Jayopsis

Peter's Powerful Testimony - Final

2011-12-14T09:05:00.002-06:00

I Peter 5 So I exhort the elders among you, mas a fellow elder and na witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 oshepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,1 pnot under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;2 qnot for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not rdomineering over those in your charge, but sbeing examples to the flock. 4 And when tthe chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the uunfading vcrown of glory.5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. wClothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, forx“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 xHumble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 ycasting all your anxieties on him, because zhe cares for you. 8 aBe sober-minded; bbe watchful. Your cadversary the devil dprowls around elike a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 fResist him, gfirm in your faith, knowing that hthe same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And iafter you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, jwho has called you to his keternal glory in Christ, will himself lrestore, mconfirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 nTo him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12 By oSilvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, pI have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is qthe true grace of God. rStand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does sMark, my son.14 tGreet one another with the kiss of love.
uPeace to all of you who are in Christ.

I have really enjoyed this walk through I Peter. I found myself mulling over the book throughout the day and as I pondered the words on my pillow at night. It is a great balance between exhortation and encouragement.

Pretty neat that he closes with the imagery of a shepherd. Again, Jesus restored Peter with that idea of 'feed my sheep".

My take on this is that Peter is anticipating the end of his ministry- not just the end of a letter. We get a fuller sense of this at the intro of II Peter:

2 Peter 1:12 Therefore I intend talways to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in uthe truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this vbody,8 wto stir you up by way of reminder, 14 xsince I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, yas our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

So, as a faithful disciple, he has been a disciple maker and exhorts those who will be leading after he has departed. This is the most crucial aspect for the future of the church- not what are we leaving behind... but WHO?

Billy Graham......

John Frame....

John Mc Arthur.....

R.C. Sproul.....

Ravi Zacharius.....

Who is going to fill their shoes?

Now, let me point out the wisest advice that I have found in the whole letter....

'SHEPHERD THE FLOCK THAT IS AMONG YOU'

See, this piece is directed toward spiritual leaders- and most leaders are always looking to lead bigger and better. This urge to move forward can create a general discontentment. Musicians want to be discovered, young pastors want to land the big congregation, assistant coaches want that head coaching position- but I love what Peter says- learn how to oversee the group you have been honored to lead. Don't look ahead- be found faithful where you are.

To me it starts in my home- I need to be found as a good shepherd to my little flock of Mathews.
How am I to do it? Accept the rule of oversight- diligently be involved in their lives. I don't need to be KING of my castle, I need to set an example in service and humility. I need to trust God and allow him to develop in me a godly contentment.

Next, I have a group of students- same deal.

When I originally left Briarwood in 2003, I had become very discontented and overly ambitious. I wanted to lead my own program and was just cocky enough to push hard to find that opportunity.

Four times previously, I had finished as a runner-up for a head coaching position and each time grew more frustrated. The offer to move from Nashville actually came from them. I twice said NO and then went to interview. And we went for it.

Looking back, it was God's will for me to go. But it seems like (as far as how it applies to me), it was God using circumstances similar to Jacob working for Leah (7 years) when he thought he was getting Rachel.

When it looked like it was God's plan for me to return to Briarwood, you can imagine how it hit me. At first I thought - I'm like a whipped puppy- coming home with his tail tucked between his legs. I imagined the reception being something like- Couldn't cut it huh? Was I a complete failure?

And, here was the most interesting part- not only was I no longer a head coach, I wasn't even going to be the coordinator. I was going to just be a position coach.

But the Holy Spirit did something rather remarkable- He granted me a sincere 'God sent' contentment. And the day before I accepted the job, I felt my spirit and God's spirit come to a point of unity- Lord, I know You are in control- I willingly lay all of this down at the foot of the cross- and won't worry about 'being in charge' or 'calling the shots'- I'm going to love the players I have and 'shepherd my flock' with passion and energy.

The result? This year was the greatest professional; year of my life! The people at Briarwood only expressed love and excitement at my return. They made me feel special again after my last few years where my leadership beat me up pretty good.

My wide receivers were amazing to work with- we texted- went out to eat- laughed- worked hard- improved- it was incredible!

I never felt frustrated- I was part of a great team of men- who didn't care who got the credit and we respected one another and shared the workload.

I have now for a long time misunderstood the verse, humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you- this doesn't necessarily mean he takes a pauper and makes a king- it most likely means He sustains you in the task He has called you and will reward you at the day of glorification.

So as a spiritual leader (in my home, as a coach, as a dean of discipline, as a small group leader, as a Sunday school teacher)- what does this passage say to me?

Lead by example- not in a domineering way
Be diligent to initiate oversight- active, sober-minded-... not passive
Respect all lines of authority with great, godly contentment
Use all the means of grace to combat pride
Pray at all times and trust in God's goodness
Understand the nature of the battle- this is no day on the beach
If circumstances call for suffering- then bear it in all endurance

And what does Christ promise here?

He will RESTORE me

He will CONFIRM me

He will STRENGTHEN me

He will ESTABLISH me

Peter's powerful testimony was proof of the truth of all these things.

In a much smaller way- this blogger can give the same testimony.

Like Peter , I can proclaim... "I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. (Let us ALL) Stand firm in it"

When the Good Shepherd appears, I hope He finds me faithful- no matter the task......

Have a blessed rest of 2011- 2012 should be a wild ride!

Peter's Powerful Testimony Pt. 9

2011-12-13T09:12:00.003-06:00

Another Great 'Oun"

οὖν,c \{oon}
1) then, therefore, accordingly, consequently, these things being so

I Peter 4 Since therefore zChrist suffered in the flesh,1 aarm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for bwhoever has suffered in the flesh chas ceased from sin, 2 dso as to live for ethe rest of the time in the flesh fno longer for human passions but gfor the will of God. 3 For the time that is past hsuffices ifor doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of jdebauchery, and kthey malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready lto judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why mthe gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7 nThe end of all things is at hand; therefore obe self-controlled and sober-minded pfor the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since qlove covers a multitude of sins. 9 rShow hospitality to one another without grumbling.10 sAs each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, tas good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks uoracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves vby the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything wGod may be glorified through Jesus Christ. xTo him belong glory and ydominion forever and ever. Amen.

Anytime you see the word 'therefore' in the New Testament, it should really perk up your attention. The greek word is 'Oun' is just full of meaning. The flow of most NT letters is doctrine that results in powerful transformation and action.

Because this and this and this is true...THEREFORE... do-be-act like this.

If you just packaged all the 'Therefore' verses in the NT- you would have some powerful statements.
And most of these are admonitions toward Holy living.

These words are like computer ICONS on a screen- you double click on the word and it opens many ideas and 'folders' of information.

For several verses, Peter has been highlighting the suffering Christ.

He saw it.

If you want to see just a shadow of what he saw- take your Bible and read Isaiah 53. Watch 'The Passion of the Christ'- read the gospel accounts.

But don't miss the idea here- Christ suffered for us, but we don't suffer for HIM! Any inclination to live a godly life does require some restraint and discipline- and this is quite opposite of where we live.

I am a creature of comfort and leisure. If I am tired... I sleep. If I am hungry... I eat. If I want something... I am accustomed to getting it. And if I don't get what I want... I get grumpy.

But walking with Christ is OFTEN counter to our natural desires. Peter says...Because Christ suffered, we need to 'suffer' as well- fighting against sensuality, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and no boundaries idolatry (which I take as consumerism, get what you want and never say NO).

CAN THIS BE TAKEN TOO FAR?

Of course. Some early church fathers practiced 'mortification' - a strict asceticism where they would put the body in extreme conditions to 'prove' devotion and a passion for holiness. They would whip themselves to the point of bloodshed- pierce themselves, extreme fasting, all kind of vows. But the monastic movement did prove one thing... sin still resides in the ones that want to do good.

John Calvin commented on this practice of mortification:

There are some good and holy men who when they saw constant overindulgence wanted to curb and correct it, but thought there was no other way than to allow men only the bare necessities. This is godly advice but unnecessarily severe, because it binds our consciences in closer fetters than they are bound by God’s Word. Necessity, according to them, meant abstinence from anything desirable, so that bread and water was the rule.

The NT seems to indicate a balance- yes, we are to be disciplined and 'put to death' the deeds of the old man- but the key is 're-dedication' more than 'mortification'.

I wrote about this in a commentary on Romans 6 in May, 2009 (click here to review)

but the idea is found specifically in Romans 6:20-23

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

THIS DOES REQUIRE (GOD POWERED) EFFORT ON OUR PART!

Hebrews 12:3-4 supports this idea:

3 dConsider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or efainthearted.4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

THIS WORK DOES NOT MERIT SALVATION, BUT IT IS EVIDENCE OF SALVATION

Look again at what Peter is saying:

We should be willing to think (arm ourselves) about pursuing holiness- Christ suffered... and we can suffer:

1) By discipling our lives to live more holy
2) Which will bring mockery and ridicule and pressure to give in
3) But self control and 'living on purpose' produces great fruit and glory to God

DISCIPLINE WITH LOVE AND GENEROSITY:

Some disciplined people get real cold. Sometimes it is a hidden pride where we look down on people who don't get it or don't seem to be able to do what we do.

Peter says the opposite- let your increased success produce love and hospitality. Be positive and hopeful- don't be 'MR Perfection who stays grouchy at all of the imperfection around him'.

Humility and love still trump morality. When Peter says 'love covers a multitude of sin' it is almost like he says- Go read Paul's letter to Corinthians Ch 13- a tender heart of love can do more than good than 10,000 days of disciplined living.

And the final beautiful image: A GOOD STEWARD OF GOD'S VARIED GRACE.

