Philippians 3.17-18: Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
As Paul looked at the world - tears welled up in his eyes. He urged the believers to live according to the pattern of his example. The very first thing he talks about are his tears as he observes the lostness of the world.
Those who are lost are not spoken of in neutral terms - they are enemies of the cross of Christ. Their life stands opposed to God - as nice as they may be - they are enemies. And so Paul weeps.
Jesus wept. Jesus wept as the crowds gathered and he knew their hearts of rebellion.
Does the church weep today? Are we to busy compromising the gospel? Pastors and people in churches today try to downplay the "enemy", welcoming as many people in as Christians as is possible - even though they deny all sorts of essential, fundamental doctrines. Are we busy pursuing the world so there is no time for tears? What real difference is there between an evangelical Christian today and the world? One hour on a Sunday morning?
We ask - where do we begin? How do I follow the example of Paul and Christ? Tears. Weeping. This allows us to understand grace (we have been saved by Christ alone) and evangelism (we must be praying and seeking for souls to be saved). Why? In the following verses, Paul talks about the second coming of Jesus. Jesus will come again and judge all His enemies.
Jesus is coming and there is an eternity to follow either in heaven or hell. For those who are headed to hell without Christ - they need our tears which leads to prayer, leading to action and love and grace and mercy.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Willingness of Jesus
In John 18 we read of the arrest of Jesus. One of the striking features of the soldiers coming into the garden to arrest Jesus is the willingness of Jesus to go to the cross.
First, it is very clear that Jesus knew he was going to die for sinners and the pain and suffering that would be involved. John 12.27 we read: Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!
When Jesus was arrested, we read that he did not run or hide - he went out to meet Judas and his gang of thugs. Jesus knew Judas would betray him and we read that after Jesus had finished praying, he went to the exact spot Judas knew he and his disciples could be found. We read in verse 4: Jesus, knowing what was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, Who is it that you want? When Jesus reveals himself, they all fell to the ground (so much for the torches, lanterns and weapons they were carrying). And still, Jesus did not run - he did not hide.
Simon Peter brings out his sword and cuts off an ear, when Jesus commands Peter: Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me. Jesus' statement is striking. In the midst of the sword incident, it is almost as if Peter is offering Jesus a way out - we can fight them Jesus and you can go free. But Jesus' response is clear - I will go and bear my Father's cup - I will suffer your wrath.
What a joy for the believer - Jesus, willingly going to the cross for his people. His love so great, His grace so overflowing, and His forgiveness so complete - he went to face human humiliation and torture and God's wrath - so we may have life.
The message: the willingness of Jesus cries out to His people you are loved with an everlasting love. Rest in Him - and you will find peace and stillness in His presence.
First, it is very clear that Jesus knew he was going to die for sinners and the pain and suffering that would be involved. John 12.27 we read: Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!
When Jesus was arrested, we read that he did not run or hide - he went out to meet Judas and his gang of thugs. Jesus knew Judas would betray him and we read that after Jesus had finished praying, he went to the exact spot Judas knew he and his disciples could be found. We read in verse 4: Jesus, knowing what was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, Who is it that you want? When Jesus reveals himself, they all fell to the ground (so much for the torches, lanterns and weapons they were carrying). And still, Jesus did not run - he did not hide.
Simon Peter brings out his sword and cuts off an ear, when Jesus commands Peter: Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me. Jesus' statement is striking. In the midst of the sword incident, it is almost as if Peter is offering Jesus a way out - we can fight them Jesus and you can go free. But Jesus' response is clear - I will go and bear my Father's cup - I will suffer your wrath.
What a joy for the believer - Jesus, willingly going to the cross for his people. His love so great, His grace so overflowing, and His forgiveness so complete - he went to face human humiliation and torture and God's wrath - so we may have life.
The message: the willingness of Jesus cries out to His people you are loved with an everlasting love. Rest in Him - and you will find peace and stillness in His presence.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Christian Forbes
A recent article reported that there are now 946 billionaires, worth a total of 3.5 trillion - up from 793 last year. The top billionaire is Bill Gates with $56 bn followed by Warren Buffet at $52 bn. Of particular interest to where some of my money has gone, Ingvar Kamprad, the owner of Ikea, sits in his comfortable chair with $33bn.
Now, I cannot imagine having even 1 billion dollars, let alone 56 of them. What is interesting, however, is that it is searchable - we can know the dollar value and say - this person has this many billion and this person has this many billion. We can search their riches.
When Paul is explaining God's amazing work through Jesus and his ministry in the book of Ephesians, he writes: Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ (3.8)
The gift of Christ - his life, sacrifice, death and life - and his free offer of life for all who come to him, repent of their sin and believe in him - this gift is unsearchable. We cannot begin to even put a figure on how valuable Christ and his gift of life is for those who have come to him.
I conclude two things: 1. to know Christ and have his eternal gift of life is the greatest gift of all because the riches are unsearchable. 2. to preach Christ is the greatest message - though preachers may be the least of all God's people. Whether you know Christ or you know Christ and preach Christ, we have so much to be thankful for in this great gift.
Your name may never make it in Forbes but if it is written int he book of life, we have now and evermore the unsearchable riches of Christ to enjoy.
Now, I cannot imagine having even 1 billion dollars, let alone 56 of them. What is interesting, however, is that it is searchable - we can know the dollar value and say - this person has this many billion and this person has this many billion. We can search their riches.
When Paul is explaining God's amazing work through Jesus and his ministry in the book of Ephesians, he writes: Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ (3.8)
The gift of Christ - his life, sacrifice, death and life - and his free offer of life for all who come to him, repent of their sin and believe in him - this gift is unsearchable. We cannot begin to even put a figure on how valuable Christ and his gift of life is for those who have come to him.
I conclude two things: 1. to know Christ and have his eternal gift of life is the greatest gift of all because the riches are unsearchable. 2. to preach Christ is the greatest message - though preachers may be the least of all God's people. Whether you know Christ or you know Christ and preach Christ, we have so much to be thankful for in this great gift.
Your name may never make it in Forbes but if it is written int he book of life, we have now and evermore the unsearchable riches of Christ to enjoy.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Gaining Wisdom - Crying Need for the Church
To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. (Proverbs 8.4-6)
It is striking how freely godly wisdom is offered to all God's people in the Bible. In Proverbs 8 the simple and foolish are taken aside and spoken to with opportunities like gain wisdom or gain understanding.
But in order to gain wisdom and understanding, we must listen to and study God's Word. How desperately needed this ministry of wisdom is among God's people! Would that God's people saturate themselves with God's Word and then, with humility, love and gentleness, patiently instruct one another. Sadly, however, we live in a culture of quick fixes, pithy sayings and "do as I say not as I do" teachers. We also live in a day of professionalism where when it comes time to help the people of God, we send them to less than Christian counselors.
What did the early church do when a brother or sister was in need of counsel? The older would counsel the younger. Or the wise would be sought out in the church. I am not saying there is not a place for professionals; however, I am saying while professionals have their place, the people of God need to fill themselves with Scripture and be ready to help one another.
Let's take the example of a depressed housewife. What is today's solution? Professional counseling! But what about a godly woman coming into the house - listening, loving and then quietly ministering and mentoring the struggling woman. This godly woman has spent years placing herself and her life under Scripture so that when she steps into this ladies life, she is ready to speak discerning words.
Do you want to be a counselor? Do you want worthy things to say? Study Scripture and then pray for the presence of the Spirit to open doors to quietly come alongside and speak to those who are hurting or need direction. A church with Bible-filled people expressing godly truths in quiet love would be a ministry where God's people find life.
It is striking how freely godly wisdom is offered to all God's people in the Bible. In Proverbs 8 the simple and foolish are taken aside and spoken to with opportunities like gain wisdom or gain understanding.
But in order to gain wisdom and understanding, we must listen to and study God's Word. How desperately needed this ministry of wisdom is among God's people! Would that God's people saturate themselves with God's Word and then, with humility, love and gentleness, patiently instruct one another. Sadly, however, we live in a culture of quick fixes, pithy sayings and "do as I say not as I do" teachers. We also live in a day of professionalism where when it comes time to help the people of God, we send them to less than Christian counselors.
What did the early church do when a brother or sister was in need of counsel? The older would counsel the younger. Or the wise would be sought out in the church. I am not saying there is not a place for professionals; however, I am saying while professionals have their place, the people of God need to fill themselves with Scripture and be ready to help one another.
Let's take the example of a depressed housewife. What is today's solution? Professional counseling! But what about a godly woman coming into the house - listening, loving and then quietly ministering and mentoring the struggling woman. This godly woman has spent years placing herself and her life under Scripture so that when she steps into this ladies life, she is ready to speak discerning words.
Do you want to be a counselor? Do you want worthy things to say? Study Scripture and then pray for the presence of the Spirit to open doors to quietly come alongside and speak to those who are hurting or need direction. A church with Bible-filled people expressing godly truths in quiet love would be a ministry where God's people find life.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Election and Human Responsiblity
John 6.37: All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
Jesus does not try to make sense or explain two very different teachings. Election and human responsibility in salvation sit comfortably side by side in the world of Jesus.
One truth is that God chooses all who come to Him - all that the Father gives me will come to me. What else could Jesus be saying other than the Father chooses those who come to Him and in response, they will come? John says something similar in 1 John 4.10: This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice (propitiation) for our sins.
The second truth is we are to come to Jesus - whoever comes to me I will never drive away. Jesus never says - wait until you know if you have been called. Instead he invites all to come to him (earlier he has explained this is done through faith - John 6.12) and he will not send any away. What a great welcome and promise to come to him!
Election and human responsibility stand side by side is the words of Jesus. God sending (election) is incomplete without man coming (human responsibility) and man coming (human responsibility) will never take place without God sending (election). Jesus does not explain but simply allows us to embrace these two Biblical truths.
Now we may say, I want nothing to do with election. Salvation, in its final form, is my "sovereign" choice. But if we move further down in the passage, we once again see divine work and human responsibility standing side by side.
Divine work is shown in John 12.39: And it is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up on that last day. Who would deny this great truth of God's sovereign protection? Imagine the comfort ripped out of the hearts of believers if we say - well, you know, God doesn't have the right to be that "sovereign" in my life - it is my choice. No - God will keep his people.
But following this verse is human responsibility: For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. Amazing. In order to be kept, we must believe. We must look to Jesus so we may have everlasting life.
God's sovereign grace and keeping stand alongside human responsibility - they are neither separated nor explained by Jesus. Rather, they are simply stated so God may receive all the glory and we may rejoice in the promises of everlasting life and protection offered by Jesus.
Jesus does not try to make sense or explain two very different teachings. Election and human responsibility in salvation sit comfortably side by side in the world of Jesus.
One truth is that God chooses all who come to Him - all that the Father gives me will come to me. What else could Jesus be saying other than the Father chooses those who come to Him and in response, they will come? John says something similar in 1 John 4.10: This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice (propitiation) for our sins.
The second truth is we are to come to Jesus - whoever comes to me I will never drive away. Jesus never says - wait until you know if you have been called. Instead he invites all to come to him (earlier he has explained this is done through faith - John 6.12) and he will not send any away. What a great welcome and promise to come to him!
Election and human responsibility stand side by side is the words of Jesus. God sending (election) is incomplete without man coming (human responsibility) and man coming (human responsibility) will never take place without God sending (election). Jesus does not explain but simply allows us to embrace these two Biblical truths.
Now we may say, I want nothing to do with election. Salvation, in its final form, is my "sovereign" choice. But if we move further down in the passage, we once again see divine work and human responsibility standing side by side.
Divine work is shown in John 12.39: And it is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up on that last day. Who would deny this great truth of God's sovereign protection? Imagine the comfort ripped out of the hearts of believers if we say - well, you know, God doesn't have the right to be that "sovereign" in my life - it is my choice. No - God will keep his people.
But following this verse is human responsibility: For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. Amazing. In order to be kept, we must believe. We must look to Jesus so we may have everlasting life.
God's sovereign grace and keeping stand alongside human responsibility - they are neither separated nor explained by Jesus. Rather, they are simply stated so God may receive all the glory and we may rejoice in the promises of everlasting life and protection offered by Jesus.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Job's Other Comforters
An aspect of the story of Job we often call to mind is Job's three friends. It can be said if those are friends, who needs enemies. Throughout the book, as Job has suffered loss after loss, his three friends gather and tell Job that there must be some wickedness lurching below the surface to have God's wrath out poured with such venom. God of course rebukes the three friends at the end of the book and Job must pray for them.
What is interesting, however, is that after Job had offered sacrifices for his three friends, others came to comfort him. We read in Job 42.11: All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over the trouble the Lord had brought upon him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.
Yes, Job did go through tremendous suffering but after a while, God sent comfort through friends and family. What a blessing that must have been for Job, especially after what he had gone through with Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar.
This does tell us something about what to expect. Yes, you will have the "three friends" who come and offer little comfort but it is also true that God provides overwhelming comfort for his people as others come along and minister comfort and consolation.
What do you do if a Bildad comes along? Or an Eliphaz? Well, where did God bring Job? He brought Job to the dust. Job had to commit himself into God's hands. When the "comfortless" friends come to visit, thank God that they at least drive you to the powerful and comforting arms of God.
What is interesting, however, is that after Job had offered sacrifices for his three friends, others came to comfort him. We read in Job 42.11: All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over the trouble the Lord had brought upon him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.
Yes, Job did go through tremendous suffering but after a while, God sent comfort through friends and family. What a blessing that must have been for Job, especially after what he had gone through with Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar.
This does tell us something about what to expect. Yes, you will have the "three friends" who come and offer little comfort but it is also true that God provides overwhelming comfort for his people as others come along and minister comfort and consolation.
What do you do if a Bildad comes along? Or an Eliphaz? Well, where did God bring Job? He brought Job to the dust. Job had to commit himself into God's hands. When the "comfortless" friends come to visit, thank God that they at least drive you to the powerful and comforting arms of God.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Feeling Overwhelmed?
There is a rather strange story Jesus tells in Luke 17. A servant has spent the whole day working - plowing the ground and looking after the sheep - and now it is time to go home. He is tired and exhausted but is not invited to sit down and eat with the master. It is not yet time. Rather the master says to the servant, "Prepare my meal; get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink." No comfortable armchair for this servant!
