If you've noticed i post this blog once a month. Why you may ask? For one, it helps get me accountable. I am always convicted on how little I read (good books). Men like AL Mohler read 25 books a month. Christian Bloggers like Tim Challies reviews one book a week. Don't think for a moment that this book review blog boosts my ego. I know many many men who are much more disciplined then I.
I recently finished Biblical Eldership (my second time through); this is a good book if you want to know God's qualifications for church leaders/officers. The Reformed Pastor (by Baxter) has been one wonderful book. If you are a church leader i think this is a must read book. Baxter is very practical as well as Biblical in his presentation. What does it mean to be a faithful elder/pastor? Baxter answers this question in this wonderful book.So here is the latest update. I always enjoy hearing what you are reading so please post as well.
Books I am currently reading or ones I finished in the last year or so:
1. No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells). (Done)
2. The Cross and Christian Ministry (by D.A. Carson). (Done)
3. Women's Ministry in the Local Church (by Ligon Duncan/Susan Hunt) (Done)
4. Knowing God (By J.I. Packer) (Ch 19)
5. The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul) (Done)
6. Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein) (Done)
7. How America Lost Her Innocence (By Steve Gallagher) (Done)
8. From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott) (Done)
9. Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney) (CH 9)
10. The Message of the Old Testament (by Mark Dever) (not much progress yet)
11. Biblical Eldership (by A. Strauch) (Done)
12. Numerous Jude commentaries
13. Expository Preaching With Word Pictures: With Illustrations from the Sermons of Thomas Watson (by Jack Hughes) (Ch 3)
14. The Reformed Pastor (by Richard Baxter) (Ch 3 sect 1)
15. What Jesus Demands from the World (by John Piper) (just started)
16. Institutes of the Christian Religion, Vol. 1(by John Calvin) (just started)
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Why the Yankees are totally unimpressive
The New York Yankees are whats bad about MLB. The spend SOOO much more money then everyone else (no wonder they have 27+ World Championships); If i were to pay 4 million dollars for a home and you paid 300k it would be no shocker to find my house in magazines. How can any sport allow a team to spend 150 million dollars more than other teams in a single season. The fact the Yankees don't win it all (every season) is a JOKE. I guess that is whats great about baseball. The bad (rich guys) don't always win.
From cbssportsline.com
"Using the regular method of accounting, the Yankees finished with a $207.5 million payroll for their 40-man roster, according to final figures released Friday by the commissioner's office, up from $206.6 million in 2005.
Boston was a distant second this year at $137.5 million, followed by the New York Mets ($116.6 million), Houston ($107.7 million), the Los Angeles Dodgers ($107.2 million) and the Los Angeles Angels ($104 million).
The World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals were 10th at $96.1 million, and the AL champion Detroit Tigers were 14th at $89.8 million.
Florida, last at $21.1 million, had less than half the payroll of Pittsburgh, 28th at $43.4 million. Tampa Bay was in between them at $36.4 million."
From cbssportsline.com
"Using the regular method of accounting, the Yankees finished with a $207.5 million payroll for their 40-man roster, according to final figures released Friday by the commissioner's office, up from $206.6 million in 2005.
Boston was a distant second this year at $137.5 million, followed by the New York Mets ($116.6 million), Houston ($107.7 million), the Los Angeles Dodgers ($107.2 million) and the Los Angeles Angels ($104 million).
The World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals were 10th at $96.1 million, and the AL champion Detroit Tigers were 14th at $89.8 million.
Florida, last at $21.1 million, had less than half the payroll of Pittsburgh, 28th at $43.4 million. Tampa Bay was in between them at $36.4 million."
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to one and all. Andrea and I and Evelyn enjoyed a very nice Christmas Eve yesterday. We went to church/sunday school and our candle light Christmas Eve service; all of which were very nice. It was helpful to be reminded of what this holiday is all about.
Evelyn enjoyed opening up her Christmas presents today (and then eating the paper). We hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas today.
Evelyn enjoyed opening up her Christmas presents today (and then eating the paper). We hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas today.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Al Mohler on Stay at Home Moms
My wife and I just listened to an Al Mohler radio program that dealt with the topic of "Stay At Home Moms." It was more of a social discussion from a Christian perspective type chat. Here is his blog that goes with the radio program. This taken from Albertmohler.com
"Beliefnet.com has published a debate of sorts on the "mommy wars." Linda Hirshman, author of Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World, returns in a lengthy interview to her argument that women who stay home to care for children are "letting down the team."
I was invited to write an article in response to Hirshman. Both articles are available at Beliefnet.com.
In her interview, Linda Hirshman is as strident and radical as ever. After explaining that she had determined what "the standards of secular Western goodness" might be, she applied these to stay-at-home moms and found them morally wanting:
I applied those standards to the decision to stay home and tend children and the household, and I found that they were, in fact, lacking. These women are not using their full human capacity. They are not independent, and they are not doing more social good than harm.
So stay-at-home moms are doing more harm than good? She doesn't stop there. They are also delusional.
I think they're making a mistake. The most frustrating thing about the whole business is the nonsensical stories that they tell themselves and me about what they think they're doing. The delusional quality of it is a little weird. . . .
I'm not sure what is going on. If they, in fact, believe the things that they tell me, then they are incredibly stupid and foolish. I'm hoping that they're reciting it like a mantra: "choice, choice, choice, choice," or "I never met a man who wished on his deathbed he spent more time at work." These are mantras that these women recite; they send them to me in e-mails. And so, when the whole society is telling you a set of things, it becomes very easy to just recite it. The interesting question is why they are unwilling to think through what they're doing. And I think it's because what they're doing is destructive and dangerous and they're afraid to face it.
The essence of Linda Hirshman's argument is that what she calls "choice" feminism has led to disaster, because so many women are giving up promising professional lives and money (the very things Hirshman says they should most value) in order to stay at home and care for children -- a task she infamously described as unfit "for a complicated, educated person."
She calls for feminists to return to their "judgmental roots," refusing to accept women who choose motherhood over career as morally responsible. In her book, she calls for women to go on a "reproductive strike" until they are freed, as a sex, from any imbalance in responsibilities for child-rearing.
She presents herself as surprised that her radical vision is attracting opposition. Take a look at this:
I got a flood of really rabid e-mail--very personal, very harsh. And unlike the usual e-mails, they also were notable for their bad grammar and spelling. So I couldn't figure where this flood of e-mails was coming from, and then someone sent me a speech by Albert Mohler, the head of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He said, "This woman is the instrumentality of the devil." He lied about what I said, and then he told everybody that I was the end of civilization as we know it. That was my first clue that the forces of organized religion in America were going to be aiming at me.
Well, a little truth-telling will help here. I never said that Linda Hirshman "is the instrumentality of the devil." As a matter of fact, I have not said that of anyone. Then she says that I identified her as "the end of civilization as we know it." She flatters herself. I do believe that her ideas--if taken seriously by many persons--would be the end of civilization as we know it. There would be no one left to care for the children.
I have never given "a speech" about Linda Hirshman, so I must assume that she refers instead to my commentary on her and her ideas [found here]. The article is a straightforward analysis of her writings and media appearances. Judge for yourself. The problem is her ideas. It is virtually impossible to present her proposals as more radical than they are.
In my Beliefnet.com article, I responded to her book and proposals. She says that she fears "the forces of organized religion" in opposition to her. She can let go of that fear. It's America's moms who are in an uproar. As I wrote in the article: "Hirshman has little to fear from conservative Christian men–it's the moms she had better look out for."
Further:
The actual work of motherhood disgusts her. After reading the diaries of mothers, she notes: "their description of their lives does not sound particularly interesting or fulfilling for a complicated person, for a complicated, educated person." Being herself a complicated, educated person, she cannot understand why a woman would, for example, wipe the soiled bottom of her baby. Complicated, educated women just must not do such things, she insists–or they are letting down the team. She even compared mothers to the "untouchables" of India–a caste consigned to sweep bodily wastes and care for the bodily needs of others. "Get to Work" will attract attention, of course. The book is so radical and strident in its tone that the media will not be able to resist its allure. Nevertheless, a half-century after the feminist revolution was launched, women simply aren't buying its message–not if it means that women who love motherhood are "letting down the team." The persistence of motherhood is a sign that women really do know what they want.
Let's all be very thankful for that fact -- and honor those women who take up the complicated and educated task of raising the next generation, starting at the cradle.
We discussed this controversy on Tuesday's edition of The Albert Mohler Program [listen here]. We also discussed the issue on editions that aired February 23, 2006 and June 30, 2006."
"Beliefnet.com has published a debate of sorts on the "mommy wars." Linda Hirshman, author of Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World, returns in a lengthy interview to her argument that women who stay home to care for children are "letting down the team."
I was invited to write an article in response to Hirshman. Both articles are available at Beliefnet.com.
In her interview, Linda Hirshman is as strident and radical as ever. After explaining that she had determined what "the standards of secular Western goodness" might be, she applied these to stay-at-home moms and found them morally wanting:
I applied those standards to the decision to stay home and tend children and the household, and I found that they were, in fact, lacking. These women are not using their full human capacity. They are not independent, and they are not doing more social good than harm.
So stay-at-home moms are doing more harm than good? She doesn't stop there. They are also delusional.
I think they're making a mistake. The most frustrating thing about the whole business is the nonsensical stories that they tell themselves and me about what they think they're doing. The delusional quality of it is a little weird. . . .
I'm not sure what is going on. If they, in fact, believe the things that they tell me, then they are incredibly stupid and foolish. I'm hoping that they're reciting it like a mantra: "choice, choice, choice, choice," or "I never met a man who wished on his deathbed he spent more time at work." These are mantras that these women recite; they send them to me in e-mails. And so, when the whole society is telling you a set of things, it becomes very easy to just recite it. The interesting question is why they are unwilling to think through what they're doing. And I think it's because what they're doing is destructive and dangerous and they're afraid to face it.
The essence of Linda Hirshman's argument is that what she calls "choice" feminism has led to disaster, because so many women are giving up promising professional lives and money (the very things Hirshman says they should most value) in order to stay at home and care for children -- a task she infamously described as unfit "for a complicated, educated person."
She calls for feminists to return to their "judgmental roots," refusing to accept women who choose motherhood over career as morally responsible. In her book, she calls for women to go on a "reproductive strike" until they are freed, as a sex, from any imbalance in responsibilities for child-rearing.
She presents herself as surprised that her radical vision is attracting opposition. Take a look at this:
I got a flood of really rabid e-mail--very personal, very harsh. And unlike the usual e-mails, they also were notable for their bad grammar and spelling. So I couldn't figure where this flood of e-mails was coming from, and then someone sent me a speech by Albert Mohler, the head of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He said, "This woman is the instrumentality of the devil." He lied about what I said, and then he told everybody that I was the end of civilization as we know it. That was my first clue that the forces of organized religion in America were going to be aiming at me.
Well, a little truth-telling will help here. I never said that Linda Hirshman "is the instrumentality of the devil." As a matter of fact, I have not said that of anyone. Then she says that I identified her as "the end of civilization as we know it." She flatters herself. I do believe that her ideas--if taken seriously by many persons--would be the end of civilization as we know it. There would be no one left to care for the children.
I have never given "a speech" about Linda Hirshman, so I must assume that she refers instead to my commentary on her and her ideas [found here]. The article is a straightforward analysis of her writings and media appearances. Judge for yourself. The problem is her ideas. It is virtually impossible to present her proposals as more radical than they are.
In my Beliefnet.com article, I responded to her book and proposals. She says that she fears "the forces of organized religion" in opposition to her. She can let go of that fear. It's America's moms who are in an uproar. As I wrote in the article: "Hirshman has little to fear from conservative Christian men–it's the moms she had better look out for."
Further:
The actual work of motherhood disgusts her. After reading the diaries of mothers, she notes: "their description of their lives does not sound particularly interesting or fulfilling for a complicated person, for a complicated, educated person." Being herself a complicated, educated person, she cannot understand why a woman would, for example, wipe the soiled bottom of her baby. Complicated, educated women just must not do such things, she insists–or they are letting down the team. She even compared mothers to the "untouchables" of India–a caste consigned to sweep bodily wastes and care for the bodily needs of others. "Get to Work" will attract attention, of course. The book is so radical and strident in its tone that the media will not be able to resist its allure. Nevertheless, a half-century after the feminist revolution was launched, women simply aren't buying its message–not if it means that women who love motherhood are "letting down the team." The persistence of motherhood is a sign that women really do know what they want.
Let's all be very thankful for that fact -- and honor those women who take up the complicated and educated task of raising the next generation, starting at the cradle.
We discussed this controversy on Tuesday's edition of The Albert Mohler Program [listen here]. We also discussed the issue on editions that aired February 23, 2006 and June 30, 2006."
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Where have ya been?
Thanks for asking! Andrea and I (and Evelyn) drove 11 hours to Tulsa OK to visit Andrea's parents (and her old church family). We had a wonderful time. The Lord was gracious in our travels and we praise Him for that.
I finished up Strauch's "Biblical Eldership" over the break. I look forward to starting Piper's newest book as well as finishing up Baxter's "Reformed Pastor." So many good books, so little time. It is easy in the little time i do have to waste it doing other things.
On Sunday Pastor Gunderson preached a really great sermon on the Holy Trinity at Grace Bible Church. I was able to preach on Wed. night and spoke on "God's pleasure in crushing His Son." The two sermons went together rather well.
Anyways, the Colts and Bears are now pretty close. The Bears play in the weaker NFC and are the #1 seed throughout the playoffs. San Diego looks like the team to beat. Rex Grossman was the offensive player of the week which is really funny seeing how most the NFL world was laughing at Lovie Smith for not benching him. I have learned this reality in my short life: "The mob is fickle." It does not matter what realm you're talking about this general principle is normally true. I could give you lots of examples but that would only get me in trouble. :)
Merry Christmas to all!
I finished up Strauch's "Biblical Eldership" over the break. I look forward to starting Piper's newest book as well as finishing up Baxter's "Reformed Pastor." So many good books, so little time. It is easy in the little time i do have to waste it doing other things.
On Sunday Pastor Gunderson preached a really great sermon on the Holy Trinity at Grace Bible Church. I was able to preach on Wed. night and spoke on "God's pleasure in crushing His Son." The two sermons went together rather well.
Anyways, the Colts and Bears are now pretty close. The Bears play in the weaker NFC and are the #1 seed throughout the playoffs. San Diego looks like the team to beat. Rex Grossman was the offensive player of the week which is really funny seeing how most the NFL world was laughing at Lovie Smith for not benching him. I have learned this reality in my short life: "The mob is fickle." It does not matter what realm you're talking about this general principle is normally true. I could give you lots of examples but that would only get me in trouble. :)
Merry Christmas to all!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Where are the Colts fans?
After giving up close to 400 yards (rushing) i want to know where all the Bear's haters are now? Alot of people ignored and/or laughed at my previous NFL post when i asked the following: "Would you rather have Grossman at QB, the Colt’s run defense, or the Titans wide receiving core? At least Grossman has alot of potential...I can't say the same for the Colts run D even with the BOGGER clogging up the middle." This proved to be (small case p) prophetic.
The Bear's QB issue is not nearly as big as the injury issues. The best DT in the game plays for the Bears (Tommie Harris). They are saying he could be lost for the season (like Pro-Bowler, Mike Brown). Nathan Vasher is also questionable for tonight's game (that's 3 pro-bowlers)...
IF Rex does not have a good game Lovie may be forced to bench him (w/a decent backup waiting in the wings). Lovie does not want to to put Brian Griese into the playoff action with no starts under his belt.
I appreciate Lovie sticking with Rex even though the whole world is against him/Rex. I believe this move will pay off (this season and beyond). Today's blog goes out to REX and to the Colt's run defense...Well actually only to Rex.
The Bear's QB issue is not nearly as big as the injury issues. The best DT in the game plays for the Bears (Tommie Harris). They are saying he could be lost for the season (like Pro-Bowler, Mike Brown). Nathan Vasher is also questionable for tonight's game (that's 3 pro-bowlers)...
IF Rex does not have a good game Lovie may be forced to bench him (w/a decent backup waiting in the wings). Lovie does not want to to put Brian Griese into the playoff action with no starts under his belt.
I appreciate Lovie sticking with Rex even though the whole world is against him/Rex. I believe this move will pay off (this season and beyond). Today's blog goes out to REX and to the Colt's run defense...Well actually only to Rex.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Humility: True Greatness (pt. 4)
Pastor Mahaney reminds us, “We must consider how DAILY, DILIGENTLY, and DELIBERATELY (I can) weaken my greatest enemy (pride) and strengthen my greatest friend (all motivated by the grace of the cross). With that said, how we begin our morning OFTEN sets the tone for the day (true?)!
Which brings us to CJ’s 4th principle. The 4th practical step towards cultivating humility is to practice the spiritual disciplines (prayer, devotions, worship, meditation, Scripture memorization, fasting, etc). How does personal Bible study and prayer time specifically ATTACK self-sufficiency? CJ writes, “I’ve also learned that the very act of opening my Bible to read and turning my heart and my mind to prayer makes a statement that I need God!” So how are you doing? Have you grown in your faith this year? Do you love the Lord more this year then you did last year? Is your progress being made evident to all? Paul challenged Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15, Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all.”
