http://www.hbcowensboro.org/missionsconference08/multimedia
Sermon 9 by Paul Washer
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Theology of Batman
After a great conversation with Chris, Marcus and Chip last night over the theological implications of the recent Batman movie, the Dark Knight, I was persuaded to put up this post (Chris, I'm expecting a few comments).
A few theological observations:
1. Marcus commented on the separation made between faith and truth. Because the people of Gotham had faith in Harvey Dent as their hero, the Commissioner and Batman felt the need to withhold from the people the truth about Harvey Dent's sins. Christians, however, find comfort that their faith is in The Truth (John 14:6).
2. The movie writers (Sean Penn, I believe) found yet another way to stress the inherent goodness of mankind. The Joker (a very dark and sadistic character) decided to perform a vile "social experiment." He rigs two different ferries with explosives and places the detonators on each ferry with a note instructing the people on each boat that they have until midnight to make a choice to live or die. After a lot of melodrama, it is midnight and no one has been able to bring themselves to blow up the other boat. Batman and Joker have an exchange in which Batman tells the Joker that the people of Gotham are not bad like the Joker had presumed. In fact, the people of Gotham are deep down good people. And, to Scripture for the real truth, "there is none righteous, no not one." (Romans 3:10)
I'm sure I've missed a few of our other comments, so please add them.
Best,
Steve
A few theological observations:
1. Marcus commented on the separation made between faith and truth. Because the people of Gotham had faith in Harvey Dent as their hero, the Commissioner and Batman felt the need to withhold from the people the truth about Harvey Dent's sins. Christians, however, find comfort that their faith is in The Truth (John 14:6).
2. The movie writers (Sean Penn, I believe) found yet another way to stress the inherent goodness of mankind. The Joker (a very dark and sadistic character) decided to perform a vile "social experiment." He rigs two different ferries with explosives and places the detonators on each ferry with a note instructing the people on each boat that they have until midnight to make a choice to live or die. After a lot of melodrama, it is midnight and no one has been able to bring themselves to blow up the other boat. Batman and Joker have an exchange in which Batman tells the Joker that the people of Gotham are not bad like the Joker had presumed. In fact, the people of Gotham are deep down good people. And, to Scripture for the real truth, "there is none righteous, no not one." (Romans 3:10)
I'm sure I've missed a few of our other comments, so please add them.
Best,
Steve
The NT Challenge
A few personal reflections from this Scripture reading challenge.
1. Reading through a book of the Bible like Matthew or Acts in one sitting is NOT that difficult. In fact, it was very rewarding.
2. Reading a book in one sitting gives you a "large picture" view that helps you
get a sense of the themes and major arguments of the book.
3. Reading through the NT so quickly also helped to give me a better sense of how each book relates to others, to understand the "lay of the land."
4. It is an encouraging activity to do with other brothers in Christ. Brian and I
had many edifying conversations concerning Scripture. Because we were
sharing in the same reading, we were able to challenge each other on the meaning of different passages and share together the comfort and encouragement of God's Word.
5. Finally, it is good to do hard things! Brothers, we live in a world and age of
soft men. I hope that in the near future we wouldn't look at this challenge as something strange or inordinately difficult, but as a great privilege!
Blessings,
Steve
1. Reading through a book of the Bible like Matthew or Acts in one sitting is NOT that difficult. In fact, it was very rewarding.
2. Reading a book in one sitting gives you a "large picture" view that helps you
get a sense of the themes and major arguments of the book.
3. Reading through the NT so quickly also helped to give me a better sense of how each book relates to others, to understand the "lay of the land."
4. It is an encouraging activity to do with other brothers in Christ. Brian and I
had many edifying conversations concerning Scripture. Because we were
sharing in the same reading, we were able to challenge each other on the meaning of different passages and share together the comfort and encouragement of God's Word.
5. Finally, it is good to do hard things! Brothers, we live in a world and age of
soft men. I hope that in the near future we wouldn't look at this challenge as something strange or inordinately difficult, but as a great privilege!
Blessings,
Steve
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
I'm Back!
Hey guys,
after a brief hiatus away visiting my little brother and his family, I'm back in the blogosphere! I'll put up a post sometime today about the experience of the NT Challenge (Brian please add your thoughts).
Also, look out for the Men's Prayer Challenge for the month of August. I hope to have this challenge introduced in the next day.
I look forward to seeing you brothers at church this evening.
Blessings,
Steve
after a brief hiatus away visiting my little brother and his family, I'm back in the blogosphere! I'll put up a post sometime today about the experience of the NT Challenge (Brian please add your thoughts).
Also, look out for the Men's Prayer Challenge for the month of August. I hope to have this challenge introduced in the next day.
I look forward to seeing you brothers at church this evening.
