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!!!
Friday, May 16, 2008
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!
Monday, March 31, 2008
The world's fastest growing religion is now the largest
VATICAN CITY (March 30) - Islam has surpassed Roman Catholicism as the world's largest religion, the Vatican newspaper said Sunday.
"For the first time in history, we are no longer at the top: Muslims have overtaken us," Monsignor Vittorio Formenti said in an interview with the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano.
Formenti compiles the Vatican's yearbook.He said that Catholics accounted for 17.4 percent of the world population — a stable percentage — while Muslims were at 19.2 percent."It is true that while Muslim families, as is well known, continue to make a lot of children, Christian ones on the contrary tend to have fewer and fewer," the monsignor said.
For full story go here http://news.aol.com/story/_a/muslims-outnumber-worlds-catholics/20080330161309990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
"For the first time in history, we are no longer at the top: Muslims have overtaken us," Monsignor Vittorio Formenti said in an interview with the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano.
Formenti compiles the Vatican's yearbook.He said that Catholics accounted for 17.4 percent of the world population — a stable percentage — while Muslims were at 19.2 percent."It is true that while Muslim families, as is well known, continue to make a lot of children, Christian ones on the contrary tend to have fewer and fewer," the monsignor said.
For full story go here http://news.aol.com/story/_a/muslims-outnumber-worlds-catholics/20080330161309990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
Thursday, March 27, 2008
March Reading Report
I have been looking for a new Sr. Pastorate ministry so my reading level has been down. Oh yeah and it is March (good ol March Madness). 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 7
Preaching and Preachers (D.M. Lloyd-Jones) Ch 8
Spiritual Depression (D.M. Lloyd-Jones) Ch 1
Definite Atonement (Gary Long) Ch 4
The Exemplary Husband (Stuart Scott) Ch 3
Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tedd Tripp) Ch 11
Christian Living Beyond Belief (Cliff McManis) Ch 8
Numerous Jude commentaries (various authors)
Definite Atonement (Barry Horner) Ch 9
Books i might never finish:
The Message of the O.T. (by Mark Dever)
What Jesus Demands from the World (by John Piper)
Institutes of the Christian Religion, Vol. 1 (John Calvin) (Book 1, Ch 17)
Books I’ve finished in the last year and beyond:
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Don Whitney)
Pages from Church History (Stephen J. Nichols)
Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God's Grace (various authors)
The Reformation (Stephen J. Nichols)
Spurgeon VS Hyper-Calvinism (Iain H. Murray)
A Scottish Christian Heritage (Iain H. Murray)
Meetings that Work (Alexander Strauch)
The Truth War (By John MacArthur)
No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells).
The Cross and Christian Ministry (D. A. Carson).
Women's Ministry in the Local Church (Ligon Duncan/S Hunt)
The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul)
Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein)
How America Lost Her Innocence (By Steve Gallagher)
From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott)
Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney)
Biblical Eldership (by A. Strauch)
Expository Preaching With Word Pictures (Jack Hughes)
The Reformed Pastor (by Richard Baxter)
Legacy of Sovereign Joy (by John Piper)
Whose Money Is It Anyways (By John MacArthur)
The Treasure Principle (by Randy Alcorn)
Baptist Life and Thought (By William Brackney)
By His Grace and For His Glory (Dr. Nettles) large sections
Knowing God (J.I. Packer)
Way of the Master: Evangelism Training (Ray Comfort)
Evangelical Feminism & Biblical Truth (Wayne Grudem) large sections
Girl Talk (Carolyn Mahaney)
Various articles and commentaries on 1 Cor 11:2-16
Various articles and commentaries on 1 Tim 2:8-15
Various articles and commentaries on Titus 2
TMS Journal (on New Covenant Theology)
Books i've recently recieved:
A Tale of Two Sons (by John MacArthur)
The Cross and Salvation (by Bruce Demarest)
James:Reformed Expository Commentary (by Daniel M. Doriani)
1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart (by Dale Ralph Davis)
The Gospel of Matthew, Vol. 1: The King and His Kingdom (by Jim Boice)
Putting Jesus in His Place (by Robert M. Bowman)
The Mortification of Sin (by John Owen)
Jesus Christ: The Prince of Preachers (by Mike Abendroth)
Love That Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace (by Gary & Betsy Ricucci)
The Cup and the Glory (by Greg Harris)
Books I am currently reading:
Future Israel (Barry Horner) Ch 7
Preaching and Preachers (D.M. Lloyd-Jones) Ch 8
Spiritual Depression (D.M. Lloyd-Jones) Ch 1
Definite Atonement (Gary Long) Ch 4
The Exemplary Husband (Stuart Scott) Ch 3
Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tedd Tripp) Ch 11
Christian Living Beyond Belief (Cliff McManis) Ch 8
Numerous Jude commentaries (various authors)
Definite Atonement (Barry Horner) Ch 9
Books i might never finish:
The Message of the O.T. (by Mark Dever)
What Jesus Demands from the World (by John Piper)
Institutes of the Christian Religion, Vol. 1 (John Calvin) (Book 1, Ch 17)
Books I’ve finished in the last year and beyond:
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Don Whitney)
Pages from Church History (Stephen J. Nichols)
Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God's Grace (various authors)
The Reformation (Stephen J. Nichols)
Spurgeon VS Hyper-Calvinism (Iain H. Murray)
A Scottish Christian Heritage (Iain H. Murray)
Meetings that Work (Alexander Strauch)
The Truth War (By John MacArthur)
No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells).
