OBC South Blog

Is Jesus the end? or the Means to the end?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:37:30 -0600

There are a lot of ‘reasons’ that people come to Christ, but there is really only one reason that people truly come to Christ. The issue comes down to what you do with Jesus.

Some folks see Jesus as a means to an end; he can help you in life, improve your broken marriage, inject some much needed morality, provide a new set of friends, give hope, make you feel better, and perhaps even give you a purpose statement to enjoy your best life now. So in this case we have Jesus as the salvation ferry that brings the sinner to enjoy the island of amusements and self-fullment. Jesus is a means to bring about a seriously selfish, and dare I say, idolatrous end.

On the other hand, some come to Jesus not as a means to an end but as the end itself. Jesus is not a vehicle to anything other than the enjoyment of his own perfection. We don’t come to Jesus as a connecting flight to our own exaltation but rather the final destination in the unmitigated divine exaltation. It is that simple.

In fact, the first taste buds of the new Christian are to see Jesus as the sufficient and peerless last stop in the pursuit of worship. Prior to conversion our eyes are blinded to his greatness (2 Cor. 4.3-4). We do not see his glory, greatness, and beauty; we are blind to it. However, upon the gracious and sovereign work of the God who causes “light to shine out of darkness” we actually see Christ. God gives “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (4.6). We actually see him, value him, love him, enjoy him, and worship him. This is the first posture of the Christian and the default posture thereafter.

These new eyes have seen and are indeed satisfied. They do not see Christ as a mediator of other functional saviors or delights but rather the chief end. He is preeminent.

It is good and healthy to ask yourself what you truly see Jesus as, either the end or a means to an end. For in reality the difference is substantial, and as grave as life or death.

Sermon info for this Sunday: Leviticus 27 'Devoted to Holiness'

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:25:19 -0600

Well, we are at the end of Leviticus. It is kind of like saying goodbye to a friend that is moving away; great memories, life changing realities, and then some distance. I am truly thankful for the time in this book. I have truly never been so impacted by a study in my life. I do pray that God has used it for his glory and good in all of our lives. This week we are in ch. 27 and will tackle the issue of vows. You may think that this is a strange way to close the book, but I trust you will see that it is fitting.

Our over-arching proposition or central truth is: God's holiness requires your informed and zealous devotion to him.

The outline is we will follow is: 5 timeless principles for devotion to Yahweh

.1. Devotion is Biblical—not ignorant

.2. Devotion is God-Centered—not ‘me-centered’

.3. Devotion is Thoughtful—not flippant

.4. Devotion is to Zealous—not apathetic

.5. Devotion is Costly—not free

Please continue to pray for God to use his Word to impact our hearts and show us more of the beauty of Christ. And pray for me that I might speak with clarity, faithfulness, & passion concerning the things that God has for us in this passage.

Erik

MEN: Update on Theology for Breakfast in the AM

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:12:52 -0600

Since the next two chapters in Grudem's Systematic Theology (gifts of the Holy Spirit) are so lengthy and so important to understand we are going to take a little slower stroll through them. This is also due to the fact that as a church we deviate a bit from Dr Grudem in his understanding of tongues and prophecy.

So for tomorrow am we'll get started talking through the purpose and giving of gifts on pages 1016 & ff. I think we'll get right up to the point of the discussion of the gifts 'ceasing' or not. This should provide a good and rich discussion.

Looking forward to our time tomorrow am.

Erik

God is near....and I need to act like it

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:10:55 -0600

Deuteronomy 4:7 For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?

The nation of Israel was called by Moses to be impressed with the benefits of sovereign election as God’s own nation. Particularly the calling was to recognize the nearness of God.

In my experience, the concept of God’s immanence (his nearness) is one that oftentimes eludes some of us in the Reformed camp. This is no doubt partly because of the evangelical culture that presents Jesus as our little buddy, like some type of spiritual Gilligan or something. As a result, we are concerned with recovering the transcendence of God (and rightly so) that we sometimes under emphasize the immanence of God. The fact of the matter is that our God is a God who is near to his people, one who hears us when we call upon him. This thought should birth great encouragement, humility and incentive to pray.

The nation of Israel oftentimes doubted the fidelity of God to his people as expressed through their grumblings. However, it was not the unfaithfulness of God that was evident but rather the unfaithfulness of his people.

How much more should Christians, those who are saved not from merely fiery serpents by beholding a bronze serpent on a pole (Num. 21), but we are those who are saved from the fiery hell by beholding the suffering servant on a cross?! Believers have no excuse for undervaluing the closeness of God to us in Christ. We have no basis for questioning love or faithfulness, for God would have to deny his son to deny his children, for we are united to him. The Cross is the purchase and proof of our closeness to him through Jesus Christ.

I need to pray more. I need rejoice in the nearness of God more. I need to talk about the fact that there is no other religion that has a God so near them as my God. I need to marvel at the loving and humble condescension of God in Christ to come to me and bring me near that I might enjoy and delight in sweet communion with him.

Blessed with Guests, so Let's Bless the Guests!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:35:56 -0600

This past Sunday we were blessed with another week with a large number of guests at OBC-South. I lost count of the visitors and some got away before I could talk with them. We had folks from the community as well as a family visiting from over 70 miles away! This should serve as a great encouragement to us; God is blessing us with more people who seem to desire to show Jesus as supremely glorious.

At the same time it should encourage us to likewise bless the guests. We ought to all think of our time on Sunday mornings in terms of a stewardship. God has given us time to spend with one another as well as a divinely aided delight in Christ.

As ‘regulars’ we have the opportunity to look for visitors and take it upon ourselves to welcome them, introduce ourselves and help them get settled. Now this becomes difficult because we are often times trying to catch up with other regular ‘Southies’ who we enjoy talking to. Sometimes I have to purposely tear myself away from a conversation with a friend to go and welcome a new guy, couple or family. I think this is right. I think we all have an obligation to look for new people, welcome them, and try to help them understand that we are about that which is of first importance (1 Cor. 15.3).

So, if I tear away from you to go and say hello to someone, please understand. And if you do the same, I’ll understand. Overall, let’s just try to be good, friendly, gospel-centered, people-loving stewards.

Thankful for you all,

Erik

Signs

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:23:18 -0600

“Sign Sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign”
(“Signs” © 1970, 2002 Five Man Electrical Band)

Our society is absolutely awash with signage. We have road signs, traffic signs billboards, posted warnings and notices. Some buildings post signs saying “No Dogs Allowed” as if the dogs could read. I am not the first to wonder about signs. The Five Man Electrical Band came out with the song “Signs” in the 70s. Tesla re-released the tune in the 90s. Music aside, we still spend a lot of time looking at signs.

When we look at signs do we evaluate who put them there? Do we ask why someone bothered to put them there in the first place? Is the sign broken and unreadable? Is the sign in a language you don’t understand? Was the sign meant to be noticed and understood by a certain few people? Are the instructions still valid, or will this just put you on a road to nowhere?
Do we trust signs?

This week we will be discussing Chapter 52 in Grudem’s Systematic Theology. This is the first of two chapters covering the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” There are many thoughts about spiritual signs and gifts.

Come Friday morning at 6:00 to Panera Bread in Bellevue as we discuss what the Bible says about the Gifts of the Spirit.

Your Brother in Christ,
Hank

Desiring God FREE Audio Book

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:52:49 -0600

I was very encouraged to see that ChristianAudio is giving away John Piper's hallmark book Desiring God as the free download for November. This is just a fantastic book that is so helpful in seeing and savoring the greatness of God. So hurry over there and download this great offer. It is already downloaded and on my iPod now. Here is the link.

Prayer Requested for Prison Ministry

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:06:58 -0500

Please pray for the upcoming conference at the Omaha Correctional Center.

God has graciously opened a door for us to go in and preach the Scriptures to these men. Furthermore we have been blessed to see many men come to OBC after they are released.

This weekend's conference focuses on the Scriptures (Inspiration, Inerrancy, and Sufficiency). Pastor Pat preaches tonight, Pastor Jay Anderson from Orange City Iowa preaches tomorrow am, and then I will be preaching on the sufficiency of Scripture in the afternoon tomorrow. Additionally well over 50 guys from OBC are slated to come and minister during the conference. This is where some good gospel centered discussions take place.

So on behalf of all of those serving, 'pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you' (1 Thes 3.2) And then let us watch expectantly for God to powerfully act!

Convinced of the gospel's power,

Erik

Sermon info for this Sunday: Leviticus 26

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:17:00 -0500

We come this weekend to a weighty and very important passage in Leviticus. God speaks to his people and outlines the stipulations of life for the covenant community. It is simple, clear, and very important to us as Christians.

The title of sermon is The Awful Implications of Holiness. And when I say awful, I mean awful. Our collective jaws should be on the ground when we read this. (Hint: If you are going to read this as family worship please preread it so as to have some thoughtful answers to the curses!) Furthermore, our jaws should be on the ground because of what is required in order to satisfy God's perfect, holy requirements and enjoy his presence.

For a Christian preacher this passage is hard wired with gospel explosives!

Central Truth & Application: God requires your perfect obedience in order to enjoy his favor.

OUTLINE

3 Awful implications of Divine Holiness

Obedience Secures God’s Blessing (26.1-13)

Disobedience Secures God’s Curse (26.14-43)

Hope is Secure in God’s Promise (26.44-46)

Please pray for open hearts to God's word and for clarity in proclaiming the Scriptures.

Erik

Christian, Prudence and the Consolation of the Gospel

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:20:40 -0500

As a Christian I struggle to keep the gospel playing on repeat on my mental play-list. I default to Law and idolatry. God then sends trials to providentially dissuade us of our value and fasten our eyes upon Jesus, who alone is valuable.

Having this daily struggle as a Christian I find it to be my struggle and burden for believers in the Lord's church where I am privileged and blessed to pastor. Therefore, I was richly blessed to read again of this dialog between Christian & Prudence in John Bunyan's classic allegory The Pilgrim's Progress. The context is a dinnertime conversation between believers about the primacy and power of Christ's work.

Read this and be blessed and encouraged by the priority of returning to the cross, Christ's righteousness, the Scriptures, and the return of Christ!

PRUDENCE: Do you not still carry some of the baggage from the place you escaped?

CHRISTIAN: Yes, but against my will. I still have within me some of the carnal thoughts that all my countrymen, as well as myself, were delighted with. Now all those things cause me to grieve. If I could master my own heart, I would choose never to think of those things again, but when I try only to think about those things that are best, those things that are the worst creep back into my mind and behavior.

PRUDENCE: Do you not still carry with you in your mind some recollection of the things that you were formerly involved with?

CHRISTIAN: Yes, but greatly against my will, and especially those inward and carnal reasonings which all of my countrymen, as well as myself, were delighted to revel in. But now all those things only grieve me; and should I be able to choose only what I think, I would choose never to think of those carnal things anymore. But when I would be doing that which is best, still that which is worse remains with me.

PRUDENCE: Don't you find that sometimes you can defeat those evil things that at other times seem to defeat you?

CHRISTIAN: Yes, but those times of conquest over carnality are infrequent, though when they do occur such hours are truly golden.

PRUDENCE: When you experience these precious times in which carnal annoyances are vanquished, can you remember by what means these triumphs were obtained?

CHRISTIAN: Yes, when I meditate upon what I saw at the Cross, that will do it; and when I look at my embroidered coat, that will do it; also when I look inside the scroll that I carry in my chest pocket, that will do it; and when my thoughts are warmly stimulated about where I am going, that will do it.

PRUDENCE: And what is it that makes you so desirous of going to Mount Zion?

CHRISTIAN: Why there I hope to see living he who hung dead on the Cross; and there I hope to be rid of all those things within me that remain a constant annoyance. At the Celestial City they say there is no death, and there I shall dwell with the type of companions that I like best. For to tell you the truth, I love my Lord because he released me of my burden, and I am weary of my inward sickness. In view of these circumstances, I would much prefer to be where I shall die no more and my companions shall continually cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

Yes. Yes. This is good.

Aiming to hear the gospel soundtrack with you,

Erik

Priorities from Haggai

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:05:27 -0500

Priorities. We all have them and when we cannot readily recite them our lives declare them. So much of what I seem to encounter on a reoccurring basis is the issue of misplaced priorities. As a pastor I encounter various painful scenarios within the body, however, the symptoms are often times the same.
Regrettably it is the often times the most simplistic things for the believer that become the most dangerous when neglected.

As Christians we are called to put the interests of God as preeminent in our lives. To pursue what he pursues and to enjoy what he enjoys. God is consumed with his glory and supremacy. And nowhere is this more tangibly expressed than in the exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ. The forum of communicating this exaltation of Lord Jesus is through the revealed word of God.

So the believer, quite simply, is to be pursuing conformity into the image of Jesus through dependence upon the Holy Spirit and obedience to the word of God while loving the glory of God. It is in this posture that the interests of God are in the forefront.

So why do we slip? And where do we slip?

In the book of Haggai the prophet comes to express the divine opinion of the people’s negligence. He calls them to “Consider your ways!” (1.5) they were working hard, busy with life and commerce, but were lacking. They were earning money and resources but in the end were lacking anything, in fact they were in the red.

Why were they lacking? Well quite simply they had neglected the divine agenda. The prophet Haggai urges the people to again “Consider your ways!” (1.7)… to go up and collect wood to rebuild the temple, so “that I may be pleased with it and be glorified” says the Lord.

The people of Judah had simply neglected what was of first importance and God frustrated their labors: ‘“You look for much, but behold it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. Why?’ Declares the LORD of hosts, ‘because of my house which lies desolate, while each of you runs to his own house.” (1.9).

We have in the days of Haggai a very similar scenario to what we face today. People are busy. Through the day to day life filled with the day to day tasks and agendas the pursuit of personal advancement was promoted to a position of preeminence. And as a result the agenda of God and his will for his people gets sacrificed on the altar of personal pursuits.

So many times we say that we are too busy…too busy for people, too busy for ministry, too busy for personal Bible reading/devotion, too busy to pray, too busy to meditate, too busy to whatever…to this God says, “Consider your ways!”

God withheld the blessings of the people because they withheld the heart driven worship of Yahweh. Verse10 tells us that “because of you the sky has withheld its dew and the earth has withheld its produce”. God is not going to bless his people with dew of divine joy when they are robbing him of his due glory!

Simple questions to ask ourselves in light of this reality from Haggai:

What is my chief and or ultimate priority?
Would my time (day by day scheduling) support this?
Why have I allowed something/someone to have preeminence over God?
What must I do to replace/reform my life’s habits to conform with what God desires?
Do I really believe that God is supreme?

When we do not ascribe to God the supremacy that is deserved and enjoyed by him we are opposing him. We cannot walk in opposition to God and expect his favor. Therefore, our steps and the motives behind each step must be carefully processed through the gracious sifting of the revealed word so that our steps may be aligned with the will of God.

This change is never to be motivated by just a guilty change of behavior, as in just replacing something bad with something right, but instead out of an understanding and agreement of the supremacy of God and so therefore our ultimate dependence upon him for everything!

Communion tomorrow Morning

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:43:59 -0500

Just a quick reminder that we are planning to celebrate the Lord's table tomorrow morning. Please prepare your hearts and minds with the truth of the gospel. In this scrub your heart for idols & unconfessed sin. May the truth of the gospel of Jesus cause us to rejoice together as a body of Christ tomorrow morning.