Blessings,
Steve
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A Godly Perspective
Read this! It is all Piper. The selection is from a book of Piper's personal meditations entitled "A Godward Life." This entry is a great encouragement regarding God's daily provision for his saints.
"Today’s Mercies for Today’s Troubles"
Meditation on Matthew 6:34
Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (author’s translation) Part of saving faith is the assurance that you will have faith tomorrow. Trusting Christ today includes trusting him to give you tomorrow’s trust when tomorrow comes. Often we feel today like our reservoir of strength is not going to last for another day. The fact is, it won’t. Today’s resources are for today, and part of those resources is the confidence that new resources will be given tomorrow.
The basis of this assurance is the wonderful teaching of the Bible that God assigns only as much trouble to each day as that day can bear. God will not let his children be tested in any given day beyond what his mercy for that day will sustain. That’s what Paul means when he says, “No test has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tested beyond what you are able, but with the test will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, author’s translation).
The old Swedish hymn “Day by Day” is based on Deuteronomy 33:25: “As your days, so shall your strength be.” It gives us the same assurance: Day by day, and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. The “Father’s wise bestowment” is the amount of trouble that we can bear each day—and no more:
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
With every day’s measure of pain, he gives new mercies. This is the point of Lamentations 3:22–23, “The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
God’s mercies are new every morning because each day has enough mercy in it only for that day. This is why we tend to despair when we think that we may have to bear tomorrow’s load on today’s resources. God wants us to know that we won’t. Today’s mercies are for today’s troubles. Tomorrow’s mercies are for tomorrow’s troubles.
Sometimes we wonder if we will have the mercy to stand in terrible testing. Yes, we will. Peter says, “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (1 Peter 4:14). When the reviling comes, the Spirit of glory comes. It happened for Stephen as he was being stoned (Acts 7:55–60). It will happen for you. When the Spirit and the glory are needed, they will come.
The manna in the wilderness was given one day at a time. There was no storing up. That is the way we must depend on God’s mercy. You do not receive today the strength to bear tomorrow’s burdens. You are given mercies today for today’s troubles. Tomorrow the mercies will be new. “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9, RSV). “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will act!” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, author’s ranslation).
"Today’s Mercies for Today’s Troubles"
Meditation on Matthew 6:34
Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (author’s translation) Part of saving faith is the assurance that you will have faith tomorrow. Trusting Christ today includes trusting him to give you tomorrow’s trust when tomorrow comes. Often we feel today like our reservoir of strength is not going to last for another day. The fact is, it won’t. Today’s resources are for today, and part of those resources is the confidence that new resources will be given tomorrow.
The basis of this assurance is the wonderful teaching of the Bible that God assigns only as much trouble to each day as that day can bear. God will not let his children be tested in any given day beyond what his mercy for that day will sustain. That’s what Paul means when he says, “No test has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tested beyond what you are able, but with the test will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, author’s translation).
The old Swedish hymn “Day by Day” is based on Deuteronomy 33:25: “As your days, so shall your strength be.” It gives us the same assurance: Day by day, and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. The “Father’s wise bestowment” is the amount of trouble that we can bear each day—and no more:
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
With every day’s measure of pain, he gives new mercies. This is the point of Lamentations 3:22–23, “The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
God’s mercies are new every morning because each day has enough mercy in it only for that day. This is why we tend to despair when we think that we may have to bear tomorrow’s load on today’s resources. God wants us to know that we won’t. Today’s mercies are for today’s troubles. Tomorrow’s mercies are for tomorrow’s troubles.
Sometimes we wonder if we will have the mercy to stand in terrible testing. Yes, we will. Peter says, “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (1 Peter 4:14). When the reviling comes, the Spirit of glory comes. It happened for Stephen as he was being stoned (Acts 7:55–60). It will happen for you. When the Spirit and the glory are needed, they will come.
The manna in the wilderness was given one day at a time. There was no storing up. That is the way we must depend on God’s mercy. You do not receive today the strength to bear tomorrow’s burdens. You are given mercies today for today’s troubles. Tomorrow the mercies will be new. “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9, RSV). “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will act!” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, author’s ranslation).
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Personal Bible Study
Hey guys,
I've had to take a brief hiatus from posting on the NT Challenge (which by the way ends this Saturday, July 26) because of other work. I'll make sure to post on the entire experience when, if God wills, it is completed.
Here is a link to a short article by John Piper in which he gives some personal insights into his daily devotion. It's a good look at what personal bible study should be like.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2008/2983_Morning_Meditations_on_4_Parts_of_the_Bible/
Blessings,
Steve
P.S. Remember, you'll have to copy and past the web address until I figure out how to make it so that you can just click on it (I'm technically ignorant, help!).
I've had to take a brief hiatus from posting on the NT Challenge (which by the way ends this Saturday, July 26) because of other work. I'll make sure to post on the entire experience when, if God wills, it is completed.
