We’re getting ready to travel to my son’s home in Indiana. On the way we will pick up our daughter and her husband. My wife and I have gone back and forth on which route to take to get there. There are parts of going around Chicago that we do not enjoy. So, we have started going through Iowa and across to the bottom of Chicago and across Indiana. That route is not really open to us. So we considered going state highways in Iowa for a while. Then our son tells us that we should not worry about going through Chicago. We can also go south from Rockford and take 80 across. So now we have 3 possible routes to go. Which one to take? I think we have decided to take our son’s suggestion. That way, if it’s a mess, we can make him feel bad for leading us wrong. And if it’s a great route, we can tell him how wonderfully smart he is. Naw – really, we will probably not make the final decision until we are .5 miles from the intersection that makes the difference. On the other hand, we know that our future is really not in doubt. We do not know it, but our God does. Which brings me to the second Milestone of Thanksgiving. Submission.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Consider this. Real thankfulness to God acknowledges and submits to God’s loving sovereignty and control.
In this brief consideration, I want to link James 4:13-15 to this passage in Proverbs. Consider the first part of our verse.
“A man’s heart plans his way.” We make plans. They are either long range, or .5 miles from the intersection that makes the difference. But seldom do we live a random life. Even in times of uncertainty, we endeavor to develop a strategy for whatever part of life we can see coming, however dimly. The New Testament author, James, points out that while we all make plans, we need to understand that the future is not in our control. He reminds us that our life is like a mist or “vapor” that is gone almost as soon as it appears. That level of uncertainty is not entirely comfortable to most of us. We like to think that we can have control over something, that we can make a difference, leave some sort of legacy. So we make intricate plans. It is natural to make plans. It is even wise to make plans. However, it is not wise to consider our plans the end of the discussion.
The last part of the proverb says, “…but the Lord directs his steps.” I can remember making lots of plans, having lots of dreams, seeing many opportunities. However, I also remember how unseen changes on the path, circumstances beyond my control, changed my direction, and brought me to a place where God is using me. Could He have used me where I wanted to be. Sure. If he had wanted me there. But he wanted me here. And he directed my path here. Interestingly, the writer of our proverb makes a distinction between steps and path. At best, I can only plan a few steps, and I might even take those steps. But, God has the plan of my life in His hands. If I let Him, He can take my faltering, uncertain steps and He can bring them to the place where He always intended me to be. The only requirement – submitting to His leading. When we get there, we can be truly thankful.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Milestones of Thanksgiving - Rejoice!
The first Milestone I want to consider is the believer's rejoicing over God's mighty acts. Psalm 118:22-24 is a passage used in the New Testament referring to Christ, the chief Cornerstone. These verses form a template for Thanksgiving because they demonstrate the kinds of things that cause rejoicing in the human heart.
Verse 22: "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." In every building project there are materials deemed to be of insufficient quality, and rejected. The spiritual leadership of Israel rejected Christ, but God made Him the foundation of God's plan of redemption. But this was not only so with Christ. David, the youngest and possibly smallest of his family, was thought to be insufficient to a man's work by his family. He was, however, chosen by God lead His people, Israel. Matthew was a tax collector. As such, he was reputed by some in Israel to be a traitor - not worth much. However, he was chosen by Christ to one of the 12 disciples, an Apostle, and the author of one of the accounts of His Lord's life. John Newton was a slaver. No one accounted him of any value. A more wretched man could not be imagined. However, God's grace so changed this man that he wrote one of the most beloved hymns in our hymn books, "Amazing Grace." That God can take that which others reject as useless and make it, not just useful, but a reflection of His glory should make the believer rejoice.
In verse 23, the Psalmist says, "This was the Lord's doing; it was marvelous in our eyes." In old Israel, General Naaman wanted God to heal him. To demonstrate His power, God commanded that Naaman bathe in the Jordan River. No one else could heal him, but God could and did. Coming down from the mount of Transfiguration, the Lord encountered a demon-possessed boy that His disciples could not care for. But He could. George Mueller looked around London and saw the heart-crushing poverty and loneliness of the orphans of his day. No one really cared, and thought he cared, deeply, he had no resources. By trusting His God to meet the need, and moving forward in faith, he saw God move and provide in ways no one else could have. The child of God has always found reason for rejoicing in the fact that God could use them, even though they, and others, might have thought them of little of no value.
Verse 24 says, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." God is the one who makes opportunities. In Revelation 3:7, to the church at Philadelphia, He calls Himself, the God "who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens." Paul spoke of the door God had opened for Him to speak. In the circumstances of our life, at the most unlikely moments, God opens an opportunity for victory.
At this Thanksgiving season, we can rejoice that God has given us the opportunity to serve Him, and make the most of it for His glory.