Jesus is still not done with the story. We might expect a bonus in our pay or at least a word of thanks. But as Jesus tells the story, he asks the question - would he thank the servant because he did what he was told? No - he has done what is expected. In fact as Jesus often does, he digs deeper into our hearts: So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'
Jesus is explaining that Christian service will be hard, overwhelming, exhausting and draining. And all of this is not to be congratulated - rather it is the norm for the believer. Are you overwhelmed with Christian living? Yes? Jesus prepares us for those many days of serving God in the home or at work - and he says - this is what it will be like - when you want to sit down and be served, God will call you to stand up and continue to serve. That is Christian discipleship in the Word of God. Simply put, a true disciple is overwhelmed in service to God and will be stretched and exhausted.
The story also tells us we cannot serve God by feelings only. We may not feel like serving - OK - but it is not by feeling. It is our call - a call of obedience. We must continue to selflessly, sacrificially, and relentlessly serve the King.
And finally, praise God that one day you will be invited to sit down at the banquet table of the Lamb of God - the Master: Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. (Revelation 19.7)
There will be a time to sit and banquet but for now, we will be overwhelmed and exhausted in our service of the King as we give Him glory and carry out His work. This may seem difficult but what a joy it will be on that final day to hear the Lord say: Well done my good and faithful servant - here is your everlasting rest - here is a banquet - come and sit!!
Jesus is still not done with the story. We might expect a bonus in our pay or at least a word of thanks. But as Jesus tells the story, he asks the question - would he thank the servant because he did what he was told? No - he has done what is expected. In fact as Jesus often does, he digs deeper into our hearts: So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'
Jesus is explaining that Christian service will be hard, overwhelming, exhausting and draining. And all of this is not to be congratulated - rather it is the norm for the believer. Are you overwhelmed with Christian living? Yes? Jesus prepares us for those many days of serving God in the home or at work - and he says - this is what it will be like - when you want to sit down and be served, God will call you to stand up and continue to serve. That is Christian discipleship in the Word of God. Simply put, a true disciple is overwhelmed in service to God and will be stretched and exhausted.
The story also tells us we cannot serve God by feelings only. We may not feel like serving - OK - but it is not by feeling. It is our call - a call of obedience. We must continue to selflessly, sacrificially, and relentlessly serve the King.
And finally, praise God that one day you will be invited to sit down at the banquet table of the Lamb of God - the Master: Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. (Revelation 19.7)
There will be a time to sit and banquet but for now, we will be overwhelmed and exhausted in our service of the King as we give Him glory and carry out His work. This may seem difficult but what a joy it will be on that final day to hear the Lord say: Well done my good and faithful servant - here is your everlasting rest - here is a banquet - come and sit!!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Knowing God's Will - Guidance
Usually when people ask about knowing God's will for their lives, a subtle temptation can enter that period of discovery. The temptation is that we look only at the circumstances that need to be "revealed" but forget the One who will reveal them to us. That is we become so focused on knowing God's will that we forget about knowing God.
What do I mean? If we travel through the Bible, we read about God's guidance. God always led His people - and it was not always easy but it was always wise and good. So we read that God led Abraham in Genesis 12.1: The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." And at each stage, God would continue to guide Abraham.
Moses and the Israelites were led out of Egypt, through the desert, across the Red Sea and finally into the Promised Land - albeit without Moses and his generation. In fact, we read that just after Israel left Egypt in Exodus 13.17ff, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle. Israel was armed but they were not ready to fight and God knew they would want to return to Egypt. It may have seemed like a confusing, unnecessary journey to the people but it was an act of love by God.
Another example is the famous Psalm 23.1-3: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness, for his name's sake. Twice the Shepherd is said to lead and guide the sheep. And if you are a sheep, that is really, really good news - quiet waters and paths of righteous for God's glory!! If you are a sheep, you are licking your lips for a drink and you ready to travel down this path!
We could go to many other places in Scripture. All of this is to say that when you begin to ask: What is God's will for my life? In marriage? A job? A family decision? A church decision? our first reaction as believers ought not to be to look at the situation but instead, look to God and confess that throughout all of history, He has led and guided His people for His glory and ultimately for His good.
In knowing God's will, don't forget to know God.
What do I mean? If we travel through the Bible, we read about God's guidance. God always led His people - and it was not always easy but it was always wise and good. So we read that God led Abraham in Genesis 12.1: The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." And at each stage, God would continue to guide Abraham.
Moses and the Israelites were led out of Egypt, through the desert, across the Red Sea and finally into the Promised Land - albeit without Moses and his generation. In fact, we read that just after Israel left Egypt in Exodus 13.17ff, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle. Israel was armed but they were not ready to fight and God knew they would want to return to Egypt. It may have seemed like a confusing, unnecessary journey to the people but it was an act of love by God.
Another example is the famous Psalm 23.1-3: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness, for his name's sake. Twice the Shepherd is said to lead and guide the sheep. And if you are a sheep, that is really, really good news - quiet waters and paths of righteous for God's glory!! If you are a sheep, you are licking your lips for a drink and you ready to travel down this path!
We could go to many other places in Scripture. All of this is to say that when you begin to ask: What is God's will for my life? In marriage? A job? A family decision? A church decision? our first reaction as believers ought not to be to look at the situation but instead, look to God and confess that throughout all of history, He has led and guided His people for His glory and ultimately for His good.
In knowing God's will, don't forget to know God.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
JAKSDLKU IHADHK OHDFS OUSHD ODSHjk
The above words are not swear words - they are the "under the breathe mutterings" of an unsatisfied person. They are complaining words - words that no one else hears but resound loudly in the speaker's ear. They come from the heart and as we mutter to ourselves, often rambling and disconnected, we convince ourselves how unfair life is and how bad we have it. JAKSDLKU is look it at how good others have it and how rough I have it; IHADHK is where is God and why has his love left me; UHDFS is I had a lot better life before and now look at this mess; OUSHD is why does everyone hate me; and finally ODSSHjk is give me what we need or I will doubt your love.
Others do not understand these words but we do - and so does God.
Grumbling is ultimately a challenge to God - a test. God, if you really loved me, you would do this and since you don't do this - you don't love me. And therefore I have a right to tell You how nasty You are!!
Thank God He is God and not man and He does not play our petty games.
What does He do with our grumblings? Well, what do we do when we hear others grumble? We either agree - yes look at how bad God is or how bad that person is or how bad our circumstances are and we really deserve better - or we get frustrated and come down hard - don't you know there are people starving all over the world and you complain about ... .
God doesn't do that. Why? Because He is God. Israel has just been led out of Egypt, the Egyptian army has been defeated as Israel walked on the dry land through the Sea and Miriam has sung her song of praise. How quickly praise turns into grumbling as Israel travels through the desert only finding bitter water - water they could not drink. And they begin to grumble - what are we to drink?
What does God do? He shows Himself as God - abundant , amazing God of mercy! In Exodus 15.25-27 he does two things. He gives Moses a piece of wood that changes the bitter water into drinkable water. And then he leads them to Elim where there were 12 springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped near the water (verse 27). The amazing goodness of God. In the midst of their grumbling, he provides in abundance.
How does God deal with our grumblings. At times He provides in abundant abundance (springs, palm trees, water) and reveals our hearts - how can we grumble against such a gracious and amazing and powerful and loving God? How shameful our grumbling is in the face of this gracious God.
Others do not understand these words but we do - and so does God.
Grumbling is ultimately a challenge to God - a test. God, if you really loved me, you would do this and since you don't do this - you don't love me. And therefore I have a right to tell You how nasty You are!!
Thank God He is God and not man and He does not play our petty games.
What does He do with our grumblings? Well, what do we do when we hear others grumble? We either agree - yes look at how bad God is or how bad that person is or how bad our circumstances are and we really deserve better - or we get frustrated and come down hard - don't you know there are people starving all over the world and you complain about ... .
God doesn't do that. Why? Because He is God. Israel has just been led out of Egypt, the Egyptian army has been defeated as Israel walked on the dry land through the Sea and Miriam has sung her song of praise. How quickly praise turns into grumbling as Israel travels through the desert only finding bitter water - water they could not drink. And they begin to grumble - what are we to drink?
What does God do? He shows Himself as God - abundant , amazing God of mercy! In Exodus 15.25-27 he does two things. He gives Moses a piece of wood that changes the bitter water into drinkable water. And then he leads them to Elim where there were 12 springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped near the water (verse 27). The amazing goodness of God. In the midst of their grumbling, he provides in abundance.
How does God deal with our grumblings. At times He provides in abundant abundance (springs, palm trees, water) and reveals our hearts - how can we grumble against such a gracious and amazing and powerful and loving God? How shameful our grumbling is in the face of this gracious God.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Seeing Lostness For What Lostness Really Is
Saturday members from the Sovereign Grace Churches of Canada gathered for prayer for 4-5 hours. We spent time praying for churches, our country, seminary education, missions, church planting, fellowship and the lost. One of the prayer requests was from a missionary from Mozambique, Roland Seiler. He asked for prayer that we might see lostness for what lostness really is.
That is a profound and much-needed prayer request for our day and age. Sadly we can be so consumed with self and not see all around us who are "dying" and not hearing the gospel of Jesus. Have we lost the heart to pray for the lost because we are so filled with self?
Prayer times are heart searching times. God searched my heart as I prayed alongside my brothers and sisters - do I look at the world and all its fleeting treasures with passion, neglecting to weep and pray for the lost and dying?
In a biography on Abraham Lincoln, the author writes of him during the time of the Civil War: On the night of Bull Run, noted his secretaries, Lincoln did not go to bed, stayed on the lounge in the Cabinet room all night. The next night, having heard more accounts of the lost battle, he lay on the sofa in his office and penciled an outline of what must be done, a program for immediate action.
As I read that quote, I thought - when do I stay up and pray for the perishing? When am I consumed with a sense of the sinfulness of this life and the fleeting nature of my existence - and all around me? If Lincoln was so concerned about the dying in the battle of Bull Run, what about souls around me - dying - eternal death?
And so I pray - Lord, grant that I may see lostness for what lostness really is - break my heart to weep and pray once again -and then to faithfully share God's amazing and powerful grace.
That is a profound and much-needed prayer request for our day and age. Sadly we can be so consumed with self and not see all around us who are "dying" and not hearing the gospel of Jesus. Have we lost the heart to pray for the lost because we are so filled with self?
Prayer times are heart searching times. God searched my heart as I prayed alongside my brothers and sisters - do I look at the world and all its fleeting treasures with passion, neglecting to weep and pray for the lost and dying?
In a biography on Abraham Lincoln, the author writes of him during the time of the Civil War: On the night of Bull Run, noted his secretaries, Lincoln did not go to bed, stayed on the lounge in the Cabinet room all night. The next night, having heard more accounts of the lost battle, he lay on the sofa in his office and penciled an outline of what must be done, a program for immediate action.
As I read that quote, I thought - when do I stay up and pray for the perishing? When am I consumed with a sense of the sinfulness of this life and the fleeting nature of my existence - and all around me? If Lincoln was so concerned about the dying in the battle of Bull Run, what about souls around me - dying - eternal death?
And so I pray - Lord, grant that I may see lostness for what lostness really is - break my heart to weep and pray once again -and then to faithfully share God's amazing and powerful grace.
Friday, March 02, 2007
But Why Lord?
Ever ask the question why? In 2 Corinthians 1 Paul is speaking about his sufferings in the province of Asia which were far beyond his ability to endure, so that he and the others despaired even of life.
Instead of asking why, Paul states a Biblical truth. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 3 quick comments.
1. Paul is satisfied with this answer. He did not need to know the details, he simply needed to know God was present. As you ask why in your circumstances, would you be satisfied with this answer?
2. Paul knows his heart - he can easily begin to rely on himself - and so can we in our circumstances. Our God is so amazing He knows when we are becoming to self reliant and we need to focus our lives and trust on Him. And so Paul's statement of Biblical truth is really and submissive prayer of thanksgiving for God's Fatherly care.
3. Paul confesses a powerful God. We do not rely on a weak and powerless God but a God who raises the dead. Paul felt the sentence of death (verse 9a) but guess what - God is able to raise the dead. You may feel the sentence of death, as if God has abandoned you or left you to die. But God, in His power, raises the dead and displays His glory through your life.
With this confession, Paul concludes His unfailing trust in God that He will continue to deliver them and all God's people. That is what Biblical truth does - gives hope to go on as we daily die to self. Are you "under the sentence of death"? Maybe God is taking your eyes of you and placing them on His power and promises. That, believer, is a far better place to be.
Instead of asking why, Paul states a Biblical truth. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 3 quick comments.
1. Paul is satisfied with this answer. He did not need to know the details, he simply needed to know God was present. As you ask why in your circumstances, would you be satisfied with this answer?
2. Paul knows his heart - he can easily begin to rely on himself - and so can we in our circumstances. Our God is so amazing He knows when we are becoming to self reliant and we need to focus our lives and trust on Him. And so Paul's statement of Biblical truth is really and submissive prayer of thanksgiving for God's Fatherly care.
3. Paul confesses a powerful God. We do not rely on a weak and powerless God but a God who raises the dead. Paul felt the sentence of death (verse 9a) but guess what - God is able to raise the dead. You may feel the sentence of death, as if God has abandoned you or left you to die. But God, in His power, raises the dead and displays His glory through your life.
With this confession, Paul concludes His unfailing trust in God that He will continue to deliver them and all God's people. That is what Biblical truth does - gives hope to go on as we daily die to self. Are you "under the sentence of death"? Maybe God is taking your eyes of you and placing them on His power and promises. That, believer, is a far better place to be.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
How Shallow Can We Get? Let's See - Oscar Awards Is A Good Place To Start
I did not watch them but only saw clips of the Oscar awards. The first question that came to my mind was is this really how shallow we have become as a society? Really? We highlight people who have done what? Lived exemplary lives which lead the next generation to great acts of kindness, love and sacrifice? Done heroic acts like saving people's lives or fighting for a country? Gone through intense suffering only to come out the other end better?
No. No, we highlight people filled with silicone who know how to act. We celebrate people who drive in stretched limos, wear expensive jewellery and dress in the latest fashion - and we ask them every shallow question. Are their lives really that interesting? Really?
It caused me to think about some of the people I know - some who are the real "heroes" by God's grace. They are the ones struggling through a difficult marriage saying they are not going to give up - they are going to sacrifice for the sake of their spouse, their children and God. They are the ones who come alongside the hurting and those filled with tears, bringing a meal and a word of encouragement. They are the ones who serve God - when it hurts - in the trenches, seeking to be faithful.
