Here is the first of what I hope to be many in my Greek Video Blog (Vlog):
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Does Using Apple Products make You a Better Christian?
I came acrosse www.theblazingcenter.com today and can't stop finding hilarious posts. Here's one on how using apple products make you a better Christian.
And once again, remember to read some Comments in the Comment section. My favorite: "I've been trying to post a comment but my PC keeps crashing right in the mid"
What if Jack Bauer was my Pastor?
I just found this hilarious link pondering what would happen if Jack Bauer became a Christian and felt called to the ministery. I laughed out loud at least three times.
Check out the comments section too. One of my favorite quotes from the comments section: "every 15 minutes through the message, you'd hear some beeps and wonder where 5 minutes of your life went."
Another extremely funny post from this blog is the Great Piper-Favre Controversy from a few years ago. A must read!
Don't Waster Your Lawn Ornament
I saw this and could only laugh my head off. Don't waste your lawn ornament this Christmas season. Hilarious!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Page XVI
I love, love, love the way this group redoes hymns and will buy every album they ever make. I encourage you to do the same.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Psalm 104
Many times we don’t look beyond Psalm 19:1 or Romans 1:19-20 to talk about God’s great glory displayed in creation, yet the Psalms is littered with beautiful phrases and songs taking this idea into specifics. Psalm 104 is one of these. The Psalmist sings of God rising up the mountains and sinking down the valleys (v. 8) while giving a boundary to the water so that it might not cover the earth again (v. 9). Beautiful verses talk of everything from the trees God created to wild donkeys filling their thirsty mouths with water from a spring. All these ideas can be summed up in v. 24: “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
Not only does the Psalmist talk about the glory, but the proper response to the glory. He expounds in the closing verses:
“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works, who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke! I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more! Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!”
Not only does the Psalmist talk about the glory, but the proper response to the glory. He expounds in the closing verses:
“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works, who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke! I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more! Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!”
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A.W. Tozer for the Day
In a recent chapter I was reading out of his book "The Knowledge of the Holy", A.W. Tozer was discussing God's eternity. He beautifully was able to maneuver this topic back to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Tozer explains God's eternality in such stirring quotes as "He (God) has already lived all our tomorrows as He has lived all our yesterdays". He then goes on to talk of God's eternity present in God's image within us (Gen 1:27) in the sense that "we are made for eternity as certainly as we are made for time". This is where the gospel comes to the rescue. I'll let Tozer speak for himself:
"The ancient image of God whispers within every man of everlasting hope; somewhere he will continue to exist. Still he cannot rejoice, for the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world trouble his conscience, frightening him with proofs of guilt and evidences of coming death. So is he ground between the upper millstone of hope and the nether stone of fear.
Just here the sweet relevancy of the Christian message appears. 'Jesus Christ...hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.'" (Tozer "The Knowledge of the Holy" 41-42)
Tozer explains God's eternality in such stirring quotes as "He (God) has already lived all our tomorrows as He has lived all our yesterdays". He then goes on to talk of God's eternity present in God's image within us (Gen 1:27) in the sense that "we are made for eternity as certainly as we are made for time". This is where the gospel comes to the rescue. I'll let Tozer speak for himself:
"The ancient image of God whispers within every man of everlasting hope; somewhere he will continue to exist. Still he cannot rejoice, for the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world trouble his conscience, frightening him with proofs of guilt and evidences of coming death. So is he ground between the upper millstone of hope and the nether stone of fear.
Just here the sweet relevancy of the Christian message appears. 'Jesus Christ...hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.'" (Tozer "The Knowledge of the Holy" 41-42)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A Few Things On My Mind
Here's a link to things that I have been learning and thinking about lately. This is in the place of about 5 blog posts. Sorry, school really hurts the blog time I have.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Suicide Medicine: The Gospel
In reading and talking to different pastors I’ve learned one of the most asked questions about suicide is whether those who commit suicide go to hell. Is suicide really an unforgivable sin? Let’s go where we go for all answers pertaining to life; God’s word, the Bible. There are seven recorded suicides in the Bible: Abimelech (Judges 9:52-54), Samson (Judges 16:25-30), Saul (1 Samuel 31:5), Saul’s armor-bearer (same), Ahithophel (2 Sam 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:15-20), and Judas (Matthew 27:3-5). Notably, all but one of these are considered villains. Samson would be the only exception, as he killed himself along with 1,000 Philistines. Still, Samson’s life was hardly what you would call an example of godliness. If we consider suicide as murder of self, which most protestants do, we can see this is clearly forbade throughout scripture; most notably in the sixth of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13). Besides this John Piper gives two other reasons suicide is a sin. First, “it is presumption upon God’s sovereign prerogatives to give and take life” (Piper “Funeral Meditation for A Christian who committed Suicide (1988)”); in other words, to assume that taking your own life is your decision, you are taking upon yourself authority that only belongs to God. The other reason Piper gives is that suicide is a failure to trust God and rely on him to provide for you in such an emotional time. All things that do not come from faith are sin (Romans 14:23). The first thing we can say with confidence about suicide is that it is a sin.
While suicide is a sin, we must not assume that Christians do not struggle with this sin. There are plenty of example in the Bible of godly men who find themselves begging for death. The pressures of leading God’s stubborn, chosen people finally got to Moses in Numbers 11:14-15 when he says: “I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness”. Elijah experiences much the same thing after fleeing Queen Jezebel’s persecution in 1 Kings 19:4: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am no better than my fathers”. Still another of God’s prophets in Jonah had a similar feeling in Jonah 4:8: “When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, ‘It is better for me to die than to live’”. So it is not an odd thing for God’s people to struggle with depression and even wish to die.