The Cross and Christian Ministry (D. A. Carson).
Women's Ministry in the Local Church (Ligon Duncan/S Hunt)
The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul)
Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein)
How America Lost Her Innocence (By Steve Gallagher)
From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott)
Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney)
Biblical Eldership (by A. Strauch)
Expository Preaching With Word Pictures (Jack Hughes)
The Reformed Pastor (by Richard Baxter)
Legacy of Sovereign Joy (by John Piper)
Whose Money Is It Anyways (By John MacArthur)
The Treasure Principle (by Randy Alcorn)
Baptist Life and Thought (By William Brackney)
By His Grace and For His Glory (Dr. Nettles) large sections
Knowing God (J.I. Packer)
Way of the Master: Evangelism Training (Ray Comfort)
Evangelical Feminism & Biblical Truth (Wayne Grudem) large sections
Girl Talk (Carolyn Mahaney)
Various articles and commentaries on 1 Cor 11:2-16
Various articles and commentaries on 1 Tim 2:8-15
Various articles and commentaries on Titus 2
TMS Journal (on New Covenant Theology)
Books i've recently recieved:
A Tale of Two Sons (by John MacArthur)
The Cross and Salvation (by Bruce Demarest)
James:Reformed Expository Commentary (by Daniel M. Doriani)
1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart (by Dale Ralph Davis)
The Gospel of Matthew, Vol. 1: The King and His Kingdom (by Jim Boice)
Putting Jesus in His Place (by Robert M. Bowman)
The Mortification of Sin (by John Owen)
Jesus Christ: The Prince of Preachers (by Mike Abendroth)
Love That Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace (by Gary & Betsy Ricucci)
The Cup and the Glory (by Greg Harris)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Dr. Phil on contextualization
Phil Johnson is doing some wonderful posts on the emerging church and the topic of contextualization. Here are a few of his quotes:
"Today's contextualizers are trying to adapt the content of the gospel message as much as possible to the worldview of whatever subculture they see as their target audience. Not only do sea lions become an acceptable substitute for sheep; postmodern tolerance becomes an acceptable replacement for Christian charity."
"Unbridled enthusiasm about this sort of contextualization has dramatically changed the evangelistic strategy so that the number one goal in contemporary evangelical outreach is for the church to assimilate into the world as much as possible—and above all, be cool—so that the world (or some offbeat subculture) will like us. That is actually the driving idea behind both seeker-sensitivity and the Emerging church approach."
"In the early 1970s, left-leaning missiologists made contextualization into a religious shibboleth. They also turned the dictionary definition of the word inside out. They weren't talking about studying or explaining biblical truth in its own context; instead, what they wanted to do was adapt and stylize religious ideas and symbols to fit into the cultural context of their target audience—namely oppressed and marginalized people groups.It wasn't long before hip, young evangelicals discovered and embraced the basic concept, and then franchised it."
"Today's contextualizers are trying to adapt the content of the gospel message as much as possible to the worldview of whatever subculture they see as their target audience. Not only do sea lions become an acceptable substitute for sheep; postmodern tolerance becomes an acceptable replacement for Christian charity."
