C.J. Mahaney: Most of these guys are already in the process of preparing a sermon for this Sunday. If they were to meet with you for lunch, how would you counsel them about both the preparation process and the preaching event?
John Piper: The most important thing I want to say in answer to that question is this: There isn’t any technique to preaching. It is not a technique. It is not a profession that you go to a homiletics class to learn how to do. God is doing sermon preparation when your throat is blazing with yellow pustules and you have a fever and you feel like quitting. He is doing sermon preparation there. Don’t begrudge the seminary of suffering. Don’t begrudge the marriage difficulties. Don’t begrudge the parental stuff that is so hard. He is making you a preacher. He is making you a pastor. So the main preparation work is walking with him through it all, and going deep with him, and being there and not running away from it into endless food or television.
That would be a—very practical thing to do would be to get rid of your television so that you have some time, family time and reading time and reflection time, and basically keep your mind free from pornography. We were talking about this pornography thing over lunch the other day, and we who are 60 years old were reflecting on how difficult it was to get pornography when we were teenagers. The implication of that is that in my brain I have two pornographic images from my teen years. I found a Playboy in a Laundromat, and they were passing a really weird book around in the locker room one day. I remember both images like I saw them yesterday. Most of you have a thousand images in your brain. That really makes sermon preparation hard, but not impossible. He died to purify our conscience, although you make your job a lot harder if you keep going to that cesspool. …Keep your minds from being contaminated, because the preparation moment is a heart/mind thing in which every three minutes you are crying out to the Lord as you are reading your text in Greek or Hebrew or English. You are reading it and you are saying, “God, please. I have got to have a word. I have got to have a word for my people. Let me see what is really here.” That is a prayer for the mind part. My points must be here in the text. I can’t make this up. My people have to see it. I have to see it. I don’t want to pull rank on these folks by quoting Greek—and they say, “I don’t see that,” and I say, “Well, believe me it is there.” I don’t want to do that. I want them to see what is really there, so I need to see what is really there. So I am pleading with the Lord, “Show me what is there.”And then I am pleading just as strong, “Help me to feel what is there. If it is a horrible thing, help me to feel horrible. If it is a beautiful thing, help me to feel thrilled over its beauty. Bring this dead heart into some kind of conformity—moral, affectual conformity to what is really there.”Those are my two kinds of prayers, light and heat. If you try to work it up without the Holy Spirit giving it, people will know. They will know. Your people will know sooner or later. “I don’t think that was a real affection. That was planned.”So there are a thousand details I could say about the preparation moment as far as poking at the text, but the preaching moment is the same. You plead with the Lord. I do APTAT, before I stand up. A—I admit, O Lord, that I can do nothing of any lasting value.P—I pray for self forgetfulness, for fullness of the Holy Spirit, for love, for humility, for passion, for zeal, for prophetic utterance that may come to my mind while I am preaching so that I can say things that I hadn’t prepared that might penetrate where nothing else would. T—I trust a particular promise from the Lord that I have found in my devotions early in the morning. So today I read Deborah’s song in Judges 5 as well as Psalm 84 between 6:30 and 7:00 this morning, and pointed out a verse to Mark as we were sitting there. “Oh my soul, ride on in strength.” That was my word this morning. The Lord gave a word from his Word this morning: “Ride on in strength.” So I take that. That’s my T: trust. So as I am walking up, I am saying, “This is your work. It has come. Don’t leave me here. You have got to do something here. I am counting on you.”And he is saying, “I got this under control.” He is God.A—Then you act. You have got to do it. It is your hands that are moving. It is your voice that is moving. You have got to do this. Walking by the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit, being led by the Spirit, bearing the fruits of the Spirit is a mystery. “I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10, ESV). That is the mystery. So sermon preparation is: You put out when you are preparing and when you are preaching.
You put out, but if you have prayed and done APTAT and God is merciful, you won’t be putting out. He will be putting out. T—Thank God. And when you have acted and you go sit down, you thank him. He is going to do, and is doing what he is going to do, and he regularly does more than you think he does. I don’t think after 28 years of preaching that I can correlate with any degree of confidence my sense of effectiveness in the moment and the true effectiveness of the moment. I don’t know any keys to know how to correlate those two. This keeps me from being too excited or too depressed. The Lord will be sure to put me in my place if I do the one and lift me up if I do the other, because he said, “I am working out there in ways you can’t make happen at all. You thought that was a good thing to say? That wasn’t it. You missed it. That wasn’t what did it. This thing over here that you didn’t even know I gave you did it, and you will find out in heaven that that happened.”
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Biblical Womanhood document
Check out this new document http://www.truewoman.com/assets/files/TW08_Manifesto.pdf
that supports Biblical womanhood.
that supports Biblical womanhood.
KOLSTAD Vacation to the Dells
This was really our first family vacation of the year and we praise God for this "time away." My younger brother Jordan was able to join us on this road trip to the Dells via Madison. It had been over 15 years since my last trip to Wi Dells. The last time i went to the Dells i was the child enjoying vacation with my parents and siblings. I am grateful for God's kindness in giving my my own family to love and to shepherd.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Should Christian parents continue to spank there children?
Should Christian parents continue to spank there precious kids? Al Mohler helps answer this question with Biblical precision here
Here is his conclusion but read the whole article here http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=2609
Christian parents have a special stake in this controversy, because the Bible speaks so directly to the use of corporal punishment and the necessity of disciplining disobedient children. Furthermore, Christian parents should feel a shiver go down the spine when the United Nations is invoked as the moral authority.
Professor Kazdin's article also reminds us of the limitations of science and the inadequacy of scientism as a worldview. There is no such authority as "the science," and the contradictory debris of now outdated scientific theories and "findings" should be sufficient and persuasive evidence of that fact.
I do agree with Professor Kazdin on this major point: "The typical parent, when whacking a misbehaving child, doesn't pause to wonder: 'What does science have to say about the efficacy of corporal punishment?'"
Perhaps some smart child will keep Professor Kazdin's article at hand, to be pulled out the next time mom or dad decides to spank. Nice try kid, but I wouldn't count on that working, either.
Here is his conclusion but read the whole article here http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=2609
Christian parents have a special stake in this controversy, because the Bible speaks so directly to the use of corporal punishment and the necessity of disciplining disobedient children. Furthermore, Christian parents should feel a shiver go down the spine when the United Nations is invoked as the moral authority.
Professor Kazdin's article also reminds us of the limitations of science and the inadequacy of scientism as a worldview. There is no such authority as "the science," and the contradictory debris of now outdated scientific theories and "findings" should be sufficient and persuasive evidence of that fact.
I do agree with Professor Kazdin on this major point: "The typical parent, when whacking a misbehaving child, doesn't pause to wonder: 'What does science have to say about the efficacy of corporal punishment?'"
Perhaps some smart child will keep Professor Kazdin's article at hand, to be pulled out the next time mom or dad decides to spank. Nice try kid, but I wouldn't count on that working, either.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Why Expository Preaching
My friend Matt Waymeyer posted this at my other group blog site http://expositorythoughts.wordpress.com/ This is great stuff!"
Once a pastor has committed himself to the faithful exposition of God’s Word—often known as expository preaching—he is faced with the question of what exactly to preach on a weekly basis. The Word of God, of course, but which specific passages? There are three basic approaches a preacher can follow. First, he can select a different passage every week, with each passage having little or no relationship to the previous one. In this way, each passage would be handled in an expository fashion, but there would be no deliberate flow or cohesiveness from one week to the next. For example, he might preach Ephesians 5:22-24 the first week, Psalm 119:9-16 the second week, Mark 10:13-16 the third week, and so on. You might call this random exposition. Second, he can select a group of passages, each of which deal with the same topic or theme, and then preach them week after week until the series is completed. For example, he could do a series on having a biblical view of God’s Word by preaching Psalm 19:7-11 the first week, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 the second week, 1 Peter 2:1-3 the third week, etc., until he is ready to move on to the next series. You could call this thematic exposition. There is a third approach, however, which I believe is the best option for the preacher who is in the pulpit on a regular basis, and that is consecutive exposition. Put simply, consecutive exposition consists of preaching verse-by-verse through entire books of the Bible. On Sunday mornings I have most recently preached through the entirety of Philippians and Habakkuk, and I am currently preaching through 1 Peter. Last week I preached 1 Peter 2:4-8, this Sunday I will preach 1 Peter 2:9-10, followed by 1 Peter 2:11-12 the next week, and so on. When I complete 1 Peter, I may take a few weeks to do some “stand-alone” messages—or even a brief series of thematic exposition—but sooner than later I will start again on the very first verse of a new book. This is consecutive exposition. All things being equal, I highly recommend this as the primary approach for a pastor to take. There may be strategic times to step back from a book study, but I believe there are the most advantages to consistent consecutive exposition. Why do I say that?
For several reasons, most of which I have probably borrowed from others, but here they are:1. It introduces the congregation to a wide range of Scripture.
2. It ensures that infrequently traveled areas of Scripture are covered.
3. It increases the probability of accurate interpretation.
4. It cultivates sound habits of personal Bible study in the congregation.
5. It saves the preacher time on:
A. selecting the next passage
B. planning the next series
C. studying the historical background and literary context of the next passage
6. It enables the preacher to plan ahead with ease.
7. It prevents the preacher from:
A. constantly gravitating toward favorite passages or themes
B. avoiding passages that are difficult to interpret
C. avoiding passages that confront his beliefs or lifestyle
D. targeting the sin of specific individuals in the congregation
E. using the pulpit to battle theological opponents in the church
8. It provides opportunity for both the preacher and the congregation to see that all of Scripture is indeed profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, even those passages which don’t initially seem relevant to their lives."
By Matt Waymeyer
Once a pastor has committed himself to the faithful exposition of God’s Word—often known as expository preaching—he is faced with the question of what exactly to preach on a weekly basis. The Word of God, of course, but which specific passages? There are three basic approaches a preacher can follow. First, he can select a different passage every week, with each passage having little or no relationship to the previous one. In this way, each passage would be handled in an expository fashion, but there would be no deliberate flow or cohesiveness from one week to the next. For example, he might preach Ephesians 5:22-24 the first week, Psalm 119:9-16 the second week, Mark 10:13-16 the third week, and so on. You might call this random exposition. Second, he can select a group of passages, each of which deal with the same topic or theme, and then preach them week after week until the series is completed. For example, he could do a series on having a biblical view of God’s Word by preaching Psalm 19:7-11 the first week, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 the second week, 1 Peter 2:1-3 the third week, etc., until he is ready to move on to the next series. You could call this thematic exposition. There is a third approach, however, which I believe is the best option for the preacher who is in the pulpit on a regular basis, and that is consecutive exposition. Put simply, consecutive exposition consists of preaching verse-by-verse through entire books of the Bible. On Sunday mornings I have most recently preached through the entirety of Philippians and Habakkuk, and I am currently preaching through 1 Peter. Last week I preached 1 Peter 2:4-8, this Sunday I will preach 1 Peter 2:9-10, followed by 1 Peter 2:11-12 the next week, and so on. When I complete 1 Peter, I may take a few weeks to do some “stand-alone” messages—or even a brief series of thematic exposition—but sooner than later I will start again on the very first verse of a new book. This is consecutive exposition. All things being equal, I highly recommend this as the primary approach for a pastor to take. There may be strategic times to step back from a book study, but I believe there are the most advantages to consistent consecutive exposition. Why do I say that?
For several reasons, most of which I have probably borrowed from others, but here they are:1. It introduces the congregation to a wide range of Scripture.
2. It ensures that infrequently traveled areas of Scripture are covered.
3. It increases the probability of accurate interpretation.
4. It cultivates sound habits of personal Bible study in the congregation.
5. It saves the preacher time on:
A. selecting the next passage
B. planning the next series
C. studying the historical background and literary context of the next passage
6. It enables the preacher to plan ahead with ease.
7. It prevents the preacher from:
A. constantly gravitating toward favorite passages or themes
B. avoiding passages that are difficult to interpret
C. avoiding passages that confront his beliefs or lifestyle
D. targeting the sin of specific individuals in the congregation
E. using the pulpit to battle theological opponents in the church
8. It provides opportunity for both the preacher and the congregation to see that all of Scripture is indeed profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, even those passages which don’t initially seem relevant to their lives."
By Matt Waymeyer
Friday, September 19, 2008
Phil Johnson on "labels"
Taken from the blog http://teampyro.blogspot.com/
Phil Johnson writes, "I wholeheartedly agree that dismissive labels are not valid substitutes for sound arguments, and I do try to write accordingly.On the other hand, labels can be valid shorthand in cases where the supportive argumentation is already well established.The postmodern antipathy for any and all labels is patently unreasonable. If a Jehovah's Witness comes to my door claiming that Jesus isn't eternally God but the highest of all created beings and a kind of "god," it is perfectly appropriate for me to label his view Arianism and refer him to the lessons of historical theology for an answer to his heresy. Magnanimity doesn't oblige me to seriously consider his error anew just because he himself doesn't call it "Arianism."To the degree that today's Open Theists have espoused Socinian or neo-Socinian notions, it is perfectly legitimate to label their ideas accordingly. In some cases, those ideas deserve to be dismissed with extreme prejudice.If someone seriously does not understand why Socinian tendencies have always been destructive to the church, or why a particular tenet of Socinianism is wrong, or why in the world anyone would label some of the postmodern ideas about the atonement "neo-Socinianism"—just ask, and I will be happy to try to explain why I have employed a certain label, show why the error I've applied the label to is a dangerous idea, or otherwise make whatever argument you feel has been missed.But if there is a new postmodern rule about "politeness" that in effect forbids us from ever pointing out that certain aberrant theological notions have already been decisively consigned to the dustbin of heterodoxy by the unanimous consensus of Protestant and evangelical history, I did not get that memo.And if we're now required by the manners-police to drop all our prior objections to serious errors like Pelagianism, eschew all labels, and give serious consideration to every new denial of Original Sin—just because the architects of post-modern theological folly want to call their views something other than "Pelagianism"—then I'm warning you right now: you're not going to think I'm playing nice."