Have you worked more on your physical shape this year than on your spiritual condition? 1 Timothy 4:7-8 reminds us, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” So are you practicing the spiritual disciplines on a consistent basis? If not, why? The 4th practical step towards cultivating humility is to practice the spiritual disciplines
The 5th practical way to grow in humility is to seize your commute. Do any of you drive more than 5 minutes to get to work each day? Does it take you more than 5 minutes to get to school? We can seize our commuter time by memorizing or mediating on Scripture, by listening to good sermon tapes or cds. What we are really talking about here is making the most of our MUNDANE TIME. Now if you have kids and you’re a mother you probably don’t have a TON of wasted mundane time. Ephesians 5:15-16, Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
We tend to waste a lot time. Some of us love to mindlessly surf the internet; others channel surf through their 120 satellite tv stations; some go through “Pottery Barn” magazine for the umpteenth time; many listen to junk radio during their commute to and from different places. Christian Jocks often jog or run, listening to music when they could spend some of that time memorizing/mediating on Scripture. Many spend their lunch hour doing nothing, instead of spending a few minutes in the good Book (and in communion with God).
What's the point in all this? We need to make the most of those mundane moments. This may require some creativity but it can be done. I’ve even heard of some Christians trying to utilize bathroom time in a positive way (but I wont got there today lest i fall into a Mark Driscoll snare). :)
The final item for each morning (#6), is to cast your cares upon Him. Let’s check out 1 Peter 5:6-7; "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." This is written specifically to younger men but is applicable to all. What is one of the ways we can humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God? The answer is found in verse 7, "By casting all your anxiety upon Him."
Do any of you ever struggle with anxiety or with sinful worry? The root of anxiety is often that we are trying to be self-sufficient. I’m acting independent of God. So what’s one of the biblical solutions to this problem? We should humble ourselves before God. We must acknowledge our NEED for Him. Thus we should keep ourself in a season of prayer (1 Thess. 5:17).
Our loving God promises to give grace to humble- Pastor Mahaney writes, “God wants us to learn to depend on Him, to need Him, and in the end to give glory to Him with an ever deepening appreciation for the mighty hand of God.”
As each day begins let us consider applying these practical principles.
Which brings us to CJ’s 4th principle. The 4th practical step towards cultivating humility is to practice the spiritual disciplines (prayer, devotions, worship, meditation, Scripture memorization, fasting, etc). How does personal Bible study and prayer time specifically ATTACK self-sufficiency? CJ writes, “I’ve also learned that the very act of opening my Bible to read and turning my heart and my mind to prayer makes a statement that I need God!” So how are you doing? Have you grown in your faith this year? Do you love the Lord more this year then you did last year? Is your progress being made evident to all? Paul challenged Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15, Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all.”
Have you worked more on your physical shape this year than on your spiritual condition? 1 Timothy 4:7-8 reminds us, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” So are you practicing the spiritual disciplines on a consistent basis? If not, why? The 4th practical step towards cultivating humility is to practice the spiritual disciplines
The 5th practical way to grow in humility is to seize your commute. Do any of you drive more than 5 minutes to get to work each day? Does it take you more than 5 minutes to get to school? We can seize our commuter time by memorizing or mediating on Scripture, by listening to good sermon tapes or cds. What we are really talking about here is making the most of our MUNDANE TIME. Now if you have kids and you’re a mother you probably don’t have a TON of wasted mundane time. Ephesians 5:15-16, Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
We tend to waste a lot time. Some of us love to mindlessly surf the internet; others channel surf through their 120 satellite tv stations; some go through “Pottery Barn” magazine for the umpteenth time; many listen to junk radio during their commute to and from different places. Christian Jocks often jog or run, listening to music when they could spend some of that time memorizing/mediating on Scripture. Many spend their lunch hour doing nothing, instead of spending a few minutes in the good Book (and in communion with God).
What's the point in all this? We need to make the most of those mundane moments. This may require some creativity but it can be done. I’ve even heard of some Christians trying to utilize bathroom time in a positive way (but I wont got there today lest i fall into a Mark Driscoll snare). :)
The final item for each morning (#6), is to cast your cares upon Him. Let’s check out 1 Peter 5:6-7; "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." This is written specifically to younger men but is applicable to all. What is one of the ways we can humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God? The answer is found in verse 7, "By casting all your anxiety upon Him."
Do any of you ever struggle with anxiety or with sinful worry? The root of anxiety is often that we are trying to be self-sufficient. I’m acting independent of God. So what’s one of the biblical solutions to this problem? We should humble ourselves before God. We must acknowledge our NEED for Him. Thus we should keep ourself in a season of prayer (1 Thess. 5:17).
Our loving God promises to give grace to humble- Pastor Mahaney writes, “God wants us to learn to depend on Him, to need Him, and in the end to give glory to Him with an ever deepening appreciation for the mighty hand of God.”
As each day begins let us consider applying these practical principles.
Humility: True Greatness (pt. 3)
Pastor Mahaney gives us another practical principle towards growing in humility.
He suggests (#3), We should begin our day expressing gratitude to God. Every day should be Thanksgiving (for the Believer) Are you known as a grateful person? Would thankfulness characterize your life? Don’t take your own word for it, ask your wife and your children? Singles, ask your roommates and your co-workers? Does gratitude characterize my Christian life? Michael Ramsey wrote, “Thankfulness, is a soil in which pride does not easily grow.” Do you see God in everything you receive? Are you a thankful observer of the countless indications of His provision, His presence, His kindness, and His grace? Do you have an attitude of gratitude? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 commands us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. "
If we’re being honest we’ll probably admit we struggle (at times) in expressing gratitude to God. We are more like the Israelites than we care to admit! Why do you suppose this is? Probably because we think we DESERVE so many things. Observe for a moment Romans 1:21-22, "For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or GIVE THANKS; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools…." Not giving thanks to God is characteristic of the unregenerate gentile. Remind yourself that an ungrateful person is a proud person. By way of application most of us should get on our knees and confess our sins to our Father.
By way of reminder then, we’ve observed thus far that: “We should daily (#1) Reflect on the Wonder of the Cross (a worshiping people); As well as (#2) Acknowledge each day our need for God (a desperate people); and (#3) We should begin each day expressing gratitude to God. (grateful people).”
If your convicted by these posts then be sure to read Pastor CJ's great book.
He suggests (#3), We should begin our day expressing gratitude to God. Every day should be Thanksgiving (for the Believer) Are you known as a grateful person? Would thankfulness characterize your life? Don’t take your own word for it, ask your wife and your children? Singles, ask your roommates and your co-workers? Does gratitude characterize my Christian life? Michael Ramsey wrote, “Thankfulness, is a soil in which pride does not easily grow.” Do you see God in everything you receive? Are you a thankful observer of the countless indications of His provision, His presence, His kindness, and His grace? Do you have an attitude of gratitude? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 commands us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. "
If we’re being honest we’ll probably admit we struggle (at times) in expressing gratitude to God. We are more like the Israelites than we care to admit! Why do you suppose this is? Probably because we think we DESERVE so many things. Observe for a moment Romans 1:21-22, "For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or GIVE THANKS; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools…." Not giving thanks to God is characteristic of the unregenerate gentile. Remind yourself that an ungrateful person is a proud person. By way of application most of us should get on our knees and confess our sins to our Father.
By way of reminder then, we’ve observed thus far that: “We should daily (#1) Reflect on the Wonder of the Cross (a worshiping people); As well as (#2) Acknowledge each day our need for God (a desperate people); and (#3) We should begin each day expressing gratitude to God. (grateful people).”
If your convicted by these posts then be sure to read Pastor CJ's great book.
Humility: True Greatness (pt 2)
Let’s begin this next section by asking ourselves a few questions: What often comes to our minds when we wake up in the morning? What are your first thoughts each morning? (What do I need to accomplish today? Is the coffee ready? Are any kids up? Can I snooze one more time? Am I late for work?)
Mahaney wisely suggests that we should begin our day (#2) by acknowledging our need for God. Why do you think this would be a good discipline to implement? Because this attitude expresses our utter dependency on God, our total need for God; our confidence in Him, etc.
Ponder a moment this powerful quote, “Sin, including especially the sin of pride- is active, not passive. Sin doesn’t wake up tired, because it hasn’t been sleeping. When you wake up in the morning, sin is right there, fully awake, ready to attack.” This reminds me of Genesis 4:7, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it."
We need to go on the offensive in our efforts to mortify sin. The best offense is often a good defense and the best defense is often a good offence. Most NFL teams that want to stop the Indianapolis Colts high-powered offense seek to keep their defense on the field as long as they can (and w/the Colts run defense that is not too hard). My point is that we need to be PRO-active not passive in the Christian life. We need to think about our thoughts (as my wife often says).
We set the right tone for the day by mentally affirming our dependence on God! Begin each morning in prayer: “Lord I need you. Apart from you I can do no good thing. I am a sinner saved by grace and I need your sanctifying grace to work in and through me this day. Help me to mindful of you and your Word this day. I pray that you would be my first and last thought of every day.” Thus Mahaney suggests that we should begin each day “Reflecting on the wonders of the cross as well as acknowledging our need for God.”
Mahaney wisely suggests that we should begin our day (#2) by acknowledging our need for God. Why do you think this would be a good discipline to implement? Because this attitude expresses our utter dependency on God, our total need for God; our confidence in Him, etc.
Ponder a moment this powerful quote, “Sin, including especially the sin of pride- is active, not passive. Sin doesn’t wake up tired, because it hasn’t been sleeping. When you wake up in the morning, sin is right there, fully awake, ready to attack.” This reminds me of Genesis 4:7, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it."
We need to go on the offensive in our efforts to mortify sin. The best offense is often a good defense and the best defense is often a good offence. Most NFL teams that want to stop the Indianapolis Colts high-powered offense seek to keep their defense on the field as long as they can (and w/the Colts run defense that is not too hard). My point is that we need to be PRO-active not passive in the Christian life. We need to think about our thoughts (as my wife often says).
We set the right tone for the day by mentally affirming our dependence on God! Begin each morning in prayer: “Lord I need you. Apart from you I can do no good thing. I am a sinner saved by grace and I need your sanctifying grace to work in and through me this day. Help me to mindful of you and your Word this day. I pray that you would be my first and last thought of every day.” Thus Mahaney suggests that we should begin each day “Reflecting on the wonders of the cross as well as acknowledging our need for God.”
Humility: True Greatness (Pt 1)
My young married/families/singles class has been studying pride and humility. The basis for this study is obviously God’s Word. In particular, we are using a few books to help us in our study (Humility: True Greatness by CJ Mahaney; Humility: The Forgotten Virtue by Wayne Mack; and From Pride to Humility by Stuart Scott). Surprisingly, this series has been humbling (especially for the teacher). I would like to review the 5th chapter of Mahaney’s book for your edification (In other words, if something sounds profound then realize the source it came from).
CJ writes, “Here’s a scary thought: It’s possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves.” Sometimes knowledge can have the opposite effect? 1 Corinthians 8:1 says, “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” We can grow in head knowledge but still remain unchanged in ours heart. We can read sound theological blogs, go to a strong seminary, sit under fabulous expository preaching and yet still grow cold in our faith.
Thus, the need to make every effort to apply the truths we hear at church (or on the internet or in a book, etc). James 1:22-25; For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
True saving faith acts out what it believes; genuine faith WORKS! Therefore, there must be the purposeful application of truth in our lives. Pastor Mahaney puts it this way, “I must consider how DAILY, DILIGENTLY, and DELIBERATELY (I can) weaken my greatest enemy (pride) and strengthen my greatest friend (all motivated by the grace of the cross).
If you don’t set up battle plans in your Christian life you are in for major setbacks. Any Christian counselor will establish this reality with you right away. Spiritual growth requires spiritual sweat.
We are now going to look at some of the life lessons that Pastor Mahaney has employed in his own life in hopes that some of his ideas may spur us on in our Christian lives. How we begin our morning OFTEN sets the tone for the day (true?)! “As Each Day Begins we should consider (#1) Reflecting on the Wonder of the Cross.” John Owen wrote, “Fill your affections with the cross of Christ, that there may be no room for sin.” How do you think meditating on the Cross will help crush pride in our lives?"
In song we readily admit this reality: When I survey the wondrous cross/On which the Prince of glory died/My richest gain I count but loss/And pour contempt on all my pride. Where do you suppose the hymnist went in Scripture to support this reality? Where is a personal testimony like this recorded? I bet he was familiar with Philippians 3:7-14. Paul’s autobiography is basically recorded in this short section of Scripture. 7 But whatever gain I had (see vv. 1-6), I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith - 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
John Stott put it this way, “Every time we look at the cross Christ seems to be saying to us, I am here because of YOU. It is YOUR sin I am bearing, your curse I am suffering, your debt I am paying, your death I am dying. Nothing in history or in the universe cuts us down to size like the cross. All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until WE have visited a place called Calvary. It is there, at the foot of the cross, that we shrink to our size.”
Friends, how many of us would admit that there are times when God’s grace doesn’t amaze us like it should? When we grow soo familiar with the facts surrounding the cross that our hearts grow callous to the wonders of the cross? When the thought of partaking of communion doesn’t truly excite us like it use to? This is a major problem! What happens when the cross becomes dull to us? When God’s grace doesn’t amaze us like it us to? We grow callous towards sin. We become complacent in our spiritual life. We grow self-centered and prideful and the list could go on and on.
CJ is right on, we should begin our day (#1) by reflecting on the wonders of the cross.
CJ writes, “Here’s a scary thought: It’s possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves.” Sometimes knowledge can have the opposite effect? 1 Corinthians 8:1 says, “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” We can grow in head knowledge but still remain unchanged in ours heart. We can read sound theological blogs, go to a strong seminary, sit under fabulous expository preaching and yet still grow cold in our faith.
Thus, the need to make every effort to apply the truths we hear at church (or on the internet or in a book, etc). James 1:22-25; For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
True saving faith acts out what it believes; genuine faith WORKS! Therefore, there must be the purposeful application of truth in our lives. Pastor Mahaney puts it this way, “I must consider how DAILY, DILIGENTLY, and DELIBERATELY (I can) weaken my greatest enemy (pride) and strengthen my greatest friend (all motivated by the grace of the cross).
If you don’t set up battle plans in your Christian life you are in for major setbacks. Any Christian counselor will establish this reality with you right away. Spiritual growth requires spiritual sweat.
We are now going to look at some of the life lessons that Pastor Mahaney has employed in his own life in hopes that some of his ideas may spur us on in our Christian lives. How we begin our morning OFTEN sets the tone for the day (true?)! “As Each Day Begins we should consider (#1) Reflecting on the Wonder of the Cross.” John Owen wrote, “Fill your affections with the cross of Christ, that there may be no room for sin.” How do you think meditating on the Cross will help crush pride in our lives?"
In song we readily admit this reality: When I survey the wondrous cross/On which the Prince of glory died/My richest gain I count but loss/And pour contempt on all my pride. Where do you suppose the hymnist went in Scripture to support this reality? Where is a personal testimony like this recorded? I bet he was familiar with Philippians 3:7-14. Paul’s autobiography is basically recorded in this short section of Scripture. 7 But whatever gain I had (see vv. 1-6), I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith - 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
John Stott put it this way, “Every time we look at the cross Christ seems to be saying to us, I am here because of YOU. It is YOUR sin I am bearing, your curse I am suffering, your debt I am paying, your death I am dying. Nothing in history or in the universe cuts us down to size like the cross. All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until WE have visited a place called Calvary. It is there, at the foot of the cross, that we shrink to our size.”
Friends, how many of us would admit that there are times when God’s grace doesn’t amaze us like it should? When we grow soo familiar with the facts surrounding the cross that our hearts grow callous to the wonders of the cross? When the thought of partaking of communion doesn’t truly excite us like it use to? This is a major problem! What happens when the cross becomes dull to us? When God’s grace doesn’t amaze us like it us to? We grow callous towards sin. We become complacent in our spiritual life. We grow self-centered and prideful and the list could go on and on.
CJ is right on, we should begin our day (#1) by reflecting on the wonders of the cross.
Friday Post
It is only 5 degrees here in Indy! For us California folk that is WAY cold.
I finished all my admin. work so now I can prepare for Sunday School (Pride and Humility series). We are going to have a SYM party tonight at Joe and Judy Flatt's home. It has been a busy week to say the least (Tuesday, Rob Yull came over; Wed. Upward b-ball practice and Youth Group; Thursday, dinner at Luke and Kelly Allens; Friday, Sym party).
We leave for Christmas vacation next week. We are going to Oklahoma to visit Andrea's family. Merry Christmas all!
I finished all my admin. work so now I can prepare for Sunday School (Pride and Humility series). We are going to have a SYM party tonight at Joe and Judy Flatt's home. It has been a busy week to say the least (Tuesday, Rob Yull came over; Wed. Upward b-ball practice and Youth Group; Thursday, dinner at Luke and Kelly Allens; Friday, Sym party).
We leave for Christmas vacation next week. We are going to Oklahoma to visit Andrea's family. Merry Christmas all!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Rex Grossman's bad day (Bear's Dominate anyways)
Fantasy football is not my thing. I would rather my favorite team win & our QB have a High School game (9-16, 32 yards, 3 INTS); then our QB (Grossman) go off for 300 yards and my team lose on a 60 yard field goal to a non-playoff team (sorry Colts). For you fantasy homers who started Grossman, my condolences.
The Bears have the best D and the best special teams in the league. Thus we are 10-2 with a QB who has had as many bad games as he’s had great ones. Da Bears are back and Rex IS STILL our guy.
Before you go off on Jay Cutler or Rex Grossman or Vince Young remember they have started less then 2 seasons worth of games.
The INDY STAR reported yesterday, “Manning’s rookie season was a baptism-by-fire ordeal, and he had the burn marks to prove it. In his first 6 starts, he completed only 53.8 percent of his passes while throwing 6 TDs and 14 INTS.”
