I have been meaning for some time now to document some of my family's history. We have a relatively young family (My great grandpa Carlo was the first Maltempi!), and I find aspects of it just totally awesome. So with all of us together for the holidays I took a chance to write some of it down and start capturing it. I'll start this first installment with just the most basic family tree for my family. The more interesting stories will follow in later installments.
My parents are Carlo Maltempi and Salavtrice Sidoti.
My Dad's parents are Vincenzo Maltempi and Anna Celona.
The Maltempi's:
My great grandpa Carlo was the first Maltempi in the line. That story will come later. My Grandpa Vince was one of 12 children.
Parents: Carlo Maltempi and Giovanna Gullo
Children (in order):
Stefano
Gennaro
Carlo (died as an infant)
Vincenzo- Born 4/26/21
Rosario
Nunziata
Nino (died at 17)
Giuseppe
Giorgio (died at 7)
Cecilia
Francesca
Giovanni
The Celona's:
This is my Grandma Anna's family Grandma was one of 5 children.
Parents: Francesco Celona and Maria Iraci
Children (in order):
Giuseppina
Domenico
Anna- Born 10/26/23 in the USA
Salvatore (died as infant, born in the USA)
Concetta
My Mom's parents are Francesco Sidoti and Giuseppa Rao.
The Sidoti's:
My Grandpa Francesco was one of 7 children.
Parents: Carmelo Sidoti and Carmela Pino
Children (in order):
Francesco
Salvatrice (died in teens)
Maria
Tindaro
Sebastiano
Angela
Antonino
The Rao's:
This is my Grandma Giuseppina's family Grandma was one of 7 children.
Parents: Giovanni Rao and Nunziata Merlino
Children (in order):
Valentino (died in WWII)
Giuseppe
Maria
Carmelo (died in WWII)
Giuseppa
Gaetana
Tindaro
Also, my Grandma was adopted (another story that will come later) and her parents were Antonino Terranova and Rosina Merlino.
Like I said, more will follow. This is just a little background for now.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
With Christmas fast upon us I was just considering the lyrics to the awesome song "O Come, O Come Emmanuel". I love this song: the lyrics, the music, it is so powerful. And as I thought about it, I realized that I really didn't know much about this song. So after a little digging I came up with the information below. This really gives me a new appreciation for the song and renewed joy in my listening of it. I hope you find this as interesting and as edifying as I have. Enjoy, Merry Christmas, and O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
thine own from Satan's tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save,
and give them victory over the grave. Refrain
O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadows put to flight. Refrain
O come, thou Key of David, come,
and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery. Refrain
O come, O come, Adonai,
Who in thy glorious majesty
From Sinai’s mountain, clothes in awe,
Gavest thy folk the elder law. Refrain
The Story behind “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is probably the oldest Christmas carol still sung today. This popular hymn dates back to the ninth century and represents an important and ancient series of services celebrated by the Catholic church. It also presents the different biblical roles that the church believed Jesus fulfilled. The universal nature of faith presented in this song can now be best seen by the fact that it has crossed over from a hymn sung in Latin and used in only formal Catholic masses to a carol translated into, scores of languages and embraced by every Christian denomination in the world.
The writer of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is unknown. He was no doubt a monk or priest who penned the words before 800 A.D. He was also a scholar with a rich knowledge of both the Old and New Testaments. Once completed, the hymn was evidently picked up by many European churches and monasteries and became an intensely important part of the church. Yet for fifty-one weeks of each year it was ignored, saved for a single week of Advent vespers leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth.
In its original form, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” was known as a song of the "Great Antiphons" or “Great O's." The Latin text, framed in the original seven different verses, represented the different biblical views of the Messiah. One verse per day was sung or chanted during the last seven days before Christmas.
Much more than the very simple, almost monotone melody employed at the time, the words painted a rich illustration of the many biblical prophesies fulfilled by Christ's birth. So the story of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is really a condensed study of the Bible's view of the Messiah-who he was, what lie represented and why lie had to come to Earth. Even to this day, if one is a proficient Bible student, the song's lyrics reveal the unfolding story of the Messiah.
For the people of the Dark Ages-few of whom read or had access to the Bible-the song was one of the few examples of the full story of how the New and Old Testament views of the Messiah came together in the birth and life of Jesus. Because it brought the story of Christ the Savior to life during hundreds of years of ignorance and darkness, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” ranks as one of the most important songs in the history of the Christian faith.
