wept over

they are stains and blemishes

2012-02-13T13:28:00.000-08:00

The embedded clip below is a modern version of the classic hymn "Just as I Am". Take a listen:

The underlying message of the original hymn is that we come to God in a broken state. The new version adds a chorus with beautiful lyrics that emphasize this central theme:

I come broken to be mended. I come wounded to be healed.
I come desperate to be rescued. I come empty to be filled.
I come guilty to be pardoned by the blood of Christ the Lamb.
And I am welcomed with open arms, praise God, just as I am.

No one enters eternity without having first looked at the sorry state of their soul, realized the gross imperfection of it, and begged the Almighty for a renovation. The proud will be turned away when they admit no soul weakness. The defiant will be turned away when they rationalize their soul's stature with an empty defense of being good enough. Down the path of defending one's imperfections lies failure.

But the good news of God is that no soul comes so broken, no soul comes so wounded, so empty, so guilty, or so dirty that the love of God cannot bring it back to glorious life. The cross fixes that broken. The cross binds that wound. The cross fills that empty. The cross, the empty tomb. The cross frees the guilty, replaces it with a Son. The cross cleans that dirty through the blood of the One. Just as you are, redeemed by just who He is.

do not know what He is

2012-02-08T20:23:00.001-08:00

I hope it's clear from my post the other day that I am a big fan of the new Jason Gray song "Remind Me of Who I Am". My listening to it about twenty times in the last 24 hrs might be the other clue. So it pains me to say this: the song is fundamentally flawed.

The issue is that the song is self-focused. God is mentioned; the song is a direct plea to the Lord certainly. But God is not the focus of the song. The focus of the song is the individual. The spiritually mature understand that the Christian life should lead you to a place that is 100% Him and 0% us. As JtheB puts it in John3:30, "He must increase, and I must decrease".

Moreover, getting an individual to understand who he is in Christ is a good starting point, but better than that is getting the individual to see the greatness of God. We grow as believers not when we are reminded of who we are, but rather when we are reminded of Who He is.

Remind me of Who He is. Oh, that's right. The Almighty Sovereign One. In that case, I surely, surely must decrease...

of Christ—I who am

2012-02-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

There's a message bouncing around my head about identity, somewhat related to yesterday's musings. There lies within our souls a need to identify itself -- it's the reason so many hippies talk about taking sabbaticals and traveling the world to "find themselves". And if you find hippie speak ridiculous, hello pot, kettle wants your ear. We all place our identities somewhere. Sports fans paint their faces and buy team gear to say something about themselves. Type A career-focused folks think their toil translates into wealth and private comfort and careers that say something about the toiler. Models think their skin-deepness is deeper, that it speaks to an inner person. What is Facebook if not our public declaration of "Look at me! I'm somebody!"

In the end, our activities will fail us. Our toil will tire us. Our looks will fade like the wildflower. And all the social network contacts we have will not construct a true image of who we are. There is no human self-identification that will last beyond the memories of friends or history books, nor mean something at an eternal level.

Except who we are in Christ Jesus. And who we are in Christ is not rooted in something within us, but rather in something within God. That we are His beloved, the apple of His eye, His children -- these all emanate from His central nature as perfect love rather than from the less-than-perfect nature of ourselves.

You can chase those championship rings and that next promotion and that extra-smooth skin and that 500th friend. As for me, I am my Beloved's and My Beloved? My Beloved is mine.

the beloved of the LORD dwell in

2012-02-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Please watch and listen to this new song by Jason Gray:

Listening to it on repeat and there rises in my heart the familiar feeling, the one I had when I first turned my soul over into the hands of eternity. Similar to a lesson I've taught twice now on Luke 8. Every human being will be forced to confront the reality of Jesus Christ and respond in a way that will reflect what they come away with. Many will turn away in disgust and anger and reject Him outright. Others will shrug and go away, an end result no different from the ones who left in disgust and anger. Some will accept Him intellectually. Or out of fear of damnation. Both will see heaven's gates, but miss out on the great joy of the best response.

That best response is seeing Jesus for the first time and looking into your heart and noticing an emptiness that had always been there and upon seeing Jesus realizing that what that emptiness really had been was a God-shaped hole, a Christ-shaped hole, in reality a hole from where love leaked out of your heart. And here was love personified, filling that leak and telling you the greatest of news, that no matter what the world thought of you, He thought of you in only one way, the only way that mattered. That He loved you. That you were beloved. That you were priceless to Him. And you run into His light and you finally admit to yourself that no matter how much you found yourself unlovable, love personified did not.

Sometimes, sometimes I need to be reminded of that.

so that we may see, and believe You

2010-03-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

The video below is a rather long one, but it's worth listening to in its entirety to hear Anne Rice's amazing testimony of how she left the faith, but was "Christ haunted" and how the Lord dragged her back to Him out of His great love. And if you don't want to listen to the full video, listen to the last two minutes. If you told me a decade ago that Anne Rice would one day preach the Gospel message, I wouldn't have believed you. But the Lord can save anyone. Anne and I are living proof.

if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord

2010-03-08T11:32:00.001-08:00

"Under the Wings of God" {Ruth2:12}
* Review Ruth1
- Time of judges; no kings; spiritual dark ages {Ruth1:1}
- Elimelech & Naomi didn't wait upon Lord and moved to foreign country (end result three deaths)
- Naomi now Mara or "bitter" (v19)
* Scene 1: A "chance" encounter (v1-3)
- Boaz = "in whom strength"
- Gleaning laws show God's heart for those in need {Deut24:19-22}
- v3 "happened to happen"
* Scene 2: Ruth meets Boaz (v4-7)
- Boaz clung to Lord during dark days (v4-5)
* Scene 3: Boaz cares for Ruth (v8-17)
- Protects her from physical/verbal abuse
- Allowed her to drink from servants' H2O
- Invited her to lunch
- Granted her acceptance/legitimacy
- Ps57:1 -- God takes care of those who take refuge in Him
- Rom8:28 -- "no accident can happen to a child of God"
* Scene 4: Ruth brings home a good report
- v20b: closer relatives = "kinsmen redeemers"
- Naomi recognizes God's hand in their situation
- Story of Ruth is picture of Gospel message -- stranger/foreigner shown abundant kindness
- Spurgeon: "our glorious Boaz" in reference to Christ

bearing His own cross

2010-02-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

I haven't done well maintaining any consistency in meditating here. But that's not to say meditation isn't occurring. Already paralyzed with great fear about Good Friday even though I stand firm in the Spirit He has given me and the message He placed on my heart. So plenty of meditation on the cross already. Even moreso, after reading THIS. That article is as must-read as anything I've ever read, and speaks to everything I see and feel when I think of Christianity. The cross is THE central aspect of the gospel for me, period period period. And the article eloquently speaks to the fight I fought to change our church's vision to what it should be. Simply put, while we are a faith that holds the Trinity to be true, our faith is and always should be a Christ-centered faith; a cross-centered faith. In a grand fantasy where I force the church to bend to my will -- I didn't say it was a good or healthy fantasy -- the only thing I was demanding was the pervading presence of the cross on every available square inch. You can bet the farm Bethel will be covered by the cross in every way you want to read into that.

to whom he had given the money

2010-02-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

"How Do I Honor God w/ My Finances?" {Prov3:9-10}
* What does it mean to honor God?
- To value; show respect/high regard
- We honor by obedience
- 2Cor8:7: "grace of giving" -- giving not natural, & requires His Spirit & grace
* Why teach on giving?
- Stewardship is discipleship {Matt6:21}
- Often misunderstood by flock
- Area of potential great blessing
* Basic level: initial gift {1Cor16:1-2}
- Offering part of worship (not separate or interruption)
- Should be systematic (whenever paid)
- Proportional: "all about what God allows to come into our lives"
* Is tithing for today?
- No revocation of tithing in NT (unlike other OT acts like kosher food)
- Same principles still apply (honoring God for what He has given)
- Jesus commands tithing
- Tithing existed prior to Mosaic law
- Being under grace never implies lesser standard
* Obedience level: full tithe
- Partial obedience = disobedience
- Mal3:8-10, Deut14:23, Matt23:23
* Peak level: generous giver {2Cor8-9}

of the dogs, beware of the evil workers

2010-02-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

ELEVEN churches have been burned down this year in the state of Texas. ELEVEN. That hasn't gotten the top headline in any newspaper or website that I've seen. Can you imagine what kind of outcry it would have been if 11 mosques or 11 synagogues had been deliberately set on fire this year? But it's okay because there are lots of churches and it's okay to commit hate crimes on Christians.

Enjoy the swim in the lake, media and society. FYI: Going to be a little warm.

also joined in the attack

2010-02-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

Drove to church yesterday and listened to snippets of an interview with Dan Merchant, the creator of a ridiculous film. It's a documentary exploring the culture wars and the filmmaker's belief that because Christians spend so much time arguing over topics like homosexuality and abortion, we are turning off potential converts. Merchant contrasts an African church he visited with the church in America, and wonders aloud why we spend so much time with culture stuff, and not so much time with the Gospel. It's a common argument being espoused these days: less politics and more Jesus and all our problems will be solved like magic VOILA!

* Problem#1: Merchant and believers in the "Christianity would be great if it weren't for the Christians" mantra operate under the assumption that people can somehow subvert the will of God. It is the opposite of the evangelical position on election. They believe that there's this ready and willing world dying to hear about the good news of God and they hear it but also hear that we don't believe in evolution, and oh no, there's a person who won't get led to Christ. Be clear that no man, Christian or otherwise, can stand in the way of God's will for a person's destiny. Secondly, no man, Christian or otherwise, saves another person. God saves, and God saves alone. I can no more bring a man to faith as I can prevent him from coming to faith, no matter my level of conflict and aggressiveness.
* Problem#2: No person rejects Christ because they don't like Christians. People reject Christ because they reject His message and His divinity. There is no example of someone saying "I believe Christ is the Savior of the world, the atonement for my sin -- oh, but because that Christian called me a name because I'm pro-choice, I reject Christ". It's absurd. People reject Christ because they want to continue to live in their sinfulness. People reject Christ because they don't want to submit their lives to another. People reject Christ because the Holy Spirit hasn't yet opened their eyes, and they are hardened like Pharaoh. But people don't reject Christ because people attend loud pro-life rallies.
* Problem#3: What a ridiculous contrast between an African church and an American church. The African church doesn't confront culture wars because their culture isn't at war. It's like comparing Switzerland to inner-city Detroit. Oh, you don't see drugs and gun issues in Switzerland, but you do in Detroit? Oh, that's because that comparison is ridiculous. In the same way, African churches can focus on the love and dancing and joy, and American churches have to deal with homosexuality and abortion. Because our culture demands the fight.
* Problem#4: The Gospel message is absolutely central, yes, and should be at the heart of everything a church does, absolutely. But downplaying the issues that are at the heart of the culture wars as something trivial is playing into the devil's hands. You know why there is a war over Creationism vs evolution? Because evolution attacks the literalness of the Scriptures, and attacks the Bible from the very beginning in Gen1. You know why there is a war over abortion? Because abortion is the opposite of the Gospel message of life. You know why there is a war over homosexual rights? Because homosexuality attacks the gender creation and family structure designed by God. The culture wars are not wars over condiments or favorite colors. They are wars over critical and central concepts of God. They are not facets of religion; these are things that offend the person of God, and as His followers, we are to defend His positions. These wars are not culture wars; they are spiritual wars based in and fought in the realm of the unseen.
* Finally, problem#5: Merchant implies that the original church never had these issues. Maybe if we simplified the church into focusing on people and the Gospel message, that all could be right in the world. Has Merchant ever read the NT? Most of the epistles are instructions and clarifications from Paul trying to quell issues in the church. Paul writes 1Cor15 to knock down churches that fought over whether or not the resurrection was important. Paul writes 1Cor11 to straighten out churches with issues about worship. Paul writes letters to discuss whether food should be kosher, whether rich people are better than poor people, whether it is works that save us or faith, et al. The original church was just as argumentative and divisive as the modern church. And for Paul, there was a very clear right and wrong, and he fought to defend the right side, and often very loudly and aggressively. Christ turned over tables when if offended His Father. Shall we not be filled with righteous anger when our Father is offended?

Merchant, you think you are helping Christians build bridges with an unbelieving world. The unbelieving world will always be there, whether we hold an olive branch or not. But the defense of the things of God will not always be there if we are not.

root of all kinds of evil

2010-02-07T22:02:00.000-08:00

"How Do I Overcome the Desire for More?"
* Materialism: A condition where the heart is preoccupied w/ material things rather than spiritual things
* Two big lies
- Money will solve my problems & success will make me happy
- I want the best of both worlds {Mark4:18-19}
* Roadblock#1: Pride {1John2:16}
- Solution: Know God as Provider & Owner {1Chron29:11-12}
- Self-worth cannot be tied to net worth
* Roadblock#2: Guilt
- Solution: Develop attitude of gratitude & accountability
- "Gratitude subverts greed"
* Roadblock#3: Envy
- Solution: Learn to admire without need to acquire {Phil4:11}
* Roadblock#4: Selfishness (closedhanded living)
- Solution: Learn the secret of generosity {Deut15:11}

as an example, and they were written for

2010-01-19T18:42:00.000-08:00

Another sermon (book?) idea for when they increase the number of hours in a day from 24 to 40 so I'll have time to actually do stuff...