Vince Young had a QB rating of 56.1 through his first 7 games and then in week 8 BAM 107.9. Vince may be the real deal (time will tell). The Titans had a gutsy performance exposing once again the Colt’s horrible run defense.
Would you rather have Grossman at QB, the Colt’s run defense, or the Titans wide receiving core? At least Grossman has alot of potential...I can't say the same for the Colts run D even with the BOGGER clogging up the middle.
Have a great Monday (isn't football wonderful)?
The Bears have the best D and the best special teams in the league. Thus we are 10-2 with a QB who has had as many bad games as he’s had great ones. Da Bears are back and Rex IS STILL our guy.
Before you go off on Jay Cutler or Rex Grossman or Vince Young remember they have started less then 2 seasons worth of games.
The INDY STAR reported yesterday, “Manning’s rookie season was a baptism-by-fire ordeal, and he had the burn marks to prove it. In his first 6 starts, he completed only 53.8 percent of his passes while throwing 6 TDs and 14 INTS.”
Vince Young had a QB rating of 56.1 through his first 7 games and then in week 8 BAM 107.9. Vince may be the real deal (time will tell). The Titans had a gutsy performance exposing once again the Colt’s horrible run defense.
Would you rather have Grossman at QB, the Colt’s run defense, or the Titans wide receiving core? At least Grossman has alot of potential...I can't say the same for the Colts run D even with the BOGGER clogging up the middle.
Have a great Monday (isn't football wonderful)?
Thursday, November 30, 2006
MacArthur on the Emerging Church
John MacArthur recently wrote the following,
"The Emerging Church Movement is made up of an admittedly broad and variegated collection of pastors and church leaders, with a common concern for Christian mission within a postmodern generation.
As one author explains:
At the heart of the “movement”—or as some of its leaders prefer to call it, the “conversation”—lies the conviction that changes in the culture signal that a new church is “emerging.” Christian leaders must therefore adapt to this emerging church. Those who fail to do so are blind to the cultural accretions that hide the gospel behind forms of thought and modes of expression that no longer communicate with the new generation, the emerging generation. (D.A. Carson, Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005], 12)
Mark Driscoll, an ”emerging” pastor himself, defines the movement this way:
The emerging church is a growing, loosely connected movement of primarily young pastors who are glad to see the end of modernity and are seeking to function as missionaries who bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to emerging and postmodern cultures. The emerging church welcomes the tension of holding in one closed hand the unchanging truth of evangelical Christian theology (Jude 3) and holding in one open hand the many cultural ways of showing and speaking Christian truth as a missionary to America (1 Cor. 9:19–23). Since the movement, if it can be called that, is young and is still defining its theological center, I do not want to portray the movement as ideologically unified because I myself swim in the theologically conservative stream of the emerging church. (Mark Driscoll, Confessions of a Reformission Rev. [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006], 22)
In asserting himself as a theological conservative, however, Driscoll is in the minority among ECM leaders. The neo-liberal thrust embraced by the majority of those in ECM is spearheaded by Emergent, an organization begun in 2001, which is deliberate in its desire to impact the entire movement.
By 2001, we had formed an organization around our friendship, known as Emergent, as a means of inviting more people into the conversation. Along with us, the “emerging church” movement has been growing, and we in Emergent Village endeavor to fund the theological imaginations and spiritual lives of all who consider themselves a part of this broader movement. (Online Source)
Because of the influence of Emergent, many have seen the term as synonymous with “emerging,” referring to the movement as a whole as the Emergent Church Movement. Those who are more conservative, however, differentiate between the terms. As Driscoll writes:
I was part of what is now known as the Emerging Church Movement in its early days and spent a few years traveling the country to speak to emerging leaders in an effort to help build a missional movement in the United States. The wonderful upside of the emerging church is that it elevates mission in American culture to a high priority, which is a need so urgent that its importance can hardly be overstated.
I had to distance myself, however, from one of many streams in the emerging church because of theological differences. Since the late 1990s, this stream has become known as Emergent. The emergent church is part of the Emerging Church Movement but does not embrace the dominant ideology of the movement. Rather the emergent church is the latest version of liberalism. The only differences is that the old liberalism accommodated modernity and the new liberalism accommodates postmodernity. (Driscoll, Confessions, 21)
It is this particular segment of ECM, the Emergent Church, that has most blatantly attacked the clarity and authority of the Scripture. And of all the voices that make up Emergent, the most prominent belongs to Brian D. McLaren.
McLaren has been called “the emerging church’s most influential thinker,” as well as “the de facto spiritual leader for the emerging church.” He currently serves as the chair of the board of directors for Emergent Village, and is a frequent guest on television programs and radio shows. In February 2005, he was listed as “One of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America” by Time Magazine. His books include A New Kind of Christian, A Generous Orthodoxy, and most-recently The Secret Message of Jesus. Though the ECM is admittedly diverse, McLaren has emerged as its most prominent spokesman.
Other ECM leaders include Spencer Burke, Eddie Gibbs, Tony Jones, Dan Kimball, Erwin McManis, Doug Pagitt, Chris Seay, and Leonard Sweet."
"The Emerging Church Movement is made up of an admittedly broad and variegated collection of pastors and church leaders, with a common concern for Christian mission within a postmodern generation.
As one author explains:
At the heart of the “movement”—or as some of its leaders prefer to call it, the “conversation”—lies the conviction that changes in the culture signal that a new church is “emerging.” Christian leaders must therefore adapt to this emerging church. Those who fail to do so are blind to the cultural accretions that hide the gospel behind forms of thought and modes of expression that no longer communicate with the new generation, the emerging generation. (D.A. Carson, Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005], 12)
Mark Driscoll, an ”emerging” pastor himself, defines the movement this way:
The emerging church is a growing, loosely connected movement of primarily young pastors who are glad to see the end of modernity and are seeking to function as missionaries who bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to emerging and postmodern cultures. The emerging church welcomes the tension of holding in one closed hand the unchanging truth of evangelical Christian theology (Jude 3) and holding in one open hand the many cultural ways of showing and speaking Christian truth as a missionary to America (1 Cor. 9:19–23). Since the movement, if it can be called that, is young and is still defining its theological center, I do not want to portray the movement as ideologically unified because I myself swim in the theologically conservative stream of the emerging church. (Mark Driscoll, Confessions of a Reformission Rev. [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006], 22)
In asserting himself as a theological conservative, however, Driscoll is in the minority among ECM leaders. The neo-liberal thrust embraced by the majority of those in ECM is spearheaded by Emergent, an organization begun in 2001, which is deliberate in its desire to impact the entire movement.
By 2001, we had formed an organization around our friendship, known as Emergent, as a means of inviting more people into the conversation. Along with us, the “emerging church” movement has been growing, and we in Emergent Village endeavor to fund the theological imaginations and spiritual lives of all who consider themselves a part of this broader movement. (Online Source)
Because of the influence of Emergent, many have seen the term as synonymous with “emerging,” referring to the movement as a whole as the Emergent Church Movement. Those who are more conservative, however, differentiate between the terms. As Driscoll writes:
I was part of what is now known as the Emerging Church Movement in its early days and spent a few years traveling the country to speak to emerging leaders in an effort to help build a missional movement in the United States. The wonderful upside of the emerging church is that it elevates mission in American culture to a high priority, which is a need so urgent that its importance can hardly be overstated.
I had to distance myself, however, from one of many streams in the emerging church because of theological differences. Since the late 1990s, this stream has become known as Emergent. The emergent church is part of the Emerging Church Movement but does not embrace the dominant ideology of the movement. Rather the emergent church is the latest version of liberalism. The only differences is that the old liberalism accommodated modernity and the new liberalism accommodates postmodernity. (Driscoll, Confessions, 21)
It is this particular segment of ECM, the Emergent Church, that has most blatantly attacked the clarity and authority of the Scripture. And of all the voices that make up Emergent, the most prominent belongs to Brian D. McLaren.
McLaren has been called “the emerging church’s most influential thinker,” as well as “the de facto spiritual leader for the emerging church.” He currently serves as the chair of the board of directors for Emergent Village, and is a frequent guest on television programs and radio shows. In February 2005, he was listed as “One of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America” by Time Magazine. His books include A New Kind of Christian, A Generous Orthodoxy, and most-recently The Secret Message of Jesus. Though the ECM is admittedly diverse, McLaren has emerged as its most prominent spokesman.
Other ECM leaders include Spencer Burke, Eddie Gibbs, Tony Jones, Dan Kimball, Erwin McManis, Doug Pagitt, Chris Seay, and Leonard Sweet."
Monday, November 27, 2006
Monday (football and other things)
Monday is my day off. I know my blog is dedicated to the Word and Sound Theology so i will try and remain true to that claim (with the majority of my posts). From time to time it's appropriate to talk about less weighty matters. Plus you people only reply to these type of posts. :)
This morning we got up early to take Evelyn to the Dr. for her 6 month check up. The doctor told us what we already assumed "she's a perfect baby."
I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday! If you were able to spend time with family, consider it a blessing. My parents live in WA and Andrea's live in OK. Thankfully we have church family here that we truly love. We are truly thankful for all of God's wonderful gifts in our lives.
**FOOTBALL UPDATE: The Chicago Bears lost a close one to the N.E. Patriots last night (I taped the game since i had PM church). Rex Grossman is still our man. He threw for 175 yards but also had another 75 yards of PI penalties gained. His last pass was a bad throw but all in all our team still has a 2 game lead in the NFC. The Colts are #1; followed by San Diego; #3 Baltimore; #4 Chicago.
The BCS system is silly. College football has major issues but you don't need me to confirm the obvious. A computer will probably decide which 1 loss team (Michigan; USC; Florida) will go to the big game. The Wisconsin Badgers are #7 in the BCS standings but are not eligible. Teams that play no one the entire year (Boise State) will get an at-large birth for reasons no one understands.
The NFL is the premier league of leagues and sport of all sports.
This morning we got up early to take Evelyn to the Dr. for her 6 month check up. The doctor told us what we already assumed "she's a perfect baby."
I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday! If you were able to spend time with family, consider it a blessing. My parents live in WA and Andrea's live in OK. Thankfully we have church family here that we truly love. We are truly thankful for all of God's wonderful gifts in our lives.
**FOOTBALL UPDATE: The Chicago Bears lost a close one to the N.E. Patriots last night (I taped the game since i had PM church). Rex Grossman is still our man. He threw for 175 yards but also had another 75 yards of PI penalties gained. His last pass was a bad throw but all in all our team still has a 2 game lead in the NFC. The Colts are #1; followed by San Diego; #3 Baltimore; #4 Chicago.
The BCS system is silly. College football has major issues but you don't need me to confirm the obvious. A computer will probably decide which 1 loss team (Michigan; USC; Florida) will go to the big game. The Wisconsin Badgers are #7 in the BCS standings but are not eligible. Teams that play no one the entire year (Boise State) will get an at-large birth for reasons no one understands.
The NFL is the premier league of leagues and sport of all sports.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Book reviews
I posted this earlier in the month but did not really comment on any of the books. The book "Growing Up Christian" is a wonderful work to take your youth group(s) through. I would recommend in a small group setting where you can interact (men with men and girls with girls).
Gallagher is president of Pure Life minsitries. This short book "How America Lost Her Innocence" is really valuable. It chronicles how the porn industry and all this sex madness really got brought into the mainstream culture in our country.
Dr. Scott's pamphlet on "From Pride to Humility" is a soul searching booklet. It would probably be helpful to reread every year since pride is our greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend.
Books I am currently reading or ones I recently finished:
1. No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells). (Done)
2. The Cross and Christian Ministry (by D.A. Carson). (Done)
3. Women's Ministry in the Local Church (by Ligon Duncan/Susan Hunt) (Done)
4. Knowing God (By J.I. Packer) (Ch 19)
5. The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul) (Done)
6. Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein) (Done)
7. How America Lost Her Innocence (By Steve Gallagher) (Done)
8. From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott) (Done)
9. Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney) (CH 9)
10. The Message of the Old Testament (by Mark Dever) (not much progress yet)
11. Biblical Eldership (by A. Strauch) (rereading; currently on CH 9)
12. Numerous Jude commentaries (check out the new Pillar commentary)
13. Expository Preaching With Word Pictures: With Illustrations from the Sermons of Thomas Watson (by Jack Hughes) (Ch 3)
14. The Reformed Pastor (by Richard Baxter) (Ch 2 sect 3)
15. What Jesus Demands from the World (by John Piper)
Gallagher is president of Pure Life minsitries. This short book "How America Lost Her Innocence" is really valuable. It chronicles how the porn industry and all this sex madness really got brought into the mainstream culture in our country.
Dr. Scott's pamphlet on "From Pride to Humility" is a soul searching booklet. It would probably be helpful to reread every year since pride is our greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend.
Books I am currently reading or ones I recently finished:
1. No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells). (Done)
2. The Cross and Christian Ministry (by D.A. Carson). (Done)
3. Women's Ministry in the Local Church (by Ligon Duncan/Susan Hunt) (Done)
4. Knowing God (By J.I. Packer) (Ch 19)
5. The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul) (Done)
6. Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein) (Done)
7. How America Lost Her Innocence (By Steve Gallagher) (Done)
8. From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott) (Done)
9. Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney) (CH 9)
10. The Message of the Old Testament (by Mark Dever) (not much progress yet)
11. Biblical Eldership (by A. Strauch) (rereading; currently on CH 9)
12. Numerous Jude commentaries (check out the new Pillar commentary)
13. Expository Preaching With Word Pictures: With Illustrations from the Sermons of Thomas Watson (by Jack Hughes) (Ch 3)
14. The Reformed Pastor (by Richard Baxter) (Ch 2 sect 3)
15. What Jesus Demands from the World (by John Piper)
Happy Thanksgiving
I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As Christians, it is a wonderful opportunity to give thanks to the Lord and to testify to His greatness. My wife and I spent a little time yesterday recounting our many blessings over the last year. Suffice to say their was alot to praise God for. Our little girl turned 6 months yesterday and she is daddy's pride and joy.
I have been reading the Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter (Puritan paperpack) and it has been wonderful. It is a very convicting read!
On Sunday i will be going over ch 5 in Mahaney's book on "Humility: True Greatness" during our SYM class. This has been a great series thus far esp. for me seeing I need to study and apply the truths first.
What did you all do for Thanksgiving yesterday?
I have been reading the Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter (Puritan paperpack) and it has been wonderful. It is a very convicting read!
On Sunday i will be going over ch 5 in Mahaney's book on "Humility: True Greatness" during our SYM class. This has been a great series thus far esp. for me seeing I need to study and apply the truths first.
What did you all do for Thanksgiving yesterday?
Monday, November 20, 2006
So here's the deal:
A few random thoughts on this wonderful Monday morning. My wife and daughter are back from CA (praise the Lord). Evie can sit up on her own now (she turns 6 months old this week). Andrea taught some TMC girls over the weekend from Proverbs 4. Thank you for praying for her!
The COLTS are now 9-1. That means the BEARS and the COLTS have the same record. Who would of thunk it? It's a long season but thus far it's been a glorious one.
Ohio State and Michigan are the 2 best teams in the land (period). The SEC is the best conference in college football. USC VS Notre Dame should be a dandy. I think OSU and Michigan should play again for the National Championship (#1 vs #2).
The NFL is better in part because they determine the best team on the football field (in the playoffs); NOT some stupid computer with biased coaches and AP writers.
TWO cds that i think you should purchase: The newest live edition from WATERMARK. This is a wonderful worship cd that i can't get enough of.
Josh Groban's newest project (AWAKE). My wife and I love Josh Groban's voice. He is one of the best on the planet so check out his cds if you're into amazing singing and all.
Have a great Monday!
The COLTS are now 9-1. That means the BEARS and the COLTS have the same record. Who would of thunk it? It's a long season but thus far it's been a glorious one.
Ohio State and Michigan are the 2 best teams in the land (period). The SEC is the best conference in college football. USC VS Notre Dame should be a dandy. I think OSU and Michigan should play again for the National Championship (#1 vs #2).
The NFL is better in part because they determine the best team on the football field (in the playoffs); NOT some stupid computer with biased coaches and AP writers.
TWO cds that i think you should purchase: The newest live edition from WATERMARK. This is a wonderful worship cd that i can't get enough of.
Josh Groban's newest project (AWAKE). My wife and I love Josh Groban's voice. He is one of the best on the planet so check out his cds if you're into amazing singing and all.
Have a great Monday!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
9-1 BEARS
I am so thankful when the Colts play at 4:15pm; it means the Bears game won't be blacked out. Rex had another average game but that's ok, he is our guy. If the Cowboys beat INDY today then their will be two 9-1 teams. :) If the Colts win then it will be another loss for an NFC playoff hopeful (so it's win-win for us).
How bout those Bears?
How bout those Bears?
Friday, November 17, 2006
35 Years of Preaching: Q & A
Here is my interview with Pastor Joe Flatt ( www.fbccarmel.com )
1. How long have you been involved in an expository preaching ministry?
I started in Yarmouth Iowa in Nov 1971 – was there for only 2+ yrs
2. How would you describe your preaching method and style?
Exegetical exposition
3. What/who were the biggest influences in your life regarding your commitment to biblical exposition?
Dr Ken Brown my undergraduate NT Greek prof at Baptist Bible College.
4. What is the most difficult aspect of verse by verse preaching (done over the long haul) that you’ve personally experienced?
Because of the expositor’s commitment to being faithful to the Scripture and thus being cautious about taking homiletic liberties, I have to work hard at avoiding a wooden final product – this was especially difficult for me in my early years.
5. What is the most rewarding part of an expository ministry?
I marvel that I am actually handling and communicating the very Word of God. I must never take this privilege/responsibility lightly.