Here is a link to a short article by John Piper in which he gives some personal insights into his daily devotion. It's a good look at what personal bible study should be like.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2008/2983_Morning_Meditations_on_4_Parts_of_the_Bible/
Blessings,
Steve
P.S. Remember, you'll have to copy and past the web address until I figure out how to make it so that you can just click on it (I'm technically ignorant, help!).
Friday, July 18, 2008
NT Challenge - Ephesians
I'll probably skip the next few books, though it's hard to keep from posting comments. I just wanted to flow a few thoughts from the Book of Ephesians. Please add your own comments.
Also, look forward to a new "Men's Challenge," this time on Prayer. We'll talk about it tomorrow at Men's Bible Study.
Do you sometimes wonder how your going to live for the Lord? You think to yourself that you just struggle too much with sin and you can't do it? Well, you're right. You can't do it! So quit thinking you're not good enough and remember the Gospel that was preached to you. We were saved by grace, it is God's work and not our own and He continues to do that work in us; see Ephesians 1:19-20 "19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." WOW!! We have the power of God working on our side. See Romans 8:38-39. Brothers, lean on Christ and remember that God has saved you for His glory and he will keep you until that day!
Look at some of the same promises for believers in Ephesians 2:6, 3:16-19, 4:1-3.
Read Ephesians 4:17-24 and meditate on the significance of the knowledge of the Gospel and God's Word for living the Christian life, or "walking in the Spirit." v.21 "...the truth is in Jesus"!!!
Lastly, I have always loved the ending of Ephesians. I love the images and the powerful promises that God provides spiritual gifts for our perseverance. Ephesians 6:10 "10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." Ok, awesome promise, but how are we to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might"? God's provisions for doing so are listed in 6:14-20: v.14 - TRUTH and RIGHTEOUSNESS - we must be truth seekers and lovers of righteousness; v.15 - The GOSPEL; v.16 - FAITH; v.17 - salvation and the Spirit, God's WORD; v.18 - PRAYER; v.19 and 20 - Evangelize and Suffer while doing so. Brothers, these are spiritual disciplines we must cherish in gratitude to Christ and develop with joy as God's way to stand "in the power of His might."
Blessings,
Steve
Also, look forward to a new "Men's Challenge," this time on Prayer. We'll talk about it tomorrow at Men's Bible Study.
Do you sometimes wonder how your going to live for the Lord? You think to yourself that you just struggle too much with sin and you can't do it? Well, you're right. You can't do it! So quit thinking you're not good enough and remember the Gospel that was preached to you. We were saved by grace, it is God's work and not our own and He continues to do that work in us; see Ephesians 1:19-20 "19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." WOW!! We have the power of God working on our side. See Romans 8:38-39. Brothers, lean on Christ and remember that God has saved you for His glory and he will keep you until that day!
Look at some of the same promises for believers in Ephesians 2:6, 3:16-19, 4:1-3.
Read Ephesians 4:17-24 and meditate on the significance of the knowledge of the Gospel and God's Word for living the Christian life, or "walking in the Spirit." v.21 "...the truth is in Jesus"!!!
Lastly, I have always loved the ending of Ephesians. I love the images and the powerful promises that God provides spiritual gifts for our perseverance. Ephesians 6:10 "10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." Ok, awesome promise, but how are we to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might"? God's provisions for doing so are listed in 6:14-20: v.14 - TRUTH and RIGHTEOUSNESS - we must be truth seekers and lovers of righteousness; v.15 - The GOSPEL; v.16 - FAITH; v.17 - salvation and the Spirit, God's WORD; v.18 - PRAYER; v.19 and 20 - Evangelize and Suffer while doing so. Brothers, these are spiritual disciplines we must cherish in gratitude to Christ and develop with joy as God's way to stand "in the power of His might."
Blessings,
Steve
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Prayer
Hey guys,
this is a sermon that John Piper preached on Romans 12:12, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer." Piper's sermon is an exposition of the phrase to "continue steadfast in prayer" or "be devoted to praying."
I thought this sermon was a good encouragement to grow in our prayer life. Let me know what you think.
Here's the link:
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/sermons/bydate/2002/118_Be_Devoted_to_Prayer/
Someone will have to show how to include the link so that you can just click on it. For now, just copy and past the site above into your web browser.
Blessings,
Steve
this is a sermon that John Piper preached on Romans 12:12, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer." Piper's sermon is an exposition of the phrase to "continue steadfast in prayer" or "be devoted to praying."
I thought this sermon was a good encouragement to grow in our prayer life. Let me know what you think.
Here's the link:
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/sermons/bydate/2002/118_Be_Devoted_to_Prayer/
Someone will have to show how to include the link so that you can just click on it. For now, just copy and past the site above into your web browser.