David addresses the Israelites in 1Cor28, but it's 1Cor29:10-20 that caught my eye. In these verses, after he has told them about Solomon succeeding him and about plans for the temple, that David offers up a prayer to God. And it's a sound model for prayer and perspective on life.
- Like the Lord's prayer, David begins with an exaltation of God, thanking Him for being the source of all things, for being sovereign.
- Love that v11 attributes victory to God.
- The start of v14 has a dose of humility, a recognition that we deserve nothing. And v16 acknowledges the riches they have are really the Lord's.
- In v17, David uses spiritual logic noting that he deserves nothing, that the Lord tests the heart (not the action), and therefore he righteously offers his sacrifices. And he offers them with joy.
- In v18, David pleas for God to move the hearts of the people. David is focused on their intentions and their hearts, not their actions.
- In v19, he prays for the Lord to move his son's heart. Solomon is known for his wisdom, but it was a proper heart that first asked for wisdom rather than riches. And that heart began here with David's prayer for the Lord to provide that heart.
- David ends where he began -- with a corporate blessing and worship to God.

Hey, pastors all over the country: when preaching on prayer, the Word provides a lot of examples of Godly prayer beyond the Lord's prayer. Maybe you can mix things up a little. I've got a good start for you already.

of the fierce wrath of God

2010-01-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

The only thing on the news is the situation in Haiti. The bulk of individuals' responses to the suffering is an outpouring of prayer (for missionaries, for those hurt, for recovery, etc) and financial support. A few have been expressing great sorrow and struggling (yet again) with how a loving God allows suffering in the world. And not surprisingly, people like Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh say Haiti was asking for it.

The outrage from Christians against Pat and Rush is somewhat surprising to me. There is an immediate expression of rage, and a declaration that most Christians don't agree with these buffoons, and that God is a loving God and this is just a senseless tragedy. But I almost feel as if their reaction is not out of some righteous anger at bad theology, but rather simply to distance themselves from an unpopular opinion. I don't know if Christian outrage at Robertson's and Limbaugh's comments are because they so dislike the theology of their remarks, or because they don't want to be associated with unpopular people.

But let's say it was because they disagree with the theology. I don't think the theology is wrong. Throughout the Old Testament, God strikes down not just people, but whole nations who defy Him and mock His ways. In Revelation, the prophecies of what will happen to the nations that are against God are clear. It is an immensely unpopular opinion to say that a loving God who sent His Son to die because He so loved the world is the same God who is quite capable of sending disasters to strike down His enemies. Many Christians state that vengeance is the Lord's and that they can't wait until He rains down justice. But then when something horrible happens, they squirm and wonder how God reconciles suffering with love. Just like Pat and Rush shouldn't speak for all Christians on what God's intent was behind massive disasters, I'm thinking maybe the Christians who disagree with their positions shouldn't either.

sternly telling him to be quiet

2010-01-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

Been a long while. Still trying to decide the point of all this. When this began so long ago it was about figuring out where the walk was headed, and what He was saying. I guess that exploration still remains. I guess? Perhaps that exploration isn't and shouldn't be so loud anymore. Perhaps?

In any case, the first sentence of 1Chron20 took my breath away: "Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel."

First, it is a clear reminder that our fight is not against flesh and blood, and that the shadows, they are very real, and that lion is always waiting to pounce upon you, always waiting at the door. And perhaps in moments of being away and moments of confused silence, it is clear Satan is still so very strong, still so often victorious.

Second, it highlights that there are times when Satan lets things occur. God is still sovereign over all things, no question. But Satan is also very much in control of this world. 1John2 makes a very clear distinction between those of God and those of the world, indicating the world is not of the light. And it is clear that Satan lets the world have its own ways. But then at times he has to get off that brimstone throne of his and press his advantage and move things toward darkness. And even something as seemingly innocuous as a decision on counting people can be used against us.

Perhaps not regularly committing myself to exploring my walk, exploring where all this goes opens that door keeping that lion at bay. Perhaps thinking more about light and darkness is critical in staying true. Perhaps silence is a sign of Satan standing up, suggesting some innocuous (in)action.

Perhaps.

as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes

2009-12-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

"Jesus, Light of the World"
* O Come Let Us Adore Him"

* Redeemer King
* Jesus, Light of the World (no idea real song name)

* Heaven's Light (no idea real song name)
* Luke 1:78-79
* Because of Your Tender Mercy"

how much more will your heavenly Father give

2009-12-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

I posted a clip of Voddie Baucham more than a month ago. In it, he half-answers the question of why does God allow suffering to exist by reframing the question around God's sovereignty and turning the question to how is it possible a holy God lets me live. It is a factually correct perspective in the sense that all of us should be grateful for whatever we have, and God owes us nothing at all, and God can do whatever He wants. All of this is true. But two things occurred to me today that make me question the relation of this perspective to the Gospel.

One: I had to inform my employees that they were receiving bonuses, but the bonuses were drastically reduced from prior year amounts. The talking points given to me by HR to recite made it seem like the message I was supposed to send them was "It's a tough economy, you are lucky you have a job, and you are lucky to get any bonus whatsoever." While all of that is true, there is no grace in reminding them of their luck to then reframe their disappointment into some sort of joy.

Two: My daughter was hoping to get new earrings today. After getting her ears pierced several weeks ago, today was the day she was told she would be able to switch from the basic stud to different earrings. Because I was disappointed in one of her school grades, I chose not to get her new earrings even though I had told her we'd consider going afterschool to get some. My reasoning to her was that I was disappointed in her grades, and this was one of the punishments she was receiving. Again, factually true, and a teaching moment that actions have consequences, no doubt. But was there also not a teaching moment here on grace had I gotten her earrings? That she deserved nothing but punishment and instead received a gift of love?

A holy God owes mankind nothing. True. Sinful man deserves nothing but condemnation. True. After the very gift of life and breath, everything after that is a bonus. True. We should repeat these facts again and again because it gives us the proper perspective on God. False.

The good news of God is that despite what we have earned, He loves us and by His loving grace, He offers us abundant life. That is the repeatable message. That He is a loving Father, one who is not prone to reminding us at every turn that everything is His and He can do whatever He wants. That He is a loving Father, one who is not prone to lording His sovereignty and supremacy over us again and again. That He is a loving Father and despite the fact that we disappoint Him every single day with the grossness of our sin, He blesses us beyond measure. That is the Gospel: love and grace and mercy over condemnation. Sorry, Voddie. That's how I choose to remind myself of who my Heavenly Father is, and who my Savior is -- He loves me, not I'm not dead, woo hoo.

so choose life in order that

2009-12-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

If you asked me a decade ago if I was in favor of the death penalty, not only would I have said "Absolutely", but I would have volunteered to be the one who pulled the switch. A few years ago my stance softened as I considered Gen18 and read up on Catholic teachings on the sanctity of human life. Evangelical Republicans preach the evils of abortion while ignoring their staunch advocacy of capital punishment, something I was having second thoughts about. This week, a senseless tragedy occurred, and facebook statuses of a large number of my Christian friends railed for the killer to be caught, and when he was himself killed, a surprisingly large number of Christian friends reveled in his death.

Let me be clear on this point: bloodlust masqueraded as justice is terribly wrong.

Second thoughts no longer exist on this issue, as I am convinced there is no reconciling being against abortion with supporting capital punishment. Life is life -- whether it is the life of an innocent one, or the life of the most wicked of us all. Christ came to redeem the lives of both these types. A Christian cannot, cannot root for death to win. That is like rooting for the Empire, or rooting for the Axis. John10 makes the very clear distinction between what Christ brings (LIFE) and what the devil is all about (DEATH). Even when seeking justice, one cannot side with death. Death is the enemy; death is the consequence of sin; death entered the world via liar's lies; death is the opposite of the good news of God.

My heart breaks at injustice, and every inch of me seeks for God to strike down evil. In fact, I pray for His smiting on my enemies. But in the end, my sense of justice is often very different from God's sense of justice. And my sense of proper consequences is very different from God's sense of proper consequences. So rather than think about justice and consequences (of which I am clearly often wrong), far better for me to think about something I do know about -- the good news of God: that Christ came to vanquish death and bring life.

Deut30 presents us the choice to choose between life and death. Not life sometimes and death sometimes, but to choose one over the other. I choose life, the side represented by Christ. And you?

but to save the world

2009-11-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

Been a long while, I know. The very strong potential was for that long while to go without end. That potential still remains.

In any case, end or no end, it's worth reading THIS and seeing upfront and center the clear Gospel message. Man dies. Man's death saves the lives of others. This story is extraordinary in and of itself, and it's only a shadow of the true Gospel. In the case of the true Gospel, move from 8 lives to infinity lives. And move from saving the lives of friends and families, to saving the lives of one's own enemies out of sheer love. Story is touching in its own right. The Gospel? Even more so.

There is some subset of human begins who read stories of sacrifice and miss the sacrifice paid for them at Calvary. If only they could see.

I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised

2009-10-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

My father passed away two weeks ago today.

That sentence was incredibly difficult to write, as if in the writing I was somehow solidifying the fact and making it impossible to reverse. There is a profoundly deep well of sadness within me, a sorrow through whose shadows my screams find no bottom to that pit. And yet there is clear light amidst this turbulence. They say that trials in life are tests of faith, and over the past two weeks, I've grown to understand that more.

Some view the test of faith like a spelling test -- an examination with a pass/fail score. In your response to trial, do you still cling to that God of yours, or do you abandon Him? And there is that aspect to tests of faith.

Others view the test of faith like an air pressure test on your tires -- a gauge that measures some amount. In your response to trial, how big is your faith? Do you only see God when the streams of abundance flow? Or can you when in the desert, when walking through the wilderness still stay "Blessed be Your name?" And there is that aspect to tests of faith as well.

I have come to also see the test of faith like a rorschach test -- a test after which you learn something about yourself. I've said several times before that I want an unbelievable faith. And this recent test of faith for me has revealed what my faith looks like.

And while my sadness is infinite, I find myself believing more fully in the sovereignty of God than I ever had. I still see the goodness of God. I see the grace He has poured out to me over the last few years and last few months. I see His love poured out on me through His people. I see His heart for the lost, and His love for the found. I see a God whether the sun's shining down or whether the darkness is closing in whose name I can bless. I see a God who I will never be able to outlove who loves me to there and back and to whom I can run and I can run to his heart, a heart big enough for all my shadows I will not despair I will not despair. I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock in whom I take refuge.

against you, He has cleared away

2009-10-25T14:01:00.001-07:00

"Forgive One Another" {Eph4:32}
* Lots of words/phrases easy to say -- "I forgive you" is not one of them
- Requires humility to be able to give grace to another who has wronged you
- Corrie ten Boom story
* Forgiveness is commanded; rooted in God's forgiveness of us, and in person of Jesus
- Matt6:12
* Forgiveness is at heart of Gospel {Col3:13}
* No exclusion clauses in command to forgive others
- Matt18:21-22
- Forgiveness towards someone who repeatedly wrongs you does not exclude correction, rebuke, etc
* Forgiveness a heart decision {Matt18:23-35}
* Forgiveness to be given regardless of circumstances {Acts7:51-60}
- Steve Saint story
* Forgiveness done in light of Christ's example {Luke23:34}

on Him, because He cares for you

2009-10-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

O little one of infinite sadness, do you not know that all your cares can be given unto Me? Do you not recall that I will sustain you? that I will bear you? that I will shield you with eagles' wings? Do you not know that I derive no pleasure in death? that I long for all to come to Me? Do you not remember that I will defend you? that I will provide for you? that every hair on your precious head was numbered once by Me? O little one of infinite sadness, do you not know that I have great plans, plans for every one, every one, and no ache in you is greater than the one I have for all as well? Do you not recall that I will never leave you, nor forsake you, nor ever let you go? that what once was no longer is? that what once will be needn't burden your soul to break? O little one of infinite sadness, My heart is big enough for all your shadows, do not despair. Do not despair.

do so as one

2009-10-11T19:51:00.001-07:00

"Live in Harmony w/ One Another" {Rom15:5-6}
* God is glorified by our unity & harmony w/ each other. People form their opinion about God by what they see in us. {Rom15:5-6,12:16}
* Unity & peace in His family is a big deal to God {Ps34:14, John17:20-23, Eph4:1-6}
* Amount of blessing/disc we receive from God is greatly determined by our harmony {Ps133, Matt5:9, 1Pet3:8-12}
- Like orchestra: diff instruments w/ diff notes/sounds that sound great when played together
- Ed note: The blessing IS the harmonious community
* It takes tremendous effort & sacrifice to maintain harmony w/ everyone {Eph4:2-3, Rom12:18}
* Our ability to influence unbelievers is determined by our unity {Phil1:27, John17:22-23, Acts2:46-47}
* God won't use a person to do His work who has unresolved conflict w/ someone else {Matt5:23-24}
* Lack of unity slows our growth {1Cor3:1-3}
* Practical steps for developing unity
- Realize unity & harmony are possible
- Christ prayed for our unity while on earth -- possibly still prays for our unity; we have supernatural help in this
- 2Cor5:17-18
- Realize unity & harmony not automatic: accept responsibility, pray for it, make every effort

nor do they pick

2009-10-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

For some closing at a later date. All about choices.
* Would you rather game
* Football or baseball: no right or wrong
* Salad dressing type: doesn't matter
* Millions of dollars or abject poverty: one clearly better
* What to wear: not final; changes every day
* Heads or tails: not real help to you
* One choice. That has a right answer. That matters more than anything. That results in the glorious riches of heaven. That is permanent, now and forevermore. That will close that gap twixt you and eternity, square with the Almighty forever.

