Well, I officiated my first wedding yesterday, and it went flawlessly. Praise God that as soon as we took our places the Spirit came over me to calm my fears, settle my thoughts, and anoint my words.
I spoke on this passage of scripture from Philippians chapter 2: 1So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from(A) love, any(B) participation in the Spirit, any(C) affection and sympathy, 2(D) complete my joy by being(E) of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from(F) rivalry or(G) conceit, but in(H) humility count others more significant than yourselves.
In this letter, Paul is writing to the church at Phillipi, But in reality we can apply this message to all of our relationships, especially marriage. Once we are married we are told to cleave to our spouse, to leave our fathers and mothers, and become one flesh, one body.
Paul's message is clear: Consider others higher than yourself, be of one mind, of one accord. Marriage is hard (I have been married almost 12 years), marriage is work, and once you are married you are no longer able to behave as a single entity. Your decisions and actions have to include the feelings and needs of your spouse. Paul is saying here to consider others feelings before your own, to make decisions together, to be of one accord.
Later in the passage Paul refers to Jesus' example: Jesus left the height of glory. He left the heavenly realms where he ruled over all. He came to earth as a human, a poor human at that. Lived and died in humiliation. Jesus did that because he knew that to save us he had to put our need for salvation above His desire to have "this cup taken from" him.
There is a powerful message in all the books of the Bible, but in particular I love Philippians because as Paul wrote this from prison and the verge of execution, he makes it clear that the Joy of Christ is complete when we are humble, like minded, and of one accord. My prayer for the couple I married is that they keep Jesus alive in their marriage, pray often, and humble them selves to one another and be like minded as Christ did for all of mankind.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
The Lord is nearer than you think!
The memory verse my son received from Kids for Christ this week is Psalm 145:18, "The Lord is near to all who call on Him." This really caught my eye this week and has really been laying heavy on heart. This week has truly been a test for me.
This week a friend of mine took his own life. While this has been a shock for me, it has been a trial beyond description for the family he left behind. As I have been praying for them, I am reminded by scripture that the Lord is near to all who call on Him. I went to the calling hours tonight and the family, while grieving, is calling on the Lord often. And the Lord was near tonight. The Lord brings strength in times of weakness, and peace in times of distress. It was also reassuring to see the outpouring of support form the church the family attends. The Lord was near to those calling on him.
On the other side of the spectrum, tomorrow I am officiating my first marriage. They are friends of mine from childhood. They are nervous as they embark on their life together, and I am nervous as this is my first wedding as a minister. But I am reassured knowing that as I call on the Lord to calm my fears, and my friends call on the Lord to bless their marriage, He will be near.
The old hymn says "What a friend we have in Jesus", and how true that is. Knowing with confidence and conviction that the "Lord is near to all who call on Him."
This week a friend of mine took his own life. While this has been a shock for me, it has been a trial beyond description for the family he left behind. As I have been praying for them, I am reminded by scripture that the Lord is near to all who call on Him. I went to the calling hours tonight and the family, while grieving, is calling on the Lord often. And the Lord was near tonight. The Lord brings strength in times of weakness, and peace in times of distress. It was also reassuring to see the outpouring of support form the church the family attends. The Lord was near to those calling on him.
On the other side of the spectrum, tomorrow I am officiating my first marriage. They are friends of mine from childhood. They are nervous as they embark on their life together, and I am nervous as this is my first wedding as a minister. But I am reassured knowing that as I call on the Lord to calm my fears, and my friends call on the Lord to bless their marriage, He will be near.
The old hymn says "What a friend we have in Jesus", and how true that is. Knowing with confidence and conviction that the "Lord is near to all who call on Him."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Vanishing Christianity -- A Lesson from the Presbyterians
Vanishing Christianity -- A Lesson from the Presbyterians
This is a powerful article from Dr. Mohler. As Christians we cannot let down our guard or worse, lower our standards in order to accommodate the world. Christ was clear when he stated "I am the Way the truth and the life." There are no others, there is no other way. We should approach those that are in need of Christ's salvation with boldness, kindness and compassion. We should view the lost as victims of the enemy. We must have full confidence in the inerrancy, infallibility and authority of scripture if we are to make disciples of all nations, as we have been commissioned by Jesus Christ.