The temptation of suicide, then, is not immune from Christians; and we have already explored that the end of this temptation is sin. What then shall we say to the loved ones of one who has committed suicide? We give them the gospel. Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection is sufficient for all sins, including suicide. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and are justified by his grace, as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). All of a believer's sins, whether past, present, or future, are forgiven by what Christ did on the cross: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14-15). Romans 8:35-39 says that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord; that includes suicide. If a true believer in Christ commits suicide, while this is a grievous sin, he will be forgiven and welcomed into heaven.
These areticles by
John Piper and John MacArthur were very helpful to me in this study. I encourage you to read them.
While suicide is a sin, we must not assume that Christians do not struggle with this sin. There are plenty of example in the Bible of godly men who find themselves begging for death. The pressures of leading God’s stubborn, chosen people finally got to Moses in Numbers 11:14-15 when he says: “I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness”. Elijah experiences much the same thing after fleeing Queen Jezebel’s persecution in 1 Kings 19:4: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am no better than my fathers”. Still another of God’s prophets in Jonah had a similar feeling in Jonah 4:8: “When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, ‘It is better for me to die than to live’”. So it is not an odd thing for God’s people to struggle with depression and even wish to die.
The temptation of suicide, then, is not immune from Christians; and we have already explored that the end of this temptation is sin. What then shall we say to the loved ones of one who has committed suicide? We give them the gospel. Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection is sufficient for all sins, including suicide. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and are justified by his grace, as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). All of a believer's sins, whether past, present, or future, are forgiven by what Christ did on the cross: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14-15). Romans 8:35-39 says that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord; that includes suicide. If a true believer in Christ commits suicide, while this is a grievous sin, he will be forgiven and welcomed into heaven.
These areticles by
John Piper and John MacArthur were very helpful to me in this study. I encourage you to read them.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Be Thou My Vision
Recently this hymn has pleasantly been following me around. I was having one of those chapels where I simply could not pay attention. So, to pass the time, I pulled out the hymnal and began to thumb through it. I stumbled onto "Be Thou My Vision". Reading through the hymn I realized how awesome the words are (see below for all). "Not be all else to me save that thou art"! What an amazing statement if you can truly sing it. Everything in this world is rubbish to me, save that God is. Sounds a lot like Paul doesn't it (Phil 3:8). So I left chapel humming the tune and meditating on the lyrics.
In my next class, Christianity and Western Culture, my teacher talked about how we must draw from our spiritual heritage. It was a brilliant lecture on the truth that we are preceeded by a host of men who have fought for our faith, and we would do well not to forget them and what they said. It thought of the old song I had just read in the hymnal.
Next class is intro to music. My professor enters and says "today, let's sing together". I jokingly thought to myself it would be funny if we sang Be Thou My Vision. Before my thoughts had even settled my professor told us to turn to Be Thou My Vision. We sang it, and then he proceded to tell us a little more about this hymn. The music is actually from around the year 600! It's that old, and we are still singing it today.
All this to say, this is a great hymn with challenging lyrics. I love it and it constantly challenges me. Read the lyrics and I challenge you to sing them knowing exactly what they are saying. Is all else "not" as long as God is?
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
In my next class, Christianity and Western Culture, my teacher talked about how we must draw from our spiritual heritage. It was a brilliant lecture on the truth that we are preceeded by a host of men who have fought for our faith, and we would do well not to forget them and what they said. It thought of the old song I had just read in the hymnal.
Next class is intro to music. My professor enters and says "today, let's sing together". I jokingly thought to myself it would be funny if we sang Be Thou My Vision. Before my thoughts had even settled my professor told us to turn to Be Thou My Vision. We sang it, and then he proceded to tell us a little more about this hymn. The music is actually from around the year 600! It's that old, and we are still singing it today.
All this to say, this is a great hymn with challenging lyrics. I love it and it constantly challenges me. Read the lyrics and I challenge you to sing them knowing exactly what they are saying. Is all else "not" as long as God is?
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
John Calvin
I just finished “Portrait of Calvin”, by T.H.L. Parker, a short biography on John Calvin. Here are a few things I learned about John Calvin from the book.
John Calvin married a widower who already had 2 kids. His wife became pregnant with what turned out to be Calvin’s only biological child. However, the son was born prematurely and died. Calvin’s wife never fully recovered and died three years after the death of his son. In an amazing show of faith in God, Calvin wrote to one of his friends:
“The Lord has certainly inflicted a severe and bitter wound in the death of our baby son. But He is Himself a Father and knows best what is good for His children.”
Calvin also was grounded in several doctrines that seem commonplace, but aren’t. Calvin held strongly that the only way that we can know God is His word, the Bible. Calvin was extremely emphatic that men, in particular preachers, must not teach anything but the Bible. In the Institutes he says “When we enter into the pulpit it is not so that we may introduce our own ideas and dreams”. Calvin was very aware that man often wants to follow his own God, not the true God: “Men’s conceptions of God are formed, not according to the representations He gives of Himself, but by the inventions of their own presumptuous imaginations...They worship, not God, but a figment of their own brains in His stead”. This is why we must only follow the scriptures, God’s word to us. Calvin’s theology on this topic can best be summed up in this quote from the Institutes:
“The very unhappy results of this temerity should warn us to study this question with more docility than subtlety, and not allow ourselves to investigate God anywhere but in His sacred Word, or to form any ideas of Him but such as are agreeable to His Word, or to speak anything concerning Him but what is derived from the same Word.”
Calvin also held a lofty view of the excellency of Christ. Calvin believed that the best way to live the Christian life was to live with Christ in the center of all things. We must always look to and understand the excellency of Christ, something one of my favorite present day preachers, John Piper, would call “Future Grace”. Here, in his commentary on Colossians, Calvin emphasizes this:
“For Christ alone makes all other things suddenly vanish. Hence thee is nothing that Satan so much tries to effect as to call up mists so as to obscure Christ; because he knows that by this means the way is opened up for every kind of falsehood. This, therefore, is the only means of retaining, as well as restoring, pure doctrine: to place Christ before the view such as He is with all his blessings, that His excellence may be truly perceived.”
