Our Sovereign Joy

Crossway Book Review: Taking God Seriously By J.I. Packer

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:15:00 +0000

Taking God Seriously: Vital Things We Need to Know by J.I. Packer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A friend of mine asked, "Dude, are you really going to critique J.I. Packer?" He has a point. J.I. Packer is a giant of our time when it comes to Christian theology. His masterpiece Knowing God was one of the first books I read as a new believer in 1994 and shaped my faith immensely in those early years and impacts me today. There is no way that I am qualified to offer criticism to Packer's latest work Taking God Seriously but thankfully, unless him being Anglican bothers you, there isn't much I could say negatively about the book anyway. It is a must read for any Christian who is concerned at all with the current state of things in the worldwide church. Taking God Seriously is TIMELY, it is THEOLOGICAL, and it is THOROUGH.

First, it is timely. J.I. Packer has a lifetime of experience studying the Bible and theology as well as a vast knowledge of the trajectory of the church. His book hits the nail on the head and deals with the most current issues boiling over in most denominations in the 21st century. Taking God Seriously is a voice that the church needs right now. It's an important call and an urgent plea for the church to swim upstream instead of coasting downstream in the current of postmodern thought.

Second, it is theological. All you have to do is take one look at the chapter headings and it is clear what Dr. Packer has in mind when he says that we need to take God seriously. Taking God Seriously is deep but brief in it's approach and is broken down into the following eight chapters:

Taking Faith Seriously

Taking Doctrine Seriously

Taking Christian Unity Seriously

Taking Repentance Seriously

Taking the Church Seriously

Taking the Holy Spirit Seriously

Taking Baptism Seriously

Taking the Lord's Supper Seriously

Packer makes no bones about it, how seriously we take God in our lives is connected intricately to how seriously we take our own theology. We cannot please God and ignore theology. That is not an option.

Third, it is thorough. Packer leaves no stone unturned as he deals with everything from homosexual marriage to the way we view or own baptism personally. Although this book is a short book by theology standards, it covers everything it needs to cover and is very accessible to laymen as well as clergy.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who feels that they need to take God more seriously. I know that I need help constantly in this area and am sure I will refer back to this book for that guidance.

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Time Flies...

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:33:00 +0000

I don't know if time flies when your having fun or not...but time has certainly seemed to fly for me in ministry. It seems like yesterday that I wrote THIS piece upon reaching three years serving as the pastor of North Fork Baptist Church. This week will mark four and a half years in that same position. It's hard to believe in many ways. I wasn't raised in church and came to know Christ after high school (read that story HERE). I was 21 when I headed to Bible College in SC and I ended up attending two different seminaries in two different cities of NC. That being said, I never had the blessing of a long term experience with a church family. I was part of a church for five years at one point, but that was interrupted with being away at school. That means that my time at North Fork represents the longest CONSECUTIVE time I have been able to spend at any church in my entire life. I am very happy about that!

The Prayer of Faith

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:39:00 +0000

James writes about the "prayer of faith" for the sick in James 5. This past Sunday, Mrs. Holly Oliver shared her story at our church, North Fork Baptist in Virgilina, VA. Holly was diagnosed with brain tumors about four years ago. She has undergone several brain surgeries. Listen to Holly share her story and the journey God has taken her on with regards to prayer. She is a living example of "the prayer of faith". We can all be encouraged and learn to pray like this.

Crossway Book Review: Comfort From Romans by Elyse Fitzpatrick

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:48:00 +0000

Comforts from Romans: Celebrating the Gospel One Day at a Time by Elyse Fitzpatrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is rare, unfortunately, to find a devotional that is also theologically rich. Elyse Fitzpatrick has delivered exactly that with this book. With 31 daily readings from the first eight chapters of Romans, I was captivated by the gospel each day. This book is helpful to every believer, no matter what level of spiritual maturity they have reached. It is also a great book for a seeker who would like to spend a month checking out what the gospel is all about.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is that Mrs. Fitzpatrick does an incredible job taking context into consideration. So many devotional works treat Scripture like fortune cookies, giving you a pithy little saying with some fluffy explanation. This book will give the reader an understanding of the big picture of Romans and the main points Paul was driving home to his readers.

