DID? What does that mean?
So, why phrase it like that. Shouldn't Easter always mean something to us? Why put it in the past tense. There are already so many articles and posts relating to the pre-Easter hype, I figured I would post something that I know most people will not read until at least Easter evening or later because it will not post to emails nor will I put it on FB until then.
The Question
The thought I want to present is this. Does the meaning of Easter, and the sentimentality that even the most well-meaning of Christians attaches to it, carry over to the rest of our lives? Does the passion with which we infuse Easter, inform the way we represent the gospel the rest of the year?
The Problem
We all know that Christmas and Easter are the only days that some ever come to a church service. If for no other reason than that, I am not against churches putting on big productions or just making a big deal out of the Easter service in general. I certainly think we should recognize that opportunity and make the most of it.
What concerns me is that many, many "Christians" get excited about Easter, but the rest of the year you would barely know they knew Christ by their behavior or the words coming out of their mouths. Or, maybe there is nothing inherently wrong in their words or behaviors but, their is also nothing obviously right. There is nothing overtly Christian about their daily faith walk. This is true of all of us from time to time. It is a truth we must WAR against.
What's The Big Deal?
Matthew 10:32-33 says that, "Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." Granted, this is in the context of a discussion regarding persecution, but let me ask you something. How easy is it to be excited about Jesus around Easter? Do you find yourself being more bold around Easter regarding letting others know you are a Christian? It is easier then, is it not? Everyone expects Christians to be excited about Jesus around Easter. It is a Christian holiday. So far it has not received the same wrap as CHRISTmas as far as it concerns the name Christ being in the title of so many things. No one is asking us to have "holiday egg hunts" for example. All of the secular associations with Easter are still labeled as Easter products or events. Let's face it, persecution in this country does not hold a candle to the persecution in other parts of the world. And yet we often remain silent about our faith. Why?
What Will You Do?
The real test comes the rest of the year. Does the meaning of Easter bring as much anticipation of what God may do, and celebration of what He has done, one week after the holiday is over? How about one month? Don't get me wrong, I have been as guilty of this as anyone, and I am as tempted as anyone else to feed the hype more around the holiday than at other times. But is this ok? Should the phrase, "I wish it could be Christmas all year long", not apply to Easter also? What will you do? Will you go back to the status quo or will you carry the momentum of the holiday forward?
Challenge
I want to challenge all of us. I want to encourage us all to strive to remember the gospel truths that make Easter so special to begin with. I want to encourage us to ask ourselves everyday how the gospel can inform every day of our lives and everything that we do and say in that day.
Jesus lived the perfect life that we could not live. He died the death that we deserve to die. He made statements that inform us as to what our Christian walk should look like. For example, "if you love me, you will keep my commands"(John 14:15-30), and before He ascended to the right hand of the Father he gave us the Great Commission(Matthew 28:18-20). Christ paid the price for our rebellion against the Father on the cross so that we could spend eternity with Him. I don't think commanding us unto allegiance and obedience is to much to ask considering the alternative.
I have fleshed out the message of the cross many times and most people reading this have probably heard it in the last twenty four hours at a church service so I will not go there. If you are intrigued by this discussion and have questions feel free to email me and we can dialogue about it. My email is at the top of the blog page.
If you are well versed in the gospel message, then I pray that this will serve the purpose that I intend. That is, essentially, to cause us all to contemplate our day to day representation of the gospel to others in our sphere of influence. Let us apply the instructions of Jude 1:20-23, keeping ourselves built up in the faith with the tools that God has provided and looking for the opportunity to share the truth of the gospel with others, perhaps snatching some out of the fire.
Remember yesterday's fervor as you celebrated Christ death, burial, and resurrection and apply it to tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. Defend always, the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints(Jude 1:3)
Doxology
One of my favorite closings from the New Testament letters is also from Jude 1:24-25. It states, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever, Amen."
Coram Deo (Living before the face of God),
Josh
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
A Conversation with Satan
Is Knowledge and Belief Enough?
What is Salvation? What is Lordship? Can one exist without the other? There is a great misunderstanding among many today that all you have to do is believe in Jesus and you will be saved. Unfortunately, too many people make confession without repentance and submission to Christs' Lordship.
Romans 10:9-10 states, "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Is this true? Of course it is. However, too often we focus on the belief part and forget what the confession is? That Jesus is Lord.
In speaking of faith apart from works in James 2:17-19 he states, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe and shudder!"
A Conversation
Let's suppose that God had a conversation with Satan about his eternal destination. It might go something like this:
God: Satan. Do you believe that I am the only God, maker of heaven and earth?
Satan: Yes
God: Do you believe that I sent Jesus to die on the cross, taking on the punishment for the sins of the world, satisfying my wrath toward their sins, and then raised him from the dead on the third day?
Satan: Yes
God: Do you believe that in the last days I will raise the living and the dead to be judged either innocent or guilty based on their belief in me, and their confession of and and submission to my Lordship?
Satan: Yes
God: Satan, will you Submit to my Lordship and serve me faithfully, obeying all the commands I have given you?
Satan: NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I am going to take every soul with me that you do not save.
This would, in fact, be the end result of that conversation. Satan rebelled in heaven. He tried to overthrow GOD! He has no interest in submission to Christs' Lordship. Thus, no matter how much he and the demons know or believe about God, they will be condemned to everlasting torment in the lake of fire(Revelation 20:10). And his goal is to take as many with him as possible. However, whether in this life or before the judgement seat of Christ, every knee, including Satan and his minions, shall bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father(Philippians 2:9-11, Romans 14:10-12, Revelation 20:11-15).
A Passionate Plea
Please don't be one of the casualties of Satan's war against God. You see, knowledge about God, Jesus, and the bible is not enough. Just saying you believe is not enough. Belief without change is nothing more than mere intellectual ascent. It does not matter if you simply go to church or are actively involved with your church. If your whole life is not surrendered to the effort of repentance from sin and the pursuit of holiness, in every area of your life, then there is reason to question the relevance of your salvation. If you prayed a prayer once, but there really is not much of your life that looks like the disciples of the bible, then there is reason to question the relevance of your salvation. If you lack genuine interest in God's word, embrace the ways of the world, and perceive not problem with this then you are likely in open rebellion against God and, there is reason to question the relevance of your salvation
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and you truly believe with your heart, not just your mind, it will change you. Your thoughts and behavior will not be the same. You will not be perfect until heaven however, 2 Corinthians 5:15-17 states that "Christ died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but him, who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passes away; behold, the new has come."
Examine yourselves!
God requires surrender of this life, that you may know life eternally with Him and in Him. Examine yourself and see if you are in the faith(2 Corinthians 13:5). If you find yourself wanting of the characteristics of a true, biblical Christ-follower, and thus you find that it is likely you are not in the faith, that can change now.
If you are Lost
God can and will save you if you are willing to die to yourself and live for Christ. Cry out to God to save you! He will! Then find a local, bible teaching church, get baptized as part of your public profession of your faith, and begin feeding on the word of God. God has given, to those whom are believers, everything needed for life and godliness by His grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit, through the study of His word, prayer, and obedience(2 Peter 3-11). All of this fosters relationship with God.
If you are Found
If you find that you are in the faith and desiring repentance and holiness, yet there are areas of your life in which this is lacking, know this. God does not require anything of the believer that He does not enable them to do. In Philippians 2:12-13 Paul instructs us, "work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to work according to his good pleasure."
Even the Apostle Paul whom wrote much of the New Testament recognized that he could not do it on his own. In 1 Corinthians 15:10 he states, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I but the grace of God that is with me."
Conclusion
Without Christ we all will be like Satan, rebelling against God and headed for an eternity of hellish, conscious torment. Don't be like Satan. Pray that the God of all grace will pour that grace out on you without measure, empowering you to believe and submit, thus saving you through the blood of His Son, and empowering you to obey through the Holy Spirit, thus sanctifying you and making your calling and election sure. Don't just know about the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, KNOW HIM! and be known by Him! For there is no greater joy.
In Jesus name,
Amen
What is Salvation? What is Lordship? Can one exist without the other? There is a great misunderstanding among many today that all you have to do is believe in Jesus and you will be saved. Unfortunately, too many people make confession without repentance and submission to Christs' Lordship.
Romans 10:9-10 states, "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Is this true? Of course it is. However, too often we focus on the belief part and forget what the confession is? That Jesus is Lord.
In speaking of faith apart from works in James 2:17-19 he states, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe and shudder!"
A Conversation
Let's suppose that God had a conversation with Satan about his eternal destination. It might go something like this:
God: Satan. Do you believe that I am the only God, maker of heaven and earth?
Satan: Yes
God: Do you believe that I sent Jesus to die on the cross, taking on the punishment for the sins of the world, satisfying my wrath toward their sins, and then raised him from the dead on the third day?
Satan: Yes
God: Do you believe that in the last days I will raise the living and the dead to be judged either innocent or guilty based on their belief in me, and their confession of and and submission to my Lordship?
Satan: Yes
God: Satan, will you Submit to my Lordship and serve me faithfully, obeying all the commands I have given you?
Satan: NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I am going to take every soul with me that you do not save.
This would, in fact, be the end result of that conversation. Satan rebelled in heaven. He tried to overthrow GOD! He has no interest in submission to Christs' Lordship. Thus, no matter how much he and the demons know or believe about God, they will be condemned to everlasting torment in the lake of fire(Revelation 20:10). And his goal is to take as many with him as possible. However, whether in this life or before the judgement seat of Christ, every knee, including Satan and his minions, shall bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father(Philippians 2:9-11, Romans 14:10-12, Revelation 20:11-15).
A Passionate Plea
Please don't be one of the casualties of Satan's war against God. You see, knowledge about God, Jesus, and the bible is not enough. Just saying you believe is not enough. Belief without change is nothing more than mere intellectual ascent. It does not matter if you simply go to church or are actively involved with your church. If your whole life is not surrendered to the effort of repentance from sin and the pursuit of holiness, in every area of your life, then there is reason to question the relevance of your salvation. If you prayed a prayer once, but there really is not much of your life that looks like the disciples of the bible, then there is reason to question the relevance of your salvation. If you lack genuine interest in God's word, embrace the ways of the world, and perceive not problem with this then you are likely in open rebellion against God and, there is reason to question the relevance of your salvation
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and you truly believe with your heart, not just your mind, it will change you. Your thoughts and behavior will not be the same. You will not be perfect until heaven however, 2 Corinthians 5:15-17 states that "Christ died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but him, who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passes away; behold, the new has come."
Examine yourselves!
God requires surrender of this life, that you may know life eternally with Him and in Him. Examine yourself and see if you are in the faith(2 Corinthians 13:5). If you find yourself wanting of the characteristics of a true, biblical Christ-follower, and thus you find that it is likely you are not in the faith, that can change now.
If you are Lost
God can and will save you if you are willing to die to yourself and live for Christ. Cry out to God to save you! He will! Then find a local, bible teaching church, get baptized as part of your public profession of your faith, and begin feeding on the word of God. God has given, to those whom are believers, everything needed for life and godliness by His grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit, through the study of His word, prayer, and obedience(2 Peter 3-11). All of this fosters relationship with God.
If you are Found
If you find that you are in the faith and desiring repentance and holiness, yet there are areas of your life in which this is lacking, know this. God does not require anything of the believer that He does not enable them to do. In Philippians 2:12-13 Paul instructs us, "work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to work according to his good pleasure."
Even the Apostle Paul whom wrote much of the New Testament recognized that he could not do it on his own. In 1 Corinthians 15:10 he states, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I but the grace of God that is with me."
Conclusion
Without Christ we all will be like Satan, rebelling against God and headed for an eternity of hellish, conscious torment. Don't be like Satan. Pray that the God of all grace will pour that grace out on you without measure, empowering you to believe and submit, thus saving you through the blood of His Son, and empowering you to obey through the Holy Spirit, thus sanctifying you and making your calling and election sure. Don't just know about the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, KNOW HIM! and be known by Him! For there is no greater joy.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Wanna Save Your Marriage (Part 9) A repost of the Summary
(Hi there. I am still very burdened by Satan's attack on marriage in today's world. It is not new but in many ways it is gaining new ground as truth becomes increasingly relativistic and gay marriage adds a whole other dynamic. I wanted to repost this as a reminder to us all, as we continue to be forced to contemplate biblical marriage in our day. This is the final summary post of the series entitled, Wanna Save Your Marriage. If it speaks to you or you think it may speak to someone else, please feel free to share. Blessings.)
Alright. There are so many other things that could be said but I think it is time to wrap this one up. This is officially the longest series that I have ever done. It has been edifying to me. I hope it has been edifying to you. I would like to thank everyone who reads the blog, has followed this particular series of postings, and/or has provided feedback. It means a lot and you are more than welcome to share and share alike if you feel it would be helpful.
I want to emphasize that while the material has been direct and revealing at times , I have made every effort to be biblical at every point. Sometimes the bible can be offensive and difficult to swallow. What we must always remember is that the bible is God's inspired, inerrant, holy word. It must not be added to or be taken away from. God does not require that His word conform to what people want it to say. God requires that HIS people conform to HIS word(Romans 12:1-2). With that said, let's review what the bible has taught us.
The biblical God is a fan of biblical marriage!
It was His idea! He is a fan of man and woman joined together in an unbreakable, covenant union. A covenant union that is designed to glorify God and help to populate the earth. He created the idea, He blessed the idea and the subjects of the idea, and He said that it was good.
(Genesis 1:27-28, Matthew 19:3-9)
Biblical marriage is designed with a purpose!
What is that design? First, it must be the union of a male and a female. Second, the male and female should be believers. Third, each member of the union must recognize their God-given role and the instructions for that role. Fourth, the Gospel is central. (Matthew 19:4-6, Ephesians 5:21-33)
The Gospel is central!
God's design for marriage is centered around the Gospel. The sacrificial love of Christ for His church is the example of the kind of sacrificial love that we are expected to exhibit, one Christian to another and one spouse to the other. We must understand how we were designed as individuals and what the design of our roles in marriage are. We must understand that just as we are dead in our sins and cannot come alive unless Christ makes us alive; none of what is expected of us in marriage can be done appropriately without the empowerment of God's grace through Christ's death and resurrection.(Ephesians 2:1-10, Philippians 2:12-13, 1 Corinthians 15:10)
Sacrificial, selfless, love is required by God.
Maybe you are struggling with a spouse who is not living up to the biblical definitions of their role. Perhaps you are struggling with an unbelieving spouse or a maybe your marriage is struggling sexually. All of these struggles, along with all of the other above points, have been addressed in greater detail in the previous posts, scripture references and all.