This is a powerful article from Dr. Mohler. As Christians we cannot let down our guard or worse, lower our standards in order to accommodate the world. Christ was clear when he stated "I am the Way the truth and the life." There are no others, there is no other way. We should approach those that are in need of Christ's salvation with boldness, kindness and compassion. We should view the lost as victims of the enemy. We must have full confidence in the inerrancy, infallibility and authority of scripture if we are to make disciples of all nations, as we have been commissioned by Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Out of the mouth of Babes
I came a cross this quote form Calvin's Institues, and what a great quote it is. Our Saviour Jesus Christ wants us brought to him, and embraces us, not as adults but as little children in Christ. Innoicent, with wonderment, to accept him for what He is.
"For we must not lightly overlook the fact, that our Saviour, in ordering little children to be brought to him, adds the reason, "of such is the kingdom of heaven." And he afterwards testifies his good will by act, when he embraces them, and with prayer and benediction commends them to his Father. John Calvin (Inst. 4.16.7)
Ever see kids playing together. With my 4 I have all the time. They have a couple friends that are disabled (physically and mentally), and friends of different races and backgrounds. And you know what, they make no distimctions between them. They just know that those are their friends. And they accept them as they are.
That is an example of how Christ wants us to be and is towards us. He accepts us as we are: young, immature, silly, imperfect, etc. In return He wants us to accept Him as a little child would. How great it is knowing that we have a Saviour that wants us just as we are.
"For we must not lightly overlook the fact, that our Saviour, in ordering little children to be brought to him, adds the reason, "of such is the kingdom of heaven." And he afterwards testifies his good will by act, when he embraces them, and with prayer and benediction commends them to his Father. John Calvin (Inst. 4.16.7)
Ever see kids playing together. With my 4 I have all the time. They have a couple friends that are disabled (physically and mentally), and friends of different races and backgrounds. And you know what, they make no distimctions between them. They just know that those are their friends. And they accept them as they are.
That is an example of how Christ wants us to be and is towards us. He accepts us as we are: young, immature, silly, imperfect, etc. In return He wants us to accept Him as a little child would. How great it is knowing that we have a Saviour that wants us just as we are.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Bible Prophecy- The Mini Apocolypse of Mark
At Turning Point we are going to start a series of sermons on Biblical Prophecy. Very cool and theologically deep subjects to get into. I'm preaching on 3/15 on the "Mini Apocolypse of Mark" found in chapter 13. Below is the chpater for you. Over the next several days I'll be praying over and researching this chapter. Prohecy always had it's direct meaning for those recieving the message immediately (in this case the apostles and the early church), but it also has meaning and application to the present recipents of the Word as well. Which makes understanding this very very interesting. For all intents and purposes, the Scriptures goive us a glimpse of tomorrow's news, today! As Jesus says, let those who have ears hear. More to come on the chapter over the next several days.
Mark 13
Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple
1(A) And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!" 2And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings?(B) There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."
Signs of the Close of the Age 3And as he sat on(C) the Mount of Olives opposite the temple,(D) Peter and James and John and(E) Andrew asked him(F) privately, 4"Tell us,(G) when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" 5And Jesus began to say to them, (H) "See that no one leads you astray. 6(I) Many will come in my name, saying,(J) 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. 7And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars,(K) do not be alarmed. This(L) must take place, but the end is not yet. 8For(M) nation will rise against nation, and(N) kingdom against kingdom. There will be(O) earthquakes in various places; there will be(P) famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9(Q) "But(R) be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten(S) in synagogues, and you will stand before(T) governors and(U) kings for my sake,(V) to bear witness before them. 10And the gospel must first be proclaimed(W) to all nations. 11And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over,(X) do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say(Y) whatever is given you in that hour,(Z) for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12(AA) And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13(AB) And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.(AC) But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
The Abomination of Desolation 14"But when you see(AD) the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be ((AE) let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15(AF) Let the one who is on(AG) the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17And(AH) alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19For in those days there will be(AI) such(AJ) tribulation as has not been(AK) from the beginning of the creation that(AL) God created until now, and never will be. 20And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for(AM) the sake of the elect, whom(AN) he chose, he shortened the days. 21And(AO) then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. 22(AP) For false christs and false prophets will arise and(AQ) perform signs and wonders,(AR) to lead astray, if possible,(AS) the elect. 23But(AT) be on guard;(AU) I have told you all things beforehand.