There are many other things I could mention: Calvin’s surrender to the will of God , his emphatic defense of predestination, or his astounding commentaries on almost every book of the Bible. Still, I think the only thing I can do is recommend that you familiar yourself with Calvin, as I have begun, and I further recommend the starting point of this journey to be “Portrait of Calvin”, by T.H.L. Parker. It is a short 130 page book that will wet your appetite for this theologian from Geneva.
John Calvin married a widower who already had 2 kids. His wife became pregnant with what turned out to be Calvin’s only biological child. However, the son was born prematurely and died. Calvin’s wife never fully recovered and died three years after the death of his son. In an amazing show of faith in God, Calvin wrote to one of his friends:
“The Lord has certainly inflicted a severe and bitter wound in the death of our baby son. But He is Himself a Father and knows best what is good for His children.”
Calvin also was grounded in several doctrines that seem commonplace, but aren’t. Calvin held strongly that the only way that we can know God is His word, the Bible. Calvin was extremely emphatic that men, in particular preachers, must not teach anything but the Bible. In the Institutes he says “When we enter into the pulpit it is not so that we may introduce our own ideas and dreams”. Calvin was very aware that man often wants to follow his own God, not the true God: “Men’s conceptions of God are formed, not according to the representations He gives of Himself, but by the inventions of their own presumptuous imaginations...They worship, not God, but a figment of their own brains in His stead”. This is why we must only follow the scriptures, God’s word to us. Calvin’s theology on this topic can best be summed up in this quote from the Institutes:
“The very unhappy results of this temerity should warn us to study this question with more docility than subtlety, and not allow ourselves to investigate God anywhere but in His sacred Word, or to form any ideas of Him but such as are agreeable to His Word, or to speak anything concerning Him but what is derived from the same Word.”
Calvin also held a lofty view of the excellency of Christ. Calvin believed that the best way to live the Christian life was to live with Christ in the center of all things. We must always look to and understand the excellency of Christ, something one of my favorite present day preachers, John Piper, would call “Future Grace”. Here, in his commentary on Colossians, Calvin emphasizes this:
“For Christ alone makes all other things suddenly vanish. Hence thee is nothing that Satan so much tries to effect as to call up mists so as to obscure Christ; because he knows that by this means the way is opened up for every kind of falsehood. This, therefore, is the only means of retaining, as well as restoring, pure doctrine: to place Christ before the view such as He is with all his blessings, that His excellence may be truly perceived.”
There are many other things I could mention: Calvin’s surrender to the will of God , his emphatic defense of predestination, or his astounding commentaries on almost every book of the Bible. Still, I think the only thing I can do is recommend that you familiar yourself with Calvin, as I have begun, and I further recommend the starting point of this journey to be “Portrait of Calvin”, by T.H.L. Parker. It is a short 130 page book that will wet your appetite for this theologian from Geneva.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Gospel According to John Calvin
For your enjoyment, a quote of John Calvin, briefly explaining in his words the gospel:
“That he (man) was alienated from God by sin, an heir of wrath, liable tot he punishment of eternal death, excluded from all hope of salvation, a total stranger to the blessing of God, a slave to Satan, a captive under the yoke of sin, and, in a word, condemned to and already involved in, a horrible destruction; that, in this situation, Christ interposed as an intercessor; that He has taken upon Himself and suffered the punishment which by the righteous judgment of God impended over all sinners; that by His blood He has expiated those crimes which make them odious to God; that by the expiation God the Father has been duly satisfied and atoned; that by this intercessor His wrath has been appeased; that this is the foundation of peace between God and men; that this is the bone of His benevolence towards us”
Yep, I had to read it twice too.
“That he (man) was alienated from God by sin, an heir of wrath, liable tot he punishment of eternal death, excluded from all hope of salvation, a total stranger to the blessing of God, a slave to Satan, a captive under the yoke of sin, and, in a word, condemned to and already involved in, a horrible destruction; that, in this situation, Christ interposed as an intercessor; that He has taken upon Himself and suffered the punishment which by the righteous judgment of God impended over all sinners; that by His blood He has expiated those crimes which make them odious to God; that by the expiation God the Father has been duly satisfied and atoned; that by this intercessor His wrath has been appeased; that this is the foundation of peace between God and men; that this is the bone of His benevolence towards us”
Yep, I had to read it twice too.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Prayer in Times of Trouble
The way we act when trials come matters. Recently I heard of an EMT who fell out of the faith because he saw no difference when Christians suffered then when others category suffered. While many have heard the expression “there’s no atheist in a foxhole”, this EMT said there’s no Christian in a hospital bed.
Books have been written on the subject of suffering with joy as a Christian, and I can recommend a few excellent ones (a good reading through Acts and James for starters; “When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy” by John Piper). But in this blog I want to address how we pray in times of suffering. For this, let us look to what our savior said about this in John 12:27, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” The faith in God shown here by Jesus is amazing. Many of us, when we go through trials, beg God to take away the trouble. We ask for miracles. Yet, Jesus does not ask for a miracle, although he could easily have gotten one (Matthew 26:53); in fact, he doesn’t even ask for God to take the trial away. He basically says, “Why would I ask my Father to save me? This is the purpose I have”. In other words, the trial was part of his purpose. Do we ever consider this? Maybe our worst trial is for God’s purpose. Paul realized this (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), as did Job (Job 42:1-6). This realization led Christ to be able to pray “My Father...not as I will, but as you will.” Our primary concern is God’s will, not our comfort. We must take comfort and have great faith in the promises of Hebrews 12:10-11 and Romans 8:28:
“He (God) disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it”
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”
We can pray for miracles, we can pray for deliverance, we can ask for trials to be lifted. Yet, before all of these, we must pray “not my will, but yours be done God”. Our trials may be for a greater purpose. Sometimes a miracle is not the best thing that could happen.