What is certain is that when Jesus came to earth, He gave all while being despised and rejected by the majority. Many say that God's love and often that Christ's love is unconditional. This is simply not true. The condition of God's offer of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, comes in the death and resurrection of Christ's perfect life alone, for the glory of God alone. It is not free! If you are a believer, you are not your own, you were bought with a price. Christ's blood shed on the cross paid the price for the sins of the world so that eternal life would be made available.
That's right! The love of God the Father and God the Son is not unconditional, but it is sacrificial. God is not asking anything of you, no matter how bad it may seem, that Christ did not experience. Jesus knew temptation. Jesus knew betrayal, rejection, emotional hurt, and physical pain. He understands it and He will see you through it. As a believer, He does not expect you to do it by yourself. As a believer, God's grace is always working in and through you to accomplish His good purposes. (Philippians 2:12-13)
I don't need Jesus, my marriage is doing fine by itself!
Perhaps, during this process, you have thought, "I have a perfectly happy marriage and I don't have to think about all this stuff. My wife and I are good people who love each other and treat each other well and we don't even consider the application of any of this spiritual, Gospel-centered marriage hype." Maybe. But rest assured, whether you believe it or not, that the benevolent love of God's common grace to all people is the only thing that keeps mankind from totally annihilating themselves. It is not because you carry all the power within yourself to do good. God restrains any evil that does not run rampant, anywhere, including your marriage.
Happy wife, happy life is not enough!
Regardless of what you think, one other thing is true. You can live a happy, good life with a happy, good marriage and still go to hell. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the live. No man comes to the Father but by me!(John 14:6)
I don't want that for anyone. This series has been a bit pragmatic in the "How to have a better marriage biblically" kind of way. I admit that. But, the Gospel has been present throughout. All of it has been Christ-centered. The reason for that is because no success in this world has any meaning eternally apart from Christ. I have not helped you at all if you apply some of the principles found in this series and never have a relationship with a living Savior, the Eternal Bridegroom himself. You will not be a part of the bride of Christ if you are not in a saving and surrendered relationship with the Groom that makes it all possible to begin with.
Please, go back and look at the post entitled, "Wanna Save Your Marriage?, What is the Gospel?"(Part 3). Not for me, but for you. Make sure you understand what the Gospel is. 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to examine ourselves and make sure that we are in the faith. It is ok to assess your life in relation to biblical truth and look for areas that either point to proof of saving faith or the lack there of. Even if you come to the conclusion that you are in fact saved, there are always areas that are not yet perfected and we should always be looking to strive for repentance in new areas of our walk in order to ensure that we are living a life worthy of the gospel(Philippians 1:27).
Find joy in the Father!
Last but not least remember, in the words of John Piper, that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him". As believers, the greatest way to be most at peace in trials and suffering is to keep God's glory as your ultimate goal. The greatest way to ensure you are walking in unselfish, sacrificial love is to keep God's glory as your ultimate goal. The greatest way to ensure that you are walking obediently to God in your marriage is to keep God's glory as your ultimate goal. The greatest way to ensure you are living a life worthy of the gospel is to keep God's glory as your ultimate goal.
The greatest way to walk with the best possible satisfaction at any given moment and to experience joy unspeakable and full of glory(1 Peter 1:8) is to remember what Christ did for you on the cross and through His resurrection. Not only that, but to remember that, while He died for all who would believe, Jesus' ultimate goal was always the glory of His Father.(John 17:5)
Jesus always found His greatest satisfaction in the glory of God through loving obedience. That was, and is, His ultimate goal!
If this series has helped one marriage to grow or be restored, or more importantly; if this series has helped one individual to discover a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, then it has been worth it.
If you have not read the whole series yet and you would like a fleshing out of these points, parts 1-8 can be found under the October and November tabs on the this blog page. I pray it has been and will be a blessing. Thank you for your time.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Love,
Josh
Alright. There are so many other things that could be said but I think it is time to wrap this one up. This is officially the longest series that I have ever done. It has been edifying to me. I hope it has been edifying to you. I would like to thank everyone who reads the blog, has followed this particular series of postings, and/or has provided feedback. It means a lot and you are more than welcome to share and share alike if you feel it would be helpful.
I want to emphasize that while the material has been direct and revealing at times , I have made every effort to be biblical at every point. Sometimes the bible can be offensive and difficult to swallow. What we must always remember is that the bible is God's inspired, inerrant, holy word. It must not be added to or be taken away from. God does not require that His word conform to what people want it to say. God requires that HIS people conform to HIS word(Romans 12:1-2). With that said, let's review what the bible has taught us.
The biblical God is a fan of biblical marriage!
It was His idea! He is a fan of man and woman joined together in an unbreakable, covenant union. A covenant union that is designed to glorify God and help to populate the earth. He created the idea, He blessed the idea and the subjects of the idea, and He said that it was good.
(Genesis 1:27-28, Matthew 19:3-9)
Biblical marriage is designed with a purpose!
What is that design? First, it must be the union of a male and a female. Second, the male and female should be believers. Third, each member of the union must recognize their God-given role and the instructions for that role. Fourth, the Gospel is central. (Matthew 19:4-6, Ephesians 5:21-33)
The Gospel is central!
God's design for marriage is centered around the Gospel. The sacrificial love of Christ for His church is the example of the kind of sacrificial love that we are expected to exhibit, one Christian to another and one spouse to the other. We must understand how we were designed as individuals and what the design of our roles in marriage are. We must understand that just as we are dead in our sins and cannot come alive unless Christ makes us alive; none of what is expected of us in marriage can be done appropriately without the empowerment of God's grace through Christ's death and resurrection.(Ephesians 2:1-10, Philippians 2:12-13, 1 Corinthians 15:10)
Sacrificial, selfless, love is required by God.
Maybe you are struggling with a spouse who is not living up to the biblical definitions of their role. Perhaps you are struggling with an unbelieving spouse or a maybe your marriage is struggling sexually. All of these struggles, along with all of the other above points, have been addressed in greater detail in the previous posts, scripture references and all.
What is certain is that when Jesus came to earth, He gave all while being despised and rejected by the majority. Many say that God's love and often that Christ's love is unconditional. This is simply not true. The condition of God's offer of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, comes in the death and resurrection of Christ's perfect life alone, for the glory of God alone. It is not free! If you are a believer, you are not your own, you were bought with a price. Christ's blood shed on the cross paid the price for the sins of the world so that eternal life would be made available.
That's right! The love of God the Father and God the Son is not unconditional, but it is sacrificial. God is not asking anything of you, no matter how bad it may seem, that Christ did not experience. Jesus knew temptation. Jesus knew betrayal, rejection, emotional hurt, and physical pain. He understands it and He will see you through it. As a believer, He does not expect you to do it by yourself. As a believer, God's grace is always working in and through you to accomplish His good purposes. (Philippians 2:12-13)
I don't need Jesus, my marriage is doing fine by itself!
Perhaps, during this process, you have thought, "I have a perfectly happy marriage and I don't have to think about all this stuff. My wife and I are good people who love each other and treat each other well and we don't even consider the application of any of this spiritual, Gospel-centered marriage hype." Maybe. But rest assured, whether you believe it or not, that the benevolent love of God's common grace to all people is the only thing that keeps mankind from totally annihilating themselves. It is not because you carry all the power within yourself to do good. God restrains any evil that does not run rampant, anywhere, including your marriage.
Happy wife, happy life is not enough!
Regardless of what you think, one other thing is true. You can live a happy, good life with a happy, good marriage and still go to hell. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the live. No man comes to the Father but by me!(John 14:6)
I don't want that for anyone. This series has been a bit pragmatic in the "How to have a better marriage biblically" kind of way. I admit that. But, the Gospel has been present throughout. All of it has been Christ-centered. The reason for that is because no success in this world has any meaning eternally apart from Christ. I have not helped you at all if you apply some of the principles found in this series and never have a relationship with a living Savior, the Eternal Bridegroom himself. You will not be a part of the bride of Christ if you are not in a saving and surrendered relationship with the Groom that makes it all possible to begin with.
Please, go back and look at the post entitled, "Wanna Save Your Marriage?, What is the Gospel?"(Part 3). Not for me, but for you. Make sure you understand what the Gospel is. 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to examine ourselves and make sure that we are in the faith. It is ok to assess your life in relation to biblical truth and look for areas that either point to proof of saving faith or the lack there of. Even if you come to the conclusion that you are in fact saved, there are always areas that are not yet perfected and we should always be looking to strive for repentance in new areas of our walk in order to ensure that we are living a life worthy of the gospel(Philippians 1:27).
Find joy in the Father!
Last but not least remember, in the words of John Piper, that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him". As believers, the greatest way to be most at peace in trials and suffering is to keep God's glory as your ultimate goal. The greatest way to ensure you are walking in unselfish, sacrificial love is to keep God's glory as your ultimate goal. The greatest way to ensure that you are walking obediently to God in your marriage is to keep God's glory as your ultimate goal. The greatest way to ensure you are living a life worthy of the gospel is to keep God's glory as your ultimate goal.
The greatest way to walk with the best possible satisfaction at any given moment and to experience joy unspeakable and full of glory(1 Peter 1:8) is to remember what Christ did for you on the cross and through His resurrection. Not only that, but to remember that, while He died for all who would believe, Jesus' ultimate goal was always the glory of His Father.(John 17:5)
Jesus always found His greatest satisfaction in the glory of God through loving obedience. That was, and is, His ultimate goal!
If this series has helped one marriage to grow or be restored, or more importantly; if this series has helped one individual to discover a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, then it has been worth it.
If you have not read the whole series yet and you would like a fleshing out of these points, parts 1-8 can be found under the October and November tabs on the this blog page. I pray it has been and will be a blessing. Thank you for your time.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Love,
Josh
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Confessions
Hello again!
A few days ago I wrote an informational post of gratitude regarding the departure of my family from our church of many years. The response has been amazing. 155 page views so far. That may not sound like much but for a blog that averages 40-50 page views with the occasional peak, 155 is phenomenal. I recognize that many may read the posts via email and never go to the page, so I try not to get to hung up on page views but they are in my face all the time so I do notice. What this does suggest is there are many who may have never seen this blog before that read that post.
I did not write the post looking for exposure, but I am very grateful for the response, love and support that we have received from so many. Everything I do is not so very personal in nature and that's ok, but this response has prompted me to consider who may have been exposed to this blog for the first time that might check it out again courtesy of the popularity of the last post. So, since I am getting back into the swing of things I thought for current readers and any new readers that may come along, that I would continue the personal touch a little longer.
Even though I try to be honest about the fact that I am on the same journey of Chirstian growth as everyone else, I recognize that it would be very easy to read the challenges that I present as a "holier than thou" kind of process. I want to, as a reminder, dissuade anyone from that concept. I am just another guy. Another person on a journey toward ever-increasing holiness and Christ-likeness. I do not consider myself to be better than anyone else. I have struggled and continue to struggle with sin that manifests itself in, struggling to love my family properly, being consistent in bible study and memorization, and evangelism, among others.
However, I, like every other sinner saved by grace, am commanded by Jesus and compelled by the Holy Spirit, in the spirit of Matthew 28:19-20 to spread the gospel and make disciples, teaching all of the commands of scripture. So this I must do in spite of my many flaws and struggles with sin. This is true of every Christian and minister of the gospel. So, here we go.
Sin
I struggle with sins to numerous to mention. I am a man so, of course, I battle with lust. I do not give in but, it is an ever present nag striving to draw me away from those things that I am commanded to be committed to in marriage and in Christ. I have a temper, so I struggle to keep that bound up so as to love my wife and children appropriately even in the most frustrating of moments. I battle the temptation of pride. I continually strive to remember the grace of God in my life, and that it is this grace that enables me to find any success at all. This same grace reminds me also, that I must have more compassion than I do for the lost, the needy and other believers also struggling with sin. We are not to judge hearts as regards eternal security. However we are to judge word and actions as sinful and hold each other accountable. That is biblical and loving as words and actions are the fruit of the attitude of our hearts. However, to allow the recognition of the sin in other peoples lives to cause us to forget the sin in our own and thus loose compassion is unacceptable. We cannot love each other appropriately in that way. We must always remember that the same grace is working in all of us but the timetable is not always the same. This is just a handful of the many ways in which I do spiritual battle with this body of flesh that I am clothed in.
Love For Family
One of the hardest things to do as a husband and father is to lead your family spiritually. Often the Lord will take you to a place of growth spiritually that is ahead of your other family members so that you know where to lead them. You have been down the path, seen the pitfalls and gotten a glimpse of the safest route. However, as I said before, pride and impatience are always lurking on the side of the path waiting to ambush you. We are so quick to forget the struggles that we had as the grace of God led us to where we are. Thus we forget to show that same grace to those that we are leading. As I said, I have a temper and while it is much more controlled than it used to be, it is an ever present reminder of my need for God's grace to help me lead patiently and lovingly. Please pray for me in this as I strive to be a good shepherd to my little flock.
Bible Reading and Memorization
Yes, I am a blogger of biblical ideas and yes, along the way I have memorized some scripture. The challenge I face is similar to that of pastors and that is to not only read the bible as a means to the end of delivering a message. I can say for myself that the ways in which I use the bible to support this blog are devotional for me. I am ministered to every time I blog because ideas form and pour out of me even as I am writing. They often jump right off of the screen and back into my heart. Often, it is as if I am speaking to myself. But, I must confess that I have struggled to read through the entire bible. I understand many things regarding the continuity of scripture from beginning to end via teaching from those who have read it all the way through many times, but I need to do it myself. I have read much of it, but never the whole thing. I recognize that this is not ok and I must fix it. The same is true of bible memory. There are many scriptures that I have in my heart courtesy of quoting them so many times here, but I know that scripture commands that I hide God's word in my heart that I might not sin against Him(Proverbs 119:11), so I strive to improve in this area. Please pray for to that end.
Evangelism
You might ask, "Isn't that what you are doing with this blog?". And the answer would be yes to some degree. But this blog is akin to street evangelism in some ways in that I do not have a personal relationship with all my readers. In some ways this blog requires less guts because it is not face to face so I don't have to experience the negative reactions. I want to make it clear that I do not blog to avoid face to face persecution. However, I do understand that blogging must only be one form of the ways in which I share the gospel. I want to improve in evangelizing strangers, friends, and family alike. I want evangelism to be a way of life. Some have described effective evangelism as thinking of threads of the gospel that are woven into every aspect of our lives so that it informs everything we say and do thus inevitably impacting everyone we come in contact with. That is my ultimate desire. I want others to see Jesus in me. For that to happen an increase in bible reading and memorization is a must because it is scripture that transforms and informs my heart and changes my actions for God's glory.
