A Time to Sing

Psalm 100 is a short, but powerful psalm. It is a call for all to sing joyful songs of praise to the Lord. In the span of 5 verses, the author gives us the commands of worship and the reasons for worship. This psalm reminds us of the importance of music to worship.

The commands of worship are simple. He calls us to "shout for joy to the LORD." We are to worship the Lord with gladness. We are to come before his with joyful songs. We are to know that the Lord is God. Finally, we are to give thanks and sing praises.

He gives us the reasons we should sing to God. We are to sing because he made us. We are his, and he cares for us like a shepherd with his sheep. The Lord is good, his love endures forever, and his faithfulness continues from generation to generation.

Music is an important part of worship. Here are some thoughts concerning music.

• Music is to be part of worship (Eph. 5:19-20).
• Music has a long history. Adam's first recorded words were a poem, possibly a song. In Genesis 4:21, we are told Jubal was the "father" of all those play the harp or flute. From early in human history, music has been a part.
• Music is nearly universal. Music has been part of every culture.
• Music can have a powerful affect on people.
• Music aids in memory.
• Music can be medicinal.

Hymns: "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman and Beth Redman

This song has been running through my mind all day. Music can revive and renew. Songs help us to meditate upon truths even when aren't consciously aware that is what we are doing. We are to rise up and bless the Lord because he is worthy (see Revelation 4:11). I give you Blessed Be Your Name. This video uses the version by Robin Mark. Enjoy.

FAQs Mondays: "What Happens to People When They Die?"

Last week, we answered the question," Where is Jesus?". You can read that post here. This week, we answer the question, "What happens to people when they die?".

What happens to people when they die?

They body returns to the dust, and the soul awaits the final judgment.

Will the bodies of the dead be raised to life again?

Yes; there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked.

What will happen to the wicked in the day of judgement?

They will be cast into hell.

What is hell?

Hell is a place of dreadful and endless punishment.

What will happen to the righteous in the day of judgement?

They will live with Christ for ever, in a new heaven and a new earth.

In light of these truths, what should you do?

I should strive with all my energy to repent of sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Through these questions and answers, we learn that eternity awaits all people. The righteous, that is, those who trust in Jesus Christ, will live in eternal reward. The wicked, those who reject Christ, will live in eternal punishment. Each person is called to repent of their sin and place faith in Christ.

This concludes our look at A Catechism for Boys and Girls. I'm considering devoting some of the future FAQs Mondays to answering ethical and apologetic questions. If you have a question you would like to ask, leave a comment.

Sunday Review 8-28-11

Morning: The message, "Worship Life," focused on 1 Tim. 2:8-15. In this passage, Paul offers Timothy guidelines for worship.

Paul begins with a word for men. They are to be prayerful and holy. They are also supposed to put off anger and disputing.

Paul moves on to talking about women. He encourages women to dress modestly, and to adorn themselves with good works. He encourages women to learn with a teachable spirit ("in silence and full submission"). He also instructs Timothy that women are not to teach men, or have authority over them.

Paul's instruction to Timothy ends with a difficult verse to understand. In 1 Timothy 2:15, Paul writes, "but she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with all propriety." There are several possible meanings. The most likely understanding is that Paul is thinking about the redemption that was promised to woman in Genesis 3:15. The seed of woman would come and crush the serpent. Even if we don't fully understand Paul's meaning, we can be certain that Timothy possessed enough knowledge to understand.

Evening: We had another movie tonight. We had a good crowd. It was a fun time.

Book Review: The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead

After nearly a year of waiting, I finally got my hands on book 2 of the Bright Empires series. The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead did not disappoint. I have eagerly anticipated its arrival since I finished The Skin Map in the early morning hours one day last fall.

The Bone House continues to unfold the fantastic story of Kit Livingstone. Kit is a young man from London, who discovers with the help of his great-grandfather Cosimo Livingstone, how to travel through the multiple dimensions of the universe. They travel through these dimensions by using ley lines. The dimensions are connected to the modern world, but they have differing time lines and geography. Kit and his friends are trying to find the Skin Map, so they can unravel the secrets of the universe.