Blessings,
Steve
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
NT Challenge - Galatians
Galatians 5:16-26: "16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,[c] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,[d] drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
This passage is strikingly similar to Paul's instruction in Romans 7 and 8. There, Paul tells us how he overcomes the flesh or how he wins the battle against the flesh that he speaks of in Romans 7. He says in Romans 8:2, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." Now, how do we come to know about this "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus"? Paul says in Romans 10:14-15 that "14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,[h] Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
To know Christ, to know the Spirit of life that is in Jesus, we must know the Gospel and we must be reading it and hearing it preached. How does this relate to Galatians 5's charge to "Walk in the Spirit"? The only way to walk in the Spirit is to be saturated in God's revelation. What happens otherwise? We walk by our own ideals or in other words we walk by the flesh. The converse of the ways of the flesh is Scripture. So guys, More Bible, More Bible and more Bible!
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,[c] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,[d] drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
This passage is strikingly similar to Paul's instruction in Romans 7 and 8. There, Paul tells us how he overcomes the flesh or how he wins the battle against the flesh that he speaks of in Romans 7. He says in Romans 8:2, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." Now, how do we come to know about this "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus"? Paul says in Romans 10:14-15 that "14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,[h] Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
To know Christ, to know the Spirit of life that is in Jesus, we must know the Gospel and we must be reading it and hearing it preached. How does this relate to Galatians 5's charge to "Walk in the Spirit"? The only way to walk in the Spirit is to be saturated in God's revelation. What happens otherwise? We walk by our own ideals or in other words we walk by the flesh. The converse of the ways of the flesh is Scripture. So guys, More Bible, More Bible and more Bible!
Monday, July 14, 2008
NT Challenge - II Corinthians
II Corinthians 2:14-17 "14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many,[b] peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ."
This passage struck me as a great encouragement in evangelism. If we are faithful to preach the Gospel, and do so not according to our own wisdom (see I Corinthians 2:1-5), "God will ALWAYS lead us in triumph in Christ." It is God who leads, not us. He is also pleased to use US as His instruments. "...and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."
II Corinthians 3:17 "now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Here, Paul speaks to us about the great peace and contentment that comes from living by grace. We who know Christ by faith feel no burden to please God through works or ritual or ceremony, but live freely by grace because Christ intercedes for us. By trusting in Christ we are freed to live in the power of His righteousness.
How to persevere? Like an athlete focus on the finish line. (II Timothy 4:7-8). Our finish lines as Christians are eternal things, they are the crowns of righteousness we will receive on that day. II Corinthians 4:16-18 "16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." Passages like this from Paul remind me of how petty I often am. What slight afflictions often cause us to question the race we run, to want to compromise holiness because we feel frustrated or burdened by the lightest weights. Brothers, remember that God is pleading through us (II Cor. 5:20) and that He has set before us what is imperishable, a glory that will not fade! (Read II Cor. 5:1-8)
This passage struck me as a great encouragement in evangelism. If we are faithful to preach the Gospel, and do so not according to our own wisdom (see I Corinthians 2:1-5), "God will ALWAYS lead us in triumph in Christ." It is God who leads, not us. He is also pleased to use US as His instruments. "...and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."
II Corinthians 3:17 "now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Here, Paul speaks to us about the great peace and contentment that comes from living by grace. We who know Christ by faith feel no burden to please God through works or ritual or ceremony, but live freely by grace because Christ intercedes for us. By trusting in Christ we are freed to live in the power of His righteousness.
How to persevere? Like an athlete focus on the finish line. (II Timothy 4:7-8). Our finish lines as Christians are eternal things, they are the crowns of righteousness we will receive on that day. II Corinthians 4:16-18 "16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." Passages like this from Paul remind me of how petty I often am. What slight afflictions often cause us to question the race we run, to want to compromise holiness because we feel frustrated or burdened by the lightest weights. Brothers, remember that God is pleading through us (II Cor. 5:20) and that He has set before us what is imperishable, a glory that will not fade! (Read II Cor. 5:1-8)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
NT Challenge - I Corinthians
I Corinthians 2:1-5 " 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony[a] of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human[b] wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
How are we to witness? I think this passage argues that we are not to present the Gospel to others with thoughts or worries as to our level of intellect or ability to persuade, but by "the power of God" (v.5). Now, this passage does state the need for knowledge, but not knowledge as the world describes it. Paul says, "For I determined not to know anything among you EXCEPT Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (v. 2) Brothers, we are to know Jesus Christ and Him crucified. We are to know the Gospel and present it before men. Let us sharpen one another in this knowledge above all else!
I Corinthians 4:16-17: "Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church."
This passage reminded me of what the author of Hebrews says in Hebrews 13:7,17-19 (see John Piper's sermon on that passage: http://www.soundofgrace.com/piper97/10-5-97.htm). Paul, also says in I Corinthians 11:1 "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." I think this passage reveals to the reader more of the freedom of the Christian life. Brothers, we are called to pay deference to our spiritual leaders. God has placed them in the body of Christ for our growth in holiness. They are there for us to submit to in joy knowing that God uses them to grow us in Christ-likeness.
