A Tale of Two Corners: Knowledge & Maturity

I love God's providence ("God's providence is His constant care for and His absolute rule over all His creation for His own glory and the good of His people." - Jerry Bridges, Trusting God). Just a week or so ago I was reading a devotional in Tabletalk Magazine (the devotional put out by Ligonier Ministries, the teaching Ministry of R.C. Sproul) and thought to myself when I was finished reading: "Wow, I wish I could put this on my blog. It's solid, balanced and insightful." However, I wasn't really in the mood to jump through all of the hoops to take care of the copyright issues. Well, praise the Lord, in His good providence, the author of that particular devotional posted the same article on his blog, and so I am going to direct you there. It is worth the read. If you are a Christian--especially one who longs to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus--this article is a great reminder. It sure convicted me.

The essence of this article has to do with this question: which is better, the person who knows a lot of theological data, or the one who knows less but applies what he knows? The author's answer is GREAT! Thanks Kevin for your insights--I love this article.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2011/02/22/a-tale-of-two-corners-knowledge-and-maturity/

To learn more about Kevin DeYoung and the church he serves, see www.universityreformedchurch.org

An Adopted Child

Several of you have been reminding me that I haven't "blogged" in a while. True. I still haven't developed this practice into a daily or weekly habit yet. I admit, too, that between being ill, being out of town, and simply being occupied with other pastoral responsibilities... I've not done well at all in 2011.

As I opened my blog page today (and it has been a while since I have), I received a note from a long time friend--someone I've known since 6th grade. More than that, someone who has been a true friend since then. We played basketball together, we went out on double dates in high school, and especially meaningful to me--he was right there the night I gave my heart to Christ (nearly 20 years ago). In fact, he was the first person to ever actually share the gospel with me when I was a teenager. He is a man of God, a loving husband, an invested father, a great basketball coach, a strategic teacher... I could go on and on... but the point is I love this guy. For some time now I have known that he and his beloved wife were intending to adopt a child from another culture. A good deal of time has past, but I learned this morning that the adoption is now final. I was able to go online and see pictures and read of their adoption journey... and well, it just made my morning. Congrats Bret & Nicole! I am overwhelmed with deilght for you guys.

All of this got me pondering my own adoption. No, not the way you might think or assume. I grew up in the home of my biological parents. They loved me deeply and blessed me richly in ways too many to recount in this particular blog. I am referring, however, to my adoption by God the Father. And if you are a true Christ follower, born again by the Spirit of God, you also have been adopted by God into His heavenly family (see Ephesians 1:5).

Listen to these words from the pen of the Apostle Paul from Galatians 4: "But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, THAT (emphasis mine) we might receive the adoption as sons" (vs. 4-5). Wow! I don't know about you, but I believe those are some of the sweetest words to be found in the New Testament. And those two verses are SO theologically rich. Ponder with me.

First off, that text says God's timing is perfect. The "fullness of time" in verse 4 refers to God's appointed time-table. I won't take the time here to review the historical significance of Jesus' coming when He did--but needless-to-say, He came at just the right time in history (HIS STORY) to accomplish His Father's will. And while I'm typing, let me just remind you (my pastor's heart is waking up, I thnk): His timing is perfect in your life too. You may not think so, but trust me, it is. Joseph didn't think so, I'm sure. Abraham and Sarah were certainly questioning if His timing was perfect. Job thought both God's timing and His actions were not so great. And, my guess is you have probably questioned God's timing a time or two yourself (as have I). BUT please know this: God's time table is rarely the same as ours, but His is best. You may not like it. You may wish it were different. But trust in His sovereignty and His goodness--He never makes a mistake.