I highly recommend this book. My biggest complaint is that I didn't want it to be over when I finished. I found myself saying, "No! Don't stop at Romans 8!" I don't know what Mrs. Fitzpatrick's plans are, but I hope she follows this up with another book on the second half of Romans.

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Crossway Book Review: Pursuing Peace by Dr. Robert D. Jones

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 22:14:00 +0000

Pursuing Peace: A Christian Guide to Handling Our Conflicts by Robert D. Jones

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was very excited to read and review this book published by Crossway and written by Dr. Robert D. Jones. Dr. Jones was my biblical counseling professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He class did not disappoint and neither did this book.

"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

This passage from the Sermon on the Mount is the last sentence of this book and it is an appropriate ending. Dr. Jones does a masterful job of dealing with interpersonal conflict from a biblical perspective and gives gospel solutions. If you want to get to the heart of your conflict and not deal superficially merely with outward behavior, this book is perfect for you.

The two chapters on forgiveness alone make the book worth far more than the cover price. Dr. Jones helps us understand the two levels of forgiveness as God defines forgiveness. Really what he deals with is forgiveness (my letting go of something) vs. reconciliation (a restored relationship). This second level is contingent upon repentance and mutual working towards the repaired relationship.

The book outlines very simply like this:

THE PATH FOR PURSUING PEACE

Step 1: Please God
Step 2: Repent
Step 3: Love the Person
A. Attitudes of Grace
B. Forgive
C. Confront
D. Serve

The chapters of the book expound each of these points in the outline. Each chapter lays out "ministry strategies" that are gospel centered, practical, and to the point. Whether you have conflict in your marriage, with your kids, with co-workers, with you boss, or anywhere, Dr. Jones' book can help you seek peace God's way. There is even a chapter on what to do when all of this doesn't work, which I found refreshing and encouraging knowing that sometimes even after you do all you can do peace is simply not possible.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book...and read it!

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Goodreads Book Review: The Hole in our Gospel

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:35:00 +0000

The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? the Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Change the World by Richard Stearns

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While there are certainly some sketchy theological moments in this book (at times it seems that Stearns sees no difference in a Joni Earekson Tada on one had and Kathryn Kuhlman on the other) I have to say that the overall value of the book overshadows even that. Stearns reason for writing this book is to ask a question, "What does following Jesus really look like?" This is a powerful book that has caused me to examine my own heart and moved me to act upon the gospel I say I believe in. You will be challenged, you will have your eyes open. This book is a MUST read for every believer, just be aware of some of the holes in Stearns book so that you can see the hole that may be evident in your gospel.

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Goodreads Book Review: Heart Aflame by John Calvin

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:49:00 +0000

Heart Aflame: Daily Readings From Calvin On The Psalms by Jean Calvin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second of two devotionals that I read in 2012 that I would classify as brief but "meaty". This work gives you 366 daily readings, each one page each, to be read in tandem with the Book of Psalms. Each day you read through not only the Psalms, but devotional thoughts on that particular text from the Reformer John Calvin. I highly recommend this work for anyone looking for a serious devotional to work through.

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How To Implode Your Leadership

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:25:00 +0000

I really enjoyed this article using Washington State Football Coach Mike Leach's latest "problems" to illustrate that you cannot lead by intimidation. Leaders in the church should heed this warning well.

Here's A Reason To Blog

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:06:00 +0000

I was just sitting in my study thinking about all of the articles that I have written over the almost 7 years I have been writing on this blog. Are there things that I wrote then that I may write differently now? I am sure there are. Am I the same person that I was then? I certainly hope not. Here is the point. I am very thankful for the opportunity to record over time my journey. This blog represents where I have been, where I am, and where I am going. I can't wait to look back over the next seven years to see what the Lord does in my life.