As I have received God's grace, I continue to realize that any good I do is from Him. Even if I did become very moral, I'm still a desperate sinner at the cross. I see Christ's love and suffering and realize that I am nothing compared to Him. So I am free to love and serve and free to pursue a more Holy lifestyle in response to all He has done for me.

So read it again:

Therefore...... are you willing to push a little harder, dig a little deeper, practice more self control, resist a little more as a result of the gospel?

And can you do that while maintaining a beautiful spirit of love and grace?
It allows me to make great decisions- moment by moment- and fast and feast with prudence.

Let's keep inspiring one another to do it better even today!

Peter's Powerful Testimony Pt 8

2011-12-12T11:50:00.002-06:00

I Peter 3 18 For Christ also msuffered2 nonce for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous,othat he might bring us to God, being put to death pin the flesh but made alive qin the spirit, 19 in which3 he went and qproclaimed4 to the spirits in prison,20 because5 they formerly did not obey, rwhen God's patience waited in the days of Noah, swhile the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, teight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, unow saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but vas an appeal to God for a good conscience, wthrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and xis at the right hand of God, ywith angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

The above passage has been one that has challenged me for quite some time.If you do any kind of study on this passage, you will find some strange interpretations AND quite a bit of difference among conservative Bible scholars.

It is interesting how we tend to focus on a problem phrase of passage and miss the meat of the message.

The intrigue is around vs 19 and what Peter means about "Christ proclaiming to seemingly disobedient spirits".

I remember a Bible 'teacher' at the University of Alabama linking this passage up with the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus and building a doctrine of a revival in hell in which people accepted Christ and were saved.

I didn't buy it- sounded a little like snake oil to me- but a few of my friends were drawn into the novelty of his teaching and were injected with some strange views.

It taught me to resist reading between the Bible lines and focus on what is clearly there and leaving some of the mystery to God (Deut 29:29).

I What is clearly here:

The majesty of Christ is CLEARLY here:
-His beautiful sacrifice.. the righteous for the unrighteous
-The Way to God
-The patience of the Lord
-Salvation of men
-The resurrection power
-The current place of His exaltation

II An interesting application and analogy

I find it fascinating that Peter equates the story of Noah both to salvation and baptism. The ark is an old testament type of Christ. And the primary means of baptism is not 'washing' though it is definitely a part of the symbol- but an act of faith- trusting in God through the covering of Jesus, just as Noah trusted God in the protection of the ark.

Now the weird piece (vs 19): FOR AN ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT VIEWS CLICK HERE

1) I do not think that 'spirits' here are disembodied people
2) The word here is not 'evangelize'- the word here is 'herald', more like a triumphant announcement.

So here is how I equate what Peter is saying:

Noah was building the ark- the kingdom of Satan is doing its normal thing:
In disobedience, they are spreading doubt, discord, and negativity. There is mocking and sneering. The spread of the sin is like a devastating cancer in which only 8 people escape the terrible judgment.

I place this in two analogies to the resurrection:

A) The long process of history where there is confusion about the Messiah, the seeming ineffectiveness of the Levitical codebook, the 400 year quiet between Testaments.

and

B) The three days of silence from the tomb- the One proclaiming to be the Son of God seemingly defeated on the cross and sealed in a tomb of death.

THE DISOBEDIENT SPIRITS ARE LEADING THAT SAME TIRED CHORUS OF DECEIT AND DOUBT- DON'T BELIEVE GOD... ALL IS LOST.

AND THEN.... SUDDEN GLORIOUS VICTORY!

On the resurrection- there is this MIGHTY proclamation- Life has conquered death, the Sacrifice is accepted in the presence of the Holy One- Man can be re-united with the Creator- the plan now makes sense.

Whether this indicates and actual appearance to the kingdom of darkness just prior to the resurrection to proclaim His victory would be too much speculation in my humble opinion.

The bottom line is this- hang on to the cross- even if it means persecution- and be willing to wait of the Lord. Even if all seems lost- don't give up on God.

Peter's Powerful Testimony Pt 7

2011-12-09T08:24:00.001-06:00

They aren't going to applaud. They aren't going to honor. They aren't going to understand.
But you have to do what is right anyway.........

I Peter 3 8 Finally, all of you, uhave unity of mind, sympathy, vbrotherly love,wa tender heart, and xa humble mind. 9 yDo not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, zbless, for ato this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 Forb“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”13 Now cwho is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 dBut even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. eHave no fear of them, fnor be troubled, 15 but gin your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, halways being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and irespect, 16 jhaving a good conscience, so that, kwhen you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For lit is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. (ESV)

Peter finishes up this major point by pointing to an ongoing reality.....

Let's pick up again the flow of what he is saying:
Believers/followers of Christ have been born again to a living hope .
That hope is rooted in the gospel: the death and resurrection of Christ for the salvation of sinners.

This message is securely in the Scriptures, it takes root in the heart, and produces a fruit of a pursuit of holiness- mostly manifest in a love and submission to God. This is a process where evil attitudes and behavior are put away and the people of God clearly demonstrate love and service to one another- not as 'rule keeping' but a sincere change of motives and desires.

But all of this takes place in an arena of challenge and combat.

Christ is our treasure..... but He is an offense to unbelievers.

But our exhortation is to never retreat from the world... on the contrary, we are called to live out the life God has called us to in full view of the rebels. We are to proclaim the good news and answer the charges or questions that come from those who do not call Christ Lord.

As in any competition or battle there are certain fundamentals that should adorn our life:
Peter says we should 'have' these things.

1) Unity of mind
2) Brotherly love
3) Tender hearts
4) Humble minds

Interesting list: Christianity has been said to be a 'full contact sport' touching all the modes of human experience: mind-emotions-will- this list overlaps and yet is distinct as well. How about it? Do we have these qualities... we should HAVE them.

These attributes have results- example- IF we have unity, love, tender hearts, and humble minds we will NOT repay evil for evil- we will NOT revile.. instead we will bless- THIS IS OUR CALLING.

I picture Peter hearing the Lord's voice as He preached the Sermon on the Mount.

I love that Peter immediately goes to His Scripture, the OT, and quotes Psalm 34:12-16.

Look at that passage again! What if God came to your front door, rang the doorbell, and asked the question: Do you want to love life and see good days? Who on earth would say NO?
And he then gave instructions:
Speak no evil
Be honest
Turn from evil and DO good
Seek peace
I'm watching you and I will be for you and answer your prayers.

How fired up would we be?

And so we set out to do it. Really get after it. We walk around encouraging people, serving others, loving.

We then find something strange... we aren't really winning the adulation of the world. In fact, people are pretty hostile!

Peter follows up with advanced instructions:
Don't be afraid of those who hate you or seek to destroy you... they really can't harm you.
Don't be troubled- Do not let them ruin your day.

It is almost like Peter says- "Jesus taught me this... when you are persecuted, when you suffer for righteousness sake- you will be blessed!

Instead, keep honoring Christ is your heart and be prepared to answer the questions and charges with gentleness and respect- in other words, we never sink into the mire- we keep walking as that Son of the King and when people see our actions, it makes the enemies seem worse in the long run.

One year ago today, I was fired from my job. I finished my last Bible class, felt really good about the work I had done that year. I had worked hard, lost weight, faithfully taught God's Word, prayed more than I ever had, and did my best work ever as a football coach. I still believe had our starting Qb not broken his collar bone in our last game, we were going to make a serious run in the playoffs. My seniors that season sang 'A Mighty Fortress is Our God' on their own before they took the field that season. I was teaching Sunday School and had just been unanimously voted as an elder in my church. My daughter stood in front of our parents at the football banquet and gave the sweetest testimony to God's grace as the captain of our cheerleaders. I had a great peace that God was with me everyday.

All of that came to an end in a 20 minute meeting. I was called in and put out. No reasons given, 'just we are making a change'. ( I have only heard from one of those people once or twice by e-mail. Most of those who wanted me out will likely never speak to me again. I just prayed, shook the dust off my feet, and walked into the providence of God's great plan for me. I did have dozens of beautiful, godly friends who have continued to bless me by checking in and encouraging me.)

There are no words to describe the pain I felt, the hurt, the shame of driving to my wife's work and tell her I no longer had a job. The fear of what I was going to do. I had a senior daughter about to go to college and I had no job prospect that seemed to indicate anything except a serious pay cut. The job market and economy was at low levels. How can I tell my girls? How can I sell my house?

But my wife was a champ. She celebrated! She hugged me, wiped away my tears and said- God is going to show up in ways you never imagined.

One year later, I can testify to the truth of God's promises here. He walked with me in personal and powerful ways. From Dec 9, 2010 until May 2011 I have never had a more tangible experience with Christ, it was amazing... life changing.

And the evidence? I had a job offer in 24 hours from men who told me take my time and search out all my options before taking their offer. I ran a marathon in 5 hours and 20 minutes. I took a better job for a better salary. I sold my house and closed on both my old and new home on the same day.

I am in a place with the best environment of love, encouragement, and spiritual zeal I have ever seen. I was able to pay for my daughter's tuition and watch her cheer every week. My other two daughter's were welcomed to our new school with open arms and both have told me it was the greatest spiritual growth they have ever experienced as well. There is a student led revival going on in my new school which has been a buzz in the community and impacted my children as well! My wife lives 1.78 miles from her sister and found a job within a week of our moving.

But even if life takes a different turn- I will never change from the conviction that God is good! My hope is a living hope as well!

So I close with this:
To follow Christ is sweet.
But it is never done for the satisfaction of men.
It is always done for the glory of God.