5B. What are the advantages you’ve seen as you look back on 32 years of faithful Bible ministry at the same Church?
After a few years people realize that I don’t pull punches when dealing with the Scripture. They observe that I am honest with the text and that I don’t have an agenda that supersedes the Bible. This spills over into shepherding. As people have come to trust me in teaching the Word to them they conclude that they can also trust me in applying the Word to the stuff of their life even if it is unpleasant or they don’t like what they hear. Frankly, I see very little down side to longevity in ministry.
6. Can you describe for us a time when you approached a passage of Scripture and thought, “There’s really not a lot here;” only to find yourself blown away after you finished your exegetical study?
I’m not sure if your question accurately describes any one situation for me. However, I recall hesitating about the prospect of working through Christ’s genealogy in Mat 1 only to discover some gems as a result of wrestling with the text.
7. What was the most difficult text (or portion of Scripture) you’ve ever preached though?
Perhaps Psa 119 because the repetitious nature of the text required creativity without compromising the main message.; or Eccl. only because of the initial challenge in determining how to make sense of the pessimism or cynicism of the book.
8. Describe for us (if you can) the most challenging context in which you’ve been called on to preach?
Generally: without question it is funerals of those whom I believe were not converted but whose family believes the opposite. Specifically: the Sunday after an officer of our church publicly declared that I “was not fit for the pastorate”.
9. What role should the doctrines of grace have in the formation of an expository sermon?
None! This may sound way off for a guy committed to these great doctrines, or it even may sound arrogant. But I truly believe the preacher must go where the text leads him. Somehow I must avoid fitting the text into my theological system. I know none of us are purely objective and I know I am amazed at how often sovereign grace oozes out of passages, but I’d like to think I don’t intentionally twist texts so that I can trumpet TULIP.
10. What has been your favorite book of the Bible to preach through verse by verse? ALL
11. If you could only take one commentary series with you on an extended sabbatical which series of books would you take and why?
Do you know something about a proffered sabbatical I don’t? When I was away on active duty with the Army for a year I chose to take only the Bible Works for Windows software primarily because of portability issues.
12. What’s the most common error you see preachers making in the Church (universal) today?
Without doubt it is buying into the consumer marketing model of ministry. The pressure to be big or relevant is enormous. I personally think this fad is ending however it is presently being replaced by the emergent model which might be even more troublesome. Of course I think the more basic issue is a lack of commitment to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.
13. How did your D. Min studies at TEDS contribute to your preaching ministry?
I had been here about 17 or 18 years and realized I was growing a bit stagnant. I had always regretted not following through with my Th.M. plans when I was younger so I wondered if the discipline of formal education might reinvigorate me. It did.
14. What are some of the major preaching lessons you’ve learned along the way?
A few in no particular order might be…Expositional preaching is hard work. The busy pastor, especially the solo guy, must be willing to burn the midnight oil. Expositional preaching, even the good variety, may not always be popular. But so what? Some claimed expositional preaching is not. Good topical preaching is better than bad expositional preaching. Steaks are more palatable cooked and seasoned than raw and bloody. The hearer has responsibilities as well as the preacher.Please God, not men. At the end of he day if you don’t have his vote you loose.
15. What sort of preaching counsel would you give a young preacher who’s just starting out his expository ministry?
To the guy who is committed to expository preaching and already has the basic skills I’d say, “Be yourself. God doesn’t need two of anybody.”
16. Are their any final thoughts or words of wisdom you’d like to add?
Forgive my bluntness but…Hey stupid…It’s the Word, it’s the Word, it’s the Word.
1. How long have you been involved in an expository preaching ministry?
I started in Yarmouth Iowa in Nov 1971 – was there for only 2+ yrs
2. How would you describe your preaching method and style?
Exegetical exposition
3. What/who were the biggest influences in your life regarding your commitment to biblical exposition?
Dr Ken Brown my undergraduate NT Greek prof at Baptist Bible College.
4. What is the most difficult aspect of verse by verse preaching (done over the long haul) that you’ve personally experienced?
Because of the expositor’s commitment to being faithful to the Scripture and thus being cautious about taking homiletic liberties, I have to work hard at avoiding a wooden final product – this was especially difficult for me in my early years.
5. What is the most rewarding part of an expository ministry?
I marvel that I am actually handling and communicating the very Word of God. I must never take this privilege/responsibility lightly.
5B. What are the advantages you’ve seen as you look back on 32 years of faithful Bible ministry at the same Church?
After a few years people realize that I don’t pull punches when dealing with the Scripture. They observe that I am honest with the text and that I don’t have an agenda that supersedes the Bible. This spills over into shepherding. As people have come to trust me in teaching the Word to them they conclude that they can also trust me in applying the Word to the stuff of their life even if it is unpleasant or they don’t like what they hear. Frankly, I see very little down side to longevity in ministry.
6. Can you describe for us a time when you approached a passage of Scripture and thought, “There’s really not a lot here;” only to find yourself blown away after you finished your exegetical study?
I’m not sure if your question accurately describes any one situation for me. However, I recall hesitating about the prospect of working through Christ’s genealogy in Mat 1 only to discover some gems as a result of wrestling with the text.
7. What was the most difficult text (or portion of Scripture) you’ve ever preached though?
Perhaps Psa 119 because the repetitious nature of the text required creativity without compromising the main message.; or Eccl. only because of the initial challenge in determining how to make sense of the pessimism or cynicism of the book.
8. Describe for us (if you can) the most challenging context in which you’ve been called on to preach?
Generally: without question it is funerals of those whom I believe were not converted but whose family believes the opposite. Specifically: the Sunday after an officer of our church publicly declared that I “was not fit for the pastorate”.
9. What role should the doctrines of grace have in the formation of an expository sermon?
None! This may sound way off for a guy committed to these great doctrines, or it even may sound arrogant. But I truly believe the preacher must go where the text leads him. Somehow I must avoid fitting the text into my theological system. I know none of us are purely objective and I know I am amazed at how often sovereign grace oozes out of passages, but I’d like to think I don’t intentionally twist texts so that I can trumpet TULIP.
10. What has been your favorite book of the Bible to preach through verse by verse? ALL
11. If you could only take one commentary series with you on an extended sabbatical which series of books would you take and why?
Do you know something about a proffered sabbatical I don’t? When I was away on active duty with the Army for a year I chose to take only the Bible Works for Windows software primarily because of portability issues.
12. What’s the most common error you see preachers making in the Church (universal) today?
Without doubt it is buying into the consumer marketing model of ministry. The pressure to be big or relevant is enormous. I personally think this fad is ending however it is presently being replaced by the emergent model which might be even more troublesome. Of course I think the more basic issue is a lack of commitment to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.
13. How did your D. Min studies at TEDS contribute to your preaching ministry?
I had been here about 17 or 18 years and realized I was growing a bit stagnant. I had always regretted not following through with my Th.M. plans when I was younger so I wondered if the discipline of formal education might reinvigorate me. It did.
14. What are some of the major preaching lessons you’ve learned along the way?
A few in no particular order might be…Expositional preaching is hard work. The busy pastor, especially the solo guy, must be willing to burn the midnight oil. Expositional preaching, even the good variety, may not always be popular. But so what? Some claimed expositional preaching is not. Good topical preaching is better than bad expositional preaching. Steaks are more palatable cooked and seasoned than raw and bloody. The hearer has responsibilities as well as the preacher.Please God, not men. At the end of he day if you don’t have his vote you loose.
15. What sort of preaching counsel would you give a young preacher who’s just starting out his expository ministry?
To the guy who is committed to expository preaching and already has the basic skills I’d say, “Be yourself. God doesn’t need two of anybody.”
16. Are their any final thoughts or words of wisdom you’d like to add?
Forgive my bluntness but…Hey stupid…It’s the Word, it’s the Word, it’s the Word.
The Faithful Pastor (Pt. 5)
Which leads us to Mark # 8, The faithful pastor is passionate for lost souls.
The proof of this is reflected not only in his personal witness but also in the church budget. Does his church commit 10-20% of their budget to local and global outreach? Are the elders involved in the lives of there missionaries? You need to ask yourself this fundamental questions: Do I have a passion for the lost? Does my personal/private life confirm this reality? Paul exhorted Timothy, in 2 Timothy 4:5 to “do the work of an evangelist.”
In Romans 9:3 Paul’s “missional heart” is clearly revealed, “For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Such was Paul’s passion for the salvation of the Jews. He loved his own so deeply. This internal burning kept his evangelistic heart aflame.
Our Divine mandate is also found in Acts 1:8 (the Apostles commissioning), “…You shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Pastors should be able to echo the words of George Whitefield, “Lord give me souls or take my soul!” They should have hearts like John Knox, “God, give me Scotland or I die!” The faithful pastor has a genuine passion for lost souls.
Mark # 9, The faithful pastor relentlessly protects his flock.
In other words, the faithful shepherd is willing to expose all false teachers and eliminate any false doctrine that could potentially harm his flock. His church is aware of the Emerging Church movement, the New Perspective on Paul, and other dangerous aberrations. Throughout the NT the apostles warned their people of false teachers (2 Tim 4:15, 2 John 7-11, 2 Peter 2, Jude 4, Phil. 3:1-2). Probably two of the most powerful examples of this are detailed in Titus 1:9-16 & Gal. 1. Can you find stronger language anywhere else in the New Testament? The loving shepherd’s staff has many different functions! Sometimes the pastor has to use his staff like Gandalf the grey (remember the wizard battle in the Lord of Rings between Gandalf and Saruman?). The shepherd’s staff is used as a weapon to ward off dangerous prey (to defend one’s sheep). The faithful pastor relentlessly protects his flock.
Which brings us to our final mark tonight; the 10th Mark of a faithful pastor is this. Through good times and bad, the faithful pastor perseveres.
In the language of Paul “he endures hardship.” The national average of pastors remaining in a ministry is currently 2.3 years! Isn’t that amazing? In our churches case that would mean we would have had 14 pastors in the time we’ve had one. Why is this average so low? There are lots of reasons why pastors don’t last in the ministry. Sometimes a man goes to a place where the people driven him out (can I get a witness in the congregation?). Other times the elder or deacon board is unqualified and ungodly (and thus ultimately pushes the man of God out). In some cases the pastor is not qualified or equipped to handle the challenges of the pastorate. No one would deny that ministry consists of highs and lows, mountains and valleys, and it is not for the faint-hearted. Many who start in FT ministry, quit well before they retire. In Acts 20:19, Paul said he served the Ephesians with tears and through trials.
There are many occasions which can contribute to Pastoral depression. In 2 Cor 7:6, Paul wrote, “But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us.” The Corinthian church drove Paul down to the “pits of despair.” Many pastors, like C.H. Spurgeon, have wrestled with dark days of depression throughout their ministries. Did you know that ministers can also get Discouraged? Pastor R Kent Hughes notes, “Almost everything a pastor does, can be scrutinized by the church- selection of house, and cars, tastes in clothing, education of their children, choices of entertainment- to name just a few possibilities.” The “fishbowl syndrome” has given rise to some inside humor among ministers about The ‘Ideal Pastor’.
“The Ideal Pastor:
Is always casual, but never underdressed-
Is warm and friendly, but not too familiar-
Is humorous, but not funny-
Calls on his members, but is never out of the office-
Is an expository preacher, but always preaches on the family-
Is profound, but comprehensible-
Condemns sin, but is always positive-
Has a family of ordinary people, who never sin-
Has two eyes- one brown and the other blue.”
Unrealistic expectations seem to just come with the territory. This list doesn’t even include the “Sanbalets” in ministry who always seem to be working against the will of God (Neh. 4). Or the contentious “Diotrephes’ ”, who love to stir up strife (3 John 9). It seems that every pastor has a Sanbalet and a Diotrephes. It’s no wonder there are seasons when pastors are totally restless (2 Cor. 2:13). Only seasoned pastors can really empathize with Paul’s testimony in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. One teacher paraphrases this text well, “We are squeezed but not squashed, bewildered but not befuddled, pursued but not abandoned, knocked down but not knocked out.” Such is the gospel-driven ministry; BUT The faithful pastor perseveres to the end. He realizes that he’s fighting the good fight and he’s running the true course. The faithful servant of God endures hardship and thus he fulfills his ministry! Through good times and bad, the faithful pastor perseveres.
The proof of this is reflected not only in his personal witness but also in the church budget. Does his church commit 10-20% of their budget to local and global outreach? Are the elders involved in the lives of there missionaries? You need to ask yourself this fundamental questions: Do I have a passion for the lost? Does my personal/private life confirm this reality? Paul exhorted Timothy, in 2 Timothy 4:5 to “do the work of an evangelist.”
In Romans 9:3 Paul’s “missional heart” is clearly revealed, “For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Such was Paul’s passion for the salvation of the Jews. He loved his own so deeply. This internal burning kept his evangelistic heart aflame.
Our Divine mandate is also found in Acts 1:8 (the Apostles commissioning), “…You shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Pastors should be able to echo the words of George Whitefield, “Lord give me souls or take my soul!” They should have hearts like John Knox, “God, give me Scotland or I die!” The faithful pastor has a genuine passion for lost souls.
Mark # 9, The faithful pastor relentlessly protects his flock.
In other words, the faithful shepherd is willing to expose all false teachers and eliminate any false doctrine that could potentially harm his flock. His church is aware of the Emerging Church movement, the New Perspective on Paul, and other dangerous aberrations. Throughout the NT the apostles warned their people of false teachers (2 Tim 4:15, 2 John 7-11, 2 Peter 2, Jude 4, Phil. 3:1-2). Probably two of the most powerful examples of this are detailed in Titus 1:9-16 & Gal. 1. Can you find stronger language anywhere else in the New Testament? The loving shepherd’s staff has many different functions! Sometimes the pastor has to use his staff like Gandalf the grey (remember the wizard battle in the Lord of Rings between Gandalf and Saruman?). The shepherd’s staff is used as a weapon to ward off dangerous prey (to defend one’s sheep). The faithful pastor relentlessly protects his flock.
Which brings us to our final mark tonight; the 10th Mark of a faithful pastor is this. Through good times and bad, the faithful pastor perseveres.
In the language of Paul “he endures hardship.” The national average of pastors remaining in a ministry is currently 2.3 years! Isn’t that amazing? In our churches case that would mean we would have had 14 pastors in the time we’ve had one. Why is this average so low? There are lots of reasons why pastors don’t last in the ministry. Sometimes a man goes to a place where the people driven him out (can I get a witness in the congregation?). Other times the elder or deacon board is unqualified and ungodly (and thus ultimately pushes the man of God out). In some cases the pastor is not qualified or equipped to handle the challenges of the pastorate. No one would deny that ministry consists of highs and lows, mountains and valleys, and it is not for the faint-hearted. Many who start in FT ministry, quit well before they retire. In Acts 20:19, Paul said he served the Ephesians with tears and through trials.
There are many occasions which can contribute to Pastoral depression. In 2 Cor 7:6, Paul wrote, “But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us.” The Corinthian church drove Paul down to the “pits of despair.” Many pastors, like C.H. Spurgeon, have wrestled with dark days of depression throughout their ministries. Did you know that ministers can also get Discouraged? Pastor R Kent Hughes notes, “Almost everything a pastor does, can be scrutinized by the church- selection of house, and cars, tastes in clothing, education of their children, choices of entertainment- to name just a few possibilities.” The “fishbowl syndrome” has given rise to some inside humor among ministers about The ‘Ideal Pastor’.
“The Ideal Pastor:
Is always casual, but never underdressed-
Is warm and friendly, but not too familiar-
Is humorous, but not funny-
Calls on his members, but is never out of the office-
Is an expository preacher, but always preaches on the family-
Is profound, but comprehensible-
Condemns sin, but is always positive-
Has a family of ordinary people, who never sin-
Has two eyes- one brown and the other blue.”
Unrealistic expectations seem to just come with the territory. This list doesn’t even include the “Sanbalets” in ministry who always seem to be working against the will of God (Neh. 4). Or the contentious “Diotrephes’ ”, who love to stir up strife (3 John 9). It seems that every pastor has a Sanbalet and a Diotrephes. It’s no wonder there are seasons when pastors are totally restless (2 Cor. 2:13). Only seasoned pastors can really empathize with Paul’s testimony in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. One teacher paraphrases this text well, “We are squeezed but not squashed, bewildered but not befuddled, pursued but not abandoned, knocked down but not knocked out.” Such is the gospel-driven ministry; BUT The faithful pastor perseveres to the end. He realizes that he’s fighting the good fight and he’s running the true course. The faithful servant of God endures hardship and thus he fulfills his ministry! Through good times and bad, the faithful pastor perseveres.
God's type of Pastor (Pt 4)
We come now to mark # 5, The faithful pastor strengthens Christ’s church through male discipleship.
This in response to 2 Tim 2:2. “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Wise pastors realize they are NOT immortal; they acknowledge life is but a vapor. Thus, they mentor and disciple other men (note 2 Tim 2). They are not only interested in this generation but the ones to come. Faithful pastors also realize they are NOT omnipresent. They can not be everywhere, all the time. This often is a source of pastoral frustration (I have so many people who need me at once). Thus they raise up other men to help lead and shepherd the flock. They duplicate themselves. In other words, every Paul has a Timothy and a Titus. By God’s design, men are called to lead (in the church & in there homes). The faithful pastor strengthens Christ’s church through male discipleship. I know many of you men could testify of how God has used Pastor Flatt to help strengthen your faith. Faithful pastors pour their time and resources into other faithful men (as SBTS says), “for the truth, for the family, for the church, for the glory of God.”