I wonder what God's red carpet looks like? Who will be on it? I imagine it would be far different than the one in the shallow world we live in. How do we get out of the shallowness? How do we celebrate what is important and eternal? There is no easy answer but I think it begins with Christ and holding onto what is eternal. What will happen to the little "Oscar" statues? They will rust, they will gather dust and ultimately - believe it or not - be destroyed. Peter tells us of a treasure kept in heaven for us that does not perish, spoil, or fade - that is because of the resurrection of Jesus.
Living for Jesus is never shallow - not when you are called to die daily to self. That is life - real life that lasts.
No. No, we highlight people filled with silicone who know how to act. We celebrate people who drive in stretched limos, wear expensive jewellery and dress in the latest fashion - and we ask them every shallow question. Are their lives really that interesting? Really?
It caused me to think about some of the people I know - some who are the real "heroes" by God's grace. They are the ones struggling through a difficult marriage saying they are not going to give up - they are going to sacrifice for the sake of their spouse, their children and God. They are the ones who come alongside the hurting and those filled with tears, bringing a meal and a word of encouragement. They are the ones who serve God - when it hurts - in the trenches, seeking to be faithful.
I wonder what God's red carpet looks like? Who will be on it? I imagine it would be far different than the one in the shallow world we live in. How do we get out of the shallowness? How do we celebrate what is important and eternal? There is no easy answer but I think it begins with Christ and holding onto what is eternal. What will happen to the little "Oscar" statues? They will rust, they will gather dust and ultimately - believe it or not - be destroyed. Peter tells us of a treasure kept in heaven for us that does not perish, spoil, or fade - that is because of the resurrection of Jesus.
Living for Jesus is never shallow - not when you are called to die daily to self. That is life - real life that lasts.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
God Does Care
By the time we reach day 6 of creation, everything was made ready for God to put living creatures on the earth he has just created. Day one we saw that he earth was formless, void, deep waters and so God created the light and separated it from the darkness. Days two and three he then separated the waters and created the atmosphere, and then he separated the water on the earth. Day four God created vegetation, followed by the creation of the sun, moon, galaxies.
In all of this, we see that the earth was the focus of God’s creation. For example, Genesis 1.1 tells us God created the heavens and the earth and then in Genesis 1.2, God speaks about what is happening on the earth. Day six tells us of the creation of animals and then Adam - the pinnacle of creation.
The importance of this is not the exaltation of humans – God is exalted. But it does speak about God's unique relationship with man and one of the main messages from Genesis 1 is God's care and provision for his creatures.
This is what makes evolution so revolting. Not only do they deny God but they deny God's care. The very one who gives them food and clothing (and many other blessings) is the very one they deny. They do not live a life of thankfulness, bowing down in worship to the God who cares for them.
The great crime of evolution is not only the denial of God as Creator but is also the unthankful nature of humans to the One who supplies the very air they breath. God has given us so many blessings, all graciously given for our enjoyment, and we are raising a generation to deny God - but even more so - God's intimate care.
No wonder Satan works overtime with evolution. He ultimately sends out the message that there is no God who cares - what a lie! God in His goodness supplied all that men and women would need – he did not leave anything in creation that would leave man wanting and he created it for their enjoyment.
In all of this, we see that the earth was the focus of God’s creation. For example, Genesis 1.1 tells us God created the heavens and the earth and then in Genesis 1.2, God speaks about what is happening on the earth. Day six tells us of the creation of animals and then Adam - the pinnacle of creation.
The importance of this is not the exaltation of humans – God is exalted. But it does speak about God's unique relationship with man and one of the main messages from Genesis 1 is God's care and provision for his creatures.
This is what makes evolution so revolting. Not only do they deny God but they deny God's care. The very one who gives them food and clothing (and many other blessings) is the very one they deny. They do not live a life of thankfulness, bowing down in worship to the God who cares for them.
The great crime of evolution is not only the denial of God as Creator but is also the unthankful nature of humans to the One who supplies the very air they breath. God has given us so many blessings, all graciously given for our enjoyment, and we are raising a generation to deny God - but even more so - God's intimate care.
No wonder Satan works overtime with evolution. He ultimately sends out the message that there is no God who cares - what a lie! God in His goodness supplied all that men and women would need – he did not leave anything in creation that would leave man wanting and he created it for their enjoyment.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Let's ... Go To A Funeral ... It's Friday
I remember being at one funeral and during the reception after the service, a bunch of friends gathered in the church parking lot with the tailgate down, drinking. Inside the reception, a brochure was handed out detailing an upcoming gathering at the local pub in rembrance of the young man who passed away.
I was reading this morning Ecclesiastes 7.2-4: It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. We live in a generation who can not stand being in the house of mourning - they lived now - in the house of pleasure.
I recently attended another funeral which was not a house of mourning for the loss of a loved one but the house of celebration of a life lived. Now, that is true - but there were also many tears. Why can we not bring ourselves to think upon death today and enter the reality of sorrow?
And that is the point of the preacher in Ecclesiastes - death is common to all and it is good to be found in the house of mourning once and a while as it brings us back to reality - life lived in the presence of God.
How is a sad face good for the heart? Do you ever hear that from the world - or even the church? If you are sad something is wrong and you must get rid of it quickly and superficially. The preacher, however, tells us it is good for the heart. And it is precisely because we then come face to face with God - and that is a good place to be. In suffering, God brings his children into his tender and caring presence and ministers to them, giving them a longing for more of Him. He is a jealous God who loves us too much to allow us to love the world too much.
A house of mourning ... a sad face ... take it to heart and you will find a wise and all powerful God who draws us to Him.
I was reading this morning Ecclesiastes 7.2-4: It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. We live in a generation who can not stand being in the house of mourning - they lived now - in the house of pleasure.
I recently attended another funeral which was not a house of mourning for the loss of a loved one but the house of celebration of a life lived. Now, that is true - but there were also many tears. Why can we not bring ourselves to think upon death today and enter the reality of sorrow?
And that is the point of the preacher in Ecclesiastes - death is common to all and it is good to be found in the house of mourning once and a while as it brings us back to reality - life lived in the presence of God.
How is a sad face good for the heart? Do you ever hear that from the world - or even the church? If you are sad something is wrong and you must get rid of it quickly and superficially. The preacher, however, tells us it is good for the heart. And it is precisely because we then come face to face with God - and that is a good place to be. In suffering, God brings his children into his tender and caring presence and ministers to them, giving them a longing for more of Him. He is a jealous God who loves us too much to allow us to love the world too much.
A house of mourning ... a sad face ... take it to heart and you will find a wise and all powerful God who draws us to Him.
Friday, February 02, 2007
3 Warnings From Jesus
The Bible is extremely practical in how we may live out our faith. There are many warnings from the lips of Jesus as he walked on earth - here are three.
Matthew 16.6: Be careful, Jesus said to them, Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. There is false teaching that needs to be avoided otherwise, like yeast, it will penetrate the entire body. If we are to live faithful lives for Christ, if we are to be his faithful followers, we must be careful, be on our guard against false teachings.
Matthew 26.40-41: Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. Could you men not watch with me for one hour? he asked Peter. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak. Thank God that he knows our weaknesses, but that does not take away from watching and praying. I think there is a special warning here when our bodies are weak - tired, depressed, suffering in some way. We need to watch that we do not fall into temptation like Peter would later on and deny that he ever knew Jesus. Sin is a denial of our relationship with God and we need to guard against tempation.
Luke 12.15: Then he said to them: Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. How necessary to hear this warning from Jesus. We need to watch out and be on guard against taking the good things in creation and making them gods we worship. Yes, in our society we call them misplaced priorities but the Bible calls it greed - a sin.
This is a sampling to show that part of our walk will be to stand guard against sin - watch out, be careful, stand firm, be immovable - that is part of the calling of a believer.
Matthew 16.6: Be careful, Jesus said to them, Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. There is false teaching that needs to be avoided otherwise, like yeast, it will penetrate the entire body. If we are to live faithful lives for Christ, if we are to be his faithful followers, we must be careful, be on our guard against false teachings.
Matthew 26.40-41: Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. Could you men not watch with me for one hour? he asked Peter. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak. Thank God that he knows our weaknesses, but that does not take away from watching and praying. I think there is a special warning here when our bodies are weak - tired, depressed, suffering in some way. We need to watch that we do not fall into temptation like Peter would later on and deny that he ever knew Jesus. Sin is a denial of our relationship with God and we need to guard against tempation.
Luke 12.15: Then he said to them: Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. How necessary to hear this warning from Jesus. We need to watch out and be on guard against taking the good things in creation and making them gods we worship. Yes, in our society we call them misplaced priorities but the Bible calls it greed - a sin.
This is a sampling to show that part of our walk will be to stand guard against sin - watch out, be careful, stand firm, be immovable - that is part of the calling of a believer.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Final Prayer of the Bible Answered
What is the final prayer of the Bible? Well, we read in Revelation 22:20 Jesus has just said: Yes, I am coming soon. The final prayer of the Bible then prays for the final words of Jesus to be answered: Amen. Come Lord Jesus (22.20b). That is the last prayer we read of in Scripture: Come Lord Jesus.
Before we look at how the prayer is answered, notice something that is often lacking in prayers today. Today we say Amen (so be it, it is truth) at the end of our prayers but the people of God must also learn to say Amen at the beginning of their prayers. In other words, they must take the words and promises of God, agree with them, believe in them, and then pray them back to God. That is why Amen in verse 20 is at the beginning of the prayer. Our prayers would then go something like this: Amen. Give me strength to stand in the midst of difficulty - and may I love you and give you glory. We start with God's Word and then believe in faith God will be found faithful and gracious.
If verse 20 is the final prayer of God's people, what happens in verse 21? Verse 21 is God's answer to the prayer of His people. The book of Revelation has been about the challenges and opposition God's people will face, all the while having the picture of the throne of the Lamb in the background. God reigns and rules. So, the final prayer is for Jesus to come and take them to glory and God's answer is: the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
Absolutely amazing! What is God saying? My grace, my undeserved kindness will carry you all the days of your life and when I come, you will be with me. Why will you continue to serve God despite opposition? God's grace. Why will you not deny Jesus if you are truly saved? God's grace. Why will you love God more than the world? God's grace. Why will the beast of the sea and the earth and the dragon not have the final victory? God's grace. Why will God's Word and the gospel go throughout the nations? God's grace. Why will you banquet at the table of God? God's grace.
The final verse in the Bible is an answer to prayer. In this answer God reminds His people why they stand - all because of God's grace.
Before we look at how the prayer is answered, notice something that is often lacking in prayers today. Today we say Amen (so be it, it is truth) at the end of our prayers but the people of God must also learn to say Amen at the beginning of their prayers. In other words, they must take the words and promises of God, agree with them, believe in them, and then pray them back to God. That is why Amen in verse 20 is at the beginning of the prayer. Our prayers would then go something like this: Amen. Give me strength to stand in the midst of difficulty - and may I love you and give you glory. We start with God's Word and then believe in faith God will be found faithful and gracious.
If verse 20 is the final prayer of God's people, what happens in verse 21? Verse 21 is God's answer to the prayer of His people. The book of Revelation has been about the challenges and opposition God's people will face, all the while having the picture of the throne of the Lamb in the background. God reigns and rules. So, the final prayer is for Jesus to come and take them to glory and God's answer is: the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
Absolutely amazing! What is God saying? My grace, my undeserved kindness will carry you all the days of your life and when I come, you will be with me. Why will you continue to serve God despite opposition? God's grace. Why will you not deny Jesus if you are truly saved? God's grace. Why will you love God more than the world? God's grace. Why will the beast of the sea and the earth and the dragon not have the final victory? God's grace. Why will God's Word and the gospel go throughout the nations? God's grace. Why will you banquet at the table of God? God's grace.
The final verse in the Bible is an answer to prayer. In this answer God reminds His people why they stand - all because of God's grace.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Dry Eyes
Revelation 21.4: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Contrary to much of the teaching of North American churches, Jesus did not die to make us happy. Jesus died to glorify His Father through the salvation of God's chosen people. Jesus and the apostles are unmistakably clear that those who follow Jesus will suffer - their lives will be filled with tears.
That is why Revelation 21.4 is so instructive and encouraging to the believer. A believer's earthly life will be filled with tears - we ought to expect death and mourning and crying and pain - that is the inevitable result of the Fall. Our lives, especially Christians, will be filled with a unique pain as we watch rebellion all around us - and experience it within us.
If there are tears in your life, that is part of the life God has called you to live. He promises to sustain you, comfort and help you but not take away the tears. Not yet.
When we pass from this life the first act of God we read in the new heaven and earth will be He will wipe every tear from their eyes. It is comforting that God's knows our tears here on earth and when we enter glory, he stoops, wipes and ushers you into unimaginable glory and pleasure and delight - into the very dwelling of God.
In this life, we will find our eyes moist - as we suffer personally and as we weep with those who weep. But praise God one day all results of sin will be done away with and God will give us dry eyes for all eternity.
Contrary to much of the teaching of North American churches, Jesus did not die to make us happy. Jesus died to glorify His Father through the salvation of God's chosen people. Jesus and the apostles are unmistakably clear that those who follow Jesus will suffer - their lives will be filled with tears.
That is why Revelation 21.4 is so instructive and encouraging to the believer. A believer's earthly life will be filled with tears - we ought to expect death and mourning and crying and pain - that is the inevitable result of the Fall. Our lives, especially Christians, will be filled with a unique pain as we watch rebellion all around us - and experience it within us.
If there are tears in your life, that is part of the life God has called you to live. He promises to sustain you, comfort and help you but not take away the tears. Not yet.
When we pass from this life the first act of God we read in the new heaven and earth will be He will wipe every tear from their eyes. It is comforting that God's knows our tears here on earth and when we enter glory, he stoops, wipes and ushers you into unimaginable glory and pleasure and delight - into the very dwelling of God.
In this life, we will find our eyes moist - as we suffer personally and as we weep with those who weep. But praise God one day all results of sin will be done away with and God will give us dry eyes for all eternity.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Where To Begin Asking for Help?
Psalm 121:1-2: I lift my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Going through difficult times almost always causes us to look for answers - why is this taking place? And we think that once we have the answer, we will gain perspective and be able to live through our trial or difficulty.
Psalm 121 teaches us that before we look for answers, we need to ask a question. In other words, when you are suffering, begin with asking a question, not looking for an answer.
So what question should we ask? The psalmist is so simple and profound: where does my help come from? There it is - the question. How does that help?
