Truth Matters

Gratitude

2011-02-16T22:32:00.000-06:00

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” ESV John 14:15

As I read through the Gospel of John this past week with my daughter Ashley, this verse captured my attention. I confess to being just as fascinated by what it does not say as I am by what it plainly declares; the latter being that if you love Jesus you will keep His commandments.

But think with me for a moment about what the verse does not say. The verse does not say that if you keep the commandments of Jesus that He will love you. It doesn’t say that Jesus has any duty or obligation whatsoever to bestow His love on you because you keep His commandments.

Now, lest I offend too many, let me say that I am certain that Jesus is pleased (happy if you will) when you keep His commandments because the Bible tells us plainly that God loves righteousness and hates evil. But being pleased by an action is altogether different from being obligated by an action.

Back in the late sixteenth century a document was commissioned in Germany that outlined the basic tenets of the Christian faith. That document, held in high regard in its day and still very useful today, is The Heidelberg Catechism. I mention it here because of its three basic divisions that are captured well by the title of book published by Banner of Truth; Guilt, Grace and Gratitude.

The catechism begins by highlighting mankind’s desperate condition of guilt and assured damnation because of sin. The second section explains the gracious gift of salvation and reconciliation to God made possible through the finished and complete work of Jesus Christ. The Heidelberg Catechism concludes by with an extensive section explaining what biblical gratitude looks like. Hint—it looks like John 14:15!

When you think about it, could anything be more natural? If you were convicted of an offense that carried a death sentence, yet pardoned because of the actions of another, wouldn’t it be natural to express your gratitude towards your benefactor forevermore? Sure it would. You’d love that person forever.

Is it, perhaps should it, be any different in the life of a Christian? Guilty of sin against a holy God, yet pardoned, reconciled to God through the actions of Jesus the Son, could anything be more natural than expressing appreciation and love towards your benefactor than in keeping His commandments? I think not.

Many strive to live good and righteous lives. Those who love Jesus do so as an expression of love for their Savior.

God bless.

Evil and the Tucson Shootings

2011-01-17T19:15:00.002-06:00

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.² For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,³ heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,⁴ treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,⁵ having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” ^ESV2 Timothy 3:1-5

I was stunned as I heard about the senseless murders in Arizona this week that killed six people and injured fourteen others. How could such a heinous act occur? And Why? Why did innocent people die? Why are parents grieving over the loss of a beautiful nine-year-old girl? Why is a federal judge dead? Why is Congresswoman Giffords lying in a hospital room with a bullet wound to her head? Why?

As I watched the news the following morning, while still stunned by the facts of the event, I was initially amused by the reporting. My amusement quickly turned to dismay and then to anger when I saw the “spin” that the talking heads of television were putting on the horrible event. On more than one channel the “spin” pointed a finger of blame towards political opponents of the Congresswoman. Really? Give me a break! Does every event in this nation have to be politicized? Can we not call a spade a spade in this country?

My feet are firmly planted on solid ground when I say that the senseless murders in Arizona were not the blame of The Tea Party, The Republican Party, or any party or individual politician. No, the murders in Arizona are the product of the evil, sinful actions of an evil man, living in evil days, in a self-glorifying society that has generally abandoned God. The root cause of the Arizona murders is sin.

We Americans love ourselves. Not our neighbors necessarily, but literally ourselves. We want to do things “our way.” We want things now; not later. Held captive by self-love we begin to covet and become “proud, arrogant, abusive…ungrateful…heartless…brutal” and lacking even basic levels of “self-control.” And our scripture tells us that by loving ourselves so dearly, we become “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”

The Arizona murders were rooted in the self-centered pleasures of an evil, sinful man.

I pray for the families of the grieving. I pray for the healing of the wounded. I pray for swift justice for the assailant. I pray that America would recognize sin as the blame. Lastly, I pray that this senseless act awakens America from her slumber and turns her (us; you; me) to God.

Will you be a lover of self or a lover of God?

Living Life Again

2011-01-17T19:15:00.001-06:00

“…Martha welcomed him [Jesus] into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving…” ESV Luke 10:38-40

A good many people adore Billy Graham and regard him as a stalwart of the Christian faith in modern times. Certainly nobody denies his tenacity in preaching. Even near the end of his public ministry, he was still filling stadiums around the globe for his evangelistic crusades.

Now 92, Reverend Graham has slowed down, stepped out of the public eye somewhat and I presume has had time to reflect on his life. He shared some reflections with Greta Van Susteren on Fox News back in December. One of his comments stood out in my mind as particularly noteworthy.

Greta asked Reverend Graham: “If you were to do things over again, would you do it differently?” The Reverend replied forcefully and without a moment’s hesitation: “Yes. I would study more, I would pray more, travel less, take less speaking engagements; I took too many of them in too many places around the world. If I had it to do over again, I’d spend more time in meditation and prayer and just telling the Lord how much I love him and adore him…”

Reverend Graham’s words are stuck in my head as I begin a new year. As is so often the case when we turn the page on our calendars from December to January, this is a year filled with new and renewed aspirations; a year of new hopes and desires; a busy and full year.

I wonder though, is our true joy and fulfillment often lost in business? This year, will the truly important things in my life be crowded out by urgent things? If I were to ask 100 of you what your top priorities in life were, I’d venture to guess that God, family, work and health would rank near the top with almost everyone. Do your daily activities match the order of priority of these important things?

Mary prioritized her activity and focused on that which was most important; sitting at the Lord’s feet. Looking back, even Billy Graham would have re-prioritized some of his activities to focus on the most important things. How about you?

Today, ask God to grant you the wisdom, energy and discipline to focus your activities on those things which are most important this year.

God bless.

Humble submission

2010-12-05T15:41:00.002-06:00

“But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.” ESV 2 Kings 5:11

Naaman was a very important man in his country. Scripture tells us that he was commander of the army for the King of Syria. Don’t you suppose that Naaman, in his position as a commander, was accustomed to having most events unfold just as he planned or imagined? Certainly his attendants and soldiers would have gone to great lengths to know his likes, dislikes, and personal whims and I suspect they would have done everything possible to please the man.

A commander demands more than a smidgen of respect and obedience from those under his authority and Naaman would have been no different. Few would fault Naaman for being a proud man, but Naaman was also a leper. When I think about it, it must have been frustrating for Naaman to be an outcast, a leper, yet also be among the elite of the King’s household.