Verse 22: "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." In every building project there are materials deemed to be of insufficient quality, and rejected. The spiritual leadership of Israel rejected Christ, but God made Him the foundation of God's plan of redemption. But this was not only so with Christ. David, the youngest and possibly smallest of his family, was thought to be insufficient to a man's work by his family. He was, however, chosen by God lead His people, Israel. Matthew was a tax collector. As such, he was reputed by some in Israel to be a traitor - not worth much. However, he was chosen by Christ to one of the 12 disciples, an Apostle, and the author of one of the accounts of His Lord's life. John Newton was a slaver. No one accounted him of any value. A more wretched man could not be imagined. However, God's grace so changed this man that he wrote one of the most beloved hymns in our hymn books, "Amazing Grace." That God can take that which others reject as useless and make it, not just useful, but a reflection of His glory should make the believer rejoice.
In verse 23, the Psalmist says, "This was the Lord's doing; it was marvelous in our eyes." In old Israel, General Naaman wanted God to heal him. To demonstrate His power, God commanded that Naaman bathe in the Jordan River. No one else could heal him, but God could and did. Coming down from the mount of Transfiguration, the Lord encountered a demon-possessed boy that His disciples could not care for. But He could. George Mueller looked around London and saw the heart-crushing poverty and loneliness of the orphans of his day. No one really cared, and thought he cared, deeply, he had no resources. By trusting His God to meet the need, and moving forward in faith, he saw God move and provide in ways no one else could have. The child of God has always found reason for rejoicing in the fact that God could use them, even though they, and others, might have thought them of little of no value.
Verse 24 says, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." God is the one who makes opportunities. In Revelation 3:7, to the church at Philadelphia, He calls Himself, the God "who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens." Paul spoke of the door God had opened for Him to speak. In the circumstances of our life, at the most unlikely moments, God opens an opportunity for victory.
At this Thanksgiving season, we can rejoice that God has given us the opportunity to serve Him, and make the most of it for His glory.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Milestones of Thanksgiving, Getting Started
My wife Jacque and I have been amazed at how easily our culture moves from Halloween, actually based on an occult observance of pagan cultures, to Christmas, the celebration of the incarnation of the Son of God. Two things are noteworthy here. First, moving so seamlessly from Halloween to Christmas is only possible because in our culture, Christmas means little more than Halloween. Both are about the Gross National Product – delivering what sells. Thanksgiving, by contrast, does not move dolls, or games, or even clothes. Compared to Christmas and Halloween, Thanksgiving is really quite boring (unless you raise turkeys, that is).
Second, even those who encourage us to remember “the true meaning” of the holiday, get it wrong. We are told to love our families, and to remember the sacrifice of others and to express our thanks for them by doing something ourselves.
What is not mentioned in our culture is the fact that the “real meaning” of Thanksgiving is giving thanks, not to ourselves, or each other, but to the God who has given us so many blessings. What has obscured this is the nearly complete abstinence of genuine Christian thought in our culture. What should concern us is how easily this particular brand of abstinence is embraced, inadvertently, by believers. We still give prayers of thanksgiving at the huge meal. But in the end, it’s about eating and watching football.
My point here is not to make everybody feel guilty about thanksgiving dinner, or a relaxing afternoon. I started out remarking about the near seamless transition from Halloween to Christmas, barely noticing Thanksgiving. I don’t think anything will change our culture. What I think is needed, though, is for God’s people to guard their attitude. This thanksgiving our family will get together and enjoy a big, traditional meal. And we will probably find a way to watch some football. But, we are also taking this time to imitate the God who has given us so much by giving of ourselves to one another. Maybe when we are able to be a channel of God’s blessing to someone else, we will understand a little more of what it means to be thankful to God.
It could be argued that Thanksgiving is half of Worship. God is always worthy of our worship. But, He has done so much for us that the child of God should be highly motivated to give Him worship for His blessing in their life.
I am going to examine Milestones of Thanksgiving in the next several postings. Not that they must come in any particular order, but I believe that these are important and effective truths to remember in giving thanks, whenever we express it – especially now.
Second, even those who encourage us to remember “the true meaning” of the holiday, get it wrong. We are told to love our families, and to remember the sacrifice of others and to express our thanks for them by doing something ourselves.
What is not mentioned in our culture is the fact that the “real meaning” of Thanksgiving is giving thanks, not to ourselves, or each other, but to the God who has given us so many blessings. What has obscured this is the nearly complete abstinence of genuine Christian thought in our culture. What should concern us is how easily this particular brand of abstinence is embraced, inadvertently, by believers. We still give prayers of thanksgiving at the huge meal. But in the end, it’s about eating and watching football.
My point here is not to make everybody feel guilty about thanksgiving dinner, or a relaxing afternoon. I started out remarking about the near seamless transition from Halloween to Christmas, barely noticing Thanksgiving. I don’t think anything will change our culture. What I think is needed, though, is for God’s people to guard their attitude. This thanksgiving our family will get together and enjoy a big, traditional meal. And we will probably find a way to watch some football. But, we are also taking this time to imitate the God who has given us so much by giving of ourselves to one another. Maybe when we are able to be a channel of God’s blessing to someone else, we will understand a little more of what it means to be thankful to God.
