..:: Lampstands ::..

New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:31:00 +0000

The Lampstands blog has run its course. However, I have a new blog to take its place!

Please visit my new blog at http://bryankent.wordpress.com

Obama and Obedience: Paul's Take on the Presidency

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:44:00 +0000

We now have a new President of the United States. And regardless of our political persuasions, we must all be proud to live in a land like this one. A land where the people elect the governmental leaders. And now a land where the color of skin continues to fade in its importance.

But where is the conservative Christian standing at the moment? I am not ashamed to say that I did not and could not vote for President Obama. And yet, in the same breath, I am also not ashamed to stand behind him and my country in prayer, service and sacrifice. Is that a contradiction?

The Apostle Paul, in his deepest and most challenging letter (Romans) addressed how his view of a completely sovereign God meshed with everyday life and everyday politics. Here is a snippet...

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." Romans 13:1-2

For Paul, there was no "chance" in the establishment of a government. God stood behind all governments, using them to advance his kingdom and bring him glory. However, just having that knowledge was not enough. Paul obeyed his goverment. And why? Because, disobeying the government meant disobeying God, and disobeying God meant incurring the judgment of God.

For us, it is no different. We look to our government with respect and honor and obey them (excepting in extreme cases) as if we were obeying our Lord... for such we are! For more articles like this one, visit my blog... http://thelampstands.blogspot.com.

Feelings vs Facts: Interpreting the Bible... Even When it Hurts

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:29:00 +0000

"Preacher, I know what the Bible says. I respect your view on the Bible and I know that you have studied what it means. However, I just cannot agree that living with my girlfriend is wrong. I mean, does God not want me to be happy?"

These words are not made up. They were said to me some time ago in another ministry setting. However, just about every minister is faced with sentiment like this from time to time. The shocking part of this conversation is not the subject matter (fornication - sex outside of marriage). The shocking thing is that this is coming from a "committed Christian" who believes that his feelings somehow change the situation... they somehow trump scripture.

But what does that have to do with scripture interpretation? Well, it has everything to do with it. When we approach God's word, we naturally bring our own lives into focus. The Bible was breathed out by God (2 Tim 3:16) and sheds light on our shortcomings and God's glorious beauty.

However, when the Bible hits home in ways that inconvenience us, that is where we have problems. We can either agree with the facts of scripture, or we bring our emotions into the equation. Suddenly, before we know it, we let our feelings about a passage or command of scripture determine if we should follow it or not. Suddenly, our inner thoughts take authority and allow the commands of God to fall into the category of "divine suggestions."

In the coming months, I am pleased to lead our own church on a journey of Biblical Interpretation. The new "S-3 Class: Seeing and Savoring Scripture," will answer questions like...

Do we interpret every passage literally?
Do we still obey Old Testament Laws?
How do we understand prophecy?
Does every promise of God apply directly to me?

So, in essence we will move from feelings to the facts of scripture so that we can best honor the Lord we all claim to know and love. (Even when it hurts!)

Jesus and Geico: The Number 2 Reason Christians Don't Attend Church

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:30:00 +0000

I love the Geico commericals! From the Geco, to the Cavemen to the stack of money watching you, they certainly have some of the best commercials.

However, could you imagine Jesus doing a Geico commerical? You may think that is a bit far fetched, but in reality, our culture's view of Jesus consists of a Jesus with a great insurance policy to sell, but with no strings attached to the local company except in the case of an accident or tragedy. Kind of like a Jesus who offers salvation and doesn't want to cramp your style by insisting that you commit and serve in a local church.

That light hearted picture leads me straight to a question that needs to be answered. Why are so many "Christians" not in church?

The reasons appear to be as numerous as the sands of the sea. However, two basic reasons come to my mind (excepting legitimate medical and work interuptions). However, the answer is tied closely to the notion of Jesus as insurer instead of a sovereign Lord and Savoir.

1. First off, the number one reason that "Christians" do not come to church is that they are sinners. Just like everyone on the planet, believers sin. Sin is disobedience and clearly a Christian choosing not to attend and then commit to a local body of believers is akin to a Fish choosing to live on a sunbaked beach, rather than the cool waters he was created to live in.

2. The number two reason that "Christians" do not come to church is that they "believe" that Jesus died for their sins.

Shocking isn't it.

Now, before you write me off as a heretic, bear with me for a moment. Believing that Jesus died for our sins is a crucial step in salvation. However, just because we "believe" in an historical figure named Jesus and that he offers a free gift of grace does not mean that we have been born again. Yes, the gospel is a simple message of love and forgiveness. However, it is also the unveiling of God's mysterious plan and sovereign grace. Simply knowing some factual truths about God is not enough, for even demonic powers would agree (James 2:19).