One choice.

he would not have allowed

2009-10-05T05:06:00.000-07:00

The clip below is a pretty unique response to the answer of "Why does God allow suffering?" It doesn't answer the question so much as it reframes the issue. Many of the theological questions we ask are human-centric questions. The clip below reminds us that a better answer would be to understand the question from the eternal view.

His disciples were together

2009-10-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

"Love One Another" {John13:34-35}
* Doug Nichols testimony
* Thoughts about One Anothering
- Our flesh is selfish and must be trained to put others first
- "One anothering" is a learned habit that becomes a growing skill that evolves into character {Isa1:17}
- Our relationship w/ God is affected by our "one anothering" {1John4:12}
* What does Bible teach about loving one another?
- Command to love given in context of serving
- Called a "new commandment"
- Jesus' love for His disciples the standard for our love for one another {John13:34}
- It begins w/ decision rather than emotion {1Pet1:22}
- Often mentioned in letters to early churches {Rom12:10, 1Cor13, 1John3:11, 1John3:16-18}
- Love for one another the proof we are followers of Christ and has potential to impact world {John17:20-26, 1John4:7-21}

pressed into service to bear

2009-10-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

Struggling lately with my role as a shepherd of the flock. Headed to a retreat with other shepherds yesterday, and in the middle of my foul mood, the Lord rebuked me about my attitude. Here I am, a leader among the brethren, and my heart towards everything I am doing and want to do and need to do was either resigned to the worst or begrudging. And the Lord reminded me about three things.

* First, I serve -- and all believers serve -- at the good pleasure of God. It is in fact a supreme privilege and great honor to be able to represent Him on earth, and to do His work, and to lead others to do His work. If it feels like prison rockbreaking, it is because our attitude is out-of-whack. There are millions upon millions of believers, and not all are being used by God. To be counted among that group of those being used is a unique privilege, and one we should not forget.

* Secondly, I serve -- and all believers should serve -- as a response of gratitude to God. We owe Him eternity and our very lives, and every blessing big and small. The cattle on a thousand hills and all we own is His. We cannot earn His love or our salvation. We have been given tremendous heavenly blessings. To serve Him is the very least of what we can do in gratitude.

* Lastly, I serve -- and all believers serve -- because we are commanded to. If serving the church feels like a responsibility, well, it is. I may have unhappy moments being a father or a husband or a son or an employee, and guess what? Too bad. Suck it up. Being worn down is part of a broken creation, and an aspect of lots of different things in life. If I can persevere as a father and a husband and a son and an employee, why can't I as a shepherd of the church?

Christ doesn't want my tithe if I am unhappy giving it to Him. Christ doesn't want a song sung if my heart isn't in the words. Christ doesn't want me sitting glumly in church if I'm not there to listen. And Christ doesn't want -- nor does He need -- my service as a shepherd if I cannot do it out of loving obedience to Him. Much to think about.

began to argue with

2009-10-01T16:38:00.001-07:00

The video below has been (or will be) making the rounds for believers. Nicely-produced video. Great arguments made by the little kid. Don't want to ruin it for you, but likely fictitious since the man the kid turns out to be has an unclear and conflicting testimony. Nevertheless, worth watching.

has been reserved forever

2009-10-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

The wondrous one asked my thoughts on the last v of Dan12: "But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age." Specifically, she wanted to see how the phrase "allotted portion" fit into my belief that the concept of heavenly rewards is bad theology. Considering the rest of Dan12, and how God is basically commending him for his faith, it seems to lead one to believe that one's allotted portion are one's saved-up rewards.

Nope.

Some digging into the phrase via Blue Letter Bible, along with some commentaries, and it's clear that the word used for "portion" is the same word as "lot". "Allotted portion" is sometimes translated as "inheritance." Similar to when Christ tells His disciples that He's prepared places for them in John14. God commends Daniel and basically tells him to keep the faith till the end of his days, where he will then enter into his eternal home with God, everything all reserved for him.

Sorry, Randy Alcorn & all your fans. Keep wishing for more than an eternal home. I'll stay away from that audacious level of greed, thank you very much.

his house like the spider's web

2009-09-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

The random video clip below shows a recent speech by Pope Benedict XVI wherein a spider (most likely a Prot spider) crawls all over him. I can guarantee the spider would have burst into flames if that had been JPII.

to leave them, for they were

2009-09-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

A week ago, my pastor preached a sermon on discipleship that mentioned that the fishermen who dropped their nets when called by Christ likely knew Him beforehand -- had, in fact, spent copious amounts of time listening to His teachings and witnessing signs and wonders before the call. Studied Luke5/Matt9/Mark2 story of the calling of Levi/Matt yesterday, and his dropping of his former life was also more than likely not a spontaneous reaction to the calling of God.

I think it's easy for us to imagine these dropped nets and careers as ideals of faith -- that meeting Christ is such a powerful experience it causes one to leave one's former life at the drop of a hat, even at first impression. I don't think that imagined faith ideal loses its luster in the light of the knowledge that these disciples had long known Christ to be something special, and that they were in fact, just waiting for the sign that would indicate He was ready to take on his kingship. You see, the leaving of one's BC life is no less difficult whether you've known Christ for ten years, or whether you've just been introduced.

Obedience to following the path He has laid out for you is not some singular point along one's faith walk. It is not that jumping off point. Rather, it's a continuous look for the snapped twigs and dropped clues that signal where He's taking you. And along the way, there are forks that may require you to leave behind that bread crumb trail you've been placing just in case you wanted to go back.

I could probably stretch this analogy even further, but I'll let it linger in your mind instead.

flees because he is a

2009-09-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

At the end of Braveheart, before William Wallace is summarily executed, he is allowed to speak one last time. And he uses all that is left in him to utter aloud the word "Freedom." It is a stirring moment that reaches something in us that longs to be unconstrained. My littlest sweet thing is 21-months old and is carried or strollered around whenever we go out. And she can put up with this for only so long before she squirms in an attempt to walk on her own like the rest of the family. And when given that opportunity to do so, she literally squeaks in excitement and pleasure the moment her tiny feet touch the ground, and she's off and wobbly-running.

In both these examples, you might argue that freedom is a good thing. Wallace fights for political independence and freedom from undue oppression -- a good thing. My sweet thing squirms for personal freedom and freedom from (what seems to her to be) physical oppression not hindering the rest of her family -- (I suppose) a good thing. But because there are good examples of freedom, our spirits perhaps confuse all desire for freedom -- even the bad ones -- as some greater good.

Is freedom from personal obligation and duty and responsibility a good thing? Is freedom from a made promise or commitment a good thing? Is freedom from a spouse attached before the altar of God a good thing? Is freedom from church membership when things go awry a good thing? Is freedom from keeping your word a good thing? Is flight rather than persevering fight a good thing? Is running, always running a good thing?

through sunshine after rain

2009-09-22T07:38:00.001-07:00

The clip below is a beautiful visual meditation of a great song that reminds us no matter the life situation, Praise the Lord. Every church in America could create a similar clip from examples in their own flock, and what a fragrant offering that would be to the Lord, testifying to His sovereignty and grace.

have been hidden from your eyes

2009-09-22T07:18:00.001-07:00

In the last few days, Facebook friends of mine have been posting some petition to keep out apps that have the potential to read inbox messages -- just the potential, mind you. It reminded me of petitions against cameras on street corners, and complaints about federal wiretapping. A few years ago, there was discussion about GPS chip implants, allowing parents to be able to know where kids are at all times, and I remember thinking "That would be awesome!" And yet everyone around me was horrified that the government would soon have the potential to know where you are and what you're doing at all times. And I suppose I get why non-Christians would care about their privacy, but I don't know why believers do.

Unless you're at places you shouldn't be at (ex: adult bookstores), or doing things you shouldn't be doing (ex: getting drunk at a bar on the way home from work), what does it matter who knows? I don't care if people track me or read my emails. They'll see I lead a fairly boring life and do lots of stuff for church. And when I sin, then I sin. I'm not ashamed I'm a sinner. Even if the government isn't watching, God is watching. You do remember that, don't you, Luke?

I did hear one argument that if it one day becomes illegal to be a believer (that day is soon coming), and the government can track you, they can arrest you when they know you're gathering for underground church. But eventually even that argument is ridiculous. I'm ready to be persecuted for my faith, and to die for the sake of the gospel. Turns out most believers can say they would too, but when reality comes in the form of GPS chips and online apps, they shrink away.

little girl, I say to you

2009-09-21T16:32:00.001-07:00

The video below shows that SCC is no longer trying to hide the fact that his one purpose is to make you weep uncontrollably. Mission accomplished.

and felt compassion for

2009-09-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

It is always interesting to see what triggers our hearts' responses. Yesterday evening, my daughter watched the death throes of her pet fish of five years. We told her the fish wasn't looking well and she stared at the bowl in glistening-eyed sorrow, and when he flailed around and then fell silent and we told her that might have been the end, she burst out in heart-rending tears. Compare that to her response when we told her seven months ago that her great-grandfather had passed away -- silence, but no tears.

Contrasting responses are not confined to young children. I'll read the newspaper or scan CNN or pass by the evening news as they discuss this-and-that murdered family, or so-and-so abducted child, or whichever new hero passed away in Iraq and Afghanistan, and not a whisper of emotion will flicker within me. But whenever my wife tells me she's about to throw away some ratty undergarment of mine that I've had for years beyond acceptable usage, my heart will flutter because she's tossing out something that has been so loyal to me for so long. Don't judge me. Add your own contrast: passionate about a sports team but not the Lord; calm about the kidnapping of a missionary but livid that your waiter spilled your soup; tears shed over the death of a fictional movie character but no grief on Good Friday. And on and on, that list.

Which is why still one of my favorite quotes is "Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God." Christlikeness is not just the behaviors that conform to Christ, but also the underlying heart. I'll know my heart is growing when the passing of T-shirts bothers me less than the passing of strangers.

followed Him, because they saw

2009-09-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

"Come, Follow Me" {Matt4:18-22}
* For the sake of the call
* Context: disciples did not respond without knowing Christ beforehand; had spent lots of time with Him before His call to begin ministry
- Diff twixt disciple & believer
* Disciple is a fully devoted follower of Jesus {Matt16:24}
- Marks: obedience, service, desire to please Christ
- Spectrum: curious-convinced-committed
* Not all believers are disciples {Luke14:26-27}
- Church is full of half-hearted Christians/lukes
* Being a disciple is a great privilege w/ significant cost {Luke14:25-27,33}
* Disciples are devoted to Word {John8:31}
* Disciples love Him more than anyone & anything {Luke14:26}
* Jesus does His work through His disciples {Matt4:19,14:17-19}
* Disciples have a special relationship w/ Him {Matt12:48-49}
- Ex: saw Him transfigured, got parables explained to them, saw His resurrected form
* Baptism a public declaration that we are disciples {Matt28:19}
- God loves ceremony (see marriage, child dedications)
* Mark of a disciple: love for one another
* Disciple is devoted to making other disciples (evangelism/outreach) {Matt28:19-20, 2Tim2:2}

who can listen to it

2009-09-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

Been awhile since I read through Daniel carefully, which is amazing considering I hold Daniel up there with Joseph as models of faith with no reported flaws. And the story of him and the lions' den in Dan6 is so popular, it often escapes us that it is not just Daniel's faith that played a role in his salvation. In v16, we are told that King Darius delivers a prayer to the Lord as he casts Daniel into the den. "May your God whom you serve continually deliver you" is what he exclaims. Then in v18, we are told Darius spent the night fasting for Daniel. Daniel gets all the credit here, and certainly he must have prayed for his deliverance, but it is Darius who is the standout here, at least for me.