This 6th Mark is crucial: The Faithful pastor loves his sheep (Phil. 2:20; 1 Pet. 5:2; 1 Thess. 2:7-11).
The faithful pastor is more than a great preacher; that may be his chief task, but it’s certainly not his only task. The faithful pastor is a loving shepherd (1 Peter 5:2). He’s deeply involved in the lives of his people: He marries your children, and buries your loved ones. He rejoices with you when you’re happy, & he counsels you when you’re hurting. He visits you in the hospital before those major surgeries & He calls on you after those newborn babies are delivered. He gently corrects you when you need admonishing & he prays with you when you need some loving. This is why the faithful pastor is likened to a nursing mother (in 1 Thess. 2:7) and a loving father (in 1 Thess. 2:11). Ministers, study the ministry model of Paul while he served the church in Thessalonica. Read Baxter’s “The Reformed Pastor.” The faithful pastor loves his sheep. For this blogs sake I will try and move quickly through these next marks.
The 7th mark of a faithful minister is this: The Faithful pastor is a warrior for the Truth (Phil. 1:16; Jude 3; 1 Tim 6:12).
According to Jude 3 every Christian is suppose to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3); clearly pastors must lead the way! 1 Timothy 6:12 calls on ministers to, “Fight the good fight of the faith.” It would be ignorant to not admit the church is under assault and is involved in spiritual warfare. The gospel is constantly coming under fire from outside the church and from within it. There is nothing more precious to the church then the glorious gospel of God. Pastor’s can not go about their entire ministries tip toeing through the tulips in the spirit of Robert Schuller & Joel Osteen. Not when there’s an ongoing war going on against God’s revelation. Sometimes the faithful pastor puts on his battle armor, as he preserves this objective body of nonnegotiable truth.
This in response to 2 Tim 2:2. “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Wise pastors realize they are NOT immortal; they acknowledge life is but a vapor. Thus, they mentor and disciple other men (note 2 Tim 2). They are not only interested in this generation but the ones to come. Faithful pastors also realize they are NOT omnipresent. They can not be everywhere, all the time. This often is a source of pastoral frustration (I have so many people who need me at once). Thus they raise up other men to help lead and shepherd the flock. They duplicate themselves. In other words, every Paul has a Timothy and a Titus. By God’s design, men are called to lead (in the church & in there homes). The faithful pastor strengthens Christ’s church through male discipleship. I know many of you men could testify of how God has used Pastor Flatt to help strengthen your faith. Faithful pastors pour their time and resources into other faithful men (as SBTS says), “for the truth, for the family, for the church, for the glory of God.”
This 6th Mark is crucial: The Faithful pastor loves his sheep (Phil. 2:20; 1 Pet. 5:2; 1 Thess. 2:7-11).
The faithful pastor is more than a great preacher; that may be his chief task, but it’s certainly not his only task. The faithful pastor is a loving shepherd (1 Peter 5:2). He’s deeply involved in the lives of his people: He marries your children, and buries your loved ones. He rejoices with you when you’re happy, & he counsels you when you’re hurting. He visits you in the hospital before those major surgeries & He calls on you after those newborn babies are delivered. He gently corrects you when you need admonishing & he prays with you when you need some loving. This is why the faithful pastor is likened to a nursing mother (in 1 Thess. 2:7) and a loving father (in 1 Thess. 2:11). Ministers, study the ministry model of Paul while he served the church in Thessalonica. Read Baxter’s “The Reformed Pastor.” The faithful pastor loves his sheep. For this blogs sake I will try and move quickly through these next marks.
The 7th mark of a faithful minister is this: The Faithful pastor is a warrior for the Truth (Phil. 1:16; Jude 3; 1 Tim 6:12).
According to Jude 3 every Christian is suppose to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3); clearly pastors must lead the way! 1 Timothy 6:12 calls on ministers to, “Fight the good fight of the faith.” It would be ignorant to not admit the church is under assault and is involved in spiritual warfare. The gospel is constantly coming under fire from outside the church and from within it. There is nothing more precious to the church then the glorious gospel of God. Pastor’s can not go about their entire ministries tip toeing through the tulips in the spirit of Robert Schuller & Joel Osteen. Not when there’s an ongoing war going on against God’s revelation. Sometimes the faithful pastor puts on his battle armor, as he preserves this objective body of nonnegotiable truth.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
The Faithful Pastor (Pt. 3)
The faithful pastor also (# 3), Declares the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:18-27).
This of course was the hallmark of the Apostle Paul’s ministry (while in Ephesus). Notice what Paul said in his farewell address in Acts 20:18-20, And when they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house…”Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God (vv. 26-27).”
I submit to you that this is a model worthy of imitation. Biblical exposition is a wonderful way to declare to your people everything that is profitable under the sun. Take your people through the Scriptures. Unleash God’s truth “one verse at a time.” Joe Flatt’s commitment to biblical expository-preaching has helped him follow in the footsteps of Paul (and many of the great preachers of the past)…
Joe Flatt’s verse by verse journey through Scripture has helped our congregation answer some very difficult questions: How should the church to be governed: Elder-rule, Deacon-rule, or Congregational rule? If God is sovereign, then why is their so much pain & suffering in this world? How do you explain hurricane Katrina or 9-11 or the Beslan, Russia tragedy? In what manner is the atonement of Christ- Limited? Could an infinitely loving God really condemn people to hell? How can human responsibility and divine sovereignty co-exist? Is it possible for one to have assurance of his/her salvation? Can I know with certainty where I will go after I die? What does the Bible say about the role(s) of men and women in the church & in the home?
Friends you know the answers to all of these questions, in large part due to the faithful expository ministry of Pastor Flatt. This is some of the wonderful fruit that comes from this type of dedicated ministry.…Even when proclaiming God’s message made him unpopular. “He did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God!”
(Mark #4) The faithful pastor loves his wife and diligently shepherds his family (Ephesians 5; 1 Tim. 3:4; 1 Pet. 3:7; Col 3:19).
The man of God, models Eph 5 (“Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church”). His marriage is such, that others seek to imitate it. Single girls ask God to provide them a husband who loves the Lord like there pastor. Single guys want to have this type of marriage one day. Young couples go to him for premarital counseling. The faithful pastor’s wife is his greatest human treasure & his children are his most precious earthly possessions. He manages his own household well (1 Tim 3:4). Though he is normally busy serving the church, he doesn’t neglect his own family. He is involved in his kid’s lives. His children and grandchildren experience his gentle care and his wife knows his most tender affection. Pastor has been Judy’s “covenant-companion” now for 38 years. They have 5 adult children and 3 grandchildren. The faithful pastor loves his wife and diligently shepherds his family.
This of course was the hallmark of the Apostle Paul’s ministry (while in Ephesus). Notice what Paul said in his farewell address in Acts 20:18-20, And when they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house…”Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God (vv. 26-27).”
I submit to you that this is a model worthy of imitation. Biblical exposition is a wonderful way to declare to your people everything that is profitable under the sun. Take your people through the Scriptures. Unleash God’s truth “one verse at a time.” Joe Flatt’s commitment to biblical expository-preaching has helped him follow in the footsteps of Paul (and many of the great preachers of the past)…
Joe Flatt’s verse by verse journey through Scripture has helped our congregation answer some very difficult questions: How should the church to be governed: Elder-rule, Deacon-rule, or Congregational rule? If God is sovereign, then why is their so much pain & suffering in this world? How do you explain hurricane Katrina or 9-11 or the Beslan, Russia tragedy? In what manner is the atonement of Christ- Limited? Could an infinitely loving God really condemn people to hell? How can human responsibility and divine sovereignty co-exist? Is it possible for one to have assurance of his/her salvation? Can I know with certainty where I will go after I die? What does the Bible say about the role(s) of men and women in the church & in the home?
Friends you know the answers to all of these questions, in large part due to the faithful expository ministry of Pastor Flatt. This is some of the wonderful fruit that comes from this type of dedicated ministry.…Even when proclaiming God’s message made him unpopular. “He did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God!”
(Mark #4) The faithful pastor loves his wife and diligently shepherds his family (Ephesians 5; 1 Tim. 3:4; 1 Pet. 3:7; Col 3:19).
The man of God, models Eph 5 (“Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church”). His marriage is such, that others seek to imitate it. Single girls ask God to provide them a husband who loves the Lord like there pastor. Single guys want to have this type of marriage one day. Young couples go to him for premarital counseling. The faithful pastor’s wife is his greatest human treasure & his children are his most precious earthly possessions. He manages his own household well (1 Tim 3:4). Though he is normally busy serving the church, he doesn’t neglect his own family. He is involved in his kid’s lives. His children and grandchildren experience his gentle care and his wife knows his most tender affection. Pastor has been Judy’s “covenant-companion” now for 38 years. They have 5 adult children and 3 grandchildren. The faithful pastor loves his wife and diligently shepherds his family.
Monday, November 13, 2006
A Bear's fan in Peyton Manning country
It is not easy being a Bear's fan living in Indianapolis; especially when the COLTS are 9-0. Peyton Manning (PM) is almost worshiped here (a very popular baby boy's name in this state i might add). I am not a Manning (family) fan but i can not deny that in the regular season he is the best QB in the game (notice i said "in the regular season"). Tom Brady is obv. the best QB in the playoffs and I hope Rex Grossman may add his name in this list in the near future.
I am happy Lovie Smith did not make a Democrat decision in regards to Rex Grossman. Many non-fans wanted Lovie to bench Rex simply because he has had 2 really bad games (among 7 good games). I reference the Democrat's only because that is what many people in there party are saying we should do in Iraq, (cut and run because we have had some big set backs along the way). Now again, i decided not to enter into a full blown debate as to 1. Whether the current war in Iraq was/is a good idea, can be justified, etc; 2. What the Bible has to say about war (is there such a thing a just war?); etc.
All that to say, Lovie Smith is my COACH OF THE YEAR. He has made some great overall decisions this season which has contributed to the Bear's 9-0 start (8-1 start, i forgot we actually lost to Miami).
Loyalty is a wonderful trait so if the Lord should move you to another state don't abandon your favorite team(s).
Caleb K
PS. Monday is my new "off" day which gives me time to post silly things like this from time to time.
Not many people are interested in my more serious theological blogs anyways. :)
I am happy Lovie Smith did not make a Democrat decision in regards to Rex Grossman. Many non-fans wanted Lovie to bench Rex simply because he has had 2 really bad games (among 7 good games). I reference the Democrat's only because that is what many people in there party are saying we should do in Iraq, (cut and run because we have had some big set backs along the way). Now again, i decided not to enter into a full blown debate as to 1. Whether the current war in Iraq was/is a good idea, can be justified, etc; 2. What the Bible has to say about war (is there such a thing a just war?); etc.
All that to say, Lovie Smith is my COACH OF THE YEAR. He has made some great overall decisions this season which has contributed to the Bear's 9-0 start (8-1 start, i forgot we actually lost to Miami).
Loyalty is a wonderful trait so if the Lord should move you to another state don't abandon your favorite team(s).
Caleb K
PS. Monday is my new "off" day which gives me time to post silly things like this from time to time.
Not many people are interested in my more serious theological blogs anyways. :)
Friday, November 10, 2006
Peace & Terrorism
Many Christians do not realize the Church is at war. Satan is a genius when it comes to sending in wolves in sheep's clothing or disguising himself as an angel of light. This is one of the reasons why i am so glad i get the opportunity to study and preach through the book of Jude at First Baptist Church (from time to time).
I ran across this article today from foxnews.com, "Al Qaeda in Iraq's purported leader vowed on Friday that his fighters would never rest until they have reached Jerusalem and blown up the White House.
In the audio tape made available on a militant web site, a man introduced as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir said Al Qaeda has 12,000 fighters at the ready in Iraq.
"We will not rest from our Jihad until we are under the olive trees of Rumieh and we have blown up the filthiest house -- which is called the White House," al-Muhajir said.
The "olive trees of Rumieh" appeared to be a reference to the Mount of Olive in Jerusalem, or Christendom in general as a continuation of the Roman empire.
Also known as Abu Ayyub al-Masri, al-Muhajir became the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq after Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed by the U.S. military in June.
Terrorists are clear about their objective: to destroy democracy, Christians, Jews, etc.
But do not forget in the spiritual realm the Bible is clear about Satan's objectives as well: to destroy the truth, distort the gospel, divide the Church, etc, etc.
This blog goes out to those who continue to contend earnestly for this non-negotiable body of objective truth (spiritual warriors).
This blog also goes out today to those soliders who are risking their lives to defeat another enemy (our freedom fighters).
I ran across this article today from foxnews.com, "Al Qaeda in Iraq's purported leader vowed on Friday that his fighters would never rest until they have reached Jerusalem and blown up the White House.
In the audio tape made available on a militant web site, a man introduced as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir said Al Qaeda has 12,000 fighters at the ready in Iraq.
"We will not rest from our Jihad until we are under the olive trees of Rumieh and we have blown up the filthiest house -- which is called the White House," al-Muhajir said.
The "olive trees of Rumieh" appeared to be a reference to the Mount of Olive in Jerusalem, or Christendom in general as a continuation of the Roman empire.
Also known as Abu Ayyub al-Masri, al-Muhajir became the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq after Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed by the U.S. military in June.
Terrorists are clear about their objective: to destroy democracy, Christians, Jews, etc.
But do not forget in the spiritual realm the Bible is clear about Satan's objectives as well: to destroy the truth, distort the gospel, divide the Church, etc, etc.
This blog goes out to those who continue to contend earnestly for this non-negotiable body of objective truth (spiritual warriors).
This blog also goes out today to those soliders who are risking their lives to defeat another enemy (our freedom fighters).
10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor (Pt. 2)
I want us to look to God’s Word and uncover “10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor.” God’s opinion is really the only voice that matters, right? We need to ask then: What characteristics does God value in a Pastor? What “Marks” separate faithful shepherds from all the rest? What does God reward and what type of marks does he value? These 10 “Marks” will not be an exhaustive list, but I trust it’s a biblical list.
Mark #1: The faithful pastor knows His Maker.
Said another way, the faithful pastor has an intimate relationship with His Savior. The qualifications for elders are clearly laid out for us in Titus 1 and in 1 Tim 3. This mark is not mentioned in these texts, but I do believe it’s assumed. For godly character is never formed in a box. Personal holiness is not gained apart from personal exposure to the Knowledge of the Holy. It was the burning bush and the 10 plagues that helped Moses better understand Who it was he was working for! I hope you understand this point.
The faithful pastor walks humbly with His God (Micah 6:8). He has a personal relationship with the God of the universe. His life is marked by prayer because he is humbly dependant on God (Acts 6:4). Daily, he communions with God and he lives to know God more intimately each day (see JI Packer’s ‘Knowing God’).
AW Tozier put it this way, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Do you want to know whether or not your Pastor has intimate knowledge of the Creator? Then listen to his theology proper! Does He have a high view of God and a proper view of man? Does his preaching EXALT the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ? Listen to your pastor’s theology proper. Pastor Flatt’s God-centered sermons tell us a great deal about His knowledge of God. Don’t underestimate the importance of this first mark! Later in his classic book, Tozier correctly notes that, “The first step down for any church is taken when it surrenders its high opinion of GOD.” Mark #1: The faithful pastor knows His Maker.
Mark #2: The faithful pastor accurately & consistently preaches the Word! (2 Tim 2:15, 2 Tim 4:1-5)
There are NO substitutes for God’s Word! God has disclosed Himself to us in one book, and in one book alone! The Bible alone makes us wise unto salvation & it alone is sufficient to sanctify (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The faithful pastor believes this and thus feeds His people wholesome food! He, like the good Shepherd, leads his people into green pastures (to feed). Jesus told Peter three times to ‘Feed his sheep’ in John 21:17.
Would you respect a mother who constantly feeds her children junk food, even when she has a refrigerator full of delicious & nutritious foods? I hope not!! I have a major sweet tooth. I appreciate dots and juju fruits and chocolate milk more than the average Joe. But one can not receive constant nourishment by eating junk food. Then why do so many today applaud those ear tickling preachers, who simply expand there peoples (already) massive egos? Why do people flock to churches where all they receive is spiritual junk food? For the life of me I don’t get this. Nothing has become more fashionable then to be a shallow, evangelical, principlizer when it comes to preaching God’s Book.
Which is why 2 Timothy 4:1-5 is so crucial. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
This is why men pleasers don’t make good preachers! You need to be willing to bring God’s message whether or not it is fashionable to do so or not. Biblical preaching may not gain a huge crowd but it will most definitely build up Christ’s church! Strauch says it like this, “The Christian community is created by the Spirit’s use of God’s Word (1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18). There is a famine in the land when it comes to solid expositional preaching (see Steve Lawson’s wonderful book)! Only those who preach weekly understand the immense challenge it is to accurately and consistently bring God’s message each Sunday! Your only as good as your last sermon and your last sermon is never good enough. Why? Because we’re dealing with God’s holy revelation. Every single Monday a preacher has to start from scratch. It’s like writing a new dissertation, every single week of one’s life. BUT for the faithful minister there’s ONLY one option.
2 Timothy 2:15, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. It’s about cutting the Word straight every time the preacher preaches! The word on the street I hear is, “If you want in-depth Bible exposition, check out First Baptist Church of Carmel!” 32 years of diligence brings about this reputation! That is something us younger pastors should strive for. So (#1) The faithful pastor knows His Maker & (#2) The faithful pastor also accurately & consistently preaches the Word. To be continued…
Mark #1: The faithful pastor knows His Maker.