Sadly, in our current day and time, Jesus is simply another form of insurance to have in the back pocket. Policy holders are insured but they must commit to little else. And the belief is all you need. No need for obedience or service or sharing your faith with your family and friends. And certainly no need for seeing Jesus as God in the flesh and authority over every part of your life. Think about it, does your insurance company ask you to attend meetings, serve others, forgive the deepest offenses, obey commands without questioning and read their policy manual for daily instruction on living?

For more details and a further defense of this topic, take a moment and listen to a recent podcast concerning this crucial issue.

Spiritual Buffet? Forcing Religion or Training in Righteousness: What the Left Wants You to Do

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:40:00 +0000

Imagine this scene in your home… “Ok, kids, everyone get out their Qur’an, Talmud, Bhagavagita, and their Bibles and we will have family devotions.”

What is wrong with this picture? Absolutely nothing (if you are on the left side of reality). However, if you are like me, the last thing I would include in my family devotions is content from any other source than the perfect inspired word of God.

However, what if we are actually hurting our kids and keeping them from other forms of truth? A recent editorial in the Washington post suggested this very notion. Leslie Morgan Steiner wrote the following.

So I wonder: Does religious freedom apply within the nuclear family? Other than
tradition passed down within male-dominated cultures where wives and children
were considered chattel of men, why do modern parents believe we hold the right
to force our children to practice certain religious beliefs? Why don't we expose
our children to multiple religions without picking one, and them let them decide
for themselves as adults -- as we do with most important decisions, such as
careers, spouses and where to live? 1

So there you have it! Your kids need a spiritual buffet, not the bread of life. Folks, Satan would like nothing more than for us to believe that we hurting our children by limiting their spiritual intake to God’s word. A Jesus himself said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger; and whoever believes in me shall never thirst (John 6:35).” Seems as if Jesus missed out on the Left-handed agenda. (Perhaps we should too!)

For more on training your children, click on the archived articles for September and October.

Surgery Update: Caroline Kent

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:00:00 +0000

Hello everyone from Louisville, KY. We are now resting comfortably at the home of Jonny & Amy, our dear friends from Jeffersonville, IN. Caroline's surgery was successful and an answer to all of our many prayers. Thank you for standing beside us in this time of need! As well, thanks for all of your encouraging cards and gifts and especially the financial support from our wonderful church family at Fishery Community Church in Erwin, TN.

The surgery went extremly fast and was MUCH LESS INVASIVE than previously thought. Below are pictures of the procedure that took place in the right and left legs. Two plates and four screws were inserted in all. Previously, we had anticipated "eight" plates to be inserted. However, that was a miscommunication as it was not "eight" in quantity but "eight" in description of the plate shape. Wow, we were so relieved before the surgery when we found this out!

You will see below that the procedure was fairly simple and was accomplished by placing screws on either side of the growth plates in her thigh bone as it met the knee. This procedure will force the weak and underdeveloped side of the end of the bone to develop further while restricting the growth of the overdeveloped side. In essence, it will simply balance out the bone development over the next year so as to ensure proper long term development.

That is all for now. Caroline just fell asleep, but just before she went to bed, we are excited to say that she sat up and put some weight on both legs! That is simply awesome!

Grace to you all from the Kent's

Blog Repost: Better Than Whoville: The Lord's Supper Now... A King's Feast Forever.

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:00:00 +0000

"And they'll feast and they'll feast and they'll feast, feast, feast, feast. They'll feast on Who pudding and rare Who roast beast. Ahhh, roast beast is a feast I can't stand in the least!"
~ The Grinch

The last thing that I normally think of when considering the Lord's supper is the feast in Dr. Seuss' classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. However, recently that changed. After learning about the atmosphere surrounding the Lord’s supper in Corinth I was shocked, not just at their misplaced revelry, but also at our own misplaced morbidity. You see, in Whoville and in Corinth at least they knew how to feast! Sadly though, I believe we have forgotten what it means to celebrate in Christ's church.

The problem is... most of us do not think of the Lord's Super as a feast. It often looks more like a funeral than a festive occasion and we tend to frown more than we smile. But that should not be! When Paul was writing his first letter to Corinth he was upset because their experience of the Lord's Supper looked a whole lot more like a college keg fest than a celebration of the Lord's supper.

But, I believe that Paul would be just as upset at us. We are silent and solemn while eating stale crackers. We hang our heads while drinking from miniature cups containing lukewarm grape juice. Could it be that we are just as far away from the truth as Corinth was? Maybe our solemn assemblies around the body and blood of the Lord are missing something. Maybe they are missing the attitude and actions surrounding a family feast!

Take a moment and listen to a recent sermon podcast "Better Than Whoville," in the blogamp below. May our celebrations of Communion in Christ bring more glory to his name... and become more like a feast (even a feast in Whoville)!

King Solomon... a Modern Liberal? How the Wisest Man Was Reduced to a Fool.

