Staying the Course

When you hear the words perseverance, endurance, and steadfastness, what image comes to mind? Do you envision a runner completing a marathon? Do you see a mountain climber reaching the peak of Everest? Do you see a child being potty trained or learning to tie their shoes?

What is perseverance? Put simply perseverance is not giving up. Those who persevere have a keep on keeping on attitude. Perseverance is one of the components of a vital faith. 2 Peter 1:5-8 gives us a chain of the necessary elements to maturity: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.

Perseverance is central to eternal life. Jesus said, "But the one who endures to the end will be delivered" (Matt. 24:13, HCSB). The author of Hebrews warns,

For you need endurance, so that after you have done God's will, you may receive what was promised. 'For yet in a very little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him (Heb. 10:36-38, HCSB).

James, the brother of Jesus, explains why trials should be the source of joy.  He states,

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that yo may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4, NIV).

We should be grateful for testing. Why? Because it develops perseverance. Paul states,

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produce perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Rom. 5:3-5, NIV).

Perseverance pushes us forward. It keeps us moving toward the mark. Like exercise, it turns resistance into muscle. Like study, it sharpens the mind.

Perseverance must complete its work. The maturing process is engrained in the system of life on earth. Puppies are born, and we hope they'll grow to be dogs. Kittens are born, and we hope they'll grow to be cats. Babies are born, and we hope they'll grow up to be healthy, happy citizens.

Without testing, we would develop perseverance. Without perseverance, we wouldn't mature in our faith. We would be incomplete. We would be lacking something. So we are called to keep on keeping on. We push on in faith. We keep building ourselves up in our most holy faith. May it be said of us that we are staying the course.

Spiritual Songs: Winter Snow

Another year has almost passed, and Christmas is once again on the horizon. The next few week will be dedicated to Christmas themed music. If you have a favorite, leave a comment. I may feature it in a Tuesday post.

This song, "Winter Snow," is about Christ's entry into the world. It reflects on the gentleness of his entry into our world. It also expresses an awed devotion to the Christ who came. I hope you enjoy it.

FAQs Mondays: What Are the Attributes of God? part 2

Last week, we began our look at the attributes of God. We started by looking at the eternity and unchangingness of God. You can read that post here.

This week, we turn our attention to the omnipotence and independence of God.

What is the meaning of omnipotence?

 All-powerful.

Does the Lord declare Himself to be possessed of infinite power?

He does. "I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless" (Gen. 17:1, HCSB). See also Job 26:14; Dan. 4:35; Rev. 19:6. Note: All quotations have been updated to the HCSB.

Can you mention a striking exhibition of His power? 

"Oh, Lord God! You Yourself made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched are. Nothing is to difficult for you" (Jer. 32:17). See also Jer. 10:12; Isa. 11:26.

Does not God sustain and govern all things?

He does. He is "sustaining all things by his powerful word" (Heb. 1:3). "our Lord God, the Almighty, has begun to reign" (Rev. 19:6).

Does not this require unlimited power? 

It does.

Is the mind of man, as well as his body, subject to the power and control of God?

It is. "The king's heart is like streams of water in the Lord's hand: He directs it wherever he chooses" (Prov. 21:1). See also Rom. 9:21.

Is it to the power of the Lord that the uniform operations of nature are to be attributed?

lt is. "Who covers the the sky with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, and cause grass to grow on the hills" (Ps. 147:8). "I for light and create darkness, I make success and create disaster, I, Yahweh, do all these things" (Isa. 45:7).

Is not His power concerned in every event that transpires, even the most minute and apparently unimportant?

It is. "The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Prov. 16:33). "Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's consent" (Matt. 10:29).

Must He not, if possessed of such power, be independent of all other beings?

He is. He "works out everything in agreement with the decisions of His will" (Eph. 1:11). "There is no one who can hold back His hand or say to Him, 'What have you done?'" (Dan. 4:35).

If God is perfectly independent, can any other being in the universe be so?

It is impossible. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).

