The mystery of the humanity of Christ, that He sunk Himself into our flesh, is beyond all human understanding.
Martin Luther
I pray that you have a truly blessed Christmas and ponder the richness of the mercy of God in the gift of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Christmas VS. Easter
The Big Deal:
The Christmas season is the undisputed heavy weight champion of holidays in the US. For proof of that assertion just go to Wal Mart in mid October. The Christmas promotions are in full swing earlier and earlier every year.
From a commercial standpoint and overall societal emphasis - Christmas is the big dog.
What about Easter? It does get some promotional considerations, but it is not nearly as big a deal. Have you ever noticed that? I have.
Easter is commercialized. Stores look for anyway they can to get a buck. The markets are closed for Good Friday. But, there is a two week break at Christmas. Schools are closed, people are on vacation. There are Christmas parties, specials, and all kinds of activities that take place for about 6 weeks.
Why? Let me delve into some social analysis.
First, I am not dealing with biblical/spiritual reasons just yet. I know that America's fascination with Christmas is not on a true/biblical/spiritual level. I am making general observations.
Second, Christmas should be a big deal. Especially for us Christ followers. It should be more than what our society has turned it into. I want Christmas to be a big deal, I also want Easter to be a big deal.
#3 Christmas falls at a strategic point in our yearly calendar. The end of one year and beginning of another makes it a good time to have a break. It is also the middle of the school year. Easter being in the spring makes that time more difficult to take as much time off.
#4 Christmas is the same time each year. Easter is different every year. There is a complicated formula for determining when Easter Sunday will fall. That gives an edge to Christmas.
I think there are other reasons that Christmas is so grand in our society(tradition, etc.). What I really want to address is why Easter is not so grand.
There will be a commercial push. You will see Easter bunnies, eggs, and the like appear in the stores. But, it is so small comparatively to Christmas.
I think the reason why is because the cross is offensive. Galatians 5:15. The word of the cross is folly. 1 Corinthians 1:18.
A baby in a manger is cute. Let's make figurines, books, pictures about a little baby and his loving family. Throw in some cute sheep, a camel, and a donkey and we've got a precious story.
Put a man on a cross, bleeding, gasping for breath, dying for sin - people want to stay away from that. We can celebrate a baby, but a bloody execution? No thanks. That is the attitude that has led to the difference between Christmas and Easter.
What we need to keep in mind is that Christmas is for the purpose of Easter. Christmas comes so Easter can follow. The purpose for the birth of the little baby was so that baby could grow, live and die on a cross. Take away Easter and Christmas is nothing all that special.
The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to those being saved it is the power of God. Embrace the cross of the Christ child this Christmas and you will be head and shoulders beyond were the majority of society has placed itself.
For more on the connection between Christmas and Easter read Hebrews 2:10-18.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Grinch Couldn't Steal Christmas
One of my favorite Christmas shows is Dr. Seuss' famous "Grinch". I love the voice, animation, the songs, and the story. The story has a great moral message, and with a bit of a tweak from me, a message for Christ followers as well.
The Plot
The Grinch hates Christmas and hates that the Whos in Whoville love it. So, he tries to steal Christmas. He takes every outward expression of Christmas. The Grinch steals the trees, ornaments, presents, the food, the feast, even the Roast Beast. He leaves nothing but a small crumb that the little mouse doesn't even get to eat.
After successfully stealing everything the Grinch waits with malicious glee for the sounds of sadness - he has stolen Christmas.
But, he hears no sounds of sadness, but joyful singing. His mistake - thinking Christmas was about presents, trees, and food. It meant something much deeper to the Whos of Whoville. Even with the outward expressions of Christmas stolen the Whos still had Christmas.
The Tweak
Dr. Seuss' moral seems to be that family and friends are more important than presents and whopudding. He is right, and that is good.
Here is my message for us Christ followers. Christmas is not about the external trappings, or even family and friends. It is and should be about the Lord Jesus Christ.
I love presents, carols, trees, lights, and the food. I wish I could spend the season with all of my family and friends. But, if that is all Christmas has become then I am missing the main ingredient. If I never get another Christmas present, or my tree burns to the ground but I still have a life focused on Jesus - I have Christmas.
I encourage you to learn from little Cindy Lou Who, all the Whos and even the Grinch. Hopefully no one will steal all of your Christmas loot, but don't allow the hustle and bustle to rob you of the true joy of a Christ centered Christmas.
P.S. The little dog with the antlers tied to his head is my favorite.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
On President Barack Obama
Did your candidate win or lose? What emotions has the outcome produced in you?
There is a whole continuum of responses to last nights election of Barack Obama. For some there is outright jubilation. I read of a friend whose response was," I am crying tears of joy. I'm off to a celebration party. Yeah Obama!" Others are lamenting in a puddle of despair and thinking of moving out of the country. Probably the majority of the people are indifferent - could care less.
I've had to learn a lesson about politics over the years. There have been times when my candidate won and times when my candidate lost. In fact, since I have been old enough to vote I am 2 out of 5. That's not too bad.
I have learned that my hope doesn't reside in who wins the presidency. That is true whether it is someone I am for or against. The hope for my life, my family, and this country belongs to the Lord God Almighty.
Isaiah reminds me, "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God." He is Sovereign. He has all power. He knows and sees all.
Daniel 2:21 says that He removes and sets up kings.
I trust His Sovereignty. I trust His plan. I trust His hand.
I will pray for President Obama. That is my Christian obligation. I will pray for his salvation, his family, his protection, for him to be guided by godly wisdom. And then I will trust in the Sovereign God.
What about you?
There is a whole continuum of responses to last nights election of Barack Obama. For some there is outright jubilation. I read of a friend whose response was," I am crying tears of joy. I'm off to a celebration party. Yeah Obama!" Others are lamenting in a puddle of despair and thinking of moving out of the country. Probably the majority of the people are indifferent - could care less.
I've had to learn a lesson about politics over the years. There have been times when my candidate won and times when my candidate lost. In fact, since I have been old enough to vote I am 2 out of 5. That's not too bad.
I have learned that my hope doesn't reside in who wins the presidency. That is true whether it is someone I am for or against. The hope for my life, my family, and this country belongs to the Lord God Almighty.
Isaiah reminds me, "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God." He is Sovereign. He has all power. He knows and sees all.
Daniel 2:21 says that He removes and sets up kings.
I trust His Sovereignty. I trust His plan. I trust His hand.
I will pray for President Obama. That is my Christian obligation. I will pray for his salvation, his family, his protection, for him to be guided by godly wisdom. And then I will trust in the Sovereign God.
What about you?
Monday, November 3, 2008
Historic Halloween: True Repentance
There was no trick or treat on October 31, 1517. That was the day that the great Martin Luther nailed to the door of the Wittenburg church his 95 Theses. It was basically a paper written to refute the serious error of the Roman Catholic Church at that time.
The major point of dispute was that some priests were selling forgiveness to the people. Literally. If you paid enough money you could have your sins forgiven.
Martin Luther had studied and read the Bible. He knew that such a concept was offensive to the true gospel. So, he spoke (and wrote) the truth.
I am intrigued by the very first of his 95 Theses. It is on repentance. That is the biblical mandate for anyone who would follow Christ.
Here are the first 3.
#1 When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said "Repent", He called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.
The major point of dispute was that some priests were selling forgiveness to the people. Literally. If you paid enough money you could have your sins forgiven.
Martin Luther had studied and read the Bible. He knew that such a concept was offensive to the true gospel. So, he spoke (and wrote) the truth.
I am intrigued by the very first of his 95 Theses. It is on repentance. That is the biblical mandate for anyone who would follow Christ.
Here are the first 3.
#1 When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said "Repent", He called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.
#2 The word cannot be properly understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, i.e. confession and satisfaction, as administered by the clergy.
#3 Yet its meaning is not restricted to repentance in one's heart; for such repentance is null unless it produces outward signs in various mortifications of the flesh.
The rest are worth reading as well. Martin Luther’s 95 Theses
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Train the Brain
I read this article that has challenged me. It was an article on physical fitness and training, but I have transferred those concepts to my life spiritually.
Here are some quotes:
“Changing your body is just mechanics; it’s changing your mind that presents the real challenge. If the mind is not first trained to enjoy hard work, to relish suffering, to address the unknown, then no program, no amount of training can be effective.” (by Mark Twight from an article in Outside Magazine)
There is a new undercurrent in the physical fitness world that is fighting against the common wisdom when it comes to training and exercise. It is an anti-big-box-gym-centered mentality. The big-box mentality is based on successful mediocrity. It is more interested in the end results. The gyms are filled with wall to wall mirrors, sell a plethora of sports drinks, and encourages conversation among its participants.
The new shift focuses not on the end result but the process. The effort is elevated. It’s not about looking good, it’s about reaching a real goal. If you can sip a sports drink and have a conversation then you are not really working out.
It is the mentality that is under assault by these new denizens of fitness. It begins with the mind. Are you willing to “change your mind”. Are you willing to push through the pain and suffering? Most people stop the exercise just at the point that they are starting to make any real gains. “No pain, no gain” is true and is where most people are not willing to go mentally.
So how does this cross over to anything spiritually?
Following the Lord Jesus Christ is not a walk through the daisies. A life of true faith and radical obedience is no cup cake. The Bible often speaks of perseverance. I don’t hear much out there in modern Christendom about persevering. We want the starbucks gospel. Give me a cup of coffee with Jesus.
What is true of physical fitness is also true of following Jesus. You have to train your mind to “enjoy hard work, relish suffering, address the unknown.” Here is what I mean by hard work. It is hard work to “train yourself to be godly”(1 Timothy 4:7) . To be diligent in seeking the Lord, to be consistent in studying His word, to be radical enough to follow the Lord into situations and places in which we are not comfortable. That is hard work.
I am not talking about hard “works”. Doing stuff just for the sake of doing stuff. I am not talking about doing stuff in order to earn any type of favor from the Lord. And of course I am not talking about doing works in order to be saved.
What I am talking about is the hard work that is inherent in a true faith in the Lord Jesus. One of my favorite quotes from Dietrich Bonheoffer is, “When the Lord bids a man to come, He bids him to come and die.” That is hard work.
And, that hard work begins with training that takes place between the ears. We have to train the brain. Romans 12:1-2. Transformation is linked with the renewal of the mind. This is the Lord’s work in our hearts, lives, and minds. We open ourselves to have our thought process changed. It changes from successful mediocrity to radical obedience.
Most people know what it takes to loose weight and get healthy. Eat right and exercise more. That is not rocket science. But it is not easy. And the major hurdle for people involves the mind/will.
I don’t have this down pat. Not physically and not spiritually. There are way too many moments in my life of mediocrity. When I am looking in the mirror to check myself out instead of looking to the Lord. There are too many times that I do just enough to get by instead of selling out to the Lord Jesus.
God, please forgive me, help me to not be satisfied with just enough. Change my thought process to relish the life of radical obedience. To be with You in that process is life.