My prayer is that you will not see me, I am a sinner- but you will see that all of us can find this kind of hope in Jesus!

Peter's Powerful Testimony Pt 6

2011-12-08T12:19:00.001-06:00

Hard Examples of Godly Submission continues.......

I Peter 3 Likewise, wives, kbe subject to your own husbands, so that leven if some do not obey the word, mthey may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your nrespectful and pure conduct. 3 oDo not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—4 but let your adorning bepthe hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham,qcalling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and rdo not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, shusbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker tvessel, since they are heirs with you1 of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

If you think the last post was controversial regarding slaves- this one contains just as much gunpowder.

None of the principles in the Bible, however, make sense apart from the gospel message. When John Newton penned the lines "I once was blind, but now I see" - He means the spiritual eyes that are opened in a way that 'it all makes sense'.

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.C. S. Lewis

Christians believe in one big miracle- "In the beginning, GOD" and from there it makes sense.. it makes sense to see that He is in charge of the revelation- the message is clear and, ultimately, the news is good.

The demise of marriage is tragic on so many levels. It has had huge negative consequences in social structure, family stability, the abuse of children, the increased heartache of children, and an overall cheapening of our understanding of love, faithfulness, and intimacy.

A deeper tragedy is that marriage is a picture of Christ's love for His bride as well. When Satan attacks- He especially loves to take down marriages individually and the overall reverence for the institution.

So let's look at the structure of a Biblical marriage and see its implications:

To the Wife:

Likewise (i.e. look back at the point I am making before... )

and again- I'm not trying to sugar coat it- this passage is saying some HARD things- supernatural things- things that make you say WHY? or HOW? Things that make non-believers sneer, mock, and criticize.

Skeptics will say - DO you see what these fools are buying INTO?

The bottom line- we are talking about SUBMISSION- sometimes painful submission. And yes, sometimes under cruel masters.

How long do you stay? Is it a sin to get out? Do you mean you have to sit there and get abused?

I always answer the question this way... as far as the Lord allows your faith to go.

I don't know if you believe me- but I am having such a hard time here writing this. I have a good marriage, I have a good life- and it is easy for me to write these things in a ivory tower, theoretical.

And I know there is real pain and tragedy out there.

So- Mr easy to say until you live it- what are you putting on the brother here? And it is with great understanding that I say it- and ultimately only Jesus took it the full mile.

AT THE RISK OF EVEN MORE OFFENSE.....

The greatest literary character, in terms of actual heroic submission to the glory of God was Uncle Tom. The Christ honoring slave who suffered under the terror of slave owner Simon Legree in the infamous novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin.

When Abraham Lincoln met Harriet Beecher Stowe, he smiled and said, "So you're the little woman who wrote the little book that started this great big war."

We have such strong negative feelings about the book today, so much that to be called an 'Uncle Tom' is about as big a slur that can be hurled in the african-american community. But the novel was anti-slavery and Tom was a genuine hero, Legree was a despicable villain.

And, as I read it, I wept for Uncle Tom's beautiful devotion to Christ and his willingness to love and pray for and endure his evil master.

But it is too demeaning... it is too high a price! Is it? It is a walk of faith and a trust in a land that is not our current home.

AS FAR AS MY FAITH CAN GO...

I know of great stories of supernatural forgiveness- way beyond what would be expected- God given examples of forgiving over and over, deeper and deeper.

So back to marriage- it is never easy to submit. Culture, human nature, modern feminist notions rail against these words. It is hard in a good marriage to a good man.

But this passage says likewise- be subject to your own husbands, so that leven if some do not obey the word, mthey may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.

Peter says- this isn't submission just to a good man.. this is submission to a bad man as well!

So the woman just stays until she is beaten or killed? NO- she has to reach out to help and society must rush in to correct and protect. The church and magistrates MUST courageously confront these rogues.

BUT WE ARE MISSING THE POINT- all of this points to Christ. He endured cruel punishment, He yielded to the providence of pain, He did not even speak in defense, He lovingly and humbly stretched out His hands and embraced the nails.

All men fail... but Jesus stayed the course.

Now this is not just a moral imperative that we fall short of- there is instruction here for the wives.

Yield to the authority of the husband- that is the organizational chart.
Be beautiful on the inside- character shines longer, sweeter, and better than any vain, youthful flash.
Be strong, not fearful.

All of this, under the powerful Holy Spirit and the transformation of the gospel, makes for the chemistry of not only a good marriage, but of potential salvation. There have been men and children brought to Christ by the patient perseverance of a godly wife. This doesn't mean to choose an ungodly man for a missionary marriage- but it means that when a Christian says, "I do" it is for better or for worse.

NOW THE MAN CODE

7 Likewise, shusbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker tvessel, since they are heirs with you1 of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Likewise? What do you mean likewise? It means this- Men submit as well. When God places a man as Lord of the marriage- He doesn't mean Lord in the worldly sense, He means Lord in the heavenly sense.

The extent that any wife is to follow the husband as leader is always in direct correlation to his humility and submission to the humility of Christ. A godly husband yields to his wife as much as she yields to him. Mutual yieldedness, not a demand my rights contract, makes the marriage the sweetest.

The husband in an understanding way.... understands... energy to know her- wants to please her. Treats her as a 'weaker vessel' not that she is a weaker vessel, but he tenderly cares for her like a piece of the finest china or fragile treasure.

since they are heirs with you1 of the grace of life- Both husband and wives are equal heirs to God's grace- the marriage covenant is a temporary flow chart to picture Christ and to work pragmatically.

so that your prayers may not be hindered.- Men, is nothing happening in your prayer life... How are you treating your wife?

Final thoughts

All of this will lead into a message for all to seek unity, love, tenderness.

But Peter has hammered 'humble yieldedness/ submission' for over 21 verses. Do you remember the last thing Jesus said to Peter after the resurrection?

John 21:18 dTruly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, eyou used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show fby what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, g“Follow me.”

Over the course of his life, Peter learned this submission in a deeper way. The old Peter was proud and active, he would say before the thought, he would act before he considered. He just did it his way and really couldn't care less what anyone thought. The old Peter was a leader who walked all over any fool willing to follow.

But the new Peter- restored, forgiven, facing the end of his journey- would have to watch his wife be killed for the faith and then himself led to a cross. He made a request- "I am not worthy to be killed like my Lord" and so they crucified him upside down.

And this ultimate humiliating state... GLORIFIED GOD!

And only the redeemed in Christ have any clue how that statement is true.......

Peter's Powerful Testimony- Pt 5

2011-12-07T13:40:00.001-06:00

I remember it like it was yesterday- in between two high school buddies, being beaten to death over a point I had made about the Christian faith. I was a new believer, and had read the passage below the night before- "slaves, be subject to your masters with all respect". And they were hammering me....

Right there in the small, quaint kitchen- I was the one under fire......

"You have to be kidding me! You mean that a slave should be happy to stay where he is!"
"Someone who trusts in God can be content in all circumstances"

One of my friends mom sat there- sympathetic with my plea- but I knew that even she wasn't buying it.

Almost 30 years later- the argument is more defined- and I wish I had a second chance to state my case.....

I Peter 2:13 nBe subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution,1 whether it be to the emperor2 as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him oto punish those who do evil and pto praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, qthat by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 rLive as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but sliving as servants3 of God. 17 tHonor everyone. uLove the brotherhood. vFear God. Honor the emperor.
18 wServants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, xmindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But yif when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For zto this you have been called, ybecause Christ also suffered for you,aleaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 bHe committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 cWhen he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, dbut continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 eHe himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we fmight die to sin and glive to righteousness. hBy his wounds you have been healed. 25 For iyou were straying like sheep, but have now returned to jthe Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (ESV)

Love and humility go hand in hand. There is also a yieldedness that becomes a part of the Christian's disposition. Christ said "Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth." But this is NOT as welcome a virtue in current society.

It is easy to mistake 'meekness for weakness' and often compels people to look at you and wonder where your manhood is.

So when it comes to 'submission'- our sinful human nature doesn't come to it easily or naturally. It feels like someone scratching on a chalkboard to hear someone bluntly screech, "The rules say..".

But notice Peter's admonition: For the Lord's sake- be subject to every human institution.
Again: It is the Lord's will to be yielded to the desires of authority.

And in the examples he gives, he include... slavery. Do what!? Is it a sin for a slave to rebel?

David Platt, Pastor of the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham addressed that issue in a sermon on 1 Timothy 6- I have pasted his main points below:

Slavery in History…

World history is filled with various types of slavery.

Hebrew servanthood.
Roman slavery.
Indentured servitude.
African slave trade.

Biblical history is filled with various perspectives on slavery.

Slavery is not a part of creation; it is a product of sin.
Specific situations in a sinful world warrant specific instructions to a sinful world.

Biblical instructions concerning slavery do not imply biblical approval of slavery.

In other words, what the Bible records or regulates doesn't mean it condones it......

The Bible condemns slavery.

Slavery that undermines God’s creation.
We have equal dignity before God.
We are equally submissive to God.
We will receive equal justice from God.
Slavery that violates God’s Word.
The Bible denounces physical abuse.
The Bible denounces human trafficking.

The Bible regulates slavery.

God mandates physical protection for slaves.
God requires financial provision for slaves.
God ensures caring supervision of slaves.
God promotes (and in some ways guarantees) eventual freedom from slavery.

The Bible encourages slaves.

Honor unbelieving masters.
For the glory of God.
For the advancement of the gospel.

Christianity is not aimed primarily at social reform.
Christianity is aimed primarily at personal redemption.
Respect believing masters.
Work wholeheartedly.
Serve selflessly.
The Bible redeems slavery.
The beauty of Christ…
Our Master has become our servant.
The essence of Christianity…
We gladly become His slave.