First, when you ask that question, your eyes are lifted from your issues and troubles, which can be overwhelming. The psalmist lifted his eyes up to the hills - something bigger than his problems. God - the Maker of heaven and earth - is able to help. This puts our issues in proper perspective.
Second, the answer was found in an unexpected place: where instead of why. When we are grieving, we often begin with why - we want to know God's ways. The psalmist begins with where - he wants to know the person of God. That is a big difference. If you are to read through the Psalm, you will find his comfort in the person and promises of God: he who watches over you will not slumber or sleep, he will be your shade at your right hand, he will keep you from all harm.
We need to train our hearts and minds to ask the right questions when we are in need of help and we do so by asking where instead of why. And our hearts will find the Maker of heaven and earth, a person whose promises and strength we may find our rest.
Going through difficult times almost always causes us to look for answers - why is this taking place? And we think that once we have the answer, we will gain perspective and be able to live through our trial or difficulty.
Psalm 121 teaches us that before we look for answers, we need to ask a question. In other words, when you are suffering, begin with asking a question, not looking for an answer.
So what question should we ask? The psalmist is so simple and profound: where does my help come from? There it is - the question. How does that help?
First, when you ask that question, your eyes are lifted from your issues and troubles, which can be overwhelming. The psalmist lifted his eyes up to the hills - something bigger than his problems. God - the Maker of heaven and earth - is able to help. This puts our issues in proper perspective.
Second, the answer was found in an unexpected place: where instead of why. When we are grieving, we often begin with why - we want to know God's ways. The psalmist begins with where - he wants to know the person of God. That is a big difference. If you are to read through the Psalm, you will find his comfort in the person and promises of God: he who watches over you will not slumber or sleep, he will be your shade at your right hand, he will keep you from all harm.
We need to train our hearts and minds to ask the right questions when we are in need of help and we do so by asking where instead of why. And our hearts will find the Maker of heaven and earth, a person whose promises and strength we may find our rest.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Sin Slows Us Down
Psalm 1.1: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
Richard D. Phillips writes: Did you notice the definite progression contained in these words? First the person is walking, then standing, before finally taking his seat as he settles into the sinful life he has chosen for himself. This is the slippery slope of sin, a progression that leads to a settled godliness. (Walking With God, 4)
He will go on to say: Furthermore, there is a progression in the nature of sin's influence. First, there is the counsel. This is advice and persuasion, the way sin begins with our minds coming under the influence of the world. Next it is a way. The ideas have taken root in the mind and now bear fruit in behaviour and habits. Then, lastly, we have the seat of scoffers. Now the man is seated in depravity, his character has been warped and he is at rest and at home in this way of sin. (5)
It is no wonder we read elsewhere in Scripture Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage (1 Corinthians 16.13). It takes courage to live for Jesus and avoid the path of sinners - courage when lived by faith - brings blessing: But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on hi law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1.2-3)
Richard D. Phillips writes: Did you notice the definite progression contained in these words? First the person is walking, then standing, before finally taking his seat as he settles into the sinful life he has chosen for himself. This is the slippery slope of sin, a progression that leads to a settled godliness. (Walking With God, 4)
He will go on to say: Furthermore, there is a progression in the nature of sin's influence. First, there is the counsel. This is advice and persuasion, the way sin begins with our minds coming under the influence of the world. Next it is a way. The ideas have taken root in the mind and now bear fruit in behaviour and habits. Then, lastly, we have the seat of scoffers. Now the man is seated in depravity, his character has been warped and he is at rest and at home in this way of sin. (5)
It is no wonder we read elsewhere in Scripture Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage (1 Corinthians 16.13). It takes courage to live for Jesus and avoid the path of sinners - courage when lived by faith - brings blessing: But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on hi law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1.2-3)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Learning to Pray Big
In 2 Thessalonians 3.1-3 we have a request from Paul for the church to pray for him.
Finally brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. (1) Paul's first request: may God be glorified. Pray that the grace you have experienced may be experienced by others as the Lord's message spreads. Paul did not pray for safety or a good time - he prayed for God's glory to shine in darkness.
And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. (2) The reason for his prayer is the rebellion against God - there are wicked and evil men without faith. Pray that they may be delivered - kept safe to proclaim the Lord's message.
(This is great!) But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (3) The problem with prayer today (and even my prayers) is that we focus so much time on the problem and forget the promise. Paul makes one statement: pray for us because ... and then - But - this is who God is (faithful) and this is what he will do (strengthen and protect you). Prayer is incomplete if all we do is ask - we must see who God is as well.
We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance (4-5) Amazing how quickly Paul says - pray for me - and then his prayer ends by praying for others. That is the way prayer works - the more we see God and the greater and more amazing and powerful he is - the bigger our prayers will be. It is like Paul saying - You pray for me and here is God and if this is God he will not only take care of me but he will take care of you.
Do you find it difficult to pray for others? Are your prayers always about your needs and your ministry? It is because your God is too small and you are not looking to His promises. When God is BIG and we are praying for His glory to explode, our prayers will turn outward and filled with confidence.
Finally brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. (1) Paul's first request: may God be glorified. Pray that the grace you have experienced may be experienced by others as the Lord's message spreads. Paul did not pray for safety or a good time - he prayed for God's glory to shine in darkness.
And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. (2) The reason for his prayer is the rebellion against God - there are wicked and evil men without faith. Pray that they may be delivered - kept safe to proclaim the Lord's message.
(This is great!) But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (3) The problem with prayer today (and even my prayers) is that we focus so much time on the problem and forget the promise. Paul makes one statement: pray for us because ... and then - But - this is who God is (faithful) and this is what he will do (strengthen and protect you). Prayer is incomplete if all we do is ask - we must see who God is as well.
We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance (4-5) Amazing how quickly Paul says - pray for me - and then his prayer ends by praying for others. That is the way prayer works - the more we see God and the greater and more amazing and powerful he is - the bigger our prayers will be. It is like Paul saying - You pray for me and here is God and if this is God he will not only take care of me but he will take care of you.
Do you find it difficult to pray for others? Are your prayers always about your needs and your ministry? It is because your God is too small and you are not looking to His promises. When God is BIG and we are praying for His glory to explode, our prayers will turn outward and filled with confidence.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Love the Truth
2 Thessalonians 2.10: They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
What is interesting as Paul talks about those who are perishing is that he writes: they perish because they refused to love the truth He did not write: they perish because they refused to know the truth.
A chasm separates those who know the truth and those who love the truth. To know is not to love the truth. What sustains believers as they are presented by every sort of evil (2.10)? They will love the truth.
This must be the prayer of our hearts: Lord, do not just fill my brain with Bible knowledge but give me a great love for the truth so I will stand alone for you.
When you go to church this Sunday, may I humbly suggest that you pray before your pastor preaches - God, give me a love for the truth so that I may stand firm and bring you glory.
What is interesting as Paul talks about those who are perishing is that he writes: they perish because they refused to love the truth He did not write: they perish because they refused to know the truth.
A chasm separates those who know the truth and those who love the truth. To know is not to love the truth. What sustains believers as they are presented by every sort of evil (2.10)? They will love the truth.
This must be the prayer of our hearts: Lord, do not just fill my brain with Bible knowledge but give me a great love for the truth so I will stand alone for you.
When you go to church this Sunday, may I humbly suggest that you pray before your pastor preaches - God, give me a love for the truth so that I may stand firm and bring you glory.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
A True "Coming Out"
Revelation 18:4-5: Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.
The apostle John is warning believers to come out of the world so they will not fall under God's wrath. The question is how? What practical steps can we take to come out of the world - while still living in the world? 2 Peter 3:11 asks the same question: Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? Peter teaches us four practical steps so that we may come out and not share in the world's sins.
1. You ought to live holy and godly lives (3.11): the general direction of your life is to be set apart and patterned after Jesus Christ.
2. Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him (3.14): our life direction and passion, our efforts will be towards godliness and peace - not with the world - but with God. We will seek to be God pleasers not man pleasers.
3. Be on your guard (3.17): fundamentally, we need to know we are in a battle. John Owens writes: If sin be subtle, watchful, strong, and always at work in the business of killing our souls, and we be slothful, negligent, foolish, in proceeding to the ruin thereof, can we expect a comfortable event? There is not a day but sin foils or is foiled, prevails or is prevailed on; and it will be so whilst we live in this world. (Vol 6, p. 11) A good lesson - most battles of coming out are lost because we do not even know we are in a battle. Peter's words are wise: be on your guard - be able to recognize the enemy and then know the power of the Lord - He is gracious.
4. Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: pick up God's Word and grow in holiness, godliness, peace, and grace. Knowledge apart from grace is harsh; grace apart from knowledge is foolishness; but knowledge and grace together is growth so we may be strong enough by God's Spirit to come out and stand for God in a world against Him.
The apostle John is warning believers to come out of the world so they will not fall under God's wrath. The question is how? What practical steps can we take to come out of the world - while still living in the world? 2 Peter 3:11 asks the same question: Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? Peter teaches us four practical steps so that we may come out and not share in the world's sins.
1. You ought to live holy and godly lives (3.11): the general direction of your life is to be set apart and patterned after Jesus Christ.
2. Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him (3.14): our life direction and passion, our efforts will be towards godliness and peace - not with the world - but with God. We will seek to be God pleasers not man pleasers.
3. Be on your guard (3.17): fundamentally, we need to know we are in a battle. John Owens writes: If sin be subtle, watchful, strong, and always at work in the business of killing our souls, and we be slothful, negligent, foolish, in proceeding to the ruin thereof, can we expect a comfortable event? There is not a day but sin foils or is foiled, prevails or is prevailed on; and it will be so whilst we live in this world. (Vol 6, p. 11) A good lesson - most battles of coming out are lost because we do not even know we are in a battle. Peter's words are wise: be on your guard - be able to recognize the enemy and then know the power of the Lord - He is gracious.
4. Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: pick up God's Word and grow in holiness, godliness, peace, and grace. Knowledge apart from grace is harsh; grace apart from knowledge is foolishness; but knowledge and grace together is growth so we may be strong enough by God's Spirit to come out and stand for God in a world against Him.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Be Quiet and the Fire Will Go Down
Proverbs 26:20: Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.
If I do not add wood to my fire then I will have no fire and on the other hand, if I want fire, I add wood. Simple lesson.
Simple, however, when applied to wood. The Word of God teaches us the damage of gossip - of slandering or killing another person's character with your words. If you want a quarrel to continue, continue to talk ill about the person - more wood - more fire. If you want a quarrel to end, be quiet. Stop talking. Or say something positive and upbuilding about the person.
How many quarrels would die in a marriage or between parents and children, in church or in workplaces if someone stood up and shut up. And the quarrel would die - it would shrivel up.
C.H. Spurgeon writes in John Ploughman's Talks: An open mouth shows an empty head. If the chest had gold or silver in it, it would not always stand wide open. Talking comes by nature, but it needs a good deal of training to learn to be quiet; yet regard for truth should put a bit into every honest man's mouth and a bridle upon every good woman's tongue. (48-49)
Wise words. Stop placing wood on the fire and the quarrel dies out.
If I do not add wood to my fire then I will have no fire and on the other hand, if I want fire, I add wood. Simple lesson.
Simple, however, when applied to wood. The Word of God teaches us the damage of gossip - of slandering or killing another person's character with your words. If you want a quarrel to continue, continue to talk ill about the person - more wood - more fire. If you want a quarrel to end, be quiet. Stop talking. Or say something positive and upbuilding about the person.
How many quarrels would die in a marriage or between parents and children, in church or in workplaces if someone stood up and shut up. And the quarrel would die - it would shrivel up.
C.H. Spurgeon writes in John Ploughman's Talks: An open mouth shows an empty head. If the chest had gold or silver in it, it would not always stand wide open. Talking comes by nature, but it needs a good deal of training to learn to be quiet; yet regard for truth should put a bit into every honest man's mouth and a bridle upon every good woman's tongue. (48-49)
Wise words. Stop placing wood on the fire and the quarrel dies out.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me - Mark 10.47
Jesus was coming out of Jericho, surrounded by a massive crowd, and he was on his way to Jerusalem. Along the way, in the dust and the busyness of the moment, a lone voice rises: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. SSSHHHH - quiet - he doesn't have time - he won't hear you - there is no reason for him to hear you or stop - don't you know who this is - Jesus - be quiet for the last time.
But the lone voice cries out: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
I love the next series of actions by Jesus: Jesus stops - he calls the man to him - he asks the man what he can do - he listens - and he heals the man of his blindness.
Simple words the world does not understand - they need mercy - I need mercy. And here is the amazing good news of the Bible - Jesus stops and listens to the cry.
Sometimes all we can cry for is mercy in the mess of life. What does Jesus do? He stops - listens - and acts.
Jesus was coming out of Jericho, surrounded by a massive crowd, and he was on his way to Jerusalem. Along the way, in the dust and the busyness of the moment, a lone voice rises: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. SSSHHHH - quiet - he doesn't have time - he won't hear you - there is no reason for him to hear you or stop - don't you know who this is - Jesus - be quiet for the last time.
But the lone voice cries out: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
I love the next series of actions by Jesus: Jesus stops - he calls the man to him - he asks the man what he can do - he listens - and he heals the man of his blindness.
Simple words the world does not understand - they need mercy - I need mercy. And here is the amazing good news of the Bible - Jesus stops and listens to the cry.
Sometimes all we can cry for is mercy in the mess of life. What does Jesus do? He stops - listens - and acts.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Finding Life In the Ministry
1 Thessalonians 3.8: For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
A sufferer is writing to those who are suffering - Paul to the people in Thessalonica. People who are suffering (Paul in this instance for his love for the Lord Jesus) can find it hard to find hope and life. That is why Paul's statement is so interesting as to where he finds "life" as a "pastor"- the people of God - despite the suffering, opposition and persecution they continue to stand firm in the Lord. They have not wavered, they have not denied the faith, they have not gone the easy route - they are standing firm, looking to the Lord for their strength.
Pastor's today are told to find their "life" in all sorts of areas - successful churches, powerful sermons, influential character and many other things. But that can easily become discouraging because churches are not always "successful", sermons at times barely squeak out, and our character is ignored or has so many flaws left, we seriously doubt any influence at all.
That is why I love Paul's words and they become my prayer: God - may I find life in the people you have given me - may I find life when they are standing firm. May that be my purpose, my joy, my passion and my life.
The beauty is it takes our eyes off our ministry and success or lack of success and places them on true life - God's glory as it shines in the light of the people. What is Paul saying when he says they are standing firm? He is saying they love God more than the world; they love the glory of God more than the goodness of the world.