The Bone House combines several elements of the science fiction and fantasy genres in a unique way to create a fast paced thrill ride. Although there is a fair bit of bouncing around in time and culture, the reader shouldn't get lost. Overall, I have really enjoyed these two books. They are extremely well-written and imaginative.

Let me share a couple of things I appreciated about this book. Although it is part of a series, there isn't extensive backstory. The author provides a quick catch-up in the beginning of the book for those who haven't read The Skin Map and those who read it when it came out. The reader doesn't have to be continually reminded of what happened in the first book which makes for a quicker (and more enjoyable) reading. The second thing I appreciate is Lawhead's vivid descriptions (especially about food).

There is one I didn't like about the book. I hate coming to the end of the book and knowing that I have to wait a year to find out what happens to the characters. I didn't like waiting to the next week for my favorite t.v. shows when I was a kid, and I haven't changed much. Making the audience wait a year is a bit extreme.

The Bone House is an imaginative piece of fiction. I encourage you to read it, but before you do check out The Skin Map. I found it easier to read the second book (probably because I read the first), while at the same time understanding the first one better through reading the second. They are both worth checking out.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com for review purposes. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Thursday Humor: "Pretty Pink Tractor" by Tim Hawkins

I'm convinced that Tim Hawkins is crazy. I think that's what makes him so funny. Or it could be the reason I find him funny. Either way, I hope you enjoy the video. It's a little bit "Weird Al" and a little bit Brad Paisley.

Compassionate, Willing, and Able

In Mark 1:40-45, we see Jesus interact with a man who had leprosy. The term translated leprosy does not necessarily refer to Hansen's Disease (the technical name for leprosy), but to any kind of skin disease. If one had a skin disease, that person was considered "unclean." In fact, Leviticus 13:1-46 expresses the law concerning skin diseases. Life for those with such skin diseases can be summed up with these instructions:

The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, "Unclean! Unclean!" As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp (Lev. 13:45-26, NIV).

Two things jump out at me. First, they must live alone, that is to say, they cannot be a part of the community. Second, they must live outside the camp, that is to say, they have no part in the people of God. The physical illness points to a deeper spiritual reality. People in their natural state cannot approach God. They are alone and cut off. Just as the leper had to seek cleansing through a mediator (the priests), so, too, we approach Jesus the Mediator, to find cleansing.

As we witness Jesus interacting with the man, we learn a lot about Jesus. We learn that Jesus is compassionate, willing, and able. Although these truths seem so well known, we forget them on a practical level. Let's look at the man's request, Jesus' response, and the rest of the story.

The Man's Request

Disregarding Mosaic Law and social convention, this unnamed man approaches Jesus. In spite of the seeming impropriety, the man approaches with the right attitude. Three things stick out in his approach. First, note the humility. Mark states that he begged Jesus "on his knees." Next, note his desperation. He "begged" Jesus. Finally, note his confidence in Jesus. He states, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." There is no question in his mind that Jesus is capable of healing him.

In Mark 9:21-22, we see an interaction between Jesus and the father of a boy possessed by a demon. The man said to Jesus, "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." Jesus responded, "'If you can?' Everything is possible for him who believes." In Mark 9, Jesus rebuked the father's lack of faith. He did not rebuke the leper. He affirmed him.

Jesus' Response

Mark states, "Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched the man." It is easy to miss the significance of what Jesus did. This man wasn't supposed to get near another person, yet Jesus reached out and touched him. It may have been the first time in a long time that anyone had shown this man such tenderness. Jesus' compassion worked itself out in a practical way.

The man knew that his healing hinged on Jesus' willingness. The man was confident that Jesus could heal him. However, he was uncertain as to whether or not Jesus would want to help him. Many of us approach God with the same question in mind. Is God willing? Jesus said, "I am willing!"

Confidence with Jesus' ability should strengthen our confidence in his willingness. He has given many great and precious promises. He calls us to ask of him. He continually demonstrates throughout Scripture and history that he is willing to help those who seek him. This account is no different. Jesus makes the man clean with a word. He is still willing to cleanse those who come to him in repentance and faith.