Is it possible for us, or even an angel in heaven., to gain an adequate conception of this powerful and independent God? 

It is not. "The Almighty--we cannot reach Him--He is exalted in power!"(Job 37:23). "His greatness is unsearchable" (Ps. 145:3).

Since you are wholly in the power of this Almighty being, have you reason to fear or rejoice, judging from your present character and condition?

The learner is again asked to respond to the lesson. Since these things are true, they demand a response. They are tools shaping the heart, moving it toward faith. As the student learns to think about God as independent and omnipotent, he must choose whether or not to trust.

And what about you? Does knowing you are in the hands of the Almighty God make you fear or rejoice? I would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment. We will continue to look at God's attributes next week.

Sunday Recap 11-27-11

Morning: The sermon, "Keeping the Good Confession," explored 1 Timothy 6:11-16. In this passage, Paul tells Timothy how to keep the good confession.

It starts by fleeing wrong attitudes, wrong opinions, and wrong ambitions. We are to flee from temptation, sin, and false teaching. We run away from those things to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. We run to Christ in faith.

As we pursue these things in faith, we fight to good fight of faith. He hold on to the truth. We remain watchful. We remember that our enemies the flesh, the world, and the devil seek to destroy us. We battle on because future generations need our faithfulness.

We also need to take hold of the eternal life that God has given us in Christ Jesus. Paul isn't just calling Timothy to come to faith in Christ. He is convinced that Timothy has already done that. Instead, he is calling to move beyond fears to confidence. Timothy, and we with him, need to know that we have reason to be confident in Christ.

Finally, Paul urges Timothy to remember. He calls God the Father, and Jesus Christ as witness, forcing Timothy to contemplate their love and faithfulness. He allows Timothy to overhear his praise of Father and Son. Timothy is for a moment, but God is forever. Timothy can't approach God, but in Christ God has come down to Timothy.

The source of our hope and life is Christ Jesus our Lord. Without him, we have no righteousness, no forgiveness, no life. But through him, we can keep the Good Confession.

Evening: We enjoyed another movie night with our church family.

Thanksgiving Humor: "Can Turkeys Fly?"

How do you combine, Thanksgiving, Thursday Humor, and Education? Check out this clip for the answer. I hope you have a blessed holiday.

Spiritual Songs: "Voice of Truth"

Our minds are a battlefield. Although, at times, it may feel as if we are out matched and unarmed, we are not. A lie is at the root of all human rebellion and sin. A lie so engrained in the human experience and psyche that it feels like reality. The lie suggests that we don't need God, that we can make it on our own, that our desires are more important than anyone else's.

James said it well,

No one undergoing trial should say, "I am being tempted of God." For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn't tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death (James 1:13-15, HCSB).

Because of sin, we each went astray. We were lost, and needed someone to come and rescue us. Jesus, through the presence of the Spirit, has done that through his church. Now, as his followers, we need to learn to hear and obey his voice.

This song, "The Voice of Truth," by Casting Crowns expresses the battle that exists between the lie and the God's truth. We counter the lies of Satan with the truth of God's Word. As we listen to the voice of truth, we learn to live in obedience. Battle on, my dear friends. May this video encourage you.

FAQs Mondays: What Are the Attributes of God? Part 1

Last week, we concluded our look at the Scriptures. You can read that post here. 

We  are now shifting our focus slightly to look at the author of Scripture, God. We pick up in Henry Clay Fish's catechism in Lesson 3, part 2. You can review his catechism here. The overarching question for the next few weeks, will be, "What is God like?". This week we will look at the eternity and immutability of God.

Was there ever a time when God did not exist?

There was not. "Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity, Your are God" (Ps. 90:2). See also: Ps. 102:12, 27; Ps. 135:13; Rom. 1:20; Rev. 1:4. Note: All quotes have been updated to the HCSB, and references have been put into the modern format. You may wish to use the version you prefer.

Will God ever cease to exist?