Phil Johnson writes, "I wholeheartedly agree that dismissive labels are not valid substitutes for sound arguments, and I do try to write accordingly.On the other hand, labels can be valid shorthand in cases where the supportive argumentation is already well established.The postmodern antipathy for any and all labels is patently unreasonable. If a Jehovah's Witness comes to my door claiming that Jesus isn't eternally God but the highest of all created beings and a kind of "god," it is perfectly appropriate for me to label his view Arianism and refer him to the lessons of historical theology for an answer to his heresy. Magnanimity doesn't oblige me to seriously consider his error anew just because he himself doesn't call it "Arianism."To the degree that today's Open Theists have espoused Socinian or neo-Socinian notions, it is perfectly legitimate to label their ideas accordingly. In some cases, those ideas deserve to be dismissed with extreme prejudice.If someone seriously does not understand why Socinian tendencies have always been destructive to the church, or why a particular tenet of Socinianism is wrong, or why in the world anyone would label some of the postmodern ideas about the atonement "neo-Socinianism"—just ask, and I will be happy to try to explain why I have employed a certain label, show why the error I've applied the label to is a dangerous idea, or otherwise make whatever argument you feel has been missed.But if there is a new postmodern rule about "politeness" that in effect forbids us from ever pointing out that certain aberrant theological notions have already been decisively consigned to the dustbin of heterodoxy by the unanimous consensus of Protestant and evangelical history, I did not get that memo.And if we're now required by the manners-police to drop all our prior objections to serious errors like Pelagianism, eschew all labels, and give serious consideration to every new denial of Original Sin—just because the architects of post-modern theological folly want to call their views something other than "Pelagianism"—then I'm warning you right now: you're not going to think I'm playing nice."
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
John Piper, Mark Driscoll, and Harsh Language
Check out my friend Nate Busenitz's post on John Piper, Mark Driscoll, and Harsh Language
"It was June 15, 2000—just over eight years ago—when James Montgomery Boice entered his heavenly rest. That same day marked the beginning of that year’s Ligonier National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The theme was “Upsetting the World” and the speakers included an all-star line up as men like R.C. Sproul, John Piper, Sinclair Ferguson, Douglas Wilson and Al Mohler addressed those in attendance. By all accounts, it was a uniquely emotion-filled conference, and understandably so. One of evangelicalism’s foremost pastors, scholars, and statesmen had just gone home to heaven.
During the conference, in the first Q&A session, a memorable interchange took place between two of the keynote speakers. The first, Doug Wilson (whose magazine Credenda Agenda is known for its sharp wit and biting commentary), was asked to defend the sarcastic rhetoric that characterized his ministry. Wilson responded by pointing to how Christ used language to confront the Pharisees, contending that because Christ used “sarcasm” and “biting cultural criticism” we should too, since “we are called to imitate Christ in all that He does.” (Wilson also noted the polemic of the Old Testament prophets, suggesting that a similar polemic should be used by pastors today.)
The second, John Piper, disagreed; and he did not hesitate to offer a rebuttal. Graciously but firmly he warned Wilson of the dangers that come with an over-fondness for sarcasm...http://www.sfpulpit.com/"
"It was June 15, 2000—just over eight years ago—when James Montgomery Boice entered his heavenly rest. That same day marked the beginning of that year’s Ligonier National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The theme was “Upsetting the World” and the speakers included an all-star line up as men like R.C. Sproul, John Piper, Sinclair Ferguson, Douglas Wilson and Al Mohler addressed those in attendance. By all accounts, it was a uniquely emotion-filled conference, and understandably so. One of evangelicalism’s foremost pastors, scholars, and statesmen had just gone home to heaven.
During the conference, in the first Q&A session, a memorable interchange took place between two of the keynote speakers. The first, Doug Wilson (whose magazine Credenda Agenda is known for its sharp wit and biting commentary), was asked to defend the sarcastic rhetoric that characterized his ministry. Wilson responded by pointing to how Christ used language to confront the Pharisees, contending that because Christ used “sarcasm” and “biting cultural criticism” we should too, since “we are called to imitate Christ in all that He does.” (Wilson also noted the polemic of the Old Testament prophets, suggesting that a similar polemic should be used by pastors today.)
The second, John Piper, disagreed; and he did not hesitate to offer a rebuttal. Graciously but firmly he warned Wilson of the dangers that come with an over-fondness for sarcasm...http://www.sfpulpit.com/"
New worship CD review
I have recently enjoyed listening to a new worship album so much that i wanted to bring it to our readers attention. Patrick and Amy Fata helped lead the praise and worship time at my former home church in Indiana and they have just released another CD.
The CD is entitled “EXALTED LORD.” Eight out the ten songs were written by the musicians. In this regard they are a lot like Keith and Krysten Getty. The lyrics are God-centered and Biblical. I especially appreciate the seventh track that talks about glorifying the Lord in the midst of trials and difficulty.
The music is fresh and very enjoyable. You can listen to some of the songs for yourself before purchasing the CD at http://www.amyandpatrickfata.com/
“You’re the shining Light appearing to Saul, the fourth man in the fire. Creator, Rebuilder, You are the Justifier.
You’re the Sun of Righteousness with healing in your wings; the Lord of Lords, our blessed hope, the King of Kings.
Exalted Lord, reigning high, over earth, over sky;
Exalted King, on your throne, glorious grace and mercy shown.
Exalted Christ, crucified, defeating death to bring us life. Savior, Friend, so much more, exalted Lord.”
Lyrics from the song “Exalted Lord”
The ladies ministry at FBC, Freeport wanted to bring the Fata's up for their big outreach event but the dates just did not work out for both parties. I hope at some point to bring the Fata's to Freeport for a worship event. In the mean time check out the new CD.
The CD is entitled “EXALTED LORD.” Eight out the ten songs were written by the musicians. In this regard they are a lot like Keith and Krysten Getty. The lyrics are God-centered and Biblical. I especially appreciate the seventh track that talks about glorifying the Lord in the midst of trials and difficulty.
The music is fresh and very enjoyable. You can listen to some of the songs for yourself before purchasing the CD at http://www.amyandpatrickfata.com/
“You’re the shining Light appearing to Saul, the fourth man in the fire. Creator, Rebuilder, You are the Justifier.
You’re the Sun of Righteousness with healing in your wings; the Lord of Lords, our blessed hope, the King of Kings.
Exalted Lord, reigning high, over earth, over sky;
Exalted King, on your throne, glorious grace and mercy shown.
Exalted Christ, crucified, defeating death to bring us life. Savior, Friend, so much more, exalted Lord.”
Lyrics from the song “Exalted Lord”
The ladies ministry at FBC, Freeport wanted to bring the Fata's up for their big outreach event but the dates just did not work out for both parties. I hope at some point to bring the Fata's to Freeport for a worship event. In the mean time check out the new CD.
Monday, September 15, 2008
John Piper on reading Christian biographies
John Piper writes, "Hebrews 11 is a divine mandate to read Christian biography. The unmistakable implication of the chapter is that, if we hear about the faith of our forefathers (and mothers), we will "lay aside every weight and sin" and "run with perseverance the race that is set before us" (12:1). If we asked the author, "How shall we stir one another up to love and good works?" (10:24), his answer would be: "Through encouragement from the living (10:25) and the dead" (chap. 11). Christian biography is the means by which "body life" cuts across the generations.
This fellowship of the living and the dead is especially crucial for pastors. As leaders in the church we are supposed to have vision for the future. We are supposed to declare prophetically where our church should be going. We are supposed to inspire people with great possibilities.
Not that God can't give vision and direction and inspiration. But he also uses human agents to stir up his people.So the question for us pastors is: Through what human agents does God give us vision and direction and inspiration? For me,one of the most important answers has been great men and women of faith who, though dead, are yet speaking.
Christian biography, well chosen, combines all sorts of things pastors need but have so little time to pursue. Good biography is history and guards us against chronological snobbery (as C. S. Lewis calls it). It is also theology—the most powerful kind—because it burst forth from the lives of people like us. It is also adventure and suspense, for which we have a natural hunger. It is psychology and personal experience, which deepen our understanding of human nature (especially ourselves). Good biographies of great Christians make for remarkably efficient reading.
Since biography is its own best witness, let me tell a little of my own biographical encounter with biographies. Biographies have served as much as any other human force in my life to overcome the inertia of mediocrity. Without them I tend to forget what joy there is in relentless labor and aspiration. I have devoted more time to the life of Jonathan Edwards (good biography of O. Winslow) than to any other non-biblical person. Before he was 20 years old Edwards wrote 70 resolutions which for years have fired my work. Number 6 was: "To live with all my might, while I do live." Number 11: "When I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder." Number 28: "To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same."
When I came to be pastor of Bethlehem I began to hunger for biographies to charge my pastoral batteries and give me guidance and encouragement. Since I believe very much in the pastor-theologian, I recalled not only Edwards but, of course, John Calvin (T. H. L. Parker has a small Portrait and a major biography).
How Calvin could work! After 1549 his special charge in Geneva was to preach twice on Sunday and once every day of alternate weeks. On Sunday, August 25, 1549, Calvin began to preach on Acts and continued weekly in that book until March 1554. On weekdays during this time, he preached through eight of the minor prophets as well as Daniel, Lamentations, and Ezekiel. But what amazes me is that between 1550 and 1559 he took 270 weddings.That's one every other week! He also baptized (about once a month), visited the sick, carried on extensive correspondence and sustained heavy organizational responsibilities.
When I look at Calvin and Edwards and their output, it is hard for me to feel self-pity at my few burdens. They inspire me to break out of mediocre plodding.
T. H. L. Parker (who, by the way, has spent most of his 40 years' ministry in country parishes) published a short study of Karl Barth in 1970 which I devoured in my middler year in seminary. It had a tremendous impact on me because of two simple sentences. One was:"That evening Barth began [writing] a pamphlet which he finished the next day, a Sunday [13,000 words in a day!]." I responded, "If neo-orthodoxy merits such phenomenal labor, how much more orthodoxy!"
The other sentence was, "Barth retired from his chair in Basel in March 1962 and so lost the stimulus provided by the need to give lectures." I wrote in the flap of the book, "Has greatness emerged from anything but pressure? If greatness is to be the servant of all, must we not be under authority, under demand, pushed, pressed?"
Recently I have been greatly encouraged in my own pastoral work by Warren Wiersbe's Walking with the Giants and Listening to the Giants. The main reason these mini-biographies have been helpful is seeing the sheer diversity of pastoral styles God has chosen to bless. There have been great and fruitful pastors whose preaching patterns, visitation habits, and personalities were so different that all of us may take courage."
For full article click here http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/1995/1562_Brothers_Read_Christian_Biography/
This fellowship of the living and the dead is especially crucial for pastors. As leaders in the church we are supposed to have vision for the future. We are supposed to declare prophetically where our church should be going. We are supposed to inspire people with great possibilities.
Not that God can't give vision and direction and inspiration. But he also uses human agents to stir up his people.So the question for us pastors is: Through what human agents does God give us vision and direction and inspiration? For me,one of the most important answers has been great men and women of faith who, though dead, are yet speaking.
Christian biography, well chosen, combines all sorts of things pastors need but have so little time to pursue. Good biography is history and guards us against chronological snobbery (as C. S. Lewis calls it). It is also theology—the most powerful kind—because it burst forth from the lives of people like us. It is also adventure and suspense, for which we have a natural hunger. It is psychology and personal experience, which deepen our understanding of human nature (especially ourselves). Good biographies of great Christians make for remarkably efficient reading.
Since biography is its own best witness, let me tell a little of my own biographical encounter with biographies. Biographies have served as much as any other human force in my life to overcome the inertia of mediocrity. Without them I tend to forget what joy there is in relentless labor and aspiration. I have devoted more time to the life of Jonathan Edwards (good biography of O. Winslow) than to any other non-biblical person. Before he was 20 years old Edwards wrote 70 resolutions which for years have fired my work. Number 6 was: "To live with all my might, while I do live." Number 11: "When I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder." Number 28: "To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same."
When I came to be pastor of Bethlehem I began to hunger for biographies to charge my pastoral batteries and give me guidance and encouragement. Since I believe very much in the pastor-theologian, I recalled not only Edwards but, of course, John Calvin (T. H. L. Parker has a small Portrait and a major biography).
How Calvin could work! After 1549 his special charge in Geneva was to preach twice on Sunday and once every day of alternate weeks. On Sunday, August 25, 1549, Calvin began to preach on Acts and continued weekly in that book until March 1554. On weekdays during this time, he preached through eight of the minor prophets as well as Daniel, Lamentations, and Ezekiel. But what amazes me is that between 1550 and 1559 he took 270 weddings.That's one every other week! He also baptized (about once a month), visited the sick, carried on extensive correspondence and sustained heavy organizational responsibilities.
When I look at Calvin and Edwards and their output, it is hard for me to feel self-pity at my few burdens. They inspire me to break out of mediocre plodding.