"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God," (2 Timothy 1:8, ESV)
"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:3, ESV)
"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;" (1 Timothy 4:7, ESV)
Here are some quotes:
“Changing your body is just mechanics; it’s changing your mind that presents the real challenge. If the mind is not first trained to enjoy hard work, to relish suffering, to address the unknown, then no program, no amount of training can be effective.” (by Mark Twight from an article in Outside Magazine)
There is a new undercurrent in the physical fitness world that is fighting against the common wisdom when it comes to training and exercise. It is an anti-big-box-gym-centered mentality. The big-box mentality is based on successful mediocrity. It is more interested in the end results. The gyms are filled with wall to wall mirrors, sell a plethora of sports drinks, and encourages conversation among its participants.
The new shift focuses not on the end result but the process. The effort is elevated. It’s not about looking good, it’s about reaching a real goal. If you can sip a sports drink and have a conversation then you are not really working out.
It is the mentality that is under assault by these new denizens of fitness. It begins with the mind. Are you willing to “change your mind”. Are you willing to push through the pain and suffering? Most people stop the exercise just at the point that they are starting to make any real gains. “No pain, no gain” is true and is where most people are not willing to go mentally.
So how does this cross over to anything spiritually?
Following the Lord Jesus Christ is not a walk through the daisies. A life of true faith and radical obedience is no cup cake. The Bible often speaks of perseverance. I don’t hear much out there in modern Christendom about persevering. We want the starbucks gospel. Give me a cup of coffee with Jesus.
What is true of physical fitness is also true of following Jesus. You have to train your mind to “enjoy hard work, relish suffering, address the unknown.” Here is what I mean by hard work. It is hard work to “train yourself to be godly”(1 Timothy 4:7) . To be diligent in seeking the Lord, to be consistent in studying His word, to be radical enough to follow the Lord into situations and places in which we are not comfortable. That is hard work.
I am not talking about hard “works”. Doing stuff just for the sake of doing stuff. I am not talking about doing stuff in order to earn any type of favor from the Lord. And of course I am not talking about doing works in order to be saved.
What I am talking about is the hard work that is inherent in a true faith in the Lord Jesus. One of my favorite quotes from Dietrich Bonheoffer is, “When the Lord bids a man to come, He bids him to come and die.” That is hard work.
And, that hard work begins with training that takes place between the ears. We have to train the brain. Romans 12:1-2. Transformation is linked with the renewal of the mind. This is the Lord’s work in our hearts, lives, and minds. We open ourselves to have our thought process changed. It changes from successful mediocrity to radical obedience.
Most people know what it takes to loose weight and get healthy. Eat right and exercise more. That is not rocket science. But it is not easy. And the major hurdle for people involves the mind/will.
I don’t have this down pat. Not physically and not spiritually. There are way too many moments in my life of mediocrity. When I am looking in the mirror to check myself out instead of looking to the Lord. There are too many times that I do just enough to get by instead of selling out to the Lord Jesus.
God, please forgive me, help me to not be satisfied with just enough. Change my thought process to relish the life of radical obedience. To be with You in that process is life.
"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God," (2 Timothy 1:8, ESV)
"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:3, ESV)
"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;" (1 Timothy 4:7, ESV)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Give Life A Chance
A Testimony of Life
I ran across an amazing story of life on Bart Barber’s blog about a lady named Gianna Jessen.
Her mother got pregnant with her when she was 17. She scheduled an abortion in her third trimester. It was a saline style abortion attempt which basically burns the child inside the womb.(I still cannot fathom why such a brutal thing is legal) It obviously didn’t work. Her official birth record says, “born during saline abortion.”
The result of the failed attempt to kill her was that she was born prematurely and with cerebral palsy. The doctos said that she would not live and that she would never walk or even lift up her head. God had different plans. Not only did she survive, she has run marathons and is currently a musician. She loves her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and sings Christian music for His glory.
That story hits me hard. It is hard for me to even comment on the miracle of life and the horror that is abortion.
Give life a chance!
I ran across an amazing story of life on Bart Barber’s blog about a lady named Gianna Jessen.
Her mother got pregnant with her when she was 17. She scheduled an abortion in her third trimester. It was a saline style abortion attempt which basically burns the child inside the womb.(I still cannot fathom why such a brutal thing is legal) It obviously didn’t work. Her official birth record says, “born during saline abortion.”
The result of the failed attempt to kill her was that she was born prematurely and with cerebral palsy. The doctos said that she would not live and that she would never walk or even lift up her head. God had different plans. Not only did she survive, she has run marathons and is currently a musician. She loves her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and sings Christian music for His glory.
That story hits me hard. It is hard for me to even comment on the miracle of life and the horror that is abortion.
Give life a chance!
Given The Finger
Life Chain 2008
Yesterday afternoon I participated in the Southlake Life Chain for the second year in a row. I really like this pro-life organization and this event. It is simple, to the point, and done with great class. The basic idea is to hold up pre-approved prolife signs along the sidewalk of Southlake Boulevard. Each person is spaced about 15 feet apart with their sign. The chain stretched from Kimball Avenue westward all the way to the Town Square. It was quite a nice visual effect.
Why did I do this? Because the bible is clear about the sanctity of human life. We are made in the image of God and the taking of innocent life is a violation of that sanctity and the image of God. The taking of innocent human life is a sin. I have believed, taught, and preached those biblical truths - but I can do more. I need to exercise my obligation as a believer and my right as an American to speak out against what the Bible condemns.
How do people respond? There is no way to really gauge if this is effective. But if it helps one person choose life instead of abortion it is worth it. It also might make some people mad. My favorite moment of the event was when a guy on a motorcycle roared past the entire chain with his middle finger protruded in our direction. God bless America!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Persecution Is Real
I am so thankful to live in America. We have freedoms here that people do not have in other parts of the world. Believers here in America need to be aware that there is tremendous persecution of Christians in other parts of the world. In fact, some of the most populous places in the world are also active grounds for arresting, confining and even killing Christians.
Here is an article that I read on the Baptist Press website. For the full article click here.
Saudi textbooks, religious freedom and why it matters James A. Smith Sr.
Posted on Sep 23, 2008
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP)--A Saudi man cut out his daughter's tongue and then burned her to death as punishment for her conversion from Islam to Christianity.That religious freedom does not exist in the Muslim Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is regrettably not a surprise.
Tragically, murdering converts to Christianity is not uncommon in Saudi Arabia. What makes this case so revealing is that the girl's father is an employee of Saudi Arabia's Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice -- the very organ of the government that enforces the nation's absolute prohibition of Christianity and conversion to Christianity.
Beyond the fact that Christians are obligated to support each other in adversity and that Christians in America must be concerned for the well-being of others, and beyond the fact that Baptists are among the first champions of religious freedom for all, understanding that true religion is uncoerced, this case should matter to Christians around the world because Saudi Arabia is exporting the form of radical Islam that teaches this sort of behavior in textbooks for Muslim schools across the globe, including America.
International Christian Concern (www.persecution.org), an organization that advocates for the persecuted church, reported the case of the Saudi father murdering his daughter for conversion to Christianity on Aug. 13. ICC relied upon an account by Gulf News, which did not identify the man or when the crime occurred, other than that it happened recently. The girl came to faith in Christ as a result of the Internet and her father is supposedly in custody, according to Gulf News.
Often times Christians make excuses for not actively sharing their faith. One reason many don't share is they are afraid it might offend someone or they are afraid of what that person might think about them. Imagine if we had to be afraid that we would be killed for sharing our faith. Our excuses don't seem to valid in light of what believers are facing in other parts of the world.
Matthew 5:10-12
John 15:20
Here is an article that I read on the Baptist Press website. For the full article click here.
Saudi textbooks, religious freedom and why it matters James A. Smith Sr.
Posted on Sep 23, 2008
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP)--A Saudi man cut out his daughter's tongue and then burned her to death as punishment for her conversion from Islam to Christianity.That religious freedom does not exist in the Muslim Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is regrettably not a surprise.
Tragically, murdering converts to Christianity is not uncommon in Saudi Arabia. What makes this case so revealing is that the girl's father is an employee of Saudi Arabia's Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice -- the very organ of the government that enforces the nation's absolute prohibition of Christianity and conversion to Christianity.
Beyond the fact that Christians are obligated to support each other in adversity and that Christians in America must be concerned for the well-being of others, and beyond the fact that Baptists are among the first champions of religious freedom for all, understanding that true religion is uncoerced, this case should matter to Christians around the world because Saudi Arabia is exporting the form of radical Islam that teaches this sort of behavior in textbooks for Muslim schools across the globe, including America.
International Christian Concern (www.persecution.org), an organization that advocates for the persecuted church, reported the case of the Saudi father murdering his daughter for conversion to Christianity on Aug. 13. ICC relied upon an account by Gulf News, which did not identify the man or when the crime occurred, other than that it happened recently. The girl came to faith in Christ as a result of the Internet and her father is supposedly in custody, according to Gulf News.
Often times Christians make excuses for not actively sharing their faith. One reason many don't share is they are afraid it might offend someone or they are afraid of what that person might think about them. Imagine if we had to be afraid that we would be killed for sharing our faith. Our excuses don't seem to valid in light of what believers are facing in other parts of the world.
Matthew 5:10-12
John 15:20
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Lion in the Pulpit
No, really. There is a lion in the pulpit.
Apparently, the choir is acting up.
What is your caption?
Apparently, the choir is acting up.
What is your caption?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
New Feature
I have added a new feature to the blog, thanks to Logos Bible Study Software and Dan Pritchett. Now, whenever I reference a bible passage if you will place your cursor over that reference then the full passage will pop up for you to view.
Give it a try.
Philippians 3:7-9
John 8:12
Give it a try.
Philippians 3:7-9
John 8:12
Thursday, September 11, 2008
EXTREME MEASURES
I heard a sermon on a sermon that really struck a cord with me. It is from Matthew 5:27-30.
" “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell." (Matthew 5:27-30, ESV)
What I want to blog about is not the lust part, although that is a very important issue. What struck me was the length Jesus says we are to go to battle against lust and to pursue godliness.
Jesus says “pluck out your eye” and “cut off your hand”. Clearly Jesus is speaking in hyperbolic terms. He does NOT intend for us to pluck out our eyes. The sermon I listened to referenced a news story about a college student. He read this passage and responded by taking a screw driver and sticking it in his eye.
If it is not clear enough that this is hyperbolic look at the issue Jesus is talking about. Lust is a heart issue. It is something that occurs in the mind and heart. Cutting out your eye does not solve the heart issue of lust. It is a spiritual issue not a physical issue. Jesus uses the cutting out of something physical to demonstrate how serious this issue is spiritually.
Jesus is not being literal but He is being intentionally serious. Our sin, lust or otherwise, is nothing to sneeze at. Jesus is clearly teaching us that we need to take EXTREME MEASURES to pursue godliness, holiness and righteousness.
EXTREME MEASURES. How come it seems to me that most “christians” approach is casual instead of extreme? How about me? There are way too many times in my own life that my approach is casual instead of extreme.
What does an EXTREME MEASURE look like? I don’t want to create some arbitrary box for this definition, but I can describe what it is not. An EXTREME MEASURE is not casual. It is not haphazard. It is not inconsistent. It is not compromising. It is not run-of-the-mill. It is not average. It is not ordinary. IT IS EXTREME.