Conclusion
I hope you don't mind that I have shared my heart with you a bit. The reason for this blog is to share the gospel with a two fold purpose. One, to inform the lost of their need for Jesus and hopefully give good news that the Holy Spirit will use to draw their hearts to Him. Two, to lovingly challenge a culture that is continually tempted to compromise the authority of scripture as the means, that informs the way in which we live, in every aspect of our lives. The church must have a high view of God, and of His word, and live that out, if it is going to impact the world for the glory of God. Please know that even when I appear to be ranting or rough around the edges at times, it always fueled by a zeal for God's glory to be made manifest in your lives. That end is always going to be beneficial to your hearts. As I have quoted several times from John Piper, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him". May it be so in your lives and mine, in Jesus name. Amen.
With much love and affection in Christ,
Josh
A few days ago I wrote an informational post of gratitude regarding the departure of my family from our church of many years. The response has been amazing. 155 page views so far. That may not sound like much but for a blog that averages 40-50 page views with the occasional peak, 155 is phenomenal. I recognize that many may read the posts via email and never go to the page, so I try not to get to hung up on page views but they are in my face all the time so I do notice. What this does suggest is there are many who may have never seen this blog before that read that post.
I did not write the post looking for exposure, but I am very grateful for the response, love and support that we have received from so many. Everything I do is not so very personal in nature and that's ok, but this response has prompted me to consider who may have been exposed to this blog for the first time that might check it out again courtesy of the popularity of the last post. So, since I am getting back into the swing of things I thought for current readers and any new readers that may come along, that I would continue the personal touch a little longer.
Even though I try to be honest about the fact that I am on the same journey of Chirstian growth as everyone else, I recognize that it would be very easy to read the challenges that I present as a "holier than thou" kind of process. I want to, as a reminder, dissuade anyone from that concept. I am just another guy. Another person on a journey toward ever-increasing holiness and Christ-likeness. I do not consider myself to be better than anyone else. I have struggled and continue to struggle with sin that manifests itself in, struggling to love my family properly, being consistent in bible study and memorization, and evangelism, among others.
However, I, like every other sinner saved by grace, am commanded by Jesus and compelled by the Holy Spirit, in the spirit of Matthew 28:19-20 to spread the gospel and make disciples, teaching all of the commands of scripture. So this I must do in spite of my many flaws and struggles with sin. This is true of every Christian and minister of the gospel. So, here we go.
Sin
I struggle with sins to numerous to mention. I am a man so, of course, I battle with lust. I do not give in but, it is an ever present nag striving to draw me away from those things that I am commanded to be committed to in marriage and in Christ. I have a temper, so I struggle to keep that bound up so as to love my wife and children appropriately even in the most frustrating of moments. I battle the temptation of pride. I continually strive to remember the grace of God in my life, and that it is this grace that enables me to find any success at all. This same grace reminds me also, that I must have more compassion than I do for the lost, the needy and other believers also struggling with sin. We are not to judge hearts as regards eternal security. However we are to judge word and actions as sinful and hold each other accountable. That is biblical and loving as words and actions are the fruit of the attitude of our hearts. However, to allow the recognition of the sin in other peoples lives to cause us to forget the sin in our own and thus loose compassion is unacceptable. We cannot love each other appropriately in that way. We must always remember that the same grace is working in all of us but the timetable is not always the same. This is just a handful of the many ways in which I do spiritual battle with this body of flesh that I am clothed in.
Love For Family
One of the hardest things to do as a husband and father is to lead your family spiritually. Often the Lord will take you to a place of growth spiritually that is ahead of your other family members so that you know where to lead them. You have been down the path, seen the pitfalls and gotten a glimpse of the safest route. However, as I said before, pride and impatience are always lurking on the side of the path waiting to ambush you. We are so quick to forget the struggles that we had as the grace of God led us to where we are. Thus we forget to show that same grace to those that we are leading. As I said, I have a temper and while it is much more controlled than it used to be, it is an ever present reminder of my need for God's grace to help me lead patiently and lovingly. Please pray for me in this as I strive to be a good shepherd to my little flock.
Bible Reading and Memorization
Yes, I am a blogger of biblical ideas and yes, along the way I have memorized some scripture. The challenge I face is similar to that of pastors and that is to not only read the bible as a means to the end of delivering a message. I can say for myself that the ways in which I use the bible to support this blog are devotional for me. I am ministered to every time I blog because ideas form and pour out of me even as I am writing. They often jump right off of the screen and back into my heart. Often, it is as if I am speaking to myself. But, I must confess that I have struggled to read through the entire bible. I understand many things regarding the continuity of scripture from beginning to end via teaching from those who have read it all the way through many times, but I need to do it myself. I have read much of it, but never the whole thing. I recognize that this is not ok and I must fix it. The same is true of bible memory. There are many scriptures that I have in my heart courtesy of quoting them so many times here, but I know that scripture commands that I hide God's word in my heart that I might not sin against Him(Proverbs 119:11), so I strive to improve in this area. Please pray for to that end.
Evangelism
You might ask, "Isn't that what you are doing with this blog?". And the answer would be yes to some degree. But this blog is akin to street evangelism in some ways in that I do not have a personal relationship with all my readers. In some ways this blog requires less guts because it is not face to face so I don't have to experience the negative reactions. I want to make it clear that I do not blog to avoid face to face persecution. However, I do understand that blogging must only be one form of the ways in which I share the gospel. I want to improve in evangelizing strangers, friends, and family alike. I want evangelism to be a way of life. Some have described effective evangelism as thinking of threads of the gospel that are woven into every aspect of our lives so that it informs everything we say and do thus inevitably impacting everyone we come in contact with. That is my ultimate desire. I want others to see Jesus in me. For that to happen an increase in bible reading and memorization is a must because it is scripture that transforms and informs my heart and changes my actions for God's glory.
Conclusion
I hope you don't mind that I have shared my heart with you a bit. The reason for this blog is to share the gospel with a two fold purpose. One, to inform the lost of their need for Jesus and hopefully give good news that the Holy Spirit will use to draw their hearts to Him. Two, to lovingly challenge a culture that is continually tempted to compromise the authority of scripture as the means, that informs the way in which we live, in every aspect of our lives. The church must have a high view of God, and of His word, and live that out, if it is going to impact the world for the glory of God. Please know that even when I appear to be ranting or rough around the edges at times, it always fueled by a zeal for God's glory to be made manifest in your lives. That end is always going to be beneficial to your hearts. As I have quoted several times from John Piper, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him". May it be so in your lives and mine, in Jesus name. Amen.
With much love and affection in Christ,
Josh
Saturday, March 29, 2014
A Hello, A Goodbye, and Many Thanks! (A very personal post to those near and dear to my heart) Anyone is invited to read.
HI!
A big HELLO! to all my readers on FB or by email. It's been a little over a month since my last post. And what a month it has been. No, the goodbye does not mean I am going to stop writing the blog. I will be working back into it this month. I want to dedicate this post to something of great importance. A big change in the life of my personal and church family.
In the last month I have completed an intense refresher course for my EMT certification, we have endured numerous winter storms, the hospital has been extremely busy, and we have made a change as a family in where we attend church......?
Yes, you heard me right. To some this is not a shock as we have said our proper goodbyes, but their may be some who did not know we have moved on, much less that there was even the potential for such a thing. My family and I have been attending the same church for nineteen years and have been actively involved for much of that. It is the only church locally that my wife has been intimately involved with and it is the only church my children have ever known. I want to speak to this major event in our lives for a few minutes. I will strive to maintain anonymity for the the ministry and anyone in it because I have always done so in relationship to this blog. Obviously those who know us will understand the references. However, this blog has always represented my convictions verses the convictions of any one institution, and it has always been intended to speak to issues, without getting specific about the who's. I don't know if it will always be that way, but it is going to be that way today.
While I don't shed tears as easily as my wife, (it's a family trait) :-), I am very expressive with my writing, singing, and speaking. I pray that you have seen my heart in previous expressions verbally and that you will see my heart in the words to come.
Why?
So why leave? Well that is subject matter that I may or may not ever come right out and speak in detail to here. People leave churches for many different reasons. Some are petty, some are not. Let's just leave it at this, after nineteen years calling this church home, God is leading me in a different direction and the reasons for that do not speak in anyway to the integrity of the ministry I am leaving. They always strive to stay on the straight path of integrity and they have done so concerning my leaving. I have been on this journey toward departure for about a year, striving to make sure I was making the right decision, and the leaders of the ministry and the church members have been nothing but gracious, supportive, and loving. Whatever differences we may have, God's grace has not allowed them to cause animosity of any kind. Keeping the love of God at the center has been of utmost importance to all parties. I pray it always remains that way. I say this only because speculation is always inevitable when someone that has been at a church as long as I have leaves. At the end of the day, it is as simple as this, it's a new season. Time for a new chapter. Now to express appreciation.
Thank you!
I want to say an extensive thank you to the multitudinous souls that have impacted the lives of my family and I for so many years. The Senior Pastor has seen my wife and I through some difficult times before we got married and then we had the honor of standing before him as he married us almost 13 years ago. He and His wife have meant so much to us. He and his son and daughter who are also serving as pastors there have been very generous in recognizing gifts and talents that my wife and I have been given by God and making room for them to develop. They have encouraged us along the way and have been patient with us as we grew. Thank you to the Pastoral team.
The Children's Pastor
You know who you are. You have always encouraged us as parents and you have always loved our children and cared for them while we have been serving. Thank you for the many Nerf wars, lollipops, and hugs that my boys have enjoyed from you over the years while I have been engaged with the music ministry on Wednesday nights. Thank you for striving to create a Sunday morning experience that pointed the children to Jesus. Our children have enjoyed every moment from Sunday morning to pizza and a movie night and Friday night nitro. You will always have a special place in their hearts.
The Many Caregivers of My Kids
You also know who you are. To the sweet people that served double duty not only as greeters at the front door but also kept eyes on my children while I was doing Sunday morning rehearsal. They truly loved our kids and us as evidenced by the many tears and hugs we saw and received the Sunday that we said goodbye. To the Sunday morning teachers that gave of themselves tirelessly to love our kids well before anyone else's were around, especially that one lady (you know who you are) that was always there before everyone else, often taking my kids back to the children's area for me.....THANK YOU! And last but not least, to the doughnut man and your wife who even took my kids to the movies one night and showed them an excellent time, thank you. Our children will always have fond memories of all of you.
To My Good Friend
My worship leader, mentor, and friend. You talent is beyond measure and your heart is beyond words. From the moment you arrived you have impacted the lives of so many. For my wife and I, you and your wife have not just been co-laborers and friends, but family. We have shared so much of the last six years in so many aspects of our lives that the bond we have will never be broken. You have patiently led me into greater leadership and musicality, all the while showing me much respect and honor. I pray that my family can continue to positively influence and poor into the life of you and your family the way you guys have poured into ours. Thank you!
To the Praise Team and Choir
You have tolerated me and allowed me to grow as your leader, musically and otherwise, loving me all the while. We have had moments of intense disagreement and moments of spiritual ecstasy as we have grown in our relationships with the Lord together. We have had moments of intense musical distress and moments of great musical joy as we have grown together musically and learned to honor our God together through praise and worship. I am so proud of who you are and I look forward to what you will become. We are truly a family and I pray that bond lasts forever. Thank you for all that you have been to me and all that you have allowed me to be to you. Your love of me and my family and the encouragement you gave us as we said goodbye will never be forgotten. Thank you!
To The Band
Your talent is obscene and your dedication is tireless. This church is so blessed to have such an incredible group of ridiculously talented people who make themselves available for service with the humblest of hearts. You make the worship experience unforgettable every Sunday and I will miss the unique sound that only you can bring to the gospel, rock, and contemporary mix of eclectic sounds that is Cathedral worship. Many of you have watched me grow musically and patiently endured my mistakes along the way. Thank you!
To The Congregation
You have loved my wife and I and have been an endless source of encouragement over the years. From the clap of hands to subtle taps on the shoulder, winks and head nods, we have always know that we were appreciated and loved. More people than I can count shed tears and made it clear how much they were going to miss us, all the while encouraging us on this new adventure of faith. Thank you!
To My Kids
I don't know when you will read this but I would be regretful if I did not include you in this. It has been my greatest joy to watch you grow up among this church family. Ryan, you learned to climb stairs in this church. You have grown from experiencing great separation anxiety when we first introduced you to the nursery, to confidently stating that you know this place like the back of your hand. You used to sit at my feet while a sang in the choir and you have provided love and support as you have watched your daddy make music. Thank you for helping take care of your brother over the last couple of years on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. You have also provided much support as you have listened and tried to understand this transitional journey that we are on. You have tried very hard to be positive and I appreciate that greatly. I am so proud of who you have become and are becoming.
Alex, the choir got to watch you grow in my arms as I directed them while holding you. You provided a great illustration of how we should approach God the Father as His children a couple of different times as you came running down the aisle, climbed the stairs, and I picked you up while beginning the praise and worship set. You made your Mommy, Daddy, and brother laugh as you would look forward to church so you could see the "nut nut man" and get a doughnut. I'll never forget the day you told me that Jesus was more important to you than doughnuts. I knew that was an important moment :-). You have grown into a fine little boy and I am excited to see who you become.
Both of you have been an important part of every Wednesday night and Sunday morning since you were born simply because you were there. As long as we have you, we will have memories attached of this church and this church family. Thank you for making the last nine years more special than they would have been if you had not been there. Your Mother and I can not imagine those years without you in them.
To My Precious Wife
Many of you had the privilege of seeing my wife shed a few of the many tears that she has shed over us leaving. She has truly been blessed by being a part of this church and is deeply saddened to be leaving.
Baby girl, I know that the direction God is leading us is less clear to you than it is to me (and it is not very clear to me) yet you are striving to go with the flow and trust. Thank you.
You are my partner, my best friend, and my confidant. You have seen me through the highs and lows of this journey and I am so glad to have had you by my side. I have enjoyed the many years that I have been able to share with you as members of this church. It has thrilled me to no end to watch you direct and act in three of the last four children's Christmas plays that have been so treasured by the church. You have gotten a small glimpse, through us leaving, of the impact God has used you to have on the people of this church. I have always enjoyed the times when I could look up while directing the choir and see your pretty face smiling back at me. You were a trooper as you did double duty by hustling to get yourself together after the children's show to come and sing for the adult Christmas program the same night. We even sung a song together that one time. I don't know what the future holds but I am so glad to have shared the last nineteen years of this journey with you and I look forward to sharing the rest of my life experiencing and serving God together as we move forward on this grand adventure of life, this side of glory. One day I pray we will be able to look back and have a better understanding of this transition.
Until the next time
Only the Lord knows the next time this church family and our family will worship together again. You have made it clear, the blessing that you feel we have been to you. I hope we have been able to show a little bit of what you guys have meant to us. You will always be a part of who we are and we will never forget you. Until the next time. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Josh, Angie, Ryan, and Alex
A big HELLO! to all my readers on FB or by email. It's been a little over a month since my last post. And what a month it has been. No, the goodbye does not mean I am going to stop writing the blog. I will be working back into it this month. I want to dedicate this post to something of great importance. A big change in the life of my personal and church family.