Interesting theological question I am too lazy to look into right now, but does God hear the prayers of people who don't believe in Him? On one hand, He must since everyone's very first prayer for salvation comes when we are still His enemies. We do not know Him when we ask for Him to enter our hearts and take up permanent residence, and He hears that prayer. On the other hand, prayer is this privilege and power we have as children of the living God. Those not in His family do not have the direct access that we enjoy as believers. And yet here in Dan6, Darius' prayer was answered (or maybe just Daniel's prayer that is left unwritten).

I'm not coming to a conclusion here. As I said, too lazy.

and the other disciple ran ahead faster

2009-09-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

I have a long history with running.

When I was a kid in a big family in a small house, I often felt so stifled, I'd ask to go outside and run laps around the tiny yard. In school when the PE teachers made us run laps around the indoor gym, I'd be the one running full speed and lapping those others who were halfheartedly trotting in the appearance rather than the spirit of the exercise. My best time in school was a sub 7:00 mile, not bad for someone with tiny legs and a small stride. During college, as a way to deal with grief, I ran the Cambridge loop almost every day for an entire Spring.

I have a long history with running.

When I was a kid in a big family in a small house, I often felt so stifled, I'd lie in bed pretending to sleep, my mind miles away in a fantasy where I wasn't in the family I was in. In school when the teachers would ask us about our summers and holidays I'd make up stories to mask the monotony of poverty and a childhood unlived. My best time in school was every minute I wasn't home, feeling bad as someone with large wells of pain and an infinite depth of sadness. During college, as a way to deal with grief, I almost leapt into the Cambridge depths in some final escape.

I find myself these days both running and running.

I feel as fit as I've been in years, slim and stronghearted. But I also feel as unsettled as I've been in years, discontent and weakhearted. And in both instances, I feel as if I'm going through the motions. Training for a 12K? Sorta. Running just to run? More true. Being obedient and spiritually disciplined? Sorta. Running just to run? More true. Is the solution to keep running till all these things sort themselves out? Or stop for a second just stop for a second and ask myself where. Where. Where is this all going?

with you and become one people

2009-09-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

"Being Lake City Community Church" {Eph2:11-22, 4:1-6}
* If you are a believer in Christ, you belong to a community
* Our community originates through reconciliation {Eph2:11-16}
- Reconciliation through Christ changed relationship from hostility to peace
- Salvation not just about you/God, but also you/each other (two sides of a coin)
- Gal3:28
- "A redeemed community is at the heart of God's plan of redemption"
* Our community grows through discipleship {Eph2:17-22}
- Purpose of discipleship is to build the household of God
- As we grow in God & become stones, we grow others & gather more stones
- Goal is not to be the 1 glorious part of a body, but to be 1 part of a glorious body
* Our community functions through loving one another {Eph4:1-6}
- v1: The main topic/mission: worthy walk
- v2: The necessary essentials of success: humility, patience, love
- v3-6: The result: unity of Spirit, one body

and it is enough for us

2009-09-07T19:28:00.001-07:00

Have I been lazy posting? Yes. Will I ever return to normal posting? Lord only knows. Does anyone care? Can't imagine so, least of all me.

"Joy of Contentment in Christ" {Phil4:10-20}
* Contentment = "state of being satisfied with one's possessions, position, & status in life"
* Joy comes through Lord's provision (v10) -- high points in faith walk often come after God provides special gifts
* Joy remains in a heart of contentment (v11)
- Where I am
- What I do
- What I have
- Who I'm with
* Contentment is learned (v12)
- Learned through being in need (same as "humbling self in Phil2:8)
- Learned through having plenty ("Wealth has destroyed the character of more people than poverty has")
* Contentment is strengthened by Christ (v13) -- "all things" refers back to v12
* Contentment is demonstrated through sacrificial giving (v14-20)
- Giving is good (noble thing) (v14)
- Giving is partnership (v15)
- Giving is ongoing (v16)
- Giving is credited eternally (v17)
- Giving is pleasing to Lord (v18)
- Giving is rewarded (v19-20)
* Application
- Learn contentment (resist comparison, rejoice in present, refocus on eternity, release to others)
- Grow in giving
- Trust Christ as Savior

will not hurt them

2009-08-28T10:15:00.001-07:00

Please read THIS ARTICLE. It is a profoundly moving explanation of suffering in the light of God's love. It links suffering to the Gospel message, and the triumph of God over evil. It is one of the few articles I've read that helps make the problem of suffering make sense. It is a model of Christian testimony: perfectly instructive, and simply beautiful.

has filled your heart

2009-08-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

I'm going to veer dangerously close to (or possibly over into) blasphemy. I'll start by making it clear that I believe wholeheartedly in the Trinity. That I worship the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit -- growing up Catholic, how could I not? That I understand and believe all three are Almighty and Divine and worthy of all praise. You don't need to convince me of their individual and collective importance.

That is not to say I love all three the same way.

All of us will say, for instance, that we love our mother and father the same. It is for most of us, of course, a complete and utter lie. Every child either loves one parent more than the other, or at the very least, loves them the same but differently. And that is not a bad thing. Mothers and fathers have different roles and different personalities. It would be unnatural to love them exactly the same. In the same way, I love the different persons of the Godhead differently.

I love the Father the way I love my earthly father. I respect and revere Him. I have a holy fear of Him. I understand that all I have comes from Him. I serve Him and am obedient to His will. I know He is in complete and utter control of every millisecond of my life. I love the Spirit in much the same way. I appreciate that my gifts come from Him. I am grateful that my salvation was through His moving in my heart. I am thankful that when I utilize gifts such as teaching or preaching, I am completely dependent on Him for getting me through it. But -- and here comes the blasphemy (?) -- I don't love the Father and Spirit the same way I love Jesus.

I love Jesus in the way I love my wife. I feel close to Him. I talk to Him more naturally and freely and casually about anything and everything. I can picture Him smiling and delighting in me. I think about Him all the time. When I am away from Him for long periods of time and realize it, I long to be with Him in the way I miss my wife when I'm on the road. My heart is bent toward wanting to please Him and make Him happy. His unhappiness and displeasure in something I do saddens my heart more than anything ever could.

I've mulled on this difference all week. And I have no problems reconciling or admitting this truth. And it is possibly why I struggle so much with the "Love God" vs "Love Christ" question. Because in my own heart, the latter is the clear choice; is always the clear choice. I suppose I can't lead others into my own brand of blasphemy (if it is such). But if Paul, the greatest preacher and teacher and evangelist who ever lived, agrees with me, how wrong could that love be?

and love which are found in Christ

2009-08-24T04:32:00.000-07:00

For the last few months, been debating with other leaders over the wording of the church motto, with the focus of the arguments being who we state as the central recipient of our love. The default position was "Love God". I have been carrying the flag for the position that it should instead be "Love Christ". The God side of the argument has no credible argument save one: that as a Trinitarian faith, we can't focus exclusively on Christ; instead we are to love God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit -- condensed into simply God. Else we risk being modalistic, a theological position that believes there is only one God (not three) who appears in three separate forms.

I am willing to take that risk of false appearance.

No matter what position we choose, we risk some appearance. Any critic can find fault with whatever wording he wants. We should care less about how we are being perceived, and care more about stating our passion. And I will continue to carry the banner for the position that there is no more important statement of belief than loving Christ.

Christ is the difference-maker. The difference between us and a Unitarian church is that we love Christ not the generic term God. The difference between us and other theists is the existence of Jesus. You know who will get into Heaven? Not people who love God, but people who love Christ. God the Father even chooses to exalt Christ: He deferred Creation to Christ (John1, Col1) and is deferring Judgment to Christ. The NT is filled with very clear thoughts on whom we should be focusing on, and it is Christ. Paul says that to live is Christ. He says he counts all things as loss in view of the surpassing value in knowing Jesus Christ. Heb12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus. In John14, Jesus is letting His disciples know that when they follow and obey and love Him, they in turn love God. Acts4 tells us there is no other name under which men will be saved. We are taught to be more Christ-like not God-like. Christ is part of our main identity: we are to be CHRISTians not theists. More and more, serious disciples of Christ are distancing themselves from the label Christian, actually, and using the term "follower of Jesus." Our focus has to be, it has to be on Christ, not God, and I am unapologetic about that.

and chases after rewards

2009-08-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

Long layoff. Returning from vacation. Fighting through the fog. More tomorrow.

"The Joy of Pursuing Christ" {Phil3:12-21}
* No formula or switch for spiritual maturity -- must pursue it
* Hunger (v12-13a)
- Typical Christian not hungry for more
- Obtained "all this" -- refers back to v11 and Christlikeness
* Devotion (v13b): Narrow focus
* Direction (v13c, Heb12:2}
* Determination (v14, 1Cor9:24-27}: Like hunter stalking prey
* Discipline (v15-16): "live up to" = live by rules
* Discernment (v17-19): Choose to follow Christ over His enemies
* Decision (v20-21)

Do not think that I will accuse you

2009-08-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Internet Monk always has thought-provoking ways to examine Christianity and the practice thereof. This post has just such a thoughtprovoker. What kind of a sermon would Satan preach? Unfortunately, I disagree with the argument that's set up here.

Satan is more than an accuser of sin. Satan doesn't have to assist us in identifying what we do wrong. The Bible says in Rom1 that the evidence of God is clear, and that man knows right from wrong. Even infants feel shame when they've done wrong; it is inherent in us. What Satan actually accuses is God. That God is at fault for all this. That God made us this way. That God has planned our life in every little detail so He's responsible for our sin and our failure. That God must not love us. That God ultimately, is not worth following or loving or giving our lives over to. That's the damaging part of what Satan does, not just telling us what we aren't getting right. Satan's goal is not to make us feel guilty or forget our freedom from sin in Christ; his goal is to drive a wedge between man and God. That part shouldn't be forgotten.

Secondly, it is not Gospel-less for Pastors to be preaching and teaching about our failures. Doing so is not, in fact, repeating the message of Satan. The Bible says in 2Tim3:16, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." Pointing out our failings and giving us instruction on what we should be doing is preaching the Word of God. It is neither legalism nor Satanic. In Rom6, doesn't Paul go over the whole "May it never be" spiel where he discusses the relationship of his sin to the Gospel? And while he ends by pointing out that we are free from the condemnation of sin, he begins Rom6 by making it clear that we shouldn't be sinning. And a good pastor will, in fact, teach on proper behavior.

Good question. Wrong argument. But a great future post would, in fact, be the sermon the devil would give. Although I don't know that I should be spending the energy on that, given that he doesn't need the help.

continued to grow and to become strong in spirit

2009-08-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

"The Joy of Finishing Well" {Phil2:12-18}
* Work out your own salvation (v12-13)
- "Work out" = to finish something/to complete; not same as "work FOR" salvation
- Remember 3D salvation
- Believer's role (v12)
- Believer's attitude {v12, Eph6:5-6}: w/ fear & trembling -- "proper reaction to who God is & our weakness/tendency to sin"
- God's role (v13): more than an example -- "to will and to act"; "not by imitation, but by incarnation" (Christ in me)
* Stop complaining (v14-18)
- DO everything sans complaining or disputing (v14): reminiscent of Israelites in wilderness {Deut32:5}
- "Don't let your mind wander into doubt & disobedience simply because you don't understand God's will"
- For the sake of the unsaved (v15-16a)
- "No darkness so dark a single light doesn't dispel it"
* Application
- Pursue spiritual growth
- Serve others w/o complaint
- Shine for Christ
- Bear fruit

understanding to the simple

2009-07-30T02:06:00.000-07:00

Everyone should read this article from EO. I've been saying all along that translations like The Message or the Living Bible are from the devil. This article doesn't actually say that, but it makes a great point that there is something wrong with the simplification of the poetic word of God that is common among evangelical churches. In our desire to make the Word make sense to the lowest common denominator, we strip the Scriptures of their beauty (and often their meaning). We seem to lack trust in the Holy Spirit to make the Word make sense, and so we dumb it down for the flock.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: KJV, NKJV, NASB, and NRSV -- that's it. NIV, go to the back of the line.

and the sheep follow him because

2009-07-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

A Sunday school class at our church is exploring the topic of "discipleship" for the next few weeks. This runs concurrent with a bigger discipleship ministry we're launching this year that I've been working with one of our associate pastors on. This past Sunday morning's class introduced the concept of being a true disciple of Christ, and explored the difference in merely being a believer, and being an actual disciple. To be sure, the differences are many, and difficult, and costly.

Which leads me to the question: why even try to be a disciple?

I mean, if being a believer is enough to get you into Heaven, why put all that extra effort into maturing and following Christ, knowing the inherent costs? One believer remarked that it was a matter of obedience -- there really were no other options. Another believer remarked that there was this holy fear that he would appear before the throne with much regret at having wasted moments of his life not impacting the world for the glory of God. I don't know if there's any one right answer. I think everyone has to answer that question for themselves.