This type of life requires a healthy trust in God to control and use your circumstance in life. Peter encourages us to even endure suffering- the primary motivation is that Christ himself suffered for us.

Now... a bit of good news:

1) Freedom- the greatest freedom in the world is the one where we are completely justified in the sight of the Creator! So we are free, under the condemnation of no one!

2) The honor of suffering unjustly- a special place in God's heart.

Questions:

At what point do I rebel? Am I willing to trust God enough to obey the authority He has placed in my life?

Am I free? Do I feel free? Does this freedom motivate me to pursue the Lord?

Peter's Powerful Testimony Pt 4

2011-12-05T15:45:00.001-06:00

A Higher Calling- Walk Like A King

In light of the glorious gospel- we are to become obedient. This obedience is shown by the growth of a sincere love.

Peter makes a simple command as to how to do this:

"So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander"- think about how this relates to a sincere brotherly love for people:

All malice- why do our hearts harbor malice? They do! The greek word here infers a desire for ill will. Desiring to stir up trouble even if it means breaking the law.

Every instance of deceit- this infers craftiness- where we plan and manipulate events- even withholding things to cause harm

Hypocrisy: which comes out of the guild of acting- pretending- showing a false pretense

Envy: a desire to take away

Slander: speaking evil

I guess my biggest hurts over the years has been when I have experienced these things from other human beings.

There have been times in my life where I know a person just hates me and I wonder why. I am a rival or it's just a plain misunderstanding- but nothing hurts more than to be a victim of a scheme, or someone smiles at you and turns around and does harm or spreads lies or twisted stories..... these are deep wounds.

And they should have no residence in a person who has the Spirit of Christ in them.

The passage here seems to indicate that it is a process....

4 As you come to him, a living stone nrejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 oyou yourselves like living stones are being built up as pa spiritual house, to be qa holy priesthood, rto offer spiritual sacrifices sacceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:

t“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
uand whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”7 So the honor is for you who vbelieve, but for those who vdo not believe,w“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
18 andx“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”

A couple of observations: There is a universal dividing line- being with Christ or being against Him.

The experts of the world reject God's capstone and will reject you if you follow Christ.

But regardless- you are expected to walk like a royal champion:

Chosen by God- chosen race (repeated in vs 9)
Precious to HIM- His prized possession (vs 9)
a Holy Priest- a royal priest (vs 9)
Honored by God- God's people

WHY?

"That you may proclaim the excellencies of Him-
the one who called you out of darkness into light"

And the result?

Because we belong to heaven- we should not live as though we are worldly.

11 Beloved, I urge you has sojourners and exiles ito abstain from the passions of the flesh, jwhich wage war against your soul. 12 kKeep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, lthey may see your good deeds and glorify God on mthe day of visitation.

I never will forget being given a hard time by my boss when I was a student intern at Briarwood Presbyterian church in the early 80's. He had worked with a few 'boys' out of my high school and he liked to goad us a little about 'being from Banks'- playfully insinuating that we were just some rag tag, blue collar, red necks.

He teased me about my wrinkled pants- "You came to work today in your pajamas?"
He laughed about where some of us lived - "You can take the boy out of East Lake but you can't take East Lake out of the boy."
He'd get tickled at our inability to pronounce things and our ignorance of 'culture'.

You have to believe me that: A) This was all in good fun and B) He was training us how to walk with kings and peasants without losing dignity ( He was just an old reformed Berry redneck himself).

But I never will forget when he had kind of set-up for me to take a former Miss Auburn out to dinner. It was nothing romantic, and I don't remember how it all worked out- but I was supposed to pick her up, take her to dinner, and take her home. You have to also know that I was living with some of the guys I was working with- so they were sort of spying on me, ready to report all the mess ups- this was Banks taking out a high society lady with Mountain Brook pedigree (I don't know if she went to Mountain Brook, but people in B'ham would get the analogy).

I knew what I was getting into- but I dressed up in my best ironed clothes, put on a starched shirt- picked her up- opened the car door, had a nice dinner, took her home, prayed with her, and said 'good night'.

The next day at work, my boss knew all the details- 'Jaybird, that is just amazing what a woman will do to raise a boy's standards!"The point is this- time to start pursuing the standards of a royal son and forsake the standards of a pauper.

A SECRET EDGE

Now, I know this is out of order, but I need to go back to the top of this chapter and point out a secret, a winning edge

2 kLike newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual lmilk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Think about that newborn baby and that raging, aggressive fight for food.

WHEN WE WAKE UP IN THE MORNING WE SHOULD LONG FOR THAT SPIRITUAL MILK, WE SHOULD CRAVE IT- WE KNOW HOW GOOD IT IS!

As we ingest the truth of the good news... the transition from pauper to Prince begins to grow. And the result is a beautiful life to the glory of God.

Peter's Powerful Testimony Pt 3

2011-12-05T09:52:00.001-06:00

A Radical View of Obedience- A Passionate Pursuit of Holiness

If there is any 'criticism' of modern, evangelical gospel presentations- it is an improper view of sanctification and very lackluster discipleship.

Because it is so important to stress salvation by Christ alone by faith alone by grace alone- we often fear/ de-emphasize a conversion that does result in a transformed life.

I would be the first to fight anyone who I though was teaching a 'Christ plus deeds' salvation and anyone who seems to venture into that category quickly suffers the odium theologicum (anger of the theologians).

So I write this blog with caution- but the Scriptures are clear- the truth of the gospel and the clear product of grace- is a life that pursues holiness and develops a trend of godly obedience.

No good deed ever merits righteousness- it is ONLY BY THE BLOOD of the LAMB OF GOD!

But... when we receive the ability to see the glorious mystery, it creates an opportunity to grow in grace.

Before we venture into Peter's view of this- let's see some other clear Biblical references:

Ephesians 2:8 For zby grace you have been saved athrough faith. And this is bnot your own doing; cit is the gift of God, 9 dnot a result of works, eso that no one may boast. 10 For fwe are his workmanship, gcreated in Christ Jesus hfor good works, iwhich God prepared beforehand, jthat we should walk in them.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith obut does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 pIf a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 qand one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good2 is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith rapart from your works, and I will show you my faithsby my works.

Now, if I am honest I say that these verses tend to make me unsteady, because I see how sinful I am and struggle with my worldliness and apathy. But this is where Peter helps me so much. Read carefully, what he says here and let me make a few observations/applications.

I Peter 1:13 Therefore, gpreparing your minds for action,1 and hbeing sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, ido not be conformed to the passions jof your former ignorance, 15 but kas he who called you is holy, you also be holy lin all your conduct, 16 since it is written, m“You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if youncall on him as Father who ojudges pimpartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves qwith fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you rwere ransomed from sthe futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but twith the precious blood of Christ, like that of ua lamb vwithout blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but wwas made manifest xin the last times for the sake of you 21 ywho through him are believers in God, zwho raised him from the dead and agave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for ba sincere brotherly love, clove one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 dsince you have been born again, enot of perishable seed but of imperishable, through fthe living and abiding word of God;24 forg“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,25 hbut the word of the Lord remains forever.”And this word iis the good news that was preached to you.

If I reconnect this back to the last blog post- remember- it is the great mercy of God and the great sacrifice of Christ that is in full view here. But as we pay close attention to what has transpired, it does something very profound.

The gospel produces a new view of God, a new motivation for obedience, a new view of holiness, and a better fruit than the old administration of the Covenant of Grace!

#1 A NEW VIEW OF GOD- the Father- and we are children.

#2 A NEW VIEW OF HOLINESS- this is a biggie for me- I have always viewed pursuing holiness as a checklist of discipline. But the reality of holiness is much deeper- deeds yes- but the deeper motivation... "a sincere brotherly love- an earnest love from a pure heart"

#3 A BETTER FRUIT: A MAN FULL OF LOVE:

This is the most surprising part of Peter at the end of his journey. We know John had the reputation for love, something that exuded from him even at the time of Christ's earthly ministry. Paul seems to magnify joy in all things. The reason that love and mercy is so prevalent in Peter is the last conversation he had with Jesus after the resurrection as Jesus restored him, asking him 3 times if he loved him, And all Peter could say is "I love (phileo- not agape) you." I hope I get a chance to review that passage in John 21 especially the prophecy that Christ gives Peter about how he is to die and the changes ahead for his life.

Could it be that the boastful- hard charging- speak first- hard fish in' man called the ROCK saw the fruit of holiness as brotherly love that poured out of a broken heart of humility and was full of fresh grace from His father?

AND WHAT IS THE SEED OF THIS FRUIT?

The seed, full of God's power, is HIS word of truth- and specifically 'the good news' part of the seed- the gospel of grace! Read that 2nd part again......wow!

Now go back and look at this powerful opening chapter from the man called THE ROCK!

I am calling out to all people everywhere who have been washed in the grace of Christ.

According to God's great mercy, we have been BORN again to a living HOPE!

So much better than the OLD CODE, so good it is worth waiting on, it is worth suffering for, is is worth laying hold of, it is worth striving for!

It has a base and fruit of LOVE.

And it is secure in the integrity of God's WORD! It was planned, prophesied, promised, and fulfilled!

It is all to Christ's glory!

And now my response should be....

EVERYDAY- stare into this gift with great excitement and joy.

ASK GOD- to see it so clearly that I am changed.

AND PART OF THE CHANGE is for me to love others in sincerity, not pretense.

God forgave me... I forgive others.

God loves me... I can love others.

I can treat others the way I would like to be treated.

Chapter 2 will tell me how.........