In the last month I have completed an intense refresher course for my EMT certification, we have endured numerous winter storms, the hospital has been extremely busy, and we have made a change as a family in where we attend church......?
Yes, you heard me right. To some this is not a shock as we have said our proper goodbyes, but their may be some who did not know we have moved on, much less that there was even the potential for such a thing. My family and I have been attending the same church for nineteen years and have been actively involved for much of that. It is the only church locally that my wife has been intimately involved with and it is the only church my children have ever known. I want to speak to this major event in our lives for a few minutes. I will strive to maintain anonymity for the the ministry and anyone in it because I have always done so in relationship to this blog. Obviously those who know us will understand the references. However, this blog has always represented my convictions verses the convictions of any one institution, and it has always been intended to speak to issues, without getting specific about the who's. I don't know if it will always be that way, but it is going to be that way today.
While I don't shed tears as easily as my wife, (it's a family trait) :-), I am very expressive with my writing, singing, and speaking. I pray that you have seen my heart in previous expressions verbally and that you will see my heart in the words to come.
Why?
So why leave? Well that is subject matter that I may or may not ever come right out and speak in detail to here. People leave churches for many different reasons. Some are petty, some are not. Let's just leave it at this, after nineteen years calling this church home, God is leading me in a different direction and the reasons for that do not speak in anyway to the integrity of the ministry I am leaving. They always strive to stay on the straight path of integrity and they have done so concerning my leaving. I have been on this journey toward departure for about a year, striving to make sure I was making the right decision, and the leaders of the ministry and the church members have been nothing but gracious, supportive, and loving. Whatever differences we may have, God's grace has not allowed them to cause animosity of any kind. Keeping the love of God at the center has been of utmost importance to all parties. I pray it always remains that way. I say this only because speculation is always inevitable when someone that has been at a church as long as I have leaves. At the end of the day, it is as simple as this, it's a new season. Time for a new chapter. Now to express appreciation.
Thank you!
I want to say an extensive thank you to the multitudinous souls that have impacted the lives of my family and I for so many years. The Senior Pastor has seen my wife and I through some difficult times before we got married and then we had the honor of standing before him as he married us almost 13 years ago. He and His wife have meant so much to us. He and his son and daughter who are also serving as pastors there have been very generous in recognizing gifts and talents that my wife and I have been given by God and making room for them to develop. They have encouraged us along the way and have been patient with us as we grew. Thank you to the Pastoral team.
The Children's Pastor
You know who you are. You have always encouraged us as parents and you have always loved our children and cared for them while we have been serving. Thank you for the many Nerf wars, lollipops, and hugs that my boys have enjoyed from you over the years while I have been engaged with the music ministry on Wednesday nights. Thank you for striving to create a Sunday morning experience that pointed the children to Jesus. Our children have enjoyed every moment from Sunday morning to pizza and a movie night and Friday night nitro. You will always have a special place in their hearts.
The Many Caregivers of My Kids
You also know who you are. To the sweet people that served double duty not only as greeters at the front door but also kept eyes on my children while I was doing Sunday morning rehearsal. They truly loved our kids and us as evidenced by the many tears and hugs we saw and received the Sunday that we said goodbye. To the Sunday morning teachers that gave of themselves tirelessly to love our kids well before anyone else's were around, especially that one lady (you know who you are) that was always there before everyone else, often taking my kids back to the children's area for me.....THANK YOU! And last but not least, to the doughnut man and your wife who even took my kids to the movies one night and showed them an excellent time, thank you. Our children will always have fond memories of all of you.
To My Good Friend
My worship leader, mentor, and friend. You talent is beyond measure and your heart is beyond words. From the moment you arrived you have impacted the lives of so many. For my wife and I, you and your wife have not just been co-laborers and friends, but family. We have shared so much of the last six years in so many aspects of our lives that the bond we have will never be broken. You have patiently led me into greater leadership and musicality, all the while showing me much respect and honor. I pray that my family can continue to positively influence and poor into the life of you and your family the way you guys have poured into ours. Thank you!
To the Praise Team and Choir
You have tolerated me and allowed me to grow as your leader, musically and otherwise, loving me all the while. We have had moments of intense disagreement and moments of spiritual ecstasy as we have grown in our relationships with the Lord together. We have had moments of intense musical distress and moments of great musical joy as we have grown together musically and learned to honor our God together through praise and worship. I am so proud of who you are and I look forward to what you will become. We are truly a family and I pray that bond lasts forever. Thank you for all that you have been to me and all that you have allowed me to be to you. Your love of me and my family and the encouragement you gave us as we said goodbye will never be forgotten. Thank you!
To The Band
Your talent is obscene and your dedication is tireless. This church is so blessed to have such an incredible group of ridiculously talented people who make themselves available for service with the humblest of hearts. You make the worship experience unforgettable every Sunday and I will miss the unique sound that only you can bring to the gospel, rock, and contemporary mix of eclectic sounds that is Cathedral worship. Many of you have watched me grow musically and patiently endured my mistakes along the way. Thank you!
To The Congregation
You have loved my wife and I and have been an endless source of encouragement over the years. From the clap of hands to subtle taps on the shoulder, winks and head nods, we have always know that we were appreciated and loved. More people than I can count shed tears and made it clear how much they were going to miss us, all the while encouraging us on this new adventure of faith. Thank you!
To My Kids
I don't know when you will read this but I would be regretful if I did not include you in this. It has been my greatest joy to watch you grow up among this church family. Ryan, you learned to climb stairs in this church. You have grown from experiencing great separation anxiety when we first introduced you to the nursery, to confidently stating that you know this place like the back of your hand. You used to sit at my feet while a sang in the choir and you have provided love and support as you have watched your daddy make music. Thank you for helping take care of your brother over the last couple of years on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. You have also provided much support as you have listened and tried to understand this transitional journey that we are on. You have tried very hard to be positive and I appreciate that greatly. I am so proud of who you have become and are becoming.
Alex, the choir got to watch you grow in my arms as I directed them while holding you. You provided a great illustration of how we should approach God the Father as His children a couple of different times as you came running down the aisle, climbed the stairs, and I picked you up while beginning the praise and worship set. You made your Mommy, Daddy, and brother laugh as you would look forward to church so you could see the "nut nut man" and get a doughnut. I'll never forget the day you told me that Jesus was more important to you than doughnuts. I knew that was an important moment :-). You have grown into a fine little boy and I am excited to see who you become.
Both of you have been an important part of every Wednesday night and Sunday morning since you were born simply because you were there. As long as we have you, we will have memories attached of this church and this church family. Thank you for making the last nine years more special than they would have been if you had not been there. Your Mother and I can not imagine those years without you in them.
To My Precious Wife
Many of you had the privilege of seeing my wife shed a few of the many tears that she has shed over us leaving. She has truly been blessed by being a part of this church and is deeply saddened to be leaving.
Baby girl, I know that the direction God is leading us is less clear to you than it is to me (and it is not very clear to me) yet you are striving to go with the flow and trust. Thank you.
You are my partner, my best friend, and my confidant. You have seen me through the highs and lows of this journey and I am so glad to have had you by my side. I have enjoyed the many years that I have been able to share with you as members of this church. It has thrilled me to no end to watch you direct and act in three of the last four children's Christmas plays that have been so treasured by the church. You have gotten a small glimpse, through us leaving, of the impact God has used you to have on the people of this church. I have always enjoyed the times when I could look up while directing the choir and see your pretty face smiling back at me. You were a trooper as you did double duty by hustling to get yourself together after the children's show to come and sing for the adult Christmas program the same night. We even sung a song together that one time. I don't know what the future holds but I am so glad to have shared the last nineteen years of this journey with you and I look forward to sharing the rest of my life experiencing and serving God together as we move forward on this grand adventure of life, this side of glory. One day I pray we will be able to look back and have a better understanding of this transition.
Until the next time
Only the Lord knows the next time this church family and our family will worship together again. You have made it clear, the blessing that you feel we have been to you. I hope we have been able to show a little bit of what you guys have meant to us. You will always be a part of who we are and we will never forget you. Until the next time. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Josh, Angie, Ryan, and Alex
Monday, February 24, 2014
In Christ Alone
Hi there.
I have been truly blessed by a song lately. So much so that I wanted to draw attention to it in hopes you would be equally blessed. This song has been classified as a contemporary hymn and has become one of the most popular songs to be included in worship sets in the last 10 years.
The lyrics encapsulate the entire gospel from life, to death, to resurrection. This is very important because, as we worship we need to be contemplating what Jesus did for us through His perfect life of obedience and His atoning death on the cross.
I included two links here so that you can listen to it if you like. The first is a recording by the original artists who wrote and performed the song Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. They wrote it and Kristyn Getty, Keith's wife, is singing it in the video. This original version has a very Celtic feel which some will enjoy. It has been remade several times. I particularly like a version recently arranged by Kristian Stanfill, worship leader at Louie Giglio's church, Passion Church in Atlanta. It has a more contemporary worship feel. He included a tag at the end which I find very effective.
Unfortunately, his version leaves out the second verse. I am not sure why he did that, but I hope it is not for the same reason that the Presbyterian church(USA), not PCA, denomination was trying to leave it out. The PCUSA is a more liberal branch of the Presbyterian church than the PCA for those who don't know what the distinction is. Actually, they just wanted to change the third line of the second verse from "Til on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied" to "Til on that cross as Jesus died, the love of God was magnified". While this line is true, God's love is already emphasized in other ways in the song in all that He did for us at the cross. But to remove the lyric "the wrath of God was satisfied" is to remove a crucial piece of understanding of what Jesus did for us at the cross thus minimizing the "magnification of God's love" as they would like to put it. So it is actually having the opposite effect. The PCUSA is not alone in their discomfort with these lyrics but they made the news because they wanted permission to print this song in their new hymnals with the above stated change and the writers would not allow it.
You see many people today have a problem with the idea that God poured out His wrath toward all the sins of those who would place their trust in Him, past, present and future. And that He poured it out onto His Son Jesus while He hung on the cross. Jesus paid the penalty and removed the guilt of all true believers and followers of Christ at the cross. It is known as "penal substitutionary atonement" in theological terms and it is a crucial part of the gospel story and it is biblically accurate.(Romans 3:24-26, Romans 5:9-10, 1 John 4:10) These verses speak to the idea of propitiation which means, " to appease or satisfy". This idea makes some people uncomfortable but I believe it is crucial to our understanding of what Christ did for us on the cross. To fully appreciate His mercy and grace, we must understand His wrath and justice. A price had to be paid for our rebellion against a holy and just God. This same God, in His great love, chose to send his Son, who came willingly, to pay that price and satisfy that sin debt rather than destroy all sinners in their sin.(Romans 5:8, John 3:16) All you have to do is repent and believe for this to be available to you.(Mark 1:15) May it be so in your life in Jesus name, if it not already.
I have included the full lyrics as written by the original authors and a link to both versions of the song. They may show up in the body of the email. If not, hopefully you can click on the link. If not, just cut and paste in your browser. Give both versions a listen and meditate on the goodness of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ as you do. I pray it is a blessing to you.
Love in Christ alone,
Josh
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song,
I have been truly blessed by a song lately. So much so that I wanted to draw attention to it in hopes you would be equally blessed. This song has been classified as a contemporary hymn and has become one of the most popular songs to be included in worship sets in the last 10 years.
The lyrics encapsulate the entire gospel from life, to death, to resurrection. This is very important because, as we worship we need to be contemplating what Jesus did for us through His perfect life of obedience and His atoning death on the cross.
I included two links here so that you can listen to it if you like. The first is a recording by the original artists who wrote and performed the song Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. They wrote it and Kristyn Getty, Keith's wife, is singing it in the video. This original version has a very Celtic feel which some will enjoy. It has been remade several times. I particularly like a version recently arranged by Kristian Stanfill, worship leader at Louie Giglio's church, Passion Church in Atlanta. It has a more contemporary worship feel. He included a tag at the end which I find very effective.
Unfortunately, his version leaves out the second verse. I am not sure why he did that, but I hope it is not for the same reason that the Presbyterian church(USA), not PCA, denomination was trying to leave it out. The PCUSA is a more liberal branch of the Presbyterian church than the PCA for those who don't know what the distinction is. Actually, they just wanted to change the third line of the second verse from "Til on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied" to "Til on that cross as Jesus died, the love of God was magnified". While this line is true, God's love is already emphasized in other ways in the song in all that He did for us at the cross. But to remove the lyric "the wrath of God was satisfied" is to remove a crucial piece of understanding of what Jesus did for us at the cross thus minimizing the "magnification of God's love" as they would like to put it. So it is actually having the opposite effect. The PCUSA is not alone in their discomfort with these lyrics but they made the news because they wanted permission to print this song in their new hymnals with the above stated change and the writers would not allow it.
You see many people today have a problem with the idea that God poured out His wrath toward all the sins of those who would place their trust in Him, past, present and future. And that He poured it out onto His Son Jesus while He hung on the cross. Jesus paid the penalty and removed the guilt of all true believers and followers of Christ at the cross. It is known as "penal substitutionary atonement" in theological terms and it is a crucial part of the gospel story and it is biblically accurate.(Romans 3:24-26, Romans 5:9-10, 1 John 4:10) These verses speak to the idea of propitiation which means, " to appease or satisfy". This idea makes some people uncomfortable but I believe it is crucial to our understanding of what Christ did for us on the cross. To fully appreciate His mercy and grace, we must understand His wrath and justice. A price had to be paid for our rebellion against a holy and just God. This same God, in His great love, chose to send his Son, who came willingly, to pay that price and satisfy that sin debt rather than destroy all sinners in their sin.(Romans 5:8, John 3:16) All you have to do is repent and believe for this to be available to you.(Mark 1:15) May it be so in your life in Jesus name, if it not already.
I have included the full lyrics as written by the original authors and a link to both versions of the song. They may show up in the body of the email. If not, hopefully you can click on the link. If not, just cut and paste in your browser. Give both versions a listen and meditate on the goodness of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ as you do. I pray it is a blessing to you.
Love in Christ alone,
Josh
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song,
This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm,
What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when striving's cease,
My Comforter, my All in All, Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless Babe,
This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save
Til on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid, Here in the death of Christ I live.