T. H. L. Parker (who, by the way, has spent most of his 40 years' ministry in country parishes) published a short study of Karl Barth in 1970 which I devoured in my middler year in seminary. It had a tremendous impact on me because of two simple sentences. One was:"That evening Barth began [writing] a pamphlet which he finished the next day, a Sunday [13,000 words in a day!]." I responded, "If neo-orthodoxy merits such phenomenal labor, how much more orthodoxy!"
The other sentence was, "Barth retired from his chair in Basel in March 1962 and so lost the stimulus provided by the need to give lectures." I wrote in the flap of the book, "Has greatness emerged from anything but pressure? If greatness is to be the servant of all, must we not be under authority, under demand, pushed, pressed?"
Recently I have been greatly encouraged in my own pastoral work by Warren Wiersbe's Walking with the Giants and Listening to the Giants. The main reason these mini-biographies have been helpful is seeing the sheer diversity of pastoral styles God has chosen to bless. There have been great and fruitful pastors whose preaching patterns, visitation habits, and personalities were so different that all of us may take courage."
For full article click here http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/1995/1562_Brothers_Read_Christian_Biography/
Friday, September 12, 2008
Christian heroes (pt 3)
Heroes of the Faith (pt 3)
As I mentioned in my last post this discussion is all about (biblical) balance. It is possible to idolize gifted teachers in a way that would shame the Giver of all good gifts. We must be very careful not to worship our heroes. At the same time, it is entirely appropriate to “honor” faithful servants of the Lord. I will argue in this essay that it also fitting to “imitate” faithful Christian leaders. We looked at 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 in my previous post. Don Carson summarized this section as follows: “1. Christian leaders are only servants of Christ and are not to be accorded allegiance reserved for God alone. 2. God cares about his church, and he hold its leaders accountable for how they build it.” The apostle Paul was not interested in dividing the Church. He gave his very life trying to unite the Church under the banner of Jesus Christ her Head. He did not want a bunch of Paul-groupies causing disunity in the Church. This is one of the reasons why he wrote 1 Corinthians 3:5-17.
Yet in this same epistle the apostle Paul called the Corinthians to “imitate” him as he followed Christ (1 Cor 11:1). Paul understood that he was a leader. Pastors are examples and role-models whether they want to be or not. Their can be no Charles Barkley pastors in the ministry (“I’m not a role-model, parents should be role-models”). Paul actually encouraged his readers to imitate his life on numerous occasions (1 Cor 4:16; 1 Thess. 1:6). One pastor puts it this way, “Spiritual leaders must set an example of Christlikeness for all to follow.” Hebrews 13:17 is pretty straightforward. In this passage of Scripture the author of Hebrews writes, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” The Greek work for “imitate” is mimeomai from mimos. Here we are told "to mimic" the lives of our own church leaders (those who are worthy of imitation of course). Of course in chapter 11 the author of Hebrews gave a number of illustrations of men and women who lived tremendous lives of faith. These godly heroes from the past should provide inspiration for all Christians (in the present).
Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” When I think of the Christian heroes I have (Spurgeon, Calvin, Whitefield, MacArthur, Piper, etc) I view them in these categories. Their faithfulness to God encourages me to live with the same type of consistency. Their commitment to the Word in the midst of great opposition is something I hope to imitate and mimic. Their love and passion for Christ is something that I too want to enjoy. Christian heroes, past and present, can help point us to Christ and motivate us all to live more faithful lives.
As I mentioned in my last post this discussion is all about (biblical) balance. It is possible to idolize gifted teachers in a way that would shame the Giver of all good gifts. We must be very careful not to worship our heroes. At the same time, it is entirely appropriate to “honor” faithful servants of the Lord. I will argue in this essay that it also fitting to “imitate” faithful Christian leaders. We looked at 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 in my previous post. Don Carson summarized this section as follows: “1. Christian leaders are only servants of Christ and are not to be accorded allegiance reserved for God alone. 2. God cares about his church, and he hold its leaders accountable for how they build it.” The apostle Paul was not interested in dividing the Church. He gave his very life trying to unite the Church under the banner of Jesus Christ her Head. He did not want a bunch of Paul-groupies causing disunity in the Church. This is one of the reasons why he wrote 1 Corinthians 3:5-17.
Yet in this same epistle the apostle Paul called the Corinthians to “imitate” him as he followed Christ (1 Cor 11:1). Paul understood that he was a leader. Pastors are examples and role-models whether they want to be or not. Their can be no Charles Barkley pastors in the ministry (“I’m not a role-model, parents should be role-models”). Paul actually encouraged his readers to imitate his life on numerous occasions (1 Cor 4:16; 1 Thess. 1:6). One pastor puts it this way, “Spiritual leaders must set an example of Christlikeness for all to follow.” Hebrews 13:17 is pretty straightforward. In this passage of Scripture the author of Hebrews writes, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” The Greek work for “imitate” is mimeomai from mimos. Here we are told "to mimic" the lives of our own church leaders (those who are worthy of imitation of course). Of course in chapter 11 the author of Hebrews gave a number of illustrations of men and women who lived tremendous lives of faith. These godly heroes from the past should provide inspiration for all Christians (in the present).
Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” When I think of the Christian heroes I have (Spurgeon, Calvin, Whitefield, MacArthur, Piper, etc) I view them in these categories. Their faithfulness to God encourages me to live with the same type of consistency. Their commitment to the Word in the midst of great opposition is something I hope to imitate and mimic. Their love and passion for Christ is something that I too want to enjoy. Christian heroes, past and present, can help point us to Christ and motivate us all to live more faithful lives.
Archives (pt 2) Christian role-models
Christian Role Models and Factionalism? (pt 2)
Our God is the creator of the universe. He’s made every single person in the universe different and unique. In other words, none of us are exactly like another human being. This diversity surely is an expression of the creative genius of God. God is glorified in Man’s creative differences. God has given all of us different talents, gifts, and abilities. When these “spiritual gifts” are used in the local church God is glorified and the body is edified. God has given believers a diversity of gifts for the unity of the body (1 Peter 4:10-11, 1 Cor 12-14). Of course, God has also given each of us different personalities, genetic make-ups, etc. so when two godly pastors preach on the same passage of Scripture it should not sound exactly the same (even when they apply the same hermeneutical principles with great exegetical skill).
It’s important to start here because some people try and imitate Christian leaders (from the past or present) and find themselves frustrated because they can’t duplicate them (at least not very well). Because of this reality some people say it is silly to try and imitate any Christian heroes (past or present). Others say trying “to imitate” or “model” another person shows an underlined attitude of discontentment (i.e. I wish I were made just like so and so). In my judgment this is a both/and deal NOT an either/or situation. Like in so many areas of life this is all about biblical balance.
The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians against the dangers of factions (read 1 Cor 3). The early Corinthian church was apparently divided over a number of different issues. One of these dividing issues was Christian leadership. Some were saying, ‘I am of Apollos,’ while others declared, ‘Apollos is so ignorant of the Apostles writings, I am of Cephas;” while still others proclaimed, ‘You fools I was trained by our founding father, the great apostle Paul.” D.A. Carson summarizes 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 very well. He writes, “Two truths can be simply set out: 1. Christian leaders are only servants of Christ and are not to be accorded allegiance reserved for God alone. 2. God cares about his church, and he hold its leaders accountable for how they build it.”We can learn a lot from these two points. Every man, woman, and child is nothing apart from the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10). When God saves us we have the great privilege of being servants of the Master, fools for Christ, children of God. Martin Luther, John Wesley, and Sinclair Ferguson (to name just a few notable churchmen) are only “servants of Christ and are not accorded allegiance reserved for God alone.” We must be very careful not to worship our heroes. One pastor puts it this way, ‘the best of men are still men at best.” Ultimately glory, praise, and honor is only due God (1 Tim 6:16).
Yet the Bible ALSO tells us to “honor” a variety of people and (God ordained) positions. Generally, we are told to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). We are commanded to honor our father and mother (Matt 19:9); Honor widows who are truly widows (1 Tim 5:3); Honor elders who labor hard in the Word (1 Tim 5:17); Honor our human masters (1 Tim 6:1); Honor the king and all men (1 Pet 2:17); and honor our wives (1 Peter 3:7). It would be entirely appropriate then to “honor” and “esteem” faithful Christian ministers (see 1 Thess 5:12-13).
Carson goes on to say in his book The Cross and Christian Ministry, “It is not that gratitude to Paul or Apollos or some other worker is inappropriate. Rather what Paul finds inexcusable is the kind of fawning and defensive attachment to one particular leader that results in one-upmanship, quarreling, and jealousy. Implicitly, such allegiance is making too much of one person. It verges on assigning that person godlike status…No Christian leader is to be venerated or listed to or adulated with the kind of allegiance and devotion properly reserved for God alone.” Much more could be said about this passage but I will save those thoughts for my next post.
Our God is the creator of the universe. He’s made every single person in the universe different and unique. In other words, none of us are exactly like another human being. This diversity surely is an expression of the creative genius of God. God is glorified in Man’s creative differences. God has given all of us different talents, gifts, and abilities. When these “spiritual gifts” are used in the local church God is glorified and the body is edified. God has given believers a diversity of gifts for the unity of the body (1 Peter 4:10-11, 1 Cor 12-14). Of course, God has also given each of us different personalities, genetic make-ups, etc. so when two godly pastors preach on the same passage of Scripture it should not sound exactly the same (even when they apply the same hermeneutical principles with great exegetical skill).
It’s important to start here because some people try and imitate Christian leaders (from the past or present) and find themselves frustrated because they can’t duplicate them (at least not very well). Because of this reality some people say it is silly to try and imitate any Christian heroes (past or present). Others say trying “to imitate” or “model” another person shows an underlined attitude of discontentment (i.e. I wish I were made just like so and so). In my judgment this is a both/and deal NOT an either/or situation. Like in so many areas of life this is all about biblical balance.
The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians against the dangers of factions (read 1 Cor 3). The early Corinthian church was apparently divided over a number of different issues. One of these dividing issues was Christian leadership. Some were saying, ‘I am of Apollos,’ while others declared, ‘Apollos is so ignorant of the Apostles writings, I am of Cephas;” while still others proclaimed, ‘You fools I was trained by our founding father, the great apostle Paul.” D.A. Carson summarizes 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 very well. He writes, “Two truths can be simply set out: 1. Christian leaders are only servants of Christ and are not to be accorded allegiance reserved for God alone. 2. God cares about his church, and he hold its leaders accountable for how they build it.”We can learn a lot from these two points. Every man, woman, and child is nothing apart from the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10). When God saves us we have the great privilege of being servants of the Master, fools for Christ, children of God. Martin Luther, John Wesley, and Sinclair Ferguson (to name just a few notable churchmen) are only “servants of Christ and are not accorded allegiance reserved for God alone.” We must be very careful not to worship our heroes. One pastor puts it this way, ‘the best of men are still men at best.” Ultimately glory, praise, and honor is only due God (1 Tim 6:16).
Yet the Bible ALSO tells us to “honor” a variety of people and (God ordained) positions. Generally, we are told to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). We are commanded to honor our father and mother (Matt 19:9); Honor widows who are truly widows (1 Tim 5:3); Honor elders who labor hard in the Word (1 Tim 5:17); Honor our human masters (1 Tim 6:1); Honor the king and all men (1 Pet 2:17); and honor our wives (1 Peter 3:7). It would be entirely appropriate then to “honor” and “esteem” faithful Christian ministers (see 1 Thess 5:12-13).
Carson goes on to say in his book The Cross and Christian Ministry, “It is not that gratitude to Paul or Apollos or some other worker is inappropriate. Rather what Paul finds inexcusable is the kind of fawning and defensive attachment to one particular leader that results in one-upmanship, quarreling, and jealousy. Implicitly, such allegiance is making too much of one person. It verges on assigning that person godlike status…No Christian leader is to be venerated or listed to or adulated with the kind of allegiance and devotion properly reserved for God alone.” Much more could be said about this passage but I will save those thoughts for my next post.
From the preacher boy archive... Christian Heroes
Is it Idolatrous to have Christian Heroes?
If you were to enter my pastoral office at work you would quickly notice two things. 1. The massive bookshelves that surround my office; and 2. The pictures of Christian preachers (past and present) that look over my shoulder on my office walls. As a young minister I often look to the past to find Christian inspiration. I love reading about the legacies of the former “giants of the faith”. Godly men like George Whitefield, John Calvin, John Knox, and Charles Spurgeon (all of whom grace my walls). These men are heroes of mine for a variety of reasons. These believers were solely dedicated to the Word of God; men who gave their very lives for the gospel. Leaders who did not compromise even when it cost them dearly. Powerful Bible preachers and in many regards wonderful Christian role models. These men loved their Savior and lived for his approval. In my estimation they were Hebrews 11 type people.
There are also many modern day preachers who I greatly respect and admire. For this reason I have an autographed picture of my former pastor (John MacArthur), a small cut out picture of D Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and a small picture of Al Mohler on my wall. I attended Grace Community Church for close to 13 years so obviously John MacArthur’s preaching ministry is near and dear my heart. He was my pastor for many years as well as the President of the two institutions I graduated from (TMC and TMS). Lloyd-Jones was a tremendous leader and a fantastic preacher, while Al Mohler is modern day reformer. I have great admiration and respect for all the pastor-preachers who grace my pastoral walls.