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 I n the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (1 Cor. 11.23-26)

The Consolation and Motivation of Christ's Intercession

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:25:46 -0500

The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7.23-25)

Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. (Romans 8.34)

"It is a consoling thought that Christ is praying for us, even when we are negligent in our prayer life; that He is presenting to the Father those spiritual needs which were not present to our minds and which we often neglect to include in our prayers; and that He prays for our protection against the dangers of which we are not even conscious, and against the enemies which threaten us, though we do not notice it. He is praying that our faith may not cease, and that we may come out victoriously in the end. (Berkhoff, Systematic Theology p. 403)

"If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me. (Robert Murray M'Cheyne p. 179)

How can these blessed realities but drive us close to the Savior, even to his chest like the Apostle John? He is more committed to his sheep than his sheep are to him. We lag and linger but he is praying while we slumber. The truth of Jesus' ceaseless, fervent, impassioned, hearty, and successful intercession on my behalf calibrates my wayward heart afresh to the glories of Christ and drops fresh dew from heaven on my earth scorched lips.

Sunday AM: Lordship is on the Calendar

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:24:03 -0500

This Sunday morning the plan is to study Leviticus 25. In this chapter we see the inception of the Sabbath year and the year of Jubilee. This has honestly been a tough passage to wrestle with for me. I believe we have a good direction and I want to provide that to you know in preparation for Sunday morning.

Central Truth & Application: Our lives are to reflect thoughtful stewardship because God owns everyone and everything.

Outline:
Five practical reminders for responding to the Lordship of God:

Remember that God loves and cares for his people
Remember that your stuff is really God’s stuff
Remember to rest quietly
Remember to love those around you
Remember to think eschatologically

I am looking forward to our time together on Sunday morning.

Erik

Attn: Men- Theology for Breakfast this Friday

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:34:45 -0500

Hi All,

Come this Friday morning at 6:00AM to Panera Bread in Bellevue. Lord willing, we will discuss Chapter 51 in Grudem’s Systematic Theology which addresses “Worship.” Make plans and set your alarm on Thursday night so you can get up, come and participate in the discussions Friday morning.

Your Brother in Christ,
Hank

Memorial Service for Keith Whiteman

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:13:55 -0500

Keith Whiteman, a member of OBC, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday. There will be a memorial service on Thursday at 2pm at the North Campus. Keith's son, Tom is a member of OBC as well. We would love for you to come and encourage the family as we "weep with those who weep" (Rom. 12.15).

Now, I want to give you something that will cause you to marvel at the goodness of God in this.

Keith began coming to OBC a few months ago at the request of Tom. He came as an unbeliever. He sat and listened to Pastor Pat preach Romans 5 and told him afterwards that, "That was more Bible than I've had in my life as a Lutheran!"

Keith continued to come. He even attended The Getting Started Class.

About a month ago he had another heart attack. Pastor Chris Peterson visited him and they talked about the gospel. After a short time Chris realized that he was not having a one-way conversation but rather a dialog as to the surpassing greatness of Christ! Keith was testifying to the fact that his trust was fully in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. He had seen the way in which his religious duties were mere fronts for self-righteousness. And he was now fully and comfortably resting upon the merit of Christ alone. He even told Chris that he wanted to be baptized.

Tom has since gone through his dad's Bible. He found how Keith was beginning to connect the dots of sin, death, grace, life, righteousness. There were arrows and notes all over Romans. You can literally see how God used the Scriptures to open this dying man's heart!

This man lived 60 years and 11 months outside of Christ and one month in him. Think about that! What a praise resounding reality this is! Consider the simoultanious sovereignty, mercy, goodness, love, kindness, and grace of God. He brought the gospel to this man in his powerful word before death came. What a glorious God we serve!

This makes me think of the hymn, The Love of God which the third stanza reads:

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
  And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
  And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
  Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
  Though stretched from sky to sky.

Most of us had never met Keith but we can identify with him. God has kindly and sovereignly displayed his power in our lives. He has shown his goodness in letting us see and savor Jesus! O' friends, marvel with me at this great God! Our Great God!

In Christ alone,

Erik

Reminder Sunday Night in First Corinthians

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:30:56 -0500

Just a quick reminder that we are meeting for evening service tomorrow night @ the North Campus (map).

Details:

   time: 6pm
   text: 1 Corinthians 1 & 2
   sermon: The Lunacy of Domesticating the Gospel
   preacher: Sr Pastor Pat Abendroth

Come to be encoruaged and encourage others to love and serve Christ (Heb. 10.19-25).

Looking forward to a great Lord's Day of publically affirming the diverse excellencies of our God!

Clinging to Christ's Righteousness with you,

Erik

Sunday AM: Projecting & Protecting God's Holiness (Lev.24)

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:39:30 -0500

This Sunday morning we are planning to study Leviticus 24. Now I think you'll agree that it seems like an interesting mix of topics to blend together. And even more, a somewhat strange place to put it in the book. However, I think God's wisdom is vindicated here Leviticus 24 and the overall flow of the book.

The central truth & application for Sunday am is this:

Because of his passion for his glory, God desires his holiness be vividly displayed in the Church.

And out outline will be as follows:

3 Action Items for displaying God’s holiness

Keep the Fire Burning (24.1-4)

Keep the Table Set (24.5-9)

Keep the Jealousy for God (24.10-23)

No doubt you'll find it helpful to read this chapter individually and even with your family, especially if you have little ones that you are trying to help pay attention and gain value from our corporate time in God's Word.

I look forward to Sunday with you all! And I ask you to join me in praying for all of our preparation for our time in God's Word.

Overjoyed in the God of Grace,

Erik

Prayer Request for Preaching Today

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:23:51 -0500

I have the opportunity to preach 2x in Central Nebraska. The first is at a Christian High School where I'll preach in chapel on the unfolding drama of redemption. And then in the evening I'll preach at an FCA event with several hundred kids in Kearny. There I plan to preach on the Pharisee & the Tax Collector from Luke 18. Please pray that I would be clear & faithful and that God would attend his word with his Spirit in such a way that Jesus is valued supremely!

Thankful for you all,

Erik

How do I make Christ appealing?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:52:47 -0500

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10.27)

Have you ever been overcome with frustrated despair as you wonder how to get through to your professing Christian friend? Have you looked into the eyes of an unbeliever and asked yourself how you might bring them to Christ? Have you wondered how you might appeal to them and somehow have them follow the Savior?

To one degree or another all believers have struggled through such thoughts. Often times though in our noble ambitions we find ourselves retreating to unbiblical means.

We aim to make Christ more appealing to the one who seems to not think that he is so.

This usually means giving Jesus something of an extreme makeover so that the eligible unbeliever might be one over. We might be tempted to change his message, his tone, his requirements, his work, his kingdom, and his demands. Suddenly our ostensibly noble goal has placed in our hands the tools of idolatry as we craft a Jesus that looks like the rebel.

But this is not the way it works.

Instead Jesus is the suitor, the rebel must change, and Christ will be found to be glorious! Notice the everlasting rebuke upon our shameful creativity: "My sheep hear my voice..."

Ah, this is what I need to hear. I need to hear the Savior's voice. Listen, if they are truly 'his sheep' then they will truly hear his voice. It is as simple as that. And this is a result of the glorious reality that the Good Shepherd knows them.

So find yourself refreshed by the wet ink of John 10. The Master's words and actions remain true. In this context he is scrapping with the religious reprobates who do not hear his voice.

But what does Jesus do?

He just keeps on preaching the glorious truth of who he is and what he is doing. He speaks of his glorious relationship with his Father. He speaks of the power of his word and work. He speaks of the hardness of their hearts. Jesus just keeps on preaching.

This is a good model and motivation for us today. Are you stressing out over how to make Christ appealing? Hear and believe the words of the Savior, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Whether in the coffee shop, the dinner table, or the pulpit, you just keep unpacking the glorious beauty of Christ's person and work to their hearts. And if they are his sheep they will, with blood-stained regal certainty, follow Christ.

Sermon Handouts for Notes

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:50:54 -0500

This past week marked the first time we've done the handouts for the sermon. The goal is to help communicate the big picture, outline, and direction of the preaching of the Scripture. I'll aim to do this each week and hopefully it will serve us all in reading, understanding and applying the text.

By the way, Can you believe that we are almost finished with Leviticus? I can't! I'm having way too much fun learning and seeing the glory of Christ!

More Convinced of My Need for Grace,

Erik

Sermon info for Sunday AM: 'Worship is on the Calendar'

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:41:45 -0500

This Sunday we are planning on continuing our study in Leviticus. Specifically we’ll be looking at chapter 23. In this chapter we see the Jewish calendar prioritized by the intentional corporate worship of the LORD God.

Specifically, we see various festivals established. These festivals emphasize and celebrate the sovereignty and goodness of God as the Creator and Redeemer. Every bit of life is to be intentionally and joyfully subdued into the obedience of Christ.

The main point that we want to understand and apply is: We must be constantly reminded of God’s intimate involvement in our lives. This involvement is to produce hearty worship in Christ’s church.

The chapter breaks out into two seasonal opportunities for reminder and rejoicing in God: Spring & Fall festivals.

Doubtless you’ll find it helpful to read through chapter 23 of Leviticus prior to Sunday am. You may also enjoy some reading on the Passover in Exodus 12-13 and some more specifics on the offerings in Numbers 28-29.

Please join me in praying for our time together on Sunday morning. Pray that Christ would be seen as glorious and that we, his church, would be overjoyed in and with him. Pray also that God would draw hearts from unbelief to faith in Jesus.

Dependent upon the obedience of Christ,

Erik

Childlike Prayer to a Great God

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:21:55 -0500

“Very much of prayer is to be highly commended for its reverence, but it has in it a lack of childlike confidence. I can admire the solemn and stately language of worship that recognizes the greatness of God, but it will not warm my heart or express my soul until it has also blended therewith the joyful nearness of that perfect love that casts out fear and ventures to speak with our Father in heaven as a child speaks with it’s father on earth.” - Charles Spurgeon, The Rent Veil

I found this encouraging in light of our study in Leviticus that emphasizes both the immeasurable holiness of God and the priority of drawing near to God through the means of a sacrifice.

Bookends Study: Chapter 2

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:13:10 -0500

This Sunday night @ 6 we begin our 2nd week in the Bookends study. Please take time to preread the chapter and come prepared to encourage and be encouraged. In addition, here is a link to the study questions for the upcoming week.

As we look at the second chapter of The Bookends we are given three passages of scripture to examine the results of belief in the Gospel. For the believer there is great encouragement as they will see the Spirit having produced such reactions in their own lives, and for the unbeliever, they will, by God's grace, turn to the Gospel and examine it again to effect belief, that they too might enjoy the power of the Gospel.

1. Luke 7:36-50 The point Jesus is making is that the forgiveness of sins should produce a deep, heartfelt response of gratitude and praise. In fact, he goes beyond this to state the greater the debt forgiven the greater the display of appreciation. The Gospel displays our depravity and Christ's greatness and therefore the value of who he is better than any other doctrine.

2. Isaiah 6:1-8 We see in Isaiah 6 the forgiveness of sins enables our service. Isaiah, a prophet of God is "undone" and pronounces a "woe" upon himself when faced with the Holiness of God in light of his sinfulness. But it is through the forgiveness of sins, that this man with unclean lips is able to use those lips to now declare the word of the Lord. Therefore, preach the Gospel to yourself to free yourself for the ministry of God.

3. Philippians 3 This passage brings it all together for us. The first two passages show the effect forgiveness of sins in the Gospel should have on our hearts. The last one shows this is not a passive effect. It is true that all our righteousness is as filthy rags and counted as worthless. It is also true that believers have the Christ's righteousness (justification). But the Gospel's work doesn't end there. It puts us on the field with Christ, not up in the stands, cheering him on for what he has done. Instead of being dead, relying on a forensic diagnosis of righteousness, the Gospel makes Paul alive, compelling him to pursue Christ's righteousness with so much effort it is though he could win it through trying. Yes, the outcome is secrure but the Gospel compels us to do our part as if we are securing it.

Believers, follow these examples of being motivated by the gospel to praise, serve and pursue piety, not to improve our standing with God, but because that's what we've been drafted onto the team to do.

Unbelievers, do not ignore the Gospel or be hardened to it's beauty. Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Please continue to particpate in this study through prayer and intentional edification. May God be pleased to continue to bless us through it!

Toby

What's on Your Plate Friday?

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:02:21 -0500

According to a survey noted by the US Department of Agriculture the average man in America spends 67.2 minutes per day eating. How does that fit against your schedule? Of course this is time logged as “eating”, but does not characterize the quality or situation of the meal. This could be a box lunch eaten with feet dangling in a newly dug sewer trench or a slowly savored $370 per person meal at Tokyo’s prestigious Aragawa.

Eating is central to all the cultures that I know of. It is a habit I picked up when I was very young. My memories of meals sometimes focus on the taste and location. But more often, the meals I remember, have more to do with who was there, what was said or done rather than what I ate.

Two thousand years ago, a small group of men gathered for a memorial meal. The menu was traditional for the times and probably not significantly different from thousands of other meals that occurred that night. However, the things that were said, the things that were done, not only set in the memories of those who attended, but the words and actions of that meal have lived with believers throughout the centuries.

All men are invited to come to Panera in Bellevue this Friday morning at 6:00AM and discuss Chapter 50 of Grudem’s Theology which covers the Lord’s Supper. Please come and talk. You can eat something too.

Your brother in Christ,
Hank

A Great Sunday Night

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:09:09 -0500

It was such a blessing yesterday to begin our study in 1 Corinthians. I was greatly encouraged with the number of South Campus folks who came up to the North Campus for worship. May God continue to bless and encouraged us with his word, his people, and the reality of being Christ's!

(1Co 3.21-23) So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours,
whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

Some Updates for this Sunday

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:37:20 -0500

I trust that you are enjoying this week and the opportunity to rest in God's sovereignty. Whether we are enjoying the sweetness of a temporal blessing or the pinch of a temporal trial we know that a smiling, good, and sovereign God stands over and behind all things as he faithfully conforms us, his church, into the image of his dear Son.

I have a couple of announcements for this Sunday:

-First: Please remember that we will be gathering both campuses together on Sunday night. This evening gathering will continue on the first and third Sundays throughout the fall and into the spring. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the presence of God through corporate worship while also finding opportunities to encourage one another to love and good deeds. This Sunday we'll begin our study in First Corinthians. I will be preaching on the subject of division and how devestating it is to the church. We find the powerful answer in our regular wading in the pool of grace.

I do hope to see you on Sunday night at 6, North Campus.

-Second: I will be preaching at the North Campus on Sunday morning. Pastor Pat is in Nashville doing a conference for men and preaching the am services there. So I will be preaching on Leviticus 10 (A Bad Day for Aaron & His Boys). Please pray that God would use Leviticus to fully display his holiness and point to Jesus, the holy priest and offering.

Alan Sladek will be preaching at the South Campus. He will be preaching from the book of James in the 4th Chapter (4.13-17). I trust that you will be edified by the time on Sunday am. Please join me in praying for Alan that his preaching would serve OBC-S in an edifying, God-promoting time of corporate worship.

I join you in praying that God would be pleased to speak to us through his word as he moves our hearts to be increasingly impressed with his holy character, and the infinite love that eternally ordered the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Richly blessed along with you in Christ,

Erik

He Bowed His Head that Our Head Might be Lifted

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:46:12 -0500

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (Ps. 5.3)

King David composed this Psalm in the midst of him fleeing the revolt of his son Absalom. With his family and kingdom crumbling from every side, David and his loyal band felt the sting of the evil division hatched by Absalom (2 Sam. 15). However in the midst of this personal assault and bitter drink of abandonment David finds solace in the unchanging character of God who never wavers in his faithfulness to his people.

As I envision David marching out of Jerusalem and onward toward the Kidron brook (2 Sam. 15.23) and onward up the Mount of Olives (v.30) I cannot but be reminded of the greater David and his lonely trek on the same soil.