One day, word comes to Naaman of a possible cure for his disease in Israel and with the blessings of the King he assembles and entourage and heads out. After first stopping by to see a very surprised and distressed King of Israel, he eventually arrives at the house of a prophet named Elisha; the man of God who can offer him a cure.

From inside Elisha’s house it must have been quite a sight. I mean Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, had come calling and was parked in his front yard with horses, chariots, and animals loaded with silver and gold. I wonder what the neighbors thought?

Naaman, after staging such a grand entrance, and being such an important man and all, was not ready for Elisha’s prescription that arrived by messenger: “Go and wash in the Jordon seven times, and your flesh shall be restored…” Naaman was insulted and angry. Surely the healing of someone of his stature would be something of a public spectacle with hand waving, speeches and such. But no, Elisha told him to go bathe in a river that was downright nasty by his standards; how humiliating.

Naaman didn’t like it, but he was eventually convinced to follow Elisha’s instructions. He did and he was healed. Naaman left Israel a changed man inside and out. On the outside, his leprosy was cured. On the inside, he was praising the one true God.

How often I wonder does our pride rob us of the blessings of God? Do you have certain expectations you expect to be met before you worship and praise Him? Has a church leader or member wounded your pride somewhere along the way?

Scripture doesn’t guarantee that outward healing is ours for the asking, but I can assure you that spiritual healing is available to everyone who humbly submits to God’s word. “Repent, and believe in the gospel (Mark 1:15).”

Ask, seek and knock

2010-12-05T15:41:00.001-06:00

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” ESV Matthew 7:7

We are a demanding society. I heard a great example of our demanding attitude the other day as I was listening to a sermon by Alistair Begg. He says that you need to walk no further than your local coffee shop or restaurant to see just how demanding we are. Just approach the counter and listen as people place their orders and you’ll here phrases like ‘give me a _____, or I’ll take a _____, or mine is a _____.’ Gone it seems are the days of patience and the common courtesy associated with the word please or phrase may I?. No, we want what’s ours and we want it now!

My fear is that we are equally demanding and discourteous of God when we go to him in prayer. How often have we prayed: God, give me _____; God, here’s what I need; or God, here’s what would ease my mind. But, one might argue, our verse from Matthew 7 is pretty simple and straightforward isn’t it? Ask, seek and knock and it is yours for the taking, right? Well, not exactly.

Matthew Henry places this verse in proper perspective by noting that ask, seek and knock should be properly interpreted to mean: “Pray; pray often; pray with sincerity and seriousness; pray and pray again; make conscience of prayer, and be constant in it; make a business of prayer, and be earnest in it. Ask, as a beggar asks alms.” My ESV Study Bible links the same words (ask, seek and knock) with humility, action, and persistence on our part. Notice the total absence of a demanding tone in either explanation, and rightly so. God is not in the “name it and claim it” business.

As I read the prayers of Saints in scripture, even prayers of Jesus Himself, one thing stands out; their prayers and requests were ultimately for the glory of God. Read the prayers of Moses and you’ll find that while he often prayed for the deliverance and well being of the Hebrews, he always qualified his request so that God would be glorified by answering it. The same could be said of King David. David often prayed for personal deliverance from perils and hardships but he always asked in a way that would give God glory by answering him. Even Jesus, when he prayed in Gethsemane before his betrayal, made his request known to the Father and then added, “…nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).

Now friends, if even the saints of old and the son of God Himself make their requests known to God with humility and earnest desire that God the Father receive the glory in answering them, shouldn’t we do the same?

So yes, ask, seek and knock just like Matthew 7:7 says, just be mindful to do so with God’s glory as your ultimate aim and not your personal gratification.

Eternity in view

2010-12-05T15:40:00.002-06:00

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” ESV Colossians 3:1-2

Alcohol. It’s the subject of much discussion in my hometown of Russellville as the citizens wrestle with the merits of legalizing its sale. It’s a subject for which many display an intense passion so I hope these words are received with the graciousness of their intent (Ephesians 4:29) by everyone.

Try as I may, I cannot find a strict biblical prohibition against alcohol and many of the scriptures commonly used for its condemnation are equally applicable to the food we eat. Yes, even eating is detrimental to our bodies, and unbiblical, in excess. But at least let us all agree that alcohol, along with many other things, is sinful when consumed to excess (Proverbs 23:20-21).

Having said that, let me point out that drunkenness is condemned by scripture in many, many places; I Corinthians 6:10, Galatians 5:21 and Ephesians 5:18 to name just a few. And Proverbs tells us that it is unwise for kings and rulers to consume strong drinks because it could affect their judgment (Proverbs 31:4-5) and hence their legacy.

The Apostle Paul observed once that not everything he was permitted to do was necessarily beneficial (I Corinthians 6:12) for him to do. And, in the same passage, he states his resolve to not be “enslaved” or addicted to anything. As we weigh the question before us I think it is both wise and prudent to consider Paul’s convictions.

One of the arguments commonly associated in favor of legalizing alcohol is that it would increase our tax revenues and attract nice restaurants; thereby increasing our quality of life. Yet a casual observation of other communities that have adopted legal alcohol sales in recent years doesn’t convince me that they are demonstrably “better off” than we are today. Argue to the contrary if you desire, but when all things are considered, regulations, inspections, enforcement, etcetera, it is very much like pouring water into a leaking bucket.

Some of the rhetoric surrounding the issue is so temporal and self-serving at times that I fear a view of eternity is too often lost entirely. Yet, at the end of the day Christians are called to set their “minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth (Colossians 3:2).” Christians are always supposed to keep eternity in view.

To quote the Apostle Paul once more, “…whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).” Whatever you do, including when you vote your convictions on this issue, I encourage you to do so with eternity view and with the intent of glorifying God.

God Bless.

Truth is not manufactured

2010-12-05T15:40:00.001-06:00

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” ESV Colossians 2:6-8

Why do you suppose antiques are valuable? Why is one person’s antique just another person’s junk? By definition antiques are old, but age itself is not necessarily a virtue. The value in antiques is a bit of a mystery to me because I don’t have an “eye” for it; I have not been trained in the craft. Even so, a novice like me would be suspicious, as Jim Rohn says, if I saw someone “manufacturing antiques” for sale. Think about it—aren’t antiques “old” by definition?

Truth is similar. Truth is certainly valuable and enduring and it is necessarily “old” by definition. You can’t manufacture truth anymore than you can manufacture an antique can you? No, of course not. Instead, truth is discovered. Solomon said that there “is nothing new under the sun.” The same thing can be said of truth.

