Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Psalm 73:25
"The Lord is very jealous over any saint utterly abandoned to Him. He does not let that believer have any pleasures at all outside of Him." J. Guyon
Your immediate reaction to this quote may be "That's nonsense. God loves us so much he created many pleasures for us." Read closer... this is for the saint that is "utterly abandoned to Him." This does not include the on again, off again fellow. We know what the chicken offered to bring for breakfast as opposed to the pig. Ever wonder why the half-hearted are called chickens?
God formed us for Himself. This is no great revelation to the Believer. The Shorter Catechism #1 asks, "What is the chief end of man?" Answer: "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." (See Revelation 4:11) Understand this, man can and will find all fulfillment (yes redundant) in Him. If we do not, it is only because we have not really sought Him. If we seek fulfillment elsewhere, we not only commit spiritually adultery, we prove further we have not sought him. For if we seek him, we will find Him and that He is enough. He created us. He created us for Himself. Knowing us, He designed that He should be enough for us. My seeking pleasure in this world exposes my lack of closeness to Him.
If I examine myself and discover I am seeking "elsewhere" it is only because I am not seeking Him. If there is something missing, something I can not find to meet my "need"... there is something missing.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Ready to Quit
I Corinthians 16:13 -"Quit you like men." I have read this a few times recently and decided to look further into it. Here is what one person says:
"Quit you like men:" In the English of King James' time, "quit you like men" meant "conduct yourselves like men" or, better yet, "behave courageously."
During a particular battle in Africa during the Second World War, history records that a certain unit of more than four thousand men promptly surrendered after it suffered only six casualties and before it had used any of its own ammunition. What a pitiful example of a lack of courage! And what shame that unit brought to its own nation! Those men, and their commanders, failed to grasp that to be a soldier in wartime is not simply a matter of grand music, colorful banners, and flashy uniforms. War is a grim duty, a serious struggle of life or death, requiring genuine courage. It is no different for us. To be a real Christian, in this day and age especially, is not simply a matter of grand words or of beautiful crosses to adorn our necks. It is also a grim duty, and a serious struggle involving spiritual life or death, a struggle requiring genuine courage.
If the word "Christian" has any meaning at all associated with Christ's life and teaching, it takes more courage, at least in one respect, to be a Christian today than it did to be a soldier in the deserts of North Africa during WW II. The soldier in North Africa knew that the danger and hardships were of comparatively short duration, lasting a few months or, at most, a few years. Our danger and hardships as Christians last our whole lives, from the time we are able to understand the difference between right and wrong until the moment we draw our final breath. In the Army of Christ, we enlist for life.
Instead of quitting in the face of this perverse generation, we need husbands and fathers who will "Quite you like men."
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Cure for the Common Christmas
“We spend a lifetime collecting ‘stuff’ that we will spend a lifetime hauling around with us trying to find storage for it all.”
These words were e-mailed to me recently. Very true words, poignant, in fact.
One cause of this is not only our bent toward materialism, but our distorted view / approach to Christmas. We Christians are as guilty as anyone of taking what is reported to be a remembrance or celebration of our Savior’s birth and turning it into the stress-filled, debt-ridden, chaos it has become.
We fill the need to express our love to those around us, especially our family, in the same way as the world. We buy into the falsehood that gifts will show our love. We are consumed, pardon the play on words, with the need to get our family the same trinkets the world gets there’s. Here we see the bigger distortion – that Christmas is about family, Christmas is about being together, Christmas is about showing our love to those around us. I am tempted to write, “I thought Christmas is about Christ,” but will not because I do not want to show how completely naïve I am. Christmas has gone the way of Easter. We really do not reflect on the true events of those days, historically. The world has taken those days and ruined them. We Christians, also being secular humanists, have not only allowed them to do so, but have been a party to their destruction. Think about it... we have been a party to trivializing our Savior’s birth AND death. Yes, Easter is really about His resurrection! But there is no resurrection without the death which we have allowed Peter cotton tail to trample all over.
The Cure
How do we re-claim these Christian Holy-days? Family Worship.
1 – It shows our family our true faith. It allows fathers to train up their children spiritually, which is the only mandate in the Bible when it comes to training our children.
2 – It builds bonds that show true familial love. Being together in God’s word and prayer develops the true relationship God designed for families. When these bonds are forged, we do not feel the need to spend large amounts on spouses or children to express our “love.” At the same time we have such a relationship with our children that they do not “need” (expect / demand) huge displays of materialism to keep them satisfied.
3 – The Bible is clear – Families are to worship God together. Churches do not encourage this or teach this. The proof of this is they are not teaching or discussing it. How many pastors lead their families in daily worship? Any wonder why families are disintegrating before our eyes including our pastor’s families? To reclaim our Holy-days and to keep our faith viable in a dying world, it must start with the family.
Family Worship – what does it involve?
It is quite simple. Have a set time every day to read the Bible together and pray together as a family. Many families even sing a hymn or two during this time.
There is no reason not to, and many reasons we must. You cannot imagine how it will change your family. It will be the cure for the common Christmas.
These words were e-mailed to me recently. Very true words, poignant, in fact.
One cause of this is not only our bent toward materialism, but our distorted view / approach to Christmas. We Christians are as guilty as anyone of taking what is reported to be a remembrance or celebration of our Savior’s birth and turning it into the stress-filled, debt-ridden, chaos it has become.
We fill the need to express our love to those around us, especially our family, in the same way as the world. We buy into the falsehood that gifts will show our love. We are consumed, pardon the play on words, with the need to get our family the same trinkets the world gets there’s. Here we see the bigger distortion – that Christmas is about family, Christmas is about being together, Christmas is about showing our love to those around us. I am tempted to write, “I thought Christmas is about Christ,” but will not because I do not want to show how completely naïve I am. Christmas has gone the way of Easter. We really do not reflect on the true events of those days, historically. The world has taken those days and ruined them. We Christians, also being secular humanists, have not only allowed them to do so, but have been a party to their destruction. Think about it... we have been a party to trivializing our Savior’s birth AND death. Yes, Easter is really about His resurrection! But there is no resurrection without the death which we have allowed Peter cotton tail to trample all over.
The Cure
How do we re-claim these Christian Holy-days? Family Worship.
1 – It shows our family our true faith. It allows fathers to train up their children spiritually, which is the only mandate in the Bible when it comes to training our children.