Second, this text reminds us that God so loved us (John 3:16) that He sent His Son to redeem us (i.e. pay a price to free us from our slavery to sin). The second Person of the Trinity chose to leave the glories of heaven, and become a human being. Maybe this is a poor or crass illustration--but that's like a car lover leaving His Porsche 911 for a Ford Yugo (called by some "the Mona Lisa of bad cars"). He subjected Himself to the Law of God--that is, Jesus was required (just like you and me) to obey God and resist evil (in thought, word and deed). And what's more, He succeeded! He alone is the only human being who has ever perfectly fulfilled God's Law. And yet, He did all of that for one primary reason: so He could take our sins upon Himself, absorb God's wrath for our sins, and die in our place on the cross. As Paul says so magnificently in 2 Corinthians 5:21: "God made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." Amazing love, amazing grace... I hope that truth humbles you and calls you to worship Christ the Lord.

But lastly, notice why all of this took place. Notice why God sent His Son, notice why He was born of a woman, notice why He was born under the Law, notice why He redeemed us on the cross with His life's blood... THAT (here's the key purpose clause of our text) we might receive the adoption as sons. In other words, the primary reason God (through Christ) did all that He did was so that He might adopt you and me into His family forever. The Bible says He predestined us to adoption as sons. He predetermined that our destiny would be sonship in His family. And now, if you know Christ as Lord and Savior, you have a heavenly Father, an elder Brother, and a Comforter who never leaves you nor forsakes you. He knows what you need before you even ask; and yet He tells you to ask that He might meet your needs (Matthew 6:8; Matthew 6:11; Matthew 7:11). He is always available and willing to provide you with wisdom when you need it (James 1:5). No matter who else may forsake you, you have a Friend who will stick closer to you than any blood brother (Proverbs 18:24). In short, God has said to you and to me (and all Christ followers): "You are a part of my family. I love you. I am for you. And I will see that you get home safely. Trust Me. Treasure Me. Delight in Me. I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

May the reminder that you are an adopted child of God thrill your heart today.

And if you have never embraced the good news concerning Jesus Christ--the Bible says today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). If you are willing to repent (i.e. turn away from the sin in your life with God's help) and place your faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ (i.e. that He is God, that He loves you, that He came to earth for you, that He took on humanity for you, that He lived a sinless life for you, that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He was raised from the dead three days after He died on the cross), you too can be saved from sin and hell. The Bible says if any man is willing to turn from his sin and trust in Christ alone for the free gift of salvation, God is willing to save that man or woman (Mark 1:15; Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9). The choice is yours. Choose to repent. Choose to believe in Jesus. Choose to pray and ask Him to save you from your sins.

In Him there is forgiveness, in Him there is life, and in Him there is adoption into the family of God for all who believe (John 1:12). Respond to and rejoice in His grace today, I pray.

Restoring Praise

Well, it seems hard for me to believe, but I started this little series on "Restoring God's House" back in September, and it's now January. I guess I need to bring this plane in for a landing.

At the same time, it seems providential to me that the subject of praise falls at the beginning of a new year. Happy New Year, by the way!

All too often, as Christians, we celebrate holidays the way everyone else does... by ignoring the fact that they are (if Christian) "holy days". That is, these are days set apart from the norm so that we might focus our attention more fully on the wonder of God and His great mercy towards us. At Christmas, we are to celebrate Christ's coming: His willingness to leave heaven, humble Himself and become a human being (a baby no less), all so that one day He might die for our sins on the cross. How do we respond to this "holy day". We cry against all of the commercialism (to appear spiritual), but we usually are just as absorbed in it as non-believers. We fret more about what gift to by for our hard-to-shop-for relative than we do tremble at our besetting sins. We complain about every radio station playing Christmas Carols... but we spend very little time truly praising Christ for His advent on our behalf.

So, as we step into 2011, praise is a good subject to touch on. Ponder simply this one verse: (Psalm 22:3) "Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel."