The Rest of the Story

Just as in the gospel, this story contains an exchange. Jesus walks in the leper's sandals, so to speak. Although Jesus doesn't become unclean, he experiences the leper's separation and loneliness. Because of the leper's disobedience, Jesus must remain outside the town in lonely places. I am reminded of what Paul said, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor. 5:21, NIV).

As the author of Hebrews said,

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet without sin. Let us then approach him with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Heb. 4:15-16, NIV).

Jesus invites us to approach him with boldness. If people will seek him while he may be found, they will make the same discovery the leper did: Jesus is still compassionate, willing, and able.

Hymns: "The Solid Rock"

This hymn is rooted in Jesus' illustration of two men building their houses. One man built his house upon the sand, and storms destroyed it. The other dug down to the bedrock, built his house upon it, and storms could not destroy it. The man who built his house upon the rock was compared to a person who builds his life upon Christ's teachings. The man who did is compared to the person who rejects the teachings of Christ.

If we anchor our hope in the atoning work of Christ, we have no reason to fear. Jesus will keep us safe through the storms of life, and more importantly, through the storm of God's wrath. No circumstance is able to remove us from the sheltering arms of Christ. If you find yourself doubting these promises, read Romans 8:31-39.

I hope this video is encouraging to you. The music is from Sovereign Grace Music. It was recorded at a conference and captures the congregation singing. I think this adds to the power of the song because, after all, hymns were meant to be sung in the assembly. God bless.

FAQs Mondays: "Where Is Jesus?"

Last week, we looked at the Lord's Supper and how it demonstrates the gospel. You can read that post here. We are moving toward the conclusion of this catechism which closes on the doctrine of final things. This week, we are answering the question, "Where is Jesus?".

Did Christ remain in the tomb after his crucifixion?

No; he rose from the tomb on the third day after his death.

Where is Christ now?

Christ is in heaven, seated at the right hand God the Father.

Will Christ come again?

Yes; at the last day he will come and judge the world.

We learn, from the question and answers, that Jesus is alive. We need to help our children understand these basic truths. Jesus isn't just "in their hearts." He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is returning to judge the living and the dead. Next week, we will explore the question, "What happens to people when they die?".

Thursday Humor: "I Need Some Space" by Jeff Allen

Here is a quick clip from Jeff Allen. He cracks me up.

Hymns: "My Savior, My God"

This song is an anthem for faith. It continually reminds us of God's unending faithfulness. We should seek to remember that God's past faithfulness is the guarantee of his future faithfulness. He does not change. We can rest in that. I hope you enjoy this video.

FAQs Mondays: "What Is the Lord's Supper?"

Last week, we answered the question, "What is Baptism?". You can read that article here. This week, we will be answering the question, "What is the Lord's Supper?".

What is the Lord's Supper?

The eating of bread and the drinking of wine to remember the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Note: You may want to substitute the expression "fruit of the vine" for wine.

What does the bread represent?

The bread represents the body of Christ, broken for our sins.

What does the wine represent?

The wine represents the blood of Christ shed for our salvation. Note: If you choose to change wine for fruit of the vine, remember to ask and answer the question with that change in mind.

Who should partake of the Lord's Supper?

Baptized believers who repent of their sins and love one another.

The Lord's Supper displays salvation as it reminds us of the means of our salvation, the sacrifice of Christ. We are reminded each time we take it of the great price required to purchase our pardon. Next week, we begin looking at question, "How will it all end?". Please feel free to leave a comment.

Sunday Recap 8-14-11

Morning: The sermon, "When Your Sins Are Washed Away," explored Psalm 32:1-11. David reminds us that the Lord's unfailing love surrounds those who trust in him. 

Psalm 32:1-2 reminds us that to be forgiven is to be blessed. Those who seek God's favor find forgiveness and cleansing.

David explains how unconfessed sin ate at him. It eats at us as well. We need to confess our sins to the Lord. Confession is more than recounting one's sins. It is coming to view sin as God sees it, acknowledging God's righteousness in hating that sin, and accepting responsibility for committing that sin against God.