It is no surprise when a novice like myself buys an old piece of junk mistaking it for a valuable antique. But for someone with a trained eye, the same a purchase would be an embarrassing mistake. Christians should find themselves in a similarly embarrassing situation when they’re caught following the advice of society instead of the truth found in the bible.

It would be impossible for me to number the times that I’ve talked with a fellow Christian about a problem or situation only to find that their situation was being compounded because they were embracing human philosophy and tradition instead of depending on the truth of God’s word. It is an amazingly easy trap to fall into.

As I read Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, it seems that he is warning against that very error. Paul is admonishing Christians, those who have “received Christ Jesus,” to act like it! He’s telling them to live by faith in Christ, to be ruled by the teachings of Christ and not by the deceitful musings of human philosophy and tradition. By doing so of course, that is living by the truth of God’s word, you run the risk of being labeled “different.” But, shouldn’t Christians be different?

Resolve to be different. Don’t be an untrained believer in Christ. Train yourself in the faith by immersing yourself in God’s word so that “truth” is obvious to your trained eye. In doing so, you’ll save yourself from much pain caused by following the logic of this world. Remember, truth is not manufactured, but it can be discovered in the word of God.

Thankful for the Holy Spirit

2010-12-05T15:39:00.000-06:00

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” ESV John 14:26

Too often I think the work of the Holy Spirit in the church today is ignored or at the very least unappreciated but He is ever present and at work in the world today. In the Gospel of John, Jesus referred to the Spirit of God four times as the Helper. And while He helps us in many ways, I wish to give thanks today for the work he does inside of Christians that brings knowledge of truth and the desire to persevere in the faith.

I’ve just recently returned from India where I met with Christian men and women from all over the country who, in the face of tremendous obstacles, persevere in the Christian faith and share the good news with others because they have the Helper; the Holy Spirit. So, today I want to give thanks for the Holy Spirit and…

…for the young Christian man who lives on his father’s front porch with his new bride because he doesn’t have an extra $30 per month for rent. This same young man shows no fear as he proclaims Christ to unreached people across the region.

…for the missionary’s wife that designs and sells Christmas cards to supplement their income while her husband works full time, pastors a small church and has a vision for planting a church in every corner of his state.

…for the young man that has been imprisoned because of his faith, put in jail simply because he is a Christian, yet wears a smile that brightens the day of every person he meets.

…for the young college student who was saved as she read through the New Testament. She made it to Matthew, chapter 5 before the Spirit opened her eyes and brought understanding. She and her fiancé intend to be missionaries.

…for the South Korean Christian who left his home country has been working in youth ministry in India for sixteen years in an extremely inhospitable region.

…for a large group of Christian pastors who refused to accept financial aid because of theological differences with the donor. They understand that truth matters.

…for the young couple ministering to neighboring Christians in house fellowships because having a church building and gathering in public is prohibited.

…for Desiring God Ministries (www.desiringgod.org) who has donated a suitcase full of books on three occasions for me to deliver to pastors.

…for HeartCry Missionary Society (www.hcmissions.org) who financially supports, equips and teaches over 100 missionaries around the world.

…for Tharptown Baptist Church (www.tharptown.com) who gives generously to missions locally, nationally and around the globe.

This Thanksgiving, among the many, many things you have to be thankful for, remember to give thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit.

Justice comes slowly

2010-12-05T15:37:00.000-06:00

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me; deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men.” ESV Psalm 59:1-2

Varanasi. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and perhaps the oldest city in India. Like most Indian cities, it is densely populated and not particularly clean. And while the city is considered holy by both Buddhists and Hindus, the Hindus hold the city in reverent regard in accord with its ancient meaning; The City of Light. The name holds much irony in my mind.

Though Christians are a small, small minority in Varanasi, there are Christian churches in the city and Christians are allowed to worship in relative peace. Though, that’s not to say that discrimination doesn’t exist in various forms; it does.

When we arrived at our appointed meeting place, we were greeted by our gracious host pastor and striking adobe buildings, including a sanctuary, that were almost two hundred years old. The building walls were eighteen inches thick with layers plaster, adding to their character.

As the ceiling fan whirred overhead in the heat of the evening, we listened as the pastor explained that we wouldn’t be meeting in the sanctuary except on Sunday because of a disagreement, sadly and ironically, with another group of professing Christians. Yet, in my mind, their actions deny the very faith they proclaim.

Though locked out of the sanctuary, our host was most humble in the way he dealt with the inconvenience and prayed on more than one occasion in our presence for God’s blessing and glorification in the situation. Even as he observed that in India, “justice comes slowly,” his actions bore out the faith he professed. More so, his confidence rests, not in the justice of the state, but in God, who is ever faithful.

The Psalms, perhaps more so than any other book of the bible, are filled with prayers to God for deliverance from various trials and persecutions. Too often our response to trials is to take matters into our own hands and lash out at those whom would do us harm. We seek to bring justice swiftly. I wonder though, how often do we rob God of glory when we take matters into our own hands? Wouldn’t it be infinitely better to commit our trials to God and marvel in his deliverance?

Don’t rob God of his rightful glory. Pray for those who persecute you. Seek refuge in God.

Timeless Counsel

2010-08-18T06:50:00.001-05:00

“What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14 ESV

The short hand in the upper right hand corner would be meaningless to all who might wander across the page, but it stands as a reminder to me, almost a caution, that I must be guarded, prudent and wise with my time; a constant battle it seems. At present, there are four simple notes dating back to 2004 that remind me of when I last read the pages that follow. And, as the sermon is aptly titled, it reminds me of “The Preciousness of Time, and the Importance of Redeeming It.” The sermon, by Jonathan Edwards, is dated December, 1734, but its message is timeless; permit me to share some excerpts.

“Time is precious…because a happy or miserable eternity depends on the good or ill improvement of it.” Here, Edwards makes the point that we have no assurance of tomorrow and that securing reconciliation with our maker—God, the Creator of heaven and earth—is something that must be done in the present. He continues, “…when the time of life is gone, it is impossible that we should ever obtain another such time. All opportunity of obtaining eternal welfare is utterly and everlastingly gone.”

Reflecting on time past, Edwards asks, “Have you let the precious golden sands of your glass run?” Certainly, we cannot live in the past nor can we relive the past. But, we can reflect on our lives with a penetrating eye to gain wisdom as to how we should act in the present.