Myself, I cling to something I wrote a while back about why I choose to follow the Lord. It is echoed by one of my fave verses in the Bible -- Phil3:7-8: "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord".

the ones who have heard

2009-07-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, a brother and I discussed the topic of discipleship, and he showed me this chart that was a like a roadmap of spiritual maturity. It listed various aspects of our Christian walk, and defined the characteristics of that aspect into different levels of maturity. For example, Scripture-reading is a mark of discipleship. A beginner-level Christian will read the Word every now and then; a mature Christian will read lots of it every day, and memorize it. I like the concept of detailing the different stages of maturity, but what caught my eye was the inclusion of "Evangelism" in this chart.

This was not the first time the typical evangelical position on evangelism has rubbed me the wrong way. Several of the classes we offer on developing new Christians or veteran Christians includes a section on witnessing and how to spread the Gospel to others. I am in the clear minority when I say that it is wrong to encourage Christians to evangelize the way most churches encourage witnessing. It is even worse to track maturity by the number of testimonies delivered that month, or the number of souls won over by your ability to knock on doors and hand out tracts.

Evangelism is a gifting. Eph4:11 makes it clear that God made people different in their ability to spread the Gospel effectively. We cannot all be Billy Grahams based on the number of times we share our testimonies, or get bold with strangers and acquaintances. To measure spiritual maturity based on the number of spiritual discussions with people around us recently is ridiculous. You are either gifted with evangelism, or you are not. In the end, it is the Spirit of God who creates conversations, it is the Spirit of God who opens hearts, and it is the Spirit of God who wins souls. Churches ask you the asinine question, "Well imagine what would have happened if that person wasn't obedient to God and didn't share his testimony -- all those people wouldn't have gotten saved." Really? People are that indispensable to God's plans? These are the same people that hold to the doctrine of election -- if God chose the saved, they will be saved, your participation in the event notwithstanding.

I am not saying that mature Christians don't share their faith. All Christians should share their faith as they are prompted to do so by the Holy Spirit. I am also not saying that churches shouldn't encourage believers to share their faith. They most certainly should. I am saying that not all Christians will be given the opportunity to seriously witness, and I am saying that tying evangelism to maturity is improper. Some Christians will be given more chances to share testimonies than others. Some Christians might be beginner-level in their maturity, but gifted with the ability to win over souls; while other very mature Christians will never have a testimony that affects others. There are lots of aspects of the Christian walk that can and should be tied to every believer. Myself, I don't believe that evangelism belongs in that group.

others of His disciples were together

2009-07-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

"The Joy of Selflessness" {Phil2:1-11}
* Basis of Christian Unity (v1)
- Encouragement from being united w/ Christ
- Comfort from Christ's love
- Fellowship of the Spirit
- Affection & compassion
* Steps to Christian Unity (v2-4)
- Be like-minded (v2a)
- Have same love (v2b)
- Be one in spirit & purpose (v2c)
- Be unselfish & humble in all relationships (v3-4)
* Model to follow (v5-11)
- His unselfish behavior (v5-6)
- His unprecedented humility (v7)
- His sacrificial attitude (v8)
- His glorious exaltation (v9-11)
* Application
- I make unity my aim
- I consider others more important than myself
- I am unconcerned about personal position
- I make myself a servant
- I obey even when inconvenient

from your own steadfastness

2009-07-19T14:27:00.001-07:00

"The Joy of Faithfulness for Christ" {Phil1:25-30}
* w/o faithfulness, enduring joy difficult to obtain
- Faithfulness most mentioned of all attributes
* Paul's confidence (v25-26)
- Convinced his work was continuing to minister to churches
- "No one is indispensable" -- Paul chooses to be obedient in God's chosen role for him.
- If not increasing in joy, not growing spiritually. "Joy is the surest sign of the presence of God."
- Chief end of man? To glorify God AND enjoy Him forever.
* Paul's challenge (v27-30)
- politeuesthe = good citizen/live worthily {v27a, Eph4:1, Col1:10}
- We are CHOSEN to be sons and daughters of God
- Stand firm in one spirit (v27b)
- Strive together in unity (v27c)
- Suffer gracefully for Christ (v28-30)
- Bible never hides the cost of faithfulness
- Impossible to do all this on own strength {Phil4:13}

in the place where He was

2009-07-19T13:27:00.001-07:00

As an elder of the church, I spend a lot of my shepherding time listening to the frustrations of the flock. That inevitably means I spend a lot of time counseling others against looking for a new church. Some may find this counsel self-interested, but I assure you it is not. Whether or not church attendance waxes or wanes affects me personally not one whit. My counsel is never motivated by a desire to fill the pews and coffers. It is rooted in a fundamental view of the church.

At the end of Matt12 (v47-50), Jesus makes a stunning revelation. When asked about His mother and siblings, Christ stretches out His arms to the disciples and crowd and states that everyone was His sibling. In v50 Jesus says "whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." Jesus makes the connection that fellow Christians are like a family.

In that vein, leaving churches should be like leaving one's family -- done only in very rare and extenuating circumstances. And while there is no singular verse where the Bible states "Don't ever leave your church", the family analogy is clear enough. And throughout the Pauline epistles, Paul preaches unity and oneness as he encourages splintered churches to stay united. He spent a lot of time, for example, discussing when divorce is acceptable; he never wrote up when leaving a church is acceptable. I think that's telling.

Here are the only acceptable reasons in my mind where leaving a church is not SIN:
- Moving away: Just like when two people get married and move out-of-state for a new job, taking them away from their families, it's permissible to leave a church when you're no longer in the area.
- Getting married: Two young people get married and decide to find their own identity and their own family. That often includes being separated from two home churches (or one common church) to be on their own.
- Church is preaching bad doctrine: If you're a Christian and your immediate family begins practicing paganism, you might leave to protect your faith. When your church begins preaching health&wealth or declaring homosexuality and abortion aren't sin, run run away.

That's the complete list. Every other reason is sin. Don't like a particular program? Tough luck. Stay and vent to the church leadership and call for change. Have an issue with another brother or sister? Tough luck. Stay and practice forgiveness. Want something cooler and shinier and new? Tough luck. Change your selfish heart. American culture has programmed us to believe in individual choice, where we can have things our way. And when our church doesn't behave how we want it, we change it like we change socks or restaurants. American culture is the WORST possible teacher as it concerns selflessness and humility and patience and loyalty and faithfulness. Trust me, when I hear about families leaving churches, it says far more to me about the deserters than it says about the church.

for many years to come

2009-07-13T06:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we sang a modern adaptation of a familiar hymn. And while I was worshiping, I couldn't get the name "Ancient of Days" out of my head. It reminded me of a contemporary song I sang during college Christian gatherings.

The term appears three times in the Book of Daniel (all in ch7) as he describes a vision he sees of God Almighty. And the term refers to the eternality of God. No matter how far back we can imagine time, or how far forward we can project it, God was and is and is to come. It reminds me of one of my favorite verses in John (ch8). The Pharisees accuse Jesus of having a demon, and then ask Him if He thinks He's greater than Father Abraham. When Christ tells them that Abe rejoiced to see His day, they laugh and point that Jesus is younger than fifty, and He thinks He's seen Abe? Jesus responds "Before Abraham was born, I AM."

Scientists foolishly chase after the age of the earth, as if by pointing out it's 4 million years old says something more than if it's 4000 years old. And then relatedly what does that say about God? Make it 4 zillion years old. That God you keep mocking is still beyond your reckoning.

and to die is gain

2009-07-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

"The Joy of Serving Christ in Spite of Troubles" {Phil1:12-24}
* Background
- Paul the author (approx. 61 AD)
- Written from Roman prison
- Philippi site of first European church founded by Paul {Acts16}
* "Joy is a supernatural delight in the person, purposes, & people of God"
- Joy a gift to believers from God
- Joy experienced most fully when we are obedient
* Not losing my joy because of circumstances (v12-14)
- Paul's imprisonment served to advance Gospel (v12)
- Advance = military term used to describe pioneer front-running
- Chains gave courage to fellow believers ("blood of Christians is seed of the church")
* Not losing my joy because of critics (v15-18a)
- More important than others' opinion of you? Preaching of the Gospel of Christ
* Not losing my joy because of possible death (v18b-24)
- v23: "depart" = take down tent and move on
* Application
- Choose to focus on God's purpose at present
- Choose to remember God's overall plan
- Choose to live to honor Christ
- Choose to view death from God's perspective

indeed the Savior of the

2009-07-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

Much has been made about the death of NFL star Steve McNair. At today's funeral, Vince Young -- a quarterback whom McNair has mentored since high school -- said an interesting thing: "Steve was like a hero to me, and heroes are not supposed to die." Moving? Yes. Correct? No.

"Hero" is one of the most overused words in the English language. We use it to describe people that inspire us, or people who do great things. A hero is someone who gives his life for the life of another, and by that definition, the greatest hero who ever walked the earth was Jesus Christ, whose life was given for the life of all who ever lived and all who ever will live. Death was not some unnatural end to His heroism; it was the natural conclusion.

Friend, most heroes are recognized by the ones they saved out of the depths of their gratitude. Have you done that today for yours?

fixing our eyes on Jesus

2009-07-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

My church is considering simplifying its vision statement, and at a meeting last night, we discussed various iterations of the phrase "Love God. Love One Another. Love the World." Unsurprisingly, if you google the phrase, a multitude of churches with some variation on this tri-fold motto appears. Be clear that I support simplifying our current mission statement. I also support the intent of the phrase above since its basis is Biblical, rooted in Jesus's condensing of all the commandments into but two.

But my support of the phrase ends there. At last month's meeting, a wise brother remarked that the phrase lacked Christ, and that a unitarian church could hold the same motto. And that insight has affected me greatly over the past few weeks, to the extent that I made my voice clear that I wouldn't support any new vision that was not Christ-centered. The far, far better motto is "Love Christ. Love One Another. Love the World."

Do you know how many of my friends would claim they love God because they are spiritual and love people? Do you know how many of those same people I'm praying for their salvation? That overlap is almost 100%. If I raise my children to love God and people and the world, they will still burn in fire in eternity if they do not love Christ. Acts4:12 refers to Jesus and says "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." Christ is the difference-maker. The whole point of the existence of ANY church is to bring men to Christ, not to God. If we're going to be using any short phrase to put on banners and wristbands and mugs and bulletins, one of those words has to be Christ. I'd argue that if you really want to simplify the vision, you could cut out the last six words and just go with "Love Christ."

The difference between the proposed vision and the revised vision is but one word. But that word is THE most important word in the whole universe.

and your heart will rejoice, and

2009-07-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

"I Choose Joy" {Philippians}
* Difference twixt happiness & joy
- Difference mirrors temporal v eternal
- Happiness short-lived & fleeting
- Joy doesn't come as quickly, but longer lasting (a conviction)
- "Joy has as its core: hope"
- Happiness directs itself at objects/people; joy directs itself at God
- 12 refs to joy in Phil
* Three reasons for Paul's joy
- Gratefulness to God (right soil for joy to grow in)
- Faith in future
- Affection for others (brotherly love) -- love & joy are linked

because I was with you

2009-07-05T08:45:00.001-07:00

One of the most amazing people who knew the Lord was Elijah. You look at the miracles Moses did (plagues, Red Sea, manna from Heaven, et al) and you think no one else could bring about such wonders. And then here comes Elijah and you're reminded of the fact that it was never the prophet who had the power, but rather the God in whom he had placed his trust. And if you're called to be a prophet, you can bet that Lord won't forsake you, who called you.

In 2Kings2, Elijah goes up in fire and horses and wind and Elisha is left there with only a worn cloak as consolation. Fortunately, Elisha had wisely asked Elijah before he left for his spirit rather than riches or some other wasted gift. And upon the fiery departure of his mentor, Elisha walks back to a river in which his mentor had just recently performed a miracle. And right away, he decides to utilize his new-found power. But interestingly, as he repeats his mentor's miracle, there seems to be some small instance of doubt. Rather than a bold command for waters to part, Elisha asks aloud -- as if he's checking, just in case -- "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" And God answers with a definitive miracle, as if He were replying to that question "with you, just as I was with Elijah".

Everyone at times finds themselves feeling distant from God. And they play this game of spiritual chicken where they maybe will start praying, mentally asking God to return. More often than not, they do nothing and wait for Him to show Himself strong before they recommit to Him. But 2Kings2 serves as a powerful reminder that if we are honest in seeking His spirit, and wishing to be obedient to His calling, that it requires us to step forward in faith -- even if it's a faith with a little bit of doubt in it -- and that we just need to ask where He is, and if we're honest and obedient and faithful, that answer will come back a resounding "Right here, with you, my child."

My people of their rights

2009-07-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

From something a few years ago:

"[On July 4th], this country celebrates independence; it celebrates freedom. It reserves a day to honor freedom won by the sacrifices made by others. My friend, the greatest freedom ever won for you was won by sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary two thousand years ago: freedom from sin, freedom from death for all eternity."