However, there was something quite different with our Lord Jesus. As he marched resolutely to the cross to bear the undiluted, unmitigated, fully mixed cup of divine wrath, he did so in view of abandonment.

Our Lord Jesus was affixed to the cross as a shameful criminal. He was abandoned by his creation, abandoned by his disciples, and now for the first time ever, abandoned by his Father. As Christ hung in the writhing pain of physical torment his soul was being shredded by divine torment. The Father had forsaken the Son.

We may truly say with David that though all others may abandon or deride me, truly, "you O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." Indeed the very reason why anyone may say with any shred of truth that God lifts our weary heads is because the greater David has bowed his head. As the Savior in his holy humanity dealt fully with divine wrath he purchased the right for the comfort and blessing of wayward sons like you and me. Without Christ's work there is no basis for such glorious comfort as described by David.

As Jesus "bowed his head and gave up his spirit" (Jn. 19.30) he did so as one who was abandoned so that all of his beloved would truly never be abandoned and could sing this glorious Psalm with David in spirit and in truth. Christ Jesus is truly our glory and the lifter of our heads.

Justification is a Present Reality (From the Bookends Study)

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:47:13 -0500

I thoroughly enjoyed our first study in The Bookends of the Christian Life this past Sunday night. It was great to be inspecting and honest about how we tend to fasten our value upon our own merit rather than Christ. This creeps into so many areas. The best remedy is to retreat again to the pride smashing, joy producing, purpose giving cross that puts everything in perspective for us. It is here that we see and realize that Christ's perfect obedience culminates in his obedient death for us. Our whole standing before God as righteous is based not on our ability to be godly but Christ's!

In this vein I really enjoyed this quote from the book:

"For Paul, justification was not only a past event; it was also a daily, present reality. So every day of his life, by faith in Christ, Paul realized he stood righteous in the sight of God--he was counted righteous and accepted by God as righteous--because of the perfectly obedient life and death Christ provided for him. He stood soley on the rock-solid righteousness of Christ alone, which is our first bookend." (p.29)

May we remind ourselves and others about this glorious truth!

This Sunday am: Responding to the Successful Work of Jesus

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:33:28 -0500

We have been talking quite a bit lately about the beauty sufficiency and success of Jesus, our great high priest. As a result I want us to pull the car over and find some helpful and clear divine application from the book of Hebrews.

This Sunday morning we'll be studying verses 19-25 of the 10th chapter in Hebrews. You will no doubt find it helpful to read and meditate upon this passage prior to our time together.

The central point here in this passage is that your life must be prioritized in light of the successful work of Jesus. We'll plan to look at three specific priorities in chapter 10:

Prioritize Devotion (10.22)
Prioritize Perseverence (10.23)
Prioritize Fellowship (10.24-25)

Please join me in praying that God would be pleased to use his word in our lives to increase our love for his beloved Son. And pray for me that I would be biblical, clear, and controlled by the Spirit. All of this for the glory of Christ.

Erik

Living Life with an Eye in the Peep-Hole

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:46:59 -0500

In the fifth chapter of the book of James we are given a clear picture of the impending judgment upon those who practice injustice. The misery is outlined (v.1), their materials are lost (vv.2-3), and the mistreatments are exposed (vv. 4-6). It is evident that there was a significant oppression at the hand of the influential and rich upon this local congregation (Cf. James 2.6-7).

It is remarkable to me to consider the way in which the Holy Spirit comforts these believers. He tells them to be patient (v.7)…until the coming of the Lord! Yikes! What a sentence.

But this is not all. We are to be patient in the face of opposition…but also to be looking forward to the immenent return of the Lord.

James 5:8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

Then again in a warning against backbiting in the body and the ensuing judgment for such things, James reminds his readers that the Lord’s return is at hand:

James 5:9 behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

I love this picture. He is at the door. He is not asleep, busy, detained, stalling, or otherwise disinterested. No, no, the judge is at the door! Who says studying eschatology is not practical!?

James here calls followers of Jesus Christ to look into the peephole and know that the sovereign judge of heaven and earth is at the door. Not only is he at the door but his foot is raised and he is about to kick it down! He is coming and every eye will see him.

How should the fact that Jesus is coming affect your life?

How about your prayer life? We can start by acknowledging that he is coming and praying that your heart would be calibrated by this fact.

How about your evangelism? Do you not feel the burden for the lost knowing that the judge with inflexible justice is coming?

How about your love for one another? O’ Love incarnate is coming, let us not be found in an unloving posture before the One who is Love (1 Jn.4.8).

How about your patience? He is coming. Can you endure patiently with certainty?

How about your personal thankfulness that you are not going to be smashed by the scepter but graciously permitted to bow before it?

He is coming and we as believers will not be calling for rocks to fall upon us to hide us from the presence of the Lamb (Rev. 6.15-17), nor will be shrinking back (Heb. 10.39; 1 Jn. 4.16-18), but we will be eagerly looking for him (Heb. 9.28).

It is a good word from James to live in this way. Let us live in the shadow of the cross with an eye in the peep-hole, knowing that the King of Glory is coming at any moment.

Leadership Seminar @ the Conference

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:31:03 -0500

The leadership portion of the church conference (2:30pm) has been cancelled. The conference is scheduled to conclude at 2pm.

Here is the complete schedule.

The Privilege and Responsibility of Knowing Christ

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:53:26 -0500

I really enjoyed this quote from Jonathan Edwards in his book Charity and Its Fruit. As usual with Edwards it is richly doctrinal, sweetly devotional, and painfully practical. I share because I love (my ouch! was followed by a "Lord help me!")

Enjoy:

When we read in the Scriptures of the great privileges conferred on the virgin Mary, and on the apostle Paul, when he was caught up into the third heaven, we are ready to admire such privileges as very great. But after all, they are as nothing compared with the privilege of being like Christ, and having his love in the heart.

Let those, then, that hope they have this last blessing, consider, more than they ever yet have done, how great a favour God has bestowed upon them, and how great their obligations to glorify him for the work he hath wrought in them, and to glorify Christ who hath purchased this blessing for them with his own blood, and to glorify the Holy Spirit who hath sealed it to their souls.

What manner of persons ought such to be in all holy conversation and godliness! Consider, you that hope in God's mercy, how highly he hath advanced and exalted and will you not be diligent to live for him? Will you dishonour Christ so as to regard him but little, not giving him your whole heart, but going after the world, neglecting him, and his service, and his glory ? Will you not be watchful against yourselves, against a corrupt, worldly, proud disposition, that might lead you away from God who has been so kind to you, and from the Saviour who has purchased such blessings for you, at the cost of his own agonies and death ? Will you not every day make this your earnest inquiry, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards met,' What could God have done more for you than he has done ? What privilege could he have bestowed, better in itself, or more worthy to engage your heart in thankfulness?

And consider how you are living—how,' little you have done for him - how much you do for self—how little this divine love hath wrought in your heart to incline you to live for God and Christ, and for the extension of his kingdom.

Oh, how should such as you, shew your sense of your high privileges, by the exercises of love! love that is manifest toward God in obedience, submission, reverence, cheerfulness, joy, and hope; and toward your neighbour, in meekness, sympathy, humility, charitableness, and doing good to all as you have opportunity. (Charity and Its Fruit), pp.43-44

Church Conference Registration

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:59:59 -0500

Just a final reminder to please register if you are planning on attending the church conference this weekend and have not already registered. This provides those who are planning with some more objective numbers to plan with.

Here is a link to the conference page for registration.

Thank you!

Malawi Mission Update this Sunday Night

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:05:42 -0500

Please join us this Sunday evening at 6pm at OBC North Campus to hear the testimony of God’s grace in Malawi, Africa.

We will rejoice in the partnership of the gospel as it powerfully works through the hearts of the OBC family, the OBC missions team, and the gospel co-laborers in Malawi, together for the glory of Jesus Christ. We'll hear from the mission team about how they saw God graciously attend their time last month in Malawi.

This is the kick off for Sunday nights for the year. These services are a terrific opportunity for us to visit and worship with folks from both campuses as we aim to encourage one another in the shadow of the cross (Heb. 10.19-25).

For the remainder of the year we will be studying the book of First Corinthians. The goal is to see and avoid the various church killing controversies that plagued that early church in Corinth. More details to come on this.

I look forward to a great time of fellowship together on Sunday evening.

What I'm Learning in Leviticus

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:58:01 -0500

I personally have been really enjoying our current study in Leviticus on Sunday mornings. There are so many blessings that have sprouted during and through this study. I wanted to highlight three in this post by way of encouragement.

1. The Fascination of God with Christ's Work

We have seen repeatedly in all of the types something of the clarity in which God forshadows the work of Jesus. Whether we are talking about the offerings and their effects, the priests and their duties, or the holiness code and its compliance; all of these things anticpate a perfect fulfillment in Jesus. We need a perfect sacrifice, an eternal and sinless high priest, and one who is unstained by the Law. We need Jesus. God is gloriously fascinated with the person of Jesus.

2. The Reality of What God is After from His People

As I am sure is the case with you, I have been familiar with the term idolatry for some time. I could define it properly and point it out in the Bible. However, Leviticus has forced me to see that what God is really after is not primarliy just what we do but who we love. In other words, God is after worship! And this worship is at the expense of the various idols.

How sobering it is for us to consider that we could have the appropriate religious checklists all filled out but fail miserably as idolaters because we don't truly find our delight supremely in God himself?! But thanks be to God that he gives us the true object of his affection, Christ himself, to sinners like us. And further, he gives his powerful and successful Holy Spirit to show Christ to us, give us eyes to see him and be impressed by him!

If you truly find yourself delighting in God then it is because God has graciously opened your eyes to behold the glory of Jesus through his Holy Spirit. Praise him for this!

3. The Blessing of God's Presence

The whole book of Leviticus pivots on the issue of God's presence. How will the sinful people enjoy the blessings of God's presence when he is intolerably holy? The most devestating possiblity for a true worshiper of Yahweh is to loose the blessed benefit of his presence and fellowship with him through worship.

Through all of the sacrifices, laws and regulations you have God graciously and mercifully giving his people a way to enjoy him.

Of course all of this points forward to the blessed Savior. Christ Jesus gives access, fellowship and blessing that is irrevocable! He brings us into the very presence of God. He is our eternal anchor within the veil.

As we continue to consider Leviticus think about the greatness of Christ and how as a true believer we are to join God in delighting in him. Think about the true access you have in Jesus; how by his one sacrifice he has made his people positionally holy, even blameless before the throne. And think about idolatry; don't measure yourself primarily by your outward actions, but why you do what you do. See God as supremely glorious and serve him with a satisfied smile that expresses your loyalty to this awesome God.

To be more impressed with Christ,

Erik

Highlights from the Church Picnic

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:10:56 -0500

We enjoyed a great time of fellowship on Sunday afternoon up at Cooper Farms. It was a great encouragement to see so many folks from both North & South Campus meeting gathering together to fellowship around the gospel.

One main highlight was the time of baptism. It was during this time that we were able to hear with clarity of God's powerful saving grace in the lives of five individuals. I never grow tired of hearing the gospel clearly articulated through various circumstances.

From a South Campus perspective it was great to see Ron & Erin Clough get baptized prior to leaving to Louisiana.

Attending to the time of baptism was the musical worship. This time was a special blessing as well. In particular it served to stir our hearts afresh as to the ongoing power expressed by the living God through his living word!

We were also treated to savory bits of General Revelation thanks to the OBC grilling team "Sweet Aroma"...

There are plenty more pictures online thanks to Angie Gottsch's faithful service in photography. Here is a link to the entire album.

What a great day of encouragement in Christ!

Important Updates

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:50:34 -0500

We had a minor issue with the feeds from the South Blog this week. As a result, the posts may have been truncated or not received. Please review these two important updates:

1. THREE BIG Updates for Your Calender (click here to view the full post)

Church Picnic
Church Conference
Sunday Nights this Fall

2. You Never Get Beyond the Gospel (click here to view the full post)

Thanks so much for your patience and fellowship in the gospel!

Erik

You Never Get Beyond the Gospel

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:23:13 -0500

In his article, “The Centrality of the Gospel,” Tim Keller helpfully elucidates the all too simple but all to neglected diagnosis of our spiritual 'issues'. I love this. (emphasis mine)

We never “get beyond the gospel” in our Christian life to something more “advanced.” The gospel is not the first “step” in a “stairway” of truths, rather, it is more like the “hub” in a “wheel” of truth. The gospel is not just the A-B-C’s but the A-Z of Christianity. The gospel is not just the minimum required doctrine necessary to enter the kingdom, but the way we make progress in the kingdom.
We are not justified by the gospel and then sanctified by obedience, but the gospel is the way we grow (Gal. 3:1-3) and are renewed (Col. 1:6). It is the solution to each problem, the key to each closed door, the power through every barrier (Rom. 1:16-17). It is very common in the church to think as follows. “The gospel is for non-Christians. One needs it to be saved. But once saved, you grow through hard work and obedience.” But Col. 1:6 shows that this is a mistake. Both confession and “hard work” that is not arising from and “in line” with the gospel will not sanctify you–it will strangle you. All our problems come from a failure to apply the gospel. Thus when Paul left the Ephesians he committed them “to the word of his grace, which can build you up” (Acts 20:32).

The main problem, then, in the Christian life is that we have not thought out the deep implications of the gospel, we have not “used” the gospel in and on all parts of our life. Richard Lovelace says that most people’s problems are just a failure to be oriented to the gospel–a failure to grasp and believe it through and through. Luther says, “The truth of the Gospel is the principle article of all Christian doctrine. . . . Most necessary is it that we know this article well, teach it to others, and beat it into their heads continually.” The gospel is not easily comprehended. Paul says that the gospel only does its renewing work in us as we understand it in all its truth. All of us, to some degree live around the truth of the gospel but do not “get” it. So the key to continual and deeper spiritual renewal and revival is the continual re-discovery of the gospel. A stage of renewal is always the discovery of a new implication or application of the gospel–seeing more of its truth. This is true for either an individual or a church.

3 Big Events for Your Calendar

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:57:55 -0500

We have three big events coming up for us as a church family. And especially attractive about these times is the fact that we'll be able to visit with other members of OBC from the North Campus during these times.

So mark your calendars and plan to attend. Here is the list:

-1- Fall Family Picnic & Baptism Service

This Sunday (9/13) we will be gathering together at the spacious Cooper Farms (think ideal park and pavillion set on a farm without any strange odors).

This is one of my favorite times of the year. There will be plenty of activities for kids, time for good conversation, food, & muscial worship.

This year we will also have a ministry update from the pastoral staff. This will be a good time to look forward to a great year of ministry together.

Then we will celebrate and punctuate the night with baptisms. Several folks are confessing Christ as Lord and will give testimony as to how God has brought the gospel to them that they might see Chris as precious. Included are two folks from South Campus, Ron & Erin Clough!

So make plans to come this Sunday @ 2pm (more info including directions and what to bring)

-2- Church Conference

This year's church conference will be on Saturday, September 26th and focusing on our finances.

The focus of his time with us will be on Fourteen Steps to Financial Freedom. There will be many practical suggestions regarding budgeting appropriately retirement finances wills using credit and the importance of your credit scores.

Using the financial resources God has blessed us with to honor Christ is a key element of our Christian walk. This is a great opportunity to establish new financial habits or review your old ones to see if they need to change in light of our desire to serve Christ and His gospel in every area of our lives. (more info here)

Please take the time to pre-register for the conference so that the workers may plan appropriately (register here)

-3- Sunday Evening Service Resumes

We resume our Sunday evening schedule this September. There will be evening service on the 1st and 3rd Sunday nights (we have Care Groups on the 2nd & 4th). We will be meeting at the North Campus for corporate worship at 6pm.