Here’s my prayer: Lord, create within me the same sense of hatred for my sin that You have. Give me an intense passion for godliness, holiness and righteousness that only comes from You. Lord, give me the strength to pursue you with EXTREME MEASURES.
I want to point you to a resource that in my opinion is one of the best around. I listen to the sermons of a pastor from Abilene Texas named Kevin Ueckert. He is also a friend of mine, but more importantly He knows the Lord and His Word. He is currently preaching through the sermon on the mount. It is one of the best treatments of the sermon on the mount I have ever heard. And, I say this not to puff up my friend. The Sermon on the Mount will take you to the proverbial “wood shed”. You can access these sermons on itunes or through the church website. www.ssbaptist.org I highly encourage them to you for your own personal edification.
" “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell." (Matthew 5:27-30, ESV)
What I want to blog about is not the lust part, although that is a very important issue. What struck me was the length Jesus says we are to go to battle against lust and to pursue godliness.
Jesus says “pluck out your eye” and “cut off your hand”. Clearly Jesus is speaking in hyperbolic terms. He does NOT intend for us to pluck out our eyes. The sermon I listened to referenced a news story about a college student. He read this passage and responded by taking a screw driver and sticking it in his eye.
If it is not clear enough that this is hyperbolic look at the issue Jesus is talking about. Lust is a heart issue. It is something that occurs in the mind and heart. Cutting out your eye does not solve the heart issue of lust. It is a spiritual issue not a physical issue. Jesus uses the cutting out of something physical to demonstrate how serious this issue is spiritually.
Jesus is not being literal but He is being intentionally serious. Our sin, lust or otherwise, is nothing to sneeze at. Jesus is clearly teaching us that we need to take EXTREME MEASURES to pursue godliness, holiness and righteousness.
EXTREME MEASURES. How come it seems to me that most “christians” approach is casual instead of extreme? How about me? There are way too many times in my own life that my approach is casual instead of extreme.
What does an EXTREME MEASURE look like? I don’t want to create some arbitrary box for this definition, but I can describe what it is not. An EXTREME MEASURE is not casual. It is not haphazard. It is not inconsistent. It is not compromising. It is not run-of-the-mill. It is not average. It is not ordinary. IT IS EXTREME.
Here’s my prayer: Lord, create within me the same sense of hatred for my sin that You have. Give me an intense passion for godliness, holiness and righteousness that only comes from You. Lord, give me the strength to pursue you with EXTREME MEASURES.
I want to point you to a resource that in my opinion is one of the best around. I listen to the sermons of a pastor from Abilene Texas named Kevin Ueckert. He is also a friend of mine, but more importantly He knows the Lord and His Word. He is currently preaching through the sermon on the mount. It is one of the best treatments of the sermon on the mount I have ever heard. And, I say this not to puff up my friend. The Sermon on the Mount will take you to the proverbial “wood shed”. You can access these sermons on itunes or through the church website. www.ssbaptist.org I highly encourage them to you for your own personal edification.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Zeal For Jesus
Check this quote out:
Zeal in religion is a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way. It is a desire which no man feels by nature—which the Spirit puts in the heart of every believer when he is converted—but which some believers feel so much more strongly than others that they alone deserve to be called ‘zealous’ men…
A zealous man in religion is pre-eminently a man of one thing. It is not enough to say that he is earnest, hearty, uncompromising, thorough-going, whole-hearted, fervent in spirit. He only sees one thing., he cares for one thing, he lives for one thing, he is swallowed up in one thing; and that one thing is to please God. Whether he lives, or whether he dies—whether he has health, or whether he has sickness—whether he is rich, or whether he is poor—whether he pleases man, or whether he gives offence—whether he is thought wise, or whether he is thought foolish—whether he gets blame, or whether he gets praise—whether he gets honor, or whether he gets shame—for all this the zealous man cares nothing at all. He burns for one thing; and that one thing is to please God, and to advance His glory. If he is consumed in the very burning, he cares not for it—he is content. He feels that, like a lamp, he is made to burn; and if consumed in burning, he has but done the work for which God appointed him. Such a one will always find a sphere for his zeal. If he cannot preach, work, and give money, he will cry, and sigh, and pray…If he cannot fight in the valley with Joshua, he will do the work of Moses, Aaron, and Hur, on the hill. If he is cut off from working himself, he will give the Lord no rest till help is raise up from another quarter, and the work is done. This is what I mean when I speak of ‘zeal’ in religion.”
This quote is from Bishop J.C. Ryle quoted in J.I. Packer’s quintessential work Knowing God. If you have never read this book, it is a must!
God, make me a zealous man!
Zeal in religion is a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way. It is a desire which no man feels by nature—which the Spirit puts in the heart of every believer when he is converted—but which some believers feel so much more strongly than others that they alone deserve to be called ‘zealous’ men…
A zealous man in religion is pre-eminently a man of one thing. It is not enough to say that he is earnest, hearty, uncompromising, thorough-going, whole-hearted, fervent in spirit. He only sees one thing., he cares for one thing, he lives for one thing, he is swallowed up in one thing; and that one thing is to please God. Whether he lives, or whether he dies—whether he has health, or whether he has sickness—whether he is rich, or whether he is poor—whether he pleases man, or whether he gives offence—whether he is thought wise, or whether he is thought foolish—whether he gets blame, or whether he gets praise—whether he gets honor, or whether he gets shame—for all this the zealous man cares nothing at all. He burns for one thing; and that one thing is to please God, and to advance His glory. If he is consumed in the very burning, he cares not for it—he is content. He feels that, like a lamp, he is made to burn; and if consumed in burning, he has but done the work for which God appointed him. Such a one will always find a sphere for his zeal. If he cannot preach, work, and give money, he will cry, and sigh, and pray…If he cannot fight in the valley with Joshua, he will do the work of Moses, Aaron, and Hur, on the hill. If he is cut off from working himself, he will give the Lord no rest till help is raise up from another quarter, and the work is done. This is what I mean when I speak of ‘zeal’ in religion.”
This quote is from Bishop J.C. Ryle quoted in J.I. Packer’s quintessential work Knowing God. If you have never read this book, it is a must!
God, make me a zealous man!
Friday, August 8, 2008
What Do I Do? The Job of a Pastor
“What do you do all day?” “What do you do all week?” “Pastors only have to work one day a week.”
I have heard all three of those questions/statements in various forms over the years. People seem to be curious about what it is that a pastor does and what a pastor’s life is like. They also seem curious about the life of a pastor’s wife. Michelle has received some interesting questions as well.
What does a pastor do? Maybe the question should not be what do I do, but what SHOULD I do? What is the Biblical responsibilities for a pastor?
There are actually several passages of scripture that directly address the job of a pastor. The term “pastor” is actual a biblical term that carries with it the responsibility of the pastorate.
I am not going to address each of the passages of scripture and all of the tasks that a pastor is to do. I want to address the main thing.
Acts 6:1-4
The early church in the book of Acts had run across a problem. There was a practical issue among the church members that needed addressing. So, the church comes together to address the issue and what comes out of that meeting lays the foundation for the main responsibility of the pastor. It’s not the only responsibility but the main one.
" Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”" (Acts 6:1-4, ESV)
This passage does not say that the leaders of the church should never serve these widows. In fact, there is clear instruction elsewhere that the pastor is to set the example of servanthood to others in the church.
This passage is about priorities. And the point is real clear. The main priority for the pastor is “prayer and the ministry of the word”. There are other passages of scripture that assign other tasks like administration, leadership, service, managing, and oversight of the church. But, the main task of the pastor is the preparation to preach.
Paul told pastor Timothy to “preach the Word”(2 Tim. 4:1-2). Titus 1:9 mentions the mandate of teaching. And we could go on.
I am fully convinced that my main responsibility is the preparation and delivery of the Word of God. I believe that I am held accountable by God Himself for this responsibility and I should be held accountable by the church body as well. That makes the task of preaching central and the highest priority for the tasks of pastors.
If I fail to devote the appropriate attention to the matter of preaching, I believe that I will have to answer to God for that sin. I believe that when I preach on Sundays that the congregation is my secondary audience. My primary audience is the Lord. I am preaching because He called me to. I am preaching, hopefully, by His power and strength. I am preaching by His wisdom. I am preaching by His grace and mercy. How can I take this task lightly?!
How much time does prayer and ministry of the Word take each week? There is no set answer. But, suffice to say, I never feel like I have spent too much time in preparation. I have a set method of study and preparation that works for me. Sometimes that takes longer than at other times depending on the passage.
I try to accomplish two major things in my preparation. One is to get the text right. I don’t want to get God’s Word wrong. It is His holy Word and I want to make sure that I am faithful to what He says. My second goal is to allow myself to be impacted by His Word. Before I preach to anyone else I want to allow God to speak to me through His Word.
Am I perfect at accomplishing those two tasks? Of course not. There are days and weeks where my flesh gets in the way and the preparation can become a rote exercise, instead of a spiritual exercise. There are days and weeks where it is just a job.
But, I love to preach. I love to dig into God’s Word. And I love to proclaim it to the people.
Whatever God has called you to is just as important. Our highest boss is not the person who signs our checks, it is the Lord God.
I ask you to pray for me in the job that God has called me to.
I have heard all three of those questions/statements in various forms over the years. People seem to be curious about what it is that a pastor does and what a pastor’s life is like. They also seem curious about the life of a pastor’s wife. Michelle has received some interesting questions as well.
What does a pastor do? Maybe the question should not be what do I do, but what SHOULD I do? What is the Biblical responsibilities for a pastor?
There are actually several passages of scripture that directly address the job of a pastor. The term “pastor” is actual a biblical term that carries with it the responsibility of the pastorate.
I am not going to address each of the passages of scripture and all of the tasks that a pastor is to do. I want to address the main thing.
Acts 6:1-4
The early church in the book of Acts had run across a problem. There was a practical issue among the church members that needed addressing. So, the church comes together to address the issue and what comes out of that meeting lays the foundation for the main responsibility of the pastor. It’s not the only responsibility but the main one.
" Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”" (Acts 6:1-4, ESV)
This passage does not say that the leaders of the church should never serve these widows. In fact, there is clear instruction elsewhere that the pastor is to set the example of servanthood to others in the church.
This passage is about priorities. And the point is real clear. The main priority for the pastor is “prayer and the ministry of the word”. There are other passages of scripture that assign other tasks like administration, leadership, service, managing, and oversight of the church. But, the main task of the pastor is the preparation to preach.
Paul told pastor Timothy to “preach the Word”(2 Tim. 4:1-2). Titus 1:9 mentions the mandate of teaching. And we could go on.
I am fully convinced that my main responsibility is the preparation and delivery of the Word of God. I believe that I am held accountable by God Himself for this responsibility and I should be held accountable by the church body as well. That makes the task of preaching central and the highest priority for the tasks of pastors.
If I fail to devote the appropriate attention to the matter of preaching, I believe that I will have to answer to God for that sin. I believe that when I preach on Sundays that the congregation is my secondary audience. My primary audience is the Lord. I am preaching because He called me to. I am preaching, hopefully, by His power and strength. I am preaching by His wisdom. I am preaching by His grace and mercy. How can I take this task lightly?!