It could be argued that Thanksgiving is half of Worship. God is always worthy of our worship. But, He has done so much for us that the child of God should be highly motivated to give Him worship for His blessing in their life.
I am going to examine Milestones of Thanksgiving in the next several postings. Not that they must come in any particular order, but I believe that these are important and effective truths to remember in giving thanks, whenever we express it – especially now.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Length of Jesus' Ministry
A pastor gets a lot of questions. And, usually, if one person has asked it, someone else probably has as well. When those questions come in, and when they are not personal in nature, I will share the answers here at AlwaysForward.
Q: How many years did Jesus teach before his death?
A: It is not completely certain how long Jesus’ ministry lasted. However, I understand the Biblical evidence to indicate that Jesus’ ministry lasted around 3 ½ years. His baptism by John the Baptist came several months prior to the first Passover (2:13, 23) of His ministry. In 4:35 the Lord mentions that the harvest was four months away. Therefore, at this time, Christ is coming up to the second Passover. The harvest happened at about the same time as Passover. John 5:1 mentions an unnamed feast, which probably was the Feast of Tabernacles, which would have been after the Passover which came close after 4:35. Somewhere in here was the second Passover. John 6:4 mentions another Passover, the third, followed by Tabernacles and the Dedication. The final, fourth, Passover is mentioned in John 11:55. Using this information, it appears that Jesus’ ministry lasted around 3 ½ years.
Q: How many years did Jesus teach before his death?
A: It is not completely certain how long Jesus’ ministry lasted. However, I understand the Biblical evidence to indicate that Jesus’ ministry lasted around 3 ½ years. His baptism by John the Baptist came several months prior to the first Passover (2:13, 23) of His ministry. In 4:35 the Lord mentions that the harvest was four months away. Therefore, at this time, Christ is coming up to the second Passover. The harvest happened at about the same time as Passover. John 5:1 mentions an unnamed feast, which probably was the Feast of Tabernacles, which would have been after the Passover which came close after 4:35. Somewhere in here was the second Passover. John 6:4 mentions another Passover, the third, followed by Tabernacles and the Dedication. The final, fourth, Passover is mentioned in John 11:55. Using this information, it appears that Jesus’ ministry lasted around 3 ½ years.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Current threats of a century ago -
I thank one of my friends in the ministry, Dr. Robert Griffin, for finding this and getting it out (Grif.Net - 10/07/06 Weekend Grif.Net - Danger in the New Century). I had seen it before, but lost contact with it. General Wm. Booth saw correctly the issues that face our nation and all of western culture.
“At the turn of the Century, one of the leading newspapers addressed thefollowing question to many notable persons In Great Britain: ‘What in your opinion is the chief danger, social or political, thatconfronts the coming century?’ “Here is one of the responses: ‘In answer to your enquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confrontthe coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost; Christianitywithout Christ; forgiveness without repentance; salvation withoutregeneration; politics without God; and Heaven without Hell.’‘General William BoothFounder, Salvation Army The War Cry - 5 January 1901 p7, col.2’”
I would add only one item.
“… and people who call themselves Christians who cannot see the difference.”
“At the turn of the Century, one of the leading newspapers addressed thefollowing question to many notable persons In Great Britain: ‘What in your opinion is the chief danger, social or political, thatconfronts the coming century?’ “Here is one of the responses: ‘In answer to your enquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confrontthe coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost; Christianitywithout Christ; forgiveness without repentance; salvation withoutregeneration; politics without God; and Heaven without Hell.’‘General William BoothFounder, Salvation Army The War Cry - 5 January 1901 p7, col.2’”
I would add only one item.
“… and people who call themselves Christians who cannot see the difference.”
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Racing Toward Irrationality
In Romans 1:18-21, Paul points out that the downhill spiral of a culture begins with ignoring the truth of God. In verse 21 he points out the final stage of this intellectual decline with the words “and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
Recently John Knox Press, serving the Presbyterian Church USA, released a book that claims that the American government was responsible for 9/11. To hear such revisionist nonsense is not new. It is new, however, at least in my experience, that a major religious publisher is putting it out for serious consideration.
A recent article at Church Report Online notes several items regarding the author, David Griffin, who is professor emeritus at a United Methodist school in California, that should give a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ insight into how such an idea could take root in a mind. God is not a work in progress. Christ did not come to overthrow the Roman government.
When men – when a culture suppresses the truth of God in His Word, like America is doing more and more, Europe has been doing for two or three generations, and like the Islamic world has done for over a millennium, it should not be surprising that the darkness produced would look for something to fill itself, even when it is irrational to the point of laughter.
Except – no one is laughing.
Recently John Knox Press, serving the Presbyterian Church USA, released a book that claims that the American government was responsible for 9/11. To hear such revisionist nonsense is not new. It is new, however, at least in my experience, that a major religious publisher is putting it out for serious consideration.