Our study this year will be the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians. The title of the study is "Church-Killing Controversies". The focus will be upon seeing what God's diagnosis and treatment is for controversy in the church. We pray that God would impress upon our hearts the centrality of Christ and his work that he might prevent such controversies in our midst.

Take advantage of this time to learn God's word together as we encourage one another to love and serve Christ!

Are You in the Observation Deck or on the Surgery Table?

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:57:24 -0500

Personal Bible study and the corporate attendance of the preaching of the Word of God are highlights and matchless joys for Christians. There is something truly special, even divine, about the reality of learning the Scriptures.

However, sometimes I have found myself slipping into the mindset that my study or sermon listening is just to pile on more information. When I do this I completely forget the surgery that the Word of God is intended to do upon my own heart. The Word is like fire, like a hammer that shatters hard rocks like my heart (Jer. 23.29 ). It is to be received and valued in the heart, producing sanctification (Ps. 119.11 ). The Word is a sharp sword that cuts deep and reveals my hidden motives (Heb. 4.12 ).

I can tell when I fall into this type of fallen thinking based upon my approach to study and preaching.

There are two ways to think about time in the word, either standing up in the observation deck or laying on my back under the knife.

If I am standing up in the observation deck I am looking to be entertained, amused, and perhaps catered to. Sure I may learn something but there will be no change internally.

If I am under the knife then I, admittedly, have a problem. I need attention. My heart is being dissected by the scalpel of the Word by the Master Surgeon. When this is happening the idol of knowledge is likewise being smashed and shattered.

My challenge to you is to view your personal and corporate time in the Word as a time of surgery. You are in for some serious work.

Men's Theology Breakfast this Friday AM

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:54:02 -0500

Reminder to the men that we'll be meeting this Friday to talk about chapter 47 of Grudem, specifically 'Church Government'. This should be a good time.

The material, discussion, and fellowship make this time very worthwhile as you start your Friday.

Time: Friday August 7th at 6:00AM
Place: Panera Bread on Cornhusker & 75

Hope you can make it!

Erik

You Don't Want a King that Hides in the Closet

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:28:44 -0500

Israel was clamoring for a king. They wanted to be like the nations around them (1 Sam. 8.4 ). God 'honors' their request and sends Samuel to anoint the son of Kish.

Saul has all of the attributes that most would look for in a king. He is tall, handsome, well spoken. He is someone you could, after all, be proud of.

However, he is a bit reticent to take the role. During the ‘inauguration’ ceremony he is found hiding behind the luggage (1 Sam. 10.22 ).

What a contrast this is to another king who was anointed by one of God’s prophets.

In Matthew’s Gospel we see Jesus come to the prophet for his baptism (Matt. 3). Nobody had to call him from behind the luggage. He wasn’t hiding. In fact this king was marching with resolute zeal to reclaim his constituents, defeat the current tyranny, and restore the rightful reign of God over his people.

You and I should be quite impressed with Christ’s will to be the King. After all, if we are the prize we are not that valuable (1 Cor. 1.26ff ). We have offended the High King of heaven with our treason, blasphemy, and disloyalty (Eph. 2.1-3 ). But this King is so consumed with love for his Father and the vindication of his glory that he loves the unlovely. He steps out of the palace of heaven to walk in the sewer of humanity and be confronted with the fumes of ugliness that accompanied his ministry as the Son of righteousness.

The reaction to Christ’s life was an eruption of discontentment towards the administration of God. Just as with Israel in Samuel’s day there was discontentment with God’s righteous reign over his people, “”…they have rejected me from being king over them” (1 Sam 8.7 ). They wanted a king so that they could be like other nations and not have God’s reign upon. But God’s design in calling Israel was that they not be like other nations. They were to be different. They were to reflect and declare the greatness of their king to the nations not compromise and become like the nations. This king is ultimately Jesus. While there is heartbreak there is no surprise then when the King comes to Israel and he is rejected (John 1.10-11 ).

But this King is not defeated. No, the willing Governor of Righteousness conquered his foes. He defeated the tyrant who oppressed his people, triumphing over him through the cross (Col. 2.11-15 ). He broke the shackles of sin and death, he disarmed the rulers and authorities, and destroyed the works of the devil (1 Jn. 3.8 ). He was not hiding he was conquering!!

In Saul’s weakness we see Christ’s strength, in his hesitation we see Christ’s resolve, in his timidity we see Christ’s courage, in his sin we see Christ’s perfection, in his inappropriate sacrifice we see Christ’s perfect and acceptable sacrifice, in his appeal to our flesh we see Christ’s assault upon our flesh, in his anxiety we see Christ’s confidence, in his pursuit of self-glory we see Christ’s pursuit of divine glory.

It is good to see King Jesus in contrast to others so that we might see his surpassing value. And in seeing his value we rightly see our own value:

6 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. (Deu. 7.6-8).

This King is glorious. We love him because he first loved us. And this King loves us because he loves us.

If that makes perfect sense then you probably don’t get it. And if it befuddles your mind with questions, sighs, and praise then you might be getting it.

O worship the King who is worthy of worship.

Malawi Mission Updates

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:15:00 -0500

The OBC Malawi Mission team is posting updates on their blog. You may view them here.

You might find it beneficial to subscribe to the updates via email:

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Sounds like they are doing well and the Lord is blessing the ministry. Please continue to pray for them!

Update & Request from North Omaha Missions

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:12:49 -0500

As you know the North Omaha Mission is well underway with great news of God opening doors for the gospel. Here is a plug from ministry leader Joe Jamal who requests additional help for the next few days:

We are planning on increasing our door to door efforts the next two evenings. We would like to send out many teams throughout the neighborhood, if you would like to be a part of this team please meet us at 2707 Crown Point at 4:30. If you have any questions please call me at 320-2480.

Theology for Breakfast this Friday

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:11:32 -0500

Men, you are invited to join other believers to talk about what the Bible says about “THE POWER OF THE CHURCH.” We will be discussing Wayne' Grudem's chapter (46) in his Systematic Theology. The chapter discusses “What kind of authority does the church have?” and “How should church discipline function?”

This is a topic that will certainly generate discussions among those of us who come this Friday. But more importantly, this will be a discussion that covers issues that I expect you will hear again, from individuals both in and out of the faith. I think it is important to focus on what the Bible teaches concerning the power of Christ’s Church.

Time: Friday August 7th at 6:00AM
Place: Panera Bread on Cornhusker & 75

Hope you can make it.

Your brother in Christ,
Hank

Not in Leviticus this Sunday...

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:09:35 -0500

I decided to postpone our study in Leviticus for another week. This is due in large part to the challenge that are before me in chapters 11-15. I, frankly, need a little more time before I can bring it to you on a Sunday morning.

Therefore, this Sunday we will plan to answer the question, "Why must we feast on God's Word?" This is based upon Jesus' assertion in Matthew 4.4, "Man should not live on bread alone but every word that comes from the mouth of God."

We have tried to emphasize Christ-Centeredness over the last year (Colossians & Leviticus). We must remember that it is a Bible-Centeredness that makes one Christ-centered. I for one need to be reminded that daily, even hourly, I should find myself nibbling upon the crust of God's Word that he has broken before us in the Scriptures. This Sunday we'll aim to answer why this is.

It would no doubt prove beneficial to review chapter 4 of Matthew prior to Sunday am.

Please pray for me as well, that I would have my own inward heart assaulted by the truth of Scripture in study so that I might serve you this Sunday in our study of the Bible together.

Erik

Stand Close to the Cross of Jesus

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:07:40 -0500

I found this quote by an old saint quite encouraging and helpful. I share it that we might crowd together at the glorious cross of Christ!

“Once more heed the exhortation- stand close to the cross of Jesus! It is the most accessible and precious spot this side of heaven- the most solemn and awesome one this side of eternity. It is the focus of divine love, sympathy, and power. Stand by it in suffering, in persecution, in temptation. Stand by it in the brightness of prosperity and in the gloom of adversity. Shrink not from its offence, humiliation, and woe. Defend it when scorned, despised, and denied. Stand up for Jesus and the gospel of Jesus. Oh, whatever you do, or whatever you endure, be loyal to Christ’s cross. Go to it in trouble, repair to it in weakness, cling to it in danger, hide beneath it when the wintry storm rushes fiercely over you. Near to the cross, you are near a Father’s heart, a Savior’s side.”

– Octavius Winslow, The Foot of the Cross

South Campus' 1 Year Anniversary

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:06:10 -0500

It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since South Campus began! We began services on July 13, 2008. I guess it is true that time flies when you are having fun.

I found it refreshing to consider some encouraging observations from the past year that should motivate us as we press on. There are many more but these jumped right off the page at me.

Christ is Being Proclaimed:

One of the most refreshing and liberating realizations is the fact that God is pleased when the truth of Christ is proclaimed. This helps calibrate not only our mission but also what we value as ‘success’.

As you walk around OBC-South on a Sunday you hear conversations that exalt Christ’s preciousness, you hear teachers with the children pointing to promises of God, you hear Sunday School teachers pointing to the glory of God, you hear musical leaders aiming to exalt Christ, and you hear preaching that finds charge in trumpeting the fame of Christ.

But this is not all! As you walk around, observing and serving, you note that as others serve they are serving to magnify the greatness of Christ. It is not merely a demonstration of special personal talents or abilities; but rather service is a demonstration of God’s transforming grace through his Son’s powerful work! So whether we are loading, unloading, cleaning floors, pouring coffee, or changing a diaper, the source of genuine service is the beauty of Christ.

People are Serving:

This is very encouraging for the reason listed above. The mere fact that people are serving with joy and humility demonstrates that God is working in your lives! This is powerful and refreshing! It does our souls well to meditate upon the source and end of true gospel service.

People are Growing:

Thankfully God does not leave us alone when we are in Christ! He continually and faithfully and lovingly and powerfully attends our lives with his Spirit and his Word for our transformation.

One way we have seen this is the Care Group Ministry. A goal by the leaders when we started was to have 75% of the regular attendees in a Care Group. We found that the average attendance is now over 80%! This is great news! Since we began we have studied, The ‘I Am’ Statements of Jesus, The Epistle of Paul to the Galatians, & The Seven Churches of Revelation. And we are gearing up for a study in Jerry Bridges recent book The Bookends of the Christian Life.

And on Sunday mornings we have studied the Book of Colossians and are now working our way through Leviticus. God surely has much more in store for us from the banquet hall of his Word! It is so encouraging to hear of biblical growth. I encourage you to boast in Christ by pointing out growth to one another as you see it.

New People are Coming:

We are truly thankful that God has brought new people to South Campus. I remember meeting together on a February Sunday night prior to launch with about 70 or so folks to talk about the ministry. At that time we had about 100 or so folks on the books ready to come South with us (counting kids). In recent months the average Sunday attendance has been right around 160. This is great news! God is adding people to come and boast in his Son.

This is also a time to find ourselves greedy for God’s glory. We know that while God is adding folks to our number it is also true that there are many other folks that we need to tell about Christ. Our message is the gospel of Christ and OBC is the community that celebrates it together. So find yourself burdened to reach Bellevue – Offutt – Papillion – La Vista with the truth of the gospel. After all, this is why we are here…right?!

Let’s keep our eyes peeled for the work of Christ in our midst that we might quickly heap praise upon him, to the glory of God the Father. And may God be pleased to give us many more years of ministry that boasts in Christ Jesus (Gal. 6.14)!

In Christ Alone,

Erik Raymond

The Freshness of God's Word

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:03:37 -0500

Here on vacation we recently we read a few articles as a family that were written in the mid 1600's. The author and pastor was exhorting his congregation unto godliness from the pages of Scripture. As I read the author's words and considered their age I was struck again by the freshness of God's Word.

There were of course expressions and words that he used that we no longer use. The editors had to provide synonymns and definitions for some of the phrases because the language was archaic. However, the Scripture he quoted and the exposition he provided were as timeless as God's eternal reign.

In a world full of expiration dates and spoiled treasures where else can you open the lid on something nearly 400 years old and find such refreshment and delight?

Just as Israel found fresh food from God on the Arabian desert floor we too come daily to the Scriptures for our blessed buffet. We feed upon Christ, his person and work; and so delight in the goodness of our God. Let us remember today that "the grass whithers, the flower fades but the word of our God will stand forever" (Is. 40.8). And so we sniff, taste, and enjoy to the glory of God!

Are you walking in love?

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:59:00 -0500

"I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" - Ephesians 4:1-3

In this passage, the Apostle Paul implores the Ephesian church to walk worthy of their Gospel calling. Notice the specific characteristics that should describe their Christian walk (i.e. the way they should live). Within the church body, there should be:

Humility
Gentleness
Patience
Bearing with one another in love
Eagerness [NASB-diligence] to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

Remember that this passage flows out of Ephesians chapters 1-2. Chapters 1-2 describe in great detail the incredible wealth of the Believer’s position in Jesus Christ because of the Gospel of grace.

Now, consider your relationships within the church body of Omaha Bible Church. Do these characteristics describe you? Are you eager and diligent to preserve loving unity in the body of Christ? Because of the Gospel, each of us should be viewing our relationships with one another through the “lens” of God’s Grace in our own lives.

I realize that we are a diverse group of people…

…with different gifts

…with different temperaments

…with different perspectives

However, because of Jesus Christ and His grace, we can celebrate these differences and pursue peace and harmony with each other.

The Apostle Peter says it this way, “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9)

May this describe us.

Dave Pugh

Getting Started Class begins this Sunday

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:55:22 -0500

Just a quick note to remind you that we begin the Getting Started class this Sunday am during the 9.00 Sunday School hour. We will be meeting in the cafe area.

Who should take this class? Simply anyone who has not previously taken it!

Why should you take this class? We take the time to talk together about what the local church is all about, why we are here, how we go about doing this, and how you can get involved. This is a great venue to get answers to any questions you might have about OBC life and ministry. In addition, this is the place where we teach you the 'secret handshake' :)

If you are a member of OBC please consider forwarding this info on to some of your friends who are new.

Have a great rest of the week!

Erik

God is our Refuge

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:54:04 -0500

God has given us a special blessing in the fellowship we have as believers. We are called, “one body” (Eph. 4:4) and “members of His body” (Eph 5:30). We are instructed to “love one another” (Jn. 13:34). Yet, sometimes, by God’s providence we find ourselves outside the regular fellowship, encouragement and love of believers. For me, it is these times I feel most vulnerable to the temptations of this world. Yet, I know that our brotherly fellowship is only an earthly representation of the refuge we have in our God through Christ Jesus.

In my most recent absence from your presence, I found strength and encouragement to this end in First and Second Peter. Along with exhortations to remain alert, being of sober spirit and preparing our minds for action we are told: “fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 1:13) With this as our hope we can, even surrounded by the most depraved of men and exposed to what may seem the most worldly of generations, endure their persecutions and resist the devil, “knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being [and have been] accomplished by your brethren who are [also] in the world” (1 Pet. 5:9)

But more than this brotherly assurance (which, as a note of encouragement, was made clear to me by the faithful correspondence of several brothers while I was separated from you) let us find our ultimate assurance in God’s strength, as we live among the world as aliens and strangers, to enable us to persevere in times of temptation:

And if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation…(2 Pet. 2:7-9)

If He can deliver Lot from the influence of those surrounding him, how much more will He continue to deliver us, whether while with the body or away from it. For since we’re not redeemed with perishable things, but with the precious blood of Christ, we know that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1). Praise be to God for He is our Refuge.