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:28:00 +0000

The election is almost over. And obviously I am not in favor of any candidate that will not protect the freedom of ALL AMERICANS whether they are born or unborn... and thus I personally cannot support Senator Barack Obama. Yes, I am proud to say that there is indeed a "litmus test" for this evangelical and would encourage all true Christ followers to embrace a political outlook where a stance on abortion begins and ends the conversation.

However, even when the election is over, we as Christians must recognize that whoever is our President will have been both established by and is under the direction of... a completely Sovereign God. Allow these verses to encourage you...

Romans 13:1 ESV Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Proverbs 21:1 ESV The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;
he turns it wherever he will.

Are we living in unique times? Sure. But, as much as we believe we are completely without parallel in the halls of history, we can look through the pages of the Bible and find days remarkably similar to our present times. The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is "nothing new under the sun (Eccl 1:9)." In fact, if we look closely, we may find to our surprise that King Solomon might have embraced some ideals in the current democratic platform. Could it be that King Solomon may even have supported... Senator Barack Obama?

A quick look at 1 Kings 11 sadly reveals how the great King of Israel, blessed by God as the wisest ever to live (1 Kings 3:11-12), played the fool later in life. But, if we look at his policy, we find some details that are strangely similar to modern liberalism. Here is the passage and some thoughts...

1 Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, "You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods." Solomon clung to these in love. 3 He had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. 4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not wholly follow the LORD, as David his father had done. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. 8 And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods. ESV1 Kings 11:1-8

Solomon married "many" foreign women. This is a direct act of disobedience to Deuteronomy 17:14-20.
Solomon's "clung" to these in love. One commentator remarked that this affection is directed not towards the women, but actually the countries (and by implication political alliances) that wives came from.
Solomon allowed his wives to turn his heart away from God toward the other gods. A political tie resulted in a theological shift. A theological shift then resulted in a polytheistic political policy (enter the words 'politically correct' or 'tolerant' here). This policy is well respected today among the masses, but not by a jealous God.
Solomon's embrace of the polytheism then lead to embracing their own religious practices and establishing them alongside of the worship of the God of Israel. Solomon's establishment of pagan sacrifices and rituals resulted in not only the destruction of true worship in Israel, but also the destruction of the family. How you say? Well, the cultic sacrificial system and temple worship for the gods/goddesses mentioned above included everything from temple prostitution to infanticide (sacrificing babies for the blessing of the gods).

Modern liberalism navigates a similar course...

There is no regard for an absolute supreme God in this theological scheme. A "supreme being" may be acknowledged by some, but "it" is barely more than a generic geriatric force in the sky. Nameless and powerless is the way liberals like this god... unless they prefer that he not exist at all!
A sense of worldwide unity that embraces ALL of the cultures of the world on equal grounds is a hallmark of today's liberalism. Solomon clung to "these" alliance and so do we. However, these cultures are not encouraged to take hardline absolute stances like Biblical Christianity. After all, what is more offensive than an absolute truth (insert sarcasm here).
A liberal worldview is a theological worldview. Thus, the lenses of faith are adjusted to see not 20/20 but ∞/∞. Infinite gods, infinite ways to worship, infinite altars of truth, infinite sources of truth (except for Biblical truth that is).
Liberalism at its core exalts the individual. After all, the individual defines and defends its own self generated truth. As such, individuals must be protected from the evils of this world that seek to conquer its rights. With the exaltation of the individual the following are then attacked: Absolute truth systems, religious stipulations that creep in and restrain personal pursuits of pleasure, and of course the family which cramps the style and interferes with the ultimate goal of life - the pleasure of the self.

In the end, Solomon's reign casts a dark shadow not only upon the history of Israel, but also on the future of our own country. Will our end be different? Only time will tell.

For more, listen the podcast "King Solomon... a Liberal: 1 Kings 11:1-13" in the blogamp to the left.

"Forcing" Religion or Guarding from the "Dark Side": The Catechistic Worldview - Intentionally Decrypting the Dark Side

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:58:00 +0000

In StarWars Episode III, a dark conversation takes place between Anakin Skywalker and Chancellor Palpatine. Anakin finds Palpatine at a Cirque de Soleil type event and Palpatine seizes the moment to call into question everything that the young Jedi believes about good and evil. The Chancellor (the evil Sith Lord incognito) darkens Anakin's worldview by suggesting that good and evil were mere perspectives - ideas that were not concrete or absolute. How subtle, yet how damaging. Soon, Anakin would abandon good and turn to evil in his thirst to control his own destiny and the destiny of those he cared for.