How much time does prayer and ministry of the Word take each week? There is no set answer. But, suffice to say, I never feel like I have spent too much time in preparation. I have a set method of study and preparation that works for me. Sometimes that takes longer than at other times depending on the passage.
I try to accomplish two major things in my preparation. One is to get the text right. I don’t want to get God’s Word wrong. It is His holy Word and I want to make sure that I am faithful to what He says. My second goal is to allow myself to be impacted by His Word. Before I preach to anyone else I want to allow God to speak to me through His Word.
Am I perfect at accomplishing those two tasks? Of course not. There are days and weeks where my flesh gets in the way and the preparation can become a rote exercise, instead of a spiritual exercise. There are days and weeks where it is just a job.
But, I love to preach. I love to dig into God’s Word. And I love to proclaim it to the people.
Whatever God has called you to is just as important. Our highest boss is not the person who signs our checks, it is the Lord God.
I ask you to pray for me in the job that God has called me to.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
14 Years
Today Michelle and I are celebrating our anniversary. 14 years!
Here is what happened in the world 14 years ago - 1994.
NAFTA went into effect
Bill Clinton was inaugurated (where was Lewinsky?)
Tanya Harding had Nancy Kerrigan's legs clubbed
The Cowboys beat the Bills in the Superbowl (YES!)
Schindler's List wins 7 Oscars
Kurt Cobain commits suicide
Nixon dies
And, who can forget - OJ Simpson kills his wife and flees in the white Bronco
But, the most important event in my life was when I was joined in holy matrimony to the best woman in the world.
I am a truly blessed man.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
King Jesus
As you have noticed, I have been a little lax in blogging as of late. But, they are coming back. I have started back to school again and have been intensley studing the Greek NT book of Hebrews. I had an in-depth class on Hebrews 1:1-4. This amazing passage of scripture gives one of the loftiest descriptions of Jesus Christ found anywhere. As I have studied this passage, it has penetrated into my life. It made me think of the following text from a sermon preached by the late great S.M. Lockeridge.
Hebrews 1:1-4
" Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs." (Hebrews 1:1-4, ESV)
"That's My King"
My King was born King. The Bible says He's a Seven Way King. He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King. He's the King of Israel - that's a National King. He's the King of righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King. Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don't try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King. He's God's Son. He's the sinner's saviour. He's the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's honest. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the grandest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King. He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King. Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King. His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He's indescribable. That's my King. He's incomprehensible, He's invincible, and He is irresistible. I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King. He always has been and He always will be. I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor. There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King! Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? Forever and ever and ever and ever. . . And when you get through with all of the ever's, then . . .Amen!
You can actually listen to S.M. Lockeridge giving this sermon if you will google it.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Don't Neglect!
Hebrews 10:23-25
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I have been studying the background issues relating to the book of Hebrews and it has opened my eyes to this particular verse. For a long time I thought this verse was just a word of general encouragement about church attendance. It is an exhortation not to neglect meeting with other believers that some were in the habit of doing.
I assumed that there were a group of people whose attendance at church was sporadic at best.
The issue goes much deeper than that.
This sermon was probably sent to a group of believers in Rome. There was probably a great Jewish element to this church, thus the title of the book. Although this is not definitive, it was probably written in the mid 60’s A.D.
This is very significant for several reasons. This letter was written near the time of the famous Neronian persecution in Rome. And, it wasn’t just the Romans who persecuted these followers of Jesus Christ. Even though they had a Jewish background, the Jews distanced from this group as well.
This means that these followers of Christ were facing all kinds of persecution from many different angles. They were unfairly taxed, had their property seized, faced arrest, physical harm, and even death.
How did the persecutors know who the followers of Christ were? They had a habit of meeting together on the first day of the week. We call it church. When the followers of Christ met together to worship their Lord they were putting themselves in danger of some form of persecution.
It is understandable that a certain group of these church goers started missing the weekly gathering.
It is in that context that they receive the instruction in Hebrews – don’t neglect meeting together! Yes, you may face physical persecutions but the benefits of meeting with other followers of Christ to worship the Lord far outweighs anything society might do to them.
I don’t think there are any people that are in the same situation today in America. The only hindrances we have to faithful church attendance are barriers of our own making. Rest, recreation, a ball game, a hard week, I need to spend some time with the family, or whatever else – is a flimsy excuse in the eyes of the text of Hebrews.
As a pastor, I sometimes feel like people see me as the attendance police. This is not true. I do have the responsibility to care for the sheep that the Lord has given me. And, when they go missing I do take notice. But, I don’t have a secret little attendance book with your name written in it.
Here is the flip side of that coin. Your faithfulness does speak about your relationship with Christ. A follower of Jesus is a lover of Jesus. That means that we are going to love the things that Jesus loves. Jesus loves His church. He died for her. If you cannot be faithful to His bride, the church, that does say something about the nature of your relationship with Christ. Besides, the church is good for you and it needs you.
Don’t neglect meeting together!
I have been studying the background issues relating to the book of Hebrews and it has opened my eyes to this particular verse. For a long time I thought this verse was just a word of general encouragement about church attendance. It is an exhortation not to neglect meeting with other believers that some were in the habit of doing.
I assumed that there were a group of people whose attendance at church was sporadic at best.
The issue goes much deeper than that.
This sermon was probably sent to a group of believers in Rome. There was probably a great Jewish element to this church, thus the title of the book. Although this is not definitive, it was probably written in the mid 60’s A.D.
This is very significant for several reasons. This letter was written near the time of the famous Neronian persecution in Rome. And, it wasn’t just the Romans who persecuted these followers of Jesus Christ. Even though they had a Jewish background, the Jews distanced from this group as well.
This means that these followers of Christ were facing all kinds of persecution from many different angles. They were unfairly taxed, had their property seized, faced arrest, physical harm, and even death.
How did the persecutors know who the followers of Christ were? They had a habit of meeting together on the first day of the week. We call it church. When the followers of Christ met together to worship their Lord they were putting themselves in danger of some form of persecution.
It is understandable that a certain group of these church goers started missing the weekly gathering.
It is in that context that they receive the instruction in Hebrews – don’t neglect meeting together! Yes, you may face physical persecutions but the benefits of meeting with other followers of Christ to worship the Lord far outweighs anything society might do to them.
I don’t think there are any people that are in the same situation today in America. The only hindrances we have to faithful church attendance are barriers of our own making. Rest, recreation, a ball game, a hard week, I need to spend some time with the family, or whatever else – is a flimsy excuse in the eyes of the text of Hebrews.
As a pastor, I sometimes feel like people see me as the attendance police. This is not true. I do have the responsibility to care for the sheep that the Lord has given me. And, when they go missing I do take notice. But, I don’t have a secret little attendance book with your name written in it.
Here is the flip side of that coin. Your faithfulness does speak about your relationship with Christ. A follower of Jesus is a lover of Jesus. That means that we are going to love the things that Jesus loves. Jesus loves His church. He died for her. If you cannot be faithful to His bride, the church, that does say something about the nature of your relationship with Christ. Besides, the church is good for you and it needs you.
Don’t neglect meeting together!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Coming Off The Mountain Top
When you are on the mountain top there is no where to go but down. I had a fantastic time in so many ways when I was in Estonia. It was a mountain top experience. I knew what was coming. You can't always be on the mountain top. Since I've been back I got pink eye, a virus, and almost lost my voice. But, whether I am sick in bed or witnessing in Estonia, God is still faithful and the Lord of Lords. I am thankful for what He did in my life on my mission trip and I am thankful that He is still working on me here back at home.
Here is a great lesson to be learned. Not every moment that you have in your walk with Christ is going to feel like the mountain top. There are going to be times of low spots and valleys. Our circumstances and emotions change frequently. The faithfulness of God does not. If all we value is a certain feeling then we are going to be in trouble - because they change. And they change for odd reasons. Bad food, bad weather, a cough, a cold, a stubbed toe, a bad mood: none of those things should be the criteria for judging my walk with Christ.
I love that song based on the book of Job: "Blessed be Your Name in a land that is plentiful, and blessed be Your Name when I walk through the wilderness -- blessed be Your Name."
Here is a great lesson to be learned. Not every moment that you have in your walk with Christ is going to feel like the mountain top. There are going to be times of low spots and valleys. Our circumstances and emotions change frequently. The faithfulness of God does not. If all we value is a certain feeling then we are going to be in trouble - because they change. And they change for odd reasons. Bad food, bad weather, a cough, a cold, a stubbed toe, a bad mood: none of those things should be the criteria for judging my walk with Christ.
I love that song based on the book of Job: "Blessed be Your Name in a land that is plentiful, and blessed be Your Name when I walk through the wilderness -- blessed be Your Name."
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Mission Estonia - Back In The States
I am writing this blog from Ohio! I have a 2 hour layover before I head to Dallas.
Last night was our last night and it was wild. Old Town was packed with people partying hard. I did get to witness to three people and they listened well. It looked like they were really thinking about the gospel, but they weren't quite ready so I didn't push things.
The rest of the night we watched the depravity of man. I don't see how getting perfectly drunk would be any fun. Especially not compared to the kind of fun I had this week. I saw lots of drunkenness, debauchery, sexual immorality and all kinds of other sin. It reminded me how badly people need the life changing grace of Jesus Christ.
As we were about to leave we took one last stroll through the square. We said goodbye to Tom and he walked away. As we watched him leave Nathan said, 'There goes our only missionary in this whole country."
I pray that the Lord will use Tom mightily for the kingdom and I pray that the Lord will call others to come to this great country and great people to share the good news of Christ.
I have to say that of all the mission trips I have been on I think this has been the absolute best. I am a believer in the work going on in Estonia and feel like the Lord has a great plan. Lord willing, I would come back for another trip in a heart beat. I would love it if the Lord opened a door for First Baptist Southlake to have an ongoing relationship with the mission work going on in Estonia.
Scott
Last night was our last night and it was wild. Old Town was packed with people partying hard. I did get to witness to three people and they listened well. It looked like they were really thinking about the gospel, but they weren't quite ready so I didn't push things.
The rest of the night we watched the depravity of man. I don't see how getting perfectly drunk would be any fun. Especially not compared to the kind of fun I had this week. I saw lots of drunkenness, debauchery, sexual immorality and all kinds of other sin. It reminded me how badly people need the life changing grace of Jesus Christ.
As we were about to leave we took one last stroll through the square. We said goodbye to Tom and he walked away. As we watched him leave Nathan said, 'There goes our only missionary in this whole country."
I pray that the Lord will use Tom mightily for the kingdom and I pray that the Lord will call others to come to this great country and great people to share the good news of Christ.
I have to say that of all the mission trips I have been on I think this has been the absolute best. I am a believer in the work going on in Estonia and feel like the Lord has a great plan. Lord willing, I would come back for another trip in a heart beat. I would love it if the Lord opened a door for First Baptist Southlake to have an ongoing relationship with the mission work going on in Estonia.