And that is life - life for a pastor - purpose for a pastor - and the prayer of the pastor - May my people love you more and more so they stand firm in the the Lord against all the opposition and suffering. May you grant them a love for God that is above all else in this world.
A sufferer is writing to those who are suffering - Paul to the people in Thessalonica. People who are suffering (Paul in this instance for his love for the Lord Jesus) can find it hard to find hope and life. That is why Paul's statement is so interesting as to where he finds "life" as a "pastor"- the people of God - despite the suffering, opposition and persecution they continue to stand firm in the Lord. They have not wavered, they have not denied the faith, they have not gone the easy route - they are standing firm, looking to the Lord for their strength.
Pastor's today are told to find their "life" in all sorts of areas - successful churches, powerful sermons, influential character and many other things. But that can easily become discouraging because churches are not always "successful", sermons at times barely squeak out, and our character is ignored or has so many flaws left, we seriously doubt any influence at all.
That is why I love Paul's words and they become my prayer: God - may I find life in the people you have given me - may I find life when they are standing firm. May that be my purpose, my joy, my passion and my life.
The beauty is it takes our eyes off our ministry and success or lack of success and places them on true life - God's glory as it shines in the light of the people. What is Paul saying when he says they are standing firm? He is saying they love God more than the world; they love the glory of God more than the goodness of the world.
And that is life - life for a pastor - purpose for a pastor - and the prayer of the pastor - May my people love you more and more so they stand firm in the the Lord against all the opposition and suffering. May you grant them a love for God that is above all else in this world.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A "Vanishing Moment"
1 Peter 1.24-25: All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.
I am not old enough to have "senior" moments - although I seem to get them way too often. This past week, I believe I had what I will term a "vanishing moment" - which can happen at any age. We attended two funerals, one of a 7 year old girl who died in a car accident and the other of an 80 year old man whose body just gave out. Within the past two weeks, we celebrated the birthdays of two of my children - both a year older (I know that was an obvious statement - but I said it for m y benefit!!). And added in the mix, we remembered God's goodness to our church as we celebrated 15 years.
The moment hit - not like being hit by a train - but like a slow moving train passing by you as you wait for it to pass. The moment just dawns on you - vanishing. Years going by, lives taken, children growing. Vanishing - I am slowly vanishing.
And that is where 1 Peter is so important - God's word does not vanish and it would be utter foolishness to live apart from or let go of God's Word.
So this "vanishing" moment was a good reminder - my life is passing - the train is in many ways going way too fast. How am I living? Are my priorities straight? Am I carrying grudges or are there unnecessary divisions? Am I making the most of what God has given me for His kingdom?
Sadly, vanishing moments often turn into senior moments - I forget to live my life in the face of eternity. That is why, despite the joy and tears, this vanishing moment was a good time - a time to remember who I am, where I am going and how I am to get there.
I am not old enough to have "senior" moments - although I seem to get them way too often. This past week, I believe I had what I will term a "vanishing moment" - which can happen at any age. We attended two funerals, one of a 7 year old girl who died in a car accident and the other of an 80 year old man whose body just gave out. Within the past two weeks, we celebrated the birthdays of two of my children - both a year older (I know that was an obvious statement - but I said it for m y benefit!!). And added in the mix, we remembered God's goodness to our church as we celebrated 15 years.
The moment hit - not like being hit by a train - but like a slow moving train passing by you as you wait for it to pass. The moment just dawns on you - vanishing. Years going by, lives taken, children growing. Vanishing - I am slowly vanishing.
And that is where 1 Peter is so important - God's word does not vanish and it would be utter foolishness to live apart from or let go of God's Word.
So this "vanishing" moment was a good reminder - my life is passing - the train is in many ways going way too fast. How am I living? Are my priorities straight? Am I carrying grudges or are there unnecessary divisions? Am I making the most of what God has given me for His kingdom?
Sadly, vanishing moments often turn into senior moments - I forget to live my life in the face of eternity. That is why, despite the joy and tears, this vanishing moment was a good time - a time to remember who I am, where I am going and how I am to get there.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Thankful for a Menu
Yesterday I heard someone speak about God's work in China. During the break I talked with him and he told me that we would not believe the poverty in certain places. One story he relayed was of a family that owned one pair of pants - whoever needed to go out that day would wear them.
This morning for breakfast I had oatmeal, eggs and orange juice. After I showered, I chose a pair of pants, leaving the few others in the drawer - I also put on a sweater for the damp cold. I see my wife looking at cookbooks, planning a variety of tasty meals. When I go to a restaurant, I look at a menu - a variety of choices.
I am thankful for cookbooks and menus - a variety of choices to enjoy God's blessings. It also causes me to stop grumbling and remember - remember God's abundant goodness for all his blessings.
This morning for breakfast I had oatmeal, eggs and orange juice. After I showered, I chose a pair of pants, leaving the few others in the drawer - I also put on a sweater for the damp cold. I see my wife looking at cookbooks, planning a variety of tasty meals. When I go to a restaurant, I look at a menu - a variety of choices.
I am thankful for cookbooks and menus - a variety of choices to enjoy God's blessings. It also causes me to stop grumbling and remember - remember God's abundant goodness for all his blessings.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
When God Is Silent
We also respect God's silences as well as his sayings. We can trust him. The Bible does not say all we would like it to say. But it does say all that God wants to say and all that we need to know. (Letters To A Student, Drew, 60)
Psalm 46.10: Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46 is a tumultuous time in the life of the Psalmist - mountains falling, waves roaring and nations in an uproar. But in the midst of tumult and chaos, God calls for quiet, stillness. Quietness is achieved not by looking for answers but by looking to God. Know this one thing: God is God. Period. Double period.
We are called to simply know who God is - that He will exalt His name and we must simply trust. Quietly trust God's moving among the nations, in the midst of turmoil and emptiness.
Be still and know - not the intimate details of God's hidden will - but the revealed character of God. He alone brings peace and stillness as God's people are surrounded by troubles and disappointments.
Psalm 46.10: Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46 is a tumultuous time in the life of the Psalmist - mountains falling, waves roaring and nations in an uproar. But in the midst of tumult and chaos, God calls for quiet, stillness. Quietness is achieved not by looking for answers but by looking to God. Know this one thing: God is God. Period. Double period.
We are called to simply know who God is - that He will exalt His name and we must simply trust. Quietly trust God's moving among the nations, in the midst of turmoil and emptiness.
Be still and know - not the intimate details of God's hidden will - but the revealed character of God. He alone brings peace and stillness as God's people are surrounded by troubles and disappointments.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Forgive and Forget?
There are times when we forgive and forget - I do not mean forget that someone offended you but you forget to love them after you have forgiven them.
Biblical forgiveness is never just "not holding that sin against the person" and then not having anything to do with them any more or holding a grudge against them - just to show them that while you have forgiven them, you have not forgotten and you will bring a little retribution of your own.
We look at two passages - the first one describes God's forgiveness and the second of the forgiveness that is demanded of by the believer.
Psalm 103.1-5: Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Colossians 3.12-14: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Psalm 103 describes God's forgiveness as not only "not holding our sins against us" but granting us benefits: healing diseases, redeeming, crowning you with love and compassion and satisfying your life with good things. Colossians 3 tells us that God's people are to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient, putting on love - even to those who they must forgive.
What does Scripture teach us? Forgive and DO NOT FORGET - that is do not forget to satisfy the one who has offended you with good things, being kind and gentle and patient - above all loving them. This may take time but that is how radical Christian forgiveness is as we experience it from Jesus and read of it in His Word.
Biblical forgiveness is never just "not holding that sin against the person" and then not having anything to do with them any more or holding a grudge against them - just to show them that while you have forgiven them, you have not forgotten and you will bring a little retribution of your own.
We look at two passages - the first one describes God's forgiveness and the second of the forgiveness that is demanded of by the believer.
Psalm 103.1-5: Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Colossians 3.12-14: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Psalm 103 describes God's forgiveness as not only "not holding our sins against us" but granting us benefits: healing diseases, redeeming, crowning you with love and compassion and satisfying your life with good things. Colossians 3 tells us that God's people are to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient, putting on love - even to those who they must forgive.
What does Scripture teach us? Forgive and DO NOT FORGET - that is do not forget to satisfy the one who has offended you with good things, being kind and gentle and patient - above all loving them. This may take time but that is how radical Christian forgiveness is as we experience it from Jesus and read of it in His Word.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
An Essential Part of the Gospel
Revelation 14.6: Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth - to every nation, tribe, language and people.
Revelation 12-14 make up one vision which begins with the war of the dragon on the child Jesus and then the church and ends with the "new song" of victory that the people of God will sing in glory. After a description of the war which Satan will wage on the earth, especially against the church (Revelation 13) and a word of encouragement for the people of God (Revelation 14.1-5), John now sees an angel who would proclaim the eternal gospel.
We may ask - how did the proclamation of the gospel sound? What was said? Verse 7 the first angel said: Fear God and give him glory ... worship him. In verse 8 the second angel tells of the fallen Babylon - the kingdom described in Revelation 12-13, Satan's kingdom, will fall.
Most striking is verses 9-11 which speak of a warning of the coming judgment for those who have the mark of the beast. We read the angel talking about unbelievers: He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.
3 points:
1. Part of the proclamation of the gospel is understanding the wrath that sinners are under and will experience if they do not fear God, give him glory and worship him through Jesus Christ alone. The gospel is incomplete without the mention of sin and wrath. While God is love, He is also angry and will punish willful sin and rebellion.
2. God's anger and wrath must be seen in the context of the wrath and anger of Satan and sinners alike against God. Revelation 12-13 make this clear. God does not judge a neutral people - they have the mark of the beast and seek to willingly follow Satan - and not worship the rightful Creator and King. God is angry and will punish a people who seek to rebel and hate God. God is righteous and just.
3. In saying all this, verses 6-11 are a warning to those who are still alive. In other words, Jesus gives opportunity to repent. We must, with compassion, humility, and love call sinners to repentance. How awful eternal hell is for the unbeliever. Our hearts need to be softened once again to the plight of the unbeliever and his/her rebellion towards God and when softened, we will seek to proclaim and warn and plead the whole gospel - Christ is the only answer.
Revelation 12-14 make up one vision which begins with the war of the dragon on the child Jesus and then the church and ends with the "new song" of victory that the people of God will sing in glory. After a description of the war which Satan will wage on the earth, especially against the church (Revelation 13) and a word of encouragement for the people of God (Revelation 14.1-5), John now sees an angel who would proclaim the eternal gospel.
We may ask - how did the proclamation of the gospel sound? What was said? Verse 7 the first angel said: Fear God and give him glory ... worship him. In verse 8 the second angel tells of the fallen Babylon - the kingdom described in Revelation 12-13, Satan's kingdom, will fall.
Most striking is verses 9-11 which speak of a warning of the coming judgment for those who have the mark of the beast. We read the angel talking about unbelievers: He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.
3 points:
1. Part of the proclamation of the gospel is understanding the wrath that sinners are under and will experience if they do not fear God, give him glory and worship him through Jesus Christ alone. The gospel is incomplete without the mention of sin and wrath. While God is love, He is also angry and will punish willful sin and rebellion.
2. God's anger and wrath must be seen in the context of the wrath and anger of Satan and sinners alike against God. Revelation 12-13 make this clear. God does not judge a neutral people - they have the mark of the beast and seek to willingly follow Satan - and not worship the rightful Creator and King. God is angry and will punish a people who seek to rebel and hate God. God is righteous and just.
3. In saying all this, verses 6-11 are a warning to those who are still alive. In other words, Jesus gives opportunity to repent. We must, with compassion, humility, and love call sinners to repentance. How awful eternal hell is for the unbeliever. Our hearts need to be softened once again to the plight of the unbeliever and his/her rebellion towards God and when softened, we will seek to proclaim and warn and plead the whole gospel - Christ is the only answer.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Is Remarriage Biblical?
Remarriage can be a controversial subject in the church with views ranging from no remarriage while the former spouse lives to remarriage not being an issue at all. This past Sunday, we looked at Mark 10 and 1 Corinthians 7 and talked about remarriage. Here is where I stand.
1 Corinthians 7.8-40 is divided up into 4 groups: unmarried and widows, Christian marriages, missed marriages (a Christian to a non Christian) and virgins. This becomes very important to understanding the text.
Unmarried and widows: Paul teaches us that it is better not to marry (this will be explained in more detail in verses 25-40) but if they are unable to control themselves, they ought to marry. The question is who are the unmarried Paul is referring to in these verses? I hold while they may include virgins (never married), it must also include those who have once before been married. Paul deals specifically with virgins later in verses 25-40. So, the other category of unmarried would have to include those who were previously married. Those virgins, previously married and widows have allowance of remarriage. As well, unmarried is a broad term that would include those previously married.
Christian marriages (verses 10-11): Paul says if two Christians are married, they must remain married. If trouble enters the marriage and one wants a divorce, there are two options: reconciliation or separation with no possibility of remarriage. In other words, if two Christians are married - you have all the tools you need in Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit to work out your marriage and reconcile. If you cannot reconcile, you cannot remarry. Therefore, the Christian is not able to say This marriage is not working out - I will go and marry that person. Marriage is for life with no possibility of remarriage if separated as long as the other former spouse lives.
Mixed marriages (a believer who is married to an unbeliever (presumably saved after marriage took place and the spouse remains unsaved) (verses 12-16): Paul tells the believer that if the unbeliever wants to remain married, do not divorce - stay in the marriage. That, I believe, is the essential meaning of the difficult verse 14 - do not leave your spouse because your relationship and your children are holy - they are set apart by God.
However, if your spouse leaves, do not stop him. Notice in these verses, Paul says that they are no longer bound and Paul nowhere gives the command that they are not allowed to remarry. The command not to remarry is made to two believers, not a believer who is married to an unbeliever who will leave. The Christian in this relationship, no longer bound to the unbeliever, is then free to remarry (verses 8-9).
Virgins (verses 25-40): what does Paul say to virgins? He says many things but two that I want to point out: 1. Paul says that a Christian virgin must marry another Christian (verse 39) and 2. when they get married, they are bound as long as he lives. In other words, we fall under the same category as 2 Christians getting married - there is no room for remarriage - they are bound for as long as they live. And if they do marry another, they commit adultery (see Jesus' words in Mark 10). So, the command not to remarry in the context of 1 Corinthians 7 falls under the specific headings of Christian marriages and two Christians virgins who will marry. It is here Paul speaks of the two commanded not to remarry.