2 – It builds bonds that show true familial love. Being together in God’s word and prayer develops the true relationship God designed for families. When these bonds are forged, we do not feel the need to spend large amounts on spouses or children to express our “love.” At the same time we have such a relationship with our children that they do not “need” (expect / demand) huge displays of materialism to keep them satisfied.
3 – The Bible is clear – Families are to worship God together. Churches do not encourage this or teach this. The proof of this is they are not teaching or discussing it. How many pastors lead their families in daily worship? Any wonder why families are disintegrating before our eyes including our pastor’s families? To reclaim our Holy-days and to keep our faith viable in a dying world, it must start with the family.
Family Worship – what does it involve?
It is quite simple. Have a set time every day to read the Bible together and pray together as a family. Many families even sing a hymn or two during this time.
There is no reason not to, and many reasons we must. You cannot imagine how it will change your family. It will be the cure for the common Christmas.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Study!
If we ask the average Christian what is God's purpose / plan in salvation, what might we hear? I believe it may be along the lines of "To save us from Hell." We may even get, "Jesus died to save us from Hell and to take us to Heaven where we will live with Him eternally!"
We must study - to show ourselves approved.
We do preach this. And it is partially true, partially.
While Jesus died for my sins, to save me from Hell, he also died to save me from current sins. You see, when we preach and teach "saved from Hell" salvation, we do ourselves and others a great disservice. Have you noticed there are untold thousands who want to be saved from hell but who do not want to be saved from their sins (now) and give their life to Jesus.
Yes, Hell is real. Yes, unrepentant sinners will go there. We should not gloss that over.
But have we read John 10:10?
We must study to show ourselves approved.
Why did Jesus come to earth and die?
Matthew 1:21 - "Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." Present, not future.
Galatians 1:4 - "(the Lord Jesus Christ) who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age..."
Present, not future.
Ephesians 5:5-7 - "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. "
Present, not future.
We do know, don't we, We are the church. We were blood bought to be without stain, holy, blameless - Now, not in heaven later.
Why study? So we can know what we know. So we can share this reality with new believers who need to know Jesus died for them NOW, not for the future.
Study to show thyself approved - you never know what you might learn.
We must study - to show ourselves approved.
We do preach this. And it is partially true, partially.
While Jesus died for my sins, to save me from Hell, he also died to save me from current sins. You see, when we preach and teach "saved from Hell" salvation, we do ourselves and others a great disservice. Have you noticed there are untold thousands who want to be saved from hell but who do not want to be saved from their sins (now) and give their life to Jesus.
Yes, Hell is real. Yes, unrepentant sinners will go there. We should not gloss that over.
But have we read John 10:10?
We must study to show ourselves approved.
Why did Jesus come to earth and die?
Matthew 1:21 - "Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." Present, not future.
Galatians 1:4 - "(the Lord Jesus Christ) who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age..."
Present, not future.
Ephesians 5:5-7 - "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. "
Present, not future.
We do know, don't we, We are the church. We were blood bought to be without stain, holy, blameless - Now, not in heaven later.
Why study? So we can know what we know. So we can share this reality with new believers who need to know Jesus died for them NOW, not for the future.
Study to show thyself approved - you never know what you might learn.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Best Practice
Best Practice - this has been a buzz word among "educators" for a while. It means we should do / be / practice what has proven through research to be the best course of teaching / training, etc.
I believe 2 Timothy 3:10-17 is a worthwhile "Best Practice." Let me share points I heard recently. Here is the text.
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
So what do we do now?
Point 1 - Be teachable- v. 10, 14, 16
Point 2 - Be prepared for opposition (don't be surprised or defeated by it!) v. 11, 12
Point 3 - Determine to stay faithful! - v. 14
Point 4 - Deepen your knowledge of the Bible - v. 16, 17
Why.....?
17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Remember:
1 - As we search the scripture - IT searches us!
2 - The Bible is the only book that the author shows up to meet you when you read it!
I believe 2 Timothy 3:10-17 is a worthwhile "Best Practice." Let me share points I heard recently. Here is the text.
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
So what do we do now?
Point 1 - Be teachable- v. 10, 14, 16
Point 2 - Be prepared for opposition (don't be surprised or defeated by it!) v. 11, 12
Point 3 - Determine to stay faithful! - v. 14
Point 4 - Deepen your knowledge of the Bible - v. 16, 17
Why.....?
17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Remember:
1 - As we search the scripture - IT searches us!
2 - The Bible is the only book that the author shows up to meet you when you read it!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Pot-Pourri
Ch. 2 of the current book I am reading is titled "Pot-pourri Evangelism." I believe it states the current state very well.
Exhibit A - "We have reached such a low state of spirituality that we are excited when a prominent personality professes conversion and speaks our evangelical vocabulary - even though his life shows no evidence of change whatsoever wrought by the Gospel of Christ. We have so lost the vision of the power and dignity of our blessed Lord that we think it very wonderful when one of these unregenerated leaders "helps God out" in His great enterprise of evangelism."
Exhibit B - William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, said at the turn of the 20th century, "The chief danger of the twentieth century will be
Religion without the Holy Ghost,
Christianity without Christ,
Forgiveness without repentance.
Salvation without regeneration,
Heaven without hell."
How far we have come from the real Gospel. Today I heard a man speak on Matthew 16:24
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, ''If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'" This may be the most preached on verse that is the least understood, obeyed, and practiced.
Who preaches repentance?
Who explains, let alone understands, regeneration?
Who preaches hell as a real place? No, we do not want to offend.
All these new age-ers... "If hell is not real, what does Jesus save us from?"
I heard a 83 yr. young preacher say recently, "I believe fully 75 % of our church "members" are not saved. They had an emotional experience, but have not made Christ Lord of their life. There has been no change in heart or mind." I have to agree.
Don't forget Exodus 7:10-12 - Jannes and Jambres were pharaoh's magicians who withstood Moses by duplicating the work of God by satanic power. Yes..... duplicating the work of God by satanic power. No one is more thrilled when people play church, pastors live in the world, and church parking lots are FULL ON SUNDAYS.
Pot-Pourri......
Exhibit A - "We have reached such a low state of spirituality that we are excited when a prominent personality professes conversion and speaks our evangelical vocabulary - even though his life shows no evidence of change whatsoever wrought by the Gospel of Christ. We have so lost the vision of the power and dignity of our blessed Lord that we think it very wonderful when one of these unregenerated leaders "helps God out" in His great enterprise of evangelism."
Exhibit B - William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, said at the turn of the 20th century, "The chief danger of the twentieth century will be
Religion without the Holy Ghost,
Christianity without Christ,
Forgiveness without repentance.