Scott
Friday, May 30, 2008
Mission Estonia - 4th Quarter
We are nearing the end of our trip here and things have gone great, thanks and glory to God. We have passed out about 30 thousand gospel tracts and handed out hundreds of Bibles. We have done street evangelism each night.
God has done some great things.
Today we handed out bibles in a couple of villages on the outskirts of Tallinn. I don't remember the names of the towns. We just put the Bibles in people's mailboxes, on their doorsteps, or handed them out. I believe in the power of God's Word and there is great potential for people to be reached.
Last night we went back to the Old Town to do more evangelism. There weren't as many people as we thought there would be but those who were there got to hear the gospel.
Not every conversation is as clean as you would think. Some people listen, others argue, some just walk away, others you can tell the Lord is working on their heart. Nathan and I were having a conversation with a Russian gentleman who was absolutely drunk. He seemed lucid at times and then he would say something completely off the wall. At one point he told me, "Jesus was a communist." O.k. next! We laughed about that for a while.
Keep praying for us as we near the stretch run of our trip.
Thanks,
Scott
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Mission Estonia -- More Pics
McDonalds is not my favorite place, but in a foreign country it is safe and palatable. They actually have this burger that is really good. It is different from America. It's big and tasty:)
This is the prison in Tartu. Can't take pictures inside
Tom briefing us before we go to the prison
Preparing Bibles for distribution.
Mission Estonia -- Update
Cards and Evangelism.
Our trip to the prison was really to open the door for further ministry for Tom, the missionary here. They were so impressed that we would come all the way from America to give them Bibles and minister to them. The prison officials and prisoners seemed really touched. It should really give Tom an opportunity to continue ministry there when we are gone.
That night we went back to the party district to do some more evangelism. It has been really good, difficult, and fun all at the same time.
There has been lots of spiritual warfare issues that you don't realize at first but then your eyes are opened to things going on. For example: last night we were talking to a couple of guys from Georgia(the country not state). One spoke really good English, the other not so much. I get started with the gospel and he is interested in hearing what I have to say. He translates to his friend who didn't understand. Once he figured out we were talking about Christ he got real mad and literally pulled his friend away and wouldn't let him talk to us.
Prostitution:
It is legal here in Estonia, and we have seen lots of it around. I have never really seen this first hand and I have to tell it is so sad. These women have such a low self image, are so desperate for money, and have such a great need for Christ. It breaks my heart.
Cards:
We finished passing out the evangelistic cards this morning. All told, it will be close to 30 thousand. This could be the first time many people have any exposure to the gospel of Christ at all.
Our trip to the prison was really to open the door for further ministry for Tom, the missionary here. They were so impressed that we would come all the way from America to give them Bibles and minister to them. The prison officials and prisoners seemed really touched. It should really give Tom an opportunity to continue ministry there when we are gone.
That night we went back to the party district to do some more evangelism. It has been really good, difficult, and fun all at the same time.
There has been lots of spiritual warfare issues that you don't realize at first but then your eyes are opened to things going on. For example: last night we were talking to a couple of guys from Georgia(the country not state). One spoke really good English, the other not so much. I get started with the gospel and he is interested in hearing what I have to say. He translates to his friend who didn't understand. Once he figured out we were talking about Christ he got real mad and literally pulled his friend away and wouldn't let him talk to us.
Prostitution:
It is legal here in Estonia, and we have seen lots of it around. I have never really seen this first hand and I have to tell it is so sad. These women have such a low self image, are so desperate for money, and have such a great need for Christ. It breaks my heart.
Cards:
We finished passing out the evangelistic cards this morning. All told, it will be close to 30 thousand. This could be the first time many people have any exposure to the gospel of Christ at all.
Mission Estonia -- Humor In Prison
Yesterday( I think. All my days are getting mixed up), we went to a men's prison in a town called Tartu which is a couple of hours drive from Tallinn. We got to do a service for some prisoners and give them Bibles.
While there, we were given a tour of the facility. They have speakers all throughout the yard and it is playing all kinds of music even American. We were out in the yard and a Phil Collins song comes on that goes like this:
"Oh, think twice...
It's another day for me and you in paradise..."
I am not sure that is what the men in that prison are thinking about their stay there.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Mission Estonia -- Pics
Some typical apartments where we would pass out evangelistic cards
Old Town Estonia - a central district for shopping and eating
This is the sky at 11:30 at night! Still light.
Mission Estonia -- Blitz
It's been busy, interesting and fun the last day and half. We have been involved in mass distribution of evangelistic cards all throughout the city. Most people live in apartment complexes which makes the distribution a little easier.
When we get cards in the mailbox in America we don't generally read them. We throw them away. That is not the case here. They will read them. And the vast majority of the places we put these out have never had any exposure to the gospel at all! Let that sink in for just a moment. Most people here have not heard any of the gospel. It is incredible to me that something as simple as passing out a card could have a huge impact.
In Biblical terms what we are doing is "sowing the seed of the gospel". You spread it around and let the Lord handle the outcome. Pray for the seed of God's Word to fall on fertile, fruit bearing soil.
Tomorrow we travel to a men's prison to do a service and pass out Bibles.
Keep praying,
Scott
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Mission Estonia - Arrival
Well, I am in Estonia! It took quite a while, but I am here. I missed a connecting flight due to an airline delay and that added 10 hours to the trip. I got to Estonia midnight their time on Saturday night. But, things got started quickly.
A few guys were going to the "party district" (kind of like Deep Ellum, lots of clubs and bars). We passed out evangelistic cards and shared the gospel with lots of people. It amazed me how many people could speak English. I got to share the full gospel with about 20 people. It was really a great time.
A quick note: I hesitate a little to mention these witnessing opportunities. My caution is because I don't want anyone to think that I am some type of super evangelist and that I am just good at this stuff. I am not. I get nervous and tentative and don't know what to say. But, I try and trust the Lord and pray for His boldness, strength and wisdom.
I got a varied response last night. Some people would not even take the card I handed out. Some I got to talk to and share the gospel and they seemed real interested. Others were not interested and one guy was even a bit hostile in tone. But, it was great to be involved on any level.
Here are some other first day notes:
- When I went to bed at 4 a.m. Estonia time I had been up for 40 hours.
- It does not get dark at night! The sun set at 10 pm and rising again by 3:30 a.m.!
More to come, keep praying.
Scott
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Mission Estonia - Where in the World is Estonia?
Where is Estonia? go to google maps and check it out. Here are some other facts about Estonia.
Estonia is a former Soviet block country. It was Russia for a long period of time, like many other countries. When communism fell and the wall came down the Estonian people began the quest for their freedom. In the near past it was granted its full independence and has embraced capitalistic democracy.
Estonia Fast Facts
Location: Northeastern Europe, on the Baltic Sea across from Finland
Size: slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined
Population: 1.3 million
Languages: Estonian (official) 67%; Russian 30%
Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers
Land: flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore lie more than 1,500 islands
Capital: Tallinn
Independence: August 20, 1991 from Soviet Union
Economy: modern market-based economy and one of the highest per capita income levels in Central Europe.
Religion: Lutheran 13.6%; Orthodox 12.8%; Christian 1.4 %; nothing 66%
Open to the Gospel
Estonia is less than 2% Christian. This categorizes it as an “unreached people group”. A URP is a location that has little exposure to the gospel of Christ. Being under former communist control the people are mainly atheistic. This is not the intellectual style atheism, it is lack of exposure atheism. They have not heard the most basic truths of the gospel. What makes this a fascinating opportunity is the openness of the country. It has only been recently that the country has been opened to new ideas of any kind. This lends itself to a great opportunity for the gospel
Estonia Fast Facts
Location: Northeastern Europe, on the Baltic Sea across from Finland
Size: slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined
Population: 1.3 million
Languages: Estonian (official) 67%; Russian 30%
Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers
Land: flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore lie more than 1,500 islands
Capital: Tallinn
Independence: August 20, 1991 from Soviet Union
Economy: modern market-based economy and one of the highest per capita income levels in Central Europe.
Religion: Lutheran 13.6%; Orthodox 12.8%; Christian 1.4 %; nothing 66%
Open to the Gospel
Estonia is less than 2% Christian. This categorizes it as an “unreached people group”. A URP is a location that has little exposure to the gospel of Christ. Being under former communist control the people are mainly atheistic. This is not the intellectual style atheism, it is lack of exposure atheism. They have not heard the most basic truths of the gospel. What makes this a fascinating opportunity is the openness of the country. It has only been recently that the country has been opened to new ideas of any kind. This lends itself to a great opportunity for the gospel
Mission Estonia -- Cooperation
From: Nathan Lino, Pastor – Northeast Houston Baptist Church
Tomorrow Team Estonia heads out. All told, five churches are involved in this trip. Four churches worked together to raise the money to purchase the Estonian Bibles we will distribute: NEHBC, Shoal Creek Baptist Church (SCBC) in Alabama, First Baptist Church of Southlake (FBCS) in the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex, and Newmarket Baptist Church in Virginia.
Four churches are playing key roles in the distribution of the Bibles by sending personnel to the field: NEHBC, SCBC, FBCS, and Faith Family Baptist Church here in Houston. Though we are four churches, we are going as one team to work together to distribute as many Bibles and Gospel tracts as possible.
It is our goal to distribute 32,000 pieces of literature, either Bibles or tracts. The country of Estonia has roughly 1.3 million people of which about 700,000 are Estonians with the vast majority of the remaining 600,000 made up of Russians. 32,000 pieces of literature among 700,000 Estonians means almost 4.5% of Estonians in Estonia will get either a Bible or tract from us on this one trip. Can you fathom such a thing? This gets even better. If there are three people, on average, in each home among the 700,00 Estonians, we will put either a Bible or tract in 14.7% of Estonian households. I am overwhelmed at the possibility.
I am so thankful to the Lord Jesus for the way He has made this all happen. I wish I could take credit, but I can’t. Multiple American churches banding together to take the Good News to an unreached people group. (Less than 2% of Estonia is born again.) Almost 15% of Estonian households getting literature from us. I stand amazed at the way the Lord moves. I’m just thankful I get to be along for the ride.
Tomorrow Team Estonia heads out. All told, five churches are involved in this trip. Four churches worked together to raise the money to purchase the Estonian Bibles we will distribute: NEHBC, Shoal Creek Baptist Church (SCBC) in Alabama, First Baptist Church of Southlake (FBCS) in the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex, and Newmarket Baptist Church in Virginia.
Four churches are playing key roles in the distribution of the Bibles by sending personnel to the field: NEHBC, SCBC, FBCS, and Faith Family Baptist Church here in Houston. Though we are four churches, we are going as one team to work together to distribute as many Bibles and Gospel tracts as possible.
It is our goal to distribute 32,000 pieces of literature, either Bibles or tracts. The country of Estonia has roughly 1.3 million people of which about 700,000 are Estonians with the vast majority of the remaining 600,000 made up of Russians. 32,000 pieces of literature among 700,000 Estonians means almost 4.5% of Estonians in Estonia will get either a Bible or tract from us on this one trip. Can you fathom such a thing? This gets even better. If there are three people, on average, in each home among the 700,00 Estonians, we will put either a Bible or tract in 14.7% of Estonian households. I am overwhelmed at the possibility.