Books have been written on the subject of suffering with joy as a Christian, and I can recommend a few excellent ones (a good reading through Acts and James for starters; “When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy” by John Piper). But in this blog I want to address how we pray in times of suffering. For this, let us look to what our savior said about this in John 12:27, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” The faith in God shown here by Jesus is amazing. Many of us, when we go through trials, beg God to take away the trouble. We ask for miracles. Yet, Jesus does not ask for a miracle, although he could easily have gotten one (Matthew 26:53); in fact, he doesn’t even ask for God to take the trial away. He basically says, “Why would I ask my Father to save me? This is the purpose I have”. In other words, the trial was part of his purpose. Do we ever consider this? Maybe our worst trial is for God’s purpose. Paul realized this (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), as did Job (Job 42:1-6). This realization led Christ to be able to pray “My Father...not as I will, but as you will.” Our primary concern is God’s will, not our comfort. We must take comfort and have great faith in the promises of Hebrews 12:10-11 and Romans 8:28:
“He (God) disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it”
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”
We can pray for miracles, we can pray for deliverance, we can ask for trials to be lifted. Yet, before all of these, we must pray “not my will, but yours be done God”. Our trials may be for a greater purpose. Sometimes a miracle is not the best thing that could happen.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
My Kinship with Jonathan Edwards
I was listening to Marsden's "A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards" audiobook recently and noticed many similarities between Jonathan Edwards and myself. Of course, I don't mean we are similar in things such as intellect, spiritual disciplines, or theological understanding; Edwards obviously far surpasses me in these. However, I notice that we are very similar in our spiritual experiences and struggles. Particularly we share a similar conversion experience. Perhaps the word "conversion" is not quite right, perhaps "awakening" would be better. Both Edwards and myself were brought to fully strive for spiritual sanctification because of sickness in our youth.
Edwards, when he was sixteen, was suddenly stricken by a deep sickness that brought him face to face with his own mortality, and his need for God's grace. He later said that it was as if "God had dangled me over the pit of hell". This experience would shape the rest of his spiritual walk and ministry, leading him to preach the difference between believing God and having faith in God. He later described this as knowing about honey and it's viscosity and various other specifics of it's existence, and yet not ever tasting it's richness and sweet flavor. "Thus there is a difference between having an opinion, that God is holy and gracious, and having a sense of the loveliness and beauty of that holiness and grace." (Edwards in his sermon "A Divine and Supernatural Light")
My similar experience, familiar to those who know me, happened during my senior year of high school. One night in December I became so sick I collapsed in my bathroom and was rushed to the hospital. Although I might not describe it as God dangling me over the pit of hell, he certainly dangled me over the pit of a wasted life. My life up to that point would leave me in the category that Paul described in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15: "each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire". That's right, it is possible to be saved from eternal damnation by the grace of God and suffer loss. This is what I would have been had I died that December night; one save as through fire. After recovering I devoted myself to being a Christian that could say on the day I actually die, as the apostle Paul did, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
As Jonathan Edward and I both learned, I hope you will learn to love Christ's appearing.
Edwards, when he was sixteen, was suddenly stricken by a deep sickness that brought him face to face with his own mortality, and his need for God's grace. He later said that it was as if "God had dangled me over the pit of hell". This experience would shape the rest of his spiritual walk and ministry, leading him to preach the difference between believing God and having faith in God. He later described this as knowing about honey and it's viscosity and various other specifics of it's existence, and yet not ever tasting it's richness and sweet flavor. "Thus there is a difference between having an opinion, that God is holy and gracious, and having a sense of the loveliness and beauty of that holiness and grace." (Edwards in his sermon "A Divine and Supernatural Light")
My similar experience, familiar to those who know me, happened during my senior year of high school. One night in December I became so sick I collapsed in my bathroom and was rushed to the hospital. Although I might not describe it as God dangling me over the pit of hell, he certainly dangled me over the pit of a wasted life. My life up to that point would leave me in the category that Paul described in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15: "each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire". That's right, it is possible to be saved from eternal damnation by the grace of God and suffer loss. This is what I would have been had I died that December night; one save as through fire. After recovering I devoted myself to being a Christian that could say on the day I actually die, as the apostle Paul did, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
As Jonathan Edward and I both learned, I hope you will learn to love Christ's appearing.
Humility
A few quotes to think about:
"Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call "humble" nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him." -C.S. Lewis
"False humility is also a form of pride. The person who is always hanging his head and has nothing good to say about himself is usually more prideful than the person who graciously accepts a compliment." -John Koessler
What is true humility?
"Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call "humble" nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him." -C.S. Lewis
"False humility is also a form of pride. The person who is always hanging his head and has nothing good to say about himself is usually more prideful than the person who graciously accepts a compliment." -John Koessler
What is true humility?
Monday, July 12, 2010
Week of July 12th
I'm trying to be more apt on my blog. So here are some cool things I saw on the net this week.
#1 John Piper talks to me and other Moodyers and young pastors and all
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2530_if_piper_could_say_one_thing_to_rising_church_leaders/
#2 The Gospel Coalition announces it's conference! Yep, I'm going.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/conferences/2011/#overview
#1 John Piper talks to me and other Moodyers and young pastors and all
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2530_if_piper_could_say_one_thing_to_rising_church_leaders/
#2 The Gospel Coalition announces it's conference! Yep, I'm going.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/conferences/2011/#overview
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
All of humanity has seen the supernatural. Romans 1:20 says that God’s “invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made”. God is basically saying here that we need go no further than a rainfall, the sun shining in the sky, or a mountain majestically standing firm in its place, to see the supernatural things of God. Jesus says much the same, “For he (God) makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45, emphasis added); even David states the same truth in Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” All of humanity has experienced the supernatural, even if they do not acknowledge it. The same chapter in Romans says that humanity has “exchanged the truth about God for a lie” (Romans 1:25). Gabriel Garcia Marquez illustrates this Biblical truth, if perhaps accidentally, in his short story “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings”. More specifically, in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings”, Gabriel Garcia Marquez presents the idea that humanity would rather gain or be entertained by the supernatural, than be changed by it.
