". You can read it here. Now, we turn our attention to the question, "Who is God?".  The catechisms offers us some guidance.

Are there more gods than one?

There is only one God.

In how many persons does this one God exist?

In three persons.

Who are they?

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

These questions and answers form a very basic theology. They help children to understand two important truths about the God of the Bible. God is one, and yet three. He is the Three-in-One. The catechism offers a simple, solid theological foundation. The hope is that the child, as they mature, will move beyond these simple answers to a deeper, more robust theological understanding.

We all have to start somewhere. A catechism offers a good starting point. Like this catechism, most catechisms are clear and concise. They offer sound doctrine in easy to remember statements. They prepare the mind to better understand the Bible, and the faith.

A child steeped in these questions will walk away knowing that God is one, and that he reveals himself in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Through this process they learn to relate to God in the way the he chose to reveal himself. Children come to know God as he is, not as they imagine him.

Next week, we'll look at the question, "What is God like?". The catechism follows the natural progression of understanding from who God is to what God is like. I loved to hear your thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment.

Sunday Recap 3-13-11

Morning: The sermon, "The End of the Matter," explored Ecclesiastes 12:8-14. In this passage, Solomon answers the question, "Why should we listen to you?". In his answer he explains his authority, his objectives, and sums up his message.

The Teacher

He reminds his audience that he speaks from experience. He knows how bitter the meaninglessness of a life lived in the pursuit of self-interest. He reminds them of his wisdom, and his role as a teacher. He highlights his life as a careful student, and eloquent speaker. Finally, he reminds us of his integrity.

His Objectives

Solomon's goals are simple. He wants to point others to the right path. He wants to help them have the ability to hold their lives together. He wanted to point them to the one Shepherd, and keep them from wasting time gathering knowledge, but not growing in wisdom.

His Message Summed Up

His message is simple: Fear God and Keep his commandments. Fear of the Lord starts with fear of his holiness, and matures to reverential awe. He is worthy of our service.

Evening: I went to WinterJam with a group.

Lost in a Moment

Have you ever had an experience where time seemed to stand still? You know what I mean, you're praying for what seems like hours, but when you look up only a few minutes have passed. Maybe you're listening to a sermon, and are so engrossed in what is being said, you can't believe 45 minutes has passed so quickly. I have that experience a lot. Sometimes when I read, I lose all track of time. If I'm reading fiction it's as if I leave this world, and enter another.

In times like these, the world around you seems to fall away, and time as you know ceases to function. Maybe you become more aware of every passing millisecond as if it were an hour, or perhaps you become less aware of time so that an hour passes in mere moments. Maybe it is a matter of focus, you focus on something so intently that time ceases to be important.

At look at moments like these as foretastes of eternity. When we step out of this world, and into the New Heavens and New Earth, time as we know it will cease. No past. No future. Just one eternal present that stretches on for infinity. In eternity hours will be moments and milliseconds will be centuries.

Of course, this is mostly speculation on my part. It is hard to say what eternity will be like. It is a category completely beyond mortal comprehension. Time is so woven into the fabric of our existence that we cannot truly understand what a life without it would be like. Concepts like beginnings and endings; days, weeks, and years; decades and century; morning and evening; and even now and later, drive so much of our thinking. At times, we even speak of eternity past and eternity future.

These time lapses or frozen moments, whatever we choose to call them are perplexing. It would seem that as creatures deeply rooted in time, we would not be able to "lose track." But we do. How do we explain such experiences? Maybe we aren't as rooted in time as we think. Maybe we were created for eternity, and just maybe every so often eternity breaks in to remind us that time is running out.

Photo credit

Thursday Humor: I'm Reading a Book

I saw this video the other day, and thought it was funny. I really like to read, so I can totally relate (except I wouldn't call a police officer a pig). This one's for all you book lovers. You know how it is.

Unwavering Confidence in the Lord

Habakkuk 3:1-19 records a prayer of the prophet Habakkuk. He was a man teeming with questions. When he saw the injustice around him, he wondered where God was. He wanted to know why God had not yet acted to end it. God, in his grace, met Habakkuk, and offered him answers. These answered first confused, then terrified, and finally subdued the prophet.

In the end, he had to make a choice. Would he trust the God he knew? or would he reject him? The prayer recorded in Habakkuk 3 gives us the answer to that question. He chose to trust God. He says, "LORD, I have heard of report about You; Lord, I stand in awe of Your deeds. Revive Your work in these years; make it know in these years, in Your wrath remember mercy!" (Hab. 3:2). In essence, he is saying, "I know who you are. You are the Holy One of Israel." It is a declaration of trust.

Habakkuk 3:3-17 capture a terrifying vision of God--the Sovereign Creator, the Righteous Judge, the Mighty Warrior. In his wrath he will punish the nations, in his mercy he will rescue his people. The image is so terrifying that leaves Habakkuk crushed under the weight of it. He stands with heart pounding, knees knocking caught somewhere between terrified and awestruck. It is as if we witness him lost in the glory of the Lord.

Finally, peace washes over him, perhaps as he realizes that God does not intend to harm him. He stands, cool as a cucumber, with unwavering confidence in the Lord.  He says,

Though the fig tree doesn't bud
and there is no fruit on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will triumph in Yahweh;
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! (Hab. 3:17-18, HCSB).