For every sin on Him was laid, Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day, Up from the grave He rose again
Then bursting forth in glorious Day, Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory, Sins curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine, Bought with the precious blood of Christ
For I am His and He is mine, Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny
From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man, Could ever pluck me from His hand
Til He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I stand
Til He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I stand
TAG (by Kristian Stanfill)
I find my strength, I find my hope, I find my help, In Christ alone
When fear assails, when darkness falls, I find my peace, In Christ alone
I give my life, I give my all, I sing this song, to Christ alone
The King of Kings, The Lord of All, all heaven sings, to Christ alone
Til He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I stand
http://www.gettymusic.com/hymns-inchristalone.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmnGtfpmy-Q
http://www.gettymusic.com/hymns-inchristalone.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmnGtfpmy-Q
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Overcoming Evil With Good
So I was watching Tears of the Sun recently and at the end, this quote was presented:
I had heard it before but it really hit home after watching this movie. Not just in the context of the movie but, of course, in the spirit realm. What is our responsibility in fighting evil? What does it mean to not allow evil to triumph? What does it mean for good men to do "something".
This scripture came to mind. Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good."
Theatrical Context
The quote above suggests action, as does the scripture. However, there is much to be considered regarding the word "good". You see, in Tears of the Sun, the soldiers, led by a character played by Bruce Willis, wrestle with how best to handle injustice that they encounter in Africa while on a mission to save a doctor. Along the way they kill quite a few rebel soldiers that are massacring other Africans. They defend themselves and those in their care as needed. However, at one point they come across a village of people whom are not their direct responsibility. These people are being raped and murdered just because. The soldiers are indignant and engage the enemy to enact justice on these rebels committing this heinous crime against humanity. In all honesty, if I was in their position, I am not sure I would not do the same. As I was caught up in the story line I found myself empathizing deeply with everyone involved and wanting to see justice served.
Scriptural context
My dilemma comes in considering what the bible teaches regarding the idea of taking justice into our own hands not just legally, but spiritually. Certainly the idea in the movie is that the U.S. soldiers were assisting citizens of a country in which there was no true governing authority so utilizing Romans 13:1 may not have been most appropriately applied here. However, Romans 12:21 does seem to suggest that revenge, whether personal or governmental in nature, is not generally ours to enforce. I realize that this could be another discussion entirely so I will be striving to apply this more to personal action rather than getting heavy into a debate on wartime actions. Please understand, that I am not speaking to the idea of self-defense or the defense of another, physically or otherwise, in the moment so much as I am to the idea that harm has already been done and now we must choose how to respond after the fact.
This scripture teaches that we are to love our enemies, bless those who persecute us, etc. Basically, the most selfless and sacrificial love that can be shown, we must show to those who may have done horrible things to us or those we love. How contrary to our nature is that? I have heard many a person make statements that suggest the revenge that they think they would take if something was done to a family member. I confess that I empathize entirely with those thought processes. However, if we are to be obedient to God's word we must prepare our hearts and minds well before anything horrible ever crosses our path. Whether it is happening to us or we observe it happening to someone else, our job is not to play God, but to put God first.
God Our Avenger
I will not pretend that if I were in the position of the soldiers that I would not have done what was necessary to stop the evil that was being observed. To be honest I am not sure that their actions were wrong in that scenario considering that they were in a particular position that, it could be argued, had the authority to enforce justice at that moment. Wartime is a very particular circumstance when thinking through these things.
But, when we work through this in our day to day lives we must remember that as Christians, it is not our job to avenge every wrong, whether done to us or someone else. God is our avenger. He retains for himself the right to enact justice as he sees fit. Our sinful nature will be to destroy that which has harmed us. However, time and time again in history, we see God using the very destructive acts of sinful men to save those very individuals responsible for the destruction. It is not our right to harm or take the life of those whom God may desire to provide eternal life. His plans are always bigger and better than ours. Even if we cannot see it in the moment.
Our Sovereign God is in Control
What we must remember is that God is in control. However, his control does not mean that he reacts to bad circumstances, but that He is actively involved from the beginning, planning all things with a purpose in mind. Much could be said of this but I will give just a quick couple of examples for consideration.
The story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 is a good example of this. I will not strive to recap the whole story but if you read it you will observe that in all of Joseph's seemingly tragic circumstances, God has a plan. In Genesis 45:5-8, Joseph actually gives God credit for sending him through his circumstances to put him where he needed to be for the benefit of his entire family and the nation. Even though his family was responsible for his harm. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph understands that God intended the evil of his brothers for good all along the way. His brothers were responsible for their sinful, hateful actions and humanly speaking Joseph would have been entirely justified in destroying them as revenge. He was in a position to do so. However, Joseph understood that God had a bigger plan, that He knows what is best, and that He is always in control, sovereignly ruling over all circumstances. His love and submission for and to God and his understanding of God's sovereignty allowed Joseph to be forgiving and selflessly loving to his brothers. This is the perspective we must learn to have in all things.
The other example, of course, is the selfless life and death of Jesus. The very Son of God came down, took on flesh, did everything right in the sight of God the Father and yet sinful man despised Him, rejected Him, and killed Him(Isaiah 53). We understand this as the heinous acts of evil men and that they are responsible for their actions. We also understand that God planned this from the beginning. He ordained that it would happen(Acts 2:23). He determined it from the beginning as the only way by which sinful humanity might be saved.
Overcome Evil With Good
And so I believe that we must be very careful what we call "good" as it relates to overcoming evil. You see When Paul speaks to revenge in Romans 12:9-21, it is in the context of selfless love. And lest you be inclined to reject this teaching, you need to realize that Paul is simply reapplying what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:38-48.
The application of these teachings need not be applied simply in the most extreme of circumstances, as in the horrific scenes from Tears of the Sun. They need to be applied in the simplest of circumstances. Such as when your spouse is not handling your heart appropriately. When you find it difficult to even be in the same house with them, much less actually show love and care for them. Or, when your coworkers or neighbors are behaving in ways that hurt you or annoy you. How about when your children are rebelling and disobeying more often than not. When everything in you wants to scream at them and beat them senseless.
These are the moments when we must realize that any "evil" that we feel is being visited on us by someone else, WE have actually visited on Jesus at the cross. In instructing us to be sacrificial in our response to our "enemies", He is not asking us to do anything that He did not do for us on the cross. His amazing sacrificial love is being poured out on us continually as he gently leads us into becoming more like him, even as our sinful clay flesh still rebels against this peaceful potter.(Romans 5:6-11)
So when we think we want to respond out of anger and an attitude of vengeance toward those whom have brought us pain in one form or another, let us not forget the cross. We must understand that this gospel of sacrificial love is the "good" that both Paul and Jesus want us to respond with when we are striving to overcome the evil of this world.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing that has the power to truly overcome evil. We must share this good news to a lost and dying world, even if their sins are directly impacting our lives in a negative fashion. So let your light shine and live a life worthy of that gospel that God may be glorified(Philippians 1:27, Matthew 5:16).
Love in Christ,
Josh
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" by Edmund Burke.
I had heard it before but it really hit home after watching this movie. Not just in the context of the movie but, of course, in the spirit realm. What is our responsibility in fighting evil? What does it mean to not allow evil to triumph? What does it mean for good men to do "something".
This scripture came to mind. Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good."
Theatrical Context
The quote above suggests action, as does the scripture. However, there is much to be considered regarding the word "good". You see, in Tears of the Sun, the soldiers, led by a character played by Bruce Willis, wrestle with how best to handle injustice that they encounter in Africa while on a mission to save a doctor. Along the way they kill quite a few rebel soldiers that are massacring other Africans. They defend themselves and those in their care as needed. However, at one point they come across a village of people whom are not their direct responsibility. These people are being raped and murdered just because. The soldiers are indignant and engage the enemy to enact justice on these rebels committing this heinous crime against humanity. In all honesty, if I was in their position, I am not sure I would not do the same. As I was caught up in the story line I found myself empathizing deeply with everyone involved and wanting to see justice served.
Scriptural context
My dilemma comes in considering what the bible teaches regarding the idea of taking justice into our own hands not just legally, but spiritually. Certainly the idea in the movie is that the U.S. soldiers were assisting citizens of a country in which there was no true governing authority so utilizing Romans 13:1 may not have been most appropriately applied here. However, Romans 12:21 does seem to suggest that revenge, whether personal or governmental in nature, is not generally ours to enforce. I realize that this could be another discussion entirely so I will be striving to apply this more to personal action rather than getting heavy into a debate on wartime actions. Please understand, that I am not speaking to the idea of self-defense or the defense of another, physically or otherwise, in the moment so much as I am to the idea that harm has already been done and now we must choose how to respond after the fact.
This scripture teaches that we are to love our enemies, bless those who persecute us, etc. Basically, the most selfless and sacrificial love that can be shown, we must show to those who may have done horrible things to us or those we love. How contrary to our nature is that? I have heard many a person make statements that suggest the revenge that they think they would take if something was done to a family member. I confess that I empathize entirely with those thought processes. However, if we are to be obedient to God's word we must prepare our hearts and minds well before anything horrible ever crosses our path. Whether it is happening to us or we observe it happening to someone else, our job is not to play God, but to put God first.
God Our Avenger
I will not pretend that if I were in the position of the soldiers that I would not have done what was necessary to stop the evil that was being observed. To be honest I am not sure that their actions were wrong in that scenario considering that they were in a particular position that, it could be argued, had the authority to enforce justice at that moment. Wartime is a very particular circumstance when thinking through these things.
But, when we work through this in our day to day lives we must remember that as Christians, it is not our job to avenge every wrong, whether done to us or someone else. God is our avenger. He retains for himself the right to enact justice as he sees fit. Our sinful nature will be to destroy that which has harmed us. However, time and time again in history, we see God using the very destructive acts of sinful men to save those very individuals responsible for the destruction. It is not our right to harm or take the life of those whom God may desire to provide eternal life. His plans are always bigger and better than ours. Even if we cannot see it in the moment.
Our Sovereign God is in Control
What we must remember is that God is in control. However, his control does not mean that he reacts to bad circumstances, but that He is actively involved from the beginning, planning all things with a purpose in mind. Much could be said of this but I will give just a quick couple of examples for consideration.
The story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 is a good example of this. I will not strive to recap the whole story but if you read it you will observe that in all of Joseph's seemingly tragic circumstances, God has a plan. In Genesis 45:5-8, Joseph actually gives God credit for sending him through his circumstances to put him where he needed to be for the benefit of his entire family and the nation. Even though his family was responsible for his harm. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph understands that God intended the evil of his brothers for good all along the way. His brothers were responsible for their sinful, hateful actions and humanly speaking Joseph would have been entirely justified in destroying them as revenge. He was in a position to do so. However, Joseph understood that God had a bigger plan, that He knows what is best, and that He is always in control, sovereignly ruling over all circumstances. His love and submission for and to God and his understanding of God's sovereignty allowed Joseph to be forgiving and selflessly loving to his brothers. This is the perspective we must learn to have in all things.
The other example, of course, is the selfless life and death of Jesus. The very Son of God came down, took on flesh, did everything right in the sight of God the Father and yet sinful man despised Him, rejected Him, and killed Him(Isaiah 53). We understand this as the heinous acts of evil men and that they are responsible for their actions. We also understand that God planned this from the beginning. He ordained that it would happen(Acts 2:23). He determined it from the beginning as the only way by which sinful humanity might be saved.
Overcome Evil With Good
And so I believe that we must be very careful what we call "good" as it relates to overcoming evil. You see When Paul speaks to revenge in Romans 12:9-21, it is in the context of selfless love. And lest you be inclined to reject this teaching, you need to realize that Paul is simply reapplying what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:38-48.
The application of these teachings need not be applied simply in the most extreme of circumstances, as in the horrific scenes from Tears of the Sun. They need to be applied in the simplest of circumstances. Such as when your spouse is not handling your heart appropriately. When you find it difficult to even be in the same house with them, much less actually show love and care for them. Or, when your coworkers or neighbors are behaving in ways that hurt you or annoy you. How about when your children are rebelling and disobeying more often than not. When everything in you wants to scream at them and beat them senseless.
These are the moments when we must realize that any "evil" that we feel is being visited on us by someone else, WE have actually visited on Jesus at the cross. In instructing us to be sacrificial in our response to our "enemies", He is not asking us to do anything that He did not do for us on the cross. His amazing sacrificial love is being poured out on us continually as he gently leads us into becoming more like him, even as our sinful clay flesh still rebels against this peaceful potter.(Romans 5:6-11)
So when we think we want to respond out of anger and an attitude of vengeance toward those whom have brought us pain in one form or another, let us not forget the cross. We must understand that this gospel of sacrificial love is the "good" that both Paul and Jesus want us to respond with when we are striving to overcome the evil of this world.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing that has the power to truly overcome evil. We must share this good news to a lost and dying world, even if their sins are directly impacting our lives in a negative fashion. So let your light shine and live a life worthy of that gospel that God may be glorified(Philippians 1:27, Matthew 5:16).
Love in Christ,
Josh
Monday, February 17, 2014
"The Bible" miniseries, Son of God, & God's Not Dead
THE BIBLE
The big bible based media event of 2013 was The Bible miniseries. This, in my opinion, was a wonderful piece of work. Not perfect mind you, but I believe it accomplished the purpose for which it was created. Some will critique it because of the secular/spiritualistic associations of the married duo Mark Burnett and Roma Downey who were responsible for it coming to pass as it's producers. Some, because it is not a verse by verse portrayal. I was moved enough by what I was able to see of it on TV that I asked for it on DVD for Christmas. I was not disappointed.
Don't get me wrong, it has flaws. They do take certain contextual liberties with where and when certain statements are made and events take place. However, the liberties they take do not change the overall impact of the redemptive story of the bible as a whole regarding the fallen state of sinful man and our need for a Savior that can only be found in Jesus. They hit many important highlights along the way and they take you all the way through Revelation to the extent that they could with budget and time restraints. I am not aware of anything that has been produced to date that has attempted to paint the whole picture of scripture from beginning to end.
It could be argued that people will make assumptions of their understandings of scripture based on this miniseries and that this could be dangerous. This is true but let's face it, that is what we are here for as Christians. Because people use any and every means to justify what they want to believe about God and the bible, including never cracking their bible and taking, without question, the word of preachers who preach unbiblical doctrine . If we allow this miniseries to do what it was intended to do which is, to be a conversation starter, then we can take those opportunities to go to the scriptures, make corrections, and share the gospel.
I for one pray that many will watch it that might be much less likely to open a bible, and that it will create the interest in God's word that it is intended to create. That was the purpose behind it's being made in the first place. I am very glad it was made.
Son of God
2014 is getting off to a relatively fast start with the release of two Christian movies that have been in promotion, at lest on FB, for some time. Son of God comes out February 28th. It essentially appears to be the parts of The Bible miniseries that focused on Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. While many movies have been made surrounding this topic my hope is that people will recognize Jesus as the actor from the miniseries and want to go see it, or maybe get someone to go see it that perhaps will not watch the miniseries. This movie could have been made simply as an easy opportunity to capitalize on the popularity of the miniseries however, if people get saved because of it, I don't care. The same thing happened with the preaching of the gospel in the Apostle Paul's day while he was in prison. He didn't care what the motivation was as long as the gospel was being preached(Philippians 1:14-18).