A recent article at Church Report Online notes several items regarding the author, David Griffin, who is professor emeritus at a United Methodist school in California, that should give a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ insight into how such an idea could take root in a mind. God is not a work in progress. Christ did not come to overthrow the Roman government.
When men – when a culture suppresses the truth of God in His Word, like America is doing more and more, Europe has been doing for two or three generations, and like the Islamic world has done for over a millennium, it should not be surprising that the darkness produced would look for something to fill itself, even when it is irrational to the point of laughter.
Except – no one is laughing.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Been thinking about Fellowship
Every once in a while, someone says to me, "Pastor, we need more fellowship." Last evening after church, several of us went out for some real fun fellowship at our local Perkins. Lots of fun and laughter, and even some serious conversation. Now, I have two comments.
First, true Christian fellowship is not coffee and rolls, or pie, and funny stories. Those things are enjoyable, but God has called us to something much more than that. Fellowship always includes building each other up in the faith and knowledge of Christ. That leads to second comment.
Those who were at the Sunday Evening Bible Study had a great opportunity to enjoy fellowship around God's Word and fellowship around some good food and conversation. The second predicated on the first.
On the one hand, we are developing more opportunities for getting together outside of the walls of the church. On the other hand, not availing oneself of the opportunities of real spiritual fellowship that the church offers makes the request for more fun ring a little hollow.
The purpose of the church is to facilitate spiritual growth among its members. Fellowship is one of the tools God uses to accomplish this task. Getting together for some fun is no substitute for real spiritual fellowship.
I am going to think some more on this. When I get another idea, it will be here.
First, true Christian fellowship is not coffee and rolls, or pie, and funny stories. Those things are enjoyable, but God has called us to something much more than that. Fellowship always includes building each other up in the faith and knowledge of Christ. That leads to second comment.
Those who were at the Sunday Evening Bible Study had a great opportunity to enjoy fellowship around God's Word and fellowship around some good food and conversation. The second predicated on the first.
On the one hand, we are developing more opportunities for getting together outside of the walls of the church. On the other hand, not availing oneself of the opportunities of real spiritual fellowship that the church offers makes the request for more fun ring a little hollow.
The purpose of the church is to facilitate spiritual growth among its members. Fellowship is one of the tools God uses to accomplish this task. Getting together for some fun is no substitute for real spiritual fellowship.
I am going to think some more on this. When I get another idea, it will be here.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Where's Old Sam Now?
Here is an article sure to disappoint. Wal-Mart, long thought to be a strong conservative corporation, has made a dramatic move to choose sides in the cultural war over homosexuality. They have joined the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. I understand that the law requires certain positions on the part of interstate corporations. But, this goes beyond the law. This is alignment. I’m going to write to them and politely express my disappointment. If you want to contact them, write to their president, Rob Walton, at letters@wal-mart.com. But do it politely.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
(Sigh) Another One!?!?!?
As though Dan Brown wasn’t enough, it seems the market is wide open for more preposterous nonsense about Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The most recent is written as fiction, but, in the end, the author claims for herself decendence from Mary and Jesus. Baptist Press has already run a good review. Look at it here.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Still Morally Unacceptable
Recently, Advanced Cell Technology of Worcester, Mass. made a claim that aroused a lot of talk. It claimed to have taken one cell from an 8- cell embryo and developed stem cells from it. The benefit, they said, was that the remaining 7-cell embryo could be implanted and grow to be a baby. Here is an article noting that the ethical issues have not in fact been answered by this technique. Embryonic cell research is still morally unacceptable.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Look! Up in the sky! It's a ......
First, let me say that I always enjoyed the Superman stories, whether the small screen versions or the motion pictures. When I was a kid, they made me want to try flying (much to my mother’s dismay). There is a sort of morality play embedded in the stories, as there is in nearly every good story. But that does not give us the liberty to wed the Gospel of Christ with the myth of a superhero.
It seems elements within evangelical Christianity have not learned Paul’s lesson in Acts 16:16-18. Paul was beginning his ministry in the city of Philippi. This ministry seems to have been in response to Paul’s vision of the man pleading, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Also in this ministry stop, Luke records the conversion of Lydia (Acts 16:13-15).
While there, a “girl possessed with a spirit of divination” began following them and saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” Paul’s response was two-fold. First, the text says he was “greatly annoyed.” Paul evidently did not welcome this endorsement, nor see it as useful in his ministry. Secondly, Paul, not recognizing this as confirmation of their message, ordered the demon, in the name of Jesus, to leave her.
Rick Warren is Pastor of Saddleback Church in the Saddleback Valley of California. In a recent online article on his website, Stephen Skelton wrote an article extolling the recent movie “Superman Returns” as a cinematic-cultural retelling of the story of Christ returning to bring peace to the earth. This is not the place to go into all of Skelton’s analysis. However, if we learn nothing else from Paul, we learn that it is dangerous for believers to read the Christian message into pagan culture. It is dangerous to think that somehow, believers can take pagan stories, told by unbelievers and make them fit vessels for the gospel.