I am so thankful to the Lord Jesus for the way He has made this all happen. I wish I could take credit, but I can’t. Multiple American churches banding together to take the Good News to an unreached people group. (Less than 2% of Estonia is born again.) Almost 15% of Estonian households getting literature from us. I stand amazed at the way the Lord moves. I’m just thankful I get to be along for the ride.
Mission Estonia - Here We Go
Tomorrow I leave for a mission trip to Estonia. The next several blogs I will try to keep you informed about the mission, and how things are going(Lord willing). I think I will have the access to update my blog periodically. If not, then just keep praying for me and the team.
Leave: May 23rd
Return: may 31st
Monday, May 19, 2008
Countdown
The first word of the great commission that Jesus gave to His disciples, and to us, is the word -- GO!
The word in the Greek is an implied imperative. It is actually an aorist participle and woodenly translated reads, "As you are going." The emphasis being that the action is taking place and is to continue taking place. We are to always be engaged in "going". We don't need to ask if we need to go, we have already been told to go.
Go where? Does this mean that all believers must be oversea missionaries? Not necessarily. Missions doesn't begin by going overseas, it begins by going next door. It means that everywhere you go from your house to the ends of the earth you are to be making disciples.
In four days I will GO on a mission trip. But, the mission begins before I ever reach the destination. I need to be living out a mission trip today, and tomorrow. I need to look for the opportunities that the Lord presents from my house all the way to Estonia. I am going to be seated on a plane an inch a way from someone for 8-10 hours. I wonder what we should talk about?
Let's be obedient followers of Jesus Christ and "GO".
The word in the Greek is an implied imperative. It is actually an aorist participle and woodenly translated reads, "As you are going." The emphasis being that the action is taking place and is to continue taking place. We are to always be engaged in "going". We don't need to ask if we need to go, we have already been told to go.
Go where? Does this mean that all believers must be oversea missionaries? Not necessarily. Missions doesn't begin by going overseas, it begins by going next door. It means that everywhere you go from your house to the ends of the earth you are to be making disciples.
In four days I will GO on a mission trip. But, the mission begins before I ever reach the destination. I need to be living out a mission trip today, and tomorrow. I need to look for the opportunities that the Lord presents from my house all the way to Estonia. I am going to be seated on a plane an inch a way from someone for 8-10 hours. I wonder what we should talk about?
Let's be obedient followers of Jesus Christ and "GO".
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Tapatio Springs
Each spring Michelle and I go to a pastor's retreat in Boerne, TX at Tapatio Springs Resort. It is one of our favorite things to go to and we look forward to it each and every year.
Our pastor from college, Chris Osborne of Central Baptist Church, and his wonderful wife Peggy put this on every year. Central funds the bill for the whole thing. All our accomodations, food, and entertainment is paid for. Thank you so much Central Baptist.
It is for guys and their spouses who have gone through Central and are now pastors. This year there were about 9 couples that made the trip. These people are some of the godliest people and some of our best friends.
We have lots of meetings together and discuss all kinds of things. We discuss church, scripture, family, marriage, parenting, theology, contemporary issues, personal devotional time, and anything else that comes up. It is often challenging, convicting, encouraging, and always helpful.
I cherish the time that I spend with these friends and feel ready to get back to my calling and church.
See you guys next year.
(ps - the picture is where we actually stayed. Nice!)
Monday, April 28, 2008
What God Doesn't Need
Me.
God doesn’t need my talents. God doesn’t need my gifts. God doesn’t need my preaching. God doesn’t need my strengths, abilities, skills, personality or looks.
God doesn’t need me.
And yet, God loves me, and calls me, and chooses me. Not because of me, but because of His great love.
That should be enough to keep me humble and striving to live every moment for Him. That should be enough for me to serve Him unswervingly forever.
" For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-19, ESV)
God doesn’t need my talents. God doesn’t need my gifts. God doesn’t need my preaching. God doesn’t need my strengths, abilities, skills, personality or looks.
God doesn’t need me.
And yet, God loves me, and calls me, and chooses me. Not because of me, but because of His great love.
That should be enough to keep me humble and striving to live every moment for Him. That should be enough for me to serve Him unswervingly forever.
" For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-19, ESV)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Why Stop There?
Headline on Foxnews: New Ohio Church Holds Service in Bar To Reach New People. (click to read story).
Could these be some future headlines:
New Strip Club Ministry: Offering is taken up by placing donations in g-strings.
Rastafarrian Ministry: We Supply The Weed
Jesus Loved Prostitutes, So Do We: Church Meets In Brothel
Obviously I am being facetious. I know that Jesus ministered to sinners and prostitutes, but he didn't become one to reach them. He didn't condone their sin. You don't have to have church at a bar to reach those that go to bars.
Could these be some future headlines:
New Strip Club Ministry: Offering is taken up by placing donations in g-strings.
Rastafarrian Ministry: We Supply The Weed
Jesus Loved Prostitutes, So Do We: Church Meets In Brothel
Obviously I am being facetious. I know that Jesus ministered to sinners and prostitutes, but he didn't become one to reach them. He didn't condone their sin. You don't have to have church at a bar to reach those that go to bars.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Stay Off My Block
Last night I had three visitors come to my door. I immediately knew who they were and saw it as an opportunity for the gospel. They all had on white shirts, dark pants, and black name badge. You have probably figured it out – they were Mormons.
I learned several things through this encounter and thought I would share it with you. I tried to be as nice as possible and as straightforward as I could as well. I attempted to speak the truth in love.
One of the first things I learned is that I am not as smart as I think I am. These guys were considerably younger than me and were ready for the challenge. They were well prepared, articulate, knew some of my arguments before I had even voiced them, and were very intelligent.
I am fairly well versed in the false teaching of Mormonism, but I am not as well schooled as they were. These young guys are basically in school everyday of the week learning a tried and true program of how to present and defend Mormonism. There is a lesson to learn from that because we are commanded in scripture to “be prepared to give a defense to anyone who asks”.
I also admire their commitment to the spreading of their faith. If more of us true Christians were as committed to sharing the true gospel more souls might be saved.
Here is how the conversation went. I let them give me their opening statement and I could tell that it was a presentation that they had memorized filled with the typical Mormon diatribe, “We are the one true church coming to share the gospel…”
I complimented their efforts and decided I better come clean right from the start so they would know my position. So, as politely as possible, I told them that I believe that Mormonism is a false religion and that Joseph Smith is a false prophet and that they were deceived and their souls were in jeopardy. I thought this could be the end of the visit, but it was not. They took it as a challenge and the debate ensued.(which I kind of enjoy).
After some short exchanges they surprisingly began to attack the doctrine of the Trinity. I wasn’t prepared for that but decided to pursue it. If they deny the Biblical teaching of the Trinity they have denied the essence of who God is.
We spent the majority of the time discussing the doctrine of the Trinity from the Bible. The Mormon position is that there are three entities – Father, Son, Spirit. And these three entities have one purpose. Of course, Christianity teaches that there are three distinct personalities but One in person, equality and essence. There is only One God.
This seemed to be fairly effective because I pointed out to them that they basically believed in three different gods. They never denied this! I also knew of the Mormon teaching that says, “As man is God once was, as God is man may become.” This too they never denied. I pointed out to them that they not only believed in three gods, they believed that they would become another god. This is idolatry.
They did have a few counter-arguments, some I probably didn’t respond to as well as I could have. They took me to several passages that clearly show the distinctions between Father and Son as proof of their position. I tried to explain that I don’t have any problem with the distinction passages. There is a distinction, but they are still One. I don’t think I did as good as I could have at this point.
What I did do was take them to the Old Testament. It is filled with proclamations, teachings, warnings and judgments that there is only ONE God! They believe in three gods. I think I could see that this was something they didn’t have an answer for.
I could tell that they weren’t going to give in, and they knew that I was not either. So, I made my final appeal. I told them that I believed that they were being blinded by the devil, could not see the truth of the gospel, were believing a lie and their soul was at stake.
Then I told them this, “This is my block and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t go to anymore houses or come back to this neighborhood.” I don’t want them telling my neighbors a false gospel. They have the freedom in our country to go wherever they want but I can also ask them not to come to mine. They seemed to respect that. Who knows if they will. I guess I need to be prepared for their return to my neighborhood. The only thing I can think that I would need to do is go right behind them to every house they do and tell the people they have just talked to the truth.
I am sure that I made several mistakes. One is that I think for some of the moments in our discussion that I overestimated the power of argumentation instead of the fact that this was a spiritual battle. Thankfully, Michelle saw me grab my Bible and got together with my girls to pray for me while I was talking with these guys. I need to know how to defend my faith, but I can’t rely on that, I must rely on the Holy Spirit to break down the spiritual stronghold that had a grip on these young men.
When they left I was saddened. I realized that they were deep in the grip of a Satanic cult and it would be really difficult, but not impossible, for them to break away from Mormonism.
I learned several things through this encounter and thought I would share it with you. I tried to be as nice as possible and as straightforward as I could as well. I attempted to speak the truth in love.
One of the first things I learned is that I am not as smart as I think I am. These guys were considerably younger than me and were ready for the challenge. They were well prepared, articulate, knew some of my arguments before I had even voiced them, and were very intelligent.
I am fairly well versed in the false teaching of Mormonism, but I am not as well schooled as they were. These young guys are basically in school everyday of the week learning a tried and true program of how to present and defend Mormonism. There is a lesson to learn from that because we are commanded in scripture to “be prepared to give a defense to anyone who asks”.
I also admire their commitment to the spreading of their faith. If more of us true Christians were as committed to sharing the true gospel more souls might be saved.
Here is how the conversation went. I let them give me their opening statement and I could tell that it was a presentation that they had memorized filled with the typical Mormon diatribe, “We are the one true church coming to share the gospel…”
I complimented their efforts and decided I better come clean right from the start so they would know my position. So, as politely as possible, I told them that I believe that Mormonism is a false religion and that Joseph Smith is a false prophet and that they were deceived and their souls were in jeopardy. I thought this could be the end of the visit, but it was not. They took it as a challenge and the debate ensued.(which I kind of enjoy).
After some short exchanges they surprisingly began to attack the doctrine of the Trinity. I wasn’t prepared for that but decided to pursue it. If they deny the Biblical teaching of the Trinity they have denied the essence of who God is.
We spent the majority of the time discussing the doctrine of the Trinity from the Bible. The Mormon position is that there are three entities – Father, Son, Spirit. And these three entities have one purpose. Of course, Christianity teaches that there are three distinct personalities but One in person, equality and essence. There is only One God.
This seemed to be fairly effective because I pointed out to them that they basically believed in three different gods. They never denied this! I also knew of the Mormon teaching that says, “As man is God once was, as God is man may become.” This too they never denied. I pointed out to them that they not only believed in three gods, they believed that they would become another god. This is idolatry.
They did have a few counter-arguments, some I probably didn’t respond to as well as I could have. They took me to several passages that clearly show the distinctions between Father and Son as proof of their position. I tried to explain that I don’t have any problem with the distinction passages. There is a distinction, but they are still One. I don’t think I did as good as I could have at this point.