The storyline of “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” is simple enough, as Marquez wrote it to be a child’s story. A poor man named Pelayo and his wife Elisenda find an old man with wings in their yard. The old man is in a pitiful state and they lock him in the chicken coop. The old man’s wings lead to the labeling of him as an “angel”, and so this strange appearance brings “pilgrims” from all over the world to visit this strange occurrence. Eventually, however, the crowds are drawn away from the “angel”, who does not speak or do anything put lie in his pitiful state in the chicken coop, to a girl who has been turned into a spider being shown at the carnival. The story ends with the “angel” flying back out over the ocean in a beautiful scene that only Elisenda witnesses.
The inability for man to appreciate the supernatural can be seen in the crowds that come to see the “angel”. They come eagerly, even willing to pay, but are sorely disappointed when the angel says nothing, and performs miracles that they seem to be inconsequential. The people leave the old man as soon as something more interesting, like the spider-girl, comes along. Something that fits what they want in the supernatural, as false religions and world views of today deceive people with a false truth that seems more attractive. They exchange the truth of God for a lie. The “angel” can be taken as a Christ-type, or a character that embodies some of the characteristics of Christ. He falls from glory into a pitiful state, reminiscent of Philippians 2:6-8, “Christ Jesus...made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”. This brings up another interesting Christ characteristic, the Old Man with Enormous Wings is rejected by man because he is “much too human” (Marquez par. 5), and is even accused of being a trick used by the devil. This accusation is made by a religious ruler, Father Gonzaga, calling to mind the Pharisees’ accusation that Jesus was casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24). Even looking past the Pharisees, most of the Jewish nation rejected Jesus because he was not what they thought he should be. The Messiah was suppose to save them from the oppressive power of Rome, not die on a cross; in Marquez’s words, he came “much to human”. Marquez’s perhaps most obvious allusion to Christ in the story is when an onlooker pierces the angel’s side with a hot iron, just as Jesus was pierced by a spear on the cross (John 19:34).
“A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” teaches us that the supernatural is not something to be entertained by, but something that should change us. The only person who perhaps realizes this is Elisenda. When the angel makes his flight across the sea, she is the only one to witness: “She (Elisenda) kept watching him even when she was through cutting the onions and she kept on watching until it was no longer possible for her to see him, because then he was no longer an annoyance in her life but an imaginary dot on the horizon of the sea. (Marquez par. 13)” The angel is no longer an annoyance, but something beautiful. Maybe Elisenda will think on her experience with the angel. Perhaps she will think of the poor state of herself and Pelayo before the angel appeared, in a old house infected with crabs with a sick child, and the life that they now lead, in a big, new house, where they no longer have to catch crabs, the child well and in school. One day Elisenda may see all the angel did for her family, and the Old Man with Enormous Wings will live in her memory as a beautiful dot on the sea of her life, just as some finally see the world around them as the beautiful dot of God, and so believe in the Lord of all creation.
The storyline of “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” is simple enough, as Marquez wrote it to be a child’s story. A poor man named Pelayo and his wife Elisenda find an old man with wings in their yard. The old man is in a pitiful state and they lock him in the chicken coop. The old man’s wings lead to the labeling of him as an “angel”, and so this strange appearance brings “pilgrims” from all over the world to visit this strange occurrence. Eventually, however, the crowds are drawn away from the “angel”, who does not speak or do anything put lie in his pitiful state in the chicken coop, to a girl who has been turned into a spider being shown at the carnival. The story ends with the “angel” flying back out over the ocean in a beautiful scene that only Elisenda witnesses.
The inability for man to appreciate the supernatural can be seen in the crowds that come to see the “angel”. They come eagerly, even willing to pay, but are sorely disappointed when the angel says nothing, and performs miracles that they seem to be inconsequential. The people leave the old man as soon as something more interesting, like the spider-girl, comes along. Something that fits what they want in the supernatural, as false religions and world views of today deceive people with a false truth that seems more attractive. They exchange the truth of God for a lie. The “angel” can be taken as a Christ-type, or a character that embodies some of the characteristics of Christ. He falls from glory into a pitiful state, reminiscent of Philippians 2:6-8, “Christ Jesus...made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”. This brings up another interesting Christ characteristic, the Old Man with Enormous Wings is rejected by man because he is “much too human” (Marquez par. 5), and is even accused of being a trick used by the devil. This accusation is made by a religious ruler, Father Gonzaga, calling to mind the Pharisees’ accusation that Jesus was casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24). Even looking past the Pharisees, most of the Jewish nation rejected Jesus because he was not what they thought he should be. The Messiah was suppose to save them from the oppressive power of Rome, not die on a cross; in Marquez’s words, he came “much to human”. Marquez’s perhaps most obvious allusion to Christ in the story is when an onlooker pierces the angel’s side with a hot iron, just as Jesus was pierced by a spear on the cross (John 19:34).