(Incidentally, Paul's words not I but the Lord (verse 10) and I, not the Lord (verse 12) become important. Paul is not saying that his words are less important. He is saying that the Lord dealt with 2 Christians being married when he walked on the earth (the commit adultery if they remarry another) but he did not deal specifically with a Christian who is married to a non Christian.)
So, as a pastor, would I remarry a couple? I would not remarry a man(or woman) who is a Christian and has divorced his Christian wife. He must reconcile with his wife or remain unmarried. I would remarry a Christian who was married to a non Christian and the non Christian left her. If she found another Christian man, she is free to remarry as she is no longer bound to her non Christian husband. And when I do premarital counseling, I would emphasize to the two being married - they must both be Christian and when they do get married, they are bound for life.
Understanding that these are broad categories, we will need Biblical wisdom and love to deal with the specifics of relationships.
1 Corinthians 7.8-40 is divided up into 4 groups: unmarried and widows, Christian marriages, missed marriages (a Christian to a non Christian) and virgins. This becomes very important to understanding the text.
Unmarried and widows: Paul teaches us that it is better not to marry (this will be explained in more detail in verses 25-40) but if they are unable to control themselves, they ought to marry. The question is who are the unmarried Paul is referring to in these verses? I hold while they may include virgins (never married), it must also include those who have once before been married. Paul deals specifically with virgins later in verses 25-40. So, the other category of unmarried would have to include those who were previously married. Those virgins, previously married and widows have allowance of remarriage. As well, unmarried is a broad term that would include those previously married.
Christian marriages (verses 10-11): Paul says if two Christians are married, they must remain married. If trouble enters the marriage and one wants a divorce, there are two options: reconciliation or separation with no possibility of remarriage. In other words, if two Christians are married - you have all the tools you need in Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit to work out your marriage and reconcile. If you cannot reconcile, you cannot remarry. Therefore, the Christian is not able to say This marriage is not working out - I will go and marry that person. Marriage is for life with no possibility of remarriage if separated as long as the other former spouse lives.
Mixed marriages (a believer who is married to an unbeliever (presumably saved after marriage took place and the spouse remains unsaved) (verses 12-16): Paul tells the believer that if the unbeliever wants to remain married, do not divorce - stay in the marriage. That, I believe, is the essential meaning of the difficult verse 14 - do not leave your spouse because your relationship and your children are holy - they are set apart by God.
However, if your spouse leaves, do not stop him. Notice in these verses, Paul says that they are no longer bound and Paul nowhere gives the command that they are not allowed to remarry. The command not to remarry is made to two believers, not a believer who is married to an unbeliever who will leave. The Christian in this relationship, no longer bound to the unbeliever, is then free to remarry (verses 8-9).
Virgins (verses 25-40): what does Paul say to virgins? He says many things but two that I want to point out: 1. Paul says that a Christian virgin must marry another Christian (verse 39) and 2. when they get married, they are bound as long as he lives. In other words, we fall under the same category as 2 Christians getting married - there is no room for remarriage - they are bound for as long as they live. And if they do marry another, they commit adultery (see Jesus' words in Mark 10). So, the command not to remarry in the context of 1 Corinthians 7 falls under the specific headings of Christian marriages and two Christians virgins who will marry. It is here Paul speaks of the two commanded not to remarry.
(Incidentally, Paul's words not I but the Lord (verse 10) and I, not the Lord (verse 12) become important. Paul is not saying that his words are less important. He is saying that the Lord dealt with 2 Christians being married when he walked on the earth (the commit adultery if they remarry another) but he did not deal specifically with a Christian who is married to a non Christian.)
So, as a pastor, would I remarry a couple? I would not remarry a man(or woman) who is a Christian and has divorced his Christian wife. He must reconcile with his wife or remain unmarried. I would remarry a Christian who was married to a non Christian and the non Christian left her. If she found another Christian man, she is free to remarry as she is no longer bound to her non Christian husband. And when I do premarital counseling, I would emphasize to the two being married - they must both be Christian and when they do get married, they are bound for life.
Understanding that these are broad categories, we will need Biblical wisdom and love to deal with the specifics of relationships.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Caring For Others
Philippians 4.19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
This is a well known verse and is usually used when we run into personal difficulties. We take this promise and say - Thank you God that you will take care of my car bill, or my tuition or my health - thank you. And we should thank God that he will meet (or fill up) all our needs. We should thank God that it is according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus - in other words, we will be well supplied when in need because our God is a rich and gracious God.
But I think there is something more to this verse. The context tells of God supplying our needs especially when we are seeking to help others in their troubles. It is a verse which encourages us to look beyond ourselves and see that our God is so rich, he will give us what we need to minister to God's people in trouble.
In the context, we read Philippians 4.14-15: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ...
In other words, when does God promise to supply our needs? In our selfish nature, we turn that promise into God looking after us as we seek to look after ourselves. And while God will do this, God's Word is even deeper and more penetrating - God will supply our needs when we are looking at other's needs so we can help them when they are in trouble.
Am I able to say: it is good to share in the troubles of others - the cost - financial, emotional, spiritual, physical? Where will I get the strength, the wisdom, the words, the resources - where will I get what I need to help those in trouble? God's promise: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
God will supply your needs - as you seek to help those in trouble.
This is a well known verse and is usually used when we run into personal difficulties. We take this promise and say - Thank you God that you will take care of my car bill, or my tuition or my health - thank you. And we should thank God that he will meet (or fill up) all our needs. We should thank God that it is according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus - in other words, we will be well supplied when in need because our God is a rich and gracious God.
But I think there is something more to this verse. The context tells of God supplying our needs especially when we are seeking to help others in their troubles. It is a verse which encourages us to look beyond ourselves and see that our God is so rich, he will give us what we need to minister to God's people in trouble.
In the context, we read Philippians 4.14-15: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ...
In other words, when does God promise to supply our needs? In our selfish nature, we turn that promise into God looking after us as we seek to look after ourselves. And while God will do this, God's Word is even deeper and more penetrating - God will supply our needs when we are looking at other's needs so we can help them when they are in trouble.
Am I able to say: it is good to share in the troubles of others - the cost - financial, emotional, spiritual, physical? Where will I get the strength, the wisdom, the words, the resources - where will I get what I need to help those in trouble? God's promise: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
God will supply your needs - as you seek to help those in trouble.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Philippians 3.18-19: For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
In the last posting, we saw Paul was going to send Timothy to the Philippians church because Timothy did not look to his own interest. While Paul loved and cared for the church, that did not stop him from "weeping" for the church's enemies.
As Paul surveys the world - their destiny, their gods, and their shame - he falls before God and weeps at their ruin, their short sightedness, and their hardness of heart.
And so Paul weeps.
He also weeps publicly before the church calling her to not envy or hate but weep. Weep because one day they will stand before the Almighty and see that their gods are silent and their shame is screaming out before a holy and just God.
How do we evangelize? How about putting down books on methods and techniques and how to say the right things exactly and getting down on our knees, asking God to break our hearts so we begin to weep for the lost. How about praying that God would fill us with such joy about his second coming (Philippians 3.20-21) that the gods of this age will slowly fade from our hearts.
In the last posting, we saw Paul was going to send Timothy to the Philippians church because Timothy did not look to his own interest. While Paul loved and cared for the church, that did not stop him from "weeping" for the church's enemies.
As Paul surveys the world - their destiny, their gods, and their shame - he falls before God and weeps at their ruin, their short sightedness, and their hardness of heart.
And so Paul weeps.
He also weeps publicly before the church calling her to not envy or hate but weep. Weep because one day they will stand before the Almighty and see that their gods are silent and their shame is screaming out before a holy and just God.
How do we evangelize? How about putting down books on methods and techniques and how to say the right things exactly and getting down on our knees, asking God to break our hearts so we begin to weep for the lost. How about praying that God would fill us with such joy about his second coming (Philippians 3.20-21) that the gods of this age will slowly fade from our hearts.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Looking Another Way
Philippians 2.20-21: I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Paul is writing about Timothy's love for the people of God. Two aspects of this verse are interesting. First, Timothy gave up his own interests and genuinely loved the people of God. The temptation is to look after ourselves - make sure we are provided for, cared for and loved. Look at me - my life and my issues. Timothy took a genuine interest in the Philippian's well-being.
Second, the interests of Jesus Christ is the welfare of His people. What a thought that Jesus cares for His people intimately. Today, if you are His child, Jesus is caring for you and he may be providing a Timothy in your life. If He is, thank Him and then thank your "Timothy".
This all leads to praise to God for His loving care and to a challenge - how will we spend our lives? Will it be as a Timothy - or will we look after our own needs?
Paul is writing about Timothy's love for the people of God. Two aspects of this verse are interesting. First, Timothy gave up his own interests and genuinely loved the people of God. The temptation is to look after ourselves - make sure we are provided for, cared for and loved. Look at me - my life and my issues. Timothy took a genuine interest in the Philippian's well-being.
Second, the interests of Jesus Christ is the welfare of His people. What a thought that Jesus cares for His people intimately. Today, if you are His child, Jesus is caring for you and he may be providing a Timothy in your life. If He is, thank Him and then thank your "Timothy".
This all leads to praise to God for His loving care and to a challenge - how will we spend our lives? Will it be as a Timothy - or will we look after our own needs?
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
A Strange Encouragement
Philippians 1.14: Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
God is amazing in how He works. We might expect to hear how believers go into hiding or they keep their mouths shut. Instead we read that when Paul had been put in prison because of the gospel the brothers responded with more courage and less fear. The world's threat is nothing compared to God's power. Chains and prison cannot stop the advancement of the gospel and the proclamation of the Word.
A good lesson in our day. Despite opposition, God is able to plant in the believer's heart courage and boldness so that the world may hear the good news of Jesus. And, despite suffering in a believer's life, they still have opportunity to share God's Word.
God is amazing in how He works. We might expect to hear how believers go into hiding or they keep their mouths shut. Instead we read that when Paul had been put in prison because of the gospel the brothers responded with more courage and less fear. The world's threat is nothing compared to God's power. Chains and prison cannot stop the advancement of the gospel and the proclamation of the Word.
A good lesson in our day. Despite opposition, God is able to plant in the believer's heart courage and boldness so that the world may hear the good news of Jesus. And, despite suffering in a believer's life, they still have opportunity to share God's Word.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Read a Good Book Lately?
Proverbs 13:20: He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Do you want to grow in wisdom? Do you want to grow in your ability to apply God's Word to everyday life? Pick up a good, Godly book and take a walk with the wise. As mentioned in the previous post, I am reading Getting the Gospel Right by a former professor of mine - Dr. Venema. I am really enjoying the book and it is bringing me further understanding on certain issues.
However, Proverbs 13.20 gave me another perspective about how I am spending my time - I am not just reading a book - I am walking with the wise. I am spending my time in the company of the Godly and learning the application of God's Word for my life. The result is growth in wisdom - growth in the understanding and application of God's Word.
We spend enough time being a companion of fools as we easily turn on the TV or sidle up to the computer. Take time to walk with the wise as you pick up a good book - and you will grow in wisdom.
Do you want to grow in wisdom? Do you want to grow in your ability to apply God's Word to everyday life? Pick up a good, Godly book and take a walk with the wise. As mentioned in the previous post, I am reading Getting the Gospel Right by a former professor of mine - Dr. Venema. I am really enjoying the book and it is bringing me further understanding on certain issues.
However, Proverbs 13.20 gave me another perspective about how I am spending my time - I am not just reading a book - I am walking with the wise. I am spending my time in the company of the Godly and learning the application of God's Word for my life. The result is growth in wisdom - growth in the understanding and application of God's Word.
We spend enough time being a companion of fools as we easily turn on the TV or sidle up to the computer. Take time to walk with the wise as you pick up a good book - and you will grow in wisdom.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Getting The Gospel Right by Dr. Venema
Dr. Cornelis Venema, a professor from Mid America Reformed Seminary, has written an excellent little book entiltled: Getting the Gospel Right: Assessing the Reformation and New Perspectives on Paul. Before Dr. Venema assesses the New Perspective, he solidly lays the foundation of justification as understood by the Reformers. Of course one of the arguments for those who hold to the New Perspective is that the Reformers never really understood the problem Paul was dealing with in the New Testament. As a result, the view of justification handed down by the Reformers is misleading and distorted.
Following chapter 2 in which Dr. Venema lays out clearly and succinctly the Reformation Perspective on Paul, he writes a chapter briefly outlining the 'New Perspective' on Paul by Sanders, Dunn and Wright. The final chapter offers a critical assessment of the New Perspective.
If you have struggled with understanding this issue or know others who would like to understand further, this book is compact (92 pages), profound, simple, concise, readable and above all Biblical. For Dr. Venema, this book is a condensed version on a much longer book on the subject which will be printed later by Banner of Truth Trust.
Any attack on justification must be taken seriously and understood Biblically. Dr. Venema has put together an excellent book which deals with these matters for everyone to read.
Following chapter 2 in which Dr. Venema lays out clearly and succinctly the Reformation Perspective on Paul, he writes a chapter briefly outlining the 'New Perspective' on Paul by Sanders, Dunn and Wright. The final chapter offers a critical assessment of the New Perspective.
If you have struggled with understanding this issue or know others who would like to understand further, this book is compact (92 pages), profound, simple, concise, readable and above all Biblical. For Dr. Venema, this book is a condensed version on a much longer book on the subject which will be printed later by Banner of Truth Trust.
Any attack on justification must be taken seriously and understood Biblically. Dr. Venema has put together an excellent book which deals with these matters for everyone to read.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
The Self Destructive Heart
Revelation 9.5-6: 5They were not given power to kill them, but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6During those days men will seek death, but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.
In our evening services we are going through the book of Revelation. Revelation 9.1-12 tells us that demonic forces led by Apollyon (Destruction) come up unbelievers and torture them for 5 months. (I hold that the time this happens is between the first and second coming of Jesus and they are not a literal army of locusts). The torture will be so horrible on unbelievers that they will long for death but it will elude them.
What is John saying? Satan will attack his own people, torture them and then bring them to hell with him. Awful. We speak of the natural human heart in many ways - dead, deceived, hard, wicked, sinful - and it is all true. But when we read Revelation 9, we need to add another to the list: self-destructive. The human heart, in its rebellion, destroys itself as it follows its master - Apollyon.