How are we to witness? I think this passage argues that we are not to present the Gospel to others with thoughts or worries as to our level of intellect or ability to persuade, but by "the power of God" (v.5). Now, this passage does state the need for knowledge, but not knowledge as the world describes it. Paul says, "For I determined not to know anything among you EXCEPT Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (v. 2) Brothers, we are to know Jesus Christ and Him crucified. We are to know the Gospel and present it before men. Let us sharpen one another in this knowledge above all else!
I Corinthians 4:16-17: "Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church."
This passage reminded me of what the author of Hebrews says in Hebrews 13:7,17-19 (see John Piper's sermon on that passage: http://www.soundofgrace.com/piper97/10-5-97.htm). Paul, also says in I Corinthians 11:1 "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." I think this passage reveals to the reader more of the freedom of the Christian life. Brothers, we are called to pay deference to our spiritual leaders. God has placed them in the body of Christ for our growth in holiness. They are there for us to submit to in joy knowing that God uses them to grow us in Christ-likeness.
NT Challenge - Romans
Romans 14:17 "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit"
Romans 12-16 is a block of teaching on living out the faith, practical theology. Chapter 14 is predominantly concerned with how to live together as a church. Romans 14:14-23 is concerned with issues of conscience regarding what we eat. You'll recall that in Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council had instructed Gentile believers not to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols. In verse 17a, Paul is urging us not to cause divisions over "doubtful things" (Romans 14:1) like what foods we eat and then in 17b, by way of contrast, he states what the Kingdom of God IS: "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." For the believer, the Kingdom of God, the life of faith, is not about what foods we eat, but its about holiness (Romans 8:29 - we have been predestined by God to be conformed to the image of Christ), it is about peace or contentment and it is about JOY. Paul will say in the next Chapter, Romans 15:13: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." The connection I made was this: we are called to be Holy (I Thess 4:7; I Peter 1:15-16) and that call is one of contentment and joy. The call to righteousness is a call that bring contentment and joy to one's life. How are we to do this? Read Romans 8. We are to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh or in other words to live by grace.
Romans 12-16 is a block of teaching on living out the faith, practical theology. Chapter 14 is predominantly concerned with how to live together as a church. Romans 14:14-23 is concerned with issues of conscience regarding what we eat. You'll recall that in Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council had instructed Gentile believers not to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols. In verse 17a, Paul is urging us not to cause divisions over "doubtful things" (Romans 14:1) like what foods we eat and then in 17b, by way of contrast, he states what the Kingdom of God IS: "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." For the believer, the Kingdom of God, the life of faith, is not about what foods we eat, but its about holiness (Romans 8:29 - we have been predestined by God to be conformed to the image of Christ), it is about peace or contentment and it is about JOY. Paul will say in the next Chapter, Romans 15:13: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." The connection I made was this: we are called to be Holy (I Thess 4:7; I Peter 1:15-16) and that call is one of contentment and joy. The call to righteousness is a call that bring contentment and joy to one's life. How are we to do this? Read Romans 8. We are to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh or in other words to live by grace.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
"These who have turned the world upside down..."
I'll post one note from the Book of Acts (I know I still have Romans, I & II Corinthians, and Galatians to post):
Acts 17:6 - "But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."
I have always loved this way of speaking about the Christian worldview and lifestyle, it is like "turning the world upside down." Think about, in the context of the 1st century, the reputation that believers in Christ had so quickly built up. Why did those who proclaimed the name of Christ so quickly build a reputation for themselves in the 1st century? Well, because as the Scripture says, they turned the world upside down. We, too, today have the opportunity to build such a powerful reputation because God's transforming grace will do the same things in our lives. The Christians of the 1st century stood out in bold relief against their culture. They did extremely odd things like gather together on Sunday to worship God, they gave money to the widows of the church, they cared for one another. And, today, in these times, it is no different. When I tell people that I go to church 4 times a week, they think I must be part of a cult. And, I tell them no I get the privilege of worshiping God together with other men and women who love the Lord and are seeking to become more like Christ!
To God Be The Glory,
Steve
Acts 17:6 - "But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."
I have always loved this way of speaking about the Christian worldview and lifestyle, it is like "turning the world upside down." Think about, in the context of the 1st century, the reputation that believers in Christ had so quickly built up. Why did those who proclaimed the name of Christ so quickly build a reputation for themselves in the 1st century? Well, because as the Scripture says, they turned the world upside down. We, too, today have the opportunity to build such a powerful reputation because God's transforming grace will do the same things in our lives. The Christians of the 1st century stood out in bold relief against their culture. They did extremely odd things like gather together on Sunday to worship God, they gave money to the widows of the church, they cared for one another. And, today, in these times, it is no different. When I tell people that I go to church 4 times a week, they think I must be part of a cult. And, I tell them no I get the privilege of worshiping God together with other men and women who love the Lord and are seeking to become more like Christ!