"Unbridled enthusiasm about this sort of contextualization has dramatically changed the evangelistic strategy so that the number one goal in contemporary evangelical outreach is for the church to assimilate into the world as much as possible—and above all, be cool—so that the world (or some offbeat subculture) will like us. That is actually the driving idea behind both seeker-sensitivity and the Emerging church approach."
"In the early 1970s, left-leaning missiologists made contextualization into a religious shibboleth. They also turned the dictionary definition of the word inside out. They weren't talking about studying or explaining biblical truth in its own context; instead, what they wanted to do was adapt and stylize religious ideas and symbols to fit into the cultural context of their target audience—namely oppressed and marginalized people groups.It wasn't long before hip, young evangelicals discovered and embraced the basic concept, and then franchised it."
Friday, March 21, 2008
Reformation and Revival in Indy?!?
It is possible God might bring about a new reformation and revival in central Indiana. I say that because of the gifted Pastors I know of who are faithfully serving Christ at churches throughout the Indianapolis area.
I am an Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church (Carmel) and our Sr. Pastor has been faithfully preaching the Word of God for 34 years now. http://www.fbccarmel.com/ We have a wonderful church family here. Though i am currently looking to transition into a senior teaching pastor role in a new church setting, I rest easy knowing FBC remains in good hands.
My good friend Kirk Welch is the Sr. Pastor at Centennial Bible Church. CBC just recently hired a close friend of mine from So. California, Pastor Joe Penberthy. These two men love the Lord and are committed to proclaiming His truth. http://centennialbiblechurch.org/ Joey and I attended TMC and TMS together.
Three years ago I met another TMS graduate who serves the Lord Jesus Christ in Brownsburg, IN. Pastor Kirby Myers is a gifted preacher and has been serving the Lord at His current church for over 7 years now. http://www.biblechurchofbrownsburg.org/
Just recently, my friend Eric Bancroft took over at Castleview Baptist Church. Eric is a gifted preacher and a great discipleship leader. Eric was on staff at John MacArthur's church as the H.S. Pastor for many years. CBC is blessed to have Eric as there new Sr. Pastor. http://www.castleview.org/
Three weeks ago I met with Pastor Brian White and was encouraged to hear him share about his love for the Lord. I was also informed that College Park Church (in Indianapolis) hired a new Sr. Pastor from Holland, MI. Pastor Mark was recommended by Dr. Jim Grier and Dr. John Street so i would imagine he is a like-minded brother as well.
All that to say, this area has all the makings for true reformation and revival as lost souls are saved and as the saints become who they are in Christ.
I am an Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church (Carmel) and our Sr. Pastor has been faithfully preaching the Word of God for 34 years now. http://www.fbccarmel.com/ We have a wonderful church family here. Though i am currently looking to transition into a senior teaching pastor role in a new church setting, I rest easy knowing FBC remains in good hands.
My good friend Kirk Welch is the Sr. Pastor at Centennial Bible Church. CBC just recently hired a close friend of mine from So. California, Pastor Joe Penberthy. These two men love the Lord and are committed to proclaiming His truth. http://centennialbiblechurch.org/ Joey and I attended TMC and TMS together.
Three years ago I met another TMS graduate who serves the Lord Jesus Christ in Brownsburg, IN. Pastor Kirby Myers is a gifted preacher and has been serving the Lord at His current church for over 7 years now. http://www.biblechurchofbrownsburg.org/
Just recently, my friend Eric Bancroft took over at Castleview Baptist Church. Eric is a gifted preacher and a great discipleship leader. Eric was on staff at John MacArthur's church as the H.S. Pastor for many years. CBC is blessed to have Eric as there new Sr. Pastor. http://www.castleview.org/
Three weeks ago I met with Pastor Brian White and was encouraged to hear him share about his love for the Lord. I was also informed that College Park Church (in Indianapolis) hired a new Sr. Pastor from Holland, MI. Pastor Mark was recommended by Dr. Jim Grier and Dr. John Street so i would imagine he is a like-minded brother as well.
All that to say, this area has all the makings for true reformation and revival as lost souls are saved and as the saints become who they are in Christ.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Have we become Overly Familiar with God?
One of the most exciting parts of Shepherd’s Conference is singing worship songs with 3000 other pastors. The conference has many highlights and that is always one of them.
Rick Holland preached this morning on “3 Dangers of Careless Familiarity with God.” He reminded us that being part of spiritual leadership is extremely dangerous. Holland said, “God has no desire to be part of our lives, His one desire is to be the point of our life.”