Salvation without regeneration,
Heaven without hell."
How far we have come from the real Gospel. Today I heard a man speak on Matthew 16:24
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, ''If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'" This may be the most preached on verse that is the least understood, obeyed, and practiced.
Who preaches repentance?
Who explains, let alone understands, regeneration?
Who preaches hell as a real place? No, we do not want to offend.
All these new age-ers... "If hell is not real, what does Jesus save us from?"
I heard a 83 yr. young preacher say recently, "I believe fully 75 % of our church "members" are not saved. They had an emotional experience, but have not made Christ Lord of their life. There has been no change in heart or mind." I have to agree.
Don't forget Exodus 7:10-12 - Jannes and Jambres were pharaoh's magicians who withstood Moses by duplicating the work of God by satanic power. Yes..... duplicating the work of God by satanic power. No one is more thrilled when people play church, pastors live in the world, and church parking lots are FULL ON SUNDAYS.
Pot-Pourri......
If you have time for it...
I found this, read it and am just sharing it. (Taken from http://www.horatiusbonar.com/)
No commentary on my part. What about you? I would like to dialogue...
On Bible Study and Book Reading
Horatis Bonar - written 1861
On Bible Study
Do not skim it or read it, but study it, every word of it; study the whole Bible, Old Testament and New; not your favourite chapters merely, but the complete Word of God from beginning to end. Do not trouble yourself with commentators; they may be of use if kept in their place, but they are not your guides; your guide is ‘the Interpreter,’ the one among a thousand (Job 33:23), who will lead you into all truth, and keep you from all error.
Not that you are to read no book but the Bible. All that is true and good is worth the reading, if you have time for it; and all, if properly used, will help you in your study of the Scriptures. A Christian does not shut his eyes to the natural scenes of beauty spread around him. He does not cease to admire the hills, or plains, or rivers, or forests of earth, because he has learned to love the God that made them; nor does he turn away from books of science or true poetry, because he has discovered one book truer, more precious, and more poetical than all the rest together.
In so far, then, as time allows or opportunity presents, let us ’seek and search out by word concerning all things that are done under heaven.’ But let the Bible be to us the book of books, the one book in all the world, whose every wisdom is truth, and whose every verse is wisdom.
On Book Reading
Specially beware of light reading. Shun novels; they are the literary curse of the age; they are to the soul what ardent spirits are to the body. If you be a parent, keep novels out of the way of your children. But whether you be a parent or not, neither read them yourself, nor set an example of novel-reading to others.
Don’t let novels lie on your table, or be seen in your hand, even in a railway carriage. The ‘light reading for the rail’ has done deep injury to many a young man and woman. The light literature of the day is working a world of harm; vitiating the taste of the young, enervating their minds, unfitting them for life’s plain work, eating out their love of the Bible, teaching them a false morality, and creating in the soul an unreal standard of truth, and beauty, and love.
But see that your relish for the Bible be above every other enjoyment, and the moment you begin to feel greater relish for any other book, lay it down till you have sought deliverance from such a snare, and obtained from the Holy Spirit an intenser relish, a keener appetite for the Word of God (Jeremiah 15:16; Psalm 19:7-10).
-Edited from Chapter 6 of Follow the Lamb by Horatius Bonar, 1861.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Hollywood
"In our eagerness to tell the world that Christ satisfies we have gone to the extreme of presenting a popular Christianity. When we laugh and joke and act the clown at the beginning of the service, and at the close become serious and warn the unsaved of their impending doom, it is difficult for them to realize that we are sincere." (italics in original)
" Today, all the advertising is centered around the preachers and the singers, and they are so glamorous..."
"It was the custom when there were mighty preachers in London for people to go "sermon-tasting." A man and his wife once heard two great preachers, one on Sunday morning and the other on Sunday evening. The whole day long the man kept saying of the morning preacher, 'What a wonderful preacher, what a wonderful preacher.' In the evening, he and his wife went to hear _______ _______ (name omitted by MC). Down the stairs of the Metropolitan Tabernacle they came, tears rolling down their checks, and saying, "Oh what a wonderful Saviour! Oh, what a wonderful Saviour I have!'"
"For my part, I absolutely refuse to entertain, either older believers who are often cold and carnal, or young believers who have no have no depth, and no spirituality... I refuse to entertain sinners on their way to hell."
These are from a book I am reading. Isn't it easy to read an "amen" book - one with which we quickly and easily agree? The danger, I find, is in becoming self-complacent and arrogant. I often find myself saying emphatically, "Amen! Preach it!" but rarely moved to change or action. That is why I'm closing...
Oh, the book - "Evangelism" by James A. Stewart - Lamplighter Publications. It is an old book -which makes the comments even more significant for today.
" Today, all the advertising is centered around the preachers and the singers, and they are so glamorous..."
"It was the custom when there were mighty preachers in London for people to go "sermon-tasting." A man and his wife once heard two great preachers, one on Sunday morning and the other on Sunday evening. The whole day long the man kept saying of the morning preacher, 'What a wonderful preacher, what a wonderful preacher.' In the evening, he and his wife went to hear _______ _______ (name omitted by MC). Down the stairs of the Metropolitan Tabernacle they came, tears rolling down their checks, and saying, "Oh what a wonderful Saviour! Oh, what a wonderful Saviour I have!'"
"For my part, I absolutely refuse to entertain, either older believers who are often cold and carnal, or young believers who have no have no depth, and no spirituality... I refuse to entertain sinners on their way to hell."
These are from a book I am reading. Isn't it easy to read an "amen" book - one with which we quickly and easily agree? The danger, I find, is in becoming self-complacent and arrogant. I often find myself saying emphatically, "Amen! Preach it!" but rarely moved to change or action. That is why I'm closing...
Oh, the book - "Evangelism" by James A. Stewart - Lamplighter Publications. It is an old book -which makes the comments even more significant for today.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Before I knew...
I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior
I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior
That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior
Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior
That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior.
-------------------------------------
These are the lyrics to "My Savior," an old hymn. The younger generation knows this song (I omitted the chorus) as "My Savior My God," by Aaron Shust. This is another example of a contemporary musician taking a wonderful old hymn, adding a few words and "jazzing it up" to make a "new" song. I don't mind - the point is still beautiful.
I heard this song again recently. It really has great depth.
"That he who lives to be MY King, once DIED to be MY Savior!"
And think of all that goes with "Before I knew my Savior..."
Read it again.... I hope it blesses you.