Said another way, the faithful pastor has an intimate relationship with His Savior. The qualifications for elders are clearly laid out for us in Titus 1 and in 1 Tim 3. This mark is not mentioned in these texts, but I do believe it’s assumed. For godly character is never formed in a box. Personal holiness is not gained apart from personal exposure to the Knowledge of the Holy. It was the burning bush and the 10 plagues that helped Moses better understand Who it was he was working for! I hope you understand this point.
The faithful pastor walks humbly with His God (Micah 6:8). He has a personal relationship with the God of the universe. His life is marked by prayer because he is humbly dependant on God (Acts 6:4). Daily, he communions with God and he lives to know God more intimately each day (see JI Packer’s ‘Knowing God’).
AW Tozier put it this way, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Do you want to know whether or not your Pastor has intimate knowledge of the Creator? Then listen to his theology proper! Does He have a high view of God and a proper view of man? Does his preaching EXALT the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ? Listen to your pastor’s theology proper. Pastor Flatt’s God-centered sermons tell us a great deal about His knowledge of God. Don’t underestimate the importance of this first mark! Later in his classic book, Tozier correctly notes that, “The first step down for any church is taken when it surrenders its high opinion of GOD.” Mark #1: The faithful pastor knows His Maker.
Mark #2: The faithful pastor accurately & consistently preaches the Word! (2 Tim 2:15, 2 Tim 4:1-5)
There are NO substitutes for God’s Word! God has disclosed Himself to us in one book, and in one book alone! The Bible alone makes us wise unto salvation & it alone is sufficient to sanctify (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The faithful pastor believes this and thus feeds His people wholesome food! He, like the good Shepherd, leads his people into green pastures (to feed). Jesus told Peter three times to ‘Feed his sheep’ in John 21:17.
Would you respect a mother who constantly feeds her children junk food, even when she has a refrigerator full of delicious & nutritious foods? I hope not!! I have a major sweet tooth. I appreciate dots and juju fruits and chocolate milk more than the average Joe. But one can not receive constant nourishment by eating junk food. Then why do so many today applaud those ear tickling preachers, who simply expand there peoples (already) massive egos? Why do people flock to churches where all they receive is spiritual junk food? For the life of me I don’t get this. Nothing has become more fashionable then to be a shallow, evangelical, principlizer when it comes to preaching God’s Book.
Which is why 2 Timothy 4:1-5 is so crucial. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
This is why men pleasers don’t make good preachers! You need to be willing to bring God’s message whether or not it is fashionable to do so or not. Biblical preaching may not gain a huge crowd but it will most definitely build up Christ’s church! Strauch says it like this, “The Christian community is created by the Spirit’s use of God’s Word (1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18). There is a famine in the land when it comes to solid expositional preaching (see Steve Lawson’s wonderful book)! Only those who preach weekly understand the immense challenge it is to accurately and consistently bring God’s message each Sunday! Your only as good as your last sermon and your last sermon is never good enough. Why? Because we’re dealing with God’s holy revelation. Every single Monday a preacher has to start from scratch. It’s like writing a new dissertation, every single week of one’s life. BUT for the faithful minister there’s ONLY one option.
2 Timothy 2:15, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. It’s about cutting the Word straight every time the preacher preaches! The word on the street I hear is, “If you want in-depth Bible exposition, check out First Baptist Church of Carmel!” 32 years of diligence brings about this reputation! That is something us younger pastors should strive for. So (#1) The faithful pastor knows His Maker & (#2) The faithful pastor also accurately & consistently preaches the Word. To be continued…
Thursday, November 09, 2006
10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor (Pt. 1)
I consider myself a very blessed man. As a young pastor I have many reasons to count my blessings. God ordained that I would be raised in a Christian home where my father was both a faithful shepherd and mentor (he’s also a pastor). I spent many of my formidable years at (as Al Mohler calls it) “the Grace Community Church” under pastor/teacher John MacArthur. I was also able to earn degrees at the Master’s College and Seminary. In addition to these things, during the past 7 years I have been personally mentored by three giants in the faith: Pastor Jerry Wragg, Pastor Carey Hardy, and Pastor Joe Flatt. One can not overstate that importance of a godly mentor in a young man’s life and on a young man’s ministry.
I am currently serving at First Baptist Church (FBC) in Carmel, Indiana. Our senior pastor has been in full-time ministry for over 35 years now and more impressive he’s been at FBC for the past 32+ years. Recently I asked him a number of questions regarding his expository preaching ministry. I am going to post his answers on this blog in the next few weeks. Before I do that I want to share with you a recent sermon I preached (11/5) in honor of this man’s faithful ministry.
Joe Flatt was just given the “Pastor of the Year” award from Baptist Bible College/Seminary. Our church also wanted to thank him for 32 years of God-honoring ministry. I hope this sermon will help introduce him to you as well as provide a litmus test for all of us who serve the Lord in FT ministry. May all who come behind us find us faithful!
10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
The Scriptures tell us to give honor to whom honor is due (Rom 13:7). More specifically, the Bible teaches us that the flock of God should ‘appreciate’ and ‘show limitless respect’ for the man of God. Isn’t that what 1 Thess 5:12-13 clearly requests? Those ministers who labor to the point of exhaustion on behalf of their congregations; Those who work like this: should be known, cared for, and deeply cherished… Sometimes we forget there are many different ways in which we bring glory to God. One of the ways we glorify God is by esteeming faithful Pastors.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 says this appreciation needs to be clothed in agape love. Like children who cover their dolls in baby clothing so we the congregation of God should cover our respect for our pastor(s) in agape love.
Similarly, 1 Peter 4:8 commands us to, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” This context of course is for the entire church to obey. All of us need to love one another in this manner. Agape Love covers both wrong-doings and short-comings. 32 years of God-honoring ministry will inevitably include a few mistakes. Pastor Flatt (being the humble man that he is) would be the first to admit this reality to you. Both Pastor Flatt and I adhere to the priesthood of all believers but we firmly deny the concept of papal infallibility. We are not here tonight venerating a new saint or worshiping a human being.
But we do acknowledge that the Scriptures teach us that faithful pastors (they themselves) are gifts from the Lord to the Church (Ephesians 4:11). Thus it is proper to honor them for their steadfastness and commitment. Yet, “the best of men, are still men at best!”
With that said by way of introduction, It is most appropriate to identify evidences of grace in the life of our pastor and to praise God for “there” faithfulness to us.
One of the highest callings and most demanding jobs in the entire world is to faithfully lead Christ’s Church. It is all consuming and requires a life’s work. Ministry is a great privilege but it also requires great responsibility.
(i) “Ministry” means constantly shepherding people; (and all people, are sinners).
Pastor’s shepherd sheep; and sheep, by nature: bite, kick, spit, go wayward, and sometimes even rebel. Shepherding spiritual matters of the heart is no easy task. It is actually an impossible job without outside assistance (from the Holy Spirit). When I applied for personal life insurance a few years ago, my tester informed me that the pastorate is a high risk job in regards to stress. I say now just a couple years later, “go figure!”
(ii) “Ministry” means constantly dealing with yourself; (and every pastor has his own struggles and battles). Every pastor has to fight indwelling sin in his own life (Romans 7). Every pastor has to deal with his own finiteness and short-comings.
Did you know that all pastors are Reformed? Better said, all pastors are in the process of “being Reformed!” We better not forget this. Not only do Pastors constantly deal with the sins of others, they also have to fight their own inadequacies. I am daily made aware of this in my own life and ministry and it is a constant source of frustration.
Finally, (iii) “Ministry” also means constantly dealing with matters of eternal importance.
The quotable John Piper put it this way, “The preacher's mantle is soaked with the blood of Jesus and singed with the fire of hell." Dear friends, does it get any weightier then this? The pastor’s lifework involves matters of eternal importance. Heaven & hell; wrath & forgiveness; condemnation & grace; these are the themes that control a pastor’s ministry.
In addition to this, Hebrews 13:17 says, Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. There is a seriousness and a weight to this calling. Every pastor/elder will stand before God and “give an account” for the manner in which they cared for there congregations soul(s). Perhaps this is one of the reasons why “the Colonial” is often sober-minded. I think HE understands what’s at stake. For time sake we must move on.
I want us to look now to God’s Word and uncover “10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor.” God’s opinion is really the only voice that matters, right? We need to ask then: What characteristics does God value in a Pastor? What “Marks” separate faithful shepherds from all the rest? These Marks will not be an exhaustive list, but I trust it’s a biblical list.
I think you’ll be reminded tonight that we’ve been blessed to have this servant of the Lord, faithfully ministering to our body for over 32 years! I hope this sermon will motivate you first and foremost to praise God. That you’ll leave this place worshiping and praising Him for His unwavering covenant faithfulness; As well as deepen your appreciation for God’s faithful servant (pastor Joe Flatt).
I am currently serving at First Baptist Church (FBC) in Carmel, Indiana. Our senior pastor has been in full-time ministry for over 35 years now and more impressive he’s been at FBC for the past 32+ years. Recently I asked him a number of questions regarding his expository preaching ministry. I am going to post his answers on this blog in the next few weeks. Before I do that I want to share with you a recent sermon I preached (11/5) in honor of this man’s faithful ministry.
Joe Flatt was just given the “Pastor of the Year” award from Baptist Bible College/Seminary. Our church also wanted to thank him for 32 years of God-honoring ministry. I hope this sermon will help introduce him to you as well as provide a litmus test for all of us who serve the Lord in FT ministry. May all who come behind us find us faithful!
10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
The Scriptures tell us to give honor to whom honor is due (Rom 13:7). More specifically, the Bible teaches us that the flock of God should ‘appreciate’ and ‘show limitless respect’ for the man of God. Isn’t that what 1 Thess 5:12-13 clearly requests? Those ministers who labor to the point of exhaustion on behalf of their congregations; Those who work like this: should be known, cared for, and deeply cherished… Sometimes we forget there are many different ways in which we bring glory to God. One of the ways we glorify God is by esteeming faithful Pastors.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 says this appreciation needs to be clothed in agape love. Like children who cover their dolls in baby clothing so we the congregation of God should cover our respect for our pastor(s) in agape love.
Similarly, 1 Peter 4:8 commands us to, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” This context of course is for the entire church to obey. All of us need to love one another in this manner. Agape Love covers both wrong-doings and short-comings. 32 years of God-honoring ministry will inevitably include a few mistakes. Pastor Flatt (being the humble man that he is) would be the first to admit this reality to you. Both Pastor Flatt and I adhere to the priesthood of all believers but we firmly deny the concept of papal infallibility. We are not here tonight venerating a new saint or worshiping a human being.
But we do acknowledge that the Scriptures teach us that faithful pastors (they themselves) are gifts from the Lord to the Church (Ephesians 4:11). Thus it is proper to honor them for their steadfastness and commitment. Yet, “the best of men, are still men at best!”
With that said by way of introduction, It is most appropriate to identify evidences of grace in the life of our pastor and to praise God for “there” faithfulness to us.
One of the highest callings and most demanding jobs in the entire world is to faithfully lead Christ’s Church. It is all consuming and requires a life’s work. Ministry is a great privilege but it also requires great responsibility.
(i) “Ministry” means constantly shepherding people; (and all people, are sinners).
Pastor’s shepherd sheep; and sheep, by nature: bite, kick, spit, go wayward, and sometimes even rebel. Shepherding spiritual matters of the heart is no easy task. It is actually an impossible job without outside assistance (from the Holy Spirit). When I applied for personal life insurance a few years ago, my tester informed me that the pastorate is a high risk job in regards to stress. I say now just a couple years later, “go figure!”
(ii) “Ministry” means constantly dealing with yourself; (and every pastor has his own struggles and battles). Every pastor has to fight indwelling sin in his own life (Romans 7). Every pastor has to deal with his own finiteness and short-comings.
Did you know that all pastors are Reformed? Better said, all pastors are in the process of “being Reformed!” We better not forget this. Not only do Pastors constantly deal with the sins of others, they also have to fight their own inadequacies. I am daily made aware of this in my own life and ministry and it is a constant source of frustration.
Finally, (iii) “Ministry” also means constantly dealing with matters of eternal importance.
The quotable John Piper put it this way, “The preacher's mantle is soaked with the blood of Jesus and singed with the fire of hell." Dear friends, does it get any weightier then this? The pastor’s lifework involves matters of eternal importance. Heaven & hell; wrath & forgiveness; condemnation & grace; these are the themes that control a pastor’s ministry.
In addition to this, Hebrews 13:17 says, Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. There is a seriousness and a weight to this calling. Every pastor/elder will stand before God and “give an account” for the manner in which they cared for there congregations soul(s). Perhaps this is one of the reasons why “the Colonial” is often sober-minded. I think HE understands what’s at stake. For time sake we must move on.
I want us to look now to God’s Word and uncover “10 Marks of a Faithful Pastor.” God’s opinion is really the only voice that matters, right? We need to ask then: What characteristics does God value in a Pastor? What “Marks” separate faithful shepherds from all the rest? These Marks will not be an exhaustive list, but I trust it’s a biblical list.
I think you’ll be reminded tonight that we’ve been blessed to have this servant of the Lord, faithfully ministering to our body for over 32 years! I hope this sermon will motivate you first and foremost to praise God. That you’ll leave this place worshiping and praising Him for His unwavering covenant faithfulness; As well as deepen your appreciation for God’s faithful servant (pastor Joe Flatt).
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Frustration
I am thankful the Lord is sovereign; no matter what happens on any election date. God is in control (Rom 8:28ff). I do believe we should take advantage of the privileges we have in this free country (voting, etc). My wife and I prayed yesterday that the nation would elect men who would be just and fair (and perhaps even uphold Biblical morality). I do not know if that happened yesterday but i am not sweating it, since like i said above, God is in complete control. (Yes, sometimes i need to remind myself of this truth alot).
I am frustrated though that Donald Rumsfeld resigned TODAY. (You can ask my wife) I've been asking for this very thing for the past few weeks. Rumsfeld should have resigned BEFORE the elections, NOT after them. They GOP could have given the dog a bone if you will... They would have saved (more than likely) a few seats in the house and preserved there senate majority.
This is not to argue that the war in Iraq is either right or wrong (that is not the point of this blog); I am arguing that President Bush should have humbly admitted that things have not been easy over there. Things have not gone as planned (or as predicted). Rumsfeld resignation would have shown some humility which i think was needed in order to save this election.
My old Greek teacher use to always say, "Just remember, God is neither a Democrat or a Republican." He is right. God's future Kingdom reign will be like nothing we've ever seen. I can not wait for that day! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
I am frustrated though that Donald Rumsfeld resigned TODAY. (You can ask my wife) I've been asking for this very thing for the past few weeks. Rumsfeld should have resigned BEFORE the elections, NOT after them. They GOP could have given the dog a bone if you will... They would have saved (more than likely) a few seats in the house and preserved there senate majority.
This is not to argue that the war in Iraq is either right or wrong (that is not the point of this blog); I am arguing that President Bush should have humbly admitted that things have not been easy over there. Things have not gone as planned (or as predicted). Rumsfeld resignation would have shown some humility which i think was needed in order to save this election.
My old Greek teacher use to always say, "Just remember, God is neither a Democrat or a Republican." He is right. God's future Kingdom reign will be like nothing we've ever seen. I can not wait for that day! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
Reading???
Reading??
What are you currently reading?
I like to re-post this blog from time to time to find out what my readers are reading...Much of my "pleasure reading" takes place at home after the work day. So what are you currently reading (outside the Bible)? How have you enjoyed those books? What did you learn? etc. Please let me know your thoughts and recommendations!
Books I am currently reading or ones I recently finished:
1. No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells). (Done)
2. The Cross and Christian Ministry (by D.A. Carson). (Done)
3. Women's Ministry in the Local Church (by Ligon Duncan/Susan Hunt) (Done)
4. Knowing God (By J.I. Packer) (Ch 19)
5. The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul) (Done)
6. Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein) (CH 11)
7. Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney) (CH 9)
8. From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott) (done)
9. The Message of the Old Testament (by Mark Dever) (not much progress yet)
10. Biblical Eldership (by A. Strauch) (rereading; currently on CH 2)
11. How America Lost Her Innocence (By Steve Gallagher) (CH 4)
12. Numerous Jude commentaries (check out the new Pillar commentary)
13. Expository Preaching With Word Pictures: With Illustrations from the Sermons of Thomas Watson (by Jack Hughes)
What are you currently reading?
I like to re-post this blog from time to time to find out what my readers are reading...Much of my "pleasure reading" takes place at home after the work day. So what are you currently reading (outside the Bible)? How have you enjoyed those books? What did you learn? etc. Please let me know your thoughts and recommendations!
Books I am currently reading or ones I recently finished:
1. No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells). (Done)
2. The Cross and Christian Ministry (by D.A. Carson). (Done)
3. Women's Ministry in the Local Church (by Ligon Duncan/Susan Hunt) (Done)
4. Knowing God (By J.I. Packer) (Ch 19)
5. The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul) (Done)
6. Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein) (CH 11)
7. Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney) (CH 9)
8. From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott) (done)
9. The Message of the Old Testament (by Mark Dever) (not much progress yet)
10. Biblical Eldership (by A. Strauch) (rereading; currently on CH 2)
11. How America Lost Her Innocence (By Steve Gallagher) (CH 4)
12. Numerous Jude commentaries (check out the new Pillar commentary)
13. Expository Preaching With Word Pictures: With Illustrations from the Sermons of Thomas Watson (by Jack Hughes)
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Dr. Phil on the Emerging Church
I am a huge fan of this blog: http://teampyro.blogspot.com/
Phil Johnson is one of my favorite blog writers and I think you will enjoy this post. It is great food for thought regarding Rob Bell and Mark Driscoll.