In reference to mindlessly wasting time Edwards quips, “If men were as lavish of their money as they are of their time…we should think them beside themselves, and not in possession of their right minds.” It has been said that “time waits for no man” and I believe that’s true. One of the most repeated dadisms heard around my house is, “You’re burning daylight.” My point being there is no time like the present to tend to important matters of the day. Also, in the big scheme of things, I’m convinced that time can be employed most profitably during the day—not during the night.

Near the end of the sermon Edwards poses this question that cuts to the heart of the matter: “Would you not behave otherwise than you do, if you considered with yourselves every morning, that you must give an account to God, how you shall have spent that day?” Today, would you burn endless hours in front of the television or computer screen if you had to give an account to God this evening? Would you toss and turn in your bed during the morning if you had to give an account in the evening? If God were to pass judgment on how you spent your day, would you be as captivated by the affairs of others as you are?

The sermon concludes with three pieces of advice: (1) “Improve the present time without any delay.” (2) Take special care not to waste special seasons of time (like your youth) and (3) don’t waste time in useless diversions or amusements. Instead, make use of each day as if you would give an accounting to God each evening.

Mind Games

2010-08-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

“Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word to you, but your very life…” ESV Deuteronomy 32:46-47.

It isn’t often that I’m tempted into a theater but, after reading reviews and hearing comments about Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, curiosity got the best of me this past weekend. I won’t ruin the movie for you, but it highlighted the power of a thought and plumbed the (fictional) depths of a thought’s beginnings. It was a mind-bender of a story that unfolded in a world where dreams and human imagination are indistinguishable from reality. But then again, what is reality?

What is reality? The question is not a recent one. It’s been asked over and over throughout the ages. John Locke (1632-1704), a British philosopher, proposed that the mind was like a blank sheet of paper that could only be filled through experience. Locke’s hypothesis would lead one to conclude that reality was very much an individualistic phenomenon. Even earlier, Plato (427-347 BC), though not quite so individualistic in his thought, proposed that visual perception (shadows in his example) represented reality. In Plato’s world, reality was circumstantial and dependent on one’s vantage point. Both ideas are dangerous. (reference: Looking at Philosophy, third edition, by Donald Palmer.)

Remember the old television commercial with the tag line “Is it real or is it Memorex?” ? For those of you without gray hair, the commercial was refers to an ancient recording media known as “tape.” The theoretical challenge was to listen to a sound and determine whether it was authentic or pre-recorded. Was the sound “reality” or was it a representation or a shadow of reality?

Moses had a firm grip on reality; he didn’t dance with shadowy thoughts. As you read Moses’ final words to his people, it’s obvious that Moses wanted to be sure that the nation knew and passed on truth; that they grasped reality. Moses knew that grasping the truth of God’s word was not a thing to be trifled with. He knew that false doctrines, warped ideas, and creative thinking would come their way. He knew that they would encounter idols. He knew that their children would be especially vulnerable to strange teachings. He knew that the mind was prone to wander. That’s why he went so far as to exhort the people that their very lives and the lives of their children depended on them understanding God’s word; reality.

Now, I propose to you that the warning of Moses is no less dire today. The mind is creative, mind games abound, and our thoughts carry a curious influence over our concept of reality. Don’t be deceived and don’t let your family be deceived. Avoid foolish, shadowy thoughts and grasp hold of the truth of God’s word. Grasp hold of reality—your very life depends on it.

The Antics of Nations

2010-08-16T06:54:00.001-05:00

“All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him?” ESV Isaiah 40:17-28

The United States, in addition to being engaged in two serious wars, is engaged in joint war games this week off the coast of South Korea in a show of force meant to impress North Korea and to deter North Korean aggression. It is a display of military power and strength; a bit of posturing and muscle flexing if you will. For its part, North Korea does a good deal of posturing on an ongoing basis; most recently by sinking a South Korean ship.

India and Pakistan regularly fire warning shots at each other, literally and figuratively, over a spot of land known as Kashmir. This posturing and muscle flexing has gone on since the late forties.

I would be remiss in any discussion of the antics of nations to omit the long history of defiance and bravado from Fidel Castro in Cuba or the arrogant voice of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Time and space require that I omit the middle east and eastern Europe.

The antics of nations are endless it seems.

Yet for all their brashness, for all their fearsome muscle flexing and posturing, nations and the antics of nations amount to nothing when compared to God. Isaiah says that nations are “less than nothing” in contrast to God. Now, I don’t know about you, but “less than nothing” ranks high on the scale of insignificance in my mind.

Are the wars we fight important? Sure. Men and women die for their nations. Is deterrence by show of force important? Absolutely. Should leaders be confident? Yes. My purpose is not to pass judgment in these examples but to emphasize their relative insignificance before God.

God is big. He’s bigger than any war this nation has ever waged. He’s bigger than any personal battle raging within you. God is bigger than any challenge you can possibly be facing today. God is big. Let your mind wander a moment. Go ahead, think of the grandest display of power, might and magnificence that you can--God is bigger. God is bigger than life.

I’m taken aback at how little we think of God and of how small we make him. As a nation it is obvious we don’t maintain a reverent fear of God and that, in and of itself, is a fearful thing. Individually, too often our confidence is in the antics of nations instead of God. We’d do well to grasp hold of the truth that even nations are “nothing before him” and place our confidence in he who is beyond comparison; the most high God, creator of heaven and earth.

Wailing in the Night

2010-07-14T12:43:00.000-05:00

[This article originally published in HeartCry Magazine, volume 65. The entire volume is available at www.hcmissions.org.]

The sound was not jolting, but as it sliced through the night it cut me to the core; eyes wide open, I dared not move. Instead, I lay perfectly motionless in my bed; straining my ears, I listened intently. It was pitch dark and nothing was moving outside my barred windows. What was that sound? A voice? Yes, but what was he saying? A song? What did the wailing mean? My mind raced as the hollow third floor of my lodging place amplified it like a megaphone. Then, as quickly as it began it started to fade. It was over and the city came to life as if it had just heard a wakeup call. Halfway around the world, in a very different culture, I had just heard the morning call to prayer broadcast from the village mosque.

Matt Glass, HeartCry’s Asian Coordinator, and I were in a remote village within sight of the Himalayans visiting with local Christian missionaries. Hopefully, we would have an opportunity to share our faith from God’s word in the coming days; both to our Christian friends and their lost friends.