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior
I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior
That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior
Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior
That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior.
-------------------------------------
These are the lyrics to "My Savior," an old hymn. The younger generation knows this song (I omitted the chorus) as "My Savior My God," by Aaron Shust. This is another example of a contemporary musician taking a wonderful old hymn, adding a few words and "jazzing it up" to make a "new" song. I don't mind - the point is still beautiful.
I heard this song again recently. It really has great depth.
"That he who lives to be MY King, once DIED to be MY Savior!"
And think of all that goes with "Before I knew my Savior..."
Read it again.... I hope it blesses you.
Friday, August 31, 2007
O Glorious Day...
One day when heaven was filled with his praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin—
Dwelt amongst men, my example is he!
Chorus
Living, he loved me; dying, he saved me;
Buried, he carried my sins far away;
Rising, he justified freely, for ever:
One day he's coming—O, glorious day!
I love this song. It really has nothing to do with my thought for the day other than the ending chorus - "Oh glorious day!" You see, today was a "glorious day." Classes went well. I got some good quiz scores back. (Earthly joys) All classes were very good! Old Testament... another FAST day. It seems we just sit down and it is time to leave. Great teacher - knows his stuff and is PASSIONATE about teaching it! Chapel... now we get to the glory of the day....
Today's speaker was a graduate of the seminary. He just completed his Ph.D, is pastoring his first church, and is 29 years young, and full of the Spirit!
Text - I Cor. 1:18 - "The preaching of the cross is to them that are perishing foolishness.." Thesis - we have churches and pulpits full of individuals who cling to "justification" and are thrilled by future "glorification" yet seem to overlook "sanctification."
John 15 - I am the vine... he that abideth in me WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT;
James 2 -
14What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
17Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
18But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
19You believe that God is one You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. (In other words, "Big Deal!")
20But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
(Are you willing to recognize, admit, agree..., confess!?)
26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Matthew 7 -
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you
"he that doeth the will of my Father...." Doeth is a verb. It requires action! It REQUIRES action, it does not suggest. Serving (another verb) is not a suggestion for a follower of Christ. Being about THE FATHER'S business is a command, a requirement, a must, a necessity, a obligation, a condition of salvation! (Yes, justification by faith, but if there is no "doeth," no works..) Where did we get the idea we can get saved and get comfortable and sit- Same pew, same boring devotional life, same response to teaching and preaching, same lack of witnessing, same lack of caring that the world is LOST!! Where did we get the notion this is acceptable to our Savior? Where did we get the notion that living this way means I am actually saved? Do we really understand "Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord will enter....?
Sanctification involves fruit.
1 - To hear a preacher call out seminary students, call out seminary professors - most of whom are pastors, call out the Southern Baptist Convention! to examine our own sanctification and the sanctification emphasis preached (or rather NOT) from the pulpit... "Oh glorious day!"
2 - Dear reader - Are you sure of your salvation? Are you really cleansed by the bold of the Crucified one? Or did you have an emotional "experience" while a youth? Did you offer mental acceptance of the facts of the Gospel - you agreed with and understood, but you really have not surrendered your very life to Him and His will? Do you admit you have never really desired to serve him the way he commands his followers to? I believe you want him to save you from hell! But do you want to surrender and serve him today? That is the issue involved in true salvation. You must repent of "me" and turn to Him. You can do that right now. Make this a Glorious Day!
Sanctification involves fruit. There is NO way around it.
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin—
Dwelt amongst men, my example is he!
Chorus
Living, he loved me; dying, he saved me;
Buried, he carried my sins far away;
Rising, he justified freely, for ever:
One day he's coming—O, glorious day!
I love this song. It really has nothing to do with my thought for the day other than the ending chorus - "Oh glorious day!" You see, today was a "glorious day." Classes went well. I got some good quiz scores back. (Earthly joys) All classes were very good! Old Testament... another FAST day. It seems we just sit down and it is time to leave. Great teacher - knows his stuff and is PASSIONATE about teaching it! Chapel... now we get to the glory of the day....
Today's speaker was a graduate of the seminary. He just completed his Ph.D, is pastoring his first church, and is 29 years young, and full of the Spirit!
Text - I Cor. 1:18 - "The preaching of the cross is to them that are perishing foolishness.." Thesis - we have churches and pulpits full of individuals who cling to "justification" and are thrilled by future "glorification" yet seem to overlook "sanctification."
John 15 - I am the vine... he that abideth in me WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT;
James 2 -
14What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
17Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
18But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
19You believe that God is one You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. (In other words, "Big Deal!")
20But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
(Are you willing to recognize, admit, agree..., confess!?)
26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Matthew 7 -
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you
"he that doeth the will of my Father...." Doeth is a verb. It requires action! It REQUIRES action, it does not suggest. Serving (another verb) is not a suggestion for a follower of Christ. Being about THE FATHER'S business is a command, a requirement, a must, a necessity, a obligation, a condition of salvation! (Yes, justification by faith, but if there is no "doeth," no works..) Where did we get the idea we can get saved and get comfortable and sit- Same pew, same boring devotional life, same response to teaching and preaching, same lack of witnessing, same lack of caring that the world is LOST!! Where did we get the notion this is acceptable to our Savior? Where did we get the notion that living this way means I am actually saved? Do we really understand "Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord will enter....?
Sanctification involves fruit.
1 - To hear a preacher call out seminary students, call out seminary professors - most of whom are pastors, call out the Southern Baptist Convention! to examine our own sanctification and the sanctification emphasis preached (or rather NOT) from the pulpit... "Oh glorious day!"
2 - Dear reader - Are you sure of your salvation? Are you really cleansed by the bold of the Crucified one? Or did you have an emotional "experience" while a youth? Did you offer mental acceptance of the facts of the Gospel - you agreed with and understood, but you really have not surrendered your very life to Him and His will? Do you admit you have never really desired to serve him the way he commands his followers to? I believe you want him to save you from hell! But do you want to surrender and serve him today? That is the issue involved in true salvation. You must repent of "me" and turn to Him. You can do that right now. Make this a Glorious Day!
Sanctification involves fruit. There is NO way around it.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Personal Defects
"Oh my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to Thee, my God; O our God, what shall we say after this?" Ezra 9:6, 10
Ezra wrote this after the leaders of Israel told him of the people's sins of intermarrying and cultural mixing. I read this verse in a book I am reading on ministers and their ministry. Can you tell by the scripture and the context of "ministry" how this author may be using this verse?