Friday Potluck

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:49:00 +0000

Here are a few things worth your reading this week in the blogosphere:

Teena Thames writes about her battle with discontentment at her Dreams and Struggles blog.

Johnny Helms responds to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association removing Mormonism from its list of cults over at Amazed in His Presence.

And two different perspectives on Christians voting in this year's election from Kevin DeYoung and Thabiti Anyabwile.

What Does Leadership Mean To You?

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:06:00 +0000

I ran across this acrostic from an unknown author today and wanted to post it just to get your brain juices flowing on the topic of leadership. It certainly has me thinking and examining my own heart and leadership activity:

L - Loyalty - to the whole church program. One forfeits his right to leadership when he fails to set the example in loyalty to the policies of the church.

E - Enterprise - a real leader is industrious and sees a way through or around difficulties. He does not mind working hard and sacrificing in order to carry out his job.

A - Attention - He gives real attention to the details of his task, remembering, "Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord negligently."

D - Dependability - Always ready. Always on time. Always present for all worship services, visitation, and prayer meeting.

E - Eagerness - Enthusiastic about serving the Lord, in the place he feels called to serve.

R - Radiance - Happy in his work. Optimistic, never criticizes, always encourages others.

S - Surrendered - Christ first, others second, self last.

H - Honesty - gives at least one seventh of his time and one tenth of his money to the Lord through his church.

I - Industrious - works hard, matches talk with real work week by week.

P - Prayerful - Serves as if everything depended upon him and prays as if everything depended upon God.

Paul's Thorn In the Flesh

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 17:47:00 +0000

After years of theological debate a new manuscript has arisen that clearly identifies Paul's "thorn in the flesh". Here is the first picture of this historic manuscript:

Sunday School: Missional or Discipleship?

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 11:51:00 +0000

Many are debating today whether or not Sunday School should continue to operate in churches today. Many if not most of Sunday Schools have seen a decline in participating. My friend, Tony Brooks, offers this helpful post on reviving our Sunday School ministry.

Peter Pan, Grow Up!

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:14:00 +0000

Ephesians 4:14-16 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

We live in an age where "Peter Pan Syndrome" is becoming a household phrase. The "teen years" seem to be lasting well into the 40's nowadays. For many professing Christians, they are Peter Pan Christians and the church is their Neverland. In Ephesians 4:4-16, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that one of the main purposes of the church is to be the vessel by which followers of Jesus become spiritual adults. Allow me to share with you four keys of "growing up" as Christians.

First, every believer can grow up by embracing Bible doctrine. Paul warns about the danger of being tossed to and fro and carried away by every wind of doctrine. The first phrase, to and fro, carries the idea of waves crashing onto the shore. Have you ever been knocked down by a wave at the beach only to be knocked down by a second wave when you tried to stand up? This is the picture of the Christian who is not grounded in the word of God. Like the house built on the sand, they are knocked down by any weird teaching and any circumstance that comes their way.

Then Paul says that we aren't to be carried away by every wind of doctrine. Have you ever been carrying a stack of papers and dropped several of them in a high wind? Next thing you know you are chasing papers every which way. This is a picture of the Christian who follows every latest fad, thinking that "this one" will be my breakthrough! We don't need fads, or schemes, or seven step programs, or anything except the truth we find in the Bibles in our hands. Christian, you have everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

Second, every believer can grow up by using loving words. Paul says that part of our growth happens when we learn the art of "speaking the truth in love." To put it simply, any effort to speak the truth without loving the person we are speaking to is out of bounds. Love is the sphere of our truth speaking. Truth and love are to be wedded together in such a way that you can't tell the difference between the two. As Christians, we may be the worst in the world about "winning the arguement." But remember, as Martin Luther King said to his volunteers (see previous blog), we are not to be first concerned with victory, but reconciliation. Ask yourself, why are you telling this person this? It may be true, but do you just want to be right about their sin or do you genuinely seek their reconciliation to God and to others?