To God Be The Glory,
Steve
Monday, July 7, 2008
Why Read Christian Biographies?
I have been co-teaching a Church History Sunday school class with Mike States and Chris Marshall. I came across this essay by John Piper in my preparation to teach on John Calvin this upcoming Sunday. The title is "Brothers, Read Christian Biographies." It is a wonderful exhortation and encouragement to read Christian biographies. It is inspired by his reading of Hebrews 11. I was telling Marcus how encouraged I was when I taught "The Great Stories of the Bible" by the biographies of the saints in Scripture. Piper makes some excellent arguments as to how God uses "dead saints" to inspire the work of those "living" saints striving to do the Lord's work.
I think you'll be greatly encouraged by this essay: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/1995/1562_Brothers_Read_Christian_Biography/
I think you'll be greatly encouraged by this essay: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/1995/1562_Brothers_Read_Christian_Biography/
NT Challenge - Stephen the Martyr
I'll make one note from the Book of Acts. The story of Stephen's martyrdom is one of my favorite stories in the Bible (and not just because I take my name from this great saint of the church). I was struck in reading through the story this time by Stephen's final words: "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." (Acts 7:60b, NKJV) It certainly reminds us of Christ's response in Luke 23:34 "Father,forgive them for they know not what they do." As I thought on the text I was convicted of the pettiness in my own heart, of how often I think bitterly towards my brothers and sisters in Christ or of times when I lack compassion towards unbelievers. The things that we argue and bicker over are often so petty and we allow our love for self to hinder work that could be done for the Kingdom. In the face of death Stephen cried out with compassion for those who hated him. How often do we when faced with snide remarks or small inconveniences or something of the like fold up our tent in frustration and say "it's too much" or blame someone else and quit. Oh, how much bolder (and thicker skin) we are to be for Christ! Brothers let us follow after Christ who is the Lion like Lamb and the Lamb like Lion. Being bold and unbending regarding the Gospel, but compassionate and willing to bear much for the glory of God! AMEN!! The Scriptures tell us that Stephen was a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit." (Acts 6:5) This was certainly a response of a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit."
Please see John Piper's exposition of this passage from Acts 7. It is an excellent read! Here's the link: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/sermons/bydate/1991/754_The_Death_of_a_SpiritFilled_Man/
Please see John Piper's exposition of this passage from Acts 7. It is an excellent read! Here's the link: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/sermons/bydate/1991/754_The_Death_of_a_SpiritFilled_Man/
The Purpose of this blog: seeking comments/suggestions
After speaking to some of you men at JPBC last night, I came to the conclusion that the best use of this blog may be as a "discussion board." Let me know what you all think and please refer other men of the church to the blog to sound off on this question.
If the blog is used as a discussion board we can all exchange comments on common endeavors (a bible study we are participating in, or a NT Challenge we are tackling together, or a good work of theology, etc.). In this we can "sharpen" one another in our faith.
So, let me know what you think. If there is a strong push in this direction then I'll do a little retooling of the blog and make it easier for everyone to participate in the online dicussions.
Best,
Steve
If the blog is used as a discussion board we can all exchange comments on common endeavors (a bible study we are participating in, or a NT Challenge we are tackling together, or a good work of theology, etc.). In this we can "sharpen" one another in our faith.
So, let me know what you think. If there is a strong push in this direction then I'll do a little retooling of the blog and make it easier for everyone to participate in the online dicussions.
Best,
Steve
NT Challenge Reflections
You can expect infrequent posts regarding the NT Challenge. It's been very hard to do the reading and to post some of my notes. Brian and I are enjoying pushing each other to complete this goal.
I had a handful of notes to post, but I'll just put up one from Luke and one from John.
Luke 14:25-33 25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
I don't think one can walk away from this passage without asking themselves if they have "counted the cost" of following Christ. Are you giving up things you used to hold dear because Christ has become more precious to you than all the things this world offers? I have found the more I learn about Christ the more my affections for Him grow and the smaller are my affections for "worldly" things. I have found this cause and effect relationship to be very precious, that is, the more one learns about Him the more one loves Him and strives to live for Him.
John 18:38 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
As I read through the Gospel of John I was struck by this statement made by Pontius Pilate. It was actually reassuring to read. I said to myself, "We (believers) don't have to ask this question." There is a great freedom to the Christian life because we know the Truth and we live by it.
I had a handful of notes to post, but I'll just put up one from Luke and one from John.