In his text, the author claims we often couch falsehood within truth. Specifically, he is talking about soul-winning. The truth IS only God saves individuals. Only the Holy Spirit convicts of sin and leads to repentance. However, so many of "us" claim to be "doing the Lord's work" and never seeing fruit. This sometimes is the case. The author's claim, and what I am offering up as food for thought is: We are all too often so ready to accept no fruit, so we can "rest" in the
idea "well, I tried."
I quote: "We can thus be satisfied to use the means without obtaining the end, and speak of it as though we were submitting to the Lord's disposal (use), we use truth to hide a falsehood.. so it is with ministers (read "any Christian"): when we can rest satisfied with using the means for saving souls without seeing them really saved, or we ourselves being broken-hearted by it, and at the same time quietly talk of leaving the event to God's disposal, we make use of a truth to cover and excuse a falsehood; for our ability to leave the matter thus is not, as we imagine, the result of heart-submission to God, but of heart indifference to the salvation of the souls we deal with. No, truly, if the heart is really set on such an end, it must gain that end or break in losing it." (emphasis added)
What do you think? What does it genuinely say if we continually share our faith and see not fruit, and are not affected by it? The point he is expounding upon is if we have truly committed our ways to the Lord, and sought His power, if we have cried out for lost souls, there will be fruit. Hence, the falsehood we cover ... He continues:
"He that saved our souls has taught us to weep over the unsaved. Lord let that mind be in us that was in Thee! ...We can see thousands perish around us, and our sleep never be disturbed; no vision of their awful doom ever scaring us...(their condition) may well send us daily to our knees; for the loss of even one soul is terrible beyond conception. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered the heart of man, what a soul inn hell must suffer forever."
Time in the prayer closet avails much. Time in the world avails Ezra chapter 9.
Ezra wrote this after the leaders of Israel told him of the people's sins of intermarrying and cultural mixing. I read this verse in a book I am reading on ministers and their ministry. Can you tell by the scripture and the context of "ministry" how this author may be using this verse?
In his text, the author claims we often couch falsehood within truth. Specifically, he is talking about soul-winning. The truth IS only God saves individuals. Only the Holy Spirit convicts of sin and leads to repentance. However, so many of "us" claim to be "doing the Lord's work" and never seeing fruit. This sometimes is the case. The author's claim, and what I am offering up as food for thought is: We are all too often so ready to accept no fruit, so we can "rest" in the
idea "well, I tried."
I quote: "We can thus be satisfied to use the means without obtaining the end, and speak of it as though we were submitting to the Lord's disposal (use), we use truth to hide a falsehood.. so it is with ministers (read "any Christian"): when we can rest satisfied with using the means for saving souls without seeing them really saved, or we ourselves being broken-hearted by it, and at the same time quietly talk of leaving the event to God's disposal, we make use of a truth to cover and excuse a falsehood; for our ability to leave the matter thus is not, as we imagine, the result of heart-submission to God, but of heart indifference to the salvation of the souls we deal with. No, truly, if the heart is really set on such an end, it must gain that end or break in losing it." (emphasis added)
What do you think? What does it genuinely say if we continually share our faith and see not fruit, and are not affected by it? The point he is expounding upon is if we have truly committed our ways to the Lord, and sought His power, if we have cried out for lost souls, there will be fruit. Hence, the falsehood we cover ... He continues:
"He that saved our souls has taught us to weep over the unsaved. Lord let that mind be in us that was in Thee! ...We can see thousands perish around us, and our sleep never be disturbed; no vision of their awful doom ever scaring us...(their condition) may well send us daily to our knees; for the loss of even one soul is terrible beyond conception. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered the heart of man, what a soul inn hell must suffer forever."
Time in the prayer closet avails much. Time in the world avails Ezra chapter 9.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
School
As you may imagine, I have been busy since school has started. I have not posted in a while due to this busyness, as well as the humbling realization no one reads this. I guess it will serve as therapy. I did buy a "real" journal for this move to seminary. Have not cracked the spine. Same reason, I suppose.
How sad... Here I sit with so many solutions to the worlds problems and I will now die in obscurity. Such is reality. I have so much to catch up on, but will limit myself. (Plus the wife just called for supper!!)
My current OT prof. recently gave us a short lesson on the name of God. Some of it I knew, much of it I did not.
Ex. "God" is not even His name. It is used in place of His real name which the early Hebrews would not dare even attempt to write, much less speak.
Along the same line, anywhere you see LORD in all cap's is the same thing. His name is (Hebrew transliteration) YHWH. Because the Hebrews are all dead we today do not really know how to pronounce that. Some say, "Yahweh," others use "Jehovah." The prof. wrote these on the board, but would not even attempt to pronounce them or even tell us how some pronounce them because it IS THE NAME OF GOD. Saying that name, which is above all names, incorrectly would be in error, blasphemous, degrading, not to mention a bad idea.
I am reminded of a Point of Grace song - "God Forbid"
"God forbid that I should speak of you AT ALL WITHOUT A HUMBLE REVERENCE IN MY HEART."
That kind of sums it up for me. Ex. Many think swearing "G.D" is taking the Lord's name in vain. While that is not a good thing, even speaking or mentioning His Holy Name with any casual attitude, lack of complete awe, fear and respect is taking (using) His name in vain. See Ecclesiastes - vanity of vanities...
How far WE today have come from any awe or respect, let alone complete reverence. "God forbid..."
Any wonder why so many look at "religion," Christianity, going to church with such a casual attitude? Why is the power of that Holy One so lacking even in the lives of those who claim to love, honor, and serve him? How can we do anything that is not "wood, hay, and stubble" when we do not even know His name, let alone revere, honor, respect it in our lives and in the presence of a dieing world? A dieing world can never know more of Him than we who are charged with sharing Him.
Just a thought.
How sad... Here I sit with so many solutions to the worlds problems and I will now die in obscurity. Such is reality. I have so much to catch up on, but will limit myself. (Plus the wife just called for supper!!)
My current OT prof. recently gave us a short lesson on the name of God. Some of it I knew, much of it I did not.
Ex. "God" is not even His name. It is used in place of His real name which the early Hebrews would not dare even attempt to write, much less speak.
Along the same line, anywhere you see LORD in all cap's is the same thing. His name is (Hebrew transliteration) YHWH. Because the Hebrews are all dead we today do not really know how to pronounce that. Some say, "Yahweh," others use "Jehovah." The prof. wrote these on the board, but would not even attempt to pronounce them or even tell us how some pronounce them because it IS THE NAME OF GOD. Saying that name, which is above all names, incorrectly would be in error, blasphemous, degrading, not to mention a bad idea.