God's Not Dead
God's Not Dead is a movie geared around the defense of the Christian faith. It comes out March 21st. It is set around the debate over God's existence in a college philosophy class. I have seen several trailers for this. There are probably a couple of theological points that I would differ with slightly but on the whole I think it does what it set's out to do from what I can tell.
I have read critiques by those who want to pick at the viability of the overall story line. For instance, as to whether a college philosophy professor could actually get away with his insistence that students either write God is dead on a piece of paper or defend their reason not to. At the end of the day, it is a story with a specific purpose. Fiction often creates mildly to totally implausible scenarios in order to accomplish the purpose of it's story. It does not appear to be doing major damage to any biblical concepts such as movies like Noah, starring Russell Crowe, are doing. (More on that another time).
The fact is that if we are consistent in sharing our faith, we will be challenged. Sometimes in the classroom, sometimes at work or on the street. So that aspect of this story line is not implausible at all. If it get's people thinking about what they believe about God and why they believe it and challenges those that are Christians to be able to give a defense for why they believe then I will be thrilled(1 Peter 3:15). We must be ready at all times, in season and out of season(2 Timothy 4:2). This appears to be the purpose of the movie and I think it will challenge and inspire youth and adults alike to consider just how prepared they are to stand up for their faith and defend it appropriately.
I have trailers for both of these movies on my blog page. Feel free to go check them out if you are not already on it reading this. I pray that all of the movies discussed here are tools that will feed your love for God and the bible and that you are able to use them to positively influence others to pursue a relationship with God through Jesus Christ as well.
Hope you go see them and support the Christian movie production efforts. Take someone with you. It may just change their lives.
Share the love. Defend the faith. Live a life worthy of the gospel! (Philippians 1:27)
Josh
The big bible based media event of 2013 was The Bible miniseries. This, in my opinion, was a wonderful piece of work. Not perfect mind you, but I believe it accomplished the purpose for which it was created. Some will critique it because of the secular/spiritualistic associations of the married duo Mark Burnett and Roma Downey who were responsible for it coming to pass as it's producers. Some, because it is not a verse by verse portrayal. I was moved enough by what I was able to see of it on TV that I asked for it on DVD for Christmas. I was not disappointed.
Don't get me wrong, it has flaws. They do take certain contextual liberties with where and when certain statements are made and events take place. However, the liberties they take do not change the overall impact of the redemptive story of the bible as a whole regarding the fallen state of sinful man and our need for a Savior that can only be found in Jesus. They hit many important highlights along the way and they take you all the way through Revelation to the extent that they could with budget and time restraints. I am not aware of anything that has been produced to date that has attempted to paint the whole picture of scripture from beginning to end.
It could be argued that people will make assumptions of their understandings of scripture based on this miniseries and that this could be dangerous. This is true but let's face it, that is what we are here for as Christians. Because people use any and every means to justify what they want to believe about God and the bible, including never cracking their bible and taking, without question, the word of preachers who preach unbiblical doctrine . If we allow this miniseries to do what it was intended to do which is, to be a conversation starter, then we can take those opportunities to go to the scriptures, make corrections, and share the gospel.
I for one pray that many will watch it that might be much less likely to open a bible, and that it will create the interest in God's word that it is intended to create. That was the purpose behind it's being made in the first place. I am very glad it was made.
Son of God
2014 is getting off to a relatively fast start with the release of two Christian movies that have been in promotion, at lest on FB, for some time. Son of God comes out February 28th. It essentially appears to be the parts of The Bible miniseries that focused on Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. While many movies have been made surrounding this topic my hope is that people will recognize Jesus as the actor from the miniseries and want to go see it, or maybe get someone to go see it that perhaps will not watch the miniseries. This movie could have been made simply as an easy opportunity to capitalize on the popularity of the miniseries however, if people get saved because of it, I don't care. The same thing happened with the preaching of the gospel in the Apostle Paul's day while he was in prison. He didn't care what the motivation was as long as the gospel was being preached(Philippians 1:14-18).
God's Not Dead
God's Not Dead is a movie geared around the defense of the Christian faith. It comes out March 21st. It is set around the debate over God's existence in a college philosophy class. I have seen several trailers for this. There are probably a couple of theological points that I would differ with slightly but on the whole I think it does what it set's out to do from what I can tell.
I have read critiques by those who want to pick at the viability of the overall story line. For instance, as to whether a college philosophy professor could actually get away with his insistence that students either write God is dead on a piece of paper or defend their reason not to. At the end of the day, it is a story with a specific purpose. Fiction often creates mildly to totally implausible scenarios in order to accomplish the purpose of it's story. It does not appear to be doing major damage to any biblical concepts such as movies like Noah, starring Russell Crowe, are doing. (More on that another time).
The fact is that if we are consistent in sharing our faith, we will be challenged. Sometimes in the classroom, sometimes at work or on the street. So that aspect of this story line is not implausible at all. If it get's people thinking about what they believe about God and why they believe it and challenges those that are Christians to be able to give a defense for why they believe then I will be thrilled(1 Peter 3:15). We must be ready at all times, in season and out of season(2 Timothy 4:2). This appears to be the purpose of the movie and I think it will challenge and inspire youth and adults alike to consider just how prepared they are to stand up for their faith and defend it appropriately.
I have trailers for both of these movies on my blog page. Feel free to go check them out if you are not already on it reading this. I pray that all of the movies discussed here are tools that will feed your love for God and the bible and that you are able to use them to positively influence others to pursue a relationship with God through Jesus Christ as well.
Hope you go see them and support the Christian movie production efforts. Take someone with you. It may just change their lives.
Share the love. Defend the faith. Live a life worthy of the gospel! (Philippians 1:27)
Josh
Saturday, February 8, 2014
FYI
Hello everyone. So obviously I have been inspired lately and on a bit of a blogging kick. At least for me anyway. By God's grace I have many more ideas but, I have found myself so wrapped up in blogging and Facebooking recently that I have neglected some much needed reading. Consequently, I am going to try to take a week or so off from writing anything either by blog or FB in order to catch up on some reading both in the God's word and some other material. I appreciate any and all who support my writing efforts and encourage me along the way.
Another piece of information I wanted to share is something you may have seen on FB recently cause I shared it there. Logos bible software company offered a free tool that I was able to apply to my blog. It is a tool that is applied by embedding the html of the tool into the html of the actual blog. This tool causes any scripture reference that I type in to be highlighted in blue. It also works retroactively, so it should be applied to every blog that I have written to date. It is awesome because all you have to do is hover over the reference with your mouse and the body of scripture is shown in a box right there on the page. You can even share that scripture to several social media platforms right from that box.
While I try not to allow length be a major factor in how I write, I am cognizant of the fact that people do pay attention to length and that multiple scripture quotes can really beef up the appearance of the body of the blog. So I am hopeful that this will allow me to, more often than not, paraphrase a scriptural idea, and provide the scripture to see without the post appearing so long. We shall see. You may have noticed that I have also been employing subheadings in the last little bit. I have hoped that this makes the posts more organized and thus more easily read. I don't know how it is working but it feels more organized to me so I am keeping it for now.
As always, I am open to feedback related to subject matter, blog presentation, etc. I love to have dialogue about anything that I blog about so please feel free to FB me, email me, or comment on the blog itself if you have a Google account.
I pray all are well and will be back at it soon.
Thanks to all,
Josh
Another piece of information I wanted to share is something you may have seen on FB recently cause I shared it there. Logos bible software company offered a free tool that I was able to apply to my blog. It is a tool that is applied by embedding the html of the tool into the html of the actual blog. This tool causes any scripture reference that I type in to be highlighted in blue. It also works retroactively, so it should be applied to every blog that I have written to date. It is awesome because all you have to do is hover over the reference with your mouse and the body of scripture is shown in a box right there on the page. You can even share that scripture to several social media platforms right from that box.
While I try not to allow length be a major factor in how I write, I am cognizant of the fact that people do pay attention to length and that multiple scripture quotes can really beef up the appearance of the body of the blog. So I am hopeful that this will allow me to, more often than not, paraphrase a scriptural idea, and provide the scripture to see without the post appearing so long. We shall see. You may have noticed that I have also been employing subheadings in the last little bit. I have hoped that this makes the posts more organized and thus more easily read. I don't know how it is working but it feels more organized to me so I am keeping it for now.
As always, I am open to feedback related to subject matter, blog presentation, etc. I love to have dialogue about anything that I blog about so please feel free to FB me, email me, or comment on the blog itself if you have a Google account.
I pray all are well and will be back at it soon.
Thanks to all,
Josh
Friday, February 7, 2014
Patiently Frustrated or Intentionally Content
Which are you?
What in the world do you mean Josh? Aren't they kind of the same thing? Well, yes and no. I admit I kind of thought so when I first began thinking through them. However, while they are both forms of waiting on the Lord, they are actually quite juxtaposed to each other in their nature. I heard reference to this general idea once recently and I began thinking about how it applied to me and how many others may have similar experiences. Which one is more biblical? While I am getting better at being "intentionally content", I have certainly spent a significant amount of time being "patiently frustrated". What's the difference?, you might ask. Let me explain.
Patiently Frustrated
Imagine you are on a subway headed to work. You are running a little behind and you are frustrated because you cannot get there any faster. Yet you know that you have no control over the situation so you sit in the back of the car, as far away from the door as possible, with an air of frustration and try to be as patient as possible, knowing it is out of your hands.
This is a flawed analogy I am sure, but I think it paints a descent picture of being "patiently frustrated" on a spiritual level. Often times we find ourselves desiring to grow in our relationship with God and yet it feels like we are spinning our wheels. Perhaps you know in your heart of hearts that God is beginning to reveal a plan for the next step in your life or He has brought a conviction about something that needs to be changed in your family, but you know that you must be careful in shepherding them through the process of that change. Maybe you are burdened for a prayer to be answered regarding a need or the salvation of a loved one.
Our tendency is to get frustrated. We know what needs to happen but we cannot make it happen as fast as we would like without potentially messing something up. Or in the case of someone's healing or salvation, we cannot do anything at all beyond prayer and sharing the gospel. So we sit and we wait, knowing that God will work it out, but frustrated that it is not happening as fast as we want it to. That is being "patiently frustrated".
The danger here is that we can make the mistake of sitting on our hands and "waiting on God" when their are things that we should be doing along the way that God has already given us permission to move on in His word.
Intentionally Content
Imagine again the above scenario. Only with a more optimistic and contended slant. This time, you don't sit at the back of the train, on your hands, and in a frustrated funk. Instead, you position yourself by the door at the part of the subway car that you know will be closest to the stairs. You anticipate the next move. You are content to wait, knowing that the next move is coming soon enough rather than sitting by idly when there are things you can do to position yourself for what is next.
Being content is not the same thing as being complacent. Complacency indicates a lack of care about the situation. You care deeply. Otherwise you would not have been frustrated in the other scenario. No, I would define being biblically "intentionally content" as worry-free, yet purposeful, action.
Paul As Our Example
A good biblical example of this would be the Apostle Paul. In Philippians 4:11-13 he says this, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Unfortunately, that last verse is often used improperly to suggest that there is nothing we cannot do whether we are gifted for it or not or if we have enough faith. Or, it can be used to push forward in action without thought and without prayer. Sometimes a misunderstanding of this scripture and others like it can bring a feeling of guilt or condemnation because if we do not experience the success we expect through prayer we begin to question our faith. As if God not moving when we think He should or how we think He should is an indication of whether we have faith or not. This is a mistake. Faith is exhibited in doing everything that we are responsible to do and then trusting God to do the rest when He sees fit and how He sees fit.
No, these are NOT what Paul is trying to convey. His contentment is the focal point of this passage. I would say that Paul was "intentionally content". Here is a man that faced resistance, physical abuse, and threat of death continually throughout his ministry yet he learned to be content in the face of it all.
He did not sit around feeling sorry for himself or questioning His faith nor did he go places or do things that the Holy Spirit had not directed. In fact, in Acts it is told that he intended to go places that the Holy Spirit definitively said no to in order that he would end up where God wanted Him. Paul did not sit around waiting for God to say go or do. Paul went and did until God said, "not here, not now". He continually did what he knew to do until God revealed what he did not know to do.
Application
Even as believers, we have a tendency to get frustrated with God's timetable. We often find ourselves sitting around saying, "when O Lord", and doing very little when there is so much that we know we should be doing. "Patient frustration" can cause us to wait with desperation, rather than hope. Often times hope and contentment is what we are so desperately waiting for.
"Intentional contentment" must be purposeful. If we are not intentional in our thought and prayer life and our meditation on God's word, while sharing the gospel and living lives worthy of that gospel, then we will lapse into despair and loose hope. These actions are things that we do not need special instructions for. The bible is clear on these things and we can do them anytime and anywhere. When God wants to give us special instruction, He will. In fact, we will often find that it is in the midst of obediently doing these other things that God will reveal the next step that we have been waiting for regarding something more specific. It is also in doing these things that faith is built and hope is found. His timing is perfect, so trust it.
Encouragement
I want to encourage you. When you find yourself "patiently frustrated", check yourself. Evaluate the other aspects of your spiritual walk and see what you are neglecting while waiting for that other thing to happen. Be "intentionally content". Do what you know to do until He shows you what you don't know to do. It is a much more pleasant and productive way to live and serve God effectively.
Being "intentionally content" does not mean that you feel nothing about your concern. It means that you have prayed fervently about the concern(James 5:16). It is biblical to pray with emotion and passion about our concerns. Now that you have done that, you must rest in God's faithfulness, obediently trusting God with every circumstance. In that place you will find great joy, peace, and contentment(Philippians 4:4-7).
I confess to you that I struggle with this. I do not want to suggest that this process is easy. I believe it is a lifestyle of habit-forming practices that you grow in over time, yet never getting it perfect. I think as long as we are in this body of flesh this struggle will always exist. So please pray for me and I will pray for you. Together, perhaps we can prayerfully encourage each other to victory more often than not.
Blessings,
Josh
What in the world do you mean Josh? Aren't they kind of the same thing? Well, yes and no. I admit I kind of thought so when I first began thinking through them. However, while they are both forms of waiting on the Lord, they are actually quite juxtaposed to each other in their nature. I heard reference to this general idea once recently and I began thinking about how it applied to me and how many others may have similar experiences. Which one is more biblical? While I am getting better at being "intentionally content", I have certainly spent a significant amount of time being "patiently frustrated". What's the difference?, you might ask. Let me explain.
Patiently Frustrated
Imagine you are on a subway headed to work. You are running a little behind and you are frustrated because you cannot get there any faster. Yet you know that you have no control over the situation so you sit in the back of the car, as far away from the door as possible, with an air of frustration and try to be as patient as possible, knowing it is out of your hands.