In some ways they keep me accountable and humble. They encourage me to persevere and remain steadfast in my ministerial calling. They remind me that nothing matters more than God's gospel. There is clearly a major “famine in the land” when it comes to great expository preaching that is both exegetical (i.e. deep), God-centered, Christ-exulting, and clear. Well-known preachers like John Piper, Mark Dever, R.C Sproul, John MacArthur, Al Mohler, Don Carson, and Alistair Begg are exceptions to this trend. Of course there are many "lesser-known ministers" who faithfully serve God. Men who are equally committed to this method/model of ministry/preaching (Paul Lamey, Kirk Welch, Jerry Wragg are a few examples).
The questions I want to ask and answer are ones that I hear quite frequently these days: Is it wrong to have a modern day or ancient Christian heroes? Is it sinful to talk about having a favorite preacher (past or present)? Does all this “hero worship” inevitably lead to idolatry, human kingdom building, and/or divisive Christian factions? Are Piper-ites and MacArthur-ites and Begg-ites guilty of unbiblical factionalism (note 1 Corinthians 3)? Is it wrong to have pictures of sinners saved by grace on your wall? These are some of the questions I hope to tackle during my upcoming posts. Please be patient as it will take some time to develop and answer all these questions fairly.
If you were to enter my pastoral office at work you would quickly notice two things. 1. The massive bookshelves that surround my office; and 2. The pictures of Christian preachers (past and present) that look over my shoulder on my office walls. As a young minister I often look to the past to find Christian inspiration. I love reading about the legacies of the former “giants of the faith”. Godly men like George Whitefield, John Calvin, John Knox, and Charles Spurgeon (all of whom grace my walls). These men are heroes of mine for a variety of reasons. These believers were solely dedicated to the Word of God; men who gave their very lives for the gospel. Leaders who did not compromise even when it cost them dearly. Powerful Bible preachers and in many regards wonderful Christian role models. These men loved their Savior and lived for his approval. In my estimation they were Hebrews 11 type people.
There are also many modern day preachers who I greatly respect and admire. For this reason I have an autographed picture of my former pastor (John MacArthur), a small cut out picture of D Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and a small picture of Al Mohler on my wall. I attended Grace Community Church for close to 13 years so obviously John MacArthur’s preaching ministry is near and dear my heart. He was my pastor for many years as well as the President of the two institutions I graduated from (TMC and TMS). Lloyd-Jones was a tremendous leader and a fantastic preacher, while Al Mohler is modern day reformer. I have great admiration and respect for all the pastor-preachers who grace my pastoral walls.
In some ways they keep me accountable and humble. They encourage me to persevere and remain steadfast in my ministerial calling. They remind me that nothing matters more than God's gospel. There is clearly a major “famine in the land” when it comes to great expository preaching that is both exegetical (i.e. deep), God-centered, Christ-exulting, and clear. Well-known preachers like John Piper, Mark Dever, R.C Sproul, John MacArthur, Al Mohler, Don Carson, and Alistair Begg are exceptions to this trend. Of course there are many "lesser-known ministers" who faithfully serve God. Men who are equally committed to this method/model of ministry/preaching (Paul Lamey, Kirk Welch, Jerry Wragg are a few examples).
The questions I want to ask and answer are ones that I hear quite frequently these days: Is it wrong to have a modern day or ancient Christian heroes? Is it sinful to talk about having a favorite preacher (past or present)? Does all this “hero worship” inevitably lead to idolatry, human kingdom building, and/or divisive Christian factions? Are Piper-ites and MacArthur-ites and Begg-ites guilty of unbiblical factionalism (note 1 Corinthians 3)? Is it wrong to have pictures of sinners saved by grace on your wall? These are some of the questions I hope to tackle during my upcoming posts. Please be patient as it will take some time to develop and answer all these questions fairly.
O Canada — is that where we're headed? (Abortion)
Read Pryo's excellent blog spot here http://teampyro.blogspot.com/ September 12, 2008.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Postmodern theology
My friend at Expository Thoughts posted this...
In an interview yesterday on “Meet the Press,” Roman Catholic Joseph Biden said this about the abortion issue: “I’m prepared as a matter of faith to accept that life begins at the moment of conception. But that is my judgment. For me to impose that judgment on everyone else who is equally and maybe even more devout than I am seems to me is inappropriate in a pluralistic society.”
Can you imagine someone saying this about slavery in the 19th century? “I’m prepared as a matter of faith to accept that black people are created equal and should have the same rights as everyone else. But that is my judgment. For me to impose that judgment on everyone else who is equally and maybe even more devout than I am seems to me is inappropriate in a pluralistic society.”
In an interview yesterday on “Meet the Press,” Roman Catholic Joseph Biden said this about the abortion issue: “I’m prepared as a matter of faith to accept that life begins at the moment of conception. But that is my judgment. For me to impose that judgment on everyone else who is equally and maybe even more devout than I am seems to me is inappropriate in a pluralistic society.”
Can you imagine someone saying this about slavery in the 19th century? “I’m prepared as a matter of faith to accept that black people are created equal and should have the same rights as everyone else. But that is my judgment. For me to impose that judgment on everyone else who is equally and maybe even more devout than I am seems to me is inappropriate in a pluralistic society.”
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Bears rough up Manning
Well i did not think they would do it but they did. I only wish i was still in Indy to cherish the Bears dominating win over the Colts. It is always a fun to watch Manning cry. (I think Tom Brady almost topped Mannings game numbers in 1 series).
Now all we have to do this season is beat Green Bay!!!
Now all we have to do this season is beat Green Bay!!!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Responding to the newspaper
John Piper is a good example of how to interact with the local community. I tried to follow his example today when i wrote a comment in reply to this article http://www.journalstandard.com/lifestyle/x144228860/Homosexuality-Seminar-examines-sexuality-issue-in-the-church-Bible
The article begins this way, "Donnley Dutcher, pastor of St. John United Church of Christ, is going to present a seminar on “Homosexuality in the Church – A biblical education event showing an open way to do church.” Dutcher said he wrestled with the question of where homosexuality fit in the church more than 30 years ago. This led him to read a book called “Jonathan Loved David” by Tom Horner, which discusses homosexuality in a historical and biblical manner."
Here is how i responded via email to the editor.
Pastor Dutcher is correct in calling Christians back to the Scriptures with regards to the topic of homosexuality. Human tradition should never trump God’s final authority the Word of God. The Christian church is made up of redeemed sinners who have been saved by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:1-10, Galatians 3:10-11, Romans 3:23). Those who have experienced the saving grace of God in their lives should not look down upon others in a self-righteous, condescending way (Luke 18:9-14); after all, but for the grace of God their go you and I.
As a fellow pastor I could not disagree with Pastor Dutcher’s conclusions more. In fact I’m reminded of the words of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! The Old and New Testament Scriptures are crystal clear with regards to the sin of homosexuality. If repentance (turning from sin to God) is a necessary part of genuine saving faith (Luke 13) than it is imperative that what God labels as sin is rightly described for what it is.
One of the most encouraging passages of Scripture is 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Paul writes, Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, or thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. The early Christian church was not much different than the Christian church of today. Paul says, using a past tense verb, and such were some of you. In other words, the cross of Christ has freed us from our enslavement to various habitual, life dominating sins. Let us rejoice again in the saving power of Christ and in the tender mercies of our heavenly Father.
Humbly submitted,
Pastor Caleb Kolstad
Sr Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Freeport
The article begins this way, "Donnley Dutcher, pastor of St. John United Church of Christ, is going to present a seminar on “Homosexuality in the Church – A biblical education event showing an open way to do church.” Dutcher said he wrestled with the question of where homosexuality fit in the church more than 30 years ago. This led him to read a book called “Jonathan Loved David” by Tom Horner, which discusses homosexuality in a historical and biblical manner."
Here is how i responded via email to the editor.
Pastor Dutcher is correct in calling Christians back to the Scriptures with regards to the topic of homosexuality. Human tradition should never trump God’s final authority the Word of God. The Christian church is made up of redeemed sinners who have been saved by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:1-10, Galatians 3:10-11, Romans 3:23). Those who have experienced the saving grace of God in their lives should not look down upon others in a self-righteous, condescending way (Luke 18:9-14); after all, but for the grace of God their go you and I.
As a fellow pastor I could not disagree with Pastor Dutcher’s conclusions more. In fact I’m reminded of the words of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! The Old and New Testament Scriptures are crystal clear with regards to the sin of homosexuality. If repentance (turning from sin to God) is a necessary part of genuine saving faith (Luke 13) than it is imperative that what God labels as sin is rightly described for what it is.
One of the most encouraging passages of Scripture is 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Paul writes, Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, or thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. The early Christian church was not much different than the Christian church of today. Paul says, using a past tense verb, and such were some of you. In other words, the cross of Christ has freed us from our enslavement to various habitual, life dominating sins. Let us rejoice again in the saving power of Christ and in the tender mercies of our heavenly Father.
Humbly submitted,
Pastor Caleb Kolstad
Sr Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Freeport
Monday, August 25, 2008
Felix claims gold
Check out the Olympic story here http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/olympics/bal-sp.olycaps24aug24,0,6376833.story
http://www.allysonfelix.com/home/index/
"After disappointing 200-meter loss, she helps U.S. run to 1,600 relay title
From Sun News Services
August 24, 2008
BEIJING - Her loss in the Olympic 200-meter final was not surprising if you looked at it dispassionately, not after the ups and downs runner Allyson Felix had all season. She accepted the silver medal Thursday night with her customary graciousness, saying it would be ungrateful to be unhappy over a prize so few people have.It was tearing Felix up inside."For two days after we got done crying after the race, she didn't talk to me," said her coach, Bob Kersee.He sent text messages. Felix responded with just two words: "I'm OK. "I was still grieving my 200," Felix said with a laugh. "To be able to have a second chance, to be able to come together with these girls was great."Felix was third, .62 of a second behind Russia, when she got the baton from Wineberg. She turned it over to Henderson with a lead of .25 of a second by running the fastest leg, 48.55 seconds, of anyone in the relay final."
http://www.allysonfelix.com/home/index/
"After disappointing 200-meter loss, she helps U.S. run to 1,600 relay title
From Sun News Services
August 24, 2008
BEIJING - Her loss in the Olympic 200-meter final was not surprising if you looked at it dispassionately, not after the ups and downs runner Allyson Felix had all season. She accepted the silver medal Thursday night with her customary graciousness, saying it would be ungrateful to be unhappy over a prize so few people have.It was tearing Felix up inside."For two days after we got done crying after the race, she didn't talk to me," said her coach, Bob Kersee.He sent text messages. Felix responded with just two words: "I'm OK. "I was still grieving my 200," Felix said with a laugh. "To be able to have a second chance, to be able to come together with these girls was great."Felix was third, .62 of a second behind Russia, when she got the baton from Wineberg. She turned it over to Henderson with a lead of .25 of a second by running the fastest leg, 48.55 seconds, of anyone in the relay final."
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Quote of the day
"Yao Ming...Is that Shawn Johnson's coach?"
Special thanks to Deb Bancroft for supplying us with this gold medal quote.
Special thanks to Deb Bancroft for supplying us with this gold medal quote.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Working on your preaching skills...
This fellow preacher offers some wise counsel here...
A Few Things I’m Working On In My Preaching
From http://unashamedworkman.wordpress.com/
August 13, 2008
"Obtaining
…the exegetical carefulness of Don Carson…
the expositional clarity of John Stott…
the assiduous attention to context of Dick Lucas…
the cross-referencing knowledge of John MacArthur…the ‘outlining’ skills of Warren Wiersbe…the doctrinal precision of RC Sproul…
the bible-critiquing-culture abilities of Al Mohler…
the delivery of James Montgomery Boice…
the vocabulary of R Kent Hughes…
the simple yet powerful illustrations of CH Spurgeon…
the winsome yet pointed humor of Alistair Begg…
the applicational focus of CJ Mahaney…
the apologetical ’side-bars’ of Tim Keller…
the sheer Scriptural coverage of Mark Dever…
the heart for the lost of George Whitefield…
the compassion for the flock of Charles Simeon…
the unbridled passion for God of John Piper…
the gravity of Doctor Martyn Lloyd Jones."
A Few Things I’m Working On In My Preaching
From http://unashamedworkman.wordpress.com/
August 13, 2008
"Obtaining
…the exegetical carefulness of Don Carson…
the expositional clarity of John Stott…
the assiduous attention to context of Dick Lucas…
the cross-referencing knowledge of John MacArthur…the ‘outlining’ skills of Warren Wiersbe…the doctrinal precision of RC Sproul…
the bible-critiquing-culture abilities of Al Mohler…
the delivery of James Montgomery Boice…
the vocabulary of R Kent Hughes…
the simple yet powerful illustrations of CH Spurgeon…
the winsome yet pointed humor of Alistair Begg…
the applicational focus of CJ Mahaney…
the apologetical ’side-bars’ of Tim Keller…
the sheer Scriptural coverage of Mark Dever…
the heart for the lost of George Whitefield…
the compassion for the flock of Charles Simeon…
the unbridled passion for God of John Piper…
the gravity of Doctor Martyn Lloyd Jones."
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Kolstad Family
Here is a picture of the Kolstad family! Keep us in your prayers. We thank God every day for the gift of life and for our family.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
FBC in the Newspaper
I never thought i would make the front page of the Newspaper but in God’s providence I did (yesterday). You can see the full article on line at http://www.journalstandard.com/homepage/x1600194089/Meet-your-Pastor-New-pastor-joins-First-Baptist-Church
Friday, August 08, 2008
Article on Billy Graham's theology
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51461
See also Iain Murray's book on "Evangelicalism Divided."