As I prayed that morning for the events of the coming days, I also offered a confession for my fears and weak faith. Why had the strange wailing in the night bothered me? Why did I, even for a moment, lean on my own understanding and let my mind wander instead of fully trusting in the living God? I serve the true God; Creator of heaven and earth!

My payers were answered; fear abated and hope changed to joy as we arrived to find a crowd of people gathered into our meeting space that morning. One couple traveled over thirty kilometers (no small adventure in this region) by taxi in order to hear teaching from the bible, giving us all the more encouragement to be faithful in the proclamation of His word.

As the praise and worship progressed into the third hour of the second day, women held and rocked their children in the heat, bible pages rustled as we searched scripture, and, unbeknownst to us, the gatekeeper listened intently from below. When the services were over, he ran up the stairs as we prayed, pulled our missionary friend aside and announced that he wished to know more about Christianity. I can only pray that he was moved by the Spirit to repent.

As I write this, images of the Haitian earthquake are fresh on my mind. Thousands upon thousands died in that quake. How many perished without the gospel? Had the same earthquake hit the Asian village where we taught, the same carnage would lie in its aftermath. How many might perish without hearing the gospel?

I am reminded of the tower of Siloam where souls perished in the aftermath of its collapse. Jesus warns the crowd that calamity is at their door and that unless they repent, they will “likewise perish” (Luke 13:3) without the gospel; without saving faith.

Around the world, many souls are motionless in spiritual darkness and at the door of calamity. Many will perish without saving faith. Who will shake them out of their stupor? Who will bring the gospel within earshot? Who will explain to them the gospel; the good news of Jesus Christ? Faithful Christians. That is why indigenous missions is so important.

Independence Day

2010-07-11T12:43:00.000-05:00

“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.” ESV Genesis 3:6

Adam and Eve experienced an Independence Day of their own, but it was not a day to be celebrated nor recalled with fondness for years to come. No, their independence came through disobedience and separated them from the Creator of heaven and earth.

God was wrapping up His work in creation when the unfortunate day arrived. He had created the world, formed it, shaped it, and populated it with plants and animals. He had given Adam special dominion over the animals, even allowing him to name them, and prepared a special piece of land (garden of Eden) for him to keep. The final touch would be the creation of a suitable helpmate for Adam and of course we know that’s when God created Eve. Creation was finished and it was good.

Now, God had not placed a lot of burdensome rules and restrictions on Adam. We’re told simply that Adam was to “keep” the Garden. As a matter of fact, it seems Adam was given great liberty and freedom to eat of any tree in the Garden, all of which were pleasing to the eye and fruit bearing, with one exception; “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” God assured Adam that eating from the forbidden tree would surely bring death.

Why do you suppose God gave any restrictions to Adam? Scripture seems to be silent on the issue, but perhaps it was to allow Adam and Eve to freely demonstrate obedience to God. Regardless, Adam and Eve transgressed God’s command. They exercised their freedom, and “independence” if you will, by disobeying God and eating the fruit.

Of course, the inevitable came to pass. God, true to his word as always, caused Adam, Eve and all of mankind to experience death. Paul would later write to the Romans, “...just as sin came into the world through one man [Adam], and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned..” (Romans 5:12).

Before you cast too many stones at Adam and Eve for their disobedience that had such far-reaching consequences perhaps a little introspection is in order. Jesus said all the commandments could be surmised: ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all our mind’ and ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matthew 22:37-39). How obedient are you to these simple commands?

Why don’t you exercise your dependence today? Honor God by honoring is straightforward commands.

Fleeting Beauty

2010-07-11T12:41:00.000-05:00

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” ESV Proverbs 31:30

Think with me for a moment about the bridal section of the newspaper. Typically, there is an engagement announcement along with a picture of a happy, vibrant young couple in eager anticipation of marriage. Just a few days after the wedding, we get an announcement describing the event along with a picture of the bride (alone) in a gorgeous dress. And that’s about all we’ll see about them in the news until they have a 30^th or 50^th anniversary (both are rare). If they get that far, their love and affection for one another will have no doubt grown, but their youthful beauty will have long since faded. Beauty is vain.

Our society is obsessed with physical beauty. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with natural beauty. As a matter of fact, I think natural beauty is a wonderful thing, but it is only surface deep. So, why do we obsess over it? Why do we allow our children to exploit it? Why do we twist and pervert God-given beauty into sensual temptations? Be honest—our society manipulates and exploits beauty.

I heard a pastor exhort a group of people once regarding beauty. He told them that if they lived long enough, they would all eventually be ugly! Now, he wasn’t being uncharitable to elderly people. Instead, he was highlighting the fact that youthful beauty is vain. No matter how hard we try and hang on to youth, age is gaining ground.

How foolish for a young man or young woman to marry based on youthful beauty alone. How silly for young women to buy into society’s lie and wear revealing and/or too tight clothing that tempts heads to turn as she passes. How silly for a young man to fall for the temptation. Beauty is vain.

How much more profitable would it be for women to pursue the Lord? How much more profitable would it be for men to desire a bride who fears the Lord? How wonderful is it to find a beautiful, yet biblically modest, spouse who loves the Lord?!

There are so many temptations to fall into society’s mindset regarding beauty that I’d like to offer at least two resources that offer biblical insight for men and women. The first (women only) can be found at www.girltalkhome.com. This is a wonderful website full of good advice for young women. If you go there, search for a document called “modesty heart check;” it’s great. The other is www.cbmw.org, which is the website for The Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. While not as much “fun” as girltalk, this site offers serious advice to both men and women of all ages regarding biblical manhood and biblical womanhood.

Beauty is vain and fleeting, but fear of the Lord is praiseworthy and enduring. Which will you desire?

Making Much of Christ (p4): How shall we escape?

2010-06-22T12:41:00.000-05:00

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

Making much of Christ seemed to be the intent of the writer of Hebrews, especially in the early chapters. In the first installment on the subject I mentioned that too often even our churches err in making much of men instead of making much of Christ. By exalting somebody, putting them on a pedestal if you will, instead of Christ. But the writer of Hebrews makes no such error. Hebrews is focused clearly on God the Son. And while it is right to esteem highly those who devote themselves to the ministry of God’s word, no man is worthy of esteem rightly due Jesus Christ.