Things could have been different for the young Jedi - but afterall we are just talking about a movie... not real life, right? In many ways, this story presents a modern day tale which mimicks the Genesis 3 reality. Time will not permit for a complete analysis of the events in Eden, however, one aspect is worth noting. In both the fictional StarWars and the historical Genesis account, a worldview is attacked. And, both end in tragedy. Both sets of main characters, good and evil are pushed to define and defend their worldview. Anakin defends the Jedi and yet is ultimately defeated. Adam and Eve defend God's decrees and yet are defeated as well. Both enemies, Palpatine and the Serpent employ not full scale warfare but silky smooth erosive words. We see it coming from a mile away and scream for the characters to run and hide or stand and fight. The problem is, in our own lives we are no better off and before we know it, our "houses of faith" (home and church) fracture with and eroded foundation.

So what's a family to do? Catechize! Again, this fancy word need not be scarry. The word comes right from the Bible itself and means to teach or instruct by word of mouth.1 In 1 Corinthians 14:19-20 Paul writes, "Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature." Paul here uses the word "instruct" or "katecheo" from which our word catechize is transliterated from. So, a "catechistic worldview," is simply a worldview achieved through instruction.

Then comes the question, "Is it the role of parents to pass on their relationship with Christ to their children?" The implications here are far reaching. In a recent Washington Post editorial/blog, Leslie Morgan Steiner answered that question with a resounding (and unsurprising, bewildering and politically correct) "No!" Let's listen and then dissect Steiner's comments.

So I wonder: Does religious freedom apply within the nuclear family? Other than tradition passed down within male-dominated cultures where wives and children were considered chattel of men, why do modern parents believe we hold the right to force our children to practice certain religious beliefs? Why don't we expose our children to multiple religions without picking one, and them let them decide for themselves as adults -- as we do with most important decisions, such as careers, spouses and where to live?2

Wow, how is that for parenting?! Here is what Steiner is actually saying and then also what she is implying.

What she is saying.

Religious Freedom in a family exists and should be guarded.
All religions lead to the same road. (Explain that one to Bin Laden please - right now I am considered an infidel. I guess I should teach my children they are infidels as Christians one day and then they are not as Muslim's the next day).
Instructing in religion should include all known religions and each religion should be given equal footing. (Make sure you throw Satanism in, OK Margaret! I would love to know how your Jewish/Protestant household plans to teach and perhaps practice rape and murder.)
Religious decisions are no different from decisions on careers and marriages.

What she is implying.

Religion is inherently oppressive in nature.
There are no absolutes. Religious claims are at best noble paths to follow and suggestions on how to live our our secular lives.
Religions are noncontradictory in nature. What kind of strange religious land does Steiner live in? In advocating religious instruction in all religions so that by adulthood a child could make the "best" decision, all Steiner is doing is both showing her ignorance of her own incompatible "dual" faith and her gross lack of research of other religions. Most are aware of Jesus' own words (all apologies to the Jesus' Seminar), " John 14:6 - 6 Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" However, a lesser known and less quoted passage is even more radical and exclusionary. " In John 8:58, Jesus claims both to have existed before Abraham and even more striking that this existence was not just about being old, but being actually being God himself. " 58 Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'" So, sorry Margaret, but not only does your own dual faith contradict itself, but both of these faiths exclude each other and all others.
Religious decision making is a preference level belief, not a matter of eternity. Yes, it is true that some religious systems do not account for an afterlife (Atheism, Science, etc.,). However, the existence of these contradictions (see above - by the way) should give the careful parent pause. After all, it is a matter of life and death.

So, with all that said we actually arrive back at the focus of this article: catechizing or instructing our children intentionally. When we instruct our children in a systematic way, we also arm them with an invaluable tool: decryption. So, when messages come to them both in word or in implication, they are able to decrypt and deconstruct the message. So unlike Anakin Skywalker, when the evil emperor of this world comes with a subtle message, they can fight back.

And with that, we answer our original question with "Yes! By all means should we be instructing our children in the ways of the Lord." And what better way than to systematically cover the core beliefs of our faith through a resource like Nettles' A Catechism for Boys and Girls.

May God draw our little ones' hearts to him through carefully teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Younglings and the Darkside: Part II - When Jedi Masters Need to Learn Lessons Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:31:00 +0000

In part two of our training session for little ones, we would do well to accomplish two things. First, I want to introduce a second section of the Catechism for Boys and Girls. However, the most important aspect in training others is our own firsthand knowledge of the subject. So, grab your light sabres and get ready for a lesson for you and your little ones.

Questions 6-10 from the Catechsim for Boys and Girls by Tom Nettles

Q. Are there more gods than one?
A. There is only one God (Deut. 6:4; Jer. 10:10; Mk. 12:29; Acts 17:22-31).

Q. In how many persons does this one God exist?
A. In three persons (Mt. 3:16, 17; Jn. 5:23; 10:30; 14:9, 10; 15:26; 16:13 -15; 1 Jn. 5:20, 2 Jn. 9; Rv. 1:4, 5).