The master unbelievers serve is Satan but this very master they serve seeks to destroy those who serve him - he is the Destroyer after all. And so those who live apart from Christ live thinking they have found life but in reality are destroying themselves. Satan is not kind to his people and all we need to do is look around and see the trouble and turmoil in people's lives.
This leads to two thoughts: First thank God for salvation, His gracious calling and His kindness. Is our God not good to send His Son Jesus to die for sins? We read in comparison to the destructive ways of Satan, Jesus has come so that your joy may be complete. (John 15.11) He is good.
Second the desperate need to be about the business of speaking to others about the goodness of Jesus. Without Jesus people will destroy themselves as they are deceived by empty words (Ephesians 5.6) and enter hell for all eternity. When have you been able to share God's goodness to a "ticking time bomb world" ready to blow itself up?
In our evening services we are going through the book of Revelation. Revelation 9.1-12 tells us that demonic forces led by Apollyon (Destruction) come up unbelievers and torture them for 5 months. (I hold that the time this happens is between the first and second coming of Jesus and they are not a literal army of locusts). The torture will be so horrible on unbelievers that they will long for death but it will elude them.
What is John saying? Satan will attack his own people, torture them and then bring them to hell with him. Awful. We speak of the natural human heart in many ways - dead, deceived, hard, wicked, sinful - and it is all true. But when we read Revelation 9, we need to add another to the list: self-destructive. The human heart, in its rebellion, destroys itself as it follows its master - Apollyon.
The master unbelievers serve is Satan but this very master they serve seeks to destroy those who serve him - he is the Destroyer after all. And so those who live apart from Christ live thinking they have found life but in reality are destroying themselves. Satan is not kind to his people and all we need to do is look around and see the trouble and turmoil in people's lives.
This leads to two thoughts: First thank God for salvation, His gracious calling and His kindness. Is our God not good to send His Son Jesus to die for sins? We read in comparison to the destructive ways of Satan, Jesus has come so that your joy may be complete. (John 15.11) He is good.
Second the desperate need to be about the business of speaking to others about the goodness of Jesus. Without Jesus people will destroy themselves as they are deceived by empty words (Ephesians 5.6) and enter hell for all eternity. When have you been able to share God's goodness to a "ticking time bomb world" ready to blow itself up?
Friday, September 22, 2006
John 14.1-4: 1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."
This morning I sat at Tim's with a coffee in hand as I read this passage and thought: isn't it amazing that Jesus is preparing a place for His people? I wonder what it will be like? This world is filled with unbelief, rebellion, hurt, pain, trouble. I visited a Christian couple just a little while before and they were telling me of their pain - real pain. I think of my own physical house and how much work needs to be done - and yet Jesus says he is going to prepare a place for us and he will come back and it will be ready - completely perfect in all its splendour and glory. Isn't it amazing to think that he says I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Jesus wants me to be were he is - he is the bridegroom coming for His people.
As you can tell, meditative thoughts can be rather scrambled but what a blessing to my heart. My Jesus is preparing a place and I am invited. He will bring me to glory and I will be with Him because He desires my presence - a undeserving sinner saved alone by Him. One day this world will pass away and there will be no more tears or pain or sin or sorrow. What a place!
Do you know what was so encouraging? Taking a few moments out of a busy day, forgetting some of the troubles and the surrounding rebellion and simply to focus on my coming life with Jesus in His presence. And I found my heart at rest, ready to serve Him because one day this will all be gone and I will be where Jesus is.
This morning I sat at Tim's with a coffee in hand as I read this passage and thought: isn't it amazing that Jesus is preparing a place for His people? I wonder what it will be like? This world is filled with unbelief, rebellion, hurt, pain, trouble. I visited a Christian couple just a little while before and they were telling me of their pain - real pain. I think of my own physical house and how much work needs to be done - and yet Jesus says he is going to prepare a place for us and he will come back and it will be ready - completely perfect in all its splendour and glory. Isn't it amazing to think that he says I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Jesus wants me to be were he is - he is the bridegroom coming for His people.
As you can tell, meditative thoughts can be rather scrambled but what a blessing to my heart. My Jesus is preparing a place and I am invited. He will bring me to glory and I will be with Him because He desires my presence - a undeserving sinner saved alone by Him. One day this world will pass away and there will be no more tears or pain or sin or sorrow. What a place!
Do you know what was so encouraging? Taking a few moments out of a busy day, forgetting some of the troubles and the surrounding rebellion and simply to focus on my coming life with Jesus in His presence. And I found my heart at rest, ready to serve Him because one day this will all be gone and I will be where Jesus is.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Bring The Cloak Please
In 1 Timothy 4:13 we read Paul giving instruction to Timothy When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. I have often heard this passage used as a reminder that Paul, even though he was an apostle and late in his life, wanted to learn and grow spiritually. Good point.
But when I read this passage again, my mind turned to the coat. It would appear that Paul not only desired to learn but at the end of his life he did not have a cloak. He needed his one cloak brought to him. OK, he may already have had a cloak but he needed another one to keep him warm. The point is that at the end of his life, ministry had cost him everything - he was in prison, no possessions, not even enough clothing to keep him warm.
So - we need a life that is balanced - bring me the parchments - and please, bring me my cloak. What a great example as we read that Paul lived out Jesus' words in Matthew 6: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
A good reminder to live our lives so that at the end of our lives we ask for our parchments and a cloak.
But when I read this passage again, my mind turned to the coat. It would appear that Paul not only desired to learn but at the end of his life he did not have a cloak. He needed his one cloak brought to him. OK, he may already have had a cloak but he needed another one to keep him warm. The point is that at the end of his life, ministry had cost him everything - he was in prison, no possessions, not even enough clothing to keep him warm.
So - we need a life that is balanced - bring me the parchments - and please, bring me my cloak. What a great example as we read that Paul lived out Jesus' words in Matthew 6: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
A good reminder to live our lives so that at the end of our lives we ask for our parchments and a cloak.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Learning To Listen
In Mark 9.38 we read the disciples had a problem - a man was casting out demons in the name of Jesus. How horrible! Well, that was really not the problem. The problem was that this man who was actively serving Jesus, trusting that the power of Jesus could confront the powers of darkness and win - this man was not one of us. That was the problem.
So they take their problem to Jesus and Jesus uses it as an opportunity to explain that they do not need to be one of us, rather they need to be one with HIM.
Jesus explains that concept in verses 39-49 - to be one with Jesus in ministry is to be for Jesus (39-41); it is to not lead others into sin (42); it is to put to death sin in our lives (43-48); and it is to be salty - that is to be actively serving the Lord even though it will come at a cost (49-50). That is Christian ministry.
But there is a temptation and that is to think that we are the only ones doing true, real, vital ministry in the name of Jesus. There is a danger in how we speak about other Christians in becoming to narrow, to critical and to judgmental. We think we stand alone and if we die, truth dies. Jesus' response is do not stop him - there is no middle road. He is either for me or against me.
A good lesson in times when Christianity may seem to be sliding and doctrinal precision is a thing of the past. We are not the only ones serving the Lord. There will be diversity in the way people serve God and there will be true disciples of Jesus who are for Him who are honoring His Name.
How do we protect ourselves against the battle that wages in the disciples heart? There may be lots of ways but I think a beginning point is listen. We speak far too much and too freely. We love to hear our own voices as we articulate truth. But have we listened - understood - searched Scripture - been gracious and kind? Sure, this man may not have been one of the 12 but he was confronting the forces of Jesus in His Name.
Mark 9. 50 concludes with this instruction from Jesus: Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another. Amen. We aim for salt but isolate ourselves because they are not one of us. Have you listened? Have you thought - they may be doing a work uniquely given them by God that we have not been gifted to do? After all, this man was casting out demons and the disciples a few verses before could not cast the demon out of the boy.
If we are to be at peace, humbly listen and graciously pray for your brothers and sisters. And if everyone in the church practiced "peace", much infighting would cease and active Christian service would begin. Amen?
So they take their problem to Jesus and Jesus uses it as an opportunity to explain that they do not need to be one of us, rather they need to be one with HIM.
Jesus explains that concept in verses 39-49 - to be one with Jesus in ministry is to be for Jesus (39-41); it is to not lead others into sin (42); it is to put to death sin in our lives (43-48); and it is to be salty - that is to be actively serving the Lord even though it will come at a cost (49-50). That is Christian ministry.
But there is a temptation and that is to think that we are the only ones doing true, real, vital ministry in the name of Jesus. There is a danger in how we speak about other Christians in becoming to narrow, to critical and to judgmental. We think we stand alone and if we die, truth dies. Jesus' response is do not stop him - there is no middle road. He is either for me or against me.
A good lesson in times when Christianity may seem to be sliding and doctrinal precision is a thing of the past. We are not the only ones serving the Lord. There will be diversity in the way people serve God and there will be true disciples of Jesus who are for Him who are honoring His Name.
How do we protect ourselves against the battle that wages in the disciples heart? There may be lots of ways but I think a beginning point is listen. We speak far too much and too freely. We love to hear our own voices as we articulate truth. But have we listened - understood - searched Scripture - been gracious and kind? Sure, this man may not have been one of the 12 but he was confronting the forces of Jesus in His Name.
Mark 9. 50 concludes with this instruction from Jesus: Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another. Amen. We aim for salt but isolate ourselves because they are not one of us. Have you listened? Have you thought - they may be doing a work uniquely given them by God that we have not been gifted to do? After all, this man was casting out demons and the disciples a few verses before could not cast the demon out of the boy.
If we are to be at peace, humbly listen and graciously pray for your brothers and sisters. And if everyone in the church practiced "peace", much infighting would cease and active Christian service would begin. Amen?
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Words Worth Reading from Pressing On
http://janicevaneck.blogspot.com/
Janice VanEck has posted a poem by Anne Steele on the great comfort of the Word and Grace in difficult times. One stanza reads as follows:
A great encouragement to seek the Lord in times of trouble!
Janice VanEck has posted a poem by Anne Steele on the great comfort of the Word and Grace in difficult times. One stanza reads as follows:
Though all the powers of nature fail,
And life’s pale, trembling lamp decline;
Thy grace can bid my faith prevail,
Can give me fortitude divine.
A great encouragement to seek the Lord in times of trouble!
Friday, August 18, 2006
Reaching Out - Reaching Up
This past week we had our Vacation Bible School. One of the great things about VBS is the singing and the children SANG!! They learned that God knows us, God is a friend, God helps us and God forgives us. Everytime one of these phrases was mentioned they would have to shout AWESOME GOD (because he is!). It was great to be in the building and hearing children sporadically shouting AWESOME GOD.
And that is our prayer. That they would see and know that God is an AWESOME GOD - from his life, death and life again. Tonight we have our wrap-up BQ and are expecting around 150 people. We pray that God will do AWESOME things in the hearts of the people.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Dr. Geoff Adams In Glory
Today I attended the funeral of Dr. Geoff Adams at Toronto Baptist Seminary. As I reflect on the events, a number of thoughts come to mind.
First, his son Doug gave an account of the faithful testimony of a father who lived Christ in front of his children. He was a man of God publicly and privately. Doug went on to tell how he observed his father's communion with Jesus through prayer and Scripture reading. As I reflect on my life, I call to God for mercy. How I need to show my children that walking with Christ is not only serving Him in the church but it is also those private moments of communing with God - an enjoyment of God's presence. I pray that God will grant me a greater desire and discipline in the coming days to grow deeper in my communion with Him.
Second, how in his long service as pastor, principal of the seminary, counselor, friend, husband, father and many other roles, he served faithfully. One passage which was read was 2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. This may sound strange but the funeral was a tremendous encouragement for me to live alone for Christ. It is so easy to fall into temptation or to become sidetracked with secondary issues. Am I living faithfully, striving to fight, finish and keep the faith? I pray that at the end of my life, I will have lived faithfully. Dr. Adams' life and death have encouraged me to finish well - may God be gracious!
Thirdly, the joy of the gospel of Jesus. Our brother is in Glory! The light of Christ shone as time and time again God's grace and glory were magnified in the life of a forgiven sinner and his faithful service. Dr. Adams is now in glory, experiencing unimaginable fellowship and joy in the presence of His Saviour and Friend. What a joy to hear of God's grace - a lost sinner, rebellious and wicked in his heart now, because of the love and faithfulness of Christ, in glory. Praise God for the saints who have gone before us. How we need to hear and see of more men and women who are living faithfully and passionately for God in our watered down, lethargic Christian culture.
My prayer is that the events of this day will not soon leave my heart and mind and when moments of temptation or distraction come, I will seek to live alone for God's glory and be conformed to His image. I pray that for my family, His church at Grace Bible and God's people. May God be gracious.
First, his son Doug gave an account of the faithful testimony of a father who lived Christ in front of his children. He was a man of God publicly and privately. Doug went on to tell how he observed his father's communion with Jesus through prayer and Scripture reading. As I reflect on my life, I call to God for mercy. How I need to show my children that walking with Christ is not only serving Him in the church but it is also those private moments of communing with God - an enjoyment of God's presence. I pray that God will grant me a greater desire and discipline in the coming days to grow deeper in my communion with Him.
Second, how in his long service as pastor, principal of the seminary, counselor, friend, husband, father and many other roles, he served faithfully. One passage which was read was 2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. This may sound strange but the funeral was a tremendous encouragement for me to live alone for Christ. It is so easy to fall into temptation or to become sidetracked with secondary issues. Am I living faithfully, striving to fight, finish and keep the faith? I pray that at the end of my life, I will have lived faithfully. Dr. Adams' life and death have encouraged me to finish well - may God be gracious!
Thirdly, the joy of the gospel of Jesus. Our brother is in Glory! The light of Christ shone as time and time again God's grace and glory were magnified in the life of a forgiven sinner and his faithful service. Dr. Adams is now in glory, experiencing unimaginable fellowship and joy in the presence of His Saviour and Friend. What a joy to hear of God's grace - a lost sinner, rebellious and wicked in his heart now, because of the love and faithfulness of Christ, in glory. Praise God for the saints who have gone before us. How we need to hear and see of more men and women who are living faithfully and passionately for God in our watered down, lethargic Christian culture.