In part two, I mentioned John Flavel, one of my favorite Puritans, who maintained that the greatest expression of the love of God ever, past, present or future, was the incarnation; Jesus Christ in bodily form here on this earth. Isaiah had said his name would be called Immanuel, which means God with us, and that is literally what happened. It is incredible that God ever chose to speak with us—even through the prophets. But now He has spoken to us through His Son. How incredible is that?!

In part 3 some comparison was made between Christ and angels. Angels are soldiers for the living God; servants for the King. Their mere presence strikes fear into the most calloused men. And yet they are inferior to Christ in every way. Angels have never been credited with creation. Angels are not heir to all things. Angels have not been placed in positions of sovereign authority. Angels are not the exact imprint of the nature of God the Father, yet Christ occupies all these positions. There is none other like Christ.

Finally then, I’d like to draw your attention to a dire warning found in Hebrews 2:1-3: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation..?” How shall we escape...

Here’s the truth of the matter. There is no escape for those who ignore salvation through Jesus Christ. There is no way to sugar coat it. To reject Jesus Christ in this lifetime ensures separation from God in the hereafter. To reject so great a salvation, so great an act of love on God’s part, in this life ensures you’ll endure His wrath hereafter.

In His public ministry, Jesus put it this way: “...the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) The message and call hasn’t changed.

Making Much of Christ (part 3)

2010-06-09T12:39:00.000-05:00

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

Angels. Western culture I fear has a Hollywood perception of angels. Simply say the word “angel” and folks immediately get a mental picture of some soft, winged being that is perhaps wrapped in a white linen robe with gold fringes and maybe sporting a halo. The Hollywood angel is a very meek and approachable looking thing. But is the Hollywood picture accurate?

What did the Shepherds encounter that made them tremble with fear? Luke says that “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.” (Luke 2:9) What was it about seeing an angel that caused Balaam’s donkey to lie down underneath him? Why did Balaam drop to his knees when he saw the angel? (Numbers 22:21-31) They saw a soldier of God.

The Hollywood image is wrong. Angels are not some kind of touch-feely, cuddly creature sent for our pleasure. Angels, in a very real yet somehow inferior way, project the glory, might and holiness of God. They are servants of the Most High God and command reverence, awe, and fear simply because they represent Him—they are soldiers of God!

Yet the writer of Hebrews says that in every way the angels are beneath Christ. Moreover, they are commanded to worship Christ. Think about it these things from scripture: God never called an angel his Son; only Jesus is worthy of the title. God has never promised angels that they would inherit creation but he says it was through Jesus that the earth was created and all of creation is under his authority. God has never hinted that an angel might sit on a throne but he says that Christ’s throne will endure forever. God never promised the angels that their enemies would be made “a footstool for [their] feet” yet he promises the same to Jesus. He never says that angels are the image of God, yet we are told that Christ “is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature...” (Hebrews 1:3) The prophets called Christ “Immanuel” which means God with us; a title only Christ can claim.

Now, if angels strike fear into calloused shepherds and prophets while in every way inferior to Christ, how much more should we be awestruck with Christ? If the mighty angels, soldiers of God, are commanded to worship Christ, what should our attitude be towards Christ?

The writer of Hebrews goes to great lengths to make much of Christ. Take hold of his words and do the same. Make much of Christ.

Making Much of Christ (part 2)

2010-06-08T12:37:00.000-05:00

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

Our text reminds us that in times past, before Christ, God spoke through the prophets, but something grander has occurred in “these last days.” Now, he has spoken to us through His very Son; but how? How has God the Father spoken to us through His Son? In person!

John Flavel says that Jesus Christ is the greatest manifestation of the love of God ever. The more I think about it, the more I agree. What could be more magnificent? What could be more an expression of love than to leave heaven, a place of unimaginable beauty and glory, to become a man? It is just absolutely fascinating that the Creator of heaven and earth would stoop to the level of created beings. Yet he did and we seem to take it for granted.

In what many consider to represent the beginning of His public ministry, Christ himself declared that He was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah (Luke 4:21). With that proclamation, he began to publicly teach, perform miracles and spend time with people. Scripture records about forty parables from his teaching ministry alone. And how many people did He heal? I didn’t even try to count the miracles. Remember Lazarus? At Jesus’ command even dead people came to life and walked out of tombs! And in all these things, God was speaking to us.

What about the Disciples? Christ poured Himself into this handful of very ordinary men. He spent time with them, patiently teaching them who He was. He traveled with them. He prayed with them. And after His resurrection, He commanded them to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28) and to teach the nations all that He had taught them about Himself. In essence, was He not commanding them to go and make much of Him? Yes, and the command is still valid for disciples today.

What about today? How does Christ speak to us today? It’s one thing to think of Christ as Immanuel (which means God with us) but what about now? Didn’t Jesus return to heaven? Yes, perhaps he has left in bodily form, but, just as he promised, He sent the Holy Spirit, the Helper, and through the Holy Spirit He is still with us today and still speaking to us today.

When I read the first several chapters of Hebrews, I’m always impressed with the way the author makes much of Christ and equally convicted that I don’t make enough of Christ. Yet, it is arguably the duty of each and every Christian to make much of Christ, everyday.

As you live this day, this week, each and every day, make much of Christ.

Making Much of Christ (part 1)

2010-05-19T12:36:00.000-05:00

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son,…” ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

My friend Jim Elliff out in Kansas City says, “Churches should not be designed to showcase leaders.” As I thought about his statement, I began to think of churches that do seem to be designed to showcase their leaders; particularly pastors. Though it seems the height of arrogance, it happens nonetheless. Then I began to think of all the other things we showcase in our churches; the music, the lighting, the gymnasium or lack thereof, the food, the fellowship, the building and grounds, even our own children! All the while, the church should showcase Jesus Christ.

When I read the first several chapters of Hebrews, I’m always impressed with the way the author showcases Christ. Rather than “showcasing,” I like to think of it as making much of Christ. Hebrews certainly does makes much of Christ and it is arguably the duty of each and every Christian to make much of Christ; not just our churches.

As the book begins, we are reminded that in times past, before Christ, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets. How did he do that? Think for a moment of all the different ways God communicated with his prophets of old.

Moses found himself communicating with God through a burning bush, a cloud and even a pillar of fire. Samuel heard an audible voice in the night. Jacob wrestled with God in the night. Joseph had dreams. Isaiah had a magnificent vision, as did Daniel. Balaam even got a revelation from the mouth of his donkey!