 This prayer can teach us about prayer in general. It teaches us to approach with an awareness of who we are approaching, to approach with reverence, and to approach with anticipation. It teaches us to approach God as he is, in all of his holiness, and not as we want him to be. And it teaches us to trust, even when we don't fully understand what God is doing.

Hymns: When We All Get to Heaven

Here is one of Sophia's favorites. I hope you enjoy it.

FAQs Mondays: Why Are We Here?

I have written about the importance and usefulness of catechisms in other in previous posts. Here is a good summary.

Professor Tom J. Nettles offers a series of articles entitled, "An Encouragement to Use Catechisms." Follow the links to read them: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. These articles are well worth your time. I encourage you to read them.

Now we turn our attention to the catechism that we will explore the next several Mondays. It is A Catechism for Boys and Girls, and it has been attributed to Erroll Hulse. The catechism is geared toward helping little children get a basic understanding of biblical truth.

I want to explain a couple of things before we plunge into this study. First, I have chosen to set off the questions in orange, and the answers in italics. Second, where I felt it necessary I have revised some of the questions.

The first five questions deal with the reason for man's existence. Collectively, they answer the question, "Why are we here?" Let us look at the them:


Who made you? 
God made me.

What else did God make?

God made all things.

Why did God make you and all things?

For his own glory.

How can you glorify God?

By loving him and doing what he commands.

Why should you glorify God?

Because he made me and takes care of me. 



Typically, catechisms are to be memorized word for word. However, I often allow Sophia to give short answers like "God" for question number 1, or "Everything" for question number 2. I want her to own the answers in her heart as well as in her mind. When she gives me a short answer, I affirm her and reread the entire answer. So if I ask here, "Who made you?," and she says, "God." I will say, "That's right! God made you." Also, I usually say, "we" or "us," instead of "you" and "me." I want her to understand that these truths don't just apply to her.

You cannot always tell where these answers are resting. Sometimes they're just in the memory. You ask the question, and the answer gets parroted back. Other times, you get to see how these questions and answers are taking root. The other day Sophia was asking about something, and as I tried to answer her I was trying to see if she understood me. Finally, she said, "Is it because God made it that way. Because God made everything." (Yes, my chest swelled with pride). I saw in that instant that the catechism was beginning to shape some of her thinking on the world around her. She is starting to perceive God's hand in the world--all because we have taken time to work through some simple questions and answers.

Through these five questions, we begin to see that God made us (and all things) for his own glory. Further, we are made to understand that we are obligated to give God glory through our love and obedience. These truths lay the foundation for explaining the gospel to our children (and others).

I hope you can see the simplicity of this approach, and its practical applications. I encourage you to print off a copy and begin working through it with your children (or on you own if you don't have small children at home). It will give you a good framework from which to work through biblical doctrines. I hope you will stay tuned to the other FAQs Mondays post. Next week, we will look at the question, "Who is God?"

Sermon Recap 3-6-11

Morning: The sermon, "Life Is a Gift," explored Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:7. In this passage, Solomon reminds us that life is a gift that is meant to be enjoyed. He also reminds us that it comes with difficulties, too. He compels us to enjoy life while it lasts, and to live it to the glory of God. It is for us to follow our hearts, but not every path leads to reward. Only those who walk in the way of the Lord will find rest and peace. Those who reject the path of the Lord, walk toward destruction.

It is best if we remember the Lord from our youth. Old age is slowly creeping up on humanity. Youth is fleeting. Before long our eyes, ears, strength, and passion will pass away. Then, death will come. This life is the one which has been given for us to live. The afterlife is not a place of opportunity, you either enjoy the rewards of your obedience in this life, or you suffer the consequences of you disobedience.

God has given us the freedom to enjoy this life he has given us. He has established the boundaries in which that freedom is to be experienced. We should accept life as a gift, and live in such a way as to honor the Giver.

Evening: Business Meeting.

The Gift of God's Word

Have you ever wept because you're blessed to have God's Word in your own language? There are several languages that the Bible hasn't been translated into. I'm grateful that there are people laboring with translating the Bible into other languages. I saw this amazing video this afternoon, and it reminded me how blessed we are to have the Bible in our language. I hope this encourages you.

Links to Freebies

If you haven't saved the Christianaudio.com website to your favorite, you should. They offer a free audio book every month, and usually it is a book worth having. This month, they are giving R. C. Sproul's The Holiness of God. I read Dr. Sproul's book not too long ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found myself convicted and uplifted, often at the same time. For more information, go here.

Another site you might want to checkout is NoiseTrade.com. For a little information (email and zip code), you can legally download new music. They are currently offering Andrew Peterson's album, The Far Country. As you know, I'm a big Andrew Peterson fan. There are several excellent songs on album, including "All Shall Be Well," and "Mountains on the Ocean Floor." It's free, why not check it out.

Don't wait too long, or you might just miss out on a couple of edifying resources (at unbeatable prices).

Spiritual Songs: "Hosanna" by Andrew Peterson

Andrew Peterson's music is thought provoking and soul stirring. So much of it resonates with me. This song is no exception. This song, "Hosanna," captures the tension between the struggle with sin and the yearning to be free from it. It is a cry for deliverance to the only One who can deliver us. This song has often been a salve to my wounded heart. I pray you find encouragement from it, as well.