Leviticus 9:22-10:7 records the infamous story of Nadab and Abihu. These religious leaders got too familiar and careless with their God and were judged for it in a major way. Holland reminded us that we are often guilty of this very thing ourselves.
Here are the “3 Dangers of Careless Familiarity with God” from the Lev 9-10 passage.
1. Redefining what God requires (Lev 10:1) and becoming overly familiar with God.
2. Underestimating how God responds (Lev 10:2).
This fire consumed the sacrificer not the sacrifice. This was another reminder of the holiness of God. Even as Pastors we often presume on the grace of God.
3. Ignoring what God desires (Lev 10:3).
God responded according to His holiness to show that any innovations would not be tolerated. Stick with what the Word says and don’t try and get cute with God. The trend today is to treat God as cool, to treat Jesus as your homeboy, and to be as cool as you possibly can be before your congregation and your culture.
This passage is also about how God disciplines spiritual leaders. “We don’t have a higher standard but we do have a higher accountability.”
Rick Holland preached this morning on “3 Dangers of Careless Familiarity with God.” He reminded us that being part of spiritual leadership is extremely dangerous. Holland said, “God has no desire to be part of our lives, His one desire is to be the point of our life.”
Leviticus 9:22-10:7 records the infamous story of Nadab and Abihu. These religious leaders got too familiar and careless with their God and were judged for it in a major way. Holland reminded us that we are often guilty of this very thing ourselves.
Here are the “3 Dangers of Careless Familiarity with God” from the Lev 9-10 passage.
1. Redefining what God requires (Lev 10:1) and becoming overly familiar with God.
2. Underestimating how God responds (Lev 10:2).
This fire consumed the sacrificer not the sacrifice. This was another reminder of the holiness of God. Even as Pastors we often presume on the grace of God.
3. Ignoring what God desires (Lev 10:3).
God responded according to His holiness to show that any innovations would not be tolerated. Stick with what the Word says and don’t try and get cute with God. The trend today is to treat God as cool, to treat Jesus as your homeboy, and to be as cool as you possibly can be before your congregation and your culture.
This passage is also about how God disciplines spiritual leaders. “We don’t have a higher standard but we do have a higher accountability.”
What kind of Religion does Jesus Christ Seek to Destroy?
Pastor MacArthur preached tonight from Luke 20-21. Seeing John has been in Luke’s gospel for 10 years now it was probably a safe choice. This sermon was a classic exposition of a text that is often misunderstood (Luke 21:1-4). John started off by reading Luke 21:6. In this verse Jesus predicted that the symbol of the Pharisaic Judaism that dominated Palestine was going to be utterly destroyed. In light of this, MacArthur asked, “What kind of religion does Jesus seek to wipe out?” He also asked, “How did Jesus interact with the false teachers of his day?” How should that impact the way we dialogue (or don’t dialogue) with the false teachers in our day?
The truly unique part of this message was how MacArthur interpreted Luke 21:1-4 in light of the overall context (Luke 20:41-21:38). John believes Luke included this story (Luke 21:1-4) as a sad example of how false teachers get rich at the expense of the poor and needy (see Luke 20:47). In other words, this story is not meant to teach us how people are to give (out of grateful hearts/until it hurts/etc). Jesus was probably disturbed that this poor widow gave up everything for an apostate religious system (see also Matthew 15:1-9). False teachers are almost always greedy persons (Luke 16:14). Tragically, apostate frauds become rich at the expense of the people they abuse. MacArthur also noted that bad theology always leads to sinful practice (Luke 20:46-47).
MacArthur ended the night tracing this abuse through various false religions (Roman Catholics and the sale of indulgences/Word of Faith teachers and the seed faith doctrine, etc.) False religions typically exploit those whom God cares about greatly (the widow, the poor, the needy). False teachers will not escape God’s judgement (see Matthew 23; Luke 20:46-47). God is not only concerned about truth but about compassion and mercy. We Pastors must lead by example.
The truly unique part of this message was how MacArthur interpreted Luke 21:1-4 in light of the overall context (Luke 20:41-21:38). John believes Luke included this story (Luke 21:1-4) as a sad example of how false teachers get rich at the expense of the poor and needy (see Luke 20:47). In other words, this story is not meant to teach us how people are to give (out of grateful hearts/until it hurts/etc). Jesus was probably disturbed that this poor widow gave up everything for an apostate religious system (see also Matthew 15:1-9). False teachers are almost always greedy persons (Luke 16:14). Tragically, apostate frauds become rich at the expense of the people they abuse. MacArthur also noted that bad theology always leads to sinful practice (Luke 20:46-47).