"Perhaps you are one of those who thinks I have been too hard or too shrill in my criticisms of "the Emerging Church." In all honesty, the more I have been exposed to the various streams of the movement, and the more closely I have examined the agglomeration of trends and ways of thinking that make Emerging-style "ministry" distinctive, the more I want to distance myself from everything "Emerging." If any ostensibly-Christian movement since late-nineteenth-century modernism was more deserving of a shrill warning, I can't imagine what it would be.
Here is a lie writ large: "Postmodern Ministry Takes Us Back to The Bible." I invite you to follow that link; read the page; notice the sound file linked at the bottom of the page; and give it a careful listen.
It's a sermon by Rob Bell. David Posthuma introduces the message with this hopeful claim: "I present this teaching for one purpose alone . . . to illustrate how radically different postmodern Biblical facilitation is from the Seeker-Sensitive Topical Talk model so prevalent within our churches today."
OK. I'll grant that Bell's message is completely and radically different from anything you would hear in a seeker-sensitive context. But Posthuma's blogpost seems to imply that Bell's sermon proves Emerging-style ministry is somehow more "biblical" than seeker-sensitive worship.
Hardly. Bell's message is not only unbiblical; it's anti-Christian. He takes a bit of drivel he apparently learned from a yoga instructor somewhere, badly rephrases in quasi-biblical terminology, and spends 36 minutes doing "exposition" on a breathing exercise.
The result is not merely trivial: it's flat-out heretical. And in more ways than I care to enumerate.
I'll give one brief example, though. Here's a sample of what Bell does with the gospel: "You can't get enough points to get in with the Big Guy. You can't do enough good deeds and then God will like you. One of the things the Spirit does is remind us that we belong. Period. Just exactly as we are. You are loved by God."
Bell's syncretized amateur yoga exercise is not Christianity by any stretch of the definition. I'll go further: if this is what Bell really believes, he himself is no Christian.
The message actually proves that the stream of Emerging religion represented by Rob Bell hasn't a clue or a care about basic biblical truth. It's nothing but an experiment with the deconstruction of Christianity.
On a side note, but a related subject I thought in the interests of balance, after hearing that sermon by Bell, I ought to listen to a sermon from the "conservative" side of the Emerging movement. So I listened to this one by Mark Driscoll. I wish I hadn't. Driscoll's smutty language and preoccupation with all things lowbrow are inappropriate, unbecoming, and dishonoring to Christ. I completely agree that many Christians fail to appreciate the true humanity of Jesus. But it's not necessary to get vulgar in order to communicate the truth about His humanity.
This is the first time I have ever posted anything critical of Driscoll. I have appreciated his defense of the atonement and his willingness to confront the neo-liberalism of other Emerging leaders honestly. But I don't think his perpetually coarse language in the pulpit and his apparent preoccupation with off-color terms and ribald subject matter are merely minor flaws in an otherwise healthy ministry. It is a serious shortcoming.
No, it's actually worse than that, because it blatantly violates the clear principle of Ephesians 5:3-4. It is shameful (v. 12) and therefore a reproach. It's characteristic of the old man and one of the fleshly behaviors we are expressly commanded to put aside (Colossians 3:8). Scripture even seems to indicate that unwholesome language signals an impure mind (Matthew 12:34). And yet this seems to be a deliberate, calculated, and persistent practice of Driscoll's. It is practically the chief trademark of his style.
That's troubling, and even more troubling when I see young Christians and older believers who ought to know better mimicking the practice. If this is the direction even the very best Emerging-style ministry is headed, it's not a trend any Christian ought to find encouraging, much less one we should follow." BY Phil Johnson
Check out http://teampyro.blogspot.com/ if you'd like to interact with Phil or read all the comments in context.
Phil Johnson is one of my favorite blog writers and I think you will enjoy this post. It is great food for thought regarding Rob Bell and Mark Driscoll.
"Perhaps you are one of those who thinks I have been too hard or too shrill in my criticisms of "the Emerging Church." In all honesty, the more I have been exposed to the various streams of the movement, and the more closely I have examined the agglomeration of trends and ways of thinking that make Emerging-style "ministry" distinctive, the more I want to distance myself from everything "Emerging." If any ostensibly-Christian movement since late-nineteenth-century modernism was more deserving of a shrill warning, I can't imagine what it would be.
Here is a lie writ large: "Postmodern Ministry Takes Us Back to The Bible." I invite you to follow that link; read the page; notice the sound file linked at the bottom of the page; and give it a careful listen.
It's a sermon by Rob Bell. David Posthuma introduces the message with this hopeful claim: "I present this teaching for one purpose alone . . . to illustrate how radically different postmodern Biblical facilitation is from the Seeker-Sensitive Topical Talk model so prevalent within our churches today."
OK. I'll grant that Bell's message is completely and radically different from anything you would hear in a seeker-sensitive context. But Posthuma's blogpost seems to imply that Bell's sermon proves Emerging-style ministry is somehow more "biblical" than seeker-sensitive worship.
Hardly. Bell's message is not only unbiblical; it's anti-Christian. He takes a bit of drivel he apparently learned from a yoga instructor somewhere, badly rephrases in quasi-biblical terminology, and spends 36 minutes doing "exposition" on a breathing exercise.
The result is not merely trivial: it's flat-out heretical. And in more ways than I care to enumerate.
I'll give one brief example, though. Here's a sample of what Bell does with the gospel: "You can't get enough points to get in with the Big Guy. You can't do enough good deeds and then God will like you. One of the things the Spirit does is remind us that we belong. Period. Just exactly as we are. You are loved by God."
Bell's syncretized amateur yoga exercise is not Christianity by any stretch of the definition. I'll go further: if this is what Bell really believes, he himself is no Christian.
The message actually proves that the stream of Emerging religion represented by Rob Bell hasn't a clue or a care about basic biblical truth. It's nothing but an experiment with the deconstruction of Christianity.
On a side note, but a related subject I thought in the interests of balance, after hearing that sermon by Bell, I ought to listen to a sermon from the "conservative" side of the Emerging movement. So I listened to this one by Mark Driscoll. I wish I hadn't. Driscoll's smutty language and preoccupation with all things lowbrow are inappropriate, unbecoming, and dishonoring to Christ. I completely agree that many Christians fail to appreciate the true humanity of Jesus. But it's not necessary to get vulgar in order to communicate the truth about His humanity.
This is the first time I have ever posted anything critical of Driscoll. I have appreciated his defense of the atonement and his willingness to confront the neo-liberalism of other Emerging leaders honestly. But I don't think his perpetually coarse language in the pulpit and his apparent preoccupation with off-color terms and ribald subject matter are merely minor flaws in an otherwise healthy ministry. It is a serious shortcoming.
No, it's actually worse than that, because it blatantly violates the clear principle of Ephesians 5:3-4. It is shameful (v. 12) and therefore a reproach. It's characteristic of the old man and one of the fleshly behaviors we are expressly commanded to put aside (Colossians 3:8). Scripture even seems to indicate that unwholesome language signals an impure mind (Matthew 12:34). And yet this seems to be a deliberate, calculated, and persistent practice of Driscoll's. It is practically the chief trademark of his style.
That's troubling, and even more troubling when I see young Christians and older believers who ought to know better mimicking the practice. If this is the direction even the very best Emerging-style ministry is headed, it's not a trend any Christian ought to find encouraging, much less one we should follow." BY Phil Johnson
Check out http://teampyro.blogspot.com/ if you'd like to interact with Phil or read all the comments in context.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
On Vacation
I am on vacation now with my wife and family. We are visiting my parents and brother in WA. The Pacific NW is very beautiful. God's creation is really awesome (esp. when you visit spots like Seattle).
I have a bad cold but other than that am really enjoying this time off. I hope everything is going well in Carmel. We miss our church family/friends but are grateful for this opportunity to spend some time with our rents. This was my father's first time meeting Evelyn. She is now 5 months old and is getting a little more perfect each day (perhaps Weslyian theology of sanctification is correct)! :) Just kidding of course.
Hope you all are having a great week!
I have a bad cold but other than that am really enjoying this time off. I hope everything is going well in Carmel. We miss our church family/friends but are grateful for this opportunity to spend some time with our rents. This was my father's first time meeting Evelyn. She is now 5 months old and is getting a little more perfect each day (perhaps Weslyian theology of sanctification is correct)! :) Just kidding of course.
Hope you all are having a great week!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Da Bears are back in town!
On 9-11-06 i posted the following,
I've been a Bears fan since 1982 (my first childhood photograph w/Bears clothing on) and I've stuck with them these 26 years. I was born in WI so you understand this never made me a popular guy around the house. My dad and older brother are both huge Packer fans. My little brother is a Houston Oilers fan (now the Tenn. Titans) which makes things interesting.
Moving from CA to IN has been great. One of the things that has been annoying is getting use to being on E.S.T. Monday night games start at 8:30pm or later so I'm in bed before the start of the third quarter.
People at our church are serious Colts fans! We live only 25 minutes from the RCA Dome. As you can imagine Peyton is a very popular baby name out here.
EVEN COLTS FANS REALIZE THE BEARS ARE THE BETTER TEAM (AT LEAST FOR NOW).
I'll take Rex and the Bear's D over Peyton Manning and Colt's O anyday!!!!
I've been a Bears fan since 1982 (my first childhood photograph w/Bears clothing on) and I've stuck with them these 26 years. I was born in WI so you understand this never made me a popular guy around the house. My dad and older brother are both huge Packer fans. My little brother is a Houston Oilers fan (now the Tenn. Titans) which makes things interesting.
Moving from CA to IN has been great. One of the things that has been annoying is getting use to being on E.S.T. Monday night games start at 8:30pm or later so I'm in bed before the start of the third quarter.
People at our church are serious Colts fans! We live only 25 minutes from the RCA Dome. As you can imagine Peyton is a very popular baby name out here.
EVEN COLTS FANS REALIZE THE BEARS ARE THE BETTER TEAM (AT LEAST FOR NOW).
I'll take Rex and the Bear's D over Peyton Manning and Colt's O anyday!!!!
Too busy to post here or anywhere
Not many people read this blog anyways.... I know that because i have not recieved any comments from anyone saying "hey Caleb! Why aren't you blogging." That's ok because everyone and their grandma has a blog these days AND their are much better one's to be reading then mine!
I have had the opportunity to preach through Jude 5, Jude 6, and Jude 7 on Sunday morning. If you are interested in what i said the mp3s are at www.fbccarmel.com
I also preached a special sermon on Is 53:10 (God's pleasure in crushing His Son) during our PM communion service. I did a small sermon for a funeral last Monday (from John 14:1-6) for some dear friends at my church (the Carrs). I also attended much of the NANC National conference.
In addition to these things are my duties as a youth pastor; putting together the FIRE regional pastors conference (which is Oct 16-18th at our church); and all the other things that need to happen (our Sr. Pastor has been on vacation the past 3 weeks).
My wife and baby daughter are in NY visiting some family right now. I taught an evangelism class this morning for our Upward Basketball coaches (Upward basketball is around the corner and this year i am coaching as well as continuing my role as League Commissioner). I've been teaching through a series on Pride & Humility in our new young marrieds/families/singles class. I'm using Mack's book, Scott's pamphlet, and Mahaney's short book. Good Stuff!
Please keep me in your prayers! God's grace is truly sufficient.
Caleb
I have had the opportunity to preach through Jude 5, Jude 6, and Jude 7 on Sunday morning. If you are interested in what i said the mp3s are at www.fbccarmel.com
I also preached a special sermon on Is 53:10 (God's pleasure in crushing His Son) during our PM communion service. I did a small sermon for a funeral last Monday (from John 14:1-6) for some dear friends at my church (the Carrs). I also attended much of the NANC National conference.
In addition to these things are my duties as a youth pastor; putting together the FIRE regional pastors conference (which is Oct 16-18th at our church); and all the other things that need to happen (our Sr. Pastor has been on vacation the past 3 weeks).
My wife and baby daughter are in NY visiting some family right now. I taught an evangelism class this morning for our Upward Basketball coaches (Upward basketball is around the corner and this year i am coaching as well as continuing my role as League Commissioner). I've been teaching through a series on Pride & Humility in our new young marrieds/families/singles class. I'm using Mack's book, Scott's pamphlet, and Mahaney's short book. Good Stuff!
Please keep me in your prayers! God's grace is truly sufficient.
Caleb
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
One world religion???
I am not predicting per say that post-modernism is def. going to usher in the reign of Anti-Christ and the one world religion.....BUT this type of oneness speech is VERY common today.
The 'holy father' recently said this, "I hope that in several occasions during the visit ... my deep respect for great religions, in particular for Muslims — who worship the one God and with whom we are engaged in defending and promoting together social justice, moral values, peace and freedom for all men — has emerged clearly."
Talk about compromising for the sake of superficial unity and peace (and at the expense of gospel truth, Acts 4:12).
Shame on Evangelicals for watering down the gospel and for doing this type of thing ourselves on so many different occasions.
That's why one pastor's book is so spot on: "Why ONE way? Defending an Exclusive claim in an Inclusive world."
The 'holy father' recently said this, "I hope that in several occasions during the visit ... my deep respect for great religions, in particular for Muslims — who worship the one God and with whom we are engaged in defending and promoting together social justice, moral values, peace and freedom for all men — has emerged clearly."
Talk about compromising for the sake of superficial unity and peace (and at the expense of gospel truth, Acts 4:12).
Shame on Evangelicals for watering down the gospel and for doing this type of thing ourselves on so many different occasions.
That's why one pastor's book is so spot on: "Why ONE way? Defending an Exclusive claim in an Inclusive world."
Thursday, September 14, 2006
R.C. Sproul on.......
From the blog at http://fide-o.blogspot.com,
Jason Robertson writes:
Today, I am attending “The Cross of Christ: Redemption Accomplished” Conference in Anaheim, California with R.C. Sproul and Ligon Duncan.
Last night I got a chance to spend some time with Dr. Sproul and talk about eschatology. I mentioned to him that I felt like in his book “The Last Days According to Jesus” that he really didn’t let his readers know which eschatological camp he was in: Premil, Postmil, or Amil. He laughed heartily and replied, “That’s right, because I don’t actually know. I see valid points in all of them and weaknesses, too.”
R.C. made sure that I knew that he was a partial preterist who viewed this age in a very positive way. He talked about how the church in the West is filled with apostasy and liberalism but in other parts of the world the church is doing great. When he spoke of these matters he sounded like an Amillennialist. But he said that when it came to Romans chapter 11 that he agreed with Charles Hodge and believed that there was something in the future specially for the ethnic Jews of Israel. His view of Romans 11 was similar to Historical Premil. He then apologized to me for being confused. Now that was humbling. If it were not for Dr. Sproul quite possibly I could still be an Arminian – so don’t apologize to me, Dr. Sproul. In fact, to confess that some theology confuses you encourages me and reminds me that we all approach the Bible from the same place – a place of desperate need for God’s wisdom!
The service last night was a Q&A session with Dr. Sproul. Here are some of the answers he gave. There were more questions than what I have listed below and, of course, Dr. Sproul’s answers were longer than what I have given below. But I thought you may enjoy this abridged version.
Q – How do you feel about current supernatural works of the Holy Spirit?
A – I feel good about the Holy Spirit miraculously doing His work of bringing men to salvation… But concerning miracles as defined theologically I am a cessationist…. Miracles in Scripture were used by God to verify and authenticate agents of revelation and to verify the divinity of Christ… God is not doing such miracles today.
Q – Are Arminians saved?
A – The real question is whether they are safe… Saved? Most are, barely… really the debate between Calvinists and Arminians is an intramural debate among Christians.
Q – Why is tension between Reformed Christians and Conservative Evangelical over the doctrine of predestination?
A – There has been tension in nearly every century for 2000 years so we shouldn’t be alarmed… The good news is Conservative Evangelicals believe that there is a biblical doctrine of predestination. The issue is what is the definition… Some are upset with this doctrine because it seems to cancel human free will and it seems to make God unfair and unloving… Arminians never get charged with their gospel making God look unrighteous. But Paul knew that his definition of predestination would bring that charge, so he anticipates the charge in Romans 9 by asking, “Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!”
Q – Is Israel still an entity in God’s plan or has Israel been replaced by God?
A – Yes… but Dispensationalism is flat out wrong!
Q – How do you feel about last nights game between Pittsburg and Miami?
A – It reconfirmed the grace of God.
Q – The church is always under attack, but what do you see as the most dangerous?
A – Hostility of the secular culture and those who want to use the power of the state to mute and marginalize the church… the secularization of worship… but always the greatest enemy of the church is not from without but within, the false teachers.
Jason Robertson writes:
Today, I am attending “The Cross of Christ: Redemption Accomplished” Conference in Anaheim, California with R.C. Sproul and Ligon Duncan.
Last night I got a chance to spend some time with Dr. Sproul and talk about eschatology. I mentioned to him that I felt like in his book “The Last Days According to Jesus” that he really didn’t let his readers know which eschatological camp he was in: Premil, Postmil, or Amil. He laughed heartily and replied, “That’s right, because I don’t actually know. I see valid points in all of them and weaknesses, too.”
R.C. made sure that I knew that he was a partial preterist who viewed this age in a very positive way. He talked about how the church in the West is filled with apostasy and liberalism but in other parts of the world the church is doing great. When he spoke of these matters he sounded like an Amillennialist. But he said that when it came to Romans chapter 11 that he agreed with Charles Hodge and believed that there was something in the future specially for the ethnic Jews of Israel. His view of Romans 11 was similar to Historical Premil. He then apologized to me for being confused. Now that was humbling. If it were not for Dr. Sproul quite possibly I could still be an Arminian – so don’t apologize to me, Dr. Sproul. In fact, to confess that some theology confuses you encourages me and reminds me that we all approach the Bible from the same place – a place of desperate need for God’s wisdom!