By: Armand Fondren

Becoming a Fellow Partaker of the Gospel

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:52:50 -0500

“I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it”—(1 Corinthians 9:23).

Many of us are quite familiar with this verse and recognize it as an excerpt from a passage in which the Apostle Paul explains his commitment to the gospel. He was driven by the desire to proclaim that God-pleasing righteousness is acquired only through trusting in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for His people. As far as it depended on Paul, he wanted nothing about his life to get in the way of others hearing that message. That is why he did not insist on earning a living from his ministry or on being treated according to his rights as an apostle. The only offense and stumbling block in his ministry would be the Christ-exalting and man-humbling message of the cross.

While it is good and right to mediate on this truth, it is also important to focus on the last few words of this verse, “…so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.” What does Paul mean by saying that he does everything for the sake of the gospel that he may become a fellow partaker of it?

The fact that I even ask this question exposes some narrowness in my thinking. It is true that belief in the gospel message results in justification for God’s people which will result in our eventual glorification. But the good news is not limited to the wonderful truth that we will be with our Savior one day. There are also benefits of the gospel that apply to me today!

The gospel is powerful enough to cause me to enjoy Christ. The Son has made me free! Every sin that I commit is an assault on the Holy God, yet because of my union with Christ, I do not need to fear His wrath nor do I need to do any sort of penance to “make things right.” In fact, I now have the freedom to serve Christ by proclaiming His message and by living a gospel-transformed life, just as Paul did.

A gospel-focused life ensures that we can participate in its benefits today. Meditating and studying on the wonderful salvation achieved by our Savior brings rejoicing and fruit. What a privilege we have that our Savior wants us to understand more and more about “the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe,” (Ephesians 1:19) and that He wants us to become partakers in the blessings of His gospel even now.

By: Eric Ball

Sunday Afternoon Picnic

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:51:08 -0500

Come out to the picnic Sunday night at the Balls' house on the lake for Memorial Day!

Bring lawn chairs or blankets, balls & gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, swimsuits, and the food item your care group was asked to bring ( don't forget coolers to keep it cold -- no extra fridge space there). We will gather at 4 pm and eat about 6 pm. Their address is 406 Shorewood Lane in Waterloo.

Not in a Care Group? Show up and enjoy the evening!

Here is a list of what to each care group is to bring:

Free- Drinks
Martina- Plates, Napkins, Forks, Spoons, Condiments
Raymond- Past/Potato/Other Salads
Atkins- Desert
Fudge- Buns and Chips
Pugh- Hamburger patties

Looking forward to a great time of fellowship this weekend!

(In case of bad weather, we will cancel for this year. Call 980-9150 to confirm cancellation.)

The Crown of Thorns and the Last Adam

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:49:36 -0500

This past weekend I was struck by the words as we were singing the hymn The Wondrous Cross. Specifically the verse that says:

See from His head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

I was struck by the irony of the scene that is painted with the crown of thorns.

Because it is so Wrong
It is ironic because Christ is a King and he was mocked so with this crown. He is heir of creation, the Sovereign King of kings, the source and sustainer of all life. Yet, he has the hateful derision personified in a sharp, merciless thorns upon his head. It was thrust down and twisted upon that sacred head with hatred and scorn. O' the depths of the King's condescension for such traitors to his rule and authority.

Do you see the horrific display that is occurring here as Jesus wears this crown?

Because it is so Right
Secondly I was struck by the appropriateness of the crown of thorns. You might say, "It is entirely inappropriate, that is the point!" And you are right. But at the same time it is appropriate. It is appropriate because of who Jesus is and what he came to do.

Jesus is the last Adam. He comes as the One who would give rest to the seed of the woman by triumphing over the seed of the serpent (Gen. 3.15). Where our representative Adam failed Jesus our representative is victorious. He came to rescue his people from the curse of sin by becoming a curse for us.

We understand that one of the most visible forms of this curse in the Garden of Eden was the emergence of thorns and thistles (Gen. 3.17-18). Our first parents now saw very clearly the agricultural illustration of their rebellion. The ground would no longer be submissive servants to their rule but would, like they themselves with God, be opposed and contrary to them at every turn.

It was fitting then for the last Adam to be crowned with such. As he bore the crown of thorns upon the cross he bore the curse of God upon man. He became our curse (Gal. 3.13).

So yes, behold the crown of thorns with the horror that is due it; it is unimaginably displaced. Your sin, my sin precipitated it being thrust upon him. However, also behold the crown with humble joy. See Jesus there upon the cross bearing the shame, the insults, the spit, the beatings, and the horrors of Calvary. But see him also guzzle the eternal vat of condemnation that is due to a sinner like me and you. See him do this successfully, completely, powerfully, and gloriously! See him do it with the crown of the curse thrust upon his brow.

For we understand that without Christ bearing the crown of thorns we would never be able to walk where there is no curse in that sacred city, the New Jerusalem; where we will enjoy the river of life, the fruit from the tree of life, and the healing leaves that are promised.

Indeed that crown was rich. It was rich because of who's head it was upon and what he was doing.

Gather round that cross and marvel at such love and sorrow as it is punctuated with its glorious victory!

Marveling together with you,

Erik Raymond

Why we are switching to the English Standard Version

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:48:06 -0500

As we announced this past Sunday, OBC is making the switch to the English Standard Version (ESV) as the primary translation for preaching and ministry. There are several reasons why the elders have made this decision. I want to highlight some of these in this post here.

Before we look at these, please understand that the switch from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) did not come lightly. The pastors have been reading through the ESV for more than a couple of years in our own personal devotions. We have been carefully and prayerfully considering this change. We recognize that there are other good translations (including the NASB!) so this is by no means a shift to becoming an ‘ESV-only’ church. We just simply think that the ESV is the best translation for Omaha Bible Church to put in the hands of our people.

There are three big reasons for the change to the ESV.

1) The ESV is an excellent translation

By excellent translation I mean that it is a word-for-word translation as opposed to a thought-for-thought translation. This becomes critically important for us because God did inspire thoughts but rather words (2 Tim. 3.16).

Furthermore, the ESV also emphasizes and demonstrates a high literary quality. In other words, the translators have worked hard to ensure that the ESV maintains the high literary quality of the Bible. The translation reads better than many others and it has a greater sense of literary beauty. We have used the NASB for a number of years and really enjoyed the attention given to the word-for-word translation from the original. However, the same care was not given to preserving the Bible as a literary treasure.

The ESV helps us to have a word-for-word translation with a high literary value.

2) The ESV appears ‘here to stay’

As I mentioned above we did not make this switch casually. We have been carefully evaluating the translation, the publisher, and its growing support for some time now. We recognize that while the ESV is popular it is not merely trendy or faddish. It seems as though that many of the churches who are serious about studying the Bible, exposition, the primacy of the gospel, and the Sola’s of the Reformation are using the English Standard Version.

The ESV appears positioned to be the translation of choice for serious minded Christians in this era.

3) The ESV has strong support

Crossway is the publisher of the ESV and they have done a fantastic job thus far. Specifically I am thinking about how they seem to be so ardently resolved to make the Bible accessible in a variety of mediums. This may have something to do with the fact that Crossway, unlike so many Christian publishers, is actually owned by believers!

Some examples include ESV.org where the Bible is easily searchable. You may also listen to the Bible as Max Mclean reads it to you. In addition the ESV Study Bible is a wonderful gift to the church. The Study Bible includes detailed commentary by various scholars as well as very helpful articles on such things as ethics, history of salvation, hermeneutics, Bibliology and Archeology. All of this to say, Crossway is forward thinking and working hard to come alongside the church and put the Bible in peoples’ hands.

Conclusion:

As a church we aim to make the glory of God central by unfolding and applying the Word of God. Therefore we want to help believers to read, understand and apply the Scriptures. The English Standard Version seems like the best translation for us to use for the pulpit ministry as well as daily reading, memorizing and meditation.

Delighting in God’s Word with you,

Erik Raymond

(note: We are giving away one new hardback pew Bible per family to read and become familiar with. If you did not get a copy this past week please swing by the bookstore and pick one up this week. In addition, Crossway has agreed to let us sell the ESV for 55% off list price during our transition time. The North Campus bookstore has a large selection of discounted Bibles. We will also have many at South Campus this weekened as well.)

Revelation 5:7,8

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:46:45 -0500

Since we have already started verse seven this will be more of a refresher for most. After being introduced to Christ with such contrasting descriptions--"Lion of the Tribe of Judah/Lamb standing as though it had been slain"--He takes the scroll from the right hand of God the Father. Since verse 8 is right around the corner it will be added in this post as well so as not to flood your email with posts. In verse 8 the crowd of elders respond to Him who is worthy by falling down before Him. What an appropriate response and an awesome image!

"And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.⁸ And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." Revelation 5:7

The flow of the first seven verses so far:

¹"Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ²And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?' ³And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, ⁴and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. ⁵And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.' ⁶And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.⁷And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.⁸And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

Confound and Challenge

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:44:17 -0500

I have heard countless sermons on the story of the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees about paying taxes to Caesar. The text is found in Matthew 22: 15-22

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. [2] 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. [3] 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away. (ESV)

The emphasis of these sermons has almost always been on Jesus confounding His detractors, which is proper, but usually underemphasized is Jesus’ challenge and encouragement to his followers.

In confounding his detractors, Jesus recognizes the attempted cleverness of the Pharisees in asking a question that they felt had no right answer. Jesus would be discredited by either answer, “yes” or “no”. Jesus turned their ploy back upon them by answering their question by posing a question of his own. The Pharisees, recognizing that the tables had been turned on them so elegantly, do not even offer an answer but go away marveling at the wisdom of Jesus; response. The “likeness” on the coin was Caesar’s and it was clear in everyone’s mind that, therefore, Caesar had the right to make demands upon it and each was responsible to respond to the demand; each must “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's.”

But very little attention is given to the balance of Jesus” answer, “and to God the things that are God's.” It is clear that his hearers knew exactly the radical richness of Jesus’ statement but for us it requires a bit of digging. The Greek word used for “likeness” is eikon (εικων), from which we get the English “icon”, and is better translated in the AV as “image”. The reason that Jesus’ meaning was impactful on his hearers is that this same Greek word is used in Genesis 1:26-27 in the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures which was the most commonly read and quoted version of the Old Testament of the day.

Genesis 1: 26 Then God said, “Let us make man [8] in our image (εικων), after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image (εικων) in the image (εικων) of God he created him; male and female he created them (AV)

Since, as Jesus had said, without contradiction, that the one who has the right to make demand on a thing is indicated by the image that the thing bear, then while it is sure that Caesar has demand rights on the coin with his image then God has the right to the thing that bears His image. Genesis 1; 26-27 Makes it clear that what God has this right to is our very selves. While Caesar’s right is limited, here only to money, God’s right is unlimited because of who he is and what he has done in Special Creation, creating man in his image. In challenge and contrast to the Pharisees, who carefully crafted there devotion, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23), Jesus’ followers are to give (render) to God all in reckless abandon and recognition of his right and Lordship.

Paul reiterates this same emphasis when after the matchless doctrinal exposition of the first eleven chapters of Romans; he opens the application section of the epistle with:

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (ESV)

The question for each of us, then, is, “Am I holding back while maintaining appearances, like the Pharisees, or am I, without reservation, presenting my body as a living sacrifice?”

May God grant us mercy to glorify him by giving all.

By: Richard Huggins

On Rejoicing in Trials

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:40:48 -0500

I suppose the subject of trials requires little lead-in. No one's reading this thinking, "Suffering, huh? It's an interesting idea, but how does it relate to me?" I don't know your exact circumstances, but I know you have your hardships. James wrote his epistle to people enduring hardship, too—the real kind. First century Jewish Christians, they were despised by the Gentiles for their ethnicity, and hated by their kinsmen for supposedly betraying it. They'd been run out of their homeland under persecution, leaving behind homes, businesses, and loved ones, and driven into foreign lands where they were being slandered, dragged into court, and oppressed. They were at the same time dealing with favoritism in the church, with physical illness, and more. What counsel does the Holy Spirit inspire for people in such trying circumstances? (What does the Spirit say to you?)

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - James 1:2-4

It's notable that James directs our attention toward our trials, not away from them. Much popular counsel for suffering people teaches them to find their happiness in something else. "At least you have such and such." James says to look at your trials and see in them a cause for joy. The reason is that trials, though unpleasant, have a joyful outcome when submitted to: our sanctification (Heb. 12:11). The process can be likened to physical exercise. The goal is a strong, healthy body. How do you achieve it? By repeatedly pitting your muscles against weight too great for them in hope of shedding fat and building muscle. If you endure in this course eventually you develop a good body. God similarly puts us under pressures that seem too great for our faith, each one with a "target area" where He wants us to shed some sin or put on some virtue. By endurance in this process, over time we develop good character. With this knowledge, says James, you can rejoice in trials as a weightlifter in his weights or a runner his track. Adopt such a perspective. Praise God for trials, knowing that He has sent them for a purpose, and then focus on being sanctified by them—exercising the faith they were sent to strengthen—and don't drop out of training early. Every trial successfully endured will make you a stronger, healthier Christian.

Sunday School Audio Online

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:38:34 -0500

There have been a lot of requests for the Sunday School audio. We don't have a system in place for posting it on the site like the sermons, but until we do we've at least made the files available. Point your browser to http://www.obcsouth.org/files/audio/sunday-school/ for a list ordered by date. It's nothing pretty, but it's something to work with. Thanks to everyone that's asked about this. I hope it blesses you.

Revelation 5:6

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:36:37 -0500

This week we will be committing verse 6 to memory. Verse 6 is long so make sure you give yourself a little extra time to memorize it and meditate on it. After being introduced to the "Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" in verse 5, we are given a brief description of the one who is worthy to open this scroll and look into it.

"And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth." Revelation 5:6

The flow of the first six verses so far:

¹"Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ²And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?' ³And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, ⁴and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. ⁵And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.' ⁶And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth."

The Christian Life

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:23:36 -0500

I recently read A Faith Worth Sharing by C. John Miller and Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A Carson. In the first, the author spent the last six weeks of his life recounting how he shared or attempted to share Christ throughout his Christian life. The second book recounts the faithful and difficult road that Tom Carson, D.A.Carson’s father, walked as he faithfully fulfilled his roles as pastor, missionary in a foreign language, father, and teacher. Both books recount the lives of ordinary men faithfully working in obedience to the Word and calling of Christ.

I am thankful that God has chosen to encourage believers through the lives of Christians who have gone before us. I am encouraged by seeing that godly servants who preceded us in life have remained faithful when faced with challenges often greater than any that we face. But more than that, it is so helpful and humbling to see how God is always faithful to provide for those who seek His will and glory. Clearly, neither of these men was rich nor famous. However, both left a great legacy within their families and the Christian community and gave us an example of how God works in the lives of his servants.

So what does that really mean to me? Here are a few thoughts these books have led me to consider in the last few days. First, I think that being a man of prayer is not simple, so saying someone is a simple man of prayer is an oxymoron. I don’t pray nearly enough. Next, there is no such thing as an ordinary man of faith. Since faith is God-given, it is then by definition, extraordinary. It is important to be faithful in small things as well as the big ones. Finally, people notice and God is glorified when Christians act like Christians.

So this week, consider praying that God would grant us faith and grace through all our lives’ challenges so that those who will follow us in this life will find our lives faithful and encouraging to them.

God Bless
Hank

It is finished (John 19:20)

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:22:10 -0500

“It is finished!” What welcoming words when we complete a task. However, the word “finish” has often been a frustration to most of us - unfinished homework, projects, lifelong goals and the lists go on. We live with the reality of a failure to finish. And even when we finish, we must live with the imperfection of the task.