Actually, it is more than dangerous. It is treasonous to the rule of Christ in the church and the believer’s life. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Abraham tells Lazarus that his brothers had access the Moses and the Prophets, the written word of God. Well, Mr. Skelton seems to think that, if someone is having trouble with the written Word of God, there is a primer on the Gospel in “Superman Returns.”
Is it any wonder that the message of the gospel is so confused today? There will no doubt be those who, in their quest for cultural relevance, will use video clips, or quote dialog from the movie to illustrate their points. Those who dare to declare the clear message of God’s Word to this world, had better not mix it up with the muck of this world, even if that muck is a box-office hit.
It seems elements within evangelical Christianity have not learned Paul’s lesson in Acts 16:16-18. Paul was beginning his ministry in the city of Philippi. This ministry seems to have been in response to Paul’s vision of the man pleading, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Also in this ministry stop, Luke records the conversion of Lydia (Acts 16:13-15).
While there, a “girl possessed with a spirit of divination” began following them and saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” Paul’s response was two-fold. First, the text says he was “greatly annoyed.” Paul evidently did not welcome this endorsement, nor see it as useful in his ministry. Secondly, Paul, not recognizing this as confirmation of their message, ordered the demon, in the name of Jesus, to leave her.
Rick Warren is Pastor of Saddleback Church in the Saddleback Valley of California. In a recent online article on his website, Stephen Skelton wrote an article extolling the recent movie “Superman Returns” as a cinematic-cultural retelling of the story of Christ returning to bring peace to the earth. This is not the place to go into all of Skelton’s analysis. However, if we learn nothing else from Paul, we learn that it is dangerous for believers to read the Christian message into pagan culture. It is dangerous to think that somehow, believers can take pagan stories, told by unbelievers and make them fit vessels for the gospel.
Actually, it is more than dangerous. It is treasonous to the rule of Christ in the church and the believer’s life. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Abraham tells Lazarus that his brothers had access the Moses and the Prophets, the written word of God. Well, Mr. Skelton seems to think that, if someone is having trouble with the written Word of God, there is a primer on the Gospel in “Superman Returns.”
Is it any wonder that the message of the gospel is so confused today? There will no doubt be those who, in their quest for cultural relevance, will use video clips, or quote dialog from the movie to illustrate their points. Those who dare to declare the clear message of God’s Word to this world, had better not mix it up with the muck of this world, even if that muck is a box-office hit.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
As others see us ...
Every once in a while, believers shoot themselves in the foot – or something more disastrous. Dr. Kent Hovind, a well-known creation speaker, is being prosecuted on 58 federal charges (read the article here). First, I believe that Dr. Hovind is innocent until proven guilty. But, I have seen this before. Christians try to do things that the normal man would consider shady – at best. What damage is done to our witness for Christ. It really doesn’t matter that is was “that guy” when we are all tarred with the same brush. Whether it is “fundamentalist,” “creationist,” “evangelist,” or “Bible believer,” other’s testimonies are hurt when believers act idiotically. Again, I am not pronouncing guilt on Dr. Hovind. These may be trumped up charges. Or, they may not. Time will tell. The issue is that integrity matters. The moment we start down the road toward our own convenience, integrity goes out the window. I hope these charges are proven untrue. I also hope that we all learn to walk with integrity in all of our life.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Choices
We can learn much from the biographies of Scripture. Consider Joshua. At the end of his life and leadership, he challenged the people of Israel, whom he had led in battle, and now was pointing the way to peace. We can read his challenge in Joshua 24:19-28. The elements of his challenge to Israel are a challenge to us today. He first pointed out that God demanded of His people complete and exclusive surrender – TO HIM. This is hard. Our self does not want to surrender. However, if we are to move forward with Him, He must have control.
Secondly, God gives to His people the responsibility to make the right choices. Some would try to tell us that the only real responsibility we have to make our own choice, to choose our own way. Our children often get this from schools, the television and videos, and their music. Nothing could be more destructive. While it is true that Christ sets us free, He does not free us so that we can return to the paths of rebellion. He sets us free so that we can choose to love, serve, and obey Him. He holds us accountable to make the RIGHT CHOICES.
Thirdly, remember that God always holds us accountable for the choices we make. Not all choices are equal. Not all choices have the same outcomes. Not all roads lead to heaven. Our Lord said the narrow path leads to life, while the broad path, the easy road, found by doing what we want, leads to destruction.
A couple of ideas are important as you move forward for Him. First, you cannot move forward in and for God unless the Spirit of God transforms our heart and mind. To see this accomplished, you must be His child, by faith in Christ, and you must be living His word. Doing this puts you in the place where His Spirit can change your heart and mind – our life. One other point – you must take our commitment to His as seriously as He does. It is easy today to think that God is like Burger King – you can have it your way. If you are God’s child, when you came to Him you bowed before Him in surrender. He takes that seriously. We must as well.