See also Iain Murray's book on "Evangelicalism Divided."
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Things a pastor isn't: The Minister
Dan Phillips has written a very helpful article on "Things a pastor isn't: The Minister."
The article begins this way, "It's common to refer to a pastor as "a minister," or "the minister." I'm sure many use it out of common usage or force of habit.However... is that an accurate distinctive title of a Biblically-faithful pastor? Is it a Biblical title?"
Click here for full story http://teampyro.blogspot.com/ Aug 1 2008
The article begins this way, "It's common to refer to a pastor as "a minister," or "the minister." I'm sure many use it out of common usage or force of habit.However... is that an accurate distinctive title of a Biblically-faithful pastor? Is it a Biblical title?"
Click here for full story http://teampyro.blogspot.com/ Aug 1 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Why Biblical Exposition?
On Sunday i continued my series on preaching. I covered a number of different texts but dealt primarily with 1 Tim 4:13ff. At the conclusion of my sermon I mentioned just a few of the reasons why Biblical preaching is so hard to come by these days (see below).
Biblical exposition will cease:
#1 When church growth becomes more important than spiritual growth (Eph 4:12, Col 1:28-29).
#2 When the community takes control of the pulpit (John 3:20).
#3 When people are big and God is small (Prov 29:25 vs 2 Tim 4:1)
#4 When uncalled men occupy the pulpit (1 Tim 3:1, 4:14).
#5 When undisciplined men fill the pulpit (2 Tim 2:15, 1 Tim 4).
Biblical exposition will cease:
#1 When church growth becomes more important than spiritual growth (Eph 4:12, Col 1:28-29).
#2 When the community takes control of the pulpit (John 3:20).
#3 When people are big and God is small (Prov 29:25 vs 2 Tim 4:1)
#4 When uncalled men occupy the pulpit (1 Tim 3:1, 4:14).
#5 When undisciplined men fill the pulpit (2 Tim 2:15, 1 Tim 4).
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Olympic hero
My wife and I will be cheering for one key member of team USA this year at the Olympic games, Allyson Felix. Allyson's dad is a seminary professor at The Master's Seminary (my alumni school). The Felix family loves the Lord and have wonderful testimonies. Make sure to pray for Allyson and to cheer her on this summer!
Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWJYYiqiEt4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2pCkYvot0s&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DFC9sUDis0&NR=1
"The world's dominant 200m runner, Felix was a heavy favorite to win her specialty event entering the Olympic Trials, even though she had yet to run a 200m in 2008. But coming off the curve in the final, it was 100m champion Muna Lee, running in lane 6 to Felix's lane 5, who held the lead. A composed Felix pulled even with Lee, then kept pushing to win in 21.82 (+5.6mps)…In 2007, Felix became the second woman in history to win 3 gold medals at one World Championships. She won the 200m in a huge personal best of 21.81 seconds (1.7 mps wind), the fastest time run by a woman this century. The time improved Felix's previous best by .30 and was the biggest margin of victory in World Championships history (.53). She then went on to win gold in both relays, running the second leg of the 4x100m (41.98) and the 4x400m (3:18.55) with perhaps the fastest 4x400m relay leg ever by an American woman at a major championship (unofficially 48.0)...The world's dominant 200m runner, Felix was a heavy favorite to win her specialty event entering the Olympic Trials, even though she had yet to run a 200m in 2008. But coming off the curve in the final, it was 100m champion Muna Lee, running in lane 6 to Felix's lane 5, who held the lead. A composed Felix pulled even with Lee, then kept pushing to win in 21.82 (+5.6mps)…In 2007, Felix became the second woman in history to win 3 gold medals at one World Championships. She won the 200m in a huge personal best of 21.81 seconds (1.7 mps wind), the fastest time run by a woman this century. The time improved Felix's previous best by .30 and was the biggest margin of victory in World Championships history (.53). She then went on to win gold in both relays, running the second leg of the 4x100m (41.98) and the 4x400m (3:18.55) with perhaps the fastest 4x400m relay leg ever by an American woman at a major championship (unofficially 48.0)..." From www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/Felix_Allyson.asp
Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWJYYiqiEt4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2pCkYvot0s&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DFC9sUDis0&NR=1
"The world's dominant 200m runner, Felix was a heavy favorite to win her specialty event entering the Olympic Trials, even though she had yet to run a 200m in 2008. But coming off the curve in the final, it was 100m champion Muna Lee, running in lane 6 to Felix's lane 5, who held the lead. A composed Felix pulled even with Lee, then kept pushing to win in 21.82 (+5.6mps)…In 2007, Felix became the second woman in history to win 3 gold medals at one World Championships. She won the 200m in a huge personal best of 21.81 seconds (1.7 mps wind), the fastest time run by a woman this century. The time improved Felix's previous best by .30 and was the biggest margin of victory in World Championships history (.53). She then went on to win gold in both relays, running the second leg of the 4x100m (41.98) and the 4x400m (3:18.55) with perhaps the fastest 4x400m relay leg ever by an American woman at a major championship (unofficially 48.0)...The world's dominant 200m runner, Felix was a heavy favorite to win her specialty event entering the Olympic Trials, even though she had yet to run a 200m in 2008. But coming off the curve in the final, it was 100m champion Muna Lee, running in lane 6 to Felix's lane 5, who held the lead. A composed Felix pulled even with Lee, then kept pushing to win in 21.82 (+5.6mps)…In 2007, Felix became the second woman in history to win 3 gold medals at one World Championships. She won the 200m in a huge personal best of 21.81 seconds (1.7 mps wind), the fastest time run by a woman this century. The time improved Felix's previous best by .30 and was the biggest margin of victory in World Championships history (.53). She then went on to win gold in both relays, running the second leg of the 4x100m (41.98) and the 4x400m (3:18.55) with perhaps the fastest 4x400m relay leg ever by an American woman at a major championship (unofficially 48.0)..." From www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/Felix_Allyson.asp
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
July Update
So what have you been up to this summer? Read any good books?
Books I am currently reading:
Between Two Worlds (John Stott)
numerous Revelation commentaries
Books i finished in the last couple of months:
Believer's Baptism: Sign of the N.C. in Christ (Schreiner)
Future Israel (Barry Horner)
Famine in the Land (Steve Lawson)
Culture Shift (R. Albert Mohler)
Preaching and Preachers (D.M. Lloyd-Jones)
Christian Living Beyond Belief (Cliff McManis)
numerous Jude commentaries (various authors)
Books I am currently reading:
Between Two Worlds (John Stott)
numerous Revelation commentaries
Books i finished in the last couple of months:
Believer's Baptism: Sign of the N.C. in Christ (Schreiner)
Future Israel (Barry Horner)
Famine in the Land (Steve Lawson)
Culture Shift (R. Albert Mohler)
Preaching and Preachers (D.M. Lloyd-Jones)
Christian Living Beyond Belief (Cliff McManis)
numerous Jude commentaries (various authors)
"Preach the Word"
My new ministry at FBC, Freeport is up and running. Thank you very much for your prayers and support. This church has many hungry people who have been longing for the pure milk of the Word (1 Pet 2:2) for some time now. The deacon board is united in purpose and have been very supportive of me. It is great that i don’t have to come here and face the same challenges that young Timothy did (age discrimination in Ephesus, 1 Tim 4:12) with my deacon board. By that i mean, these deacons believe God’s hand is upon me and my ministry and therefore are not going to make me “earn” my leadership stripes. I have been allowed to come in and simply do what God has called me to do: namely feed, lead, and shepherd the flock of God. God’s hand of providence was surely in our recent move. Let me encourage you readers who are either elders/deacons or lay people to follow this model if you decide to call a younger man as your next Sr. Pastor. If you question whether or not the person you are candidating is mature enough to be your Sr. Pastor then do not hire him. It won’t be fair to him if he has to come in as a “pastor in training.” I have been blessed to be able to come here and not worry about dealing with those type of pressures (esp. with regards to my leadership team). That in effect has allowed me to focus in on doing the many things God has called me to do in this particular local church.
In my new ministry position i am charged with the great and high calling of bringing God’s Book each and every Sunday. This has been a passion of mine for 8 years now. Up to this point God has not given me a opportunity to PREACH the Word on a consistent basis. I have had many opportunities to teach but not to consistently herald the Word of God as a preacher. In my morning sermon i preached from 2 Tim 3:13-4:5. My goal in this first sermon was to define and defend the concept of Biblical preaching (which is under attack from those within the “church” these days). I then provided 6 reasons why i am wholly committed to Biblical Exposition.
In my new ministry position i am charged with the great and high calling of bringing God’s Book each and every Sunday. This has been a passion of mine for 8 years now. Up to this point God has not given me a opportunity to PREACH the Word on a consistent basis. I have had many opportunities to teach but not to consistently herald the Word of God as a preacher. In my morning sermon i preached from 2 Tim 3:13-4:5. My goal in this first sermon was to define and defend the concept of Biblical preaching (which is under attack from those within the “church” these days). I then provided 6 reasons why i am wholly committed to Biblical Exposition.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
First Baptist, Freeport
"Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy..."
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
We made it!
By God's grace we are all settled into our new home. Freeport is 2 hours west of Chicago near Rockford, Ill. Our new church family has been very gracious to us. I preached my first sermon as a Senior Pastor this past Sunday. I decided to begin my ministry here where i ended with my previous church body in Carmel (Jude 24-25).
God has been very good to us. Thank you for your prayers and support. KIT
The Kolstads
335 West Empire St
Freeport, Il 61032
http://www.fbcfreeport.com/index.htm
ckolstad@fbcfreeport.com
God has been very good to us. Thank you for your prayers and support. KIT
The Kolstads
335 West Empire St
Freeport, Il 61032
http://www.fbcfreeport.com/index.htm
ckolstad@fbcfreeport.com
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
A country far gone
Some people don't think their are many differences between "liberal" and "conservative" supreme court justices...
A society that does not protect the innocent, particularly children, must be under the Romans 1 abandonment curse.
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Wednesday outlawed executions of people convicted of raping a child. "In a 5-4 vote, the court said the Louisiana law allowing the death penalty to be imposed in such cases violates the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
"The death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in his majority opinion. His four liberal colleagues joined him, while the four more conservative justices dissented. There has not been an execution in the United States for a crime that did not also involve the death of the victim in 44 years. Patrick Kennedy, 43, was sentenced to death for the rape of his 8-year-old stepdaughter in Louisiana. He is one of two people in the United States, both in Louisiana, who have been condemned to death for a rape that was not also accompanied by a killing...." The full story can be read here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25367455
A society that does not protect the innocent, particularly children, must be under the Romans 1 abandonment curse.
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Wednesday outlawed executions of people convicted of raping a child. "In a 5-4 vote, the court said the Louisiana law allowing the death penalty to be imposed in such cases violates the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
"The death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in his majority opinion. His four liberal colleagues joined him, while the four more conservative justices dissented. There has not been an execution in the United States for a crime that did not also involve the death of the victim in 44 years. Patrick Kennedy, 43, was sentenced to death for the rape of his 8-year-old stepdaughter in Louisiana. He is one of two people in the United States, both in Louisiana, who have been condemned to death for a rape that was not also accompanied by a killing...." The full story can be read here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25367455
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Dobson VS Obama
For the full article click here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25343812?GT1=43001
..."Dobson took aim at examples Obama cited in asking which Biblical passages should guide public policy — passages like Leviticus, which Obama said suggests slavery is OK and eating shellfish is an abomination, or Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, "a passage that is so radical that it's doubtful that our own Defense Department would survive its application."
"Folks haven't been reading their Bibles," Obama said."
..."Dobson took aim at examples Obama cited in asking which Biblical passages should guide public policy — passages like Leviticus, which Obama said suggests slavery is OK and eating shellfish is an abomination, or Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, "a passage that is so radical that it's doubtful that our own Defense Department would survive its application."
"Folks haven't been reading their Bibles," Obama said."
Monday, June 23, 2008
Our Final Sunday at FBC, Carmel
Last Sunday night was my final day of worship with the congregation of First Baptist, Carmel. In three years time this church body has become very dear to us. It has been a great privilege to serve them as one of their pastors.
The congregation honored me at the end of the evening service with a standing ovation. It is something I will never forget. Our continued thoughts and prayers will go up on behalf of these dear friends in Christ.
The congregation honored me at the end of the evening service with a standing ovation. It is something I will never forget. Our continued thoughts and prayers will go up on behalf of these dear friends in Christ.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
May Reading Report
I will be starting my new ministry on July 1st at the First Baptist Church of Freeport, Ill. Here is an update of the works i am trying to read outside of Scripture... What have you been reading?
Books I am currently reading:
Future Israel (Barry Horner) Ch 10
The Exemplary Husband (Stuart Scott) Ch 4
Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tedd Tripp) Ch 11
Believer's Baptism: Sign of the N.C. in Christ (Ch 3)
Books i finished reading last month:
Culture Shift (R. Albert Mohler)
Preaching and Preachers (D.M. Lloyd-Jones)
Christian Living Beyond Belief (Cliff McManis)
numerous Jude commentaries (various authors)
Books I am currently reading:
Future Israel (Barry Horner) Ch 10
The Exemplary Husband (Stuart Scott) Ch 4
Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tedd Tripp) Ch 11
Believer's Baptism: Sign of the N.C. in Christ (Ch 3)
Books i finished reading last month:
Culture Shift (R. Albert Mohler)
Preaching and Preachers (D.M. Lloyd-Jones)
Christian Living Beyond Belief (Cliff McManis)
numerous Jude commentaries (various authors)
Monday, May 19, 2008
Do video games and movies influence people?