Q. Who are they?
A. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2; Jude 20, 21).

Q. Who is God?
A. God is a Spirit, and does not have a body like men (Jn. 4:24; 2 Cor. 3:17; 1 Tim. 1:17).

Q. Where is God?
A. God is everywhere (Ps. 139:7 -12; Jer. 23:23,24; Acts 17:27,28).

What is our goal here? As in section one of the Catechism in last Friday's blog (see below), the goal is to begin with and form a spiritual foundation for our children with God. Beginning with God is crucial as everything we know about the world and about ourselves is derivative from the source of all truth: God.

Lets unpack section one a little further. In question three a child is directed toward a theological premise that most have difficulty answering "why are we here on earth?" For centuries, people have been searching for the "meaning of life." Sadly, however, when the foundation of scripture is abandoned the only place to build is on the sand of speculation and individually defined truth. Trips to see the Dali Lama are parodied on sitcoms, cartoons and movies, as the masses seek to understand their existence through the eyes of a wise man. However, God's words in scripture set the course for us and for our little ones. We are here for a reason - for God's glory.

Now, on the surface that may appear to be an elementary concept, yet it is perhaps one of the most misunderstood biblical concepts in our day. Clarifying this for our children is certainly a must, yet do we as parents know and live this out? Can we really say we live each day for the glory of God and not for our own purposes, agendas and pleasure? Our country is awash in post-modern thought that directs all thoughts, actions and agendas to one place: ourselves. Our world believes If if it feels good to me, pleases me, advances me and helps me succeed, it must be right. Yet, not only are we an improper source for the definition of right and wrong (what happens when I feel like I should hurt you because it would benefit me - and you fell like I shouldn't - who wins?), we also become an improper receptacle for honor, praise and glory.

So, when training our children (and retraining our own minds) we must begin with God and our own place in His universe. With God as creator and his glory as our aim we immediately see the stark contrast between a biblical worldview and a secular post-modern view of our lives. We rightly subject ourselves, our thoughts, our actions and our goals to the biblical test of God's glory. If it is does not ring true with God's glory, we may be assured that whatever "it" is, we should avoid it and direct our lives Godward.

Younglings and the Dark Side: Training in the ways of the "Force" Part One

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:44:00 +0000

The emperor is ready, starships have been deployed, galactic troops are coming. What are you going to do Master Jedi?

It is fun and a little exciting to think about actually receiving a message like this. Grabbing your light sabre, jumping in a starship and racing to the aid of the galaxy. I'll admit that I would really jump at the chance to be a Jedi knight. Man, what a blast that would be (no pun intended)!

Well, as much as you and I like to dream about those realities, the fact of the matter is that we actually ARE in such a battle. George Lucas' STARWARS vision is understandably fiction and not based on scripture. That was not his intent. However, what is striking is how similar Lucas really was to the cosmic truth revealed in the Bible. No there is not an impersonal "force" mediated through "medicloreans" that is neutral on the issue of good and evil. However, our story in Christ is far more like an epic battle in the heavens than the milk-toast, watered down, wimpy, emasculated, effeminate Christian life that our churches have been producing (more on that later!!!).

Listen to the cosmic STARWARSesque words of Paul...

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ- by grace you have been saved- 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ESV Ephesians 1:3; 18-22; 2:4-7; 3:9-10; 6:12 [Bold and Italics mine]

So, what is a Christian to do? How about starting with embedding and emblazening upon the minds of our children that our life here on earth is about something far greater, far more powerful and glorious, far more infinite and terrible (yes, I said that), far more holy and just than we could ever imagine. Yes, we start with God and we start with good Jedi-like training for our younglings.

The first round begins with the first 5 points in the "Catechism for Boys and Girls" written by Tom J. Nettles and found in the info below.

Q. Who made you?
A. God made me (Gn. 1:26, 27; 2:7; Ec. 12: 1; Acts 17:24-29).

Q. What else did God make?
A. God made all things (Gn. 1, esp. verses 1, 31; Acts 14:15; Rm. 11:36; Col. 1:16).

Q. Why did God make you and all things?
A. For his own glory (Ps. 19: 1; Jer. 9:23, 24; Rv. 4:11; 4:15).

Q. How can you glorify God?
A. By loving him and doing what he commands (Ec. 12:13; Mk. 12:29-31; Jn. 15:8-10; 1 Cor. 10:31).

Q. Why ought you to glorify God? A. Because he made me and takes care of me (Rm. 11:36; Rv. 4:11; cf. Dan. 4:39).

Why not start right here? Why not take a month and ask these questions and review them with your children at the dinner table or at bedtime? What a glorious thing to do to begin training your little one to have a worldview that sees life for what it really is, a battle for the souls for men and women, boys and girls. A battle that is for keeps... for eternity.

May God grant us all grace in the training of our younglings.