In light of that, have you ever meditated on the single-minded goal of Jesus to finish what He came to do? He was about His Father’s business as a young boy. The long shadow of the cross was ever before Him. Once He said, “…the Son of Man must suffer many things…and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). The word “must” means, “it is necessary”. In the Garden, with the horrors of the cross in view He prayed, “For this purpose I have come” (John 12:27). Jesus had a divine mandate to fulfill His mission and it culminated in His cry from the cross, “It is finished!” But we must ask, “What did Jesus finish?”

For one thing, Jesus finished what Adam failed to do – He lived a perfectly obedient life by fulfilling “all righteousness” -- righteousness all sinners desperately need for eternal life. However, He also finished the requirement of God’s judgment for sin. Before the foundations of the world, with Adam’s fall in view, there was an agreement made in heaven that Jesus would die for His people’s sins. Genesis 3:15 predicted this victorious death. The Old Testament was filled with shadows, types and prophecies looking toward one main event in history, namely the cross. The unfolding drama of redemption must find its way to Golgotha. The perfect Savior who lived a perfect life must “become sin for us” so that we might be declared “righteous” through His finished work.

“Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

For three long hours through the dismal darkness and a stony silence from His Father, no word came from His parched lips. Then came the Savior’s doleful cry from the cross, “I am thirsty”. God’s eternal wrath had taken its toll; His hour of abandonment was coming to a close. Soon after, He cried, “It is finished!” – this was the God-Man sealing our pardon with His blood “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2). “It is finished!” was the announcement that the law’s demands were fulfilled and a satisfactory atonement for sinners was offered to God. Redemption was accomplished! The pact was fulfilled! God was satisfied! And sinners could now be reconciled through Him!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

by: Ron Martina

The Will of God

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:20:40 -0500

Last week I had the privilege of attending the Shepherd’s Conference at Grace Community Church. While there I was able to listen to Jon Rourke, an elder at GCC, speak about God’s Will. It was outstanding and I would like to share an excerpt with you.

People are always “searching for God’s will” like it is hidden. Instead we simply need to understand it as it is specifically revealed to us through the Scriptures. We should not be asking “What is God’s will for my life?” Instead, we should focus on “How do I fulfill God’s will in my life.” This, of course, requires that I know what God’s will is.

To succeed we must Walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16). To do this we must first be born again. This is the starting point. Eph 5: 17 says “don’t be foolish but understand what the will of God is.” If we are not first saved we will not be able to understand the will of God. Matt 7:21 tell us that, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven will enter.” So it is very important for us to know what the will of God is and to do it.

Once saved and indwelled by the Holy Spirit we can walk in the Spirit. 1 Thess 4:1-8 tell us to live to please God –

“¹Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. ²For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. ³For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ⁵not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. ⁷For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. ⁸So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.”

1 Thess 4:3 tells us specifically what the will of God is for us – our sanctification. It is God’s will that we come to be more like Christ in all that we do, that we actively grow in our faith and service throughout our walk with the Lord. And here in Thessalonians He goes on to tell us how.

We are rubber. He is glue

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:59:55 -0500

Did you ever realize that one of the greatest statements of galactic truth has been learned on the playground?

Reading through John Piper’s primer on Jonathan Edwards, God’s Passion for His Glory, two summers ago, I came upon an absolute gem that has been invading my world and consuming my perception of all life. Edwards makes this proposition:

“That no notion of God’s last end in the creation of the world is agreeable to reason, which would truly imply any indigence, insufficiency, and mutability in God, or any dependence of the Creator on the creature for any part of His perfection or happiness. Because it is evident, by both Scripture and reason, that God is infinitely, eternally, unchangeably, and independently glorious and happy; that he cannot be profited by, or receive anything from, the creature…”

Shortly he again asserts, “Now if the creature receives its ALL from God, entirely and perfectly, how is it possible that it should have any thing to add to God to make Him in any respect more than He was before, and so the Creator become dependent on the creature?”

Put shortly, God didn’t gain anything by creating, and he gains nothing from the creature, namely us. To say that He gained in any way, at any turn, is to say that in eternity past, prior to creating, He was eternally deficient, lacking something not yet gained. This is clearly an untenable conclusion.

So why did God create? Edwards explains that creation is the outworking of God’s passion to show His worthiness. In creation all of His attributes are expressed and God is shown to be worthy of praise. His glory is therefore not generated, but returned to Him by His creation (Isaiah 42:8).

He radiates glory. We reflect it.

This has earth-shaking impact on how we worship God. Several reasons come to mind. First, we worship God not because we should, but because it is the natural response to His worth. He is worthy (Revelation 5….the whole thing!). Worship is essentially our agreement that He is worthy. We praise Him because He is the only suitable object of praise. More than suitable, he is perfect. We worship the worthy one because it is right.

Second, we understand that worship is expressed in obedience. By obeying we glorify Him by reflecting His perfections outwardly. We agree by our obedience that His attributes are worthy of reflection. We do not generate glory, but return it by living as mirrors to His perfection.

Third, we make Christ the model of our obedience because he is the express image of the Father (Hebrews 1:3). He explains the Father to us (John 1:18), and the Holy Spirit conforms us to His image (Romans 8:29). Because of this we rightly fix all of our affection upon Him.

Fourth, we see the greatness of the cross, at which all of God’s attributes were displayed in perfect harmony. Particularly, through the death of the Son came the multiplication of the Son (Romans 8:29). The radiance of His glory, the One who explained the Father is recreated through His resurrection and ascension to the Father’s right hand. Christ who is one became an invisible, worldwide body, broadcasting His glory throughout the world. By this we see that understanding the cross is a key to understanding the mind of God. Only an insatiable desire to express His attributes in the greatest possible way could have compelled God to act in this unspeakable wonderful way.

Fifth, by this we understand that the local church body (of Christ) is to be the center of our worship where we come together as a body and celebrate God’s worth. Corporate worship is right because in Christ we are a body. Through this body, as He did with His Son, God uniquely testifies to His worth.

We could go on indefinitely. God willing we all see in which God, in all His perfections, could do noting other than that which achieved His greatest possible glory. Praise God that He is good, and loving and righteous and blessed. Praise God that He is moved to invest Himself in us, not because of our worth, but because of His glory.

Article by: Matt Fudge

Scripture Memory: Revelation 5

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:57:16 -0500

This week we continue on with our Scripture memory by adding verse 5.

⁵"And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."

The flow of the first 5 verses:

¹"Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ²And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?' ³And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, ⁴and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. ⁵And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.'"

Scripture Memory- Revelation 5

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:55:33 -0500

This week we will be pushing ahead in our Scripture memory by adding verse 4.

Revelation 5:4

"and I began to weep loudly because no one was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it."

The flow of the first four verses so far:

"¹Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ²And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?' ³And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, ⁴and I began to weep loudly because no one was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it."

Learning from David's failure

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:52:56 -0500

Two weeks ago I had the honor to substitute teach in the 3^rd-5^th Grade Sunday School Class for their teacher, Richard Huggins (By the way, I’ve been encouraged to observe Richard consistently connect with those kids as he teaches them through the Old Testament). Anyway, the subject for my lesson was David’s sin with Bathsheba. As you might imagine, this was a bit challenging to discuss at an age-appropriate way, but I think the kids and I learned a great deal. We were amazed how a man who was described as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam 13:14) and who had been so blessed by God could indeed fall so great. Read it for yourself in 2 Samuel 11 and 12.

First of all, David’s sin was indeed atrocious.

David committed adultery with Bathsheba. To make matters worse, Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah. Uriah was a deeply committed and loyal member of David’s “mighty men.” Not only that, Bathsheba was the daughter of Eliam, another of David’s mighty men (2 Sam. 23:34–39) and the granddaughter of one his close counselors, Ahithophel (2 Sam. 15:12; 23:34).
After Bathsheba conceived, David refused to confess his sin but instead tried to cover it up. He ordered Uriah home but failed to manipulate Uriah into having relations with his wife. Finally, resorting to outright murder, David sent a letter to Joab commanding that Uriah be placed in the fiercest part of the battle, only to be abandoned by Joab and killed by the Ammonites (2 Sam. 11:15). David’s heart was so cold that he even sent Uriah to deliver the letter! Think also of the other Israelite soldiers that were killed along with Uriah.

God finally confronts David for his terrible sin. In God’s indictment, I was particularly struck by three application questions for my own life:

1.) Do I remember that God sees?

“The thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Samuel 11:27). No, this thing had not escaped the God’s notice. He knows. Jesus Christ also knows His church in such an intimate way when it sins (Revelation 2-3).

2.) What does my heart value?

God sent Nathan to confront David by telling him a story to unmask his sin (2 Sam 12:1-6). God cuts to the heart of the matter and says, “Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight? …you have despised Me….” (12:9-10). The basic meaning of the word “despised” is to accord little worth or undervalue something. Thus, the outright sins of adultery and murder had begun in David’s heart. There is a real lesson for me. What am I currently valuing? Is it Jesus Christ? Do I value His word? Am I turning my heart continually toward the light of the Gospel? Sin begins in the heart as I fail to value God and His word.

3.) Where do I turn when I sin?

David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Sam 12:13). In the parallel Psalm to this incident, David says to God, “Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge.” (Ps 51:3,4). David was indeed repentant. So Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die.” (2 Sam 12:13). In the same way, my sin is not counted against me but was nailed to the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Even through the terrible consequences of David’s sin (including the death of his son and the misery brought to his house), God graciously disciplined David. God even worked through this situation to bless David with his son Solomon. As Believers in Jesus Christ, we can also trust in God’s amazing grace as we continually examine our own hearts, turning to Christ in repentance.

Serving beside you,

Dave Pugh

Our value before a holy God

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:50:31 -0500

Many know the story of the baby girl born in Miami at an abortion clinic. The intent was to kill the child before it was born, but because the doctor was not present the baby was born alive. Shocked, a worker at the clinic cut the cord, put the baby in a biohazard bag and threw the child away to die. The picture is revolting. How pitiful a life. She was born into a world where no one wanted her, not even her own mother and was left to die. This is truly a tragedy of Biblical proportions.

Ezekiel 16:4-5 "As for your birth, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water for cleansing; you were not rubbed with salt or even wrapped in cloths. No eye looked with pity on you to do any of these things for you, to have compassion on you. Rather you were thrown out into the open field, for you were abhorred on the day you were born."

This is the picture God gives of his people, Israel, before he calls them. In this world they had no value to anyone. They were cast aside and worthless, even to those who should have cared. No, there was nothing of value in this people that would make God claim them as His own. Just as today, there is nothing that we can boast in that would commend us to God.

I don't understand what happened in Miami, but I must admit, the last thing I considered was my own worth before God. I was born a sinner, covered in the filth and grime of this world. I had no value before a holy God because nothing I did brought him honor.

Worse yet, I continued in sin, rebelling against all authorities and rules as soon as I was old enough to understand them. We who claim Christ as our Lord should identify with this little girl. We should see her plight as our own before salvation. We should be reminded of our own wretchedness without Christ. We should also rejoice in so great a salvation that comes to us through his word. Ezekiel 16:6 "When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, 'Live!' Yes, I said to you while you were in your blood, 'Live!'" If you are not saved, hear the call of Christ, believe in his death and resurrection, give up on trying to be good enough to please him and "live!"

By: Toby Free

Memo to the Church: Stamp Heavenâ€™s Glory on your Eyelids

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:47:23 -0500

In our Care Group ministry we are being blessed with a new study on the 7 churches in Revelation. Having looked at the glorious vision of Christ in chapter in our last meeting it is fitting to note something that surely is not a coincidence.

In all of the various addresses to the churches John is told to write the source of the words that he is sending. And in all except one (the apostate church of Laodicea) our glorified Lord includes a snapshot from the vision. He reminds the various congregations of his unrivaled glory.

Ephesus: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. (Rev 2:1)

Smyrna: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.’ (Rev 2:8)

Pergamum: 'The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.’ (Rev 2:12)

Thyataria: 'The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.’ (Rev 2:18)

Sardis: 'The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.’ (Rev 3:1)

Philadelphia: 'The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.’ (Rev 3:7)

Then go back through and read the vision of Christ in verses 9-20 and you’ll see a great correlation.

My question to you is why. Why would Christ find it necessary to disclose this glorious vision and then continually dip back into it in his address to the churches?

I think it is to remind and refresh them with his glory and greatness; who he really is! At the end of the day the glory of Christ is the reason for any accommodation here and the basis for any rebuke. The unparalleled glory of the risen Lord must characterize everything we do as a church and individuals.

This study in Revelation, and even this blog post, is intended to stamp heaven’s glory on our eyelids that it would be ever before us and truly in us.

May Christ be pleased to shine brightly in the midst of this lampstand.

Scripture Memory- Revelation 5:3

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:01:11 -0500

I do pray that you are being blessed as you strive to saturate your souls with the glory of Christ in Revelation chapter 5. This week we add the 3rd verse and aim to have the first three verses memorized for next Sunday morning. Here is the 3rd verse:

"³And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it,"(Rev 5.3)

And here is the flow so far:

"¹Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ² And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" ³ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it," (Rev 5.1-3)

May we continue to find ourselves delighting in our supremely glorious God.

This Week's Scripture Memory

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:00:00 -0500

Scripture Memory

It was such an encouragement to begin our church wide Scripture memory of Revelation chapter 5 this past week. I was particularly encouraged looking out and seeing so many children reciting the verse! This is a great time to help write the word of truth on our little kids' hearts! Please take the bookmarks that are available and give them to all in your home to help with this great pursuit.

I also want to reiterate the priority of not just memorizing the text but meditating upon it. We are not to have a mere surface level interaction with it but a deep seated personal encounter with the Word of God and the God of the Word. Find yourself chewing upon the sacred text and enjoying all of the manifold spices, seasonings, contours, and smells. Our passage in Revelation 5 is particularly delicious.

Here is our text:

"And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" (Rev. 5.2)

Notice the vivid imagery here by John, there is a strong angel and he has a loud voice. The scene is intense. And this scroll is at the forefront. Based upon the upcoming chapters this scroll seems to be the impending judgment of God upon sinful humanity. It is the opening of this scroll and the enacting of its contents that brings about the purging of this planet of all wickedness and the full realization of the Kingdom of Christ. So this is a very important and very powerful scroll. There is little wonder why there is such an emphasis upon it here in chapter 5. We will see in due time that it is the unique one, Jesus, the lion and the lamb, who alone is worthy to open and enact its contents!

But for know we are to be writing verses 1 & 2 upon our own hearts that we might find ourselves increasingly impressed with our glorious Savior. This Sunday am we'll recite verses 1 & 2 together:

(Rev 5.1-2) Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"

Have a great week and I look forward to meeting together on Sunday morning!

Erik

Church Wide Scripture Memory: Revelation 5

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:58:27 -0500

As we announced this past Sunday morning we are aiming to, as a church, memorize Revelation chapter 5 over the next several months. This coincides with our Care Group study in through the seven churches of Revelation 1 & 2.

The benefits for doing this are myriad. As a pastor I cannot think of anything more important than the priority of reminding all of us afresh of the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ. There is no greater gift given than to know and enjoy the Savior. Revelation 5 helps to instruct and remind us of his unparrelled greatness. This also helps us to remember who it is that walks among the churches (Rev. 2.1). The glorious Lord Jesus walks in our midst. We need to remember who we are dealing with here. This chapter is a great reminder.

The plan is to individually read, meditate and memorize chapter 5. Each week over the next few months has a verse assigned to it. We will memorize it during the week and then come together and recite it corporately. As we progress through the chapter we will obviously be repeating what we have been already memorizing. This will help us to continue to reiterate the great truths in the passage.