Do video games and movies influence people? Some would have you think not. Foxnews.com reports the following tragedy. I'm not trying to suggest this young man is not fully responsible for what he did...I am suggesting that what we allow to enter into our hearts and minds affects the way we think and sometimes the way we act!
"GREELEY, Colo. — A Johnstown teenager has been ordered to stand trial after a 7-year-old girl in his care died in what police said was a beating that imitated the "Mortal Kombat" video game.
A Weld County judge ruled Friday there was enough evidence to warrant a trial for Lamar Roberts, 17, accused of child abuse resulting in the Dec. 6 death of Zoe Garcia and child abuse resulting in serious injury. A trial date will be set after a June 20 court hearing.
His girlfriend, Heather Trujillo, 16, Zoe's half-sister, is scheduled to stand trial July 7. Both will be tried as adults.
Zoe died of blunt-force trauma to the head after she was hit, kicked and slammed to the floor as the teens reportedly re-enacted the video game, authorities have alleged. The two were baby-sitting while the sisters' mother, Dana Trujillo, 30, was at work.
During Friday's court hearing, Johnstown Police Detective Kathy Halldorson testified that Trujillo told police Roberts pushed Zoe, twisted her arms and held her ankles as she struggled to breathe.Trujillo and Roberts tried reviving Zoe under running water before calling the sisters' mother and 911, according to court affidavits."
For full story click here http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356572,00.html
"GREELEY, Colo. — A Johnstown teenager has been ordered to stand trial after a 7-year-old girl in his care died in what police said was a beating that imitated the "Mortal Kombat" video game.
A Weld County judge ruled Friday there was enough evidence to warrant a trial for Lamar Roberts, 17, accused of child abuse resulting in the Dec. 6 death of Zoe Garcia and child abuse resulting in serious injury. A trial date will be set after a June 20 court hearing.
His girlfriend, Heather Trujillo, 16, Zoe's half-sister, is scheduled to stand trial July 7. Both will be tried as adults.
Zoe died of blunt-force trauma to the head after she was hit, kicked and slammed to the floor as the teens reportedly re-enacted the video game, authorities have alleged. The two were baby-sitting while the sisters' mother, Dana Trujillo, 30, was at work.
During Friday's court hearing, Johnstown Police Detective Kathy Halldorson testified that Trujillo told police Roberts pushed Zoe, twisted her arms and held her ankles as she struggled to breathe.Trujillo and Roberts tried reviving Zoe under running water before calling the sisters' mother and 911, according to court affidavits."
For full story click here http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356572,00.html
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Church God Loves to Bless (pt 7)
God blesses churches that are (#7) devoted to the one another’s. The church needs to be united before it will ever be greatly used by God. Community and teamwork are popular expressions but not common commitments in many churches these days.
1 Peter 1:22 says, Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart…One of the ways unbelievers should be able to identify true believers is by observing our love for each other (note John 13:34-35).
Is your congregation known for it’s in-reach as well as it’s outreach? When someone gets sick, or when they have a baby, or when a spouse gets deployed to Iraq, does your local congregation instinctively act to meet pressing needs? Do people wait for the deacons or pastors to act before they attempt to do anything?
Of course this category is more then just meeting physical needs. Some churches are really committed to meeting each others physical needs but are negligent when it comes to identifying and meeting people’s spiritual needs. A church needs to be committed to meeting both.
If you want a tremendously applicable Bible study all the “one-another” passages…The Bible calls us to: serve one another (Gal. 5:13). To encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11, Eph 4:29ff, Hebrews 3:13, 10:24ff). To instruct one another (Col. 3:16). To comfort one another (2 Cor 13:11). To be kind and to forgive one another (Eph 4:32). To confess our sins to one another (James 5:16), etc, etc.
I know many Believers that are starving for the Word of God and who are craving for true Christian fellowship. They pray daily that God would direct them to a church that is committed to these basic things. If your congregation wants to experience Biblical church growth then let the Biblical one another’s characterize you. God blesses churches that are devoted to the one another’s.
1 Peter 1:22 says, Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart…One of the ways unbelievers should be able to identify true believers is by observing our love for each other (note John 13:34-35).
Is your congregation known for it’s in-reach as well as it’s outreach? When someone gets sick, or when they have a baby, or when a spouse gets deployed to Iraq, does your local congregation instinctively act to meet pressing needs? Do people wait for the deacons or pastors to act before they attempt to do anything?
Of course this category is more then just meeting physical needs. Some churches are really committed to meeting each others physical needs but are negligent when it comes to identifying and meeting people’s spiritual needs. A church needs to be committed to meeting both.
If you want a tremendously applicable Bible study all the “one-another” passages…The Bible calls us to: serve one another (Gal. 5:13). To encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11, Eph 4:29ff, Hebrews 3:13, 10:24ff). To instruct one another (Col. 3:16). To comfort one another (2 Cor 13:11). To be kind and to forgive one another (Eph 4:32). To confess our sins to one another (James 5:16), etc, etc.
I know many Believers that are starving for the Word of God and who are craving for true Christian fellowship. They pray daily that God would direct them to a church that is committed to these basic things. If your congregation wants to experience Biblical church growth then let the Biblical one another’s characterize you. God blesses churches that are devoted to the one another’s.
The Church God Loves to Bless (pt 6)
Why type of external things do people typically point to when determining whether or not a church is successful and blessed of God? They often point to a churches’ facilities or the lack their of. They point to all the programs a church puts on throughout the year. They point to the size of the congregation (bigger being more blessed). They identify the people that actually make up the churches’ congregation (do they have prominent community members attending there church?). Yet when you read through the New Testament those things are never mentioned when evaluating the spiritual health of a congregation. How shocking!
I acknowledge that this series of posts could have been written by any Christian. It’s not as if any of my points are super insightful or deep. Here is the good news. God loves to bless His children and thankfully He has laid out what He wants His Church to be very clearly. You just read the Word and it is right in front of you. That leads me to wonder how so many congregations can miss that which is so plain and obvious?
God blesses Churches that are (#5) Spirit-filled and Spirit-led.
One of the Ascension gifts of the Resurrected Savior is the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8 Jesus says to his disciples, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…At conversion every Believer receives the Holy Spirit (He’s the down payment if you will of our future inheritance, note also Ephesians 4:30).
Galatians 5 exhorts us to walk in the Spirit and to be filled w/the Spirit in effort to live a Christ-centered life. As a church body we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, which at minimum, means committing ourselves to prayer and to the Word (Acts 2:42)! The early Church in Acts was blessed by God for lots of reasons. It’s clear to me they were Spirit-filled and Spirit led and were used mightily by God.
Next, God blesses Churches that are (#6) dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission
When is the last time you invited someone to your home church? When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone who isn’t a Christian? One of the main reasons why Jesus gave us His Spirit was to fulfill this purpose. Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Our God is a global-minded God therefore we should be global-minded Christians. As you know, Missions is about 4 basic things: 1. Giving; 2. Sending (Acts 13); 3. Praying; 4. Going (Mt 28).
1 Peter 2:9 adds this layer, But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. One of the reasons why God saves people is so they can declare His majesty and greatness to the nations. The gospel is the power of God until salvation and faith comes by hearing; so how will people hear that message without faithful preachers?!? (note the progression in Romans 1-10).
God may not be calling you to China but He is interested in you living out our faith in Freeport, Ill or wherever you might live. Personal evangelism is not just for evangelists & missionaries! It’s an individual responsibility and a corporate obligation. Some churches that are really strong in in-reach are really weak in outreach. I believe that God still blesses Churches that are (#6) dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission.
I acknowledge that this series of posts could have been written by any Christian. It’s not as if any of my points are super insightful or deep. Here is the good news. God loves to bless His children and thankfully He has laid out what He wants His Church to be very clearly. You just read the Word and it is right in front of you. That leads me to wonder how so many congregations can miss that which is so plain and obvious?
God blesses Churches that are (#5) Spirit-filled and Spirit-led.
One of the Ascension gifts of the Resurrected Savior is the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8 Jesus says to his disciples, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…At conversion every Believer receives the Holy Spirit (He’s the down payment if you will of our future inheritance, note also Ephesians 4:30).
Galatians 5 exhorts us to walk in the Spirit and to be filled w/the Spirit in effort to live a Christ-centered life. As a church body we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, which at minimum, means committing ourselves to prayer and to the Word (Acts 2:42)! The early Church in Acts was blessed by God for lots of reasons. It’s clear to me they were Spirit-filled and Spirit led and were used mightily by God.
Next, God blesses Churches that are (#6) dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission
When is the last time you invited someone to your home church? When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone who isn’t a Christian? One of the main reasons why Jesus gave us His Spirit was to fulfill this purpose. Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Our God is a global-minded God therefore we should be global-minded Christians. As you know, Missions is about 4 basic things: 1. Giving; 2. Sending (Acts 13); 3. Praying; 4. Going (Mt 28).
1 Peter 2:9 adds this layer, But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. One of the reasons why God saves people is so they can declare His majesty and greatness to the nations. The gospel is the power of God until salvation and faith comes by hearing; so how will people hear that message without faithful preachers?!? (note the progression in Romans 1-10).
God may not be calling you to China but He is interested in you living out our faith in Freeport, Ill or wherever you might live. Personal evangelism is not just for evangelists & missionaries! It’s an individual responsibility and a corporate obligation. Some churches that are really strong in in-reach are really weak in outreach. I believe that God still blesses Churches that are (#6) dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission.
The Church God Blesses (pt 5)
Which leads us to #4. God blesses Churches that faithfully practice the Biblical ordinances.
There are lots of places that mention baptism and communion, but let’s start in Matthew 28:18-20; "And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Of course you know the main imperative in this text is to make disciples which is supported by 3 participles (Go to them, baptize them, & teach them). Believer’s baptism is a NT Ordinance. It’s an outward symbol of inward faith in Christ. When someone is drawn to Jesus they should be instructed from the Scriptures with reference to baptism (it’s the first step of obedience for genuine believers, etc, etc).
The Lord’s Supper (or Communion) is the other N.T. church ordinance- In Luke 22:19-20 , Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
1 Cor 11:23ff instructs us that Communion is an opportunity for the church to remember. As humans we’re prone to wander and forget. “So lest we forget Gethsemane, lest we forget Thy love for thee, lest we forgot thy love for thee, led me to Calvary.” We should do this in remembrance of the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world.
The Lord’s Table also gives the Church a chance to rejoice. Christ died for our sins once for all; the just for the unjust. It’s also an occasion for us to examine ourselves and to confess our sins. Paul offers a caution in 1 Corinthians 11 that should lead us to faithfully examine our hearts and our lives before God. 1 Corinthians 11:26 notes, For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
(#4) God blesses Churches that faithfully practice the Biblical ordinances.
There are lots of places that mention baptism and communion, but let’s start in Matthew 28:18-20; "And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Of course you know the main imperative in this text is to make disciples which is supported by 3 participles (Go to them, baptize them, & teach them). Believer’s baptism is a NT Ordinance. It’s an outward symbol of inward faith in Christ. When someone is drawn to Jesus they should be instructed from the Scriptures with reference to baptism (it’s the first step of obedience for genuine believers, etc, etc).
The Lord’s Supper (or Communion) is the other N.T. church ordinance- In Luke 22:19-20 , Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
1 Cor 11:23ff instructs us that Communion is an opportunity for the church to remember. As humans we’re prone to wander and forget. “So lest we forget Gethsemane, lest we forget Thy love for thee, lest we forgot thy love for thee, led me to Calvary.” We should do this in remembrance of the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world.
The Lord’s Table also gives the Church a chance to rejoice. Christ died for our sins once for all; the just for the unjust. It’s also an occasion for us to examine ourselves and to confess our sins. Paul offers a caution in 1 Corinthians 11 that should lead us to faithfully examine our hearts and our lives before God. 1 Corinthians 11:26 notes, For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
(#4) God blesses Churches that faithfully practice the Biblical ordinances.
The Blessed Church (pt 4)
God blesses Churches that are #3 Committed to personal and corporate holiness.
If you’re familiar with your Bible you know that God is a God of holiness! (Is 6) He is perfectly set apart from sin…in a league all of His own! It’s a tragedy so many people today try and bring God down to make Him more relatable or politically correct.
When God saved you and I He called us to become who we are in Him. He declared us to be something we were not (righteous) on the basis of Christ’s life and death (2 Cor. 5:20-21). We receive this alien righteousness through faith in Christ. Of course we realize soon after our conversion that practically we still struggle with indwelling sin (read Romans 7). Positionally we are righteous, but practically we are in process of becoming who we are in Him.
1 Peter 1:15-16, "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” God wants us to be holy people. To be set apart from our fallen culture. To be holy as He is holy.
God wants His Church to be set apart from the world too-Note Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
In light of texts like these Christ’s bride should take sin seriously! In fact, it was Jesus Christ who instituted what many today call “church discipline”.
For time sake I can only reference Matthew 18:15-20. In this text we find that professing Christians (who won’t repent of clear cut sins) should be humbly confronted.…And the final step in the Church discipline process is to put an unrepentant (professing) Christian out of the church.
What are some of the reasons why Jesus instituted “church discipline”?
1) Because if a church wants to remain blessed of God she must be committed to cooperate and personal holiness (And a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough, 1 Cor 5:6).