He will not. He is called the "King Eternal" and the "Everlasting King;" and again it is said, "But You, LORD, are enthroned forever" See 1 Tim. 1:17, Jer. 10:10. Ps. 102:12, 27; 135:13; Job. 36:26; Deut. 32:4.

Is He uncreated and self-existent, or does He depend on some other being for his life?

He is uncreated and self-existent. He styles Himself "Jehovah," [Yahweh], "I am," and Christ declares, "the Father has life in Himself." See Deut. 6:2; Ex.3:14; John 5:26.

Is He subject to change, as are other beings?

He is not. He declares, "Because I, Yahweh, have not changed, you descendents of Jacob have not been destroyed" (Mal. 3:6).

Will any of His plans and purposes be ever, in the least degree, altered?

They will not. "But He is unchangeable; who can oppose Him? He does what he desires" (Job 23:13). See Ps. 33:11; Prov. 19:21; Heb. 6:17.

How are we to understand by those expressions of Scripture which represent God as repenting; as in Gen. 6:6; Ex. 32:14; Jonah 3:10?

It is a change in the external discovery of his purpose, or in His mode of dealing, and not in His actual determinations or principles.

Is there the least ground for believing that God will change His laws by which He governs His creatures, or the plan of mercy by which He saves souls from guilt and pollution?

There is not; for with Him there "no variation or shadow cast by turning" (James 1:17).

If so, what effect should the doctrine of God's immutability have upon the minds of believers?

What effect should it have upon the minds of unbelievers?

Can you rejoice in the truth that God changes not, and never can change; or does it fill you with fear and trembling?

Notice that the last three questions are open-ended. The answers are left for the student to contemplate. This leaves the student room to wrestle with the implications of the the "doctrine of immutability," that is, the teachings of Scripture that tell us God doesn't change.

Considering the first seven questions, how would you answer the last three? I would love to know. Why not answer them in the comments? Next week, we will continue our look at the attributes of God.

Sunday Recap 11-20-11

Morning: The sermon, "Bigger Than Us," focused on 1 Timothy 6:1-10. In this passage, Paul urges Timothy to be content with the pursuit of godliness for the glory of God. We all want to be apart of something bigger than ourselves. It's way we join clubs, participate in politics, join sports teams, and login to Facebook. In the gospel, we are joining something bigger than ourselves, bigger than our community, bigger than our nation, bigger than our world. As we live for Christ, much is at stake.

Paul reminds us that the gospel is bigger than our rights. We have to be willing to pursue God's glory of our rights.

He reminds us that the gospel is bigger than our opinions. False teachers reject sound doctrine because they are full of themselves and ignorant of the truth. They push their agenda over the gospel to make a quick buck.

Paul urges Timothy to see the gospel as bigger than our ambitions. The quest to make it rich was destroying a lot of people. Ambition isn't bad, in and of itself, but it can drive us to do bad things.

The gospel is about the glory of God. It is the source of life and hope. In Christ, we join in something that has the power to change our lives, and the lives of others. Live for his glory.

Evening: We joined with other Baptist churches tonight for the community Thanksgiving service. Dr. Paul Chitwood, the executive director of the KBC, was the speaker. It was a wonderful time, and Monticello was well represented.

FAQs Mondays: How Should We Respond to the Scriptures?

We began looking at the question, "Are the Scriptures complete?" You can read that post here. We continue to answer the question by looking at the excellence of Scripture.

For what are the Scriptures profitable?
 

They are "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Tim. 3:16.

How should we receive the word of God?
 

We should "give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." Heb. 2:1. Luke 8:18.

For what were the Bereans particularly commended?
 

For searching the Scriptures, "They received the word with all the readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so." Acts17:11; 2 Thes.2:10,11;. 1 Pet. 2: 1, 2.

Are the wicked to be condemned by the word, at the last great day, for not practicing what it enjoins?
 

They are. "He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48.

If the Scriptures are of superlative excellence and value, ought they not to be given, without delay, to all mankind?

Yes.