Peter's Powerful Testimony Part 2

2011-12-02T08:50:00.001-06:00

I Peter 1:10 Concerning this salvation, xthe prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring ywhat person or time zthe Spirit of Christ in them was indicating awhen he predicted bthe sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 cIt was revealed to them that dthey were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you eby the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, fthings into which angels long to look.13 Therefore, gpreparing your minds for action,1 and hbeing sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (ESV Online)

I'm still pondering the simple and powerful statement from yesterday:

...According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus...

Read that slowly- then fast- then piece by piece- emphasize different words... amazing!

Today's reading then is 'concerning this salvation':

Peter goes back to the Old Testament- you know the old aphorism, "The OT is the NT contained- The NT is the OT explained" and we begin to see the beauty of God's plan as it is developed in history, through the covenants- all the types and shadows- all pointing to Jesus as the culmination of redemptive history.

In three years, Jesus prepared Peter for this revelation. I wish I could have been there- don't you know how the Word of God must have burned in their hearts as the Savior read, quoted, and taught from Deuteronomy and Isaiah and many other places of the sacred writings!

The amazing prophecies of the OT that are fulfilled in Christ! My favorites are IS. 53 and Psalm 22. But there are SO many more!

And these prophets- perplexed at times, under duress, never seeing a lot of fruit or acceptance, were serving us, the New Testament believers. With the light of Christ's resurrection, the illumination of things like the passover are tangible experiences of the presence and the glory of God.

The bad news in the OT makes for GREAT news in the New.

"Things in which the angels LONG to look"- it is like Peter is saying- "This salvation is beautiful and magnificent, executed flawlessly over space, time, history- and it just causes the angels to study in wonder over and over again.

And sadly, sometimes, I just flippantly say... 'yeah, Jesus loves me.... now what fun thing are we doing next?"

This is referenced very clearly in the Book of Hebrews- Chapter 2: "Therefore we must pay MUCH CLOSER attention to what we have heard, lest we drift....how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"

Then we have the "THEREFORE" of this section. And it literally says for us to "Gird up your minds- and seriously attach yourself on the grace that is coming when Christ returns"- it is the idea of preparing for a long journey- maybe like a treasure quest- and there will be peril and hardship along the way- but we going to make it our highest priority to study and reflect and meditate and rejoice in the gospel- that our hope is so secure in this grace- that we never drift from it, knowing that the DAY of the LORD will be better than the most magical Christmas or beautiful birthday we could ever imagine!

The next section will then challenge us- we get an amazing, undeserved gift! We can't earn it! But what is our response to it?

Peter's Powerful Testimony Pt 1

2011-12-01T09:23:00.001-06:00

Greeting

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of athe Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to bthe foreknowledge of God the Father, cin the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and dfor sprinkling with his blood:

May egrace and fpeace be multiplied to you.

Born Again to a Living Hope

3 gBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! hAccording to his great mercy, ihe has caused us to be born again to a living hope jthrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to kan inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and lunfading, mkept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded nthrough faith for a salvation oready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by pvarious trials, 7 so that qthe tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes rthough it is tested by sfire—may be found to result in tpraise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 uThough you have not seen him, you love him. vThough you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining wthe outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

________________________________

Simon Peter is one of the most interesting studies in the entire Bible- we have written records of his time with Jesus- a gospel narrative closely linked to that experience- detailed accounts after the ascension in the Book of Acts- and then 2 letters he penned near then end of his life on earth.

Any exhaustive work on this life could produce an amazing movie, novel, broadway play- an enormous amount of material.

He is also an everyday man- blue collar, rugged, impulsive, married- a man of visible faults and humbling moments.

So I will spend time this December reflecting on his writing and pondering his life.

A MAN FULL OF HOPE:

Think about the phrase 'living hope'- and I'm convinced the life of that hope springs eternal.

(LIVING) ζάω,v \{dzah'-o}

1) to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead) 2) to enjoy real life 2a) to have true life and worthy of the name 2b) active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God 3) to live i.e. pass life, in the manner of the living and acting 3a) of mortals or character 4) living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul 5) metaph. to be in full vigour 5a) to be fresh, strong, efficient, 5b) as adj. active, powerful, efficacious (Greek Bible ONline)

Why was this hope so alive? So secure?

#1 Peter's hope has 'reasons'- he can explain it in the realm of logic. The Christian faith is NOT a blind leap of incredulity. If you look at his sermon on the day of pentecost you see a clear narrative that has roots in the Old Testament and connects the nature of man to God's plan. That is why later Peter tells us to 'sanctify Christ as Lord' and 'be prepared to give a defense' if we are asked to give a reason.

#2 Peter's hope was secure in his experience- Think of all the failures in Peter's life and how his relationship with Christ was never terminated. Peter had sunk in the sea, been called 'Satan', been corrected on the mountain and rebuked in the garden. And worst of all, denied the Lord those three shameful times- NO WONDER HE CALLS GRACE "GREAT"!

#3 Peter's hope had been tested, tried, and found stronger than ever- Peter says above he had been grieved, tested by fire- yet he writes of imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance. A hope that results in praise, and glory, and honor.

Does he harken back to that day when Jesus said "Simon, Simon Satan has asked permission to sift you as wheat?" Extra-biblical accounts say that Peter had to watch his wife being tortured and executed for the faith.

The greatest HOPE of all:

In spite of Peter seeing the Lord- in His earthly state, in the transfiguration, and in the resurrection- his greatest excitement comes from the faith of those who haven't seen and still follow Him- AND LOVE HIM!

The word for love in verse 8 is 'agape'- a word Peter himself in his humbled state could not profess to the risen Christ after the resurrection and during the restoration in John 21.

Yet, Peter- full of years of wisdom and persevering faith- is so hopeful of a group of disciples who LOVE Jesus without seeing Him.

So it is also a living hope in that it will be born again- over and over- saving 3,000 on the day of Pentecost and then sweeping the globe for 2,000 plus years of gospel expansion and world changing redemption.

And that is the living hope that you and I are honored to walk in today!

How Football Pain Points to the Gospel

2011-11-26T10:04:00.001-06:00

Yeah- the sun came up today- but it didn't make me feel any better.

Man- it hurt deep last night. Great love and great investment and great hopes sets a heart to be cut deep- deep- and deeper still.

No one likes to see anyone cry- but there is something about a young man, handsome, so full of life- hugging his brother and shaking in tears that cuts me. It is not natural, but it is a reality.

My prayers are always interesting this time of year. They go something like this- Lord I want to celebrate after the game tonight, but if You appoint this time for me to minister....please give me Your grace and power.

And so last night, where we didn't quite play to the level we needed and the other team did- it was over. They survived and we died- and I went senior to senior, player to player- hugging them harder than I ever had- face to face- their sweat and tears- and I whispered words that I wish would take the pain away:

"I'm so sorry. I love you. I'm so proud of you. Your best days are in front of you."

People who read this and don't have some kind of connection to football won't quite get it. After all, it is just football...

No, if you are in it in any kind of investment- it is a microcosm of life.

The summer is new life.

The boys of summer push hard, everyone is undefeated. Yeah, we know that you only get to wear those pads for a short while- some lucky ones get 4 years of varsity football- most get 1 or 2.

The pictures are all smiles- the days are long- the pageantry is pure beauty.

Then comes the Fall.

Football pain can be cruel. Physical pain includes wraps and ice and crutches and MRI's. Every player, starter or back-up, bears war wounds. I witnessed the most painful injury this season I have ever seen on a practice field. I still hear him screaming in pain- it is a haunting.

But there is spiritual pain as well. Losses, frustrations, 'I'm not playing', relationships can get strained.

I don't get to escape that as a coach. Long hours devoted to football- decisions- slips of the lip- sensitive ears. This life has pain.

But there is also the JOY! Thrilling plays and victories. Headlines and High fives!

But the sands trickle and the hour glass is getting full.

At some point there is a dividing line- some teams qualify for post season and some don't.

Time Change and Whispers of Winter

And then the death matches start- week by week- one is alive and one has died.

When you win those- the thrill is softened a tad as you stare into the faces of the vanquished.

The comes the potential for the biggest hurt of all- you win and win and win- and the big prize is within millimeters. Last night was the third semi-final loss I have experienced in 20 years of coaching. They were all on the road. The trip back home is hollow. You wake up the next morning and it just attacks you- aww man- it did happen.

Then the long winter of discontent.

So what do we make of this? Why expose yourself to this potential pain over and over?

Because of the gospel. The good news of Christ is the only reason I can keep doing it. It is the only reason I can keep doing anything in this world of vain and empty promises and broken hearts and dreams.

How about these tweats from our players last night:

"When we win we praise Him, when we lose we praise Him. As much as it hurts I still love my God, my team, and my school."

"...God will always be with us and we will be strengthened by Him"

"Never hurt or cried so much in my life. We fought hard! I love my team and I'm PROUD TO BE A LION!"

And I could go on and on.

Football mirrors life:
Relationships- complex- important- the need for forgiveness and service
Character matters
Work to a goal
Highs and Lows
Victory and Defeat
Joy and Pain
It has an end

Here is how I summarize it in a nutshell:

God made everything good, in love He gave man freedom- only in freedom is love possible- but it also makes selfishness and sin possible- man chose sin- and because of sin- we suffer.

Football exists in this world of sin. When we fail, we all think back to decisions, I think I could have done more....

If there were no gospel- then I would stay in this death spiral of thinking that I have to measure up.

But I can't- I will say wrong things- I will do wrong things- life is not undefeated. In my 20 years, I have 3 state championship rings- and I am a LUCKY ONE! But 17 other years have fallen short of the ultimate prize.