Thirdly, every believer can grow up by recognizing Christ as Head. Paul says that he desires that we "grow up into every way into Him who is the head." Paul is talking to the church and he wants them to be mature. What we need is to remember whose Church it is. It's not my church. It's not your church (I recommend getting "my church" out of your vocabulary). It's Jesus' church. He is the Head. He is the Master. All spiritual growth finds its source in Jesus. Submission to Christ is the only path to growth. In other words, you grow as you obey.

Finally, every believer can grow up by joining together in ministry. Paul says that growth happens in the body "when each part is working properly." In verse 11-13 he deals with the importance of every member ministry, that it is the saints who are equipped for the work of ministry. Ministry is not merely the task of the ordained ministers. In fact every follower of Christ is called to be a minister. Every member of the church has his or her share in the ministry of the church, what most don't realize is that the growth of the entire body hinges on whether or not each individual member is involved actively in real ministry.

I want you to imagine your church being filled with people growing in their faith together and doing ministry together. Don't be a Peter Pan Christian. The church is not Neverland. God wants you to grow. You have no excuse and neither do I. Will you take action today? Will you commit to God your desire for spiritual maturity and then act on it? Do the things Paul tells us to do. God is with you, He is for you, and He is in you!

Raw Is War

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:40:00 +0000

I never thought I would use a wrestling motto to make a theological point, but here it goes. If you have ever watched wrestling (I admit, I dabble a little watching with my son now and then) then you know one of the most watched programs on TV is WWE Raw. For a while the program adopted the motto "Raw Is War."

This phrase popped into my head as I was sitting here contemplating the ministry God has called me to or any ministry for that matter. Ministry can be raw and is certainly is war. I remember hearing John Piper talk about prayer as calling in air support from the trenches though many viewed it as asking room service for a fluffy pillow.

It's amazing in the pulpit and the pew how self-centeredness can creep into the one place it should never be...into the church. Pastors tend to get really upset when their congregations murmur and complain, but lets face it, they probably learned it from us. Maybe we all have skewed expectations on what the ministry will be like. We may not admit it, but often in our heart of hearts we hold a view of ministry that says, "Hey, I am doing God a favor. Doesn't He know what I gave up for Him? My life should be filled with blessings and good things. If things are tough, it must be time to move on."

We see the apostle Peter responding in a similar way after Jesus emphasized the fact that following His did in fact mean self denial, "And Peter said, 'See, we have left our homes and followed you'" (Luke 18:28). Some things never change.

Raw is War...so is ministry.

William Carey On Fulfilling the Great Commission

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 18:15:00 +0000

"The Commission was as extensive as possible, and laid them under obligation to disperse themselves into every country to the habitable globe, and preach to all the inhabitants, without exception, or limitation. They accordingly went forth in obedience to the command, and the power of God evidently wrought with them. Many attempts of the same kind have been made since their day, and which have been attended with various success; but the work has not been taken up, or prosecuted of late years (except by a few individuals) with that zeal and perseverance with which the primitive Christians went about it. It seems as if many thought the commission was sufficiently put in execution by what the apostles and others have done; that we have enough to do to attend to the salvation of our own countrymen; and that, if God intends the salvation of the heathen, he will some way or other bring them to the gospel, or the gospel to them. It is thus that multitudes sit at ease, and give themselves no concern about the far greater part of their fellow sinners, who to this day, are lost in ignorance and idolatry." (An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens, Sec. 1)

I can't help but wonder if I am any different than those Carey described so many years ago. The Father of the Modern Missions Movement's words still ring true. The Great Commission is still left unfinished before us. There are peoples who have never heard the good news of Jesus. How are we doing? How are you doing?