A day, a week, a month, a year – we dare not remain stagnant. We must move forward.
Secondly, God gives to His people the responsibility to make the right choices. Some would try to tell us that the only real responsibility we have to make our own choice, to choose our own way. Our children often get this from schools, the television and videos, and their music. Nothing could be more destructive. While it is true that Christ sets us free, He does not free us so that we can return to the paths of rebellion. He sets us free so that we can choose to love, serve, and obey Him. He holds us accountable to make the RIGHT CHOICES.
Thirdly, remember that God always holds us accountable for the choices we make. Not all choices are equal. Not all choices have the same outcomes. Not all roads lead to heaven. Our Lord said the narrow path leads to life, while the broad path, the easy road, found by doing what we want, leads to destruction.
A couple of ideas are important as you move forward for Him. First, you cannot move forward in and for God unless the Spirit of God transforms our heart and mind. To see this accomplished, you must be His child, by faith in Christ, and you must be living His word. Doing this puts you in the place where His Spirit can change your heart and mind – our life. One other point – you must take our commitment to His as seriously as He does. It is easy today to think that God is like Burger King – you can have it your way. If you are God’s child, when you came to Him you bowed before Him in surrender. He takes that seriously. We must as well.
A day, a week, a month, a year – we dare not remain stagnant. We must move forward.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Regarding God Securing His Word to Us
Regarding God Securing His Word to Us
Robert J. Fuller, Jr.
I believe that God has secured His Word to believers for use in ministry and life (Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25). By this, I mean that, through the many various texts available to us, the actual rendering is available, though not necessarily in any single text.
First, I acknowledge that nowhere in scripture is there any statement determining or demonstrating the method of this securing. Second, I acknowledge that there are many variant texts and textual traditions available. Third, I find no scriptural authority to exalt one text or textual tradition, or one translation over another. Therefore, I understand that this securing is not accomplished in the same manner as inspiration. I am compelled to accept that, while God miraculously originated the Bible through inspiration, He has chosen to secure it to us through secondary means (see Deuteronomy 17:18 and possibly Jeremiah 36:26-28).
Since God has secured His Word to us in the form of a multiplicity of manuscripts, I acknowledge the need for careful and faithful textual analysis as the means to finding the most accurate representation of the text of the original writings. I acknowledge also, that these representations of the text are compilations done by men. Though biblical interpreters may judge some translations more faithful to the "original text" in general, no one translation, or compiled representation of the “original text”, carries a God-ordained superiority, or a universal biblical mandate, above all others. Consequently, some of the variations in the wording of such translations are interpretive, while others present themselves because of a variance in the text used for translation.
Nonetheless, though no absolute determination regarding the actual text is possible, these variations do not necessarily signify a deviation from God's Word. Because the authority and power of Scriptures derives from the God who gave them, and because God has chosen secondary means to secure the text of Scripture to us, God's authority and power follows through with His chosen means (Deuteronomy 17:18-20) to make available to us translations that are reliable, authoritative, and effective (Isaiah 55:11; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Hebrews 4:12).
I acknowledge that, when based on careful, normal-literal translation of the best representation of the text of the original writings, today's English (or Spanish, Russian, etc.) translations are reliable, and carry God’s authority and power derived from that of the original writings.
I am sympathetic with the notion that, due to the importance of God’s Word, we need to get this right. I understand that there are opposing theories of textual analysis. However, I find no basis in the explicit statements of scripture, or in the larger teaching of the Scripture, that mandates choosing one theory over another. Recognizing that not all can be 100% right, I am content knowing that all, in some way could be wrong. It is up to me, as a careful student of God’s Word, to give due diligence (2 Timothy 2:15) to both the choice of textual theories I accept, and the method of translation and interpretation I utilize. I must also grant that same freedom and responsibility of diligence to my brother.
Robert J. Fuller, Jr.
I believe that God has secured His Word to believers for use in ministry and life (Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25). By this, I mean that, through the many various texts available to us, the actual rendering is available, though not necessarily in any single text.
First, I acknowledge that nowhere in scripture is there any statement determining or demonstrating the method of this securing. Second, I acknowledge that there are many variant texts and textual traditions available. Third, I find no scriptural authority to exalt one text or textual tradition, or one translation over another. Therefore, I understand that this securing is not accomplished in the same manner as inspiration. I am compelled to accept that, while God miraculously originated the Bible through inspiration, He has chosen to secure it to us through secondary means (see Deuteronomy 17:18 and possibly Jeremiah 36:26-28).
Since God has secured His Word to us in the form of a multiplicity of manuscripts, I acknowledge the need for careful and faithful textual analysis as the means to finding the most accurate representation of the text of the original writings. I acknowledge also, that these representations of the text are compilations done by men. Though biblical interpreters may judge some translations more faithful to the "original text" in general, no one translation, or compiled representation of the “original text”, carries a God-ordained superiority, or a universal biblical mandate, above all others. Consequently, some of the variations in the wording of such translations are interpretive, while others present themselves because of a variance in the text used for translation.