The service last night was a Q&A session with Dr. Sproul. Here are some of the answers he gave. There were more questions than what I have listed below and, of course, Dr. Sproul’s answers were longer than what I have given below. But I thought you may enjoy this abridged version.
Q – How do you feel about current supernatural works of the Holy Spirit?
A – I feel good about the Holy Spirit miraculously doing His work of bringing men to salvation… But concerning miracles as defined theologically I am a cessationist…. Miracles in Scripture were used by God to verify and authenticate agents of revelation and to verify the divinity of Christ… God is not doing such miracles today.
Q – Are Arminians saved?
A – The real question is whether they are safe… Saved? Most are, barely… really the debate between Calvinists and Arminians is an intramural debate among Christians.
Q – Why is tension between Reformed Christians and Conservative Evangelical over the doctrine of predestination?
A – There has been tension in nearly every century for 2000 years so we shouldn’t be alarmed… The good news is Conservative Evangelicals believe that there is a biblical doctrine of predestination. The issue is what is the definition… Some are upset with this doctrine because it seems to cancel human free will and it seems to make God unfair and unloving… Arminians never get charged with their gospel making God look unrighteous. But Paul knew that his definition of predestination would bring that charge, so he anticipates the charge in Romans 9 by asking, “Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!”
Q – Is Israel still an entity in God’s plan or has Israel been replaced by God?
A – Yes… but Dispensationalism is flat out wrong!
Q – How do you feel about last nights game between Pittsburg and Miami?
A – It reconfirmed the grace of God.
Q – The church is always under attack, but what do you see as the most dangerous?
A – Hostility of the secular culture and those who want to use the power of the state to mute and marginalize the church… the secularization of worship… but always the greatest enemy of the church is not from without but within, the false teachers.
Hollywood strongly pushing for gay marriage
Fox News article..."It's hard to imagine where society would be without Brad Pitt. And to think, mankind survived thousands of years without our hero.
By now you've probably read that Pitt said he would not marry Angelina Jolie, with whom he has three children, until "everybody who wants to be married can do so legally." At least that's what he reportedly said in an Esquire magazine interview due out this month. And while I'm sure he's received lots of accolades from a lot of his Hollywood pals, the statement, if it was not taken out of context, is ridiculous. Think about it — even if you're gay and you cannot legally wed in your home state, it's ludicrous if Pitt thinks he's doing a public service by making such a hypocritical play.
What, was his wedding to Jennifer Aniston just another publicity stunt, or did he not hold the first Mrs. Pitt up to the same standards as he does Ms. Jolie? Do you think the next time Pitt is offered a ride across the country on some studio's private jet he'll decline, stating, "I'll take the ride when every person in America can afford such luxury," or "for the good of the environment, I will fly commercial"? On his next big movie contract, do you think he'll refuse the big money and say, "I'll take that ridiculous amount of money for my job playing make believe, when more deserving people like doctors, scientists, firefighters, police officers and members of our armed forces are compensated just as much for the important work that they do." Hah! The next time his 10-percent-off-the-top agent takes him to Spago for lunch, do you think he'll decline, or better yet, invite along a busload of kids who could never afford such fine dining to join them? Highly unlikely.
Do you think the next time Oprah Winfrey invites him on the show, Brad will share the stage and the national platform where he usually shills for his next flick with a gay couple who wants to get married but can't, so that they can share their story with the Oprah viewers and as a result, Congress and the Supreme Court might revisit the issue? Huh? And lose the promotional time? I don't think so. Pitt's statement is just another example of how delusional "celebrities" are today, and I use that term loosely. Hey Brad, make a movie people want to see. Better yet, how about an acting lesson?
Maybe in between her worthy charity work and her United Nations duties, Angelina can teach you how to act. She's awesome at it, frankly. Pitt may not believe in the concept of marriage — this week. But if the right script came along from the right screenwriter, for a film with the right director attached, for a studio willing to pay the right price, in a movie that will be released at the right time (i.e. Oscar time), there's no doubt in my mind that Pitt would put his heart and soul into playing the perfect husband, the perfect father and the perfect conventional family man ... if the price is right. He'll call it acting, but it's typical Hollywood hypocrisy at its finest. And oh yeah, Whitney Houston is divorcing Bobby Brown. Surprised? Yeah, surprised it took so long."
This taken from foxnews.com
By now you've probably read that Pitt said he would not marry Angelina Jolie, with whom he has three children, until "everybody who wants to be married can do so legally." At least that's what he reportedly said in an Esquire magazine interview due out this month. And while I'm sure he's received lots of accolades from a lot of his Hollywood pals, the statement, if it was not taken out of context, is ridiculous. Think about it — even if you're gay and you cannot legally wed in your home state, it's ludicrous if Pitt thinks he's doing a public service by making such a hypocritical play.
What, was his wedding to Jennifer Aniston just another publicity stunt, or did he not hold the first Mrs. Pitt up to the same standards as he does Ms. Jolie? Do you think the next time Pitt is offered a ride across the country on some studio's private jet he'll decline, stating, "I'll take the ride when every person in America can afford such luxury," or "for the good of the environment, I will fly commercial"? On his next big movie contract, do you think he'll refuse the big money and say, "I'll take that ridiculous amount of money for my job playing make believe, when more deserving people like doctors, scientists, firefighters, police officers and members of our armed forces are compensated just as much for the important work that they do." Hah! The next time his 10-percent-off-the-top agent takes him to Spago for lunch, do you think he'll decline, or better yet, invite along a busload of kids who could never afford such fine dining to join them? Highly unlikely.
Do you think the next time Oprah Winfrey invites him on the show, Brad will share the stage and the national platform where he usually shills for his next flick with a gay couple who wants to get married but can't, so that they can share their story with the Oprah viewers and as a result, Congress and the Supreme Court might revisit the issue? Huh? And lose the promotional time? I don't think so. Pitt's statement is just another example of how delusional "celebrities" are today, and I use that term loosely. Hey Brad, make a movie people want to see. Better yet, how about an acting lesson?
Maybe in between her worthy charity work and her United Nations duties, Angelina can teach you how to act. She's awesome at it, frankly. Pitt may not believe in the concept of marriage — this week. But if the right script came along from the right screenwriter, for a film with the right director attached, for a studio willing to pay the right price, in a movie that will be released at the right time (i.e. Oscar time), there's no doubt in my mind that Pitt would put his heart and soul into playing the perfect husband, the perfect father and the perfect conventional family man ... if the price is right. He'll call it acting, but it's typical Hollywood hypocrisy at its finest. And oh yeah, Whitney Houston is divorcing Bobby Brown. Surprised? Yeah, surprised it took so long."
This taken from foxnews.com
Monday, September 11, 2006
Are you ready for some football?
NFL: Go Bears!
So how did your Sunday go yesterday? My wife and I had a great day of worship combined with a wonderful day of football. Now typically i reserve my posts for serious matters (theology, doctrine, church matters) but from my TMS experience i know many of you men love the NFL (so a few posts now and again on trivial matters is probably appropriate).
I've been a Bears fan since 1982 (my first childhood photograph w/Bears clothing on) and I've stuck with them these 26 years. I was born in WI so you understand this never made me a popular guy around the house. My dad and older brother are both huge Packer fans. My little brother is a Houston Oilers fan (now the Tenn. Titans) which makes things interesting.
Moving from CA to IN has been great. One of the things that has been annoying is getting use to being on E.S.T. Monday night games start at 8:30pm or later so I'm in bed before the start of the third quarter.
People at our church are serious Colts fans! We live only 25 minutes from the RCA Dome. As you can imagine Peyton is a very popular baby name out here. I've rambled on long enough so I will ask one last time: How was your Sunday?
Keep on keeping on,
Caleb
So how did your Sunday go yesterday? My wife and I had a great day of worship combined with a wonderful day of football. Now typically i reserve my posts for serious matters (theology, doctrine, church matters) but from my TMS experience i know many of you men love the NFL (so a few posts now and again on trivial matters is probably appropriate).
I've been a Bears fan since 1982 (my first childhood photograph w/Bears clothing on) and I've stuck with them these 26 years. I was born in WI so you understand this never made me a popular guy around the house. My dad and older brother are both huge Packer fans. My little brother is a Houston Oilers fan (now the Tenn. Titans) which makes things interesting.
Moving from CA to IN has been great. One of the things that has been annoying is getting use to being on E.S.T. Monday night games start at 8:30pm or later so I'm in bed before the start of the third quarter.
People at our church are serious Colts fans! We live only 25 minutes from the RCA Dome. As you can imagine Peyton is a very popular baby name out here. I've rambled on long enough so I will ask one last time: How was your Sunday?
Keep on keeping on,
Caleb
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
http://www.sfpulpit.com/
What Does This Verse Mean “to Me”?
(By John MacArthur)
Check their site out http://www.sfpulpit.com/ It goes along with my series on basic bible interpretation.
"That’s a fashionable concern, judging from the trends in devotional booklets, home Bible study discussions, Sunday-school literature, and most popular preaching.
The question of what Scripture means has taken a back seat to the issue of what it means “to me.”
The difference may seem insignificant at first. Nevertheless, our obsession with the Scripture’s applicability reflects a fundamental weakness. We have adopted practicality as the ultimate judge of the worth of God’s Word. We bury ourselves in passages that overtly relate to daily living, and ignore those that don’t.
Early in my ministry, I made a conscious commitment to biblical preaching. My first priority has always been to answer the question, “What does this passage mean?” After I’ve explained as clearly and accurately as possible the meaning of God’s Word, then I exhort people to obey and apply it to their own lives.
The Bible speaks for itself to the human heart; it is not my role as a preacher to try to tailor the message. That’s why I preach my way through entire books of the Bible, dealing carefully with each verse and phrase–even though that occasionally means spending time in passages that don’t readily lend themselves to anecdotal or motivational messages.
I am grateful to the Lord for the way He has used this expository approach in our church and in the lives of our radio listeners.
But now and then someone tells me frankly that my preaching needs to be less doctrinal and more practical.
Practical application is vital. I don’t want to minimize its importance. But the distinction between doctrinal and practical truth is artificial; doctrine is practical! In fact, nothing is more practical than sound doctrine.
Too many Christians view doctrine as heady and theoretical. They have dismissed doctrinal passages as unimportant, divisive, threatening, or simply impractical. A best-selling Christian book I just read warns readers to be on guard against preachers whose emphasis is on interpreting Scripture rather than applying it.
Wait a minute. Is that wise counsel? No it is not.
There is no danger of irrelevant doctrine; the real threat is an undoctrinal attempt at relevance. Application not based on solid interpretation has led Christians into all kinds of confusion.
No discipline is more sorely needed in the contemporary church than expositional biblical teaching. Too many have bought the lie that doctrine is something abstract and threatening, unrelated to daily life.
It is in vogue to substitute psychology and spoon-fed application for doctrinal substance, while demeaning theological and expositional ministry.
But the pastor who turns away from preaching sound doctrine abdicates the primary responsibility of an elder: “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).
Practical insights, gimmicks, and illustrations mean little if they’re not attached to divine principles. There’s no basis for godly behavior apart from the truth of God’s Word.
There are only three options: We teach truth, error, or nothing at all.
Before the preacher asks anyone to perform a certain duty, he must first deal with doctrine. He must develop his message around theological themes and draw out the principles of the texts. Then the truth can be applied.
Romans provides the clearest biblical example. Paul didn’t give any exhortation until he had given eleven chapters of theology.
He scaled incredible heights of truth, culminating in 11:33-36: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given Him that it might be paid back to Him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
Then in chapter 12, he turned immediately to the practical consequences of the doctrine of the first 11 chapters. No passage in Scripture captures the Christian’s responsibility to the truth more clearly than Romans 12:1-2. There, building on eleven chapters of profound doctrine, Paul calls each believer to a supreme act of spiritual worship–giving oneself as a living sacrifice. Doctrine gives rise to dedication to Christ, the greatest practical act. And the remainder of the book of Romans goes on to explain the many practical outworkings of one’s dedication to Christ.
Paul followed the same pattern in Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 Thessalonians. The doctrinal message came first. Upon that foundation he built the practical application, making the logical connection with the word therefore (Rom. 12:1; Gal. 5:1; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 2:1) or then (Col. 3:1; 1 Thess. 4:1).
True doctrine transforms behavior as it is woven into the fabric of everyday life. But it must be understood if it is to have its impact. The real challenge of the ministry is to dispense the truth clearly and accurately. Practical application comes easily by comparison.
No believer can apply truth he doesn’t know. Those who don’t understand what the Bible really says about marriage, divorce, family, child-rearing, discipline, money, debt, work, service to Christ, eternal rewards, helping the poor, caring for widows, respecting government, and other teachings won’t be able to apply it.
Those who don’t know what the Bible teaches about salvation cannot be saved. Those who don’t know what the Bible teaches about holiness are incapable of dealing with sin. Thus they are unable to live fully to their own blessedness and God’s glory.
The nucleus of all that is truly practical is sown up in the teaching of Scripture. We don’t make the Bible relevant; it is inherently so, simply because it is God’s Word. And after all, how can anything God says be irrelevant?"
(By John MacArthur)
Check their site out http://www.sfpulpit.com/ It goes along with my series on basic bible interpretation.
"That’s a fashionable concern, judging from the trends in devotional booklets, home Bible study discussions, Sunday-school literature, and most popular preaching.
The question of what Scripture means has taken a back seat to the issue of what it means “to me.”
The difference may seem insignificant at first. Nevertheless, our obsession with the Scripture’s applicability reflects a fundamental weakness. We have adopted practicality as the ultimate judge of the worth of God’s Word. We bury ourselves in passages that overtly relate to daily living, and ignore those that don’t.
Early in my ministry, I made a conscious commitment to biblical preaching. My first priority has always been to answer the question, “What does this passage mean?” After I’ve explained as clearly and accurately as possible the meaning of God’s Word, then I exhort people to obey and apply it to their own lives.
The Bible speaks for itself to the human heart; it is not my role as a preacher to try to tailor the message. That’s why I preach my way through entire books of the Bible, dealing carefully with each verse and phrase–even though that occasionally means spending time in passages that don’t readily lend themselves to anecdotal or motivational messages.
I am grateful to the Lord for the way He has used this expository approach in our church and in the lives of our radio listeners.
But now and then someone tells me frankly that my preaching needs to be less doctrinal and more practical.
Practical application is vital. I don’t want to minimize its importance. But the distinction between doctrinal and practical truth is artificial; doctrine is practical! In fact, nothing is more practical than sound doctrine.
Too many Christians view doctrine as heady and theoretical. They have dismissed doctrinal passages as unimportant, divisive, threatening, or simply impractical. A best-selling Christian book I just read warns readers to be on guard against preachers whose emphasis is on interpreting Scripture rather than applying it.
Wait a minute. Is that wise counsel? No it is not.
There is no danger of irrelevant doctrine; the real threat is an undoctrinal attempt at relevance. Application not based on solid interpretation has led Christians into all kinds of confusion.
No discipline is more sorely needed in the contemporary church than expositional biblical teaching. Too many have bought the lie that doctrine is something abstract and threatening, unrelated to daily life.
It is in vogue to substitute psychology and spoon-fed application for doctrinal substance, while demeaning theological and expositional ministry.
But the pastor who turns away from preaching sound doctrine abdicates the primary responsibility of an elder: “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).
Practical insights, gimmicks, and illustrations mean little if they’re not attached to divine principles. There’s no basis for godly behavior apart from the truth of God’s Word.
There are only three options: We teach truth, error, or nothing at all.
Before the preacher asks anyone to perform a certain duty, he must first deal with doctrine. He must develop his message around theological themes and draw out the principles of the texts. Then the truth can be applied.
Romans provides the clearest biblical example. Paul didn’t give any exhortation until he had given eleven chapters of theology.
He scaled incredible heights of truth, culminating in 11:33-36: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given Him that it might be paid back to Him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
Then in chapter 12, he turned immediately to the practical consequences of the doctrine of the first 11 chapters. No passage in Scripture captures the Christian’s responsibility to the truth more clearly than Romans 12:1-2. There, building on eleven chapters of profound doctrine, Paul calls each believer to a supreme act of spiritual worship–giving oneself as a living sacrifice. Doctrine gives rise to dedication to Christ, the greatest practical act. And the remainder of the book of Romans goes on to explain the many practical outworkings of one’s dedication to Christ.
Paul followed the same pattern in Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 Thessalonians. The doctrinal message came first. Upon that foundation he built the practical application, making the logical connection with the word therefore (Rom. 12:1; Gal. 5:1; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 2:1) or then (Col. 3:1; 1 Thess. 4:1).
True doctrine transforms behavior as it is woven into the fabric of everyday life. But it must be understood if it is to have its impact. The real challenge of the ministry is to dispense the truth clearly and accurately. Practical application comes easily by comparison.
No believer can apply truth he doesn’t know. Those who don’t understand what the Bible really says about marriage, divorce, family, child-rearing, discipline, money, debt, work, service to Christ, eternal rewards, helping the poor, caring for widows, respecting government, and other teachings won’t be able to apply it.
Those who don’t know what the Bible teaches about salvation cannot be saved. Those who don’t know what the Bible teaches about holiness are incapable of dealing with sin. Thus they are unable to live fully to their own blessedness and God’s glory.
The nucleus of all that is truly practical is sown up in the teaching of Scripture. We don’t make the Bible relevant; it is inherently so, simply because it is God’s Word. And after all, how can anything God says be irrelevant?"
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