I am reminded of a Point of Grace song - "God Forbid"
"God forbid that I should speak of you AT ALL WITHOUT A HUMBLE REVERENCE IN MY HEART."
That kind of sums it up for me. Ex. Many think swearing "G.D" is taking the Lord's name in vain. While that is not a good thing, even speaking or mentioning His Holy Name with any casual attitude, lack of complete awe, fear and respect is taking (using) His name in vain. See Ecclesiastes - vanity of vanities...
How far WE today have come from any awe or respect, let alone complete reverence. "God forbid..."
Any wonder why so many look at "religion," Christianity, going to church with such a casual attitude? Why is the power of that Holy One so lacking even in the lives of those who claim to love, honor, and serve him? How can we do anything that is not "wood, hay, and stubble" when we do not even know His name, let alone revere, honor, respect it in our lives and in the presence of a dieing world? A dieing world can never know more of Him than we who are charged with sharing Him.
Just a thought.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Finished and ready to start...
I have taken a few days off to give you a break. I know you wait each day to read my posts.
Today was a good day - I registered for school, sat through orientation (the wife went to orientation for wives - she said it was good and worthwhile), bought books (yes!), and lastly the wife and I finished "The Christian Family" by Larry Christenson. I have mentioned this book to you before. The last chapter was really good! Great for any Christian, great for families to read together and discuss. My wife and I discussed this last chapter at length for quite some time. The chapter is titled "Our Family, A witness for Jesus." One early premise is a family who has learned to live together for Jesus will naturally be a witness for Jesus. Think... how many people today have ever witnessed a husband and wife display mutual love and respect, with children who are well-behaved and respectful?
The author states the beginning of building a family of faith is to actively and consciously let Jesus take charge of our "worth" our "worries" and our "warfare."
I just erased a summary of these points. It was growing long, and ... I encourage you to read it with your spouse - and I would say your children if they are age 12 or higher.
Mike, are you serious? Yes! In fact, I am unemployed, but I will buy the book for you and ship it to your house if you will tell me you will read it together as a couple. E-mail me your mailing address and I will get on it! Why is it we will subscribe to hunting, fishing, car magazines and the lot, yet will not spend time and money to build up our marriage and family?
Question - do we want to be a Christian couple or just a "couple of Christians"?
E-mail me your home address. The book will follow shortly.
Met some good guys today at registration. Looking forward even more to school!
102 degrees today - 8th straight day over 100. Rain coming for the weekend cooling things off to mid 90's!
Today was a good day - I registered for school, sat through orientation (the wife went to orientation for wives - she said it was good and worthwhile), bought books (yes!), and lastly the wife and I finished "The Christian Family" by Larry Christenson. I have mentioned this book to you before. The last chapter was really good! Great for any Christian, great for families to read together and discuss. My wife and I discussed this last chapter at length for quite some time. The chapter is titled "Our Family, A witness for Jesus." One early premise is a family who has learned to live together for Jesus will naturally be a witness for Jesus. Think... how many people today have ever witnessed a husband and wife display mutual love and respect, with children who are well-behaved and respectful?
The author states the beginning of building a family of faith is to actively and consciously let Jesus take charge of our "worth" our "worries" and our "warfare."
I just erased a summary of these points. It was growing long, and ... I encourage you to read it with your spouse - and I would say your children if they are age 12 or higher.
Mike, are you serious? Yes! In fact, I am unemployed, but I will buy the book for you and ship it to your house if you will tell me you will read it together as a couple. E-mail me your mailing address and I will get on it! Why is it we will subscribe to hunting, fishing, car magazines and the lot, yet will not spend time and money to build up our marriage and family?
Question - do we want to be a Christian couple or just a "couple of Christians"?
E-mail me your home address. The book will follow shortly.
Met some good guys today at registration. Looking forward even more to school!
102 degrees today - 8th straight day over 100. Rain coming for the weekend cooling things off to mid 90's!
Monday, August 13, 2007
What to do...
School is a week away...
We had dinner with the couple here that helped us move in - Jeremy and Sarah. He is working on his Ph.D. Nice visit, nice conversation.
How do I start a job now when I do not know my school work load for the upcoming semester? Regardless, we are learning God is faithful. Yes, learning. We can all say God is faithful, but some circumstances actually allow us to experience it!
Today's thought /reading.... (From "The Christian Family" by Larry Christenson)
"Two aspects of family life serve as helpful keys, opening the way for Jesus to exercise His Lordship over the breadth of the family's life and activity. They involve a commitment of two basic ingredients of our life: time and money.
Time means a set time each day for family worship.... Here we simply note the necessity of making a specific commitment of time for this purpose. If Jesus is truly alive, if He is truly the Lord of our families, then it is unthinkable that a period of time should not be set aside each day exclusively for him." (together as a family)
Another MUST READ for families (dad's) is "Family Worship" by Donald Whitney. Most excellent family resource - a must! Order Here: http://www.spiritualdisciplines.org/
I await your thoughts.
Hot today and tomorrow....
mike
We had dinner with the couple here that helped us move in - Jeremy and Sarah. He is working on his Ph.D. Nice visit, nice conversation.
How do I start a job now when I do not know my school work load for the upcoming semester? Regardless, we are learning God is faithful. Yes, learning. We can all say God is faithful, but some circumstances actually allow us to experience it!
Today's thought /reading.... (From "The Christian Family" by Larry Christenson)
"Two aspects of family life serve as helpful keys, opening the way for Jesus to exercise His Lordship over the breadth of the family's life and activity. They involve a commitment of two basic ingredients of our life: time and money.
Time means a set time each day for family worship.... Here we simply note the necessity of making a specific commitment of time for this purpose. If Jesus is truly alive, if He is truly the Lord of our families, then it is unthinkable that a period of time should not be set aside each day exclusively for him." (together as a family)
Another MUST READ for families (dad's) is "Family Worship" by Donald Whitney. Most excellent family resource - a must! Order Here: http://www.spiritualdisciplines.org/
I await your thoughts.
Hot today and tomorrow....
mike
Friday, August 10, 2007
Practicing the Presence of Jesus
My wife and I have been reading through "The Christian Family" by Larry Christenson. I highly recommend it. You can get a copy (cheap) at just about any online bookstore / seller.
We have read through over half of it and just finished the chapter "Practicing the Presence of Jesus." Let me share part of the chapter via a quote. Please share your thoughts with us. You may post a response on this page!