One day, my hour glass will run empty- I will walk wounded and defeated to the gates of heaven. I could have done more.

AND STANDING THERE IS THE ULTIMATE CHAMPION- THE LORD JESUS- THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE.

He might say, "Why should I let you in?"

What can I say and be honest?"Lord, I don't deserve to be in. My only hope is Your mercy, Your love, and the sacrifice of the cross. I have nothing to add except my sin."

And from what the Bible says- He will wrap His arms around me and say "Come in my Son."

And all that pain will be gone. All the disillusionment and disappointment. All the hurtful words and lies. All the lost opportunities. All the mourning. He will wipe my tears, He will hug me cheek to cheek.

I will see my mom and grandmother with perfect bodies. I will see celebration. I will play football again with my brothers (or something similar but better).

Last night, one of my players, a young man of incredible talent and passion- just sat there in his pads. He did not want to take them off. I know the feeling.

But they recover- quicker than I do.

I had a final group chat with my receivers.

Jay M: It was a great honor to coach you guys this season. Love you and will be praying for you.
Player 1: Thank you coach... I'm sorry I didn't make the play .. it was fun
Player 2: Same here- love ya
Player 3: _____ man. I could not be more proud of you-ur nothing but a baller
Player 4: thanks for everything you did for us coach-loved playing with you guys- wish it didn't have to end
Player 2: yes coach...love you
Player 5: we still have a lot of senior year left. Hate it ended the way it did- but it was a lot of fun. Thanks bros.

SO I will take a break and before long the juices will start stirring- and I will once again work with high hope and big dreams.

And know that only the Lord makes it meaningful. I trust in His plan. Until He returns.

I Corinthians 15:58

Thankful

2011-11-23T15:44:00.001-06:00

Give thanks with a grateful heart:

I'm sitting here overwhelmed with good feelings of thanks. I am thankful for the rich life the Lord has blessed me with. It starts with salvation- an understanding of eternal forgiveness- not of my own doing. It is the ultimate gift.

Then I have to go to my wife- my best friend of 23 years ( and close to 30 that I have known her). God chose her to be that constant companion through times of plenty and times of need. I have to think back to Dec 9 - the day I was fired- and my heartbroken drive to my wife's office to tell her the news. She gave me the sweetest response and the most solid support during that time.
Here I was- about to have a daughter graduate- and looking into a vast, dark unknown- in a woeful economy and high jobless rate- and she just celebrated. God will take care of us- and boy, did He ever!

Give thanks to the HOLY ONE:

Who is like the Lord? He is completely HOLY and lives in unapproachable light. If I were to come into His HOLY presence I would be vanquished... obliterated. But I am covered... I am justified.... I am adopted- WHAT A SALVATION!

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son:

Because of my sin- I was sentenced to a life apart from the HOLY ONE. But Jesus, because of deep love- became the sacrifice for me. It is Him and Him alone who deserves the thanks for this good news.

AND NOW- let the weak say "I am strong":

I am weak- I am able to do nothing good in my strength. I am lazy, and cold, and apathetic. I get down on myself and lose confidence. I let Satan fill me with doubts and fears- but IN HIM- I am a champion- Born again- adopted SON of the KING!

Let the poor say I am rich:

We struggle financially at times. We live month to month. We are completely dependent on God providing- but HE DOES! We don't live extravagantly, but I feel so wealthy. I have clothes, food, a nice house, my children are blessed with a world class education, my oldest daughter is excelling at a great university. We have health care and have experienced so many fun times. I don't know how we have done it, but He has always been faithful!

Because of what the Lord has done for us!

I sing, I praise, I celebrate- In Christ, there is great riches! In Christ, there is great blessing!

May we all enjoy Him more fully this thanksgiving day!

Thank you for:
My beautiful, loving family
My faithful friends
The blessing of Briarwood Christian School and Church- a steady, spiritual family!
A life of warm and rich memories
Excellent health
Food and shelter
More fun than a man should have
Hard times- that have made me stronger and wiser

I pray for: Our nation to be healed- we are divided and in deep debt and deeper sin
We need a revival of YOUR grace- we need an awakening of YOUR gospel.

Guest Blogger: David Haas

2011-11-22T15:33:00.001-06:00

I have made recent contact with David Haas who has a great heart for encouraging cancer patients. He has written a number of blogs on this important topic and I am happy to lend space for his latest journal.

Energy Levels in Cancer Patients are increased through Moderate Exercise

by David Haas

Cancer patients face challenging ordeals as they begin to piece their lives back together once they have gone into remission. Remission in itself is a celebration, but the battle is not yet over. People who have fought and won against cancer still must deal with the challenging issues of feeling back to normal physically and emotionally and in trying to obtain a healthy amount of energy.

Mesothelioma is a common type of lung cancer that affects both men and women. This cancer, and other forms of cancer, can rapidly result in the need for chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation for the patient. If these treatments are successful and the person is able to enter into the remission stage, the person then is challenged with trying to redevelop healthy habits that can put him or her back into a good feeling of self, both physically and mentally.

A doctor for a cancer patient will often recommend mild to moderate forms of exercise for the patient to help the body to recover from the heavy burdens of treatment. Walking, yoga, light hiking, swimming, and mild aerobics are healthy forms of exercise that many doctors will recommend for their patients who are in remission stage from cancer.

Experts at the University of Rochester state that exercise for cancer patients is wise and should also be taken step-by-step. Gently getting reintroduced to a habit of exercise is the best possible way to begin reincorporating physical activity into someone’s life who has survived cancer, or for someone who is currently going through cancer treatments.

For the exercise to be consistent, it should be enjoyable so the person will be more motivated and more inspired to stick to a normal exercise regimen. Salsa dancing classes provide a fun but mild form of exercise. Golfing, bowling, and nature walking are also activities that can stimulate both the mind and the body and help the person to begin to feel and look significantly better.

These activities are socially effective as well and help the person to overcome issues of shyness or self-consciousness after many months or weeks of cancer treatments. Energy levels and confidence levels can be gradually increased with the incorporation of regular and appropriate forms of exercise into the weekly schedule.

Please read more about David:

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance - http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/david/bio.htm

You can also see his personal writing at http://www.haasblaag.blogspot.com/

OH WOW- Lessons Learned from the Life of Steve Jobs

2011-11-17T09:19:00.001-06:00

A few quick references below: My analysis begins after the Issacason quote:

The repeated last words of Steve Jobs

Published On Mon Oct 31 2011

Article

“Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow,” said Jobs as he lay on his death bed.

DENIS SINYAKOV/REUTERS

Richard J. BrennanNational Affairs Writer

On his deathbed, Apple founder Steve Jobs stared into the future as he had so many times in life and uttered these final words, “Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow.”

LINK: STEVE JOBS COMMENCEMENT SPEECH AT STANFORD 2005 (15 MIN)

FROM THE LAST CHAPTER OF THE STEVE JOBS BIO BY WALTER ISSACSON:

One sunny afternoon, when he wasn’t feeling well, Jobs sat in the garden behind his house and reflected on death. He talked about his experiences in India almost four decades earlier, his study of Buddhism, and his views on reincarnation and spiritual transcendence. “I’m about fifty-fifty on believing in God,” he said. “For most of my life, I’ve felt that there must be more to our existence than meets the eye.”He admitted that, as he faced death, he might be overestimating the odds out of a desire to believe in an afterlife. “I like to think that something survives after you die,” he said. “It’s strange to think that you accumulate all this experience, and maybe a little wisdom, and it goes away. So I really want to believe that something survives, that maybe your consciousness endures.”He fell silent for a very long time. “But on the other hand, perhaps it’s like an on-off switch,” he said. “Click! And you’re gone.”Then he paused again and smiled slightly. “Maybe that’s why I never like to put on-off switches on Apple devices.”

Jayopsis: I have been thinking a lot about Steve Jobs... how can I not? I use an iphone/ipad/ and imac every day of my life. I bought his bio on ibooks and I listen to itunes all the time.

I have been grieving his loss... and my faith makes me shudder at the potential consequences of his life. Beautiful, creative, driven, admirable- but like any human... deep flaws... rebellion, refusal to acknowledge the source of all his extraordinary gifts, seemingly selfish, sometimes cruel.

To borrow a technique- what if I am wrong and Steve Jobs is much better that I have outlined (or how his bio presents him)- what if he only committed 3 sins a day? In 40 years he would have committed over 40,000.

If sin is no big deal- then no problem- right?

But sin is a big deal- all men leave a wake of hurt and mayhem behind- false promises, hurt relationships, dream killing, addiction enabling, heart breaking, and God hating words, attitudes, actions- both passive and active.

When Apple went public when he was 25, Steve Jobs was worth 256 million. When Pixar went public, his 80% share was worth 1.2 Billion!

But how much money can you pay to wipe away a debt of sin? How many good deeds can appease a life that looks at the sacrifice of the Son of God and says.. 'No Thanks'?

This is where atheists/agnostics/ and non-believers get critical and skeptical... "How dare you to judge! How can you condemn him?"

And I don't... I admire him. I miss him.

The ultimate question is- when a man stares into the dark abyss- what was in his possession to appease the True and Living God? What if Steve were wrong about the on/off switch?

See, at the root of the issue was Steve Job's determined fight for autonomy. His parents would ask him to not do something- He said "No- I will do what I want ..when I want" and he lived his life out that way. Dr's told him to get surgery and he said "No".

And that is ultimately what Hell is- the place where people place themselves for a life of looking at the universe and saying- 'No one will tell me what to do'.