Martin Luther King, Jr. Still Speaks Today

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:13:00 +0000

Nikki and I have been going through some clutter over the last few days and today she ran across a first edition copy of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1964 book titled Why We Can't Wait. I am really looking forward to reading this book in its entirety, but wanted to share a nugget with you. On page 61, Dr. King includes the "Ten Commandments" he required anyone to sign off on before joining his non-violence movement. One of the things that bothers me today is that we seem to have lost the ability to disagree with any degree of civility. These ten items are clear and convicting and I believe extremely relevant to us in 2012:

1) Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.

2) Remember always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation - not victory. (emphasis mine)

3) Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.

4) Pray daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.

5) Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all men might be free.

6) Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.

7) Seek to perform regular service to others and for the world.

8) Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.

9) Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.

10) Follow the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration.

Maybe you and I should print these out and place them somewhere we will see them every day. Great wisdom no matter what decade or century you are living in.

The Love Chromosome

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Sunday Is For Community - August 19, 2012

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 02:35:00 +0000

I preached this morning on Ephesians 4:7-13 with the message focusing on Every Member Ministry. Paul says that God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry. The ministry isn't just the job of the pastor or elders or deacons...every follower of Jesus is called to be a minister. When the church practices every member ministry we set ourselves up to multiply disciples and not just practice "addition." Only when the entire body serves one another and our neighbors will we be "built up" into the unity of the faith as Paul describes.

Friday Funny

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:18:00 +0000

Found this one today, as a Baptist, you can understand why I laugh and do a facepalm.

Too Perfect?

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Can churches be too perfect? Here is a thought provoking and powerful video from Walk the Way

Sunday Is For Community

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 11:44:00 +0000

As I sit here in my study on Sunday morning I am reminded how thankful I am for my church family. I am thankful that God did not just merely rescue me from sin as an individual, but He brought me into a community, a body if you will. As Paul says to the Ephesians we have, "one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all" (Ephesians 4:5-6). I hope that you have the privilege of being connected to a church full of people that love Jesus and each other. Sunday really is about community. Think about it...worship is a way of life, it happens all the time (at least it's supposed to). What is unique about Sunday? It's when we gather TOGETHER as a gospel community. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can rightly worship God without the church. We need each other.

Prayer Requests

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 05:35:00 +0000

Would you pray, brothers and sisters, for a few needs in our little community that involve children. My daughter, Susie, is in the hospital at Duke receiving a cleansing treatment for a bowel impaction. She has been pretty miserable all year. We have had our share of hospitals with our kids in 2012.

Pray for the Lafluer family. Their six year old son suddenly passed away in the night after having his tonsils removed. The family and whole community is heartbroken.

One more, last night a youth in our church, Courtney, was involved in a drive by shooting. She was at a park with some friends and a random shooter opened fire. Courtney was struck in the leg. Thankfully, no major blood vessels were hit. Another boy was shot in the back and is in the hospital waiting for surgery.

Thank you for praying. If you have any needs, send me and email and I will pray for you!

Book Review: The Joy of Calvinism

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 02:54:00 +0000

Greg Forster's book The Joy of Calvinism (published by Crossway) was not at all what I expected and that was actually refreshing. This book will speak to the Calvnist and non-Calvinist alike. It is not a theological treatise on a doctrinal system but rather a reminder of God's personal love for individual sinners.

This book did something for me that normally isn't covered in book reviews. The Lord used it to speak directly to my heart. It wasn't because it was technical or an ivory tower defense of some system, but it draws the reader to contemplate and rest in God's personal love.

I recommend this work no matter what theological system one adheres to.

I Promise...

skubala76@gmail.com (Scott Welch) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 04:11:00 +0000

I promise to spend more time writing than I have been. It's a discipline that I believe is necessary for my own growth as I work out my own thoughts. I hope you will benefit from this Pastor's ramblings. :)