Practicing the Presence of Jesus
"We said at the beginning that the secret of good family life is simply this: To cultivate the family’s relationship with Jesus. We began with a consideration of Divine Order. But Divine Order alone is not enough. As God’s Order begins to shape the outward form of a family’s life, the presence of Jesus must be given full sway to transform its inner life. And here is where we face a fundamental problem.
Precisely what do we mean by “the presence of Jesus”? Just how does a family “live together with Jesus Christ”?
Our little niece, Martha was about three years old when she reported a simple and profound discovery to her grandmother. She pointed to a picture of Jesus on the wall and said. “That’s Jesus. I say ‘Hi’ to Him, but He doesn’t say ‘Hi’ back to me. Her sister, Nancy, younger by a year picked up the thought and declaimed at the table one day, “Je’thuth, Je’thuth, Je’thuth! Dat’s all I hear ‘round here, but He don’t say nothin’!”
With the innocent candor of childhood, they put their finger on a deep mystery and paradox of the Christian Faith: Christian faith is a personal relationship with Jesus, but Jesus does not behave like an ordinary person. He doesn’t come around so I can see Him. He doesn’t speak to me, He doesn’t write me any letters. He doesn’t call me up on the telephone. A ‘person’ is someone I can talk to and be with, but ‘He don’t say nothin’!
It is not that the child is a skeptic. He is simply a realist. He hears Jesus talked about as a person. In prayers he hears Jesus addressed as a person. So he expects Jesus to behave like a person. But time after time this does not take place. So as the child grows older, he begins to accommodate his thinking to his actual experience: Jesus was a person on earth long ago; one day we will meet Him in heaven as a person; but in the meantime, ‘He don’t say nothin’! A personal relationship with Jesus alternates between nostalgia and hope, but does not touch down in the here and now.
If the truth were known, many adults would confess the same sense of puzzlement and frustration voiced by children. They know about Jesus and they truly believe in Him. Yet the experience of a distinct personal relationship is vague or lacking. (emphasis added)
Why is it, for instance, that so few Christians can speak simply and confidently of having experienced clear guidance from the Lord in a matter of their own life? Many even protest piously that it is presumptuous to think one can know the specific will of God. If a child were sent to the store by his father, he would state it as a matter of simple fact to anyone who inquired as to the purpose of his trip. How many Christians can say with childlike directness that they are where they are – that they do what they do- because they have received a command from their heavenly Father?
Theological textbooks and evangelical tracts are fond of distinctions like this: “It isn’t enough to know about Jesus--you must enter into a personal relationship with Him.” We may nod agreement to this, but what do we actually understand such a phrase to mean? A personal relationship implies a definite encounter and exchange between persons. Suppose a husband and wife have a long talk over the supper table. They do not come away from the table wondering whether they have spoken with one another. They are not plagued with uncertainty as to whether there actually has been a personal encounter and exchange. Yet, for many Christians, the sense of personal relationship with Jesus is plagued with a sense of uncertainty and vagueness.
The problem is this same one discovered by our little nieces: Jesus does not behave like an ordinary person. How can you have a personal relationship with Someone who doesn’t say ‘Hi’ back to you?
An American was traveling in Germany and needed directions for getting to a certain town. He saw a Shell service station-a comfortably familiar sign-and stopped to inquire. He came back crestfallen to those waiting in the car, and reported, “He can’t speak English.” In America, a Shell service station is a place where one can speak to an attendant and get clear directions. But in Germany, even though Shell attendants make noises, ‘They can’t talk.’ For all practical purposes, ‘They don’t say nothin’!
This is the experience of many Christians. The outward symbols of personal relationship- words like ‘see,’ ‘speak,’ ‘know’--are familiar. But when they try to enter into the experience of these words in another realm, the realm of the Spirit, they meet with disappointment and frustration.
At this point, of course, we can offer the standard theological tranquilizers prescribed for quieting down this kind of raucous realism: We ‘see’ Him with the eyes of faith; He ‘speaks’ to us in the Bible; we ‘meet’ Him as we encounter human need; we ‘know’ Him in our heart. All of this is true. But for many Christians this becomes only pious speech for ‘He can’t talk.” They may take the pill, and quiet down, but their longing for a truly personal relationship with their Lord remains unsatisfied.
It is not enough merely to say, we see Him with the eyes of faith, we hear Him speak in the Scripture, we encounter Him in our involvement with people, we know Him in the depth of our hearts. Just as it would not be helpful merely to tell the American, “You must speak to the Shell attendant in German”- if one does not also tell him how to speak German. As a matter of fact, one can enter into a fine conversation with German Shell attendants, once one has learned the language of that country! And one can enter into a dynamic personal relationship with Jesus, if one is willing to learn how personal relationship is established and maintained IN THE REALM OF THE SPIRIT.
Your thoughts?
Friday, Aug. 10 - 102 degrees in Memphis
We have read through over half of it and just finished the chapter "Practicing the Presence of Jesus." Let me share part of the chapter via a quote. Please share your thoughts with us. You may post a response on this page!
Practicing the Presence of Jesus
"We said at the beginning that the secret of good family life is simply this: To cultivate the family’s relationship with Jesus. We began with a consideration of Divine Order. But Divine Order alone is not enough. As God’s Order begins to shape the outward form of a family’s life, the presence of Jesus must be given full sway to transform its inner life. And here is where we face a fundamental problem.
Precisely what do we mean by “the presence of Jesus”? Just how does a family “live together with Jesus Christ”?
Our little niece, Martha was about three years old when she reported a simple and profound discovery to her grandmother. She pointed to a picture of Jesus on the wall and said. “That’s Jesus. I say ‘Hi’ to Him, but He doesn’t say ‘Hi’ back to me. Her sister, Nancy, younger by a year picked up the thought and declaimed at the table one day, “Je’thuth, Je’thuth, Je’thuth! Dat’s all I hear ‘round here, but He don’t say nothin’!”
With the innocent candor of childhood, they put their finger on a deep mystery and paradox of the Christian Faith: Christian faith is a personal relationship with Jesus, but Jesus does not behave like an ordinary person. He doesn’t come around so I can see Him. He doesn’t speak to me, He doesn’t write me any letters. He doesn’t call me up on the telephone. A ‘person’ is someone I can talk to and be with, but ‘He don’t say nothin’!