We will use the English Standard Version (ESV) for our memorization. The ESV.org is a great tool (link here) that has the Bible online and is available for you to listen as well. We will also have bookmarks distributed on Sunday morning that will fit in your Bibles and that you will be able to use individually and with your families. I encourage you to make this a family/friend event. (hint: Men, be leaders on this). Challenge your kids to join you in memorizing the Scriptures.

Here is a schedule for our memorization. You'll notice that the schedule starts off with one verse per week and then spaces out a bit as we add more verses.

Date	Memorize	Date	Memorize 
2/8	    v.1		5/10	   v.8
2/15	    v.2		5/24	   v.9
2/22	    v.3		6/14	   v.10
3/8	    v.4		6/28	   v.11
3/22	    v.5		7/12	   v.12
4/12	    v.6		7/26	   v.13
4/26	    v.7		8/9	   v.14

In the opening verses of Revelation we read the following:

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. (Rev. 1.3)

It is my prayer that by reading, meditating upon, memorizing, and reciting together these words, that God would be pleased to bless us with the grace to be more impressed with the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Super Bowl, Eschatology, and Worship

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:56:59 -0500

I like the Super bowl. I get the hype, the tradition, the event, it's cool and I am down with it. I am by no means anti-sport guy. Each time I watch a Super Bowl it seems like the hype, the intensity, the excitement just grows from previous years. So in terms of an event, it is great.

For the Christian who is praying for the Kingdom of God to come and the Son of God to receive his due worship, the Super Bowl is a bit of a providential peep into a prophetic keyhole. When I see tens of thousands of men and woman at the stadium joined by another fifty million homes, chanting, shouting, and completed engaged with the action on the field I begin to see a bit of an admittedly rudimentary picture of what we will see when Christ comes again as the reigning King.

Consider with me the reality of countless worshippers gathering together to see the preeminent One exalted and to join in his exaltation. There will be no competition or rivalry to Jesus, for he alone will be distinguished as worthy, adored as perfect, honored as King, cherished as Savior, revered as King, and loved as a friend.

Zechariah 14:9 And the LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one.

There is no doubt that humanity was made as passionate and worshiping beings. The great perversion of the fall births all sorts of idolatrous mutations of this. But rejoice with anxious anticipation when you see men and woman display their inward affections outwardly through face painting, silly costumes, and all of the team gear, for one day men and women will stand regenerated and renewed by the Holy Spirit of God with undivided attentions or affections before the One who alone is worthy to receive the title supreme and to be the object of worship. And it is this reason that we pray as our Lord instructed us:

Matthew 6:9-10 "Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

Personally, I cannot wait!!

Imagine the music. It will all be theologically correct and all Christ-exalting.

Consider your affections, completely riveted on Jesus without earthly distractions or prideful tugs of your fallen heart to worship yourself.

Consider the duration, constant worship and enjoyment of the Savior.

Consider the Savior, enthroned and exalted, nodding his head in hearty acceptance of the worship that he purchased with his own blood. How sweet and how heavenly is this worship?!

O' for this day to hasten here that we might shed these earthly tents which are plagued by sin to stand before Jesus with hearts, voices, and affections united in unmitigated and unhindered worship of him, for he is indeed, "the only one".

Update from India

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:55:27 -0500

Hello from Pune India!

Pat and I are having a great time in gospel fellowship this week here in India at the National Expositors Conference. There are men from all over this very large country joining us. It is common as you speak to the men for them to tell you that they have traveled a 2-3 day journey by train to be here!

We have been so blessed to have fellowship in the gospel of Christ. Though we are separated greatly by distance and culture we have found that in a few short minutes we are close brothers as the Holy Spirit that dwells us both causes our hearts to flame for love for Christ and one another.

We have two more days on the conference. Pat preaches this morning and I preach in the evening in the general sessions. Throughout the day we will each preach twice (along with 2 other pastors) at the breakout sessions on expository preaching. So tonight as you hit the sack, please pray for us.

I trust that you are encouraged today that, just as in Paul's day, the gospel is bearing fruit in the whole world (Col. 1.6).

I have posted some links to my photos online here along with a video that Pat took from a rick-shaw. I plan to post updates on my blog within the next day.

By the grace and love of Christ,

Erik

Save the date! Care Group Fellowship on January 25th

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:54:09 -0500

On January 25th from 6-8pm, all OBC-South Campus Care Groups will meet at the OBC Main Campus for a combined fellowship. This will be a great opportunity to get to know people in other groups. This event will also mark the completion of our study on Galatians and initiate a new study on the churches of Revelation.

More info to follow on bringing food.

Points of contact are Toby Free and/or Dave Pugh.

See you there!

Legalism vs. Gospel

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:51:30 -0500

Some of you asked for a copy of the list of questions and statements concerning legalism and the gospel at the conclusion to Sunday's sermon. Hopefully this serves to be helpful for you.

This issue is so close to each and everyone of us. Hopefully we are beginning to see that it is bigger problem than we have thought it is and one that we'll continue to deal with until we see Christ face to face.

Here are the questions (we'll revisit these as we go through these upcoming verses):

What is the basis for your standing before God?
What is your motivation for obedience to God?
Do you think that you are better than other people because of what you have done or have not done?
What is main point of the gospel?

Here are the contrasts:

Legalism says, if I obey, God will love me. Gospel says, because God loves me, I can obey.
Legalism has good people & bad people. Gospel has only repentant and unrepentant people.
Legalism depends on what I do. Gospel depends on what Jesus has done.
Legalism claims that sanctification justifies me. Gospel claims that justification enables sanctification.
Legalism has the goal to get from God. Gospel has the goal to get God.
Legalism is about me. Gospel is about Jesus.
Legalism has an uncertainty of standing before God. Gospel has certainty based upon Jesus’ work.
Legalism sees Jesus as the means. Gospel sees Jesus as the end.
Legalism ends in pride or despair. Gospel ends in humble joy.

As I mentioned on Sunday, I first heard these from Mark Driscoll, I think he may have gotten them from Tim Keller though.

This week we'll plan to be in verses 18ff as we continue to investigate our hearts for spiritual parasites that aim to siphon glory from Christ.

Enjoy the reality of divine grace, the glory of fellowship with Christ and the anticipation of the kingdom!

Erik

Reformation Celebration this Sunday Evening

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:47:50 -0500

As mentioned on Sunday morning this Sunday night we will be meeting up at the Main Campus to enjoy a Reformation Celebration. Pastor Pat is going to teach on the Reformation and we will enjoy a time of corporate singing. At the conclusion of our time we will enjoy Reformation-inspired desserts. Three awards will be given for the 'best' desserts. The criteria will be based on the best presentation, most theological and best tasting. Reeces Pieces Thesis? Diet of Worm-Cake? Calvin Cake?

Please note that we will resume our normal Care Group schedule on November 9th (second Sunday).

Some Miscellaneous Items

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:39:53 -0500

I do hope that you are off to a good start on your week and are enjoying the blessed reality of truly knowing Christ. Specifically that you are being refreshed with thanksgiving as you are walking in Christ (Col. 2.6-7).

There are a few items that I wanted to note that should be of benefit to you.

D.A. Carson Conference Audio

The audio for this past weekend's conference is up online and loaded on the homepage (www.OmahaBibleChurch.org). I strongly recommend listening to the sessions. The conference was such a blessing. There are also some pictures here.

Weekly Events

We now have an events page that has all of the events listed for each week. The goal is to also have the 'special events' listed on another page (this does not by any means that the regular events are 'less special' J) This will become a good reference point for folks to get plugged in and see what opportunities there are for learning.

Theology for Breakfast

One ongoing meeting that we will be having is a men's group that will meet on the 2nd and 4th Friday morning of each month. We'll meet at the Panera on Cornhusker at 6am. We will be going through Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology. This Friday we'll be in chapter 27 dealing with the work of Christ. The meeting is geared toward all men who desire to better learn and integrate biblical truth. Let me (Erik) know if you have any questions.

Sermon Manuscripts Online

Jeff Heida has begun uploading the baseline manuscript for the Sunday am sermons to the website in full html format. This tool is intended to provide you with an ongoing, easily searchable library of sermon texts. I would imagine this would be helpful especially as we work through various theological issues that you may want to revisit down the road without listening ot the whole message again. Here is a link to the first one that is up.

Have a great rest of your week!

Serving the Savior alongside of you,

Erik

Care Group Location Changes this weekend only

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:39:47 -0500

As many of you know, several of the leaders at South Campus will be heading on up to MN to attend the Desiring God National Conference. This will cause them to miss Sunday night's Care Group. As a result, we have combined the groups into two locations and ask that if you are staying behind that you pick one of the two spots and come and join the party. We will be continuing our study in Galatians 4.

Here are the addresses and maps:

Ron and Diana Martina's Home
507 Kent Dr, Papillion, NE 68133 Google Map

Randy and Susan Whitman's Home
11629 Lilley Ln, Bellevue, NE 68123 Google Map

We hope to see you Sunday night at 6! And please pray for those who are heading up to the conference that they might be refreshed and encouraged and that their fellowship would be sweet together.

The God-Centered-ness of Your Salvation

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:38:10 -0500

Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

Here in Revelation 5 we see that Christ was slain and at the same time he actively purchased a people with his blood from varied backgrounds. Who did he do this for?

Sure those whom he has purchased are beneficiaries, there is no doubt about that; we are saved from hell and given life, we do indeed benefit! But look again at verse 9, for whom did Christ purchase these people? It is “for God”.

Who is the primary beneficiary of the atonement of Jesus Christ? It is God. Christ purchased sinners for God. The prime motivation for the accomplishment of redemption is the glory, pleasure and will of God. Believers are recipients, but not the primary end of salvation.

This fact is pivotal. If we understand the gospel in these terms then our Christian compass is far less likely to be oriented to our own navels. We will be less likely to walk around thinking that we are the ultimate end for why God ordered Calvary, but instead we will be calibrated by Scripture knowing that God has done what he has done in Christ so that he would get the glory and pleasure that he rightly deserves.

If you are a Christian you are saved from God (from his just wrath), you are saved by God (by his sacrifice) and you are saved for God (for his delight and praise). It is healthy to meditate and rejoice in this reality. Let the gospel of God’s abounding grace forge humility in your self-seeking heart that it might be bent on the promotion of divine mercy and love.

A Report from Neighborhood Evangelism

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:36:28 -0500

"I believe I can live a good life and God will accept me" -- that's one of several man-centered statements that I heard as we canvassed the neighborhood, sharing about OBC-South and bringing the Gospel to Sarpy County. We met at 8:30am on Saturday morning and enjoyed food, fellowship, and prayer. Then, we began distributing postcards about the Gospel and OBC throughout our neighborhood.

Early on, we simply dropped off literature. Then, later in the morning we began knocking on doors. What a wonderful opportunity it was to talk to ordinary folks about our focus as a church - the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! There is no such thing as "living a good life," as Romans 3:10-11 says that there is none righteous, none who seeks for God.

Can knocking on doors be a bit intimidating at first? From a human point of view, certainly. However, we don't speak "in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." (1 Cor 2:4) In Romans 1:16, Paul says that inherent in the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. God gives us the privilege of sharing that message of salvation and our job is to be faithful in proclaiming it (Rom 10:14).

Next Saturday, we're meeting at the Wisecarvers at 8:30 am to do the same thing. Won't you make plans to join us!

Great Opportunities for Fellowship this Weekend

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:31:14 -0500

It is truly a unique blessing to spend time with other believers. We truly have a deeply embedded kindred joy with one another that transcends and surpasses anything with roots to this earth. I know this is somehting that I far too frequently take for granted, but it is something that I pray that God will continue to impress us with the value of.

This weekend we have the opportunity to spend time together with other believers on a couple of different venues.

The OBC Neighborhood Blitz

In the truest sense of the word, we will be meeting together for fellowship on Saturday morning at 8:30 at the Pugh's (map & address). After some breakfast and coffee, we'll head out to the neighborhood to meet some of the Pugh's neighbors. Our goal is to promote the gospel of Christ while letting folks know about the South Campus.

Your help is needed and requested. Please come and help to promote the gospel in this area that God has called us to. In addition, please pray that God would "open to us a door for the word, that we might speak the mystery of Christ" (Col. 4:3).

The OBC All Church Picnic

On Sunday afternoon (2pm) folks from both campuses will be gathering together of a time of fellowship at our annual picnic. We will enjoy fried chicken, games, sand volleyball, face painting, horse shoes, cotton candy, football, and more. Dinner is at 4 with a musical worship and a baptism service to follow. Here is a link to more info and directions.

If you have not yet been to the annual picnic, you have got to come...it is a great time. The facility is outstanding, but the fellowship is just rich.

Lord willing, I will see you at both places this weekend with a Lord's Day gathering for worship in between both!!

By Grace,

Erik

Info on the South Campus Neighborhood Blitz

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:29:40 -0500

We are excited about the number of folks that God has been bringing to OBC South to hear the word and participate in ministry. We also want to help try to get the word out about what we are doing here.

Each Saturday in September we will meet at 0830 at the home of a different care group (see below), have some coffee and doughnuts, and then fan out into the surrounding neighborhoods until about 1200. Our primary goal is to meet new people and have the opportunity to talk to them about Christ. We will have promotional pieces that walk through the gospel while also giving information about South Campus meeting times and locations.

Now I know that for some people the idea of knocking on a door of a complete stranger and talking to them about the gospel is like offering a free lunch! So you are already excited. However, others may be a bit more apprehensive. We need you to come too. You can participate by smiling and praying. This is a very important aspect of this ministry. Furthermore, you will be encouraged with the recounting of Christ's glory in and through the gospel.

I realize that you may not be able to attend each Saturday session. However, it would be great to get as many people as we can to each meeting. It is obvious that the more manpower we have the more people we can talk to. To aid in this we have contracted the Main Campus Care Groups to help stock our ranks each week and give us some help.

We are excited with the opportunity to go into the neighborhoods around each of the respective care groups as well as Bellevue West High School. Please mark your calenders and make plans. Kids are welcome not only for the snacks but also to walk off the sugar by going through the neighborhoods with Mom and Dad.

Here is the schedule along with a map:

September 6th: Pugh's
September 13th: Wisecarever's (including around Bellevue West High)
September 20th: Whitman's
September 27th: Martina's

Contact Dave Pugh with any questions email staceydave@yahoo.com.

Communion this Sunday Morning

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:27:51 -0500

This weekend we have the privilege of celebrating the Lord's Supper together as we gather on Sunday morning. I think it would be fitting to take a couple of minutes and highlight some things about communion, specifically with respect to your partaking of it with other believers. Hopefully what follows serves to fuel Christ-centered, God-exalting thinking and enjoyment of Communion.

Communion is Divinely Decreed: Paul writes, "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you..." (1 Cor. 11.23). We are not gathering together for communion because it is just what we do, but rather because it is what God has said to do.

Communion is Intensely Christ-Centered: In this same passage in First Corinthians, we read:

1 Corinthians 11:24-26 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." ²⁵ In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." ²⁶ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

There is so much bound up in these verses. We have the Savior himself breaking bread to symbolize the breaking of his body as the sinners’ substitute. We have him tying his redemptive act to the cup of the new covenant. And we have the reminder that we are, in communion, proclaiming the death of Jesus until the return of Jesus.

You may rightly say you have the whole redemptive work of God on display for you as you partake of communion. You are to meditate upon the promises of God, the incarnation of God in Christ, the obedience of Christ—even unto death, the giving of the life of Jesus, the unleashing of the wrath of the Father, the resurrection from the dead, the work of God calling saints unto himself, and the imminent return of Jesus to bring about the restoration of all things. Indeed communion is far more than a detached sacrament, it is a sermon of the power, beauty, love, and glory of God!