The song owes its worldwide acceptance to a man named John Mason Neale. Born on January 24, 1818, this Anglican priest was educated at Trinity College in Cambridge. Brilliant, a man who could write and speak more than twenty languages, he should have been destined for greatness, yet many feared his intelligence and insight. At the time, church leaders thought he was too evangelical, too progressive, and too much a freethinker to be allowed to influence the masses. So rather than get a pastorate in London, Neale was sent by the church to the Madiera Islands off the northwest coast of Africa. Pushed out of the spotlight and given the position of warden in an all but forgotten locale, it was expected that he and his ideas would never again find root in England. Yet Neale refused to give up on God or his own calling. On a salary of just twenty-seven pounds a year he established the Sisterhood of St. Margaret. From this order he began an orphanage, a school for girls and a house of refuge for prostitutes. And these noble ministries were just the beginning.
When he wasn't ministering to those who could truly be called “the least of these,” the often frail and sickly Neale reviewed every facet of Scripture and Scripture-based writing he could find. It was during these studies that he came across the Latin chant “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” in a book called Psalteroium Cantionum Catholicarum. Seizing on the importance of the song's inspired text, Neale translated the words into English. Interestingly, in his initial work, the lyrics began, “Draw nigh, draw nigh, Emmanuel”
The tune that went with Neale's translation had been used for some years in Latin text versions of the song. “Veni Emmanuel” was a fifteenth century processional that originated in a community of French Franciscan nuns living in Lisbon, Portugal. Neale's translation of the lyrics coupled with “Veni Emmanuel” was first published in the 185Os in England. Within twenty-five years, Neale's work, later cut to five verses and called “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” grew in popularity throughout Europe and America.
Although sung countless times each Christmas, much of the song's rich meaning seems to have been set aside or lost. While both men-the ancient monk and the exiled priest-would probably be amazed that any still remember their work, the fact that few realize the full impact of the words would no doubt disappoint them greatly. After all, to sing a song and not feel the power and majesty of its meaning trivializes both the music and the lyrics.
The first verse of the song is taken from Isaiah 7: 14 and Matthew 1:23. It introduces Emmanuel-“God with us”-and Israel as a symbol for the Christian world, held captive on a dark and sinful Earth.
Isaiah 11 serves as the theme for the verse that begins “O come, thou rod of Jesse, free" (in some translations this is called the "Branch of Jesse"). In it the rod of Jesse represents Christ, who is the only one who can defeat Satan and bring eternal life to all those who follow him.
“O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer” presents the image of the morning star, a concept that can be traced back to Malachi 4:2. In this verse, the song states that the coming Savior will bring justice, honesty, and truth. He will enlighten and cast out darkness as "The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in His wings.”
The lyrics then turn to "O come, thou key of David," a reference to Isaiah
22:22. The words in this verse explain that the newborn King holds the key to the heavenly kingdom and there is no way to get into the kingdom but through Him.
The verse that begins “O come, O come, Adonai” (in some texts this reads “O come, thou wisdom from on high”) centers on the source of true wisdom. This comes only from God through his Son. Through the Savior, this wisdom can reach around the world and bring peace and understanding to all men. Thus, Christ's teachings and examples fulfilled all Old Testament prophesies.
Even today, when sung in a public hall by a small group of carolers or during a television special, the original chants of long forgotten monks can almost be heard. Although translated into scores of languages and sung in wild variety of styles and arrangements, the simplistic yet spiritual nature of the song remains intact. It is reverent, a tribute to not only the birth of God's child but also to the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver his children from the world. In this simple hut brilliant song, the echoed voices of clerics from the past gently urge today’s world to accept and worship the King who fulfills God's greatest promise to his children.
Excerpted from Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins, a 2001 publication distributed by Zondervan.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
thine own from Satan's tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save,
and give them victory over the grave. Refrain
O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadows put to flight. Refrain
O come, thou Key of David, come,
and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery. Refrain
O come, O come, Adonai,
Who in thy glorious majesty
From Sinai’s mountain, clothes in awe,
Gavest thy folk the elder law. Refrain
The Story behind “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is probably the oldest Christmas carol still sung today. This popular hymn dates back to the ninth century and represents an important and ancient series of services celebrated by the Catholic church. It also presents the different biblical roles that the church believed Jesus fulfilled. The universal nature of faith presented in this song can now be best seen by the fact that it has crossed over from a hymn sung in Latin and used in only formal Catholic masses to a carol translated into, scores of languages and embraced by every Christian denomination in the world.