It is not that the child is a skeptic. He is simply a realist. He hears Jesus talked about as a person. In prayers he hears Jesus addressed as a person. So he expects Jesus to behave like a person. But time after time this does not take place. So as the child grows older, he begins to accommodate his thinking to his actual experience: Jesus was a person on earth long ago; one day we will meet Him in heaven as a person; but in the meantime, ‘He don’t say nothin’! A personal relationship with Jesus alternates between nostalgia and hope, but does not touch down in the here and now.
If the truth were known, many adults would confess the same sense of puzzlement and frustration voiced by children. They know about Jesus and they truly believe in Him. Yet the experience of a distinct personal relationship is vague or lacking. (emphasis added)
Why is it, for instance, that so few Christians can speak simply and confidently of having experienced clear guidance from the Lord in a matter of their own life? Many even protest piously that it is presumptuous to think one can know the specific will of God. If a child were sent to the store by his father, he would state it as a matter of simple fact to anyone who inquired as to the purpose of his trip. How many Christians can say with childlike directness that they are where they are – that they do what they do- because they have received a command from their heavenly Father?
Theological textbooks and evangelical tracts are fond of distinctions like this: “It isn’t enough to know about Jesus--you must enter into a personal relationship with Him.” We may nod agreement to this, but what do we actually understand such a phrase to mean? A personal relationship implies a definite encounter and exchange between persons. Suppose a husband and wife have a long talk over the supper table. They do not come away from the table wondering whether they have spoken with one another. They are not plagued with uncertainty as to whether there actually has been a personal encounter and exchange. Yet, for many Christians, the sense of personal relationship with Jesus is plagued with a sense of uncertainty and vagueness.
The problem is this same one discovered by our little nieces: Jesus does not behave like an ordinary person. How can you have a personal relationship with Someone who doesn’t say ‘Hi’ back to you?
An American was traveling in Germany and needed directions for getting to a certain town. He saw a Shell service station-a comfortably familiar sign-and stopped to inquire. He came back crestfallen to those waiting in the car, and reported, “He can’t speak English.” In America, a Shell service station is a place where one can speak to an attendant and get clear directions. But in Germany, even though Shell attendants make noises, ‘They can’t talk.’ For all practical purposes, ‘They don’t say nothin’!
This is the experience of many Christians. The outward symbols of personal relationship- words like ‘see,’ ‘speak,’ ‘know’--are familiar. But when they try to enter into the experience of these words in another realm, the realm of the Spirit, they meet with disappointment and frustration.
At this point, of course, we can offer the standard theological tranquilizers prescribed for quieting down this kind of raucous realism: We ‘see’ Him with the eyes of faith; He ‘speaks’ to us in the Bible; we ‘meet’ Him as we encounter human need; we ‘know’ Him in our heart. All of this is true. But for many Christians this becomes only pious speech for ‘He can’t talk.” They may take the pill, and quiet down, but their longing for a truly personal relationship with their Lord remains unsatisfied.
It is not enough merely to say, we see Him with the eyes of faith, we hear Him speak in the Scripture, we encounter Him in our involvement with people, we know Him in the depth of our hearts. Just as it would not be helpful merely to tell the American, “You must speak to the Shell attendant in German”- if one does not also tell him how to speak German. As a matter of fact, one can enter into a fine conversation with German Shell attendants, once one has learned the language of that country! And one can enter into a dynamic personal relationship with Jesus, if one is willing to learn how personal relationship is established and maintained IN THE REALM OF THE SPIRIT.
Your thoughts?
Friday, Aug. 10 - 102 degrees in Memphis
Thursday, August 9, 2007
"Let me just say..."
"Let me just say that is the friendliest church I have EVER been in." That is how my wife commented on the church we visited Wednesday. I would have to agree. There are nice, friendly people/churches, then there is this place! What a joy and blessing to be there. We will go back!
It was our first Wednesday service here - or anywhere in a long time for that matter. Few churches still have the mid-week prayer meeting / Bible study. I really miss those. I have always liked the intimacy of those evenings - same with Sunday evening services. I am well aware a person does not need to go to church three times a week to be a Christian, but what about those who say you need not go at all? We know fellowship and being intimately involved in others lives, as well as them in ours, is a special gift from the Father. Why is it we are eager to give reasons why we do not HAVE to go? To me these "extra" services add so much joy to the journey. This Wednesday we met some very special people. I pray I can greet and welcome others all along this journey as well as we were greeted Wednesday evening.
One more step on the path of our journey in Memphis.
God is so good!
It was our first Wednesday service here - or anywhere in a long time for that matter. Few churches still have the mid-week prayer meeting / Bible study. I really miss those. I have always liked the intimacy of those evenings - same with Sunday evening services. I am well aware a person does not need to go to church three times a week to be a Christian, but what about those who say you need not go at all? We know fellowship and being intimately involved in others lives, as well as them in ours, is a special gift from the Father. Why is it we are eager to give reasons why we do not HAVE to go? To me these "extra" services add so much joy to the journey. This Wednesday we met some very special people. I pray I can greet and welcome others all along this journey as well as we were greeted Wednesday evening.
One more step on the path of our journey in Memphis.
God is so good!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Day 6 -Log 1
We arrived Memphis Friday, Aug. 3 mid-day. It was hot then and still is. Pray for Kerry. She does not appreciate the weather like I do. All I can think is, "come winter... it won't be Chicago!"
Thanks to family and Higgins and a new friend, Jeremy, we are settled in. What great help they all were and still are.
Our heavenly Father has already blessed in so many ways! Gifts, prayers, and words from friends - then a reduction in rent for the first YEAR.
So far, even before school starts, everything is exactly as I imagined it would be. How often does that happen?
Now praying about employment... where to work and how much. I really want to be a solid student. I am not here to just get through or survive. I really want to grasp all that goes into becoming more prepared to serve others and our Lord. I guess that is ultimately my prayer.
Will post as I feel there is something worth writing.
Stop by. There are a couple BBQ places in Memphis.
me
Thanks to family and Higgins and a new friend, Jeremy, we are settled in. What great help they all were and still are.
Our heavenly Father has already blessed in so many ways! Gifts, prayers, and words from friends - then a reduction in rent for the first YEAR.
So far, even before school starts, everything is exactly as I imagined it would be. How often does that happen?
Now praying about employment... where to work and how much. I really want to be a solid student. I am not here to just get through or survive. I really want to grasp all that goes into becoming more prepared to serve others and our Lord. I guess that is ultimately my prayer.
Will post as I feel there is something worth writing.
Stop by. There are a couple BBQ places in Memphis.
me
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