Nonetheless, though no absolute determination regarding the actual text is possible, these variations do not necessarily signify a deviation from God's Word. Because the authority and power of Scriptures derives from the God who gave them, and because God has chosen secondary means to secure the text of Scripture to us, God's authority and power follows through with His chosen means (Deuteronomy 17:18-20) to make available to us translations that are reliable, authoritative, and effective (Isaiah 55:11; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Hebrews 4:12).
I acknowledge that, when based on careful, normal-literal translation of the best representation of the text of the original writings, today's English (or Spanish, Russian, etc.) translations are reliable, and carry God’s authority and power derived from that of the original writings.
I am sympathetic with the notion that, due to the importance of God’s Word, we need to get this right. I understand that there are opposing theories of textual analysis. However, I find no basis in the explicit statements of scripture, or in the larger teaching of the Scripture, that mandates choosing one theory over another. Recognizing that not all can be 100% right, I am content knowing that all, in some way could be wrong. It is up to me, as a careful student of God’s Word, to give due diligence (2 Timothy 2:15) to both the choice of textual theories I accept, and the method of translation and interpretation I utilize. I must also grant that same freedom and responsibility of diligence to my brother.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Always Forward: Spiritual Development
Recently, I came across another organization that uses the motivational phrase, “Always Forward.” It is 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Training Brigade, stationed in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. In reading through their mission statement and the principles by which they seek to develop leadership in their soldiers, they have 30 principles for command philosophy. As I search the scriptures to see if they conform to God’s command philosophy, I will share them here.
Spiritual Development Enhances The Whole Man. Every day demands of us the best we can put into it. We approach our jobs with thought. We approach our families with understanding (or at least we should). And we approach our health with some degree of concern – evidence the diets and exercise to which we subject ourselves. It is not wrong to think before we act. It is not wrong to consider our spouses and our children before we respond, or act in a way that affects them. It is not wrong to be concerned for our health. Our families, and others who depend on us, want us around as long as possible.
However, it is easy the think that these things make us ready for life. As important as these things might seem, they only amount to moving around the furniture in a display window. What we need is to embrace the importance of our spiritual training. The training or lack of training, of our spiritual life will affect every area of our life. When mentoring his protégé, Timothy, the Apostle Paul said, "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8).
So easy it is to focus on the near term, on the most pressing, on that which inflicts immediate discomfort that we forget that our soul, and our ultimate day of decision with God, depends on a preparation of a different and more important kind. The training of our minds and hearts in godliness benefits us now and will benefit us in our future with God.
One more thought, how are we training our children? What are they learning from us? Do they see in us our desire to be instructed in godly character and service? Are we teaching them to dodge God's training? Sit down and read Hebrews 12:7-11. God's training of us has a purpose. But we will never really see all He can do through us, or through our children, if we insist on looking only at the immediate, only at what meets our agenda.
Where does spiritual development come from? It comes from the work of God's Spirit in your life as He works through three agencies - God's Word, God's leaders, and God's people. Soldiers learn when they stop setting their own standards, and start looking to and obeying their commander.
Spiritual Development Enhances The Whole Man. Every day demands of us the best we can put into it. We approach our jobs with thought. We approach our families with understanding (or at least we should). And we approach our health with some degree of concern – evidence the diets and exercise to which we subject ourselves. It is not wrong to think before we act. It is not wrong to consider our spouses and our children before we respond, or act in a way that affects them. It is not wrong to be concerned for our health. Our families, and others who depend on us, want us around as long as possible.
However, it is easy the think that these things make us ready for life. As important as these things might seem, they only amount to moving around the furniture in a display window. What we need is to embrace the importance of our spiritual training. The training or lack of training, of our spiritual life will affect every area of our life. When mentoring his protégé, Timothy, the Apostle Paul said, "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8).
So easy it is to focus on the near term, on the most pressing, on that which inflicts immediate discomfort that we forget that our soul, and our ultimate day of decision with God, depends on a preparation of a different and more important kind. The training of our minds and hearts in godliness benefits us now and will benefit us in our future with God.
One more thought, how are we training our children? What are they learning from us? Do they see in us our desire to be instructed in godly character and service? Are we teaching them to dodge God's training? Sit down and read Hebrews 12:7-11. God's training of us has a purpose. But we will never really see all He can do through us, or through our children, if we insist on looking only at the immediate, only at what meets our agenda.
Where does spiritual development come from? It comes from the work of God's Spirit in your life as He works through three agencies - God's Word, God's leaders, and God's people. Soldiers learn when they stop setting their own standards, and start looking to and obeying their commander.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Friday, January 13, 2006
God, Religion ... Whatever
I just read through an online article that pointed to a definite decline in the Biblical spirituality of America’s youth. I wonder how the youth of FBC would compare. You might want to read this article. It also references another article that is just as startling. Our youth need their parents and other significant adults to train them in the truth of God’s Word. And, lest we forget, the best time to train is when they are young. The results these articles reference show a distinct lack in life training of our youth.