This is a flawed analogy I am sure, but I think it paints a descent picture of being "patiently frustrated" on a spiritual level. Often times we find ourselves desiring to grow in our relationship with God and yet it feels like we are spinning our wheels. Perhaps you know in your heart of hearts that God is beginning to reveal a plan for the next step in your life or He has brought a conviction about something that needs to be changed in your family, but you know that you must be careful in shepherding them through the process of that change. Maybe you are burdened for a prayer to be answered regarding a need or the salvation of a loved one.
Our tendency is to get frustrated. We know what needs to happen but we cannot make it happen as fast as we would like without potentially messing something up. Or in the case of someone's healing or salvation, we cannot do anything at all beyond prayer and sharing the gospel. So we sit and we wait, knowing that God will work it out, but frustrated that it is not happening as fast as we want it to. That is being "patiently frustrated".
The danger here is that we can make the mistake of sitting on our hands and "waiting on God" when their are things that we should be doing along the way that God has already given us permission to move on in His word.
Intentionally Content
Imagine again the above scenario. Only with a more optimistic and contended slant. This time, you don't sit at the back of the train, on your hands, and in a frustrated funk. Instead, you position yourself by the door at the part of the subway car that you know will be closest to the stairs. You anticipate the next move. You are content to wait, knowing that the next move is coming soon enough rather than sitting by idly when there are things you can do to position yourself for what is next.
Being content is not the same thing as being complacent. Complacency indicates a lack of care about the situation. You care deeply. Otherwise you would not have been frustrated in the other scenario. No, I would define being biblically "intentionally content" as worry-free, yet purposeful, action.
Paul As Our Example
A good biblical example of this would be the Apostle Paul. In Philippians 4:11-13 he says this, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Unfortunately, that last verse is often used improperly to suggest that there is nothing we cannot do whether we are gifted for it or not or if we have enough faith. Or, it can be used to push forward in action without thought and without prayer. Sometimes a misunderstanding of this scripture and others like it can bring a feeling of guilt or condemnation because if we do not experience the success we expect through prayer we begin to question our faith. As if God not moving when we think He should or how we think He should is an indication of whether we have faith or not. This is a mistake. Faith is exhibited in doing everything that we are responsible to do and then trusting God to do the rest when He sees fit and how He sees fit.
No, these are NOT what Paul is trying to convey. His contentment is the focal point of this passage. I would say that Paul was "intentionally content". Here is a man that faced resistance, physical abuse, and threat of death continually throughout his ministry yet he learned to be content in the face of it all.
He did not sit around feeling sorry for himself or questioning His faith nor did he go places or do things that the Holy Spirit had not directed. In fact, in Acts it is told that he intended to go places that the Holy Spirit definitively said no to in order that he would end up where God wanted Him. Paul did not sit around waiting for God to say go or do. Paul went and did until God said, "not here, not now". He continually did what he knew to do until God revealed what he did not know to do.
Application
Even as believers, we have a tendency to get frustrated with God's timetable. We often find ourselves sitting around saying, "when O Lord", and doing very little when there is so much that we know we should be doing. "Patient frustration" can cause us to wait with desperation, rather than hope. Often times hope and contentment is what we are so desperately waiting for.
"Intentional contentment" must be purposeful. If we are not intentional in our thought and prayer life and our meditation on God's word, while sharing the gospel and living lives worthy of that gospel, then we will lapse into despair and loose hope. These actions are things that we do not need special instructions for. The bible is clear on these things and we can do them anytime and anywhere. When God wants to give us special instruction, He will. In fact, we will often find that it is in the midst of obediently doing these other things that God will reveal the next step that we have been waiting for regarding something more specific. It is also in doing these things that faith is built and hope is found. His timing is perfect, so trust it.
Encouragement
I want to encourage you. When you find yourself "patiently frustrated", check yourself. Evaluate the other aspects of your spiritual walk and see what you are neglecting while waiting for that other thing to happen. Be "intentionally content". Do what you know to do until He shows you what you don't know to do. It is a much more pleasant and productive way to live and serve God effectively.
Being "intentionally content" does not mean that you feel nothing about your concern. It means that you have prayed fervently about the concern(James 5:16). It is biblical to pray with emotion and passion about our concerns. Now that you have done that, you must rest in God's faithfulness, obediently trusting God with every circumstance. In that place you will find great joy, peace, and contentment(Philippians 4:4-7).
I confess to you that I struggle with this. I do not want to suggest that this process is easy. I believe it is a lifestyle of habit-forming practices that you grow in over time, yet never getting it perfect. I think as long as we are in this body of flesh this struggle will always exist. So please pray for me and I will pray for you. Together, perhaps we can prayerfully encourage each other to victory more often than not.
Blessings,
Josh
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Hope and Freedom through the Lense of an Eternal Perspective
Hello all. I hope you are well. I know that I do my share of exhorting unto obedience and rebuking of behaviors or thought processes that are not biblical. While I do this with an unknown group audience in mind, I realize that my messages can be easily personalized and taken offense to as well. I confess that this is not like your typical inspirational thought for the day that people buy or subscribe to for some light extemporaneous motivation each day. There is nothing wrong with that, alongside serious time spent in prayer and meditation on the word. I have tried to think like that for this blog on occasion and I simply cannot do it consistently. It is just not who I am. Or at least it is not who I am meant to be through this blog, most of the time. One thing I can tell you for sure. All topics are important to me either because they are a struggle for me as well or because they were, and I am on the other side of that battle by the grace of God. I never blog as one who assumes he has it all together. Please know that.
My heart for this blog and my heart for you!
I think the reason I do not do well with short, inspirational thoughts is that, I think like a teacher/preacher and that's how I write as well. Since I do not preach/teach anywhere else at this point, this is my pulpit. This is my classroom. Whether I do it well is for the reader to decide. Whether people's hearts are touched and moved to read it to begin with, much less experience a change of heart or not, is also a matter for God to decide. I would not dare to pretend that I live what I "preach" here perfectly all the time. No one does. My hearts desire in life however is to develop an eternal perspective on life and live with that perspective always in front of me, interpreting all that I say and do. This desire is the same thing that drives the content of this blog.
I have two great goals in life. One is to live with a passion for the glory of God to be made known in my life through all that I say and do. Two is to inspire others to do the same. Sometimes that means challenging ways of thought or action that steal glory from God. Other times that means shining light on the hope and freedom that are found in possessing a passion for the glory of God in your own lives.
Both of these goals can only be accomplished if you and I live with an eternal perspective. This perspective can only be attained with a proper revelation of and a continuing meditation on what God has done for us in His great grace and love for us. First, let's look at a few viewpoints that do involve a strong, biblical foundation based on faith in Jesus. Consequently they are temporary or temporal perspectives.
Hope from a temporal perspective.
Real hope from an eternal perspective.
Hope that is real, is hope that is alive. It is hope that is based in a real relationship with the only true and living God. Scripture tells us that hope and peace are found in our relationship with God through faith in Jesus. Contrary to much contemporary teaching, hope and peace are found much more in suffering than in blessing. In fact many have grown in their faith and intimacy with God through trials and loss than they ever did through the good times. God's word does not tell us to ignore or rebuke our sufferings and trials in order to find hope. On the contrary, it tells us to rejoice in our sufferings. Why? Because suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.(Romans 5:3-5)
My Savior suffered in ways none of us will ever be able to comprehend. Far be it for me to suggest that I should not have to suffer or endure trials because I am a Christian when the very one who saved me, suffered and endured great trial for my salvation. Jesus said that if we are going to be His disciples we must take up our cross and follow Him(Matthew 16:24-26, Mark 8:34-35). Yet there is much hope to be had in the resurrection that followed His suffering.
God's love for us vs. our love for Him
You see, unlike every other religion in the world, our eternal perspective and hunger for God's name to be made glorious in our lives is not driven from a man-centered, gotta be good enough to get to God, type of religion. No, true believers have a different motivation. We realize that our God is better because, while everyone else is pursuing relationship with God as a means to an end, our God is pursuing us.
Even more mind-blowing than that is this. Romans 5:6-11 tells us that God pursues us even while we are still in our sinful state. That when He reaches down from heaven and draws us to himself, we are yet still in our rebellion against Him. That God sent His only Son to die for His enemies.
That is worth everything!
I am still blown away when I consider the hope that is found in knowing that the God I put my faith and hope in, is a God who chose me first. That while I was living in rebellion in so many areas, even while having religion but lacking true faith, He patiently drew me to himself. And while it was free, in that it cost me nothing initially, it was not unconditional as many assert. His love is unconditional in that He loves us in spite of ourselves. There was still a cost to be paid. The reason we call it unconditional love is because God knew that in our rebellions state we could not pay the price, yet He loved us enough to provide a perfect sacrifice in His Son(Romans 5:8).
No, there was most certainly a price. The primary condition for my eternal good was this; the price that had to be paid for my sins was Jesus' life. My eternal redemption cost Jesus EVERYTHING! It cost Him physical suffering. It cost Him communion with His Heavenly Father. It cost Him having to endure the wrath of God being poured out for the sins of all who would put their trust in Him, from creation until His return. No, there was a great cost and a huge condition to be satisfied for our redemption and Jesus satisfied that at the cross.
Now that's hope!
You really must contemplate these truths. You must honestly consider that as a Christian you are not just putting your hope and faith in any old God. You are putting your hope in a God who as Father sent His Son to die for you; as Son, came and lived the perfect life that you cannot live and died the death that you should have died for you; and as Spirit, came to dwell inside of you to change your heart and empower you to follow Jesus through radical obedience. The Holy Trinity, God in three persons loves you enough to do all this for you and for His glory.
Let's be clear. Jesus is not the means to an end. Jesus IS the end. The goal or inspiration of Christianity is not, what I get out of it, but whom I get out of it. You get to have eternal communion with your Creator, Almighty God in all His fullness; your Risen Savior, Jesus Christ; and with your Wonderful Counselor the Holy Spirit. Everything else is icing on the cake.
Do you have an eternal perspective?
That perspective will change the way you value everything else in life. It will begin to change the purpose for which you do everything in life. When you meditate on that, you can only come to one conclusion. I will give everything to live a life worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ(Philippians 1:27). That's a God I can put my hope in. That is a God for whom I will strive to filter everything I say and do through the lens of an eternal perspective. Through the lens of the gospel.
An eternal perspective brings eternal hope. An eternal perspective gives eternal purpose. If you truly have an eternal perspective, you WILL NOT be the same and you WILL NOT live the same! You WILL meditate on God's word! It WILL change your heart! You WILL repent! And, you WILL begin to desire to do NOTHING that would steal glory from the one who gave everything to bring you eternal life!
When your view on life says that God's glory in all things is where your greatest satisfaction is found, THAT is hope. THAT is freedom. THAT is an eternal perspective.
May it become in so in our lives more and more in 2014! May we live lives worthy of the gospel!
In Jesus name,
Amen
My heart for this blog and my heart for you!
I think the reason I do not do well with short, inspirational thoughts is that, I think like a teacher/preacher and that's how I write as well. Since I do not preach/teach anywhere else at this point, this is my pulpit. This is my classroom. Whether I do it well is for the reader to decide. Whether people's hearts are touched and moved to read it to begin with, much less experience a change of heart or not, is also a matter for God to decide. I would not dare to pretend that I live what I "preach" here perfectly all the time. No one does. My hearts desire in life however is to develop an eternal perspective on life and live with that perspective always in front of me, interpreting all that I say and do. This desire is the same thing that drives the content of this blog.
I have two great goals in life. One is to live with a passion for the glory of God to be made known in my life through all that I say and do. Two is to inspire others to do the same. Sometimes that means challenging ways of thought or action that steal glory from God. Other times that means shining light on the hope and freedom that are found in possessing a passion for the glory of God in your own lives.
Both of these goals can only be accomplished if you and I live with an eternal perspective. This perspective can only be attained with a proper revelation of and a continuing meditation on what God has done for us in His great grace and love for us. First, let's look at a few viewpoints that do involve a strong, biblical foundation based on faith in Jesus. Consequently they are temporary or temporal perspectives.
Hope from a temporal perspective.
- There are those who are professing atheist or agnostics that typically suffer from a naturalistic worldview. They do not believe that there is anything beyond this life. Often their view is that we are just a bunch of random particles crashing into each other. Once you die your just gone. Not much hope there. There is no real purpose to life beyond the life you are living. No hope or resolution through pain and suffering. No real answers to "life's big questions.
- Others believe in karma which essentially says "what goes around comes around". While there is certainly a principle of reaping what you sow in Christianity, it is not the same as karma. Not only does karma say you will pay for your good or bad decisions now, but that who you are in the next life is determined by how you lived this one. Not much hope there either. No hope for redemption if you have really screwed up most of this life.
- Yet another group believes in God and even in Jesus, at least theoretically or intellectually, yet they do not believe that God is sovereign in His control of everything. They tend to believe either that He does not know everything that is going to happen, but reacts according to peoples decision or that He is like the great watchmaker in the sky who created everything and set it in motion and now just sits back and watches it go. Either way, their is very little hope to be had in a God who is not the Sovereign Ruler that the Bible says He is.
- Still others have some belief in God, but put very little if any faith in the Jesus of the bible. They want their understanding of God to be whatever feels good to them. A God whom provides some semblance of hope, and yet doesn't require to much of them. A faith built on a truth that is relative. A faith that does not inconvenience them to much and still allows them to do what they want...for the most part. This most often produces false hope because while they have a faith and a hope of some form, it is misplaced on a deity that looks a lot more like the sinful creation than the creator. (Remember, we were made in His image, not the other way around.) That is not the God of the bible. Consequently, it does not exist. So while they think they have hope, they really have no hope at all.
Real hope from an eternal perspective.
Hope that is real, is hope that is alive. It is hope that is based in a real relationship with the only true and living God. Scripture tells us that hope and peace are found in our relationship with God through faith in Jesus. Contrary to much contemporary teaching, hope and peace are found much more in suffering than in blessing. In fact many have grown in their faith and intimacy with God through trials and loss than they ever did through the good times. God's word does not tell us to ignore or rebuke our sufferings and trials in order to find hope. On the contrary, it tells us to rejoice in our sufferings. Why? Because suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.(Romans 5:3-5)
My Savior suffered in ways none of us will ever be able to comprehend. Far be it for me to suggest that I should not have to suffer or endure trials because I am a Christian when the very one who saved me, suffered and endured great trial for my salvation. Jesus said that if we are going to be His disciples we must take up our cross and follow Him(Matthew 16:24-26, Mark 8:34-35). Yet there is much hope to be had in the resurrection that followed His suffering.
God's love for us vs. our love for Him
You see, unlike every other religion in the world, our eternal perspective and hunger for God's name to be made glorious in our lives is not driven from a man-centered, gotta be good enough to get to God, type of religion. No, true believers have a different motivation. We realize that our God is better because, while everyone else is pursuing relationship with God as a means to an end, our God is pursuing us.