Do you know true freedom? You don't know if you don't know Jesus Christ.

they, after worshiping Him, returned

2009-07-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hey, Kris. Want to know why you won? Maybe related to His blessings for you because of this:

your good behavior in Christ will be

2009-07-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

At a conference this week, and heard a very good speaker this afternoon who does amazing things with his kids each year. Aside from the purposefully heart-twisting videos of his kids (along with a live performance), the speaker mentioned the six stages of moral development that he leads his kids through over the course of the year. The higher the stage, the more mature the character.

Stage 1: the student is good because he fears punishment
Stage 2: the student is good because he gets a reward for doing so
Stage 3: the student is good to impress others
Stage 4: the student is good because it is the rule to be good
Stage 5: the student is good because he understands he has a social contract with others and wants to treat them the way he wishes to be treated
Stage 6: the student is good because he is good

There is a very clear parallel here to our spiritual maturity. A believer with an immature or new faith obeys God out of fear of His punishment. He then moves to being obedient because he thinks it earns him favor with God. Then he is obedient so that other believers see him as obedient. Then he is obedient because he understands God wants him to be obedient. Then he is obedient because he expects all believers to be obedient. But best of all is when he is obedient because he is a true believer and simply has an obedient heart.

Hear that Randy Alcorn and JBC? Rewards for obedience should not be your primary driver of behavior. You act the way you act because that is who you are in Christ. Keep your precious crowns. I'll keep my loving obedience.

until he has finished

2009-06-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

We sang a new song in service last week, and repeating it again tomorrow. It's been made popular by Chris Tomlin, who is like merlin when it comes to covering other artists' stuff. But the song was created by a less well-known group. Full lyrics can be found HERE Clip below shows the Bluetree lead in an acoustic version of it.

I wrote about "hope" a few days ago, and the reason this song is growing on me is that the chorus speaks to a hope. Many behave like they think God's work was done at the cross, and after that He kicked up His feet. But God is no absentee landlord, and He is still at work bringing about His grand plan, and great things He has done, no doubt, but keep looking forward and up, because the great, it's still a comin'.

therefore there arose a discussion on

2009-06-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

I fly often, and my usual flight is a 5-6 hr trip. Because I don't suffer fools, 9 out of 10 times I don't speak a word to the person sitting beside me beyond a casual greeting. Every now and then I'll encounter someone I'll speak to for 5-10 min snippets. Last night, however, I ended up speaking to the guy beside me for several hours. The primary topic of conversation? Video games. Last night, my conversation moved from handheld games to opinions of specific games to the game industry to the different consoles, and embedded within the conversation I discussed anecdotes about video games.

What's interesting is that I can imagine many topics around which I'd carry on long conversations (with strangers or with friends): video games, favorite sports team, politics, golf, movies, etc. And the reason people can bond around these topics is that people have their own experiences and stories that they can tell about that topic. Conversations succeed when both parties can excitedly and/or passionately take a point of view and discuss. But what I realized this morning is that -- even in conversations with other believers -- there aren't a lot of conversations I have with people about faith that don't feel like I'm teaching Sunday School or trying to convey a message.

Don't get me wrong, I've had plenty of conversations that include elements of faith. I've had arguments about theology. I've shared my testimony. I've discussed prayers. I've shared thoughts about particular scriptural passages. But these were all specific instances around specific topics. What is harder to recall is an organic conversation about faith that jumped from faith topic to faith topic where both parties shared stories about their faith. And I don't know if I'm alone in that experience or not. Thinking it would be great if I and all other Christians had similar conversations where we begin with Noah's Ark and move from there to Job to eternal security to Lazarus to election to why Joel Osteen is the antichrist, embedding our excitement and passion and personal stories about this walk, this wonderful walk we have before us at all times.

think kindly of us, longing to

2009-06-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Every now and then the Lord reveals things to me in flashes. Today while walking back to the office amidst a sea of people, I felt this tugging in my heart full of sadness. I felt this enormous upwelling of some mix of compassion and pity and heart, and looking from face to face to face made it more exponentially powerful. That it lasted just a few seconds is the Lord's grace to me, as any more than that, I do not know how I could've coped. I believe that what I felt was a minuscule slice of the heart of God for His people.

I don't know what He wants me to do with that glimpse. Perhaps it was an answer to an already-uttered prayer. Perhaps it was a sign pointing to some direction that is yet unclear to me. And perhaps it was just a reminder to me that He's always there, that He cares for me and others more than anyone could know or bear, and that my responsiblity is to have that heart, to not lose sight of that heart, to cling to that heart.

as for me, I will hope continually

2009-06-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

I've written about President Obama BEFORE [Also, HERE and HERE]. Usually it's not so positive. And the reason is that he is an empty suit. He was not elected based on substance. He was elected based on hope. What Obama represents to his voters is a belief that things can be different: the hope that racism can die out; the hope that world peace can be achieved; the hope that the economy will improve; the hope that the US will be embraced on the world stage; etc etc etc. Looks like maybe that hope is running out.

It's not just Obama. People put their hope in a new coach for their sports team. In new medications to treat their health worries. In a new relationship to cure that internal loneliness. And these things eventually disillusion the masses. Because those hopes are in vain. Our hope can ONLY be in Jesus Christ; He is the only hope that will not fade away. Heb6 says that hope is "an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast". 1Pet1 says our hope is a "living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" and commands us to "fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." This idea of the hope of God is a powerful, powerful thing. We have this hole in our soul, one whose darkness seeks some light to dispel it. Our souls are wired to look for that light. And that light will not be found in the bottom of a bottle, in that attractive co-worker, in that optimistic coach, or in the Oval Office. It is only and ever found in Jesus Christ, in Him alone.

"For I hope in You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God." -- Ps38:15

to save that which was lost

2009-06-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

"Loving the World" {Acts20:24, John17:18}
* Clarification: Do not love the world -- love the people of the world {1John2:15-17}
* People matter to God {John3:16}
* Jesus loved lost people {Matt9:36, Luke19:10}
* Jesus met the needs of unbelievers {James2:14-17}
* Jesus sends us into the world w/ a strategy {Acts1:8}
* How we can love the world
- Purposely befriend & pray for those in circle of influence
- Meet practical needs in community (MOPs, AWANA, Food Bank)
- Open hearts to orphan care {Ps68:5-6a, Ps82:3-4}
- Seek to understand other cultures & their needs
- Send works to share Gospel
- Support global workers in prayer {Col4:2-4}
- Support outreach effort to Tamajaq

therefore your whole body is

2009-06-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

I've always been in relatively healthy physical shape, despite a diet consisting of primarily beef, cheese, sugar, and mac&cheese. But the past few weeks, I've been running and working out consistently almost every day. I've also changed breakfast from eggs to Cheerios, and been eating one serving at dinner instead of two. All of this extra attention to my physical condition has had one perverse side effect: I am weighing myself constantly and looking in the mirror way too frequently.

I've noted before that the world corrupts purity -- there is a fine line between lust/love, confidence/arrogance, justice-seeking/legalism -- and I think I'm crossing that line between being aware of my health and vanity. I can make the argument I'm doing this just so that I'll live longer for my family, but half the time I'm pretty sure I'm doing this all for washboard abs. And by the way, I don't buy that argument used by believers who love working out and eating healthily that 1Cor11:19-20 commands us to do so because the Spirit dwells in us. That has got to be as flimsy an argument as believers who defend gay rights by saying that God is love. I'm certain being a believer doesn't require a gym membership.

Not sure where I was going with this. Maybe just to let you know that tickets to the gun show are this way *flexes*.

to perform the duty of

2009-06-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

Met with a brother this morning and discussed the role of the church. One position sees the role of the church as teachers -- enabling individual believers to grow spiritually on their own. This perspective sees the role of pastors and elders and ministry leaders only as overseers of individual growth. One consequence of this perspective is that children -- who are too young to manage their own growth -- must have their paths of growth be led by their parents and not the church. The church, you see, instructs believers to do their jobs; and the duty of spiritual development of youth falls under the purview of parents. Hence, the church plays an assistance role, but only through the parents.

A second position (the current model of most churches, especially from the role of immature believers) sees the role of the church as the source of all things religious -- where ALL spiritual development is in the hands of the church. Many churches see themselves as the doer of all things, resulting in haphazard ministries, all keeping their own successes. They view themselves as the sole fount of all knowledge and growth. You must attend Sunday morning AND Bible study AND prayer night, because otherwise, how would you grow?

The third position sees the role of the church beyond instructor, but not as far as ultimate guide. The church has a more active role in addition to teaching, and that is some actual doing as well. This perspective sees the role of pastors and elders and ministry leaders as overseers of individual growth, and where necessary the responsibility to act as interventions. In this perspective, the church -- as the extended family of the immediate family -- also has a shared (albeit much smaller) responsibility for the spiritual development of youth. No question the onus lies with the parents, but the church plays a role, too.

It's not too difficult to see where I am on this spectrum. Position one vacates all spiritual responsibility from the bride of Christ. The Bible says the church is His hands and His feet; surely they must be used for more than writing on a chalkboard? The second position vacates all responsibility from the believer. Our walks are individual walks, not group walks, and pastors will answer before the throne for spiritual development, but so will each of us individually. I'm a man of extremes and blacks and whites, and I would love to embrace one of these polar positions. But methinks truth lies more to the third option, and there I will seek to lead those that wish to follow.

we behaved toward you believers

2009-06-14T21:55:00.001-07:00

"Loving One Another" {John13:34-35}
* The church has highest possible place in God's heart
- Bride of Christ
- Christ died for His bride {Eph5:25}
- 1John3:16, Matt16:18
* Anyone who doesn't love others doesn't love God {1John4:7-8}
* Love is chief mark of authenticity
* We love by committing to His church {1Cor12, Eph3:21}
- Be involved in small group {Acts2:46-47}
- Pray for one another faithfully {Col4:2}
- Forgive one another & diligently seek unity {Eph4:3, Eph4:32, Rom16:17, 1Pet4:8, Ps133}
- Serve & encourage one another {Gal5:13, 1Thes5:11}
- Serve greater body of Christ in our community {2Cor8-9}

has filled your heart

2009-06-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

[From last Sunday]

"Loving God" {Mark12:30-31}
* Most important thing in life is love
- Love better than legalism, ritualism, religion
* God's priorities for my life: love Him, love church, love world
* We love because God loves us (agape love, highest form) -- God source of all true love {1John4:19}
* Love is a choice & commitment {Deut30:19-20a}
* Love is an action, not just emotion
- 1John3:18
- If feeling gone, act & feeling will return {Rev2:4}
* How we love God
- Is worship directed toward Him?
- Heb13:15-16: Continually
- Our lives are joyful anthem of love

their infants and they would not survive

2009-06-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, my mercy, how did I ever miss the video clip below? Almost five months passed between when America's Best Pastor John Piper delivered the powerful message below, and when it hit my eyes and ears. I don't like anything about the state of MN, but the more I listen to Piper speak, the more I am considering moving to be a part of his church. I guarantee, I GUARANTEE I will do everything in my power to ensure this clip is shown next January to our flock. [Note: I agreed with every part of his message except where he says some of us wept for joy at the inauguration of the antiChrist.]

opened the book and found

2009-06-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Not sure what I think of THIS version of the Bible. I'm on record as being against the NIV, and although I'm reading through the ESV this year, I still have my reservations. My belief is not every translation is appropriate, no matter what Warren and others say.

I do appreciate that the intent of the authors of this version of the Word is to make it more readable to attract those that aren't currently immersed in daily reading. And if you click on one of the samples you get the gist of what they did -- transformed the Bible into literature. More readable, sure, but here's the thing: the Bible isn't literature. It is a love letter from God to us. It is the manual for understanding and getting through life successfully. It is the tome of all wisdom. But it is not, nor has it ever been bedside reading. This shouldn't be an option when you're looking for a quiet activity in the evening. It should never be "Do I read the Bible or John Grisham?"

Turns out I DO know what I think of this version. I'm going to go ahead and take the position that I'll never read it. I prefer my Bible to grow me, not entertain me.

who can listen to it

2009-06-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

Do yourself a favor and click HERE and listen to song #11, I Will Glory in My Redeemer. Better than listening to the snippet would be to get the whole song; it's worth it. The worship war played out by churches pits old school music (read: hymns) against contemporary Christian music. And one of the many ways this war is idiotic is that it defines hymns as a type of music tied to a time period (1800's) rather than what a hymn truly is: any structured song of praise or thanksgiving to God. Some of you might even remove the word "structured" from that definition.

Point being, there are some amazing hymns that have been written in the past few decades. "In Christ Alone" was written in 2001, for example. "The Power of the Cross" was written in 2005. And "I Will Glory in My Redeemer" was written in 2001. On their own, just given the lyrics and the melody, any stubborn, hymn-only stalwart would be hard-pressed to explain why these three songs somehow offend God's ears. Heck, 9 out of 10 of these stalwarts, if asked whether the line "Mine was the sin that drove the bitter nails" was written by Charles Wesley would probably answer yes, and the 1 who said no probably thought it was a Fanny Crosby lyric instead.