“A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” teaches us that the supernatural is not something to be entertained by, but something that should change us. The only person who perhaps realizes this is Elisenda. When the angel makes his flight across the sea, she is the only one to witness: “She (Elisenda) kept watching him even when she was through cutting the onions and she kept on watching until it was no longer possible for her to see him, because then he was no longer an annoyance in her life but an imaginary dot on the horizon of the sea. (Marquez par. 13)” The angel is no longer an annoyance, but something beautiful. Maybe Elisenda will think on her experience with the angel. Perhaps she will think of the poor state of herself and Pelayo before the angel appeared, in a old house infected with crabs with a sick child, and the life that they now lead, in a big, new house, where they no longer have to catch crabs, the child well and in school. One day Elisenda may see all the angel did for her family, and the Old Man with Enormous Wings will live in her memory as a beautiful dot on the sea of her life, just as some finally see the world around them as the beautiful dot of God, and so believe in the Lord of all creation.
New Reading System
This January I adopted a new reading system for my Bible reading. And I love it! It was devised by a professor at the Master’s College in Santa Clarita, Ca (John MacArthur’s school). My brother-in-law went to school and hence how I have heard of the system. Basically, it involves reading one chapter from ten different locations in the Bible. The point of the system is to get a little of the entire scope of the Bible in one sitting. You read one chapter from the Pentateuch, the historical books of the Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, the other Old Testament books of poetry (Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs), the prophets, the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles are divided into two groups.
I have absolutely loved this new reading plan. You get the entire scope of the Bible in one sitting and my knowledge and ability to maneuver the Bible has increased in just the three months I have done it. While before I might get to know one book really well, I am getting to know the Bible in it’s entirety. At any point I might be reading Romans, while reading the story of Joseph (Genesis 36 and on), while reading 1 Timothy, then reading the story of Jesus healing the blind man, then read of Joshua taking down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6), then Isaiah predicting the Lord saving Jerusalem from the King of Assyria for Hezekiah’s faithful prayer (Isaiah 36-37), and read David declaring that the heavens declare the Glory of God (Psalm 19). It’s been amazing and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to further their knowledge of the Bible.
I have absolutely loved this new reading plan. You get the entire scope of the Bible in one sitting and my knowledge and ability to maneuver the Bible has increased in just the three months I have done it. While before I might get to know one book really well, I am getting to know the Bible in it’s entirety. At any point I might be reading Romans, while reading the story of Joseph (Genesis 36 and on), while reading 1 Timothy, then reading the story of Jesus healing the blind man, then read of Joshua taking down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6), then Isaiah predicting the Lord saving Jerusalem from the King of Assyria for Hezekiah’s faithful prayer (Isaiah 36-37), and read David declaring that the heavens declare the Glory of God (Psalm 19). It’s been amazing and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to further their knowledge of the Bible.
Friday, March 26, 2010
I am the Worst Sinner I Know
I was recently watching a promotional video for a conference featuring one of my favorite preachers, C.J. Mahaney. I was struck by the way he introduced himself in this particular video: “Hello, I am C.J. Mahaney, and I am the worst sinner I know”. And this wasn’t said to prove a point, or be used as an illustration, I could tell that he really believed it. What humbleness.
As I thought a little more about this, I though how true that statement is. Not that C.J. Mahaney was the worst sinner I know, but that he was the worst sinner he knew. We are all the worst sinners we know. Let me explain a bit further. I know every sin I have done (or at least most of them). I now my deepest, darkest, most evil thoughts that no one will ever know. I know my entire past and what I have done, what my mind has thought, what my failures have been, what has, as Jesus said, come out of my evil human heart (Mark 7:20-21). Hello, my name is Andy Smith, and I am the worst sinner I know.
I will tell you that when I think of it, it truly creates first sorrow and sadness, but then humbleness. Paul calls it godly grief (see previous post). But more than that, it cause me to preach to myself the gospel. In reflecting on my past I must remember that that is not me anymore, God and His Gospel has changed me. With humbleness I must remember that I am the worst sinner I know, but this causes me with joy to remember 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Chist, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come”.
Funny enough, not till later did I realize that C.J Mahaney was not the first to realize this. Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:15, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
As I thought a little more about this, I though how true that statement is. Not that C.J. Mahaney was the worst sinner I know, but that he was the worst sinner he knew. We are all the worst sinners we know. Let me explain a bit further. I know every sin I have done (or at least most of them). I now my deepest, darkest, most evil thoughts that no one will ever know. I know my entire past and what I have done, what my mind has thought, what my failures have been, what has, as Jesus said, come out of my evil human heart (Mark 7:20-21). Hello, my name is Andy Smith, and I am the worst sinner I know.
I will tell you that when I think of it, it truly creates first sorrow and sadness, but then humbleness. Paul calls it godly grief (see previous post). But more than that, it cause me to preach to myself the gospel. In reflecting on my past I must remember that that is not me anymore, God and His Gospel has changed me. With humbleness I must remember that I am the worst sinner I know, but this causes me with joy to remember 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Chist, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come”.
Funny enough, not till later did I realize that C.J Mahaney was not the first to realize this. Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:15, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Godly Grief
I have been profoundly blessed these passed few days by 2 Corinthians 7:8-11:
“For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it-though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, wheras worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.”
The reason I have so loved the above verses is because of how clearly it defines living for God by reading His word. Starting at the beginning, Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians (scholars aren’t sure if this is 1 Corinthians or not, but it seems likely) that caused them sadness. 2 things to remember about this letter. First, 1 Corinthians (if it was 1 Corinthians) is quite famously hard on the Corinthian church, rebuking them for their failure in areas such as unity, the Lord’s supper, and other such things. Secondly, the letter is the Word of God. It is true and so exposes the false and evil. With these two in mind it is obvious why Paul’s letter would cause the Corinthians grief; God (through Paul) had pointed out specific wrongs that they had committed. Yet the grief felt here is not worldly grief with no hope, in fact, it is quite the opposite. This is godly grief. This grief brings you to repentance and through repentance to a renewed earnestness in your faith, a indignation, a fear, a longing and zeal to correct that which was wrong. A grief that has the ultimate product of a “salvation without regret”. How wonderful this must be. What a contrast to what Paul said of those in the Church who do nothing for the gospel in 1 Corinthians: “If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Cor 3:15). I do not want to be saved “only as through fire”, but strive for a “salvation without regret”.