Information for this article was taken from the following sources:

http://founders.org/library/childcat.html

["Teaching Truth, Training Hearts" by Dr. Tom J. Nettles. ISBN# 1-879737-38-0]

Link Dr. Nettles' bio on the SBTS website: http://www.sbts.edu/Academics/Faculty/Theology/Thomas_Nettles.aspx

Younglings and the Dark side: Training and Terror in the Kingdom of God.

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:05:00 +0000

In the final chapter of the Star Wars epic (Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith) my heart was dashed upon the rocks as I witnessed the darkest moment of the six movies: Anakin Skywalker slaughtering the little Jedi children. It was almost too hard to watch.

Since then I have reflected on the force this dark scene many times. On the one hand it is almost too hard to believe. On the other hand, it was absolutely necessary (if you are a Sith, that is). Deadly and dangerous was the cosmic battle "long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away." Jedi versus Sith... The Good side of the force versus the Dark Side.

The same is true in our homes as well. No, I do not have a light sabre (although I wish I had one). But I do possess the sword of the Spirit... and with it I am called to wage war against the sins of the flesh (Rom 8.13) and also to train up my own little "Jedi" warriors to be mighty in the faith.

The Jedi had it right - it was life and death. In fact, they had a program for detecting children who were sensitive to the force, and after identifying them at the youngest possible age, they trained them in the ways of the force. Not a bad model for the Christian home. Except unfortunately we are not sure where to start.

In my the coming weeks, I am going to begin looking at a resource every parent should have in their home. In fact, you can print it off for free right here (click the link below).

http://founders.org/library/childcat.html

But I warn you, the word Catechism brings up some strange notions that you may need to put aside. And put aside you will, because you and I both know that if we do not train our children, the evil emperor (not named Palpatine - but Satan) will seek them out to destroy them.

May God grant us the intentionality to train our children in His ways. May Deuteronomy 6 be evident in my home.

Deuteronomy 6:4-15 4 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 10 "And when the LORD your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you- with great and good cities that you did not build, 11 and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant- and when you eat and are full, 12 then take care lest you forget the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 13 It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. 14 You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you, 15 for the LORD your God in your midst is a jealous God, lest the anger of the LORD your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth.

Shackles of Freedom... How the Restrictions of Scripture Bring Freedom.

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:46:00 +0000

You know, the idea that we need to "free" ourselves from restrictive ideas and thoughts (about women's roles, sexuality, homosexuality, etc.,) did not begin in the 1960's and '70's.

The quest for freedom and the urge for personal independence began just after the world was created. When Adam failed to protect eve in the garden and when Eve failed to see through serpent's deception, mankind leaped into the roaring waters of self worship and self pleasure. A wellspring from the depths of Satan's mind that knows no bottom to its idolatrous cravings.

That is where we are today, with our thirst for "identity" and "self actualization." We once found our identity as we were identified by our creator. Now, having turned from the glory of God to the glory of self (Rom. 1) society simply reinvents, repackages and resells the same wheel of death. Can't you hear the words... "did God really say?" (Gen 3).

That's why a focus on the limits, boundaries, restrictions of Scripture is so vital for us today. In Sunday's sermon, I spoke on how the world views the commands of scripture. So often, even as believers, we fall prey to the same lies that Adam failed to resist and Eve failed to discern. We see the commands of scripture as preventing us from being all that we can be, experiencing the best of this world and living out our wildest dreams.

We could not be more mistaken. As the Psalmist writes...

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. ~ Psalm 19:7-11

Turn and embrace the Commands of God (not to earn favor with Him). Through Christ's perfect life and death, we see the commands of God as holy boundaries and protections of His providence - enclosing around us so that God receives worship and we become more like Christ.

To listen to the message: click on the Blogamp above or visit the iTunes store and search for "Fishcasts with Pastor Bryan L. Kent."

Blessed Assurance... Jesus IS Mine: Eternal Security From John's Perspective.

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:31:00 +0000

In preaching through 1 John, I have personally been overwhelmed and overjoyed to discover John's perspective on salvation. John wastes little communicating both positive affirmations of truth and not-so-positive renunciations of lies that ensnare and enslave believers. (To listen - click on the blogamp above or visit iTunes and type in "Fishcasts with Bryan L. Kent.")

A summary of the statements John makes regarding our security in salvation in 1 John chapters 1 & 2.