The writer of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is unknown. He was no doubt a monk or priest who penned the words before 800 A.D. He was also a scholar with a rich knowledge of both the Old and New Testaments. Once completed, the hymn was evidently picked up by many European churches and monasteries and became an intensely important part of the church. Yet for fifty-one weeks of each year it was ignored, saved for a single week of Advent vespers leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth.
In its original form, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” was known as a song of the "Great Antiphons" or “Great O's." The Latin text, framed in the original seven different verses, represented the different biblical views of the Messiah. One verse per day was sung or chanted during the last seven days before Christmas.
Much more than the very simple, almost monotone melody employed at the time, the words painted a rich illustration of the many biblical prophesies fulfilled by Christ's birth. So the story of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is really a condensed study of the Bible's view of the Messiah-who he was, what lie represented and why lie had to come to Earth. Even to this day, if one is a proficient Bible student, the song's lyrics reveal the unfolding story of the Messiah.
For the people of the Dark Ages-few of whom read or had access to the Bible-the song was one of the few examples of the full story of how the New and Old Testament views of the Messiah came together in the birth and life of Jesus. Because it brought the story of Christ the Savior to life during hundreds of years of ignorance and darkness, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” ranks as one of the most important songs in the history of the Christian faith.
The song owes its worldwide acceptance to a man named John Mason Neale. Born on January 24, 1818, this Anglican priest was educated at Trinity College in Cambridge. Brilliant, a man who could write and speak more than twenty languages, he should have been destined for greatness, yet many feared his intelligence and insight. At the time, church leaders thought he was too evangelical, too progressive, and too much a freethinker to be allowed to influence the masses. So rather than get a pastorate in London, Neale was sent by the church to the Madiera Islands off the northwest coast of Africa. Pushed out of the spotlight and given the position of warden in an all but forgotten locale, it was expected that he and his ideas would never again find root in England. Yet Neale refused to give up on God or his own calling. On a salary of just twenty-seven pounds a year he established the Sisterhood of St. Margaret. From this order he began an orphanage, a school for girls and a house of refuge for prostitutes. And these noble ministries were just the beginning.
When he wasn't ministering to those who could truly be called “the least of these,” the often frail and sickly Neale reviewed every facet of Scripture and Scripture-based writing he could find. It was during these studies that he came across the Latin chant “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” in a book called Psalteroium Cantionum Catholicarum. Seizing on the importance of the song's inspired text, Neale translated the words into English. Interestingly, in his initial work, the lyrics began, “Draw nigh, draw nigh, Emmanuel”
The tune that went with Neale's translation had been used for some years in Latin text versions of the song. “Veni Emmanuel” was a fifteenth century processional that originated in a community of French Franciscan nuns living in Lisbon, Portugal. Neale's translation of the lyrics coupled with “Veni Emmanuel” was first published in the 185Os in England. Within twenty-five years, Neale's work, later cut to five verses and called “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” grew in popularity throughout Europe and America.
Although sung countless times each Christmas, much of the song's rich meaning seems to have been set aside or lost. While both men-the ancient monk and the exiled priest-would probably be amazed that any still remember their work, the fact that few realize the full impact of the words would no doubt disappoint them greatly. After all, to sing a song and not feel the power and majesty of its meaning trivializes both the music and the lyrics.
The first verse of the song is taken from Isaiah 7: 14 and Matthew 1:23. It introduces Emmanuel-“God with us”-and Israel as a symbol for the Christian world, held captive on a dark and sinful Earth.
Isaiah 11 serves as the theme for the verse that begins “O come, thou rod of Jesse, free" (in some translations this is called the "Branch of Jesse"). In it the rod of Jesse represents Christ, who is the only one who can defeat Satan and bring eternal life to all those who follow him.
“O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer” presents the image of the morning star, a concept that can be traced back to Malachi 4:2. In this verse, the song states that the coming Savior will bring justice, honesty, and truth. He will enlighten and cast out darkness as "The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in His wings.”
The lyrics then turn to "O come, thou key of David," a reference to Isaiah
22:22. The words in this verse explain that the newborn King holds the key to the heavenly kingdom and there is no way to get into the kingdom but through Him.
The verse that begins “O come, O come, Adonai” (in some texts this reads “O come, thou wisdom from on high”) centers on the source of true wisdom. This comes only from God through his Son. Through the Savior, this wisdom can reach around the world and bring peace and understanding to all men. Thus, Christ's teachings and examples fulfilled all Old Testament prophesies.