Do you heartily believe, and endeavor to practice according to all the truths revealed in the word of God?

The last question is open-ended. A child (or adult) should not be required to memorize an answer to a question that they cannot, in good conscience, affirm. It is one thing to teach historical facts and teachings of the church, it is another to press a child into making a commitment they are not spiritually ready to make.  Feel free to leave a comment.

Sunday Recap 11-13-11

Morning: The sermon, "Leadership: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," focuses on the 1 Timothy 5:17-25. In the passage, Paul explains how leaders should be treated.

Good leaders should be treated with double honor. First, they should be provided. Second, they should be respected.

Bad leaders should be rebuke (possible even removed). The rebuke should be public. It should be done without partiality, and without favoritism.

The ugly truth is that every leader must be careful or else he might stumble. Paul warns Timothy not to be hasty in appointing leaders. He suggests that he stop living by other people's rules. Then, he tells him not to make superficial judgments.

Leadership is a heavy responsibility. It should be given with caution, and treated with respect.

Evening: We had business meeting.

Thursday Humor: "Pie" by Julian Smith

Here is a little granny humor from Julian Smith. For the record, "powning" means defeating an opponent. A "noob" or "noobs" are individuals that don't know "how the world works, what is going on, or anything."

This kind of makes me miss my grandma.

Self-control

In 2 Peter 1:5-8, Peter gives us a framework for maturing in Christ. He commands us to add to our faith. I have been using this framework for a series of lessons at Monticello on Wednesday nights. Tonight, we covered self-control.

What is self-control? Let's skip the "control of self" answer, and dig a little deeper. It covers discipline, and the resistance of temptation (including avoiding the cookie aisle). Self-control is the restraint of one's emotions, impulses, and desires. It is mastery of one's self.

When we come to faith in Christ we are no longer our own. Jesus speaks of it in terms of losing and saving our lives. In Mark 8:35 he says, "For whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it."  Paul tells us, "Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God? Your are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:19-20, HCSB).

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul uses the metaphor of a race to explain the self-controlled life. Here are some principles to guide us.

1. We need to set our mind to it. We are all in the race, and all the runners run.

2. We need to establish our priorities. As runners, we run the race to win.

3. We need to focus on what is gained. When athletes train, they give up a lot. But they do it to gain a prize. Paul says they run for a prize that fades, but we run for an eternal crown.

4. We need to work hard. We aren't called to run in circles in the faith, but to move with discipline. We are to master our bodies and souls, so that we can bring glory to God.

5. We need to fear failure. Paul said that he ran in a way that would keep himself from being disqualified. He didn't want to get to the end and see that it was all for nothing.

Self-control grows as we grow in our knowledge of Christ and the gospel. It grows as we exercise goodness and faith. We are commanded to exercise control over our emotions, impulses, and desires. We should instead be driven by the glory of Christ.

Spiritual Songs: "After the Last Tear Falls" by Andrew Peterson

Here is another excellent song by Andrew Peterson. This is a song about the reality that love, especially God's love, is greater than sin. Sin cause so much heartache. God is love, and he is waiting to heal those who turn to him in faith. I hope this song encourages you.

FAQs Mondays: Are the Scriptures Complete?

Last week, we concluded a look at the integrity of Scripture. You can read that post here.

We are going to be looking at the completeness and excellence of Scripture this week and next. The questions and answers draw from Lesson II, Part VII of Dr. Fisher's catechism. You can find it here.

We have now proved, that the Scriptures are a revelation from God. Are they the only perfect revelation of God's will, that the world will ever possess?

They are. "If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Gal. 1:8- 9. 2 Thes. 2:2.

Do the Scriptures contain all the truths necessary to our salvation? 

They do. They are "able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15-17. 2 Pet. 1:4.

What has God said He will do unto him who shall add any thing to His word?

"If any man add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." Rev. 22:18.  See also Deut. 4:2. Prov. 3:6.

What will God do to him who shall take any thing away from the Scriptures?