Communion is Corporate: The Corinthians were being rebuked by Paul as they came together for communion in an unworthy manner. But note the point that the setting is corporate. Therefore, it is a special and unique privilege for the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. (See 1 Cor. 11.19-22, 33-34)

Communion is Serious: Paul rings a sober alarm in the Corinthian assembly:

1 Corinthians 11:27-30 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. ²⁸ But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. ²⁹ For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. ³⁰ For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep.

Gulp.

There is a sober call to examine our hearts in light of the word of God. Are we harboring sin? Are we not even saved in the first place? Are we not serious about Christ? If there are ‘unresolved issues’ then do not partake...or else?! It is a sober warning.

Communion is Worship: This is redundant, but a point that is worthy of redundancy! As we are able to conclude our time of corporate worship together we are able to sit and meditate upon the person and work of Christ. We may praise him for his kindness, goodness, love and faithfulness. We may meditate upon his attributes, petition for his work in the church, pray for his return, confess our own sin while clinging to his righteousness, and sing in our hearts to him the song of redemption.

So then, let us worship together this Sunday morning as we celebrate the unique privilege of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ through proclaiming his death and infinite love unto sinners like us.

Helping to Prepare Our Hearts for the Word

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:26:08 -0500

It was suggested to me by someone recently that we add the passage that we are planning to study the upcoming week in the current bulletin. This would then help individuals and families to spend time in that passage during the week in view of studying it on Sunday morning.

This was an excellent idea and one I'm thankful for. You will now see the sermon text for the following week inside the first page under "opportunities to learn".

It is always helpful to personally become acquainted with a text through reading, prayer, meditation, and application, but especially before the corporate study of the Word of God together.

Since we are going verse by verse through Colossians, this really helps us to build continuity in terms of context and theme. Think of the impact of praying through, meditating in, and even perhaps, memorizing the entire book of Colossians!

This week we are continuing our look at "The Resume of Jesus" particularly His relationship to creation, Colossians 1:16-17.

I should also note that we are hosting all of the messages at South Campus on this site. Here is a link to the Colossians series where you can also read a summary of the message as well as listen to or download the sermon. We are also providing an iTunes feed at the iTunes store (link).

A Way for All of Us to Serve: Keep an Eye on the Time

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:24:11 -0500

It has been such a blessing to gather together on Sunday mornings now for the last 4 weeks at the South Campus. I feel like I am beginning to get my bearings a bit and things are almost beginning to feel normal.

When you combine a new environment, new ministries, new people, and new responsibilities together, sometimes you get new challenges. One such challenge for us over the past few weeks has been staying on schedule. Specifically I am referring to the dropping off and picking up of children and getting into the auditorium for the start of the 10:00 Service.

As a result, I am asking for your assistance to make things run a little more smoothly on Sunday mornings.

Some Ways You Can Help

Sunday School: It is important (not to mention curtious) to be at the classrooms to pick up our kids at 9:45. This enables the Sunday School teachers to get their rooms cleaned up, grab a quick drink, perhaps say hello to some friends, and make their way into the auditorium. As a parent of little ones I know that I have often gotten caught up in conversation or something else and not been there on time. However, I have to remember that I have the opportunity to serve these workers by being on time.

Corporate Worship: We are blessed to be able to talk with friends and new folks on Sunday mornings while enjoying the coffee, juice and sweets that are provided. However, sometimes we end up enjoying these things well past 10. We can likewise serve Armand and the music team, along with the nursery team by starting on time at 10. The easiest way to do this is to just be on top of the time yourself, make it a point to gather your family and head on into the auditorium so that we may start together promptly at 10.

Nursery: This obviously flows with the other points above. Please be on time to pick up your little ones following the service. And if you would, please apologize for the pastor who might have gone a little long on the sermon :-)

It seems that the easiest way to help establish a good flow on Sunday mornings is to have the members of OBC South 'lead' the way by moving on at the correct times. Since we are smaller this will undoubtedly help with the bulk of our issues. Please make a point this week to help stay on schedule and serve others who are themselves aiming to serve the body of Christ.

If this is the biggest problem that we are having then we are doing well. So let's just keep smiling and serving while trying to, in view of the glory of God, humbly consider the needs of others over ourselves (Phil. 2).

For the glory of Christ,

Erik

Sunday AM Worship: An Event for the Whole Family

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:22:20 -0500

We are well on our way with services at the new OBC-South facility! What a blessing to come together for fellowship and biblical instruction! Meeting together for corporate worship, centered on the proclamation of the Word of God, has always been a vital part of church life. And this worship should be an event for the whole family – including children.

Although OBC-South has elected to include a Children’s Church, the purpose is only to aid in the transition from nursery to the service. The goal is that a child will be eventually trained to sit with the rest of the family through the entirety of the service.

I am currently experiencing this transition process. Having twin 6 year old boys, we have been regularly training them for a couple of years to be able to sit still for longer and longer periods of time. I realize every child is different, but I, as the parent, have the responsibility to train them.

As I have begun preparing for this transition, I came across an article by John and Noel Piper that I found to be encouraging and practically helpful. The Pipers demonstrate the benefits of including children in corporate worship. However, I “zeroed-in” on the practical tips for making the most of the service.

First and foremost, what could I be doing that might hinder my child’s learning?

“The greatest stumbling block for children in worship is that their parents do not cherish the hour. Children can feel the difference between duty and delight. Therefore, the first and most important job of a parent is to fall in love with the worship of God. You can't impart what you don't possess.”

So, we parents need to “talk it up.” Make it a part of your conversation during the week, before, and after the service. From a heart of conviction, speak with anticipation about the sermon with statements such as, "We've been reading from Colossians 2. What do you think the pastor will focus on today?"

Also, one of the most beneficial, practical things a parent can do is to read the Scripture passage with the children before the sermon – even several times during the week. I’ve certainly witnessed my children become excited when they hear familiar words during a sermon.

The Pipers also offered some practical tips for the child’s participation during the actual service. They suggest sharing your Bible with your child. They also have some great tips for practicing “notetaking,” even with little children.

Corporate worship is a family affair. It should be a natural extension of the worship that happens in the home. As a congregation, we need to continually encourage one another, including encouraging parents that have children that are perhaps at different stages. OBC-South is truly an event for the whole family.

You can read the rest of the article for yourself here.

Is Jesus a means to an end...or the end?

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:18:06 -0500

There are a lot of ‘reasons’ that people come to Christ, but there is really only one reason that people truly come to Christ. The issue comes down to what you do with Jesus.

These new eyes have seen and are indeed satisfied. They do not see Christ as a mediator of other functional saviors or delights but rather the chief end. He is preeminent.

It is good and healthy to ask yourself what you truly see Jesus as, either the end or a means to an end. For in reality the difference is substantial, and as grave as life or death.

Update on OBC South Care Group Ministry

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:14:37 -0500

“…that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” (Colossians 2:2,3).

Paul described this as the motivation for His ministry to the church at Colossae, and indeed, working together in love so that the knowledge of Christ will be made manifest is the major priority of any well-functioning church. One way that we strive to do this at OBC South is through our Care Groups, where we study God’s word with a focus on exhortation as well as encouragement and where we also pray for one another and bear one another’s burdens.

Currently, there are five Care Groups in Sarpy County that meet on the 2^nd and 4^th Sunday evenings, starting at 6:00 pm. These groups are studying Paul’s letter to the Galatians, where he reminds us of the all-important message of the gospel that comes from God’s revelation of Jesus Christ. We have so far been exhorted to remember that we should not change God’s message by our words or by our deeds. The once-for-all-time glorious message of salvation is that Christ accomplished this for His people through His righteous life and work on the cross. Adding or implying that we have somehow earned salvation from God or that we are completing what Christ began serves to nullify God’s message. This “subtraction by addition” is nothing less than an attempt to steal the glory due to God alone.

Our groups have spent much time examining the ways in which we can work together to accurately portray Christ’s work in our lives. We also pray for each other to the same end, as well as for other specific needs that are shared. Even further, members have been able to show love for one another by assisting with various needs. These small groups have been examples of working together in love so that the knowledge of Christ will be made manifest.

If you are not part of a Care Group yet, we want you to experience the same encouragement that we are receiving. Pick up an informational card Sunday morning at the information table or visit www.obcsouth.org/care-groups to find times and locations of these groups so that you and your family can be a part of this important ministry.

A Great First Sunday!

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:10:59 -0500

This past Sunday marked the start of morning services for OBC South Campus. It was a morning with a fair amount of build up in terms of planning, working, preparing, and I trust, praying. However, when we got there and had everything unpacked, Bibles opened to read and study with our hearts beating from singing truth about our great God, we were reminded afresh of what this is all about: boasting in our infinitely glorious God through Jesus Christ our Savior.

As I walked around and surveyed the area for children, Adult Bible School, Music, Youth, fellowship, ushers, sound, reception, even the large trailer that was backed up to the building, I was reminded of the biblical chord that is affixed to each of these ministries and anchored in the ultimate goal of bringing glory and pleasure to God.

So please join me in rejoicing in the undeserved kindness of God in letting us enjoy his manifold blessings. May we continue to quickly and regularly offer up prayers of thanksgiving to our Father for his abundant kindness to us in Christ.

I do have a couple of quick notes:

Angie Gottsch was kind enough to come down on Sunday am and record the day photographically for us. She has also uploaded all of the pictures onto a FLCKR page which may be accessed by clicking here.

Some folks have asked about the sermon audio. It is available here online for listening under the 'sermon' tab. You may also subscribe to the OBC South Podcast in whatever format you prefer by clicking here.

Let us continue to strive together for the promotion and enjoyment of our matchless God!

Erik Raymond

Map and Schedule for South Campus

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:03:05 -0500

The quiet ticking of the clock that I have been hearing for the last several months has now really intensified as we are within a week to the first service at the South Campus. It is amazing to consider all the work that so many have put in, whether with their hands, planning, or in prayer. All of these things aim to affect the bottom line: making much of our great God through the local church.

Map

A couple of months back many folks toured the facility at Bellevue West High School. Since then we have made a couple of logistical changes that should serve to facilitate ministry as well as accommodate the property owner’s request to renovate their facility.

In effort to try to simply things a bit for this Sunday morning I have uploaded a map of the facility along with labeling of room locations.

Schedule

In addition I wanted to provide a little run down of the schedule:

7:00 am: A crew is meeting to unload the trailer….the more the merrier!

9:00 am: Sunday School

Kids:

Nursery (Whitney Wade): Room 412-the first classroom on the right

Kids (Dave Pugh): Sunday School for all ages, in partitioned areas of the large cafeteria

Jr & Sr High (Matt Wisecarver): Room 414-the 3^rd classroom on the right

Adults:

Fundamentals of the Faith (Eric Ball): Room 413-the second classroom on the right

Spiritual Gifts (Matt Fudge): The auditorium, the back left section

10:00 am: Sunday Service (Auditorium)

Nursery for kids up to age 2

Children’s Church dismissed before preaching (ages 3-5)

11:45-ish am: loading up the trailer…again, the more the merrier

There will be a welcome area when you come in the west doors, head back there if you get lost.

One final note about directions: We want to use the west doors (facing highway 75). So from 75 you will take Cornhusker east and turn left at the gas station (15^th Street). Head toward the school and take a left before the median, this will take you around the backside of the school. We will utilize the first door for entry (as opposed to the one with the trailer parked in front of it).

Please continue to pray, serve, and thank God for His abundant blessing upon us all through His glorious Son.

Together for the gospel,
Erik

Service Opportunities

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:58:01 -0500

As we are all excited about the beginning the new South Campus, we have a few opportunities for service. Included below are the ways in which we can all pitch in and serve. Please help with the needs as you are able.

Picking up some Materials

Some folks have indicated they would like to help purchase items for the new South Campus, which begins in less than a month at Bellevue West High School. What follows is a list of some items that have been identified as current needs:

Items you can pick up:

Folding Chair brown, padded (at Sam's) $15 <we need 14 of these>
Trash Cans 13 gallon <we need 4 of these>
Pack-n-Play (Crib) $50 at WalMart <we need 4 of these>
Rocking Chair <we need one of these>
Baby Swing <we need two of these>
Bumbo Seat
Expendables
- Disposable Diapers
- Wet Wipes
Play things
- Toys (age 6 mos-3 yrs)
- Children's books (6 mos-3 yrs)
Carpet Remnants <we need two of these 10'x12'>

A few quick notes:

If you intend to purchase one of these items, we will need to know soon as we are moving forward and will be purchasing things over the next few weeks. Please call Bob prior to purchase to make sure the item has not already been obtained.
If you say you would like to get something and then are unable to do it, please let me know as soon as possible as we need all of these things for opening day 13 July
If you want to purchase an item but do not have the time to go and pick it up, call Bob and we can go ahead and make arrangements.
Bob's number is 402-201-6728, leave a message if he does not answer.

Trailer Work Day

Allyn Noradki and Bob Atkins have scheduled a work day to finish up the trailer (painting and packing the wheel bearings) and building roll on/roll off bins to be used on Sunday mornings to move things into and out of the High School. The work will get done on Saturday, 28 June at Allyn's new house 8508 South 46th Ave, Bellevue, NE 68157 we would like to get a team of up to 8-10 men to get all of this done. Call Bob to let him know that you are coming.

Nursery

Whitney Wade is leading the nursery and has determined that we'll need five nursery workers for each of two sessions on a Sunday Morning. Our goal is to not have anyone working more than one session a month. Please keep in mind that there is a requirement that workers have been attending OBC for six months prior to serving in children's ministries. Therefore, it is incumbent on those who have been here, and are able (both male and female) to help pitch in with service in this vital ministry.

How to Get Involved

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:53:04 -0500

It was a great encouragement to meet together this evening to talk about the new ministry at the South Campus. Furthermore, it was great to see so many people who are excited about seeing this ministry take off and make an impact for the glory of Christ.

I just wanted to highlight in summary some of the ways in which you can get involved in this ministry:

Pray. Pray that God would open a door for his word (Col. 4:3); pray for faithful, fervent, God-glorifying, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered unity in for the gospel (Phil. 1); pray for faithful, God-fearing, Word-trembling, Christ-enjoying leadership.

Subscribe to and keep up to date with the South Campus website. This site will be regularly updated with information including current events, edifying articles, devotions, interviews with members, and sermon audio.

Sign up to join a Care Group. All of the groups will meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday night of the month at 6.00pm. We will all be studying the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus through May. Contact us to sign up for a group. You should be contacted within the next week with more information on your Care Group.

Believing the gospel,
Erik

OBC Establishes New South Campus!

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:29:18 -0500

As Pastor Pat announced this morning, OBC is establishing another campus. Our specific area of emphasis is the Bellevue, Offutt, Papillion, La Vista region. We recognize that there is a great need for expository preaching and biblical ministry in this area. This has become more evident to us in recent years through the large number of families who commute to Omaha for the teaching and ministry. No doubt this news is exciting to many of you who have been praying for many years for this type of thing to be established in Sarpy County.

Erik Raymond will be the campus' lead pastor. In addition, Eric Ball, who has been a long time elder and one of the founding leaders of OBC, will be transferring to the South Campus.

This site will be a helpful tool to communicate what we are doing and help you invite others to join us.

In this vein, there will be an informational meeting on Sunday night, January 27th at 4:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall at OBC. This meeting will be to spell out what we are doing and encourage people to get on board and join the fun. This will also be a good time to get some of your questions answered with respect to the new campus.

What an exciting time!

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