My prayer is that the events of this day will not soon leave my heart and mind and when moments of temptation or distraction come, I will seek to live alone for God's glory and be conformed to His image. I pray that for my family, His church at Grace Bible and God's people. May God be gracious.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Psalm 19:1-4: The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech,and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words,whose voice is not heard. 4 Their measuring line goes out through all the earth,and their words to the end of the world.In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
We have been on vacation for the last two weeks and this year we did something different. We sold our small 8 foot pop-up trailer and bought a few canoes, paddles, tents, and other camping gear and went "wilderness" or "interior" camping. While we had to work out a few bugs (and keep a few more bugs away), we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
One of the things that struck my wife Eva and I was the amazing creation. We had campsites on rocks, beside the beautiful waters, surrounded by trees and birds and quiet. We said a number of times to one another: Isn't it great being a Christian and knowing who created this magnificent creation? Non Christians are out in all this beauty and giving praise to "chance" or the impersonal "mother nature." We found that part of the enjoyment of our vacation was giving praise to God for the beauty of His creation.
There are many things I will remember: canoeing and fishing early in the misty morning waters; a rain storm that lasted a whole day and part way through Eva and I watch as a river of rain water flows directly underneath our tent; watching the children jump off the jumping rocks; campfires and stories and marshmallows and hotdogs; and many more. But one picture that was really imprinted on my mind was when we were paddling to our sight in Algonquin. Eva was in one canoe with my daughter and our dog and I was in another with the boys. It was a fairly big lake and we were going against the wind so we were both paddling like we were being chased and barely moving. I looked over one time and we were a fair distance apart. When I looked over, I saw my wife paddling against the choppy waves, the magnificent trees standing proud and a big grayish cloud approaching. It was not only beautiful, it was humbling. Eva and the canoe looked so small and God's creation so glorious.
Later on in the week, we experienced the storm that passed through the area, knocking out power for many cottagers. We were huddled under a tarp by a fire reading Harriet the Spy to the children when the clouds rolled in and the rain started to come. We continued to read as the thunder and lightening rolled in and the rain poured down (yes, another river flowed under our tent!) We stood amazed (and fearful) as we witnessed God's power. And again we were humbled by His awesome presence in creation.
Two thoughts: first, our God is an awesome God. We lose a sense of the awesomeness of God as we take refuge in our homes during storms. However, when placed against the backdrop of God's creation, we are insignificant. Second, our God is to be feared. We are going through the book of Revelation in our evening services and I kept thinking about the thunder and lightening and rumblings that surround the throneroom of God. It is a fearful thing to be in a great storm with only a tarp. One day all will stand before the presence of God with no tarp. Fear God and obey Him!
We have been on vacation for the last two weeks and this year we did something different. We sold our small 8 foot pop-up trailer and bought a few canoes, paddles, tents, and other camping gear and went "wilderness" or "interior" camping. While we had to work out a few bugs (and keep a few more bugs away), we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
One of the things that struck my wife Eva and I was the amazing creation. We had campsites on rocks, beside the beautiful waters, surrounded by trees and birds and quiet. We said a number of times to one another: Isn't it great being a Christian and knowing who created this magnificent creation? Non Christians are out in all this beauty and giving praise to "chance" or the impersonal "mother nature." We found that part of the enjoyment of our vacation was giving praise to God for the beauty of His creation.
There are many things I will remember: canoeing and fishing early in the misty morning waters; a rain storm that lasted a whole day and part way through Eva and I watch as a river of rain water flows directly underneath our tent; watching the children jump off the jumping rocks; campfires and stories and marshmallows and hotdogs; and many more. But one picture that was really imprinted on my mind was when we were paddling to our sight in Algonquin. Eva was in one canoe with my daughter and our dog and I was in another with the boys. It was a fairly big lake and we were going against the wind so we were both paddling like we were being chased and barely moving. I looked over one time and we were a fair distance apart. When I looked over, I saw my wife paddling against the choppy waves, the magnificent trees standing proud and a big grayish cloud approaching. It was not only beautiful, it was humbling. Eva and the canoe looked so small and God's creation so glorious.
Later on in the week, we experienced the storm that passed through the area, knocking out power for many cottagers. We were huddled under a tarp by a fire reading Harriet the Spy to the children when the clouds rolled in and the rain started to come. We continued to read as the thunder and lightening rolled in and the rain poured down (yes, another river flowed under our tent!) We stood amazed (and fearful) as we witnessed God's power. And again we were humbled by His awesome presence in creation.
Two thoughts: first, our God is an awesome God. We lose a sense of the awesomeness of God as we take refuge in our homes during storms. However, when placed against the backdrop of God's creation, we are insignificant. Second, our God is to be feared. We are going through the book of Revelation in our evening services and I kept thinking about the thunder and lightening and rumblings that surround the throneroom of God. It is a fearful thing to be in a great storm with only a tarp. One day all will stand before the presence of God with no tarp. Fear God and obey Him!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Developing Spiritual Character in our Children - I
When Jesus talked with his disciples about prayer, he could not help but talk about the generosity and goodness of God: 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11.11-13) Of course God could give us anything He wants because He owns all things - He is the Creator! However, the gift of choice is the Holy Spirit. Among other things, this tells us God is intimately concerned with the development of our spiritual character. God did not promise to give us nice houses and healthy bodies - His great gift was the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
This past Sunday was Father's Day and a good time to reflect on whether or not we as fathers are striving to develope spiritual maturity in our children. Are we focused and intentional in the devlopment of our children's spiritual character? Often the answer is - I would like to be but how? How do I as a father spiritually lead my children?
2 Timothy 1.2 reads: To Timothy, my dear son. 2 Timothy is not only a book for young pastors; it is a book where a spiritual father passes on spiritual lessons to his spiritual son. How do I as a father spiritually lead my children? Look to 2 Timothy as a father gently instructs his son to faithfully serve the Lord. What lessons can we learn from 2 Timothy on how to nurture our children in the Lord?
1. Pray for your children 1.3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.
Paul begins quietly on his knees. Ephesians 5 bears witness to the fact that men can be extremely selfish. How can we argue when God says in Ephesians 5.28: In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. If we carried out this command, our wives would be the most loved women in the world! And so also our prayer lives can be so focused on our needs and our careers and our issues that we forget to pray for our children. Or, even worse, our hearts can be so filled with this world that we pray this world for our children and forget to pray for their spiritual needs.
Ask yourself how often do you pray for their salvation? When is the last time you prayed that your children would not only be saved but live lives that would be radically pleasing to God - alone. Even if your children are grown, do you pray for them as the world desires to take them into her arms?
How do I begin? Paul says - Timothy, I pray constantly for you. We begin on our knees, bowing before a gracious and sovereign God, pleading for the sake of our children.
2. Spend time with your children 1.4: As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. It is amazing to read the relationship between Paul and Timothy and how they delighted in one another's presence. It almost appears to be the David and Jonathan of the New Testament. Paul is longing to see his son so that he might be an encouragement to him and that he might know that Timothy is doing well.
Fathers - invest time into your children. Do not leave it to someone else to make sure they know their Bible and develope Godly character. In Deut 6.4-6 we are told we are to speak to our children about the ways of God and we are also told to tie them (God's commands or ways) as symbols to your hands and bind them on your foreheads. What does that mean? I think it means that when we invest time in our children, we not only talk to them about God but we "live God" in front of them. We mentor them with our actions. So as we spend time with them they watch a Godly man living for the Lord - how he loves his wife, fixes his house and relates to his neighbours.
Spend time with your children to reflect the glory of Christ and to show them the great joy of knowing the Lord.
This past Sunday was Father's Day and a good time to reflect on whether or not we as fathers are striving to develope spiritual maturity in our children. Are we focused and intentional in the devlopment of our children's spiritual character? Often the answer is - I would like to be but how? How do I as a father spiritually lead my children?
2 Timothy 1.2 reads: To Timothy, my dear son. 2 Timothy is not only a book for young pastors; it is a book where a spiritual father passes on spiritual lessons to his spiritual son. How do I as a father spiritually lead my children? Look to 2 Timothy as a father gently instructs his son to faithfully serve the Lord. What lessons can we learn from 2 Timothy on how to nurture our children in the Lord?
1. Pray for your children 1.3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.
Paul begins quietly on his knees. Ephesians 5 bears witness to the fact that men can be extremely selfish. How can we argue when God says in Ephesians 5.28: In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. If we carried out this command, our wives would be the most loved women in the world! And so also our prayer lives can be so focused on our needs and our careers and our issues that we forget to pray for our children. Or, even worse, our hearts can be so filled with this world that we pray this world for our children and forget to pray for their spiritual needs.
Ask yourself how often do you pray for their salvation? When is the last time you prayed that your children would not only be saved but live lives that would be radically pleasing to God - alone. Even if your children are grown, do you pray for them as the world desires to take them into her arms?
How do I begin? Paul says - Timothy, I pray constantly for you. We begin on our knees, bowing before a gracious and sovereign God, pleading for the sake of our children.
2. Spend time with your children 1.4: As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. It is amazing to read the relationship between Paul and Timothy and how they delighted in one another's presence. It almost appears to be the David and Jonathan of the New Testament. Paul is longing to see his son so that he might be an encouragement to him and that he might know that Timothy is doing well.
Fathers - invest time into your children. Do not leave it to someone else to make sure they know their Bible and develope Godly character. In Deut 6.4-6 we are told we are to speak to our children about the ways of God and we are also told to tie them (God's commands or ways) as symbols to your hands and bind them on your foreheads. What does that mean? I think it means that when we invest time in our children, we not only talk to them about God but we "live God" in front of them. We mentor them with our actions. So as we spend time with them they watch a Godly man living for the Lord - how he loves his wife, fixes his house and relates to his neighbours.
Spend time with your children to reflect the glory of Christ and to show them the great joy of knowing the Lord.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Counsel Aimed At the Heart
David Powlison in an article entitled Idols of the Heart and "Vanity Fair" (Journal of Biblical Counseling, Vol 13, Nu 2, Winter 1995). It is interesting to read how much of secular counseling replaces one "heart idol" with another "heart idol" - they simply switch idols on the "heart" shelf. At the heart of counseling is this question: Who will our hearts worship - idols or desires of the heart or God? Hence the importance and relevance of Powlison's words.
It is obvious that if idolatry is the problem of the “co-dependent,”then repentant faith in Christ is the solution. This stands in marked contrast to the solutions proffered in the co-dependency literature, whether secular or glossed with Christian phrases. That literature often perceptively describes the patterns of dysfunctional idols—addictions and dependencies— which curse and enslave people. The idols which enslave the rescuer or the compulsive drinker do not work very well for them.
The literature may even use “idolatry” as a metaphor, without meaning “idolatry against God, therefore repentance.” The solution, without exception, is to offer different and presumably more workable idols, rather than repentance unto the Bible’s Christ! Secularistic therapies teach people eufunctional idols, idols which do “work” for people and “bless” them with temporarily happy lives (Psalm 73).
So, for example, self-esteem is nurtured as the replacement for trying to please unpleasable others, rather than esteem for the Lamb who was slain for me, a sinner. Acceptance and love
from new significant others, starting with the therapist, create successful versions of the fear of man and trust in man rather than teaching essential trust in God. Self-trust and self-confidence
are boosted as I am taught to set expectations for myself to which I can attain. The fruit looks good but is fundamentally counterfeit. Believers in false gospels are sometimes allowed to flourish temporarily.
Therapy systems without repentance at their core leave the idol system intact. They simply rehabilitate and rebuild fundamental godlessness to function more successfully. The Bible’s idolatry motif diagnoses the ultimately selfdestructive basis on which happy, healthy, and confident people build their lives (eufunctional idols), just as perceptively as it diagnoses unhappy people, who are more obviously and immediately self-destructive (dysfunctional idols). (p. 37)
It is obvious that if idolatry is the problem of the “co-dependent,”then repentant faith in Christ is the solution. This stands in marked contrast to the solutions proffered in the co-dependency literature, whether secular or glossed with Christian phrases. That literature often perceptively describes the patterns of dysfunctional idols—addictions and dependencies— which curse and enslave people. The idols which enslave the rescuer or the compulsive drinker do not work very well for them.
The literature may even use “idolatry” as a metaphor, without meaning “idolatry against God, therefore repentance.” The solution, without exception, is to offer different and presumably more workable idols, rather than repentance unto the Bible’s Christ! Secularistic therapies teach people eufunctional idols, idols which do “work” for people and “bless” them with temporarily happy lives (Psalm 73).
So, for example, self-esteem is nurtured as the replacement for trying to please unpleasable others, rather than esteem for the Lamb who was slain for me, a sinner. Acceptance and love
from new significant others, starting with the therapist, create successful versions of the fear of man and trust in man rather than teaching essential trust in God. Self-trust and self-confidence
are boosted as I am taught to set expectations for myself to which I can attain. The fruit looks good but is fundamentally counterfeit. Believers in false gospels are sometimes allowed to flourish temporarily.
Therapy systems without repentance at their core leave the idol system intact. They simply rehabilitate and rebuild fundamental godlessness to function more successfully. The Bible’s idolatry motif diagnoses the ultimately selfdestructive basis on which happy, healthy, and confident people build their lives (eufunctional idols), just as perceptively as it diagnoses unhappy people, who are more obviously and immediately self-destructive (dysfunctional idols). (p. 37)
Friday, June 02, 2006
True Friendship
In 1 Samuel 23 we read while David is on the run from Saul he inquired of the Lord whether or not he should attack the Philistines at Keilah. The Lord told them to attack. Obviously David's men were not impressed because this would give away their location to Saul.
After the victory, the very people whom David delivered ratted him out and David and his men were forced to leave and live on the run once again. It is during this time we read of another incident of David and Jonathan meeting. In verse 18 we read: And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horeb and helped him find strength in the Lord.
Jonathan shows us how a true friend acts. David is tired, on the run, and discouraged - after all Saul wants to kill him. So what does his friend do? He helps him find strength. Where? In the Lord. Jonathan points to the Lord's faithful promises: My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel .... God made a promise and he will deliver.
We ought to thank God for friends who build us up in the Lord during difficult times. We also ought to seek to be a friend, not with vain words or false encouragements, but rather by pointing to the Lord's faithful promises, especially as found in Jesus Christ.
After the victory, the very people whom David delivered ratted him out and David and his men were forced to leave and live on the run once again. It is during this time we read of another incident of David and Jonathan meeting. In verse 18 we read: And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horeb and helped him find strength in the Lord.
Jonathan shows us how a true friend acts. David is tired, on the run, and discouraged - after all Saul wants to kill him. So what does his friend do? He helps him find strength. Where? In the Lord. Jonathan points to the Lord's faithful promises: My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel .... God made a promise and he will deliver.
We ought to thank God for friends who build us up in the Lord during difficult times. We also ought to seek to be a friend, not with vain words or false encouragements, but rather by pointing to the Lord's faithful promises, especially as found in Jesus Christ.
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