This verse tells us a lot. It reminds us that God is HOLY. He is different from all His creation. He is pure and hates evil. He is set apart and distinct from all that He has made. He is (truly) awesome, and no one is like Him (Isaiah 46:9). Do you see God that way? Do you treat Him and respond to Him in light of that truth? Jesus said that that should be our first prayer (Matthew 6:9). We should pray that God would be seen and treated as holy. He's not just "the old man upstairs", He's not our "buddy", He is Almighty God... and we should tremble at His name (Psalm 96:9).

The text also says that God enthrones Himself on the praises of His people. It's an interesting thought. It seems as though the Psalmist is telling us that God "takes His place on the throne" as we praise Him. In other words, God the King (in all of His power and authority) comes to us as we praise His holy name. [Don't get me wrong--theologically, God is always on the throne and always in control... but I've learned that my own experience of God's presence and power is often heightened when I choose to praise Him.]

I remember first learning this principle in Bible college. I was prompted by the Spirit--having read Psalm 22:3--one night (after a long day of classes, frustrations, and some relational struggles) to simply turn on some praise music and do nothing EXCEPT praise the Lord. I have to admit the idea seemed lame at the time. What will my singing do?? Especially MY singing--I can't carry a tune in a bucket. But, O, how God surprised me that night. He met me in my dorm room, and He came in His power and might to remind me that He was still on the throne, and that He could do immeasurably more than I could even imagine (Ephesians 3:20). His peace replaced my anxiety. His presence calmed my nerves. His power--which I could sense as I sang--reminded me that nothing is too difficult for Him. Now in one sense, nothing about my circumstances in those moments had changed. I had experienced a lousy day; and singing praises to God didn't undo anything. However, my choice to praise God did make a difference--because God came. He came and manifested His Kingly presence and power to (little old) me. And His visit lifted me. His presence comforted me. He was the reason my facial expression changed that night (Psalm 3:3). The King of kings and the Lord of lords visited me in my dorm room... and He came because I chose to sing praises to His name.

Do you have anything to give thanks for? Any mercy or grace shown to you in the past 12 months? Do you know God well enough to celebrate some of His attributes? Jesus wants to see praise in the hearts of His people... and He has every right to that desire: He has done great things (Psalm 126:3), has He not!? May we, by the power of His Spirit, offer our praise and thanks and adoration to His holy name--both now and forever! AMEN.

ANTHEM: Strategies for Fighting Lust

Well, as many of you realize by now, I am not used to blogging in a very regular fashion. However, that being said, with so many good blogs already out there, on occassion, I think it is quite suitable to direct folks to another blog.

I am recommending this blog (from Dr. John Piper) on the issue of fighting against lust. So often Christians are told they shouldn't lust... but not as often are they supplied with practical tools or tips on the fight. So, with humble submission, may I encourage you (both men and women) to review these words of Piper, and apply them in 2011.

May God grant us victory in our battles against sin of all kinds in the coming year!

www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/taste-see-articles/anthem-strategies-for-fighting-lust

Restoring Power...

Do you consider yourself powerful... that is, full of power? If not, ponder these words from the Apostle Paul: "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). God wants you to be strong as a believer; He doesn't want you to be strong in yourself, but strong in Him. So how does that happen? What must we do to be strong in the Lord?

Check out this command from Paul's letter to the Ephesians: "Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). In short, we are strong in the Lord when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. The question then becomes: How do I become a Spirit-filled Christian?

Well, because we are commanded to be filled... there is something we must do in order to become Spirit-filled. On the other hand, because we are commanded to be filled by the Spirit (notice the verb is in the passive voice and not the active voice)... being filled is something that happens to us, not something that we do ourselves. Does that seem confusing to you? Do those sentences seem contradictory? Well, the truth is being filled with the Holy Spirit means that God is doing something to us (hence the passive voice); but because the verb is also an imperative (i.e. a command from God), we do have a responsibility to obey this apostolic injunction. Think about a person who is baptized/immersed into water. Jesus commanded His disciples to be baptized--so it is a command to be obeyed by His followers... but "be baptized" is also a passive voice verb--and thus, the person who is obedient to the command receives the action of the verb: he or she is baptized by another. In the same way, we are to allow Jesus to baptize us with/in the Holy Spirit. He is the baptizer, and we must submit to the command to be filled.