Even today, when sung in a public hall by a small group of carolers or during a television special, the original chants of long forgotten monks can almost be heard. Although translated into scores of languages and sung in wild variety of styles and arrangements, the simplistic yet spiritual nature of the song remains intact. It is reverent, a tribute to not only the birth of God's child but also to the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver his children from the world. In this simple hut brilliant song, the echoed voices of clerics from the past gently urge today’s world to accept and worship the King who fulfills God's greatest promise to his children.
Excerpted from Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins, a 2001 publication distributed by Zondervan.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Who you are in Christ
My class in Spiritual Care and Development this semester has been incredibly powerful and impactful in my own person spiritual development. For too long I have gone without considering what exactly I am in Christ Jesus, and I think many people can say the same thing. Here are some thoughts I have captured through class and discussion with the professor and other students:
Since you are a saint in Christ by God's calling, you share in Christ's inheritance. That which is true of Christ is now true of you, because you are in Christ. It's part of your identity. This applies to all that have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior.
The list below itemizes in first-person language who you really are in Christ. These are some of the scriptural texts which reflect who you became at spiritual birth. You can't earn them or buy them anymore than a person born in America can earn or buy the rights and freedoms he or she enjoys as an American citizen. They are guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution simply because a person is born in the United States. Similarly, these traits are guaranteed to you by the Word of God simply because you were born into God's holy nation by faith in Christ.
Read this list aloud to yourself repeatedly until it becomes a part of you. Pray through the list occasionally asking God to cement these truths in your heart:
Who Am I?
• I am the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13).
• I am the light of the world (Matt. 5:14).
• I am a child of God (John 1: 12).
• I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ's life (John 15:1,5).
• I am Christ's friend (John I5:I5).
• I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear his fruit (John 15:16).
• I am a slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).
• I am enslaved to God (Rom. 6:22).
• I am a son of God; God is spiritually my Father (Rom. 8:14, I5; Gal. 3:26; 4:6).
• I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him (Rom. 8:17).
• I am a temple-a dwelling place-of God. His Spirit and His life dwells in me
(I Cor. 3:16; 6:19).
• I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him (1 Cor. 6:17).
• I am a member of Christ's Body (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 5:30).
• I am a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
• I am reconciled to God and am an ambassador of reconciliation
(2 Cor. 5:18, 19).
• I am a son of God and one in Christ (Gal. 3:26, 28).
• I am an heir of God since I am a son of God (Gal. 4:6, 7).
• I am a saint (Eph. 1: 1; 1 Cor. 1: 2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2).
• I am God's workmanship - His handiwork born anew in Christ to do his
work (Eph. 2: 10).
• I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's family (Eph. 2:19).
• I am a prisoner of Christ (Eph. 3: 1; 4: 1).
• I am righteous and holy (Eph. 4:24).
• I am a citizen of heaven, seated in heaven right now (Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:6).
• I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
• I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life (Col. 3:4).
• I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved (Col. 3:12; I Thess. 1: 4).
• I am a son of light and not of darkness (I Thess. 5:5).
• I am a holy partaker of a heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1).
• I am a partaker of Christ; I share in His life (Heb. 3:14).
• I am one of God's fiving stones, being built up Christ as a spiritual house
(1 Pet. 2:5).
• I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priest¬hood, a holy nation, a people for
God's own posses¬sion (1 Pet. 2:9, 10).
• I am an alien and stranger to this world in which I temporarily live (1 Pet. 2: 11).
• I am an enemy of the devil (1 Pet. 5:8).
• I am a child of God and I will resemble Christ when He returns (1 John 3: 1- 2).
• I am born of God, and the evil one-the devil cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
• I am not the great "I am" (Exod. 3:14; John 8:24,28,58), but by the grace of God,
I am what I am (1 Cor. 15:10).
• Since I am in Christ, by the grace of God … I have been justified-completely
forgiven and made righteous (Rom. 5:1).
• I died with Christ and died to the power of sin's rule over my life (Rom. 6:1-6).
• I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8: 1).
• I have been placed into Christ by God's doing (1 Cor. 1:30).
• I have received the Spirit of God into my life that I might know the things freely
given to me by God (1Cor. 2:12).
• I have been given the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).
• I have been bought with a price; I am not my own; I belong to God
(1 Cor. 6:19,20).
• I have been established, anointed and sealed by God in Christ, and I have been given the Holy Spirit as a pledge guaranteeing my inheritance to come
(2 Cor. 1:21; Eph. 1:13,14).