1 John 1:3 "...and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." Here John boldly proclaims his assurance that he and the other apostles are now in "fellowship," with the Father and the son. This is not to be taken lightly. John's wishes for his own since of security to be transfered to his readers (as we will see).
1 John 1:7, 9 "7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.... 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." What a promise! John here demonstrates that our walking with and confessing of our sins are tied into the faithfulness of Christ.
1 John 2:1 "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Here, John makes the point that the message of the gospel is transformative in our lives to enable us to overcome sin. Yet, if we fail, we have one who stands at our side, our Advocate, Jesus Christ!
1 John 2:5-6 "...but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." Blessed assurance - God is perfecting his love in his children - a terminology that underscores our reliance upon the grace of God. And, we can be "sure we are in him," as we walk and talk like Christ!
1 John 2:12-14 "12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one." I was unable to get to this part of the passage in a recent sermon, but this is too good not to comment on. Look at the assurance John provides here. "Your sins ARE forgive... you KNOW him... you have OVERCOME the evil one... you KNOW the Father... you KNOW him who is from the beginning."

What a hope for us - what a joy that springs from the knowledge of the faithfulness of God to hold on to us!

The hymn by Fanny Crosby says it all...

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior, all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Please Tell Me Grandma... A Dad gets to brag on his mom and his kids!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:54:00 +0000

Everyone once in a while a great book comes along that you just have to read. However, rarely does one come into print that features artwork from your daughters and content from your Mother!

(Ok, indulge me just a bit of son-ly and father-ly pleasure for just a moment!)

Recently, my mom published her first children's book Please Tell Me Grandma... Why The Sky is Blue. And if I was not proud enough of that, I also received great joy when simple pictures my girls had sent to grandma (their cousins too!) were included as illustrations in the book.

This book is a treasure to my family and one that will live on for generations. Here is a link and description from the publishing house. Click on the picture to buy the book.

Let your children learn and appreciate God’s boundless love, in author Kay Kent’s Please Tell Me Grandma why the sky is blue. Share the simple, endearing, and heartfelt message of this colorfully illustrated picture book to your little ones. With its easy question-and-answer dialogue, kids will readily understand it and relate to the story. Show them the world’s beauty and wonder, and its many amazing things. Express your care and encouragement to your children as you enjoy a heartwarming and uplifting reading time with them. This surely is a perfect gift for grandparent, parents, expectant mothers, and the little ones.

One thing I certainly remember from my childhood was reading books with mom from the Library. We have carried on that tradition with our kids as well. However, I never thought I would have the honor and pleasure of reading a Christ centered story that brings glory to God and directs little ones to him... FROM MY OWN MOM! What a joy!

I hope you will enjoy it too! May God bless you all and keep reading to your little ones. As Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14.

Father's Day Reflections and a message at Fishery Community Church

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:51:00 +0000

Father's day is a special time in the Kent family. However, this year, Father's day had a much different flavor to it as we were struggling with the news of my dad's battle with a brain tumor and lung cancer. You look at life a little differently and you begin to treasure every moment with the ones you hold so dear.

This picture is one that brings back many memories of times with my dad. Here, I am winning (with the help of my dad, of course) my first and only fishing tournament. Catching fish with dad on Lake Hartwell - what more could a little guy ask for?

Anyway, please keep Dad in your prayers as he enters a difficult stage in his walk with Christ. It is easy to walk with things get hard - but when the tide turns is when the men are separated from the boys. And I know my dad is going to walk through this with his faith in tact and his eyes on Christ.

Here is my Father's day message from Fishery Community Church. I pray that it encourages you to see Fatherhood through the eyes of God - the author and designer of all things in Fatherhood.

Click on the logo and then listen to Ephesians 6:4.

Grace to you all,

Bryan L. Kent

Graduation day Comes!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:21:00 +0000

Well, finally after 6 years, Tonia has what she really deserves - a husband with a new degree!

What was begun in June 2002 is now complete, on Friday, May 16th, I finally completed (through the Grace of God alone) my Masters of Divinity in Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth.

What a blessing to have a wife that would stand beside me!

Special thanks also go to my parents, Harry and Kay Kent and my parents-in-law Ray and JoAnn White! Their constant support, prayers and love were unmistakably powerful during this journey.

Finally, a special thanks to Oak Park Baptist Church and Fishery Community Church. Oak Park allowed me to minister for the last 5 years as Worship Minister and then as a Pastoral Intern over Small Groups. Fishery Community church now has recognized the call on my life and has called me as Pastor - a trust I do not take lightly.

May God receive all the praise!

Saying Goodbye to the CMDA Family...

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:16:00 +0000

On Sunday night, May 4th, Tonia and I were expecting to say goodbye to the Senior graduates of CMDA. However, this year's "Senior Send-off" ended up with some extra sending off of our family.

Although not expected, it was a sweet time of fellowship and a time to remember and cherish six years of ministry in Louisville.

In this picture, (from left to right) Cheryl Chacko and Kelly Faber hold a gift basket and signed picture frames of the CMDA students. On the right, Danny Pike and Clint Tucker surround Tonia and the girls with more pictures frames.

It is hard to express just how thankful we are for that incredible display of love and affection. Dr. Madeline Hicks, even made a movie with pictures through the last six years. It was a great night.