2) The ultimate goal of this process is restoration (not discipline per say).
3) For the sake of the churches’ testimony and for the sake of evangelism (note Acts 5)
4. Because Christ wants His Church to be holy and chaste!
Now if any of this sounds a bit over the top let me encourage you to read the following real life stories:
A) Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10)
B) the story of Uzzah (1 Chron 13)
C) Isaiah’s vision (Is. 6)
D) Ananias and Sappira (Acts 5)
E) the Corinthian church saga (1 Cor 5)
All that to say, God still blesses Churches that: #1 Rightly identify and worship the Lord Jesus Christ that #2 Submit themselves entirely to the Bible; & that are #3 Committed to personal and corporate holiness.
If you’re familiar with your Bible you know that God is a God of holiness! (Is 6) He is perfectly set apart from sin…in a league all of His own! It’s a tragedy so many people today try and bring God down to make Him more relatable or politically correct.
When God saved you and I He called us to become who we are in Him. He declared us to be something we were not (righteous) on the basis of Christ’s life and death (2 Cor. 5:20-21). We receive this alien righteousness through faith in Christ. Of course we realize soon after our conversion that practically we still struggle with indwelling sin (read Romans 7). Positionally we are righteous, but practically we are in process of becoming who we are in Him.
1 Peter 1:15-16, "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” God wants us to be holy people. To be set apart from our fallen culture. To be holy as He is holy.
God wants His Church to be set apart from the world too-Note Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
In light of texts like these Christ’s bride should take sin seriously! In fact, it was Jesus Christ who instituted what many today call “church discipline”.
For time sake I can only reference Matthew 18:15-20. In this text we find that professing Christians (who won’t repent of clear cut sins) should be humbly confronted.…And the final step in the Church discipline process is to put an unrepentant (professing) Christian out of the church.
What are some of the reasons why Jesus instituted “church discipline”?
1) Because if a church wants to remain blessed of God she must be committed to cooperate and personal holiness (And a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough, 1 Cor 5:6).
2) The ultimate goal of this process is restoration (not discipline per say).
3) For the sake of the churches’ testimony and for the sake of evangelism (note Acts 5)
4. Because Christ wants His Church to be holy and chaste!
Now if any of this sounds a bit over the top let me encourage you to read the following real life stories:
A) Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10)
B) the story of Uzzah (1 Chron 13)
C) Isaiah’s vision (Is. 6)
D) Ananias and Sappira (Acts 5)
E) the Corinthian church saga (1 Cor 5)
All that to say, God still blesses Churches that: #1 Rightly identify and worship the Lord Jesus Christ that #2 Submit themselves entirely to the Bible; & that are #3 Committed to personal and corporate holiness.
The Church God loves to Bless (pt 3)
The inner three had an encounter with God on the Mount of Transfiguration (Henry Blackaby would be very impressed with this experience). We don’t have time to go into the details of what happened here other then mentioning it was an event no believer would ever forget. On that mountain Jesus revealed a special manifestation of His incarnate glory and the God of the universe spoke audibly. It was a true mountain top experience (note 2 Peter 1:17-21).
Peter says I experienced the ultimate experience but I have something to tell you. “We have something more certain then even that. We have the prophetic word made more sure.” Scripture is more certain than an eye witness encounter with Jesus on a mountaintop.
My point dear friends is that in the Scriptures we have the very words of God. They’ve been faithfully preserved for us in 1 Book…the Bible.
Is it any wonder why God calls us to preach, teach, study, memorize, meditate, examine, and immerse ourselves in this Book? Let me summarize everything I just said like this: Every church ministry must come under the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word! Children’s ministries, teen ministries, Ladies Bible Study, the churches doctrinal statement, the music ministry, the pulpit ministry, the deacon board, the mission board, the elder board, the churches’ counseling ministry….Then, and only then, will God pour out His abundant blessings upon a church!
This thought is perhaps captured best in Isaiah 55:10-11,“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
I am a Pastor wholly committed to Bible because I believe God knows better than anyone else what His sheep really need!!!
Peter says I experienced the ultimate experience but I have something to tell you. “We have something more certain then even that. We have the prophetic word made more sure.” Scripture is more certain than an eye witness encounter with Jesus on a mountaintop.
My point dear friends is that in the Scriptures we have the very words of God. They’ve been faithfully preserved for us in 1 Book…the Bible.
Is it any wonder why God calls us to preach, teach, study, memorize, meditate, examine, and immerse ourselves in this Book? Let me summarize everything I just said like this: Every church ministry must come under the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word! Children’s ministries, teen ministries, Ladies Bible Study, the churches doctrinal statement, the music ministry, the pulpit ministry, the deacon board, the mission board, the elder board, the churches’ counseling ministry….Then, and only then, will God pour out His abundant blessings upon a church!
This thought is perhaps captured best in Isaiah 55:10-11,“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
I am a Pastor wholly committed to Bible because I believe God knows better than anyone else what His sheep really need!!!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Preaching
I am one chapter away from finishing up Lloyd-Jones’ classic work “Preaching & Preachers.” Lloyd-Jones died in 1981 so obviously I only know him through his books and biographies. Though different in many ways, I see many similarities between MLJ and my former pastor John MacArthur. Both men are/were very comfortable sharing their convictions and opinions on topics surrounding the pastoral ministry and preaching. Sometimes they’re a bit too strong in presenting their personal convictions (as opposed to their Biblical convictions). With that said, both men were willing to stand for the Truth even if it meant marginalization and public scorn. Both men are/were gifts to the universal Church.
In Chapter 13 Jones addresses the topic of “What to Avoid” in preaching. All in all I found it a somewhat average chapter with an absolutely wonderful concluding summary (pg. 264).
He writes, “What is the rule then? It is: be natural; forget yourself; be so absorbed in what you are doing and in the realization of the presence of God, and in the glory and the greatness of the Truth that you are preaching, and the occasion that brings you together, that you are taken up by all this that you forget yourself completely.”
In Chapter 13 Jones addresses the topic of “What to Avoid” in preaching. All in all I found it a somewhat average chapter with an absolutely wonderful concluding summary (pg. 264).
He writes, “What is the rule then? It is: be natural; forget yourself; be so absorbed in what you are doing and in the realization of the presence of God, and in the glory and the greatness of the Truth that you are preaching, and the occasion that brings you together, that you are taken up by all this that you forget yourself completely.”
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The Church God loves to bless (pt 2)
Which leads us to #2, God blesses Churches that Submit themselves entirely to the Bible.
It’s easy for Churches to claim in their doctrinal statements that they submit themselves to the authority and sufficiency of the Word. To write something on paper is not very difficult. Many churches say they are committed to the Word 100%. They believe they submit themselves to the Lorship of Christ. How then does Christ exercise His Lordship over the church today? Christ governs His Church through the written Word. It’s Christ’s church, thus where the Bible speaks, we have an obligation both to listen and obey.
The Bible must remain central or human wisdom and pragmatic thinking will slowly take over a Church. One of the great tragedies in the American church today is that so many congregations have abandoned the Word of God… Yet most don’t do this wholesale. In time, small deviations lead a ship totally off course, right? Churches begin to water down the sermon. 45 minute theological expositions are replaced with shallow 30 minute evangelical principlizing pulpit lessons. Churches begin to gut the Sunday School curriculum. It’s the current trend among many churches to shorten doctrinal statements (if one even bothers posting it online).
Yet we know that God has given us His Spirit and the Word as roadmaps for life. He has not left us here without guidance and direction. Christ still wants to govern and lead His Church.
Hebrews 4:12 says, For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 remind us the Scripture is sufficient to save and to sanctify! 2 Timothy 3:15-17, And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. If we had more time we’d dig into Psalm 19 and Psalm 119. The Bible is sufficient in all things pertaining to life and godliness.
In reading through the Scriptures it’s clear to me that God blesses Churches that submit themselves to His Revelation. For the most part I don’t care what your church name is (First Baptist, Crossroads, Grace Community, Grace Baptist), but I do care about what your church is known for. In this regard we all should be known as BIBLE churches (whether we call ourselves Freeport Bible Church or Grace Bible Church or not).
Let’s return to Matthew 16 for a moment. Matthew 16:17-18, And Jesus answered him (Peter), “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
What Jesus said in v. 17 is startling…Blessed are you for giving the right answer (Peter)…But don’t get puffed up my brother, “for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”
I don’t think Simon Peter received a special vision from heaven telling him who Jesus Christ really was. I don’t think Peter had a Damascus road encounter like Saul did. Simon Peter received God’s revelation by hearing the words of Jesus Christ! Every Word that came out of Jesus’ mouth was Divine. Jesus only spoke that what God revealed to Him. His bread was to do and speak the will of His Father in heaven.
Peter was able to answer Jesus’ question correctly because God revealed it to him. Now some of us might want to stop right here and say, “That’s not fair! I’d give up my right leg for the chance to have been one of Jesus’ disciples”
That of course is where 2 Peter 1:17-21 comes in. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (To be continued)
It’s easy for Churches to claim in their doctrinal statements that they submit themselves to the authority and sufficiency of the Word. To write something on paper is not very difficult. Many churches say they are committed to the Word 100%. They believe they submit themselves to the Lorship of Christ. How then does Christ exercise His Lordship over the church today? Christ governs His Church through the written Word. It’s Christ’s church, thus where the Bible speaks, we have an obligation both to listen and obey.
The Bible must remain central or human wisdom and pragmatic thinking will slowly take over a Church. One of the great tragedies in the American church today is that so many congregations have abandoned the Word of God… Yet most don’t do this wholesale. In time, small deviations lead a ship totally off course, right? Churches begin to water down the sermon. 45 minute theological expositions are replaced with shallow 30 minute evangelical principlizing pulpit lessons. Churches begin to gut the Sunday School curriculum. It’s the current trend among many churches to shorten doctrinal statements (if one even bothers posting it online).
Yet we know that God has given us His Spirit and the Word as roadmaps for life. He has not left us here without guidance and direction. Christ still wants to govern and lead His Church.
Hebrews 4:12 says, For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 remind us the Scripture is sufficient to save and to sanctify! 2 Timothy 3:15-17, And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. If we had more time we’d dig into Psalm 19 and Psalm 119. The Bible is sufficient in all things pertaining to life and godliness.
In reading through the Scriptures it’s clear to me that God blesses Churches that submit themselves to His Revelation. For the most part I don’t care what your church name is (First Baptist, Crossroads, Grace Community, Grace Baptist), but I do care about what your church is known for. In this regard we all should be known as BIBLE churches (whether we call ourselves Freeport Bible Church or Grace Bible Church or not).
Let’s return to Matthew 16 for a moment. Matthew 16:17-18, And Jesus answered him (Peter), “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
What Jesus said in v. 17 is startling…Blessed are you for giving the right answer (Peter)…But don’t get puffed up my brother, “for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”
I don’t think Simon Peter received a special vision from heaven telling him who Jesus Christ really was. I don’t think Peter had a Damascus road encounter like Saul did. Simon Peter received God’s revelation by hearing the words of Jesus Christ! Every Word that came out of Jesus’ mouth was Divine. Jesus only spoke that what God revealed to Him. His bread was to do and speak the will of His Father in heaven.
Peter was able to answer Jesus’ question correctly because God revealed it to him. Now some of us might want to stop right here and say, “That’s not fair! I’d give up my right leg for the chance to have been one of Jesus’ disciples”
That of course is where 2 Peter 1:17-21 comes in. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (To be continued)
For goodness sake...
For goodness sake…can’t the church be more gracious to their pastors?
I talked with a couple friends last week that shared similiar heartaches. One is a layman and the other is a pastor. Both were struggling with men within the church that were trying to undermine the lead pastor.
When people within the church rise up and try and subtly take out their lead pastor what would God have you to do? I must admit each situation must be considered on a case by case scenerio. Sometimes a pastor is given too much grace for way too long to the detriment of a local body. But more often Diotrephes’ are allowed to run unchecked.
One would hope that in moments like this a fellow elder or deacon would step in and defend the truth and God’s servant of the truth. Sadly, I have heard of too many instances when this does not happen. A Pastor is left defenseless as his congregation and his leadership team stand aloof.
No godly Pastor wants to take up his own cause and risk the perception of being viewed as prideful or being perceived as a ‘personal kingdom builder type’. Sometimes good men are led by God to take “the high ground.” They’re forced out of the church without a new ministry opportunity to go to. They choose not to have another round of debates within their leadership circle. They just quietly leave, in fear of another Christ dishonoring church-split taking place within a particular community.
Other times godly men are led by God to humbly raise some questions with reference to their own ministries. I think of Paul’s own example in 2 Corinthians 10-12.
The sad thing in all these cases is that Pastors are forced to make a decision in matters they never should have to agonize over. This is where i believe sanctified and mature congregation members and especially elders and deacons should step in and intervene on behalf of their pastors. In the words of Rob Wilkerson, “These are the kind of friends who are loyal to him (the pastor) because of their belief in the hand of God in their pastor’s life. This was the case with at least some of those who were Saul’s companions, 1 Sam 10:26-27.”
If some within the Corinthian church would have done this imagine what the book of 2 Corinthians might have read like?
I am qualified to write this post because by God’s grace I’m not speaking to my own situation. I grieve however when i hear about fellow ministers of the gospel being forced into situations when they must choose between either defending themselves and their ministries or picking up their Bibles and going somewhere else. It’s in this context i ask: For goodness sake, can’t the church be gracious to their pastors?