So, before we chat about HOW we become Spirit-filled, let's talk about what being Spirit-filled looks like practically. There are two key passages (I think) that answer this question for us. The first is Ephesians 5:19-21, and the second is Galatians 5:16-23. In Ephesians 5:19-21, Paul helps us see what the Spirit-filled life looks like: it is a life marked by praise (vs. 19), gratitude to God (vs. 20), and a humble, submissive attitude toward Christ and the other authority structures God has established in life (Ephesians 5:22-6:9 describe the relationships between a husband & wife, parents & children, masters & slaves/employers & employees). So, when you see a Christian who is marked by praise to God, a thankful heart, and a submissive attitude toward Christ and earthly authorities... chances are you are looking at someone who is controlled by (filled with) the Holy Spirit. [By the way, this is why Paul contrasts a drunk person with a Spirit-filled person: in both cases, when one is "under the influence", it impacts your thoughts, attitudes, speech, conduct, etc. The difference is when you are under the influence of wine, it leads to reckless and immoral living, and when you are under the influence of the Spirit, it leads to Christ-like behavior.]

The other passage I alluded to above is Galatians 5:16-23. In this text, Paul explains that the fruit of a person's life under the control and influence of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control... as opposed to a life marked by habitual sinning (including but not limited to sexual immorality, idolatry, strife, jealousy, anger, drunkenness, etc.). In short, the person who obeys the command to be Spirit-filled will look a lot like Jesus looked when He ministered here some 2,000 years ago (see 1 John 2:6).

So back to our other question: How does one become a Spirit-filled Christian?

First, you must confess any known sins to God (1 John 1:9). Obviously, the HOLY Spirit's name even suggests His primary ministry in the life of a believer: He wants to lead God's children into holiness. Thus, a Christian who refuses to deal with his sins will not come under the mighty influence of the Spirit. So, the first step is to keep short accounts with God. Admit your sins to God and ask for His forgiveness. Be sure that no sin is building a wall between you and God (see Isaiah 59:2a)... nothing ruins intimacy with God more than a refusal to deal with your sins (see Proverbs 3:32b).

Second, commit to obeying Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master (Acts 5:32). Or, to say it another way, commit to obeying the commands of Holy Scripture (Galatians 5:24-25). Jesus said the proof of our love for Him is found in our obedience to His commands (John 14:15), and so, if we truly love Christ, then we will follow His teachings. Again, if the Spirit's desire is to lead us into righteousness, then it makes sense that He would guide us according to the Scriptures He inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17 & Psalm 143:10).

Third, present your body to God as a vessel to be filled (i.e. used for His glory)--see Romans 12:1 & 6:13. It's hard to enjoy a tall glass of water on a hot day when you have no glass, right? Well, it's equally hard for God to fill (i.e. control) a vessel which is not presented/yielded to Him. Paul's call in Romans 12:1 is that we yield all that we are and all that we possess to Him to be used for His pleasure and honor. So if you wish to be controlled by God's Spirit, offer your life to the Spirit--give Him your body, your mind, your hands, your feet, your wallet, your car, etc. If yielded to Him, He will take it, fill it, and use it for His purposes (2 Timothy 2:21).

Fourth, ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). Many people stumble over this principle. "Well," someone may say, "if God wants me to be filled with His Spirit, He'll just do it." No, He won't. The reason Paul gives the command in Ephesians 5:18 is because God wants us to choose the Spirit-filled life and recognize our utter dependence upon His might (see John 15:5). He will not simply fill us automatically or apart from our choice to yield to His Spirit and lordship. The biblical pattern is this: ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and the door shall be opened unto you (Matthew 7:7). If you don't ask, you won't receive (James 4:2).