Thank you to everyone in the CMDA family, for making the last six years ones we will never forget!
(Pictured here from left to right - Drs. Andrew Dill, Gerry Larson, Rob Schroering and Paul Boyd)

Baby Mama: Funny Commedy or Subtle Blow to the Family?

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:22:00 +0000

This weekend, you and the rest of the US will be able to view a new movie about family in America. The reality is, it is both spot on commentary of Hollywood's view of the family and a warning of what will be the majority view... sooner than you think.

Here is a link to the Foxnews.com for the video commentary.
So, after viewing the video there are a couple of things that come to mind.

Families are defined by God not by man: A man and a wife come to together to form one flesh and become a family. Then, God either grants or does not grant children naturally. Surrogacy is not a biblical option. And don't think it is absent from the Bible. Abraham, Sara and Hagar are involved in a twisted plot that subverts God's plan in an attempt to fulfill God's supernatural plan through natural means.
Plausibility Factors (with all credit to Dr. James Parker of SBTS for my knowledge on this subject): What is happening in this video as with most of the movies we see out of Hollywood, is that subtlety is the way to go when convincing someone of your view. Hollywood could easily launch a movie entiled "Destroy All Families and Create a New Alternative Lifestyle World." However, you and I know that it would not sell. But, why not create movies that inch closer to the ultimate goal one small step at a time. Create movies and TV shows that slowly normalize what we once saw as radically opposite to the glory of God. In other words, MAKE IT PLAUSIBLE for families to create children through other means than the natural means given by God. Create an environment where it is becoming more and more NORMAL for the family to NOT be like the equation below...

Family = one man + one woman + one lifetime

Hope for those with broken hearts, empty arms and childless cribs: The above points may sound like a cruel, insensitive, outdated and narrow minded view of the world. If so, may I provide one last thought. I am not denying or pretending that those with infertility problems should just "get over it." I am saying that this fallen world with its ability to rip our hearts our daily should cause us, not to take things into our own hands, but to pause and turn God-ward. Consider, if you would the opportunity you DO have to care for countless children who do not currently have homes. Offer your brokenness to God as an offering and your home as a place for God to fill with a child, that may not have come into the world through you and your spouse, but came into the world and needs a home.

So, where does a family like this turn... practically?

Adoption
Foster Parenting
Hope in Christ

Family pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:36:00 +0000

Elevators and the Elevation of Faith: The Gospel is the Conclusive Factor in Faith - Not Circumstances.

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:22:00 +0000

Trapped in an elevator for 41 hours!

Well, I am not sure if you saw this, but if not - you will be amazed. ABC news reported yesterday (actually re-reported) on a story that took place many years ago.

Here is the link... http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4693843&affil=wrtv

After viewing this video I got to thinking. (Yes, I know that is a dangerous thing for me!)

Many of us have this mistaken notion that when tragedy strikes or when we are faced with dire circumstances that we will turn to God. Moreover, our view of the gospel is revealed by our lack of desire to share Christ, because deep somewhere inside, we feel, we hope, we think that God will balance everything out in the end and we will slide across the finish line of the pearly gates.

But is that the message of Christ?

No, as the man in this video recounts, he did in fact (as a non-religious person) pray and call out to a "higher power." And at first we say "Yes! See, he turned to God." But did he really? By all indications, this nice gentleman is still non-religious and this brief interlude was only a blip on his religious radar screen.

So, what is the point? Well, this blog is focused on calling believers to being true "lampstands." As such, lampstands reflect light not only into Christian culture, but secular as well. In reality, Mr. White stands unchanged and in need of the grace of Christ. And, that only happens through the power of the gospel. God can and indeed does use circumstances. However, circumstances without a verbal proclamation of the message of Christ are simply that... circumstances.

Listen to Paul...

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17

Here we see the truth. Tragedy and or dire circumstances do not change us. Only the gospel does, as it is ...

God's means of Change
God's offer of righteousness through faith

May God help all of us to trust and obey now, and not "wait," until circumstances or events provide the right timing. In reality, obedience delayed is not obedience at all...

7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
Psalm 95:7-9

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Where is Erwin?

OK, for those not presently in Erwin, TN, I thought I would give you a quick picture of where God has called us.

Tonia's daddy grew up on this land - not a bad place to be called... huh?

Here is a verse that comes to mind when I think of Mountains like these...

6 Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here am I." 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Isaiah 52:6-7

Why lampstands?

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan L. Kent) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:25:00 +0000

So, welcome to the blog!

This blog is meant to encourage and equip believers in light of Revelation 2:1-7. The letter to the church at Ephesus contains this rebuke and specific warning from Jesus...

I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Revelation 2:1-7 ESV

So, what does this mean?

Well, that is the focus of this blog in the coming days, to understand this message and equip the church to do the "works" required so that the lampstand is not removed!