"He shall take away his part out of the book of life." Rev. 22:9

To what standard should we refer all our opinions and actions?

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 7:20. See also Jer. 23:28.

Should we teach, or practice, as a Christian duty, any thing that is not laid down in the word of God?

We should not. "In vain do Ye worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt. 15:9. See also Col. 2:8. Tit. 1:13-14.

Should we esteem the Scriptures as of the highest value to us?

We should. "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold." Ps. 19:10.

This post deals more with our attitude toward the Scriptures, than with the Scriptures themselves. However, it helps us to think through important matters. For many Christians today, the Bible is just another book. For many, it isn't even an important one. The Scriptures are the very words of God. They reveal to us our Creator and Redeemer, so we should give them the highest respect possible. Showing that respect means reading, studying, obeying, and memorizing them.

Nest week, we will continue to look at the integrity of Scriptures. If you have a question or a comment, feel free to post it in the comments.

Sunday Recap 11-6-11

Morning: The sermon, "Widow Care," focused on 1 Timothy 5:3-16. In this passage, Paul explains how to care for widows. James, the brother of Jesus and an early church leader, said, "Religion the God and Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27, NIV). This passage functions as a guide for caring for widows.

Churches, in the 1st or 21st century, have limited resources. The task of providing care for the needy must be approached with care. Paul said that the first rule in widow care is make sure there is a real need. A woman without a husband or grown children was in a desperate situation in Paul's day. He calls on those who have family in need to be the first to offer help, so the church can minister to those without support. The next mark of a truly needy widow is one who pursues God over her own personal pleasure.

The church should seek to aid women of the right character. The women must be over 60, having been faithful to their husbands. They need to be known for doing good like raising children, showing hospitality, helping, etc.

Paul warns against helping younger widows. Instead, he suggested they get married and raise a family. It prevents them from getting caught up in idleness and gossip. If they were to get caught up in such activities it might cause the name of Christ to be slandered.

Finally, Paul urged women to tend to the widows in their families. This command implies that husbands were to support such work. Woman serving women has some practical purposes: first women understand women better, and second, it protects the reputations of the woman and the men who minister to them.

Evening: There were no services tonight.

Thursday Humor: "Three Little Pigs" John Branyan

There are a couple of laugh aloud moments in this clip. John Branyan's retelling of the Three Little Pigs is pretty impressive. I hope you enjoy it.

Knowledge Is Power

In 2 Peter 1:5, Peter commands us to add knowledge to our goodness. In 2 Peter 3:18, he commands us to grow in grace (favor) and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The commands prompt us to consider knowledge?

What is knowledge? Knowledge is the sum of all we know. There are many streams of knowledge. They derive from every field of study (and interest). Knowledge can be categorized in three ways: factual knowledge (what we know we know without a doubt), theoretical knowledge (what we think we know, but could be wrong), and false knowledge (what we know, but is definitely untrue).

Peter speaks of a specific field of knowledge. The knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. But what does that knowledge encompass? It covers all biblical knowledge and theology.

Here are five things we need to remember about the knowledge of Jesus Christ:

1. The knowledge of Christ is the starting point of faith. A person must hear about God and Christ before they come to faith. (see Rom. 10:13-17)
2. The knowledge of Christ is the heart of every prayer. Even the Lord's prayer points us to pursue the knowledge of Christ (see Eph. 3:14-21; Col. 1:9-14).
3. The knowledge of Christ is the goal of every ministry. Everyone who serves Christ labors to see others come to him (see Eph. 4:11-13; Col. 1:28-29).
4. The knowledge of Christ enables self-control.
5. The knowledge of Christ fuels perseverance.

As we grow in knowledge, we grow in goodness and faith. They say knowledge is power, and there is some truth in that saying. But the knowledge of Christ is power unto salvation.

Spiritual Songs: "The Good Confession (I Believe)" by Andrew Peterson

Andrew Peterson is one of my favorite artists. He is an amazing storyteller. His songs pull you along in the experience. This is a song about conversion. I hope it encourages you.