Even more mind-blowing than that is this. Romans 5:6-11 tells us that God pursues us even while we are still in our sinful state. That when He reaches down from heaven and draws us to himself, we are yet still in our rebellion against Him. That God sent His only Son to die for His enemies.
That is worth everything!
I am still blown away when I consider the hope that is found in knowing that the God I put my faith and hope in, is a God who chose me first. That while I was living in rebellion in so many areas, even while having religion but lacking true faith, He patiently drew me to himself. And while it was free, in that it cost me nothing initially, it was not unconditional as many assert. His love is unconditional in that He loves us in spite of ourselves. There was still a cost to be paid. The reason we call it unconditional love is because God knew that in our rebellions state we could not pay the price, yet He loved us enough to provide a perfect sacrifice in His Son(Romans 5:8).
No, there was most certainly a price. The primary condition for my eternal good was this; the price that had to be paid for my sins was Jesus' life. My eternal redemption cost Jesus EVERYTHING! It cost Him physical suffering. It cost Him communion with His Heavenly Father. It cost Him having to endure the wrath of God being poured out for the sins of all who would put their trust in Him, from creation until His return. No, there was a great cost and a huge condition to be satisfied for our redemption and Jesus satisfied that at the cross.
Now that's hope!
You really must contemplate these truths. You must honestly consider that as a Christian you are not just putting your hope and faith in any old God. You are putting your hope in a God who as Father sent His Son to die for you; as Son, came and lived the perfect life that you cannot live and died the death that you should have died for you; and as Spirit, came to dwell inside of you to change your heart and empower you to follow Jesus through radical obedience. The Holy Trinity, God in three persons loves you enough to do all this for you and for His glory.
Let's be clear. Jesus is not the means to an end. Jesus IS the end. The goal or inspiration of Christianity is not, what I get out of it, but whom I get out of it. You get to have eternal communion with your Creator, Almighty God in all His fullness; your Risen Savior, Jesus Christ; and with your Wonderful Counselor the Holy Spirit. Everything else is icing on the cake.
Do you have an eternal perspective?
That perspective will change the way you value everything else in life. It will begin to change the purpose for which you do everything in life. When you meditate on that, you can only come to one conclusion. I will give everything to live a life worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ(Philippians 1:27). That's a God I can put my hope in. That is a God for whom I will strive to filter everything I say and do through the lens of an eternal perspective. Through the lens of the gospel.
An eternal perspective brings eternal hope. An eternal perspective gives eternal purpose. If you truly have an eternal perspective, you WILL NOT be the same and you WILL NOT live the same! You WILL meditate on God's word! It WILL change your heart! You WILL repent! And, you WILL begin to desire to do NOTHING that would steal glory from the one who gave everything to bring you eternal life!
When your view on life says that God's glory in all things is where your greatest satisfaction is found, THAT is hope. THAT is freedom. THAT is an eternal perspective.
May it become in so in our lives more and more in 2014! May we live lives worthy of the gospel!
In Jesus name,
Amen
Monday, February 3, 2014
Life Goes On, Death Goes On (Dedicated to a National and a Local Celebrity)
Today, February 2, 2014 was a great day in so many ways. My family and I spent some real quality time together and I wrapped it up by watching the Seahawks spank the Broncos in the Super Bowl. As I enjoyed the game I engaged in harmless banter with all the other Facebookers that were providing a running dialogue about the game. The game ended, then I saw it. In very short order, I became aware of two deaths that occurred today. One this morning and one this evening.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman
First, I read that this morning the Academy Award winning actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman passed away, most likely of a heroin overdose. He was not portrayed as a junkie. Rather, he was portrayed as a man with a lot going for him, but was struggling with a drug problem. People were pouring out condolences all over Facebook for this national celebrity, loving father and gifted actor/director. Many mourned the loss of this familiar face in the entertainment industry.
Todd Martinez
The second death that I read about regarded a man that worked as a fire equipment operator for the High Point Fire Department in High Point, NC. He also worked for Guilford County EMS as I understand it. His name is Todd Martinez. Todd was not a national celebrity. In many ways, I am sure he considered himself an average joe. But, to those that knew him well, he was a local celebrity. Many knew him and many loved him. According to an article I read, along with the many, many posts on his Facebook page, I understand this man to also have been a wonderful father and husband as well as a joy to work with. He seems to have been an unsung hero in the eyes of those whose lives he impacted. Sometime in the evening while we were all preparing for or watching the Super Bowl, Mr. Martinez was out riding his bike when he was struck by an automobile. Despite a valiant effort by Fire, EMS, and Moses Cone Hospital Emergency Department personnel, this dear man did not make it. His seemed a life well lived and a life that will be missed.
Below the surface.
So why tell all this on a blog? What point am I trying to make? Well, we have all heard the phrase "life goes on". Shucks, a song was written with that title. There was a television show with that title. And it's true, life does go on, whether we want it to or not. But below the surface of life's continuing fast pace, is death.
Most people are not very aware of it. We prefer not to think about it unless we absolutely have to. By that point, we have spent so much time avoiding the uncomfortable truth that all people die, sometimes suddenly and tragically, that we don't know what to do with it when it smacks us between the eyes. However, there are a few of us, in particular lines of work, who face death all the time and are aware that it happens all too often and quite often, far too suddenly and tragically. Those in roles such as emergency workers, police, pastors, and employees of morgues and funeral homes. We do not have the luxury of ignoring death as a reality not to be faced unless absolutely necessary. It is always lurking as a truth that cannot be avoided and may very well be around the next corner.
I work in the Emergency Room at Moses Cone so I can tell you first hand what it must have been like when Todd Martinez was brought in. I can also imagine what it was like to potentially observe the heartbreak of the family, as they tried to wrestle with the idea that their loved one was gone. Oh yes. Life goes on, but death is not far behind it, and no one knows when it is coming.
WOW! Really! Your really morbid Josh!
Not really. So why in the world am I delivering this grim message you ask? I will tell you. I believe we all need to be given reason to spend a little time considering the brevity of this life. Even those of us who face it everyday have mechanisms in place to protect us on some level until that moment that we come face to face with it yet again. Believe it or not, death, loss, and grief, while never easy, are easier to deal with if you have given your response to them some thought before they happen. In fact, scripture suggests a particular attitude that we should have toward this life and it's certainty or lack there of.
James 4:13-15 gives us these instructions. James says, "Come now, you who say, "today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit", yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. instead you ought to say, "if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that".
A Word of Encouragement
I want to encourage you. I am not drawing attention to these things as an opportunity to preach or fuss. NO. These men's lives deserve the honor of not simply being used as a tool. We need to honor them by living our lives with death in mind. We need to, as the song says, "Live like we were dying". Life is short and we are but a vapor. God is in control and only He knows and controls when we will leave this earth. He calls us to live in the now. So love your families. Kiss them, hug them, bless them with kind words, and please never cease to ensure that they know by your actions and your words how much you love them.
Even more than that. Honor them by making a difference with your life. By showing love to those whom you don't know and have no specific reason to love. And if you are a professing Christian, love your enemies. Our idea of what an enemy is varies but whether it is someone you don't know well, or if it is that spouse that you can hardly stand the sight of, God still commands us to love them like Jesus did. In light of this topic we would be foolish not think on this for a moment.
Hope in Death through Christ's example.
Jesus gave it all. Jesus died for those who would believe while they were still sinners. He died for them while they were still as enemies to God(Romans 5). He did not wait for them to fix their wrongs or change. That is what Jesus asks of us as believers, to strive for unconditional love. However, once you are a believer, repentance and obedience are key evidences of true faith.
Spiritual Death
If, when you think about death, you are gripped with fear, it may be with good reason. The bible says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"(Romans 3:23) and that "the wages of sin is death"(Romans 6:23). If you or your loved ones do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord in a way that is evidenced by repentance from sin and obedience to His word, then not just physical, but spiritual death and eternal suffering are the end you will face. You and your loved ones have much to fear without faith in Christ. Eternal death does go on.
Spiritual Life
However, if you or your loved ones have placed your trust in Jesus and are following Him and repenting of your sins, then you have much to rejoice over. You don't have to fear death for yourself or for those you love. If you and those you love have placed your faith in Jesus then death for this mortal body is nothing more than simply stepping over the threshold of a door into an eternal dimension where there is no more pain, suffering, or sadness. You see while Romans 6:23 states that "the wages of sin is death", it also states "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord". That is Good News that, when properly understood, can bring peace and joy even in life's most difficult trials, including death. Even in physical death, through Christ, eternal life does go on.
Put your trust in Jesus
So, if you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then cry out to Him to save you and start reading the Gospel of John in a bible. He will change your heart and give you "joy unspeakable and full of glory"
(1 Peter 1:8). You will repent of sin and pursue obedience willingly out of your great appreciation for what Christ did for you on the cross. If your loved ones don't know him then, once you have been saved, introduce them to Jesus in God's word and wait for God's Spirit to do the same work in them that it prayerfully has done in you.
If you are already a believer then rejoice in life and rejoice in death for both are covered by the blood of Jesus. And, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven"(Matthew 5:16).
In Jesus name,
Amen
Phillip Seymour Hoffman
First, I read that this morning the Academy Award winning actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman passed away, most likely of a heroin overdose. He was not portrayed as a junkie. Rather, he was portrayed as a man with a lot going for him, but was struggling with a drug problem. People were pouring out condolences all over Facebook for this national celebrity, loving father and gifted actor/director. Many mourned the loss of this familiar face in the entertainment industry.
Todd Martinez
The second death that I read about regarded a man that worked as a fire equipment operator for the High Point Fire Department in High Point, NC. He also worked for Guilford County EMS as I understand it. His name is Todd Martinez. Todd was not a national celebrity. In many ways, I am sure he considered himself an average joe. But, to those that knew him well, he was a local celebrity. Many knew him and many loved him. According to an article I read, along with the many, many posts on his Facebook page, I understand this man to also have been a wonderful father and husband as well as a joy to work with. He seems to have been an unsung hero in the eyes of those whose lives he impacted. Sometime in the evening while we were all preparing for or watching the Super Bowl, Mr. Martinez was out riding his bike when he was struck by an automobile. Despite a valiant effort by Fire, EMS, and Moses Cone Hospital Emergency Department personnel, this dear man did not make it. His seemed a life well lived and a life that will be missed.
Below the surface.
So why tell all this on a blog? What point am I trying to make? Well, we have all heard the phrase "life goes on". Shucks, a song was written with that title. There was a television show with that title. And it's true, life does go on, whether we want it to or not. But below the surface of life's continuing fast pace, is death.
Most people are not very aware of it. We prefer not to think about it unless we absolutely have to. By that point, we have spent so much time avoiding the uncomfortable truth that all people die, sometimes suddenly and tragically, that we don't know what to do with it when it smacks us between the eyes. However, there are a few of us, in particular lines of work, who face death all the time and are aware that it happens all too often and quite often, far too suddenly and tragically. Those in roles such as emergency workers, police, pastors, and employees of morgues and funeral homes. We do not have the luxury of ignoring death as a reality not to be faced unless absolutely necessary. It is always lurking as a truth that cannot be avoided and may very well be around the next corner.
I work in the Emergency Room at Moses Cone so I can tell you first hand what it must have been like when Todd Martinez was brought in. I can also imagine what it was like to potentially observe the heartbreak of the family, as they tried to wrestle with the idea that their loved one was gone. Oh yes. Life goes on, but death is not far behind it, and no one knows when it is coming.
WOW! Really! Your really morbid Josh!
Not really. So why in the world am I delivering this grim message you ask? I will tell you. I believe we all need to be given reason to spend a little time considering the brevity of this life. Even those of us who face it everyday have mechanisms in place to protect us on some level until that moment that we come face to face with it yet again. Believe it or not, death, loss, and grief, while never easy, are easier to deal with if you have given your response to them some thought before they happen. In fact, scripture suggests a particular attitude that we should have toward this life and it's certainty or lack there of.
James 4:13-15 gives us these instructions. James says, "Come now, you who say, "today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit", yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. instead you ought to say, "if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that".
A Word of Encouragement
I want to encourage you. I am not drawing attention to these things as an opportunity to preach or fuss. NO. These men's lives deserve the honor of not simply being used as a tool. We need to honor them by living our lives with death in mind. We need to, as the song says, "Live like we were dying". Life is short and we are but a vapor. God is in control and only He knows and controls when we will leave this earth. He calls us to live in the now. So love your families. Kiss them, hug them, bless them with kind words, and please never cease to ensure that they know by your actions and your words how much you love them.
Even more than that. Honor them by making a difference with your life. By showing love to those whom you don't know and have no specific reason to love. And if you are a professing Christian, love your enemies. Our idea of what an enemy is varies but whether it is someone you don't know well, or if it is that spouse that you can hardly stand the sight of, God still commands us to love them like Jesus did. In light of this topic we would be foolish not think on this for a moment.
Hope in Death through Christ's example.
Jesus gave it all. Jesus died for those who would believe while they were still sinners. He died for them while they were still as enemies to God(Romans 5). He did not wait for them to fix their wrongs or change. That is what Jesus asks of us as believers, to strive for unconditional love. However, once you are a believer, repentance and obedience are key evidences of true faith.
Spiritual Death
If, when you think about death, you are gripped with fear, it may be with good reason. The bible says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"(Romans 3:23) and that "the wages of sin is death"(Romans 6:23). If you or your loved ones do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord in a way that is evidenced by repentance from sin and obedience to His word, then not just physical, but spiritual death and eternal suffering are the end you will face. You and your loved ones have much to fear without faith in Christ. Eternal death does go on.
Spiritual Life
However, if you or your loved ones have placed your trust in Jesus and are following Him and repenting of your sins, then you have much to rejoice over. You don't have to fear death for yourself or for those you love. If you and those you love have placed your faith in Jesus then death for this mortal body is nothing more than simply stepping over the threshold of a door into an eternal dimension where there is no more pain, suffering, or sadness. You see while Romans 6:23 states that "the wages of sin is death", it also states "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord". That is Good News that, when properly understood, can bring peace and joy even in life's most difficult trials, including death. Even in physical death, through Christ, eternal life does go on.
Put your trust in Jesus
So, if you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then cry out to Him to save you and start reading the Gospel of John in a bible. He will change your heart and give you "joy unspeakable and full of glory"
(1 Peter 1:8). You will repent of sin and pursue obedience willingly out of your great appreciation for what Christ did for you on the cross. If your loved ones don't know him then, once you have been saved, introduce them to Jesus in God's word and wait for God's Spirit to do the same work in them that it prayerfully has done in you.
If you are already a believer then rejoice in life and rejoice in death for both are covered by the blood of Jesus. And, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven"(Matthew 5:16).
In Jesus name,
Amen
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