Fifth and finally, believe that God will fill you. In other words, believe that God wants to fill you more than you want to be filled. Believe that because God has commanded us to be filled, if we seek to obey that command, God will be faithful to fill us (Matthew 21:22). You may not FEEL anything special... maybe you will. The point is this: regardless of how you feel, TRUST that God will do what He says He will do... and He will fill you with His Spirit if you yield to these principles.

One last thought. The great evangelist, D.L. Moody, was once asked, "Why do you talk so much about the importance of regularly and consistently being filled with the Spirit?" Moody replied, "Because I leak." Being Spirit-filled is NOT a one-time event. A Spirit-filled Christian is one who practices these principles over and over again every day in order to keep himself yielded to the power of God's Spirit... and when you do, you will be full of power... God's power. And when people around you see God's power at work in your life you will have the opportunity to give the glory to God (where it belongs) [Matthew 5:16]

Restoring Prayer...

I have learned something about many Christians (including myself): we know prayer is important, we have listened to many lessons and sermons on prayer, there are a host of books and resources available to learn more about prayer, we confess and recognize that we do not take advantage of this great privilege as often as we should... but in the end: we spend a lot more time TALKING about prayer than we actually do PRAYING.

That's NOT good!

So what can I do (or say) to help you pray? Well, all I can do is offer some suggestions--only YOU can decide that you will spend time before the Father who loves you, and who delights in your coming into His presence to share your heart with Him. But, here are a few suggestions based on Scripture:

First, choose a time each day when you will pray. It may seem un-spiritual to "make an appointment with God"... but if you don't make one, prayer will not happen. Satan is too effective at keeping us from the prayer closet--so set a time each day when you will pray. Jesus said (Matthew 6:6), "When you pray...". Set an alarm, write it on your daily calendar or planner, do what you need to do to set aside time to pray. [And as a side note: if prayer is relatively new to you, don't set an unrealistic expecation with regard to time. Start with 5 minutes if that's all you can manage. Make it a habit, and when 5 minutes doesn't cut it any more, increase it to 10 minutes. Then, when 10 minutes is too short for all of your praying, increase it to 15 minutes... and so on. Let your knowledge and needs define the time frame. And don't worry about how long your pastor prays, or how long your Mom prays, or how long Spurgeon used to pray... pray for as long as you need to.]

Second, find a place to pray. The Bible says you can pray anywhere... and you can... BUT don't let that keep you from having a consistent, regular place where you meet with God. It doesn't have to be a fancy place--but I recommend that it be a place where there is little noise, where you can focus wholly on God, where you can read Scripture, sing, and pray out loud, and a place where you won't be interrupted. Bring a Bible, a pen, and some paper with you (and maybe a hymnal), and make that place a holy place where you go to meet with God. It can be a corner in the basement, a special chair that you always sit in when you pray, a nook in your kitchen, a closet that isn't too filled with junk. You name it... it can become a "prayer closet." Again, Jesus said (Matthew 6:6), "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen."

Third, I recommend that you use some model or format for your prayer time. In other words, to help you have some direction as you pray, select a process that enables you to pray about the various aspects of life. Take for example, what is typically referred to as the Lord's Prayer recorded in Matthew 6:9-13. This a great pattern--taught to us by Jesus Himself--for our prayer times. It causes us to pray about God's person, His priorities, His provision, His pardon, His protection, etc. You can use the acrostic C.A.S.T. (1 Peter 5:7): Confession, Adoration, Suuplication, Thanksgiving. In this format, you spend time confessing your sins to God, you spend time praising God for who He is, you spend time sharing your requests and needs with God, and you also spend some time thanking God for all that He has done for you. This is a simple but great way to pray. Others think about concentric circles: I pray for myself, I pray for my immediate family, I pray for my extended family, I pray for my friends (both Christian and non-Christian), I pray for my church leaders, I pray for needs in my church, I pray for my co-workers, I pray for my neigbors, I pray for missionaries, etc. You start with those closest to you, and you work outward.