What I did do was take them to the Old Testament. It is filled with proclamations, teachings, warnings and judgments that there is only ONE God! They believe in three gods. I think I could see that this was something they didn’t have an answer for.
I could tell that they weren’t going to give in, and they knew that I was not either. So, I made my final appeal. I told them that I believed that they were being blinded by the devil, could not see the truth of the gospel, were believing a lie and their soul was at stake.
Then I told them this, “This is my block and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t go to anymore houses or come back to this neighborhood.” I don’t want them telling my neighbors a false gospel. They have the freedom in our country to go wherever they want but I can also ask them not to come to mine. They seemed to respect that. Who knows if they will. I guess I need to be prepared for their return to my neighborhood. The only thing I can think that I would need to do is go right behind them to every house they do and tell the people they have just talked to the truth.
I am sure that I made several mistakes. One is that I think for some of the moments in our discussion that I overestimated the power of argumentation instead of the fact that this was a spiritual battle. Thankfully, Michelle saw me grab my Bible and got together with my girls to pray for me while I was talking with these guys. I need to know how to defend my faith, but I can’t rely on that, I must rely on the Holy Spirit to break down the spiritual stronghold that had a grip on these young men.
When they left I was saddened. I realized that they were deep in the grip of a Satanic cult and it would be really difficult, but not impossible, for them to break away from Mormonism.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Preach Jesus
Below is an article by Dr. Jim Richards, the Executive Director of the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention. It is a great article on preaching Jesus! www.sbtexas.com
Preach the real Jesus, whatever your style
Written by Jim Richards Executive Director
Posted Friday, March 28, 2008
Seems like we ought to be getting ready for Easter! It did come early this year. As a matter of fact, Easter will not be that early again until 2228! Surely Jesus will come before then. Speaking of Jesus … a lot of churches are not.
I have been shocked by the avoidance of the name of Jesus. Dare to say mentioning sin, the blood, the cross, the resurrection or a number of other essential elements in helping people understand their need for Jesus.
North American Christianity in general and Southern Baptists in particular are in crisis. Our conversion-to-population growth ratio is at an all-time low. We have more buildings, education, money and technology than ever before. Yet we are doing less with more than any previous generation of believers. You have heard the dreary statistics: 70 percent of SBC churches are declining. Some say plateaued and declining, but unless you are growing you are declining; you can’t stand still. There is a lot of handwringing and finger pointing over this problem.
Numbers of young pastors have rejected the SBC model of cooperation. We have gone through “contemporary music,” the “Purpose-Driven” phenomenon and now the emerging church models. New forms are constantly in vogue.
Recently I heard about the Redneck Church. This flock, upon learning of the feeding of the 5,000, wanted to know whether the two fish were bass or catfish and what type of bait was used to catch’em.
We have become so niche-conscious that we may see a church start to target left-handed, blue-eyed 9-year-old girls who don’t like Hannah Montana. I’m for reaching all kinds of people in all kinds of ways, but we might be taking it to an extreme. Let me affirm much of the innovative church planting.
If I were 30 years younger, I would want to be on the cutting edge reaching the unreached with unique approaches as a church planter.
Music style is a preference, not a point of fellowship. Whether a guy sits on a stool or beats the pulpit is irrelevant. If he has bed-head, shaves his head or wears a pompadour, it doesn’t really matter. What is important is that churches both innovative and traditional uplift the Lord Jesus Christ, present clearly the gospel and depend upon the Holy Spirit.
Here’s my beef: Whatever style you are, present the biblical Jesus. Jesus had a virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious and bloody sacrificial death, bodily resurrection, and will have a visible return. I have been in churches recently that got so cute with their ministry that they forgot to present the gospel. And just because somebody baptizes a trough-full doesn’t mean the “converts” have been presented the biblical Jesus.
Use imagination and new tools, but know that only the Spirit of God can produce eternal results. We have become so slick in thinking we can “trick” people into conversion. It is the old “bait and switch” technique. We will make them think they really aren’t worshipping Jesus, never mention his name, don’t offend them and maybe they will be saved by some holy osmosis system. Paul spoke of the spirit of this world in 1 Corinthians 2:12. Don’t try to outsmart the Holy Spirit. Neither is it some jibber-jabber or some attention getting activity. Salvation is the clear, unmistakable work of the Spirit of God.
Willow Creek admitted error in their philosophy of ministry. It is hard to improve on presenting the gospel. People must understand their need. Conviction of sin is the first step toward repentance. How can a person repent if he doesn’t think he has anything to repent of? We have to preach the bad news before anyone will be ready for the Good News. We don’t have to be offensive in our methods, but the cross will offend.
The apostle Paul had a pastoral relationship with the church at Corinth. He pointed out shortcomings of the church in his first letter. In the book we call 2 Corinthians he confronted them about their infatuation with novelty. He used sarcasm to point out their rejection of his authority and the acceptance of deceivers. Paul was aggravated with the church that he started in its being so easily removed from the truth. He warned them about preaching another Jesus, receiving another spirit and having another gospel (2 Corinthians 11:1-5).
Even though Easter is passed, I urge you to boldly share the true gospel in the power of the Spirit by presenting the biblical Jesus.
Preach the real Jesus, whatever your style
Written by Jim Richards Executive Director
Posted Friday, March 28, 2008
Seems like we ought to be getting ready for Easter! It did come early this year. As a matter of fact, Easter will not be that early again until 2228! Surely Jesus will come before then. Speaking of Jesus … a lot of churches are not.
I have been shocked by the avoidance of the name of Jesus. Dare to say mentioning sin, the blood, the cross, the resurrection or a number of other essential elements in helping people understand their need for Jesus.
North American Christianity in general and Southern Baptists in particular are in crisis. Our conversion-to-population growth ratio is at an all-time low. We have more buildings, education, money and technology than ever before. Yet we are doing less with more than any previous generation of believers. You have heard the dreary statistics: 70 percent of SBC churches are declining. Some say plateaued and declining, but unless you are growing you are declining; you can’t stand still. There is a lot of handwringing and finger pointing over this problem.
Numbers of young pastors have rejected the SBC model of cooperation. We have gone through “contemporary music,” the “Purpose-Driven” phenomenon and now the emerging church models. New forms are constantly in vogue.
Recently I heard about the Redneck Church. This flock, upon learning of the feeding of the 5,000, wanted to know whether the two fish were bass or catfish and what type of bait was used to catch’em.
We have become so niche-conscious that we may see a church start to target left-handed, blue-eyed 9-year-old girls who don’t like Hannah Montana. I’m for reaching all kinds of people in all kinds of ways, but we might be taking it to an extreme. Let me affirm much of the innovative church planting.
If I were 30 years younger, I would want to be on the cutting edge reaching the unreached with unique approaches as a church planter.
Music style is a preference, not a point of fellowship. Whether a guy sits on a stool or beats the pulpit is irrelevant. If he has bed-head, shaves his head or wears a pompadour, it doesn’t really matter. What is important is that churches both innovative and traditional uplift the Lord Jesus Christ, present clearly the gospel and depend upon the Holy Spirit.
Here’s my beef: Whatever style you are, present the biblical Jesus. Jesus had a virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious and bloody sacrificial death, bodily resurrection, and will have a visible return. I have been in churches recently that got so cute with their ministry that they forgot to present the gospel. And just because somebody baptizes a trough-full doesn’t mean the “converts” have been presented the biblical Jesus.
Use imagination and new tools, but know that only the Spirit of God can produce eternal results. We have become so slick in thinking we can “trick” people into conversion. It is the old “bait and switch” technique. We will make them think they really aren’t worshipping Jesus, never mention his name, don’t offend them and maybe they will be saved by some holy osmosis system. Paul spoke of the spirit of this world in 1 Corinthians 2:12. Don’t try to outsmart the Holy Spirit. Neither is it some jibber-jabber or some attention getting activity. Salvation is the clear, unmistakable work of the Spirit of God.
Willow Creek admitted error in their philosophy of ministry. It is hard to improve on presenting the gospel. People must understand their need. Conviction of sin is the first step toward repentance. How can a person repent if he doesn’t think he has anything to repent of? We have to preach the bad news before anyone will be ready for the Good News. We don’t have to be offensive in our methods, but the cross will offend.
The apostle Paul had a pastoral relationship with the church at Corinth. He pointed out shortcomings of the church in his first letter. In the book we call 2 Corinthians he confronted them about their infatuation with novelty. He used sarcasm to point out their rejection of his authority and the acceptance of deceivers. Paul was aggravated with the church that he started in its being so easily removed from the truth. He warned them about preaching another Jesus, receiving another spirit and having another gospel (2 Corinthians 11:1-5).
Even though Easter is passed, I urge you to boldly share the true gospel in the power of the Spirit by presenting the biblical Jesus.
Friday, March 28, 2008
A Dangerous Gospel
I recently heard this true story about a mission trip to a Muslim country. It was told by John Meador, pastor of First Baptist Euless. I heard him tell this at a conference so my version is going to be coming to you third hand. I was taking notes, but couldn’t remember the name of the person the story is about – but it’s more about the Lord anyway.
John had a young college student in his church. This student was small but on was a collegiate wrestler. Although he was only 125 pounds he had a tendency to speak the truth wherever and whenever. One time this young man went with a group on a short term mission trip to a Muslim country. One day he went with his interpreter to a small Muslim village and began preaching and sharing the gospel. He began speaking to a group of about 70 men who were leaders in that village. He began to present the gospel and at one point the men in the crowd began to ask him questions. One man asked him who Jesus was. The college student replied, “Jesus is God in the flesh, the Son of the living God, the one and only true God.” The men of the Muslim village then asked him who Allah was. The brave evangelist said, “He is a demon and Mohammed is a false prophet.” It was at this moment that the interpreter encouraged the young man that they needed to leave. They could sense the growing hostility of the crowd and departed unscathed.
The next day the young man felt compelled to return back to the village. He wanted to return because he didn’t get to finish his gospel presentation to the people. As he and the interpreter entered the village they saw a group of about 30 women. He asked them if he could share with them about Jesus Christ. The women said, “No. we don’t need to hear your message, we are ready to embrace your God.” The young man was confused and asked the women, “How can you be ready to receive my God if you haven’t listened to all of my message?” The women replied, “We heard you yesterday and we know it must be true because those men were not able to kill you. Your God must have protected you and your message must be true. We want to know your God.”
John had a young college student in his church. This student was small but on was a collegiate wrestler. Although he was only 125 pounds he had a tendency to speak the truth wherever and whenever. One time this young man went with a group on a short term mission trip to a Muslim country. One day he went with his interpreter to a small Muslim village and began preaching and sharing the gospel. He began speaking to a group of about 70 men who were leaders in that village. He began to present the gospel and at one point the men in the crowd began to ask him questions. One man asked him who Jesus was. The college student replied, “Jesus is God in the flesh, the Son of the living God, the one and only true God.” The men of the Muslim village then asked him who Allah was. The brave evangelist said, “He is a demon and Mohammed is a false prophet.” It was at this moment that the interpreter encouraged the young man that they needed to leave. They could sense the growing hostility of the crowd and departed unscathed.