MacArthur ended the night tracing this abuse through various false religions (Roman Catholics and the sale of indulgences/Word of Faith teachers and the seed faith doctrine, etc.) False religions typically exploit those whom God cares about greatly (the widow, the poor, the needy). False teachers will not escape God’s judgement (see Matthew 23; Luke 20:46-47). God is not only concerned about truth but about compassion and mercy. We Pastors must lead by example.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Shepherd's Conference 08
I’m back in my old stomping grounds for the first time since 05. It seems like forever ago when i actually lived in sunny (think 73 degrees) Southern California. It is crazy to think that driving on these freeways was ever “normal” to me. You can be going 75 mph and have people pass you left and right. It is great to be back at Grace Community Church. Grace was my home church for 12 years. It is a special church with a great testimony in the community and around the world.
Pastor John MacArthur was on fire today during his opening address at the 08 conference. Last year he spoke on “Why every self-respecting Calvinist should have a Biblical eschatology (pre-mill that is)”. This year it was on “Why every self-respecting Calvinist should reject the church growth movement.” It was actually a relevant/updated powerful sermon. Though topical in nature this was another gem from John. He showed how sovereign election actually goes against the entire church growth premise.
God is obv. all about building His church (Matt 16:18); the question is what means does He want to bless in order to bring it about? In other words, by what means does Christ build His church? MacArthur went to the book of Acts and suggested the following 5 means: 1. A Transcendent Message 2. A Regenerate Congregation 3. A Valiant Perseverance 4. A Evident Purity and 5. A Qualified Leadership
One of the great quotes from this sermon was as follows, “The modern cry for Contextualization is a curse!” Why? Because the message of the cross transcends all languages, cultures, education backgrounds, social backgrounds, etc. The proof of this statement is revealed in the book of Acts (please listen to the sermon for the full context of this statement).
MacArthur asked we pastors, “Can your message go to every person in your own zip code, in your town, in your home state, nation, world?” “Will your sermon be outdated in 2 weeks?” If so, then you’re not preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Now much more could and should be said but I’m no Tim Challies.
Pastor John MacArthur was on fire today during his opening address at the 08 conference. Last year he spoke on “Why every self-respecting Calvinist should have a Biblical eschatology (pre-mill that is)”. This year it was on “Why every self-respecting Calvinist should reject the church growth movement.” It was actually a relevant/updated powerful sermon. Though topical in nature this was another gem from John. He showed how sovereign election actually goes against the entire church growth premise.
God is obv. all about building His church (Matt 16:18); the question is what means does He want to bless in order to bring it about? In other words, by what means does Christ build His church? MacArthur went to the book of Acts and suggested the following 5 means: 1. A Transcendent Message 2. A Regenerate Congregation 3. A Valiant Perseverance 4. A Evident Purity and 5. A Qualified Leadership
One of the great quotes from this sermon was as follows, “The modern cry for Contextualization is a curse!” Why? Because the message of the cross transcends all languages, cultures, education backgrounds, social backgrounds, etc. The proof of this statement is revealed in the book of Acts (please listen to the sermon for the full context of this statement).
MacArthur asked we pastors, “Can your message go to every person in your own zip code, in your town, in your home state, nation, world?” “Will your sermon be outdated in 2 weeks?” If so, then you’re not preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Now much more could and should be said but I’m no Tim Challies.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
I'm Back...
Back in So. Cal that is. I forgot how fast people drive in So. California. The pace of life is so much faster here then it is in Indianapolis (Carmel). I actually sort of enjoy the slower pace of life. I was going 75 on the 118 today and was getting passed left and right. Crazy!
It is great being back in the 70 degree sunshine. When i left Indy it was cold (25) and raining (freezing rain/snow).
It is also a joy to be back at my former home church Grace Community. This is my first time back in 3 years. The music and everything today was just awesome. John MacArthur preached a classic sermon that i highly recommend to everyone (Shepherds Conference dot org). I would imagine Tim Challies is blogging all about this at his website if you're really interested.
It's time for dinner and then more MacArthur tonight. Gotta run!
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