C.S. Lewis said it much better:

Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others . . . but you are still distinct from it. You may even criticize it in yourself and wish you could stop it. But there may come a day when you can no longer. Then there will be no you left to criticize the mood or even to enjoy it, but just the grumble itself, going on forever like a machine. It is not a question of God 'sending us' to hell. In each of us there is something growing, which will BE Hell unless it is nipped in the bud.

I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful, rebels to the end; that the doors of hell are locked on the inside.All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened. And yourself, in a dark hour, may will [a grumbling] mood, embrace it. Ye can repent and come out of it again. But there may come a day when you can do that no longer. Then there will be no you left to criticize the mood...
—excerpted from The Problem of Pain and The Great Divorce, by C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), included in The Quotable Lewis, 1989 Tyndale

Ultimately, it is not for any of us to know for sure the eternal state of Steve Jobs. He stepped out of his body and into the presence of God. I fully trust God to be fair and loving, just and compassionate.

The question is still before the living- What can wash away my sin?

Christians for 2,000 years have had a consistent message- NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS.

What are you going to do with the question?

For more info on the Biblical view of Hell please visit this article by Tim Keller:
The Importance of the Doctrine of Hell

HUMILITY: An Open Gate to Grace

2011-11-15T08:10:00.001-06:00

Matthew 7:

21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

This is the passage I will be using to do the school wide devotional this Friday during our inservice. The theme for BCS this year is humility and have been asked to cover some aspect of the theme.

Speaking on humility is almost humorous- I can get real proud of my humility. I especially remember being asked to write a magazine article years ago for ACSI on teacher relationships and it was titled "The Heart of Humility" and when it came out- I WAS SO PROUD!

The above passage is a great pride tester. It is one of a few passages that create a sense of concern- a group of people who said 'Lord/Lord' but in the end are left out.

Some verses in the Bible are scalpels and some are sledgehammers, many offer healing and hope- but some are designed for pain and discomfort.

One pastor said, “My job is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted”.

So there are some powerful statements in Scripture that make us pause.. they don’t seem to fit... What is the purpose?

This particular passage is found within the famous Sermon on the Mount- a part of the gospels that you can read over and over your whole life and never seem to get it all. Its main message seems to be that religious leaders and institutions miss the mark of God's calling as soon as it becomes an outward show and not an inward disposition. The rituals of works righteousness is a compare and compete system that oppresses men and can actually inoculate them FROM the grace of God.

Sweet Jesus turns confrontational as he reveals how the Pharisee's of His day have turned God's good law into a spiritual status system.

And the key here is how the religious hypocrites respond to the Lord's critique.

In a word.... DEFENSIVE.

Christ says- 'Your heart is bad'.

And the sanitized dead man tries to self justify: "What!? Did I not do all this good stuff? I spoke up for you! I did many powerful things in YOUR NAME for pete's sake!"

Defending your record, demanding your rights, MAY be symptomatic of a proud and lost heart. Salvation by works says- “Look at what I have done” and Salvation by grace says, “Look at what I have done” but the answers and attitude is an eternity apart.

I deal with this some as the Dean of Students at BCS. The hardest cases are the ones where the student refuses to say that he has done no wrong. He is a victim... He has an excuse... the charges are false..he is misunderstood... the teacher is mean... and he rages at the punishment. These are the ones that break my heart and I patiently pray for God given repentance.

But nothing is sweeter than an honest and humble declaration- "I am so sorry, I messed up." Though there is still punishment.. there is grace and hope for transformation.

A beautiful letdown and a proper attitude of repentance and humility open the floodgates of God’s goodness and grace. Gospel awakening is generated in the fragile moments of brokenness. What is impossible with me is very much possible with God.

At that point we are not an outsider seeking to promote ourselves- but a son, begging the Father to forgive and trusting in Him to make it right.

But our first instinct is to hide in the garden, then deny, then blame, then alibi, then self justify...

What if Christ says- "Hey Pharisee's you are hurting and oppressing my people by making yourself powerful in self righteous, outward show."

And instead of saying- 'Lord, did we not feed the poor and adopt and do missions and go to church..."

We said- " Lord, I am so sorry that I always do it to make me look good. I'm so sorry that my heart is proud. I'm so sorry my heart is cold. ... I can even screw up the gospel message because my heart is so wicked."

Do you think Christ would say "Depart from me?"

I believe in that moment of true humility He would race to you and wrap His loving arms around you and say... I understand.. It's OK my son"

Don’t be afraid .... allow Christ to ‘cut the heart’.

The worse the bad news- the greater the good news.

The gospel message is that good and God is that great!

The bottom line is that Christ did what we cannot do. He suffered our pain and shame. If we rely on His record, if we rest in His work- if we make it about His name- and offer no claim or stake but His... then we drink and rejoice in the everlasting fountain of His goodness and love.

May we stop proclaiming our goodness and continue to praise HIS! It is a life changing... it is world changing...

The Creator in the Little Things

2011-11-11T08:11:00.001-06:00

It was in November of 2005.

I remember waking up on a cold morning and the darkness was nothing compared to the inner depression that pushed deep down in the cracks of my heart.

Most of my professional life has been involved with coaching and part of the darkness was still feeling the pain of an early end of the football season. It has always intrigued me how symbolic football is as a snapshot of life. The summer freshness, the youthful expectations, the time change - the season change - all pointing to a narrative of life to death.

But this was deeper and darker- On Tuesday Nov 1, 2005 I posted a blog called "Hurt"- and later on Nov 11, I posted these words in a blog called "Laboring in Vain":

I confess to You O Lord that I am powerless to do even 1 good thing. I cannot change a heart, I cannot build a family or a program- I desperately need You.

I am under some questiong now and results are not seen- Father- You must protect me, I cannot protect myself. I have stepped out and made decisions- these are mine and represent me.

In my deepest heart of hearts, I know I am doing right- I am willing to stand firm- but Lord- only You can change the hearts of parents and students in our school. I want to be Your man to stand for right- even if the whole world fights against me- If You are on my side- I will win.

It is dark- a winter of discontent- Lord I need the sunshine of Your smile- Only You can grant victory!

Sometime after that I was up and dressed for work- hurting, sad, lonely, doubting- and got in my old Mercedes Station Wagon- and drove in fog and darkness.

On the way to the school, I finally asked the darkest question out loud- "Father, what are you doing? I have moved my whole family and working as hard as a human can- but it seems so fruitless right now. I need help- I need to see you- I NEED to see you THIS MORNING"

The fog was thick- my radio was broken- it was bone chilling cold- the sun had just come up but was hidden in gray- I was in a crisis of faith.

I pulled around the front of our school and turned down to the football field house. I pulled up just in front of the garage entrance to our weight room. Turned off the key.. and.... I saw God.

We had a black chain link fence that went around the football stadium. And inside each of the cells of the chain link were hundreds of little spider webs. The fog had condensed in such a way that the invisible became visible.

I got out of the car and stared deeply into one of the webs. It was a perfect design. As was the next one... and the next one. These had been here for a long time- but the gray background and the dew covered silk threads were brilliantly outlined in complex, strong, and mosaic designs.

Then- a deep voice, unspoken, warmed a deep core in my being.

"I am here"

"I am always here- just as the webs have been here for weeks and weeks- you just don't see ME sometimes- but you need to walk by faith and not by sight."

It is the most intense experience with God I have ever had. It is my surest apologetic. I still remember the intensity of it 6 years later.

Do we see God in the little things?

The design of DNA? The beauty of a dewdrop? The detail of a clover?

The majesty of the mountains do no more to show the grandeur of the Creator than the dance of a water bug.

Let me ask you to thank God today for the little things. The warm steam of a good cup of coffee. A hug of your child. A happy tear of a grandpa. Music. Chocolate. A small red leaf. The symmetry of a crappie.

He quietly says... I AM HERE. No detail is beyond His care.

The Ignominious End

2011-11-08T11:17:00.001-06:00

"You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain." The Dark Knight

Just finished the Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson. This is the 2nd bio by this author (I read Albert Einstein) and am just as amazed at this one as I was with that one. What a writer!

The experience was so mesmerizing.... but I have to confess a dark sadness that crept over me as I read the latter end of the story. Watching Steve Jobs grow frail and weak under the attack of cancer- without any real assurance of the afterlife- was heart breaking.

Questions of death and especially how we die has always been on the forefront of my gospel awakening. I became a Christian after we experienced the loss of a high school classmate and I stood looking into the great chasm of the mysterious permanence and knew I was not prepared.

But reading about and watching people pass away over the course of my life has deepened my conviction of the glorious message of the gospel- a simple hope and a solid security.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Dylan Thomas- Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

It is quite OK to hate death- to despise cancer- to curse the curse- the key question is.... How do you approach death? Is it secure? Can you die with dignity?

I was first asked these questions by my spiritual mentor, Mr Bill Stegall, on a beautiful golf course on a brilliant fall day. Mr Stegall used to take me out, beat me in golf (he was in his early 70's and I was in my late 20's). During those rounds he would ask me questions... about marriage, the Bible, leadership, stewardship..etc. I would answer and he would clarify... every now and then he would say one word 'EXCELLENT' and I would feel a supreme satisfaction, like I had hit a home run to win the game.

One that beautiful day, Mr Stegall talked about the glory of the leaves changing for the Fall. And he hit me with the deepest question " Jay, all my friends are dying... these were men who built factories, developed businesses, led churches, strong men.. but now they just seem to wither like scattered leaves... so answer me this... How do you die with dignity?

I knew better than to give it a hasty or foolish response- "I'll have to think on that one Mr Stegall" and we played on.

ROMEO

Thou detestable maw, thou womb of death,
Gorged with the dearest morsel of the earth,
Thus I enforce thy rotten jaws to open,
And, in despite, I'll cram thee with more food!