And how about signs and wonders? Think of how God revealed himself through signs and wonders in the Old Testament. The angel of death passed over the Hebrews and set the stage for their exit from Egypt—a pretty significant revelation to my mind. The Red Sea parted for the Hebrews yet it swallowed up Pharaoh’s army. In the wilderness, manna and quail mysteriously appeared in the night.

What about the epic battles of old? Every victory the Hebrews ever knew was won from a position of weakness. Goliath was slain by a young boy armed with a slingshot. Joshua and the armies of Israel prevailed so long as Moses arms were raised to the Lord. The walls of Jericho fell with a shout. The examples of God revealing himself in times of old seem endless.

Yet, says the writer of Hebrews in verse two, in these last days, something grander has taken place. God’s revelation in the Old Testament pales in comparison to the revelation in these last days. In these last days, God has spoken to us to us through his Son!

Lord of Calamity

2010-05-05T12:35:00.000-05:00

“...I am the Lord and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.” Isaiah 45:6-7 ESV

“Balloon-boy got more national news coverage than the Nashville flood” quipped one Nashvillian via Twitter. Sadly, I think he’s right. Another person I follow online commented abut the President attending a roast hosted by Jay Leno even as a huge natural disaster unfolds in the waters off his home state along the gulf coast. Neither statement was mean-spirited or particularly self-centered, nor would I expect either of these two Christian men to be anything less than gracious, but both were deeply personal observations regarding calamity unfolding before their eyes.

Now, pay close attention to the following comments from another Nashvillian, Thom Rainer, who departed Nashville ahead of the storms and was headed towards the sunshine state. His statements are deeply personal too, but they also paint a vivid picture of his faith in the Lord of all creation and they reveal where his treasure is.

“Turning back from FL to get back to Nash. Just learned that the Harpeth River has reached our home in the flood. Please pray.”

“Flood waters rising in our home. We are 4 hours south of Nash. Doesn't look good for the house. I will praise Him in all things.”

“Made it to Columbia, TN. Will stay in a hotel a few days until we figure out our next steps. God is good.”

Did you catch the comments that portray his faith? “Please Pray.” “I will praise Him in all things.” “God is good.” Here’s the testimonial. He made each of those statements at a time when he logically assumed that all of his worldly treasures would be washed away in the floods. He made those statements during a very stressful two-day stretch filled with much uncertainty and I can only imagine the emotional roller coaster he was riding at the time.

What kind of picture would your words paint if your certain all of your possessions were being washed away in a flood? Would your comments let folks no that your treasure is in heaven and not on earth? Would your comments display your faith in a living God who is still Lord over heaven and earth? Do you have faith in a God who is in control even in the midst of your calamity?

Nashville is in the midst of calamity. The families of eleven dead oil rig workers are in the midst of calamity. The entire gulf coast is facing an ecological and economic calamity of unprecedented magnitude. During these uncertain times let us all praise God who is Lord even in our calamity and look in faith to him for strength to bring us through.

Treasure of Christ

2010-04-29T05:47:00.001-05:00

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” ^ESV Matthew 13:44

Any parent can attest to the fact that children have to learn the concept of cost and value. Especially in America perhaps, where a consumerism mentality thrives and is still promoted in advertising even in the midst of a deep recession, children, teens, and some adults, seem oblivious to the fact that something of value is exchanged in every transaction.

With children, examples are endless; ice cream cones at the park, toys at the store, candy in the checkout lane, electronic games, etc. Parents are forever making purchase (value-exchange) decisions for children. With teens, the decisions are sometimes very similar, but the value exchange part of the equation is much, much larger!

I’m convinced that it’s not until we begin to work and earn that we begin to have an internal sense of cost and value-exchange (an internal compass of sorts) that enables us to begin making wise purchase choices. Sadly, it never “clicks” with some folks and they enter adulthood in a state of blissful ignorance with the eyes of a child.

Far from being a spendthrift, it seems that Matthew is writing about an adult who has learned the concept of value-exchange even though this person is willing to exchange all that he owns for a single field. Of course it’s not just any field; it is a field containing great treasure in the purchaser’s eyes; a treasure that he saw even as others walked past and overlooked. I can’t help but imagine people casually walking past the same field everyday and seeing nothing of particular value in it.

Now, just for a moment, imagine people walking past our churches and seeing nothing of particular value; no reason to darken the doors. Imagine people ignoring Jesus and seeing nothing of value in a relationship with him. Imagine casually walking past the person of whom God the Father commanded “...Let all God’s angels worship him.” (Hebrews 1:6 ESV) It happens every day with alarming frequency. We worship the red carpet. We are attracted (some would say distracted) by the latest, glitziest bit of bling that Hollywood and media dangles before us, all the while ignoring the person that even angels are commanded to worship.

Permit me two observations while emphasizing that this passage is about the treasure; not the church per se. First, the church today (at least in America) appears to be doing a pretty good job of holding the status quo; of keeping its members content and entertained. But, secondly, she also appears to be doing a poor job of revealing her treasure, her head; Jesus Christ. That is to say that the church is failing in its calling to make disciples (followers of Jesus) of all nations.

Christ exchanged his life for your eternal life. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s moving in our midst to reveal the treasure of Jesus.

The Checkbook Chronicles

2010-04-25T10:05:00.000-05:00

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Money matters; and, according to Howard Dayton, “our checkbooks tell us more about our priorities than does anything else.” Your check register is a journal of sorts that records much more than your cash balance; it records (chronicles) your lifestyle and priorities.

In and of itself, it’s a harmless object, but its details can reveal where you’ve vacationed, your favorite restaurant, where you buy groceries, gas and medicine. It can tell where you buy clothes for the kids and how much your car payment is. For married couples it can be the fuel for many and angry fight. For all, the check register tells a story.

Every now and then you learn a phrase or principle that you commit to memory and carry for life. Once such phrase for me was, “It’s just money.” Far from being a careless comment about the importance of money, money is of course a vital means of trade for everyone, the phrase puts money in proper perspective. Money is vital as a tool but not a treasure. Let me explain.

To treasure something is to place a high, personal value on it. Off hand I’d say that most folks treasure their health and the health of their families more than their checkbooks. In our community, most folks might even agree that personal relationships are more important than their checkbooks. Both examples, though important, may be shortsighted. What about eternity?