• Since I have died, I no longer Uve for myself, but for Christ (2 Cor. 5:14,15).
• I have been made righteous (2 Cor. 5:21).
• I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who five, but Christ lives in me. The life I am now living is Christ's life (Gal. 2:20).
• I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1: 3).
• I was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and am without blame before Him (Eph. 1:4).
• I was predestined-determined by God-to be adopted as God's son (Eph. 1: 5).
• I have been redeemed and forgiven, and I am a recipient of Ifis lavish grace.
• I have been made alive together with Christ (Eph. 2:5).
• I have been raised up and seated with Christ in heaven (Eph. 2:6).
• I have direct access to God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:18).
• I may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12).
• I have been rescued from the domain of Satan and transferred to the
kingdom of Christ (Col. I:I3).
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins…the bond against me has been
canceled (Col. 2:14).
• Christ Himself is in me (Col. 1:27).
• I am firmly rooted in Christ and am now being built in Him (Col. 2:7).
• I have been spiritually circumcised. My old unregenerate nature has been
removed (Col. 2:11).
• I have been made complete in Christ (Col. 2:10)
• I have been buried, raised and made alive Christ (Col. 2:12, 13).
• I died with Christ and I have been raised up Christ. My life is now hidden with
Christ in God (Col. 3:1).
• Christ is now my life (Col. 3:1-4).
• I have been given a spirit of power, love and self discipline (2 Tim. 1:7).
• I have been saved and set apart according God's doing (2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5).
• Because I am sanctified and am one with Sanctifier, He is not ashamed to call
me brother (Heb. 2:11).
• I have the right to come boldly before the of God to find mercy and grace in time of need (Heb 4:16).
• I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises and am a partaker of God.
Your perception of your identity makes such a big difference in your success at dealing with the challenges and conflicts of your life. It is imperative to your growth and maturity that you believe God's truth about who you are.
Because you are in Christ, every one of those characteristics is completely true of you and there's nothing you can do to make them more true. But you can make these more meaningful and productive in your life by simply choosing to believe what God has said about you. One of the greatest ways to help yourself grow into maturity in Christ is to continually remind yourself who you are in Him. In my conferences I do this by reading the "Who Am I?" first aloud and then together. We suggest that you go back and read it aloud to yourself right now. Read the list once or twice a day for a week or two. Read it when think that Satan is trying to deceive you into believing you are a worthless failure. The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity.
We were obstinate and ornery, helpless and hopeless, with nothing in ourselves to commend us to God. But God's love overruled our unloveliness.
Satan will try to convince you that you are an unworthy, unacceptable, sin-sick person who will never amount to anything in God's eyes.
But we have the assurance of Christ Jesus that justifies and removes sin as far as the east is from the west!
Since you are a saint in Christ by God's calling, you share in Christ's inheritance. That which is true of Christ is now true of you, because you are in Christ. It's part of your identity. This applies to all that have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior.
The list below itemizes in first-person language who you really are in Christ. These are some of the scriptural texts which reflect who you became at spiritual birth. You can't earn them or buy them anymore than a person born in America can earn or buy the rights and freedoms he or she enjoys as an American citizen. They are guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution simply because a person is born in the United States. Similarly, these traits are guaranteed to you by the Word of God simply because you were born into God's holy nation by faith in Christ.
Read this list aloud to yourself repeatedly until it becomes a part of you. Pray through the list occasionally asking God to cement these truths in your heart:
Who Am I?
• I am the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13).
• I am the light of the world (Matt. 5:14).
• I am a child of God (John 1: 12).
• I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ's life (John 15:1,5).
• I am Christ's friend (John I5:I5).
• I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear his fruit (John 15:16).
• I am a slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).
• I am enslaved to God (Rom. 6:22).
• I am a son of God; God is spiritually my Father (Rom. 8:14, I5; Gal. 3:26; 4:6).
• I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him (Rom. 8:17).
• I am a temple-a dwelling place-of God. His Spirit and His life dwells in me
(I Cor. 3:16; 6:19).
• I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him (1 Cor. 6:17).
• I am a member of Christ's Body (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 5:30).
• I am a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
• I am reconciled to God and am an ambassador of reconciliation
(2 Cor. 5:18, 19).
• I am a son of God and one in Christ (Gal. 3:26, 28).
• I am an heir of God since I am a son of God (Gal. 4:6, 7).
• I am a saint (Eph. 1: 1; 1 Cor. 1: 2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2).