The next day the young man felt compelled to return back to the village. He wanted to return because he didn’t get to finish his gospel presentation to the people. As he and the interpreter entered the village they saw a group of about 30 women. He asked them if he could share with them about Jesus Christ. The women said, “No. we don’t need to hear your message, we are ready to embrace your God.” The young man was confused and asked the women, “How can you be ready to receive my God if you haven’t listened to all of my message?” The women replied, “We heard you yesterday and we know it must be true because those men were not able to kill you. Your God must have protected you and your message must be true. We want to know your God.”
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Missionary Strategy of Paul
My Bible reading for this week has been through the book of Acts. As I was reading I got started on a small project. I was reading the accounts of all Paul's missionary journeys. As I looked at these I started to jot down what his approach was and the response. I won't catalog all of them here, but I will summarize.
Paul went from town to town and preached the undiluted gospel. He often offended some portion of the population. So much so that he was run out of or abused in every city that he went to. He was debated, attacked, abused, arrested, vilified, beaten, almost killed more than once, stoned, and finally arrested and sent to Rome.
Now compare that with the missions philosophy today. Not every situation and country has comparable circumstances to the ones that Paul encountered. But, there are many that do. I don't think that Paul's example is modeled enough. And I know that it is easy for me to be a critic while I am here in my American freedom and one-week-plush-mission-trip experiences. But, I still question the philosophy.
In my next post I will give a real life, modern day, Paul-like, missions encounter from a true story I heard.
Paul went from town to town and preached the undiluted gospel. He often offended some portion of the population. So much so that he was run out of or abused in every city that he went to. He was debated, attacked, abused, arrested, vilified, beaten, almost killed more than once, stoned, and finally arrested and sent to Rome.
Now compare that with the missions philosophy today. Not every situation and country has comparable circumstances to the ones that Paul encountered. But, there are many that do. I don't think that Paul's example is modeled enough. And I know that it is easy for me to be a critic while I am here in my American freedom and one-week-plush-mission-trip experiences. But, I still question the philosophy.
In my next post I will give a real life, modern day, Paul-like, missions encounter from a true story I heard.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Must Read Article -- "Ethical Evangelism
Pastor Nathan Lino, of Northeast Houston Baptist Church wrote a great article on evangelism. He is a personal friend of mine and is someone I highly respect for his walk with the Lord.
March 20, 2008
ETHICAL EVANGELISM
“Relevance” and “contextualization” are the two buzz words in evangelism circles today. Relevance is the term that is employed when referring to effectiveness. In today’s evangelism world, if one is not effective in reaching lost people then they are said to be no longer relevant or irrelevant. In its simplest form, contextualization refers to communicating the Gospel message in terms that are appropriate and understandable to one’s audience. For example, I would expect those who teach our church’s empty nesters to present the Gospel differently than those who teach our third graders. I preach differently in our seminary chapels, where the audience knows theological terminology, than I do at inner city missions in Houston. A significant number of churches today make almost all their ministry decisions and plans based on contextualization and relevance. I believe much good can and has come from discussions related to these two issues.
I also believe much harm is being done to the Kingdom in the name of contextualization and relevance. For example, if relevance deals with a church’s effectiveness, what is the measuring stick? Numerical attendance? If a church’s goal is to get as many people in the doors as possible, then that church will pursue almost any program/ministry/approach/style that will get ever growing numbers of people in the door. And as the numbers come in, that church will deem itself “relevant” in reaching today’s lost culture. However, to be logically consistent, this line of thinking also has to consider the churches that aren’t drawing huge crowds to be “irrelevant”. This is a dangerous line of thinking. Take John 6 for example. Jesus feeds about 20,000+ people (5,000 men besides women and children in a day without contraceptives). That is quite the numerical attendance and is comparable to the biggest churches in America today. However, in the same chapter, Jesus says to His audience in verse 56, “He who eats of My flesh and drinks of My blood abides in Me and I in Him.” In a culture that considered blood to be religiously unclean, the audience quickly rejected Christ’s message. The chapter says the audience grumbled and argued over the sermon. Verse 66 says Christ’s huge following left Him after that sermon, and Jesus turned to the twelve disciples and asked them if they were going to leave Him also. In one sermon, Christ’s numerical attendance shrunk 20,000 to 12. Must we conclude that Christ’s ministry was “irrelevant”? (As an aside, I want to acknowledge that this line of thinking should make no sense coming from a pastor whose church is realizing a record number of people involved in overseas missions, conducting a large construction program because there are too many people to fit into the building we currently have, looking for staff, checking into offsite parking/shuttle options because we have no more room in our parking lot on Sunday mornings, etc. but, bear with me.) Based on Christ’s ministry, relevance cannot be measured by numerical attendance. Yet, in today’s church culture, numerical attendance is everything. An American church is considered relevant when there are lots of bodies in the worship center and irrelevant when there aren’t. This logic has led the American church down a road that is damaging the Kingdom. Before I flesh that out, let me briefly discuss contextualization.
If contextualization is communicating the Gospel to an audience in a way that they can understand it, how does one evaluate how good they are at contextualization? If I stand in front of 2,000 people and present the Gospel, how do I know if I what I said was clear to them? The defacto measuring stick of contextualization by the American church has become numerical results. Someone who gets a good numerical response when presenting the Gospel is considered a leader in the contextualization of the Gospel. But such thinking is problematic. If contextualization is to be measured by numerical results, then eventually and inevitably the Gospel message will get watered down so that more people will “respond”. The standard of salvation will be adjusted downward, and that is what I believe we are seeing in the American church today. The Gospel is often presented as an equitable contract between the lost person and God. “If you will turn to Jesus, He will be your friend.” “If you will invite Jesus into your heart, He will provide for you.” “If you will trust Jesus, He will watch over you.” We sell the Gospel to people based on what they will get from God in this lifetime which means their motive for turning to Christ is the impending blessings God wants to pour into their lives.
The American church has walked herself into the buzz saw of numerical results driven ministry. Misguided measuring sticks are driving the discussions of relevance and contextualization, and the American church is in troubled waters. We need a wake up call. We are doing much damage to the Kingdom of God. We are telling people who have not reached the biblical standard of salvation that they are saved. We are telling lost people, whom we have pronounced redeemed, that they can be decision making members of our faith communities. We are leading people who have no intention of making personal sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom in singing I Am a Friend of God. We are baptizing people who have no intention of choosing the Lord Jesus’ will over their own will when inevitable conflicts arise between them and God. In short, we have reached a day in the American church where we have given ourselves the authority to adjust the biblical standard of salvation, and we are reaping what we have sowed. Prayer meetings are empty. Churches are doing well if they can get 20% of their members to share their faith during the week. Sacrificial service in the church is on the list of spiritual extinction, Americans willing to die for the faith are a rare breed, and personal safety on mission trips is of more importance to church members than getting the Gospel to lost people. In Southern Baptist life, the IMB has more money set aside to fund new missionaries than we have missionary candidates in the pipeline. Nasty church conflict is now the norm, and there is little respect for the office of the pastor. Pastors are preaching sermons initiated by requests from their congregation instead of the time they spend on their face before God. Our already sad baptism numbers are padded by churches that count individuals who are being baptized for the second and third time. Just a few years ago, LifeWay produced a survey that showed, on average, only 40% of a church’s recorded baptism numbers are first time baptisms.
Based on what I see in the American church today, it appears that few churches realize what a mess we are in. Most of the churches that do recognize the problem are trying to program their way to a healthier state. However, the problem cannot be fixed through leadership style, church structure or programming. The problem can only be fixed through salvation. If we will return to the biblical standard of salvation and only allow genuinely saved people into membership, our churches will regain their spiritual vibrancy. If we will make lost people meet the biblical standard of salvation, they will desire the Lordship of Christ once they are saved. They will hunger for the Word of God. They will serve sacrificially. They will sell all they have and move to Yemen as missionaries. They will share their faith. They will see the effectiveness of prayer. We will see genuine life change. The American church, and that includes mine, needs to return to the biblical standard of salvation.
I’d like to remind you of Christ’s sermon in Luke 14:25-35 during which He provided the standard of salvation. The premise of the passage is that a decision as significant as becoming a follower of Christ should not be made without first considering the cost involved. The decision should not be made emotionally or frivolously (see Parable of the Sower), but with serious consideration given to the price that may have to be paid. In vs. 28-30, Christ provides the illustration of how foolish it would be to begin a large construction project without first making sure that one can financially and logistically support the work that has to be done. In vs. 31-32 Christ provides the illustration of how foolish it would be to go to war without first making sure one has the resources and personnel to win the fight. His point is that in much the same way, it is foolish to rush into a decision to become a follower of Christ without first counting the cost.
In vs. 26 and 33 He provides examples of the types of sacrifices that may be required of a believer: family, one’s own life, and one’s possessions. A follower of Christ needs to understand that the day could come that for the good of the Kingdom, one’s relationship with their family, one’s possessions, and even one’s own life may have to be sacrificed. And Christ clearly says that if one is not willing to pay that kind of price, then they are not ready to be saved. Wow. Strong words. Hard words. Harsh words. But, the fact that the passage sounds hard to us is evidence of how far we have lowered the bar of salvation. Christ was preaching to LOST people. In their lost state they were to consider the price to be paid and if they couldn’t pay that price, they weren’t ready to be saved. Wow. Christ modeled this kind of evangelism for us in Luke 18:18 with the story of the rich young ruler. He came to Christ as a lost man and asked in vs. 18 what it would take for him to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him that to demonstrate his readiness to pay the price for the sake of the Kingdom, the ruler was to go and sell his possessions and give away the money. A lost man was asked to be willing to pay the price for the sake of the Kingdom and when he was unwilling, he was deemed unready for salvation. Jesus expects a willingness to pay a significant price for the Kingdom from day one in a believer’s walk with Christ. Wow.
This is the biblical standard of salvation. This is the standard a church must maintain with its ministries. As for NEHBC, this will be our standard. We will kindly, firmly, and urgently call the lost world to this standard of salvation. We will do everything we can to help lost people move to this point in their lives. We will teach, counsel, encourage, rebuke, urge, beg, and plead as much as we have to in order to give every lost person we can the opportunity at salvation. In other words, we will do everything we can do help them get up and over the bar, but we will not lower the bar. And I think therein is how the American church got into our predicament. Through our love for people, our desire to see lost people saved, and our hunger for the Kingdom of God to grow, we got so passionate about helping people over the bar that we started lowering the bar to accommodate them. We forgot that we are not allowed to touch the bar. It is time for our churches to put the bar back where it belongs and focus our attention on helping people clear it. Will a church’s numerical numbers go down? Probably. Will there be fewer baptisms? Probably. Might you be criticized by the lost members of your congregation? Definitely. Will you be told you are too hard on the lost people? Probably. Will lots of your visitors filter through your church and end up going to visit the church down the road that has lowered the bar? Probably. But, will you ever shrink your church from thousands to twelve in one sermon? Unlikely. But, if irrelevant means holding the bar of salvation to the biblical standard, I’m willing to be irrelevant; how about you?
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