There is a narrow window of opportunity to find God. That opportunity is called life. If we are to seize that opportunity we must pray to God. As we seek him, we need to listen to instruction. Then when he changes us, we need to tell others about his love.

Evening: We heard a wonderful message from the evangelist, Bro. Don Mathis.

Thursday Humor: "The Intruder" Jeff Allen

Here is your Thursday dose of comedy. I hope it makes you laugh.

When in Doubt, Hope

"Against hope, with hope he believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be" (Rom. 4:18, HCSB).

This is one of my favorite verses in Scripture. I love the language "against hope, with hope he believed." The "he" in this verse is Abraham. Paul is trying to explain Abraham's faith. How is a hundred year old man supposed to believe that he could have a child with his ninety year old wife?

Some would deny Abraham's story. They call it a legend. Yet, I find no reason to believe that they are correct. The birth of Isaac to the aged Abraham and Sarah isn't hard to believe. It is no more difficult to believe than the presidency of Washington. I trust the witnesses.

Abraham looked at his life (and his wife) realistically. Even in his pre-scientific era, they understood enough about biology to know the promise could never be fulfilled "naturally." Sarah was past the age of childbearing. But with eyes of faith, Abraham understood that the One who had fashioned Sarah's womb could fashion a child in it.

There were a thousand reasons he shouldn't have believed the promise. It was against hope. The evidence was certain-people their age didn't have babies. But there was one reason that drove Abraham to believe. The promise was spoken by Almighty God.

God could not tell a lie. Abraham didn't need to know all the details. He just needed to know the character of the Promise-Giver. He knew that God was holy and true. So he pushed on through the doubt, and "with hope he believed."

Life hasn't changed all that much. There are still thousands of reasons to doubt. We don't believe the promise because every aspect of it has been explained. We don't believe the promise because we can understand it fully. We believe the promise because it was spoken by Almighty God. He cannot lie. We rest in his unchanging holiness, and we praise him.

You might be struggling with doubts right now. You know the Lord has promised to love and forgive you. You know he said he would never leave you. But you aren't sure. Everything in you life seems to be suggesting that there is no hope for you. Take a cue from Abraham, and against hope, with hope believe. Jesus won't let you down.

Spiritual Songs: "Mercy Came Running"

Although I'm not a huge Phillips, Craig, and Dean fan, I do like a couple of their songs. "Mercy Came Running," is one of those songs. Through Christ's sacrifice, we have unlimited access to God's mercy. I love the powerful imagery in this song. You have the singer straining for mercy, but unable to obtain it. In the midst of his failure, he finds mercy racing toward him. It makes me think of the father in Jesus' parable in Luke 15:11-32. I'm grateful that God doesn't withhold his mercy. Enjoy the song:                   

FAQs Mondays: "What is Baptism?"

Last week, we looked at the question, "How do we learn about salvation?" You can read that post here. This week, we look at Baptism.

What is Baptism?

The immersion of believers in water.

What does Baptism represent?

Baptism represents the union of a believer with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection, and the washing away of sins.

Who are to be baptized?

Only those who repent of their sins and believe in Christ for salvation.

Should babies be baptized?

No; because the Bible neither commands it nor gives any example of it.

Does Christ welcome children?

Yes; he invites children to come to him.

We learn the baptism symbolizes the believer's union with Christ. It is the symbolic washing away of sin. It is for those repent and believe. Next week, we will answer the question, "What is the Lord's Supper?". Feel free to leave a comment.

Sunday Recap 8-7-11

Morning: Today was Homecoming. The sermon, "Going Home and Homecomings," looked at Luke 15:11-32. In this passage, Jesus is trying to get the Pharisees to understand how God approaches the "lost."

It has been said, "You can't go home again." But Jesus told us we could, if we would repent and turn to the Father.