I talked with a couple friends last week that shared similiar heartaches. One is a layman and the other is a pastor. Both were struggling with men within the church that were trying to undermine the lead pastor.
When people within the church rise up and try and subtly take out their lead pastor what would God have you to do? I must admit each situation must be considered on a case by case scenerio. Sometimes a pastor is given too much grace for way too long to the detriment of a local body. But more often Diotrephes’ are allowed to run unchecked.
One would hope that in moments like this a fellow elder or deacon would step in and defend the truth and God’s servant of the truth. Sadly, I have heard of too many instances when this does not happen. A Pastor is left defenseless as his congregation and his leadership team stand aloof.
No godly Pastor wants to take up his own cause and risk the perception of being viewed as prideful or being perceived as a ‘personal kingdom builder type’. Sometimes good men are led by God to take “the high ground.” They’re forced out of the church without a new ministry opportunity to go to. They choose not to have another round of debates within their leadership circle. They just quietly leave, in fear of another Christ dishonoring church-split taking place within a particular community.
Other times godly men are led by God to humbly raise some questions with reference to their own ministries. I think of Paul’s own example in 2 Corinthians 10-12.
The sad thing in all these cases is that Pastors are forced to make a decision in matters they never should have to agonize over. This is where i believe sanctified and mature congregation members and especially elders and deacons should step in and intervene on behalf of their pastors. In the words of Rob Wilkerson, “These are the kind of friends who are loyal to him (the pastor) because of their belief in the hand of God in their pastor’s life. This was the case with at least some of those who were Saul’s companions, 1 Sam 10:26-27.”
If some within the Corinthian church would have done this imagine what the book of 2 Corinthians might have read like?
I am qualified to write this post because by God’s grace I’m not speaking to my own situation. I grieve however when i hear about fellow ministers of the gospel being forced into situations when they must choose between either defending themselves and their ministries or picking up their Bibles and going somewhere else. It’s in this context i ask: For goodness sake, can’t the church be gracious to their pastors?
Friday, May 09, 2008
Praise the Lord!
After much prayer I have accepted the First Baptist Church of Freeport’s call to serve as their next Senior Pastor. Thank you so much for your prayers! Andrea and I are very excited to start this new chapter in our ministry lives.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
What Type of Church does the Lord love to Bless?
During a recent candidation trip I taught 2 sessions on the following topic: What type of Church Does the Lord love to bless? This is an essential question to consider since all of us want the Lord’s blessings upon our own lives & upon the ministry of our particular local church. No one wants to devote time, money, talents, and resources to a sinking ship. As believers we want to be in the sphere of God’s love and in the center of His will.
Now if you believe that the Lord doesn’t really care about what goes down here on earth, particularly with reference to His Church, just read Revelation 2-3. There we discover 7 letters from God to 7 real churches. God wanted these churches to know what they were doing well but also to understand what they needed to change, and in some cases, what they needed to repent of. The Apostles wrote many inspired letters to various local churches to help ensure there spiritual vitality. We have many of these inspired letters in our NT canon.
We also have of course the ultimate example. Jesus Christ loved the church so much that He gave His very life for her (note Eph 5, Acts 20:28). The Church is infinitely precious to God!
In light of these considerations, it is essential that we believers keep ourselves and our churches in the sphere of God’s blessing. I think it would be well worth our time to invest a little energy answering the question: What Type of Church Does the Lord Love to Bless?
God blesses Churches that: #1 Rightly identify and worship the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s first examine Matthew 16:13. Here we find one of the great accounts that transpired during the life of Christ. Matthew 16:13-15 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
We are bombarded with so many questions during our lives:
a) 85 Bears or the 72 Dolphins?
b) Regular or decaffeinated?
c) Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi?
d) Deal or No deal?
e) NASB or NKJV?
Our response to so many questions in life is really not that significant. Not so with this inquiry. Verse 15 contains life’s most important question. Jesus said to the 12, “But who do you say that I am?” If you get the answer to this question wrong you have no hope of spending eternity with God in heaven. If you get this question wrong you don’t have a true Church.
Which is exactly why Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Peter understand our Lord’s teaching on this subject which is why he declared in Acts 4:12, And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
It should go without saying, but let me say it anyways: If you’re a child of God’s, by default you’re also one of Jesus’ disciples; which means He is both Savior and Lord of your life.
So Jesus asks in v. 15, “But who do you say that I am?” And Simon Peter (the spokesman for the 12) answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Peter received Divine insight to correctly ID Jesus as both Messiah and God! Jesus wasn’t just another prophet, a great human teacher, or a fancy miracle worker. He was God very God (in human flesh)! Immanuel. The Lamb of God who came to die and redeem lost sinners (Mk 10:45).
God only blesses Churches that: #1 Rightly identify and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. He is Lord of the Church (Col 2:18)! Church leaders and pastors are undershepherds. Their is only one Chief Shepherd and it’s His Church!
One only needs to examine Revelation 4:9-11 & Revelation 5:9-11 to catch a glimpse of what’s going on in heaven. Revelation 4:9-11, And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Revelation 5:9-12, And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
Is it any surprise then that God blesses churches that are Christ-centered! Churches with Biblical Christology’s. The Church enjoys a little bit of heaven on earth when she rightly identifies and worships the Lord Jesus Christ!
Now if you believe that the Lord doesn’t really care about what goes down here on earth, particularly with reference to His Church, just read Revelation 2-3. There we discover 7 letters from God to 7 real churches. God wanted these churches to know what they were doing well but also to understand what they needed to change, and in some cases, what they needed to repent of. The Apostles wrote many inspired letters to various local churches to help ensure there spiritual vitality. We have many of these inspired letters in our NT canon.
We also have of course the ultimate example. Jesus Christ loved the church so much that He gave His very life for her (note Eph 5, Acts 20:28). The Church is infinitely precious to God!
In light of these considerations, it is essential that we believers keep ourselves and our churches in the sphere of God’s blessing. I think it would be well worth our time to invest a little energy answering the question: What Type of Church Does the Lord Love to Bless?
God blesses Churches that: #1 Rightly identify and worship the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s first examine Matthew 16:13. Here we find one of the great accounts that transpired during the life of Christ. Matthew 16:13-15 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
We are bombarded with so many questions during our lives:
a) 85 Bears or the 72 Dolphins?
b) Regular or decaffeinated?
c) Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi?
d) Deal or No deal?
e) NASB or NKJV?
Our response to so many questions in life is really not that significant. Not so with this inquiry. Verse 15 contains life’s most important question. Jesus said to the 12, “But who do you say that I am?” If you get the answer to this question wrong you have no hope of spending eternity with God in heaven. If you get this question wrong you don’t have a true Church.
Which is exactly why Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Peter understand our Lord’s teaching on this subject which is why he declared in Acts 4:12, And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
It should go without saying, but let me say it anyways: If you’re a child of God’s, by default you’re also one of Jesus’ disciples; which means He is both Savior and Lord of your life.
So Jesus asks in v. 15, “But who do you say that I am?” And Simon Peter (the spokesman for the 12) answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Peter received Divine insight to correctly ID Jesus as both Messiah and God! Jesus wasn’t just another prophet, a great human teacher, or a fancy miracle worker. He was God very God (in human flesh)! Immanuel. The Lamb of God who came to die and redeem lost sinners (Mk 10:45).
God only blesses Churches that: #1 Rightly identify and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. He is Lord of the Church (Col 2:18)! Church leaders and pastors are undershepherds. Their is only one Chief Shepherd and it’s His Church!
One only needs to examine Revelation 4:9-11 & Revelation 5:9-11 to catch a glimpse of what’s going on in heaven. Revelation 4:9-11, And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Revelation 5:9-12, And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
Is it any surprise then that God blesses churches that are Christ-centered! Churches with Biblical Christology’s. The Church enjoys a little bit of heaven on earth when she rightly identifies and worships the Lord Jesus Christ!
Monday, May 05, 2008
April Reading Report
I have been looking for a new Sr. Pastorate ministry so my reading level has been down. Here is an update of the works i am trying to read outside of Scripture... What have you been reading?
Books I am currently reading:
Culture Shift (Albert Mohler Jr) Ch 19
Future Israel (Barry Horner) Ch 10
Preaching and Preachers (D.M. Lloyd-Jones) Ch 13
Spiritual Depression (D.M. Lloyd-Jones) Ch 1
Definite Atonement (Gary Long) Ch 4
The Exemplary Husband (Stuart Scott) Ch 4
Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tedd Tripp) Ch 11
Christian Living Beyond Belief (Cliff McManis) Ch 9
Numerous Jude commentaries (various authors)
Books I am currently reading:
Culture Shift (Albert Mohler Jr) Ch 19
Future Israel (Barry Horner) Ch 10
Preaching and Preachers (D.M. Lloyd-Jones) Ch 13
Spiritual Depression (D.M. Lloyd-Jones) Ch 1
Definite Atonement (Gary Long) Ch 4
The Exemplary Husband (Stuart Scott) Ch 4
Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tedd Tripp) Ch 11
Christian Living Beyond Belief (Cliff McManis) Ch 9
Numerous Jude commentaries (various authors)
Candidation Update
I have had the opportunity to visit 3 churches the past month or so as i seek a new Sr. Pastorate ministry. I have been to west L.A. to North Carolina and to Illinois.
This past weekend we candidated at a Baptist church in Northern Illinois. Here are some pictures of the church building.
Thanks for your continued prayers as we seek the Lord's will for this next chapter of our lives!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Proverbs and Parenting
I have been teaching through the Proverbs topically in our young marrieds/singles class as well as in our student ministries. My friends at pulpit magazine summarized the following thoughts on parenting in a very helpful way.
The book of Proverbs is a wonderful, intensely practical guide that contains much wisdom you can impart to your children as you train them in godly living. For your benefit, we’ve compiled ten lessons from Proverbs you should teach to your children. We’re convinced that, in the process of teaching those ten lessons, you’ll unearth many more principles from Proverbs that will serve your children well their entire lives.
Teach your children:
1. To have a healthy fear of God (1:7; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23)
2. To guard their minds (4:23; 23:7)
3. To obey you (1:8; 4:1-4; 6:20-23; 30:17)
4. To carefully select their companions (1:11-18; 2:10-15; 13:20)
5. To control their sinful desires (2:16-19; 5:3-5; 6:23-33; 7:6-27)
6. To enjoy sexual fidelity (5:15-20)
7. To watch their words (4:24; 10:11, 19-21, 32; 12:18, 22; 15:1-2; 16:23; 20:15)
8. To pursue their work (6:6-11; 10:4-5; 22:29)
9. To manage their money (3:9-10; 11:24-26; 19:17; 22:9)
10. To love their neighbors (3:27-29; 25:21-22)
The book of Proverbs is a wonderful, intensely practical guide that contains much wisdom you can impart to your children as you train them in godly living. For your benefit, we’ve compiled ten lessons from Proverbs you should teach to your children. We’re convinced that, in the process of teaching those ten lessons, you’ll unearth many more principles from Proverbs that will serve your children well their entire lives.
Teach your children:
1. To have a healthy fear of God (1:7; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23)
2. To guard their minds (4:23; 23:7)
3. To obey you (1:8; 4:1-4; 6:20-23; 30:17)
4. To carefully select their companions (1:11-18; 2:10-15; 13:20)
5. To control their sinful desires (2:16-19; 5:3-5; 6:23-33; 7:6-27)
6. To enjoy sexual fidelity (5:15-20)
7. To watch their words (4:24; 10:11, 19-21, 32; 12:18, 22; 15:1-2; 16:23; 20:15)
8. To pursue their work (6:6-11; 10:4-5; 22:29)
9. To manage their money (3:9-10; 11:24-26; 19:17; 22:9)
10. To love their neighbors (3:27-29; 25:21-22)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Healthy Praise
One of the things we take for granted most often is good health. After I did a summer internship at USC medical center I realized why people say, “Health is the first wealth.” In reality, good health is a wonderful gift from the Lord. Not all people are blessed with it.
The past few weeks have been pretty rough for us. Evelyn (our 2 year old) has had pink eye, an ear infection, and the flu. Our 5 month old son has had pink eye, an ear infection, and chicken pox. Last night I realized rather quickly that I had a case of “food poisoning.” Thankful the one taking care of everyone (Andrea) has remained healthy.
On Sunday night I preached a sermon from Psalm 57 called, “How to Cultivate a Worshipful Heart in the Midst of any Affliction.” The 3 principles that I gleaned from the text were 1. Invite the grace of God in your life (v. 1). 2. Embrace the providence of God over your life (vv. 2-6). 4. Worship the Character of God with your life (vv 7f).
A true saint will ask God for the faith to worship Him even when things in life are tough. That is what Andrea and I have been praying for lately. God is good and worthy to be praised!
The past few weeks have been pretty rough for us. Evelyn (our 2 year old) has had pink eye, an ear infection, and the flu. Our 5 month old son has had pink eye, an ear infection, and chicken pox. Last night I realized rather quickly that I had a case of “food poisoning.” Thankful the one taking care of everyone (Andrea) has remained healthy.
On Sunday night I preached a sermon from Psalm 57 called, “How to Cultivate a Worshipful Heart in the Midst of any Affliction.” The 3 principles that I gleaned from the text were 1. Invite the grace of God in your life (v. 1). 2. Embrace the providence of God over your life (vv. 2-6). 4. Worship the Character of God with your life (vv 7f).
A true saint will ask God for the faith to worship Him even when things in life are tough. That is what Andrea and I have been praying for lately. God is good and worthy to be praised!
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