• I am God's workmanship - His handiwork born anew in Christ to do his
work (Eph. 2: 10).
• I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's family (Eph. 2:19).
• I am a prisoner of Christ (Eph. 3: 1; 4: 1).
• I am righteous and holy (Eph. 4:24).
• I am a citizen of heaven, seated in heaven right now (Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:6).
• I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
• I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life (Col. 3:4).
• I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved (Col. 3:12; I Thess. 1: 4).
• I am a son of light and not of darkness (I Thess. 5:5).
• I am a holy partaker of a heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1).
• I am a partaker of Christ; I share in His life (Heb. 3:14).
• I am one of God's fiving stones, being built up Christ as a spiritual house
(1 Pet. 2:5).
• I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priest¬hood, a holy nation, a people for
God's own posses¬sion (1 Pet. 2:9, 10).
• I am an alien and stranger to this world in which I temporarily live (1 Pet. 2: 11).
• I am an enemy of the devil (1 Pet. 5:8).
• I am a child of God and I will resemble Christ when He returns (1 John 3: 1- 2).
• I am born of God, and the evil one-the devil cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
• I am not the great "I am" (Exod. 3:14; John 8:24,28,58), but by the grace of God,
I am what I am (1 Cor. 15:10).
• Since I am in Christ, by the grace of God … I have been justified-completely
forgiven and made righteous (Rom. 5:1).
• I died with Christ and died to the power of sin's rule over my life (Rom. 6:1-6).
• I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8: 1).
• I have been placed into Christ by God's doing (1 Cor. 1:30).
• I have received the Spirit of God into my life that I might know the things freely
given to me by God (1Cor. 2:12).
• I have been given the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).
• I have been bought with a price; I am not my own; I belong to God
(1 Cor. 6:19,20).
• I have been established, anointed and sealed by God in Christ, and I have been given the Holy Spirit as a pledge guaranteeing my inheritance to come
(2 Cor. 1:21; Eph. 1:13,14).
• Since I have died, I no longer Uve for myself, but for Christ (2 Cor. 5:14,15).
• I have been made righteous (2 Cor. 5:21).
• I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who five, but Christ lives in me. The life I am now living is Christ's life (Gal. 2:20).
• I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1: 3).
• I was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and am without blame before Him (Eph. 1:4).
• I was predestined-determined by God-to be adopted as God's son (Eph. 1: 5).
• I have been redeemed and forgiven, and I am a recipient of Ifis lavish grace.
• I have been made alive together with Christ (Eph. 2:5).
• I have been raised up and seated with Christ in heaven (Eph. 2:6).
• I have direct access to God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:18).
• I may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12).
• I have been rescued from the domain of Satan and transferred to the
kingdom of Christ (Col. I:I3).
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins…the bond against me has been
canceled (Col. 2:14).
• Christ Himself is in me (Col. 1:27).
• I am firmly rooted in Christ and am now being built in Him (Col. 2:7).
• I have been spiritually circumcised. My old unregenerate nature has been
removed (Col. 2:11).
• I have been made complete in Christ (Col. 2:10)
• I have been buried, raised and made alive Christ (Col. 2:12, 13).
• I died with Christ and I have been raised up Christ. My life is now hidden with
Christ in God (Col. 3:1).
• Christ is now my life (Col. 3:1-4).
• I have been given a spirit of power, love and self discipline (2 Tim. 1:7).
• I have been saved and set apart according God's doing (2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5).
• Because I am sanctified and am one with Sanctifier, He is not ashamed to call
me brother (Heb. 2:11).
• I have the right to come boldly before the of God to find mercy and grace in time of need (Heb 4:16).
• I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises and am a partaker of God.
Your perception of your identity makes such a big difference in your success at dealing with the challenges and conflicts of your life. It is imperative to your growth and maturity that you believe God's truth about who you are.
Because you are in Christ, every one of those characteristics is completely true of you and there's nothing you can do to make them more true. But you can make these more meaningful and productive in your life by simply choosing to believe what God has said about you. One of the greatest ways to help yourself grow into maturity in Christ is to continually remind yourself who you are in Him. In my conferences I do this by reading the "Who Am I?" first aloud and then together. We suggest that you go back and read it aloud to yourself right now. Read the list once or twice a day for a week or two. Read it when think that Satan is trying to deceive you into believing you are a worthless failure. The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity.
We were obstinate and ornery, helpless and hopeless, with nothing in ourselves to commend us to God. But God's love overruled our unloveliness.
Satan will try to convince you that you are