When we look at this story, we see three types of people. There are those who, like the younger son before he came to his senses, are running away from God. They see him as an obstacle to better living, so the seek to avoid him. Other are those who, like the older brother, see God as an unfair tyrant always seeking to keep them from enjoying live. They honor him with their lips, but their hearts are far from him. The third type of person is the one who has come to their senses and returned to the Father.

Jesus reminds us that we need to come to our senses. Sin is like madness. It causes us to view things incorrectly. We need to see what we have done. We have all committed sin against a holy God, who formed and fashioned us for his purposes. We need to see where we are at. Sin is dragging us toward death, leading us toward ruin. We need to see the way out. The only hope for us is to come to the Father through Jesus Christ the Son.

If we return to the Father we will be welcomed. The Father is waiting and watching. He is ready to embrace us. He is ready to make us his children. He isn't some tyrant who unfairly holds us back. Nor is he an obstacle in the path of the good life. He is the source of the good life.

God finds great joy in the repentance of a sinner, and so should we. You can go home again, through Christ, but you'll be changed. He's waiting.

Evening: No services.

Thursday Humor: "Teenagers Are God's Revenge" by Jeff Allen

Here's a funny clip. I hope you like it.

Jesus: Man of Authority

In Mark 1:21-34, Mark stress the authority of Jesus. This passage is structured to leave us in awe of Jesus. Mark presents Jesus as a teacher, an exorcist, and a healer.

Mark emphasizes Jesus' work as a teacher. He is presented as an authoritative teacher. His teaching is contrasted with the scribes and Pharisees. He left the crowds amazed.

Mark talks about Jesus as an exorcist. A demon possessed man approached Jesus during his teaching. With obvious authority, Jesus silences and casts out the demon. The work in casting out demons is an extension of his teaching and an expression of his authority. Jesus was able to bind the "strong man" (see Matt. 12:29; Luke 11:21-22).

Mark also deals with Jesus' healing ministry. Jesus shows the crowds compassion as he heals their various diseases. He worked late until the night healing them as they came.

Principles

• Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth.
• There are real, personal, evil, spiritual beings (capable of "possessing" people) present and active in the world today. 
• Demon possession means a person is under the controlling influence of demons.
• Jesus has authority over evil spirits.
• No elaborate rituals are necessary to drive out demons, but I wouldn't try it without obedient faith in Jesus Christ.
• Demons know who Jesus is and they fear him!
• Jesus is concerned about the helpless and harassed. 
• There is a difference between illness (mental and physical) and demon possession.

Spiritual Songs: "Life Means So Much" Chris Rice

The Bible is clear concerning the days of man. They are numbered. The Psalmist reminds us, "Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years" (Ps. 90:10, HCSB). In that same Psalm, this prayer is offered, "Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts" (Ps. 90:12, HCSB).

Our goal, as mere mortals, on this planet should be to make the most of our time here. The only way to do that is to keep the end in sight, and live with wisdom. Everyone dies. The author of Hebrews reminds us, "And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27, KJV). In light of this, we can see why the Psalmist wanted instruction in numbering his days.

This song by Chris Rice captures this desire. He sings, "Teach us to count our days, teach us to make our days count." I hope you hear the message of this song. Let it capture you, and become a theme song for your life. Enjoy the video.

FAQs Mondays: "How Do We Learn About Salvation?"

Last week, we answered the question, "What are the last three requests of the Lord's Prayer?" You can read that post here. This week, we are moving into part five of the catechism which deals with how we learn about salvation.

How does the Holy Spirit bring us to salvation?

He used the Bible, which is the Word of God.

How can we know the Word of God?

We are commanded to hear, read, and search the Scriptures.

What is a church?

A church is an assembly of believers who meet together under the preaching of the Word of God.

What two ordinances did Christ give to his church?

Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Why did Christ give these ordinances?

To show that his disciples belong to him, and to remind them of what he has done for them.

From these questions and answers, we learn that there are several ways through which we learn about salvation. The primary way is through the Word of God, the Bible. The church exists to proclaim the gospel and to train those who believe it. The ordinance, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, visibly remind God's people (and the world) of the gospel story.  Next week, we will answer the question, "What is Baptism?". Feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.