Check out this article. It will open your eyes.
Check out this article. It will open your eyes.
A Spear To The Heart?
Have you heard of the film, “End of the Spear”? It is ostensibly about the deaths of the five missionaries the Curaray River area of Brazil. Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Roger Youderian, Peter Fleming, Ed McCully were, and have continued to be, great examples of those who gladly give themselves to the cause of Christ. I was hoping that this motion picture would show the human side of lives surrendered to Christ. I am, however, very disappointed in what is now known of the decisions and evident motives of those who have produced this movie. One of the best analyses I have seen is at SharperIron. This motion picture is not one that should cause believers in Christ to rejoice. I fear it is merely another attempt to water down the gospel of Christ, and desensitize believers to wickedness in our culture.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
The Message
I’m sure he thought he had the right information. I’m sure he thought he was delivering good news to those who desperately wanted to hear it. I’m sure that those that heard it thought it was true, and that the miracle they had prayed for had happened. I’m sure.
This could be about the recent tragedy in Sago, West Virginia. The mining supervisor thought he had the right information. He knew that the families had gathered in prayer hoping for the return of their loved ones from the mine. Therefore, he was sure that they would want to know the good news he had heard. Except – what he heard, or thought he heard, was not what really was. Bells rang. People laughed and sang, and got ready to go greet their loved ones. And then – tragedy all over again. The message was wrong. For twelve of the families, hopes turned to horror, turned to hysteria, turned to heartache. The supervisor thought the information was right – but it wasn’t. The people believed the information to be right – but it wasn’t. Everyone thought there was reason for joy – but it was not the joy they had expected. Yes, one miner came through alive. But where thirteen men went into the mine, twelve died there – leaving families, dreams, responsibilities, and promises unfulfilled. The first paragraph could be about this.
But it could also be about what goes on all the time in the name of God. It is just as tragic when people hear what they think is good news about their standing before God. The person giving it may believe it, those hearing believe it. And there is great dependence on it. But, it is not true. Many churches have chosen to remake God and the gospel in their own image. They want the news to be what they want to hear – or what they want to say. So, without being careful and getting the real information from God and His Word, they proclaim a message that has the details in it, but the detail are backwards. They are giving the exactly wrong message. The bells ring, the people are pleased – but the message is false. And instead of finding the peace and destiny they desired, they find emptiness and destruction.
It’s not enough to believe. You need to believe the right message. It’s not enough to give good news. You must give the God’s Good News. Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. This is not by any of our righteous works, but in accordance with His mercy. We can do nothing but trust in Him, personally. Paul said that he preached Christ and Him crucified. The message that contains is not the message the world wants to hear. But it is the truth. It is the message they need to hear. It is the only message that can deliver men and women and boys and girls from the tragedy coming. They have the responsibility to believe the truth. We have the responsibility to give the Truth.
This could be about the recent tragedy in Sago, West Virginia. The mining supervisor thought he had the right information. He knew that the families had gathered in prayer hoping for the return of their loved ones from the mine. Therefore, he was sure that they would want to know the good news he had heard. Except – what he heard, or thought he heard, was not what really was. Bells rang. People laughed and sang, and got ready to go greet their loved ones. And then – tragedy all over again. The message was wrong. For twelve of the families, hopes turned to horror, turned to hysteria, turned to heartache. The supervisor thought the information was right – but it wasn’t. The people believed the information to be right – but it wasn’t. Everyone thought there was reason for joy – but it was not the joy they had expected. Yes, one miner came through alive. But where thirteen men went into the mine, twelve died there – leaving families, dreams, responsibilities, and promises unfulfilled. The first paragraph could be about this.
But it could also be about what goes on all the time in the name of God. It is just as tragic when people hear what they think is good news about their standing before God. The person giving it may believe it, those hearing believe it. And there is great dependence on it. But, it is not true. Many churches have chosen to remake God and the gospel in their own image. They want the news to be what they want to hear – or what they want to say. So, without being careful and getting the real information from God and His Word, they proclaim a message that has the details in it, but the detail are backwards. They are giving the exactly wrong message. The bells ring, the people are pleased – but the message is false. And instead of finding the peace and destiny they desired, they find emptiness and destruction.
It’s not enough to believe. You need to believe the right message. It’s not enough to give good news. You must give the God’s Good News. Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. This is not by any of our righteous works, but in accordance with His mercy. We can do nothing but trust in Him, personally. Paul said that he preached Christ and Him crucified. The message that contains is not the message the world wants to hear. But it is the truth. It is the message they need to hear. It is the only message that can deliver men and women and boys and girls from the tragedy coming. They have the responsibility to believe the truth. We have the responsibility to give the Truth.
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