Full lyrics can be found HERE. Listen. Meditate. Worship.

leaving no children

2009-06-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'm probably going to get excoriated for this post, but whatever. Participated in an interesting discussion Monday night with two folks who believe in having families with lots of children. My definition of lots of children is "more than 2". Their definition is the exact opposite of that -- if you can't field your own baseball team, you're depriving yourself of God's blessings. Other organizations share a similar mindset. Let's get a few things straight here:

* The fact that children are a gift doesn't mean you should hoard as many as possible. Like Christmas presents, one big gift is often the equivalent of lots of smaller gifts. And you aren't more gifted because you have seven kids, and I have three. Perhaps my three are the equal of your seven, blessingwise.

* That whole quiverfull idea -- you know if you're a good hunter/warrior, you don't need to carry more than one arrow, right? And quivers vary in size by task (hunting vs war), by Indian tribe, by size of arrow, etc. I don't know how you translate the imagery of a full quiver into being a dozen kids, and not simply two kids.

* Let's count the blessings God has already given you: forgiveness of sins and eternal life, in addition to whatever material blessings or family blessings or job blessings you enjoy alongside those two great blessings. And because God equates having children with blessings, you want to take advantage of the system and have as many children as possible for the sake of getting more blessing? Greed might not be strong enough a word for this mindset.

and wrath and anger and clamor

2009-06-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

Still mulling over my post from yesterday about it being okay to be mad at God. I've written about SCC before. I think his response to what the Lord allowed to happen (and indeed, ordained to happen) has been a model of pure faith. Others should look at his and his family's testimony over the past year and point and say "That's real faith." A year after the tragedy, SCC's wife posts an honest, wrenching account of how she's feeling. Still clings to Christ, to be sure. Still saddened beyond measure, of course. And sometimes, yeah, she's still angry with God.

Look out, Lord. Someone with weak faith is attacking your sovereignty. Someone proud and arrogant. Better she should pretend everything is peachy in her walk, and ignore her heart. Someone should tell a grieving mother that her anger has no Biblical justification.

It just won't be me, because still to me? They're still Exhibit A in Faith v Unbelief.

and being furiously enraged at

2009-06-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

During yesterday's sermon, a point was made that I chose to exclude from my summary because I disagree with it. The preacher remarked that it is "never okay to be angry with God"; that there is no Biblical justification for it; that it represents an "unbelievable display of pride and arrogance"; and that being angry with God is an attack on God's sovereignty.

First, there are lots of things that are attacks on God's sovereignty. When we are disobedient, we are turning from His divine plans for us. When we complain about our circumstances, we are saying that God's ways aren't so cool. When we decide to be proactive and take our lives in our own hands rather than waiting on Him to open/close doors, we are going against His sovereignty. And while we are wrong in doing all these things, we have the freedom and right to do so.

Second, there are Biblical justifications for being angry with God. The book of Jonah, for example. Throughout the Gospels, the disciples often find themselves exasperated with Jesus. A whole crew of them leave following Him at the end of John6, for instance. Doesn't Moses grumble a bunch of times in Exodus? Point being, there are plenty of Biblical heroes who get upset with the ways of God. And make no mistake, it doesn't accomplish anything, and they are certainly in the wrong every time, but that doesn't mean it isn't okay to be angry with God.

God doesn't want stepford wives for followers. God gave us free will to act and feel as we please. And even when the feeling or the action is not righteous, we have the freedom to express them. And God wants us to empty our emotions with Him. If we do find something in our lives that troubles us, He wants us to share it with him in complete honesty and truth and sincerity. Is it better to react in praiseful acceptance no matter the circumstance? Sure. But make no mistake: the Lord wants you coming to Him, crying out to Him, arguing with Him. At least you are there with Him. The alternative -- lying to Him about how we feel, or hiding how we feel -- is worse. He doesn't want our deceit, and He doesn't want us to give Satan opportunities to sow discontent. Anger is a natural human response and emotion. And the last thing God wants us to do when we are with Him is to lose our humanity.

despite my groaning

2009-05-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

"The Response of a Sufferer" {Hab3}
* When given choice of responses to suffering, best choice (faithful choice) always praiseful acceptance of God's will
* Response#1: Prayer
- Ch1&2 build in frustration, but ends in ch2 (v20) in quiet.
- Then Ch.3 begins as prayer
* Response#2: Waiting
- Hab recalls evidences of God's grace in v3-15
- Recounts blessings of God as he waits on God
* Response#3: Rejoicing
- v16-17 = No matter the circumstances or situation
- v18 = Rejoice
- Cross the ultimate redemption of all suffering & sin
- "Your sufferings are not so great as your sins" -- Thomas Watson

woes are still coming after these

2009-05-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

"Does God Leave Sin Unpunished?" {Hab2:6-20}
* Woe: Prediction of God's just judgment
* Woe#1: Against greed & pursuit of wealth
- Will lead to sudden reversal
* Woe#2: Against unjust gain
- Will result in strong regret
* Woe#3: Against violence & exploitation
- Will bring a shallow return
- v14 also Isa11:9
* Woe#4: Against drunkenness
- Will bring disgrace & retribution
* Woe#5: Against idolatry
- Will be profitless
* Hab2:20
- Temple = Heavenly throne
- After all woes, God still in control
- Will not leave sin unpunished
- God will prevail
* Application
- Repent
- Make good choices
- Believe

complete in the same mind and

2009-05-23T13:39:00.001-07:00

Going to offend with this post, but don't really care. The American Idol finale was this week, and in an "upset" clean-cut singer Kris Allen beat media darling Adam Glambert (sic). Glambert is gay and wears eyeliner, and shrieks like a banshee; Allen is married and smiles alot and led worship in church. They didn't announce vote totals, leading many to believe that it wasn't even a close contest. In a recent interview the finalists discuss their feelings on the result.

Allen makes an interesting statement. He had hoped that his faith and Glambert's sexuality would not play into the voting -- that America should have only taken their musical skills into consideration when picking the winner since this was a singing competition and not a Presidential election. And many would agree with this statement -- hence the outrage at the result. Was Glambert a better singer, a more creative artist, a better musician? Absolutely.

But here's the thing: I do not buy the position that we should keep faith out of our vote. Faith should NEVER be kept out of anything. The devil wants you to believe that faith is something that can be separated from your everyday life; that faith is something that doesn't have its place in some areas of your thinking. That kind of thinking is exactly why Obama is president. But it is a profoundly wrongheaded view of faith. It is in my opinion the reason we have so many lukewarm Christians. These believers think they can have parts of their lives and parts of their belief systems and perspectives be unrelated to faith, allowing them to be so much like the world in everything they do, including voting.

What these lukewarm don't understand is that our whole life is one war. Everything we do and think is part of this war. This is the reason Paul writes Ephesians 6. And even in something as insignificant as a singing competition, our faith matters. We lose and the devil wins when he can make us put blinders on our faith. When we pick anything -- President, American Idol, Best Picture of the Year, favorite sports team, you name it -- our choices, our way of thinking needs to be controlled by our faith in Jesus Christ. CS Lewis understood this point, and made the greatest of quotes: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

and fastened to the cross

2009-05-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest grievances against my current church is its lack of crosses. Not only do we not have one on top of the building, but we don't have any on the walls within the building. I'm sitting in a hospital dialysis ward, and there's a nice brown cross beneath the clock on the wall. Getting to the ward, I pass two other crosses. If there's a bigger indictment against modern Protestant churches than the fact that I see more crosses in a hospital than a church, I don't know what it is.

was worth a year's wages

2009-05-18T15:44:00.001-07:00

I never watch the show Survivor, mainly because I hate people as a general rule, and hate listening to people speak. And reality shows exist by filming real people speaking. Except that the people who get chosen for these shows are in the top percentile of most annoying people to ever open their godforsaken mouths, oh why won't somebody kill them already so they never speak again?

Anyway, I was playing games on my iPod Touch while it was on for the wondrous one, and my ears perked up at the end when one of the finalists had to choose which of the other two annoying people he wanted with him in the head-to-head vote for a million dollars. And his choice was between an annoying waif who would be easy to defeat in a vote, or the annoying person whom he had promised to take with him to the end. Basically, he had to choose between an easy million-dollar win, or his integrity. I would've bet my house that he was going to sell out his integrity for a million dollars. Moment of truth: I'm pretty sure I would've sold my integrity for a million dollars. Lo and behold, he proved me wrong. Turns out that there are good people in this world, and sometimes they make good decisions in the face of potential criticism. And he won the million dollars. (Should I have said spoiler alert first?)

Happy ending for everyone except me. The happy ending for me would've been the studio exploding, and the world being nine annoying people smaller in number. Here's hoping for a happy ending next season.

2009-05-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

"God Are You Really Fair?" {Hab1:12-2:4}
* Perspective not same as reality
- Faith lives in this gap between perception and reality
* Hab's 2nd complaint
- Wrong perspective (v12-17)
- Underlying complaint: Your actions don't fit Your nature
- Uses four names for God (YHWH, Elohim, Kadesh, Rock)
- God has ordained difficult circumstances for life of all His children
* Hab's response
- Determination (stand watch)
- Isolation (station on ramparts)
- Expectation (look to see)
- Teachability (and what answer I am to give)
* God's 2nd Answer
- Will certainly happen
- If it seems slow, wait for it
- But righteous will live by faith (v4)

but when he awakens, behold

2009-05-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

Reading through 1Kings, and as I read through the list of people who reigned over this and that and walked in the sins of their fathers, a word kept appearing in reference to what their behaviors were doing to the Lord: the word "provoke". A quick con search lets me know that 53 instances of that word appear in the NASB -- with the vast majority of them being used in the context of people doing things to irritate a patient God. I get the picture of a sleeping lion with a dumb kid and a stick and a death wish.

I can't open up a newspaper or browse CNN or turn on the TV without reading or seeing someone irritate me with their bad decisions. If it's not another state going against majority wishes to allow sodomy, it's another fool claiming to present the real truth of the historical Jesus. And sure, they can keep kicking religion when its down, and I keep thinking to myself, "Keep at it. Keep at it. That stick is this close to complete provocation." And trust me, when the the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is provoked, that death wish is about the dumbest wish in all of history.

that we may give an answer to

2009-05-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is late from Sunday, but I wasn't there, so second-hand info anyway.

"Where is God when I Need Him?" {Hab1:1}
* Does He answer prayer?
- Doesn't listen if you're living in sin & disobedience
- No, your request is outside His purposes for you
- Yes
- Now now
* Background to Hab
- Minor prophet, but still important
- Name means "embracer"
- Written approx. 607 BC (reign of Jehoiakim)
- Babylonians strong, Israelites in disobedience
- Ch1&2: Complaints & His answers; Ch3: psalm of trust
* Complaint #1
- Prayers going unanswered (v2)
- Why do you tolerate wrong?
- Circumstances are unbearable (v3) (injustice, destruction, violence, strife, etc)
- Corruption rampant (v4)
* God's answer
- In the hands of God to accomplish His will
- Prov21:1, Rom13:1, Ps75:6 -- God raises up those who He wants to accomplish His desire
* Application
- God working even when we don't see it
- We need to trust and wait upon Him

Your servants who delight to revere Your name

2009-05-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

In yesterday's post, I mentioned the movie Evan Almighty. I won't spoil it for you completely, but my absolute favorite scene in the movie is at the end when God is rejoicing with Evan over his obedience (come on, not really a spoiler -- you know this is going to have a happy ending). And when I watch this scene, I can only think of the word "delighted".

Great sermon topic for the future, methinks, this idea of God being delighted by what we do and who we are. A quick concordance shows slightly over 100 verses containing the word. And this idea of a God who is always watching what we do can be seen as something ominous and Big Brother-y and scary, or it could be seen as a God who, like a parent, is always making sure His child is safe and happy, and waiting for those special moments like that first step or that college graduation or that wedding day when because your eyes are sparkling, His eyes are sparkling, and there is such a great delight in Him for what you have done and what you have become that His joy is everything you've ever wanted.

with His disciples into the boat

2009-05-05T10:51:00.001-07:00

I spent a recent post decrying believers flocking to see wholesome movies, so I won't be a total hypocrite and tell you to rent the movie Evan Almighty. But I will tell you that I was completely surprised by how well they captured the story of Noah's ark, and even more surprised by the accuracy of their perception of God's perspective on things. At the risk of spoiling the movie, I'll call out three particular instances:

Instance#1:
Evan meets God but doesn't know who He is just yet. And when Evan asks Him, "Do I know you?" God responds, "Not as well as I'd like"

Instance#2:
Evan, frustrated with all of the things being asked of him (the least of which is the building of an ark) asks God why He's doing all this to him (Evan). God responds, "Because I love you."

Instance#3:
God is explaining to Evan's wife about how God answers prayers, and says (rough transcript): "If you pray for patience, does God make you patient, or does He give you opportunities to be patient? If you pray for courage, does God make you brave, or does He give you an opportunity to be courageous? And if you pray for your family to be closer, does He make you feel all fuzzy inside, or does He give you the chance to stand beside each other?"