Let me summarize a bit better the point. As a Christian, we must constantly read the Word of God to produce within us a godly grief. This godly grief sees our sin, and seeks with eagerness to correct it. The end result of this is salvation without regret, not as though just escaping judgement, but living the full life that Jesus promises in John 10:10. Think of what would be possible if we really did read the Bible constantly, and so instilling within us godly grief everyday. Think of the results.
The understanding of this idea of godly grief has helped me understand several passages. Here I’ve written out a few without an explanation for the sake of space. Maybe someday I’ll write a book about it and I can give you a more detailed explanation, but for now I’ll leave them to be figured out on your own: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3), “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4), “but his (the blessed man’s) delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2), “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor 4:16), “I urge you therefore brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2), “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17), “Whoever says ‘I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).
Seek godly grief, so that you may obtain a salvation without regret. I pray for it now everyday.
“For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it-though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, wheras worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.”
The reason I have so loved the above verses is because of how clearly it defines living for God by reading His word. Starting at the beginning, Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians (scholars aren’t sure if this is 1 Corinthians or not, but it seems likely) that caused them sadness. 2 things to remember about this letter. First, 1 Corinthians (if it was 1 Corinthians) is quite famously hard on the Corinthian church, rebuking them for their failure in areas such as unity, the Lord’s supper, and other such things. Secondly, the letter is the Word of God. It is true and so exposes the false and evil. With these two in mind it is obvious why Paul’s letter would cause the Corinthians grief; God (through Paul) had pointed out specific wrongs that they had committed. Yet the grief felt here is not worldly grief with no hope, in fact, it is quite the opposite. This is godly grief. This grief brings you to repentance and through repentance to a renewed earnestness in your faith, a indignation, a fear, a longing and zeal to correct that which was wrong. A grief that has the ultimate product of a “salvation without regret”. How wonderful this must be. What a contrast to what Paul said of those in the Church who do nothing for the gospel in 1 Corinthians: “If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Cor 3:15). I do not want to be saved “only as through fire”, but strive for a “salvation without regret”.
Let me summarize a bit better the point. As a Christian, we must constantly read the Word of God to produce within us a godly grief. This godly grief sees our sin, and seeks with eagerness to correct it. The end result of this is salvation without regret, not as though just escaping judgement, but living the full life that Jesus promises in John 10:10. Think of what would be possible if we really did read the Bible constantly, and so instilling within us godly grief everyday. Think of the results.
The understanding of this idea of godly grief has helped me understand several passages. Here I’ve written out a few without an explanation for the sake of space. Maybe someday I’ll write a book about it and I can give you a more detailed explanation, but for now I’ll leave them to be figured out on your own: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3), “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4), “but his (the blessed man’s) delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2), “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor 4:16), “I urge you therefore brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2), “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17), “Whoever says ‘I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).
Seek godly grief, so that you may obtain a salvation without regret. I pray for it now everyday.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Proverbs 12
I was recently reading through my devotions when a certain Proverb seemed to point directly at me. It was one of those cool convictions of the Holy Spirit that comes from something you’ve read several times. For those of you who don’t know me, I am an extremely funny guy. This, unfortunately, carries with it a fair share of awkward times and stupid slip ups. It has been a huge problem for me in my life. So, I opened my Bible and read this:
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”
Proverbs 12:18-20
How convicting. I cannot explain to you the myriad of times and ways that my rash words have been as sword thrust. And bring healing? Only on the rarest occasions, if I am honest, do my lips bring healing. Not only that, but the Proverb says that he who lies, his tongue last for but a moment. No one remembers or likes a liar. Yet truthful lips endure forever. When the truth is said, it last forever. Why am I not more concerned with telling truthful things that heal than lying sword thrust that cause laughter?
This Bible reading was also coupled with my memorization of Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Another verse full of challenge that Christians hardly take at face value. The verse clearly says that all of your words ought to build others up. Think of that. A person who, when they leaves your presence, always leaves you better than when they came. No matter what kind of day they are having, what movies they have been watching, or the kind of mood they are in, they are building up. Proverbs 12 also points this out in verse 25, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” That would surely give grace to those who hear. Why am I not that person?
Not only did Proverbs 12 give me a goal to shoot for, it also gave me the means to meet that goal:
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid”
Proverbs 12:1
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but the wise man listens to advice.”
Proverbs 12:15
It seems obvious that advice from others is the way to better ourselves. We must listen to those who give us advice, and reproof. I have a pride problem, and as a result, most times regard advice as misplaced, or just flat out wrong. Yet the Bible says that is stupid! The wis man listens to advice, they are not right in their own eyes. Yet I think this almost overtime someone tries to offer me practical advice. I think to myself, They don’t know what I am thinking, they don’t get it. I am my own moral and social compass. How foolish.
Yet, we must be careful of those we seek for reproof and advice:
“The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.”
Proverbs 12:5
“One who is righteous is a guide to the neighbor...”
Proverbs 12:26a
So, from these passages I have resolved to be more deliberate in building other up with my speech. That initials also watching my jokes, even if others laugh, that they are not hurtful or demeaning. To do this I will seek reproof and advice from those who are righteous and wise. And of course pray like mad that I might achieve this.
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”
Proverbs 12:18-20
How convicting. I cannot explain to you the myriad of times and ways that my rash words have been as sword thrust. And bring healing? Only on the rarest occasions, if I am honest, do my lips bring healing. Not only that, but the Proverb says that he who lies, his tongue last for but a moment. No one remembers or likes a liar. Yet truthful lips endure forever. When the truth is said, it last forever. Why am I not more concerned with telling truthful things that heal than lying sword thrust that cause laughter?