Luke 14:25-33 25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
I don't think one can walk away from this passage without asking themselves if they have "counted the cost" of following Christ. Are you giving up things you used to hold dear because Christ has become more precious to you than all the things this world offers? I have found the more I learn about Christ the more my affections for Him grow and the smaller are my affections for "worldly" things. I have found this cause and effect relationship to be very precious, that is, the more one learns about Him the more one loves Him and strives to live for Him.
John 18:38 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
As I read through the Gospel of John I was struck by this statement made by Pontius Pilate. It was actually reassuring to read. I said to myself, "We (believers) don't have to ask this question." There is a great freedom to the Christian life because we know the Truth and we live by it.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The 4th of July
Monique and I went with her parents yesterday to the naturalization ceremony for 72 new citizens at Monticello. I heard a national newscast that claimed more than half of those attending were protesting Bush. There were more than three thousand in attendance and I think five protesters. The protesters could not dampen the patriotic spirit of the day. In fact, they provided some good entertainment. Bush took the whole thing in stride, using the opportunity to comment on our nation's protection of freedom of speech. It was a very uplifting event. Those who received their citizenship were given the opportunity to address the crowd and speak about their experience. There were some very moving stories. I was certainly struck by my own neglect to think seriously about the blessing of my American citizenship. God has truly blessed this country. We need to remind people of his blessings. In reading Piper's Roots of Endurance (which I have been blogging some about, see below), I was struck by Wilberforce's claim for why Britain's morals had seen a decline. He argued that Britain had forgotten the precious truth of the doctrine of justification by faith. What an interesting claim to ponder. I believe that Puritan New England believed this doctrine, but shortly after its founding it begin to lose its adherence to it. Perhaps this is just a reminder that we aren't to expect the Kingdom of God in politics, but it is also a reminder that the people ofour nation desperately need to hear about the doctrine of justification by faith.
NT Challenge Day 3-6 (?) Reflections
I was just speaking with Brian McDonald this morning at Men's Bible study about our NT Challenge. We both agreed that it has been challenging, but also an activity that has been of spiritual encouragement. We hope to have read the NT by the end of July (July 26 for me, I believe July 28 for Brian).
I will post about Luke, John, Acts and Romans later today.
Best,
Steve
I will post about Luke, John, Acts and Romans later today.
Best,
Steve
Thursday, July 3, 2008
NT Challenge Day 2 Reflections
NT Challenge Day 2 Reflections are a day late. I'm still on track with my reading, but a day off with my blogging. The Gospel of John today; Luke was yesterday. My good friend, and now fellow participant in this challenge, Brian McDonald, will be taking up the NT Challenge.
It's been tough so far, but I'm looking forward to completing this goal.
It's been tough so far, but I'm looking forward to completing this goal.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
NT Challenge Day 1 Reflections
First, this is going to be tough, but tough is good. Remember, we are called to show consistent discipline in our faith and to suffer (or give up things) in order to grow in holiness. I wanted to blog notes on the whole book of Matthew, but I realized by about Chapter 10 that I wouldn't have the time to read the whole book and take notes too. So what follows are a handful of notes on the first 10 chapters or so. I'll post on my progress everyday, but I doubt that I will be able to provide notes and remarks on much.
Matthew 1:6 struck me as good evidence to the truth of Scripture and of man's depravity. The first 17 verses of the book are taken up with the "genealogy of Christ." Verse 6 says, "David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah." The Bible does not hide David's sin. It certainly didn't hide it in the Old Testament, but here at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew where proof is being given of Christ's kingly heritage, it speaks of David's adultery. If this were just some book meant to glorify the ideas of men, wouldn't it hide such an ugly and unattractive fact?
I was struck in Chapter 4 by Satan's temptation of Christ. What is he trying to do? What is he thinking? We are told throughout the NT that even the demons know who Christ is. Why does Satan think Christ, who is God, is going to assent to such offers? Satan was offering Christ, who became flesh and was a man, the same things he offers other men, men who are weak and imperfect. He says to Christians something like this, "look, I know that there are mansions prepared for you in your Father's house, and I know that you will have eternal life with Christ, but all these things are at the end, for now I offer you enjoyments and pleasures that you can feast on." And what is he causing us to do if we give in? He's causing us to fail to be CONSISTENTLY DISCIPLINED towards holiness. SATAN HATES OUR CONSISTENT DISCIPLINE. WE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT SATAN AND CHRIST ARE ON OPPOSITE TEAMS. OUR TEAM IS ETERNAL AND HOLY, THINKING AND LIVING ANY OTHER WAY IS A BETRAYAL OF OUR TEAM.
Ok, well I had a quite a few notes left to post, but I must move on.
Matthew 1:6 struck me as good evidence to the truth of Scripture and of man's depravity. The first 17 verses of the book are taken up with the "genealogy of Christ." Verse 6 says, "David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah." The Bible does not hide David's sin. It certainly didn't hide it in the Old Testament, but here at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew where proof is being given of Christ's kingly heritage, it speaks of David's adultery. If this were just some book meant to glorify the ideas of men, wouldn't it hide such an ugly and unattractive fact?