I still believe you shouldn't be searching for wholesome movies just to be entertained. But searching for a movie teaches you something about God and His nature while entertaining you? Maybe that's different. Or I'm a hypocrite. Either way, stop watching Miley Cyrus and HSM. They're stupid.

all nations because of My name

2009-05-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

"Missions for the Church in the 21st Century: LCCC and the Tamajaq People of Niger"
* We are image bearers of a Global-Minded God
- Expressed by all Scripture
- Emphasized by Gospel
- "The Living God is a missionary-minded God"
* We should be Global-Minded
- Motivation#1: Because of God's glory
- Motivation#2: Because of our mandate {Matt28:18-20, Acts1:8}
- Motivation#3: Because of the need
* The Need
- Unreached people groups (nations)
- Approx 10,000 unreached groups, or 2 billion people
- Last 30 yrs most successful period in evangelism in history
* We can be effective in global outreach
- By strategic thinking (prayer and church planting)
- By mobilizing needed personnel
- By mobilizing needed resources
- By knowing our adopted people group
* Application
- Be certain of own salvation
- Spread the Gospel globally
- Commit to pray
- Short/mid-term missions trip

was for this reason separated from

2009-04-29T06:29:00.001-07:00

GodTube recently changed its name to Tangle, on the shabby excuse that it had to do with John15, and not because they wanted to remove the word "God" from its URL and make God less prominent. I'd link to the site, but I don't believe them, and I think the new name is stupid. I still peruse the site every so often, but I'm beginning to think I'll stop doing that soon. How can a site that is presumedly religious or faith-focused be overrun with Miley Cyrus videos? I'd also not be surprised to see High School Musical or American Idol clips. Because these three shows are apparently popular in part due to the large numbers of believers who watch them.

I think it's utter ridiculousness for Christians to embrace something on the sole grounds that it is PG. The reasoning behind their flocking to the box office or couch goes something like I'm a Christian so I should only be watching things without swearing or sex or other unwholesome things. This Disney-created thing is free of such deviant behavior. I need to be entertained. I'll watch this and bring all my kids. What a good believer I am. Self-righteousness added for effect.

Problems with your line of thinking:
* Disney and all other media companies are centers for profit, and profit alone. If Disney thought it could make money by creating shows focused on ritual goat sacrifice, they would. They make shows PG not because they buy into the Christian worldview, but because they want your dollar bills. Feeding into their model shows you are a fool, not that you are wholesome.
* You'll separate your viewing habits to distance yourself from unwholesomeness, but not in other areas of your life? How about you stop gambling, drinking, complaining, divorcing, et al. Picking and choosing which things you distance yourself from, and which you keep nearby, sort of defeats the purpose, no?
* You do NOT need to be entertained. I repeat, you do NOT need to be entertained. Going to a movie theater is not a basic human right. Watching TV is not an entitlement.

In summary: stop watching Miley Cyrus and HSM. They're stupid.

they will exploit you with false words

2009-04-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

Obama wants to increase the nation's reliance on science. If you give him the benefit of the doubt, it's because he wants to move us technologically forward. If you want to read into End Times prophecy, you'll see it as thinly veiled contempt for religion, especially Christianity. I fall into a position in between where I see him wanting to push us forward into the future -- unfortunately, that's a future that denigrates faith.

All that to point out the continuing ridiculousness of science:
* Maybe we can continue unfounded speculation on events that may or may not have occurred. How is it considered "science" to be writing articles on events that existed -- according to their own stupid notions -- millions of years before human existence? It's like me writing a paper claiming that dinosaurs subsisted on unicorns and trolls. Utter speculation masquerading as intellectual content.
* Maybe we can continue imagined creations on events that may or may not ever happen. Some "scientists" made up a video to show possible events in space-- in the same way I could use video-editing software to show my children flying in space without spacesuits. Special effects these days show animated Ents, realistic superheroes, and robots that can turn into vehicles. Utter speculation masquerading as intellectual content.
* Maybe we can continue sinking billions of dollars into a failed dream that may or may not destroy the world. How could something be "even more perfect"? Isn't perfection the top level you can reach? And how can your existing thing that is perfect be broken for 7 months? We have people criticizing possible discrepancies in the Gospels, and yet you can create perfect machines that break on their first run and call it good science? Utter speculation masquerading as intellectual content.

Want to run some experiments? Combine people who hypocritically disregard faith even though their life's work depends completely on faith in false gods, with a large body of liquid heated to a degree beyond which it combusts. Simmer for eternity. Going to be an awesome experiment.

to begin with the family of God

2009-04-26T20:52:00.001-07:00

"The Doctrine of the Church"
* Intro: Acts1 (150 people); Acts3 (3000); Acts5 (5000)
* Why the church?
- Already here; already connected
- Too much misinformation
- Jesus loves the church {Eph5:25,29, Matt18}
* Nature of the church
- "The community of all true believers for all time"
- Invisible church: Way God sees it; sees the hearts
- Visible church: Hands & feet of God (from small group to megachurch) {Acts9:31, Rom16:5, 1Cor1:12}
* Function of the church
- Body of Christ {Eph1:22-23, 1Cor12:27, 1Cor12:12, Rom16:17-18}: Preserve & fight for unity
- Building of God {1Pet2:5, Eph2:20}: Dwelling place of HS; preserve purity & holiness
- Bride of Christ {Eph5:25-27, 31-32}: Designed for oneness w/ Christ
* Purpose of the church
- Vessel by which God spreads His gospel {Rom1:16, 1Cor15:1-4, Eph1:13}
- Make the gospel central to our lives
* Application
- Stay connected
- Join small group
- Stop "dating" the church: bloom where you're planted
- Parents: lead your kids by example
- Kids: submit to parents as they lead
- Seek to preserve unity
- Use your gifts

won in battles to

2009-04-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Still thinking about my idea from last week to alter our observance traditions -- especially the Easter morning message. I already have the inklings for how it would go. It should be full-on gloating to proclaim the victory of God. It should be the resounding victory locker room speech between players and coach. It should be full of Amens and Hallelujahs. It should cause one to spontaneously break out in song. No pastor worth his salt would ever give up the pulpit on Easter. But boy, would I be ready for the call. (Bigger question is if I'm ready for the calling?)

A few quick thoughts:
* Finished work of the cross
* Gameplan explained (on the third day)
* Victory over death
* 1John5:4, 1Cor15
* Reminder of the eternal end, already revealed (Rev)
* Ending rush: Jesus saves

before the great and awesome

2009-04-20T04:57:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I entered my kids' bedroom while they were trying to fall asleep. My son had this look on his face, like he was trying to calculate the world's most difficult math problem in his head without a calculator. Turns out my daughter was trying to explain this unique numbering system she thought should be used in place of the standard 12-hour am/pm model. After she tried getting me to comprehend it to no avail, my son says, "I told you it didn't make any sense."

That look on his face has stuck with me, especially as I've been listening to a great hymn on repeat on my iPod. The look on my son's face was one of attempted understanding of something completely beyond understanding. And it is an attitude that should characterize our attempt to grasp the full depth of the love of God. Because the more you ponder it, the more you should stand agape in wonder.

The hymn expresses the notion that our song should ever be how marvelous and amazing the love of God is. And those two adjectives convey this idea that God's love for us should astound us in the same way seeing a talking circus elephant flying a jumbo jet should -- viewing something beyond impossible. We should be marveling at God's love for us in the same way that we would marvel at seeing the Old Testament inscribed on a pinhead -- viewing something completely wondrous. Because thinking about God's love and not coming away completely blown away means you're not thinking hard enough.

shall observe this rite

2009-04-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

Been mulling over events of the past weekend, and we have it all backwards. By "we", I'm referring to us good evangelicals. Not the emergent folks, who are the spawn of Marc Driscoll and MTV (you know who you are). Back to my point: I love marshmallow peeps. Wait, that was my other point. Real point: we celebrate Holy Week all wrong. Here's the breakdown:

CURRENT EVANGELICAL TRADITION:
Maundy Thursday: Nothing
Good Friday: Believers' service
Holy Saturday: Nothing
Easter Sunday: Open invitation to believers, unbelievers, and nominal believers

WHAT TRADITION SHOULD BE:
Maundy Thursday: Last Supper celebration with a Passover seder/Communion
Good Friday: Unbelievers' service to introduce them to Calvary's cross
Holy Saturday: Worship night/believers' service
Easter Sunday: Believers' service -- celebration of victory
Monday after Easter: Bring me your leftover marshmallow peeps

the day dawns and the morning star arises

2009-04-13T05:08:00.000-07:00

From yesterday:

"The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Hope in an Uncertain World" {1Pet1:3}
* Nothing new; reminder of 2,000-yrs-old truth: Jesus is alive
* What is resurrection?
- Matt28, Mark16:1-8, Luke 24, John20:1-21:25
- Diff twixt Laz & Jesus? Jesus' new body was not a resuscitated one {John11, 1Cor15:53}
- Jesus' new body was a physical one {Matt28:9, Acts10:41, John20:27, Luke 24:39}
* Why is Jesus' resurrection important? 1Cor15:14-19
* What evidence for Christ's resurrection?
- Prophesied in advance {Isa53:8-12, Ezek37:1-14}
- Jesus predicted own resurrection {Matt12:38-40, Matt27:62-66, Mark8:31, Mark10:33-34, John2:18-22}
- Jesus appeared physically alive 3 days after His death {Luke24:36-43, John20:17-28, 1Cor15:3-7}
- Recorded as Scripture immediately {1Cor15:3-4}
- Convinced His family to worship Him {Acts1:14, Acts15:13, 1Cor15:7, Gal2:9, Jude1}
- Confirmed by most bitter enemies {Acts9:1-22, Phil3:4-6}
- Disciples' loyalty in the face of death & suffering {Acts7:54-60, historical records}
- Change of worship day from Sabbath against thousands of years of Jewish tradition
- Testimony of early non-Christians confirms Biblical record (Josephus, et al)
* Application
- Hope for forgiveness of past {1Cor15:17}
- Hope for power to live life today
- Hope for eternity in future {John11:25-26, Phil1:21}

I AM the resurrection and the life

2009-04-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

"He is not here, for He has risen just as He said." {Matt28:6}

He is risen, indeed.

has passed out of death into life

2009-04-11T05:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday is coming.

in death, but for the glory of God

2009-04-10T12:37:00.001-07:00

Speaking to one of the sweet things about today, the Day He Loved Us Most. And the sweet thing spoke of asking Jesus into his heart when He was five, but how he hadn't loved God when he was 1,2,3, or 4. The wondrous one mentioned that even when he hadn't loved God yet those years, God was waiting for that day when he was five and did love Him back.

It reminds me of two families I know going through the process to adopt a child, and even though they don't yet know which sweet thing they will be picking up yet, they have these hearts bursting with love already waiting for them to appear. It reminds me of the Prodigal Son in Luke15, and one of the most wonderful details included in all the Bible: that the Father sees his long-lost son while still far away -- as if he had been waiting at the window watching for him -- and that the Father runs toward his son, love here also bursting and waiting for release.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." {Rom5:8}

who were in those parts

2009-04-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

Snippets from tomorrow. Won't make any sense till then. And even then...

so amazing, all the host of Heaven broke
the resurrection, our faith, the whole
and he is moved to cry
wholly, deeply, and with
death if it means life
of what fire does to the things
His hand; He sets aside
to him, and then lead him back
of that payment through another
this future where sin is
that when the angels are exalting
truly beholding the Lamb of God

to reconcile all things to

2009-04-08T04:11:00.000-07:00

The video below is a little long, and it's fairly obvious what's going to happen. But I still find it a very effective visual, and a clear reminder of the finished work of the cross, of the satisfied wrath of God, of the complete work of Christ. Two more days till the Day He Loved Us Most. If you're not meditating on Calvary's Cross, you're not trying hard enough, Luke.

our sins in His body on the cross

2009-04-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Thinking about the cross this morning. No surprise, given the Day He Loved Us Most approaches. I own several cross necklaces along with several rosaries -- all of which I have kissed at one point or another. It is not an uncommon action among Catholics, to kiss a cross. Strange practice when you consider it. If you were to lose a loved one in a jetski accident, would not your natural reaction towards jetskis afterwards be one of caution if not outright revulsion? I don't ever consume alcohol because a drunk driver killed a loved one. Our reaction to those things that are means of deaths are naturally negative.

And yet I still kiss my crosses.

The difference is that the cross -- while still the instrument by which my Beloved Savior perished -- is not just a means of death. It is, in fact, also the means of eternal life. It is the means of complete payment of debt. It is the means of grace, and the means of mercy. It is the means of redemption. It is the means of reconciled peace. And it is the means by which a separated God expressed a love deeper than the farthest reaches of the universe.

And I will kiss my crosses, I will kiss the cross, I will kiss the cross...