This Bible reading was also coupled with my memorization of Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Another verse full of challenge that Christians hardly take at face value. The verse clearly says that all of your words ought to build others up. Think of that. A person who, when they leaves your presence, always leaves you better than when they came. No matter what kind of day they are having, what movies they have been watching, or the kind of mood they are in, they are building up. Proverbs 12 also points this out in verse 25, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” That would surely give grace to those who hear. Why am I not that person?
Not only did Proverbs 12 give me a goal to shoot for, it also gave me the means to meet that goal:
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid”
Proverbs 12:1
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but the wise man listens to advice.”
Proverbs 12:15
It seems obvious that advice from others is the way to better ourselves. We must listen to those who give us advice, and reproof. I have a pride problem, and as a result, most times regard advice as misplaced, or just flat out wrong. Yet the Bible says that is stupid! The wis man listens to advice, they are not right in their own eyes. Yet I think this almost overtime someone tries to offer me practical advice. I think to myself, They don’t know what I am thinking, they don’t get it. I am my own moral and social compass. How foolish.
Yet, we must be careful of those we seek for reproof and advice:
“The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.”
Proverbs 12:5
“One who is righteous is a guide to the neighbor...”
Proverbs 12:26a
So, from these passages I have resolved to be more deliberate in building other up with my speech. That initials also watching my jokes, even if others laugh, that they are not hurtful or demeaning. To do this I will seek reproof and advice from those who are righteous and wise. And of course pray like mad that I might achieve this.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Greatest Enemy
What are the distinguishing qualities of those that are in favor with God, and entitled to His eternal rewards? A great question, and, according to Jonathan Edwards, “there is no question whatsoever that is of greater importance to mankind” (Edwards 15). Today I began Edwards’s great treatise “The Religious Affections”. The book is essentially Edwards’s attempt to give an answer to this most important question.
Why is this question so important? Edwards proposes, and I agree, that it is important because the greatest enemy of Christ’s Gospel is false religion. Edwards says it like this: “It is by the mixture of counterfeit religion with true, not disconcerted and distinguished, that the devil has had his greatest advantage against the cause and kingdom of Christ all along hitherto.” (Edwards 17) We must know what true religion (what Edwards calls religious affection) is, so we may refute this great enemy of false religion. This enemy also does not come banging on our door. It comes slowly and does not show itself. It infects and slowly spreads. This disease is a slow killer, not a sword thrust. We cannot see false religion until we know true religion, so this brings us back to our original question; what is the qualities of those that are in favor with God? Is it a dramatic conversion? A passion for the church? Authentic praise? A changed life? A more joyful life? Willingness to serve? What does the true Christian manifest? This is the importance of what Edwards is writing.
The reason that the devil has so used this strategy of false religion is that it has a duel purpose. Firstly, it will make some believe they are saved, when in fact they are not. Think of the tragedy. A life believed to be lived on the narrow way, reaches eternity only to realize that they had been infected with the disease of false religion all their lives. As Edwards says, “making them think they are something when they are nothing” (19). The second purpose is to empower the outward enemies of God in their fight. To empower those who would scream “Hypocrite” at all opportunities. Those who hate Christianity find their advantage in those who do not realize that their proclamation to follow Christ is false. Those who try to live the Christian life without the help of God will fail, and so these are paraded by those who hate the Christian life.
I wish to find these answers and many more as I continue to dive into my Bible and “The Religious Affections”. I believe as Edwards does that “we shall never be in the way of truth” (16), and consequently there must be those who find the truth. I pray to Christ Jesus that I might be one who finds the truth, and that I may live with true religious affection. I pray that God will guide me as I read and study on the topic. I also pray that I remember to examine my own eyes before examining the eyes of others (Matt 7:1-6). I invite you on my journey.
Why is this question so important? Edwards proposes, and I agree, that it is important because the greatest enemy of Christ’s Gospel is false religion. Edwards says it like this: “It is by the mixture of counterfeit religion with true, not disconcerted and distinguished, that the devil has had his greatest advantage against the cause and kingdom of Christ all along hitherto.” (Edwards 17) We must know what true religion (what Edwards calls religious affection) is, so we may refute this great enemy of false religion. This enemy also does not come banging on our door. It comes slowly and does not show itself. It infects and slowly spreads. This disease is a slow killer, not a sword thrust. We cannot see false religion until we know true religion, so this brings us back to our original question; what is the qualities of those that are in favor with God? Is it a dramatic conversion? A passion for the church? Authentic praise? A changed life? A more joyful life? Willingness to serve? What does the true Christian manifest? This is the importance of what Edwards is writing.
The reason that the devil has so used this strategy of false religion is that it has a duel purpose. Firstly, it will make some believe they are saved, when in fact they are not. Think of the tragedy. A life believed to be lived on the narrow way, reaches eternity only to realize that they had been infected with the disease of false religion all their lives. As Edwards says, “making them think they are something when they are nothing” (19). The second purpose is to empower the outward enemies of God in their fight. To empower those who would scream “Hypocrite” at all opportunities. Those who hate Christianity find their advantage in those who do not realize that their proclamation to follow Christ is false. Those who try to live the Christian life without the help of God will fail, and so these are paraded by those who hate the Christian life.
I wish to find these answers and many more as I continue to dive into my Bible and “The Religious Affections”. I believe as Edwards does that “we shall never be in the way of truth” (16), and consequently there must be those who find the truth. I pray to Christ Jesus that I might be one who finds the truth, and that I may live with true religious affection. I pray that God will guide me as I read and study on the topic. I also pray that I remember to examine my own eyes before examining the eyes of others (Matt 7:1-6). I invite you on my journey.
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