Finally, let me encouarge you to do two things that I believe will help you grow as a pray-er. First off, find someone who loves Jesus a lot and spend time praying with him or her. Many lessons about prayer are better "caught" than "taught". I have learned a lot over the years by listening to other godly people pray. Second, learn to pray the Bible back to God. There is a great promise in the book of 1 John (1 John 5:14-15)--it basically says that we can have confidence that our requests will be answered by God IF we pray according to His will... and the best way I know to do that is to pray God's truth back to Him. For example, David prayed in Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God." What a great prayer to pray. Just copy David's prayer. Make it your own. Or for example, when Paul prays for his Jewish friends (Romans 10:1) to be saved, we can emulate his example: We can pray for God to save our friends too.

I hope these few suggestions will help you pray... because after all, that is what God wants from His people: "My house [people] will be called a house [people] of prayer" (Matthew 21:13).

Restoring Purity...

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged. My apologies to any who drop by here regularly--my schedule has become quite full in recent weeks, and blogging has yet to become a "normal" part of my weekly calendar.

If you've looked at my previous blog, you know that I want to spend some time chatting about this recent series I preached from Matthew 21: Restoring God's House. Specifically, I said that I believe Matthew 21:12-17 reveals that Jesus is looking for 4 primary characteristics in His house (i.e. His people--Hebrews 3:6): 1) Purity, 2) Prayer, 3) Power, and 4) Praise.

So let's talk about purity. It's not a very common word in our culture, is it? If we do use it, it usually refers to water, or sexuality. I do like pure water and I do believe God calls us to sexual purity... but that's certainly not the only two issues where purity matters. Purity relates to sincere motives. It relates to the pursuit of holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1). Not only does God want us to be sexually pure, but pure in our speech. He wants us to be undefiled in our attitudes, and so on.

I was recently very convicted about this truth in my own life. I was chatting with some good friends, and in a passing moment of sinful weakness, I made some comments about a fellow brother in Christ that were just... well... BAD. I was reminded how easy it is to let the posion of a judgmental spirit get the best of me. My "guiltometer" shot through the roof as I drove home (after the conversation). What kind of example was that? How could I have said that? How rude and wrong of me to slander a friend to others!

What about your TV habits? What are you watching on a regular basis? How important are "your" TV shows to you and your schedule? Do you not do certain worthwhile things because they conflict with your favorite TV programming? Do you not go to small group because your favorite show is on? Do you miss out on a prayer meeting because you can't miss an episode of ___________? Do you take a pass on that service opportunity because you know it will keep you from watching __________? Or perhaps more convicting: are you watching programs that you know (deep down in your "know-er") are not honoring to Christ or edifying to your spirit? Are you purposefully watching programs that "turn on" your flesh and starve your spirit? This, too, is something Jesus would have you ponder.

In the end, a fellow pastor says it best. "When it comes to evaluating how my relationship with God is going, I ask myself two primary questions: 1) What in my life stirs my affections for Christ?, and 2) what in my life quenches my affection for Christ?" That same pastor acknowledges that even something simple like keeping up with sports can become too important to him. I think that's pretty impressive (and insightful) that he knows that about himself. And I guess it ultimately points to the fact that he does intentionally take time to evaluate the condition of his soul... and many of us who claim to be Christ followers don't.

So... in what area(s) of your life is purity at risk? Where does sin rule and reign rather than King Jesus? What person, place or thing do you treasure (value) more than Christ? What object holds more sway over your soul than the Lord of lords? In the end, only you can answer that question... but I hope (if nothing else) this blog challenges you to spend some quiet moments with God evaluating your purity level.

And by the way: don't forget the great promises from God's Word... when we discover we're not pure--it's Jesus (and Him alone) who can deal with our need for cleansing (1 John 1:9 & Ezekiel 36:25).