There are some rather poor ideas in the world about this. This blog is named after the famous poem by William Cullen Bryant- THANATOPSIS (a view of death) that is the most futile and hopeless message that some men have. In that poem, Bryant says there is no life after death- you just die and get mixed back into the earth. Steve Jobs himself toyed with this idea... he likened it to an on/off switch. He even joked that maybe that is why he didn't like on/off buttons on his Mac products.

The sad reality though is that IF there is no life after death... then life has no real meaning. Thanatopsis agrees with this "and each on as before will chase his favorite phantom". The Bible agrees with this- Paul argues in I Corinthians 15 that "If there is no life after death... let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die".

If peasants, and Kings, and immoral, and young all go to the same end- why try to be unselfish? Why be noble? Why yield to any authority?

It was I Corinthians 15 where I found my answer for Mr Stegall......Paul says that there is a resurrection of the dead, found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Read the whole chapter sometime.

But death is a humiliation- we die in weakness and we are raised in glory.

I was on the golf course a few weeks later and Mr Stegall had not forgotten my assignment.

"Jay, have you been thinking about my question.. How do you die with dignity?"

"Yes Sir, I have... a lot."

"And?..."

"Well, Mr Stegall, I have been reading I Corinthians 15 and I don't think we die with dignity. Death is sin's last knockout blow- if we I've long enough we end in shame. We are a man once and a baby twice. Frail..weak...dependent.

But Paul makes it clear- we are sown in dishonor but we are raised in glory. We go down in shame, we are raised in victory. Christ has done so for us!

Our job is to fight like hell until that last dying breath, which is the great glorious trumpet call of God as He calls us home. If we die in Christ, we do die with honor."

He looked with deep eyes and a low voice.. EXCELLENT!

A few years later I held his hands and prayed. The robust 6'5 man of God had been withered by bone cancer, but he was ready for glory.

SIn causes ignominious ends- men get old and just slip away. No one escapes it. It happens to bodies, it happens to careers.

Joe Paterno, Tiger Woods, and Bobby Bowden all have faced or will face inglorious endings. The inevitable change is sad. It all fades in this life.

BUT.... there is hope. And that is why I never tire of telling the good news of Christ. Please reach out to Him while there is breath and a heart beat.

Longfellow said our heartbeats are muffled funeral marches to a grave. Do not go into that darkness, that mysterious realm of permanence without Jesus. The Lord of nail scarred hands- stretched out in love

Response to A Great Chapel at BCS

2011-10-25T19:12:00.000-05:00

To be honest- I let Tanner's message deeply challenge me: What lines do I need to be willing to cross to love Jesus more deeply and glorify God more?

C.S. Lewis mentions this in his book, Miracles:
An impersonal God- well and good.
A subjective God of beauty, truth, and goodness inside our own heads- better still.
A formless, life surging force...a power we can tap- best of all.

But God himself, alive, pulling at the other end of the cord, perhaps approaching at an infinite speed, the hunter, king, husband- that is quite another matter.....

There comes a moment when people who have been dabbling with religion suddenly draw back. Supposing we really found Him? We never meant to come to that! Worse still, supposing that He had found us?

This then is what we desire- we want to move beyond a historical or speculative faith into a saving faith. And the reality is this: it has to be a regenerative work of God's Spirit.

I thought it was interesting that B.B. Warfield saw value in the historical faith. He saw part of apologetics as staging the ground for saving faith. I see this in my work with students. I am not trying to argue them into the kingdom- I am actually demonstrating that my faith is reasonable. But mere reason will never produce saving faith just as writing/speaking about fatherhood serves as a substitute for the actual birth experience.

At some point- we ask that God intervene and pour out His Spirit on an individual and change their inclinations- a heart that responds in repentance and saving faith.

This is where I am the silliest- I prepare my chats- my words- my writings- my arguments- my analogies and stories- but how often do I pray? Have I ever fasted for it?

I end today with a sincere question- Do I want revival? It seems like a simple question. But I am not so sure. A.W. Tozer argued that a revival of the current Christianity would be a tragedy which would set the church back a hundred years.

So let me re-think this. What 'R' word do I want? Reformation? Renewal? Restitution? Revelation? Realization? Resolution?

No- let me start with regeneration. Lord, keep regenerating me- Holy Spirit empowered sight and hearing. Let this regeneration lead me to repentance. Let repentance lead me back to You! Then there will be reformation. Then there will be renewal. Then there may come revival. I will drink in deep refreshment!

Move our faith/ my faith off of the merely speculative or historical- I'm tired of 'holding to a form of godliness but denying the power' (2 Timothy 3:5).

Psalm 85:4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,and put away your indignation toward us! 5 Will you be angry with us forever?Will you prolong your anger to all generations? 6 Will you not revive us again,that your people may rejoice in you? 7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,and grant us your salvation.

How often I forget one of the most important prayer requests. How can I forget to cry out as the Psalmist here does? “Restore us please!”

As I pray this, I am reminded of God’s glory and His sovereignty. “Revival is a work of God where He enlivens His people by accelerating and intensifying His work in individual’s lives” (Jonathan Edwards). If enough people have this personal renewal at any one time and in any one place, then the reality of God’s presence is demonstrated in spiritual sensitivity and a community pursuit of holiness.

So as I pray this, I am reminded that revival begins in me.

Isaiah 64:1 Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,
that the mountains might quake at your presence—
2 as when fire kindles brushwood
and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
and that the nations might tremble at your presence!
3 When you did awesome things that we did not look for,
you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
4 From of old no one has heard
or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
who acts for those who wait for him.
5 You meet him who joyfully works righteousness,
those who remember you in your ways.
Behold, you were angry, and we sinned;
in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?

Do I really desire this? Is there not a sense of fear that God would actually do this? Is there not a subtle secret doubt that God actually can or will do this anymore?

J.I. Packer gave a lecture at a “Desiring God Conference” in 2003. He made some interesting points about the nature of revival that come from his study of the theology and thoughts of Jonathan Edwards.

#1 Revival is more about holy living than new conversions
#2 We cannot pray revival down – we cannot force God’s hand. It happens in His timing.
#3 Revival will not solve all of the churches problems. It can even create more!
#4 Revival is tied up in a deep desire to glorify God.
#5 Revival causes a deep repentance, responding in holy living, which draws outsiders in.

I ask that Saints everywhere join me in keeping this a regular request-

I was especially encouraged by the response today- students praying- confessing sin- and it was in the spirit of LOVE and not condemnation. A lot of hugs and 'thank-you's". I was really impressed. God is GOOD!

I saw a lot of genuine- gospel fueled- desire to glorify God- lift high HIS word- and not any man. Thanks students! You made my day!

You Have To Celebrate

2011-10-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning was just one of those God ordained days.....

I went to bed Friday night between 1 and 2- we had a great football win which clinched the region championship. The only tough part was seeing one of my dearest brothers coaching on the other sideline and coming to tears over how much I miss him. It was a beautiful sight to see our players, parents, and students giving him hugs and well wishes. It was fun to see he and his son talking to reporters about coaching against each other. So I went to bed with my heart full....

I slept late... almost 8:00! I woke up happy because for the first time since school started, I did not have Saturday school! But from the time I opened my eyes until the time I went to sleep on Saturday, I just celebrated... it is a stream of consciousness.. it goes in pieces like this.

My opening prayer almost every morning is Gal 2:20- "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." It is a reminder that this day is a gift and my life is a gift- how do people really live without the good news of the grace of God?

I started the morning on my front porch- a cool part of our new house. The weather was fantastic- the right temp- the right amount of freshening breeze- the right cup of coffee- and my ipad.. I read from an app called Glo Bible- the first chapter of Ephesians- there was a cool phrase that made me stop. "- to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ" (Eph 1:10B).

I then read a few chapters in "Hope Unseen" the story of Capt. Scott Smiley who lost his sight in Iraq. Amazing story!

The celebration continued as I started out a morning run- I had my iphone in ipod mode and every song hit me just right:

One inspiring song has always been Bruce Springsteen's My City of Ruins... when he starts singing 'Gonna Rise Up' and .."with these hands..with these hands I pray Lord, I pray for the grace Lord..." it gets me going.

I was taking in the glory of a fall morning- crisp air, the backdop of a blue sky, the leaves of color- breathing and sweating and praising the Creator of such glory and joy!

Mile 2 the song by Casting Crowns 'Let my lifesong sing to You'. Mile 3 had some fun songs by Journey and the Cars. Everything felt orchestrated by the Maestro- He wanted me to feast and revel in His goodness- to suck the marrow out of life- and it is only a taste of what will come one day...

Lisa joined me for miles 3-6. It was a good time of enjoying the day- even though the hill at mile 5 was tough.

We had a great lunch of fried chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, and Edgar's cookies for dessert!

Then it was off to Samford for a 2:00 football kick-off. The beautiful weather stayed perfect and the pageantry of college football on a manicured campus is always vibrant. Saw good friends- saw my daughter Julie smile as big as Texas as she cheered.

We picked up the Pita Stop for dinner- chicken and steak kabobs. I had DVR'd the Bama game. And loved fast forwarding through the commercials. Trent Richardson's run in the 3rd quarter was amazing!

And finally, this tired guy got in bed... the peace in my heart- the joy on my face. My evening prayer always ends with Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus."

Sunday morning... you get up excited to worship- how can I not?

I know that there are dark days that God ordains- I know there are just average days... but I loved every minute of last Saturday... You have to celebrate and you have to thank the Father... how can you not?

Thank you Lord for bringing it it all under the unity of Christ! I am a blessed man!