The Coming of the Son of Man
24"But in those days, after(AV) that tribulation,(AW) the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25and(AX) the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26And then they will see(AY) the Son of Man coming in clouds(AZ) with great power and glory. 27And then(BA) he will send out the angels and(BB) gather(BC) his elect from(BD) the four winds, from(BE) the ends of the earth(BF) to the ends of heaven.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
28"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near,(BG) at the very gates. 30(BH) Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31(BI) Heaven and earth will pass away, but(BJ) my words will not pass away.
No One Knows That Day or Hour
32"But concerning that day or that hour,(BK) no one knows, not even the angels in heaven,(BL) nor the Son,(BM) but only the Father. 33(BN) Be on guard,(BO) keep awake.[a] For you do not know when the time will come. 34(BP) It is like a man(BQ) going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants[b] in charge,(BR) each with his work, and commands(BS) the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35(BT) Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come,(BU) in the evening, or(BV) at midnight, or(BW) when the rooster crows,[c] or in the morning— 36lest(BX) he come suddenly and(BY) find you asleep. 37And what I say to you I say to all:(BZ) Stay awake."
Mark 13
Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple
1(A) And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!" 2And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings?(B) There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."
Signs of the Close of the Age 3And as he sat on(C) the Mount of Olives opposite the temple,(D) Peter and James and John and(E) Andrew asked him(F) privately, 4"Tell us,(G) when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" 5And Jesus began to say to them, (H) "See that no one leads you astray. 6(I) Many will come in my name, saying,(J) 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. 7And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars,(K) do not be alarmed. This(L) must take place, but the end is not yet. 8For(M) nation will rise against nation, and(N) kingdom against kingdom. There will be(O) earthquakes in various places; there will be(P) famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9(Q) "But(R) be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten(S) in synagogues, and you will stand before(T) governors and(U) kings for my sake,(V) to bear witness before them. 10And the gospel must first be proclaimed(W) to all nations. 11And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over,(X) do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say(Y) whatever is given you in that hour,(Z) for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12(AA) And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13(AB) And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.(AC) But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
The Abomination of Desolation 14"But when you see(AD) the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be ((AE) let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15(AF) Let the one who is on(AG) the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17And(AH) alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19For in those days there will be(AI) such(AJ) tribulation as has not been(AK) from the beginning of the creation that(AL) God created until now, and never will be. 20And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for(AM) the sake of the elect, whom(AN) he chose, he shortened the days. 21And(AO) then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. 22(AP) For false christs and false prophets will arise and(AQ) perform signs and wonders,(AR) to lead astray, if possible,(AS) the elect. 23But(AT) be on guard;(AU) I have told you all things beforehand.
The Coming of the Son of Man
24"But in those days, after(AV) that tribulation,(AW) the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25and(AX) the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26And then they will see(AY) the Son of Man coming in clouds(AZ) with great power and glory. 27And then(BA) he will send out the angels and(BB) gather(BC) his elect from(BD) the four winds, from(BE) the ends of the earth(BF) to the ends of heaven.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
28"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near,(BG) at the very gates. 30(BH) Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31(BI) Heaven and earth will pass away, but(BJ) my words will not pass away.
No One Knows That Day or Hour
32"But concerning that day or that hour,(BK) no one knows, not even the angels in heaven,(BL) nor the Son,(BM) but only the Father. 33(BN) Be on guard,(BO) keep awake.[a] For you do not know when the time will come. 34(BP) It is like a man(BQ) going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants[b] in charge,(BR) each with his work, and commands(BS) the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35(BT) Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come,(BU) in the evening, or(BV) at midnight, or(BW) when the rooster crows,[c] or in the morning— 36lest(BX) he come suddenly and(BY) find you asleep. 37And what I say to you I say to all:(BZ) Stay awake."
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Wow...1st entry
Well, I cannot believe I now have a blog. I have to admit, I always thought that having a blog was a completely narcissistic endeavor. But with school fast approaching and preaching on a regular basis, I think that having a place to post and discuss some of the thoughts and themes that I am pondering makes sense. I will be amazed if anyone really cares in what I am rambling about, but I think at the end of the day a blog is more concerned with the blogger than anyone else, right? Wow, that does sound narcissistic. :) If you do read these entries I hope that in some small way they may be edifying. All for now...
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