I was struck in Chapter 4 by Satan's temptation of Christ. What is he trying to do? What is he thinking? We are told throughout the NT that even the demons know who Christ is. Why does Satan think Christ, who is God, is going to assent to such offers? Satan was offering Christ, who became flesh and was a man, the same things he offers other men, men who are weak and imperfect. He says to Christians something like this, "look, I know that there are mansions prepared for you in your Father's house, and I know that you will have eternal life with Christ, but all these things are at the end, for now I offer you enjoyments and pleasures that you can feast on." And what is he causing us to do if we give in? He's causing us to fail to be CONSISTENTLY DISCIPLINED towards holiness. SATAN HATES OUR CONSISTENT DISCIPLINE. WE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT SATAN AND CHRIST ARE ON OPPOSITE TEAMS. OUR TEAM IS ETERNAL AND HOLY, THINKING AND LIVING ANY OTHER WAY IS A BETRAYAL OF OUR TEAM.
Ok, well I had a quite a few notes left to post, but I must move on.
"The Roots of Endurance"
Yesterday, I read the introduction to the third book in the series, "The Swans are not Silent." The series is made up of several biographies John Piper prepared lectures on for the annual Pastor's Conference at Bethlehem Baptist. This one is entitled "the Roots of Endurance" and is about the perseverance of John Newton, Charles Simeon and William Wilberforce. A few reflections from the introduction:
The intro is preceded by an epitaph, a quote from an essay by Ernest Reisinger entitled, "Every Christian A Publisher." In that quote Reisinger points out the influence of the lives and works of Christian men upon those who follow them. Sibbes upon Baxter, Baxter upon Doddridge, Doddridge upon Wilberforce, Wilberforce upon Richmond, and Richmond upon Chalmers and so on. I was certainly reminded of Proverbs 27:17 and the influence that Christian men have upon each other when we encourage one another and when we challenge each other to do great things for the glory of God.
The theme of the book as its presented in the intro is that the "swans are not silent" because "they all knew 'the roots of endurance.'" In other words, these three men continue to speak to us through the ages because they were able to persevere and suffer through the faith and consequently produced much fruit for the kingdom. There is a great quote from Piper on p.11 that speaks to why we should read good Christian biographies and theology: "I believe that God has ordained the history of sustaining grace in the lives of his living and long-dead people as a means to that end. God-centered, Christ-exalting, Bible-saturated saints who have endured to the end are one of the roots of our own endurance."
Another great Piper point that I took away is his distinction, which he makes to highlight the character of the three men in the book, between "coronary Christians" and "adrenaline Christians." The latter are believers who get excited by a sermon or a passage of Scripture and make great claims to serve the Lord and then as their excitement quickly dissipates so does their commitment. Whereas, "coronary Christians" serve the Lord with perseverance long after the excitement of the task has faded. Such is Wilberforce and the others in this book. What we need Piper says is "marathoners, not sprinters."
I hope to blog the rest of the book as I read through it. I encourage you to read the lives of dead saints and be encouraged by the Lord's provision, His promises, to those he Has called.
The intro is preceded by an epitaph, a quote from an essay by Ernest Reisinger entitled, "Every Christian A Publisher." In that quote Reisinger points out the influence of the lives and works of Christian men upon those who follow them. Sibbes upon Baxter, Baxter upon Doddridge, Doddridge upon Wilberforce, Wilberforce upon Richmond, and Richmond upon Chalmers and so on. I was certainly reminded of Proverbs 27:17 and the influence that Christian men have upon each other when we encourage one another and when we challenge each other to do great things for the glory of God.
The theme of the book as its presented in the intro is that the "swans are not silent" because "they all knew 'the roots of endurance.'" In other words, these three men continue to speak to us through the ages because they were able to persevere and suffer through the faith and consequently produced much fruit for the kingdom. There is a great quote from Piper on p.11 that speaks to why we should read good Christian biographies and theology: "I believe that God has ordained the history of sustaining grace in the lives of his living and long-dead people as a means to that end. God-centered, Christ-exalting, Bible-saturated saints who have endured to the end are one of the roots of our own endurance."
Another great Piper point that I took away is his distinction, which he makes to highlight the character of the three men in the book, between "coronary Christians" and "adrenaline Christians." The latter are believers who get excited by a sermon or a passage of Scripture and make great claims to serve the Lord and then as their excitement quickly dissipates so does their commitment. Whereas, "coronary Christians" serve the Lord with perseverance long after the excitement of the task has faded. Such is Wilberforce and the others in this book. What we need Piper says is "marathoners, not sprinters."
I hope to blog the rest of the book as I read through it. I encourage you to read the lives of dead saints and be encouraged by the Lord's provision, His promises, to those he Has called.
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