We’ve been conditioned to live for today. Many folks live for today and also save for tomorrow (saving, by the way, is both prudent and biblical). A few folks are able to live today with a long-term perspective, but I’m afraid only a precious few live today with eternity in mind. If your Checkbook Chronicles were published as a book, what would it say about you? Would it indicate that your treasure and priorities are rooted in the here and now or would it show that you were living today with eternity in mind?

We must live today, but not “for” today, so don’t be taken captive by the here and now; it will be gone soon enough. True treasure is in heaven, so live each day with eternity in mind.

Limitations

2010-04-25T10:04:00.000-05:00

“Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.” ^ESVPsalm 72:18

What are you going to give up? That was the question Melisa (my wife) asked when I announced a grand new adventure that captured my attention. The question is both reasonable and common around my house. Oft times I find that my appetite for doing is greater than my capacity for doing. You’d have to look no further than my bookcase to see that my appetite for good books is greater than my ability to plow through them. But hey, it sure is fun trying! Anyway, it’s good to be reminded on occasion that there are limits to what one can do.

Paul Tripp has written a good book titled Broken-Down House: Living Productively In A World Gone Bad. (I highly recommend it by the way.) One chapter in the book summarizes limitations by pointing out that the human race is subject to three inescapable limitations. He says: “We are limited in wisdom, in power and in righteousness.” If you think about it, to argue to the contrary would be to argue that you are, in some sense, God; the only person with unlimited wisdom, power and righteousness.

As I thought about these limitations I was able to look back on the past week and see how each of these limitations was true in my own life. Had my words and actions in that meeting last week been charitable and wise? No, certainly not as charitable and wise and I would have liked. Did I have the power within me to change the opinion, thoughts or actions of others? No, I may have the power to influence others, but I don’t have the power to change them. And power to be righteous? I don’t even want to think about it.

Next week, I think I’ll purposefully remind myself each morning of these limitations in the hopes that the thought will allow me to live each day less dependent on myself and more dependent on God. Too, I hope that it will allow me to give God glory and credit for any and all “accomplishments” that I might otherwise be tempted to take credit for myself and thus feed my be pride.

In a prayer book called The Valley of Vision, a prayer titled God The All offers this food for thought: “I am well pleased with thy will, whatever it is, or should be in all respects, and if thou bidst me decide for myself in any affair, I would choose to refer all to thee, for thou art infinitely wise and cannot do amiss, as I am in danger of doing. I rejoice to think that all things are at thy disposal, and it delights me to leave them there.”

“....it delights me to leave [things in God’s hands].” Hmmm, what a concept. “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.”

Teach the people

2010-03-31T17:47:00.001-05:00

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ^ESVMatthew 28:19-20

It was a steamy, sticky, hot evening in the little wooden church in the jungle of northern Peru. Yet people filed in and listened from outside to teaching and preaching from the bible. As I sat in amazement at their attentiveness, I wondered, “Who will teach the children in this jungle village the gospel?” The answer of came quickly; the local Christian believers in their local churches would teach the children about Jesus.

The motionless city stirred to life when the morning call to prayer began echoing from the loud speakers at the local Mosque at 4:30 in the morning. India is a country of about 1.3 billion people. Christians are relatively few by any measure here while Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists thrive to varying degrees across India. Who will teach these masses here about biblical truth? The task will largely be accomplished through the few, dedicated local churches and Christian believers there.

My friend Luis and the people in his church in Santo Domingo ran into the streets as the ground shook beneath them completely unaware at the moment that the same earthquake had just devastated the country of Haiti on the other side of the island they share. As the devastation came into clear focus, the local church in Santo Domingo and other parts of the Dominican Republic began to mobilize to provide food, shelter, medical supplies and teaching about Jesus to this devastated region. They printed water bottles with scripture printed on them. They sent pastors and teachers into the devastated areas and they found ways to deliver their aid and the word through local churches in Haiti.

My friend and those local churches are still at work in Haiti today even as other relief agencies have begun to pull their resources. And when everyone else is gone, the local churches in Haiti will still be there—teaching and making disciples.

Do you see a pattern emerging here? Christ commanded us to go and make disciples (Christian believers) and to teach those disciples all that Christ had commanded. While I am not in the least diminishing the role of missionary endeavors, as a matter of fact they are a crucial part in the overall process, I see that teaching abut Christ is a necessary and often neglected charge for local congregations.

The church is the bride of Christ and until the bridegroom comes again it is her duty to make disciples and teach the world all that Christ has commanded. Is your church honoring its role as a teacher in your community? What might you do to make it more effective in making and teaching disciples?

Doom comes swiftly

2010-03-31T06:26:00.001-05:00

“Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.'” ^ESVDeuteronomy 32:35

“'Boom,' it busted off and I saw him clawing for the edge with a startled look on his face, and then he disappeared.” That’s how a fellow climber described the sudden accident that took the life of his climbing partner, Joe Bohling, to KGW news of Portland.

A group had climbed to the top of Mt. St. Helens and paused for a picturesque photo at the rim. Unbeknownst to them their friend was perched on a precarious snow cornice that would give way suddenly and take his life in an instant. A navy helicopter would recover his body the next day. In an instant triumph turned to tragedy; “doom comes swiftly.”

Jonathan Edwards, an 18^th century preacher considered by many to be the greatest theologian the United States has ever produced, is perhaps best known by his harshest sermon; “Sinners in the Hands of an angry God.” Speaking of sinful men, Edwards used the text above in the sermon to point out that there will come a time, often suddenly and without warning, “when their foot shall slip” and they will meet their doom and the wrath of an angry God.

Now, I realize that the notion of hell is not one that will endear me to our modern culture. But the bible seems to me to be quite clear on the matter. Hell is much more than some theoretical place where souls simply cease to exist. Hell is a place of never ending torment and yet we carry on in our daily lives as if hell did not exist at all. We carry on as if we should have all the time in the world to be reconciled to God; tomorrow perhaps. Yet each day we stand on a slippery slope. Each day we are perched on a precarious snow cornice that may give way, much to our surprise, at any moment.

Edwards also points out, oddly enough, that it is the very hand of God that sustains us each and every day. It is the very hand of God that keeps our feet from slipping immediately—today. It is the very hand of God that grants us another day in which to seek reconciliation with him through Christ, his son. If not for the great mercies, patience and love of God, we would never have an opportunity to repent and believe the good news of Christ! Yet Christians and sinners alike live as though there will always be a tomorrow.

A day will come when your foot will slip and death will overtake you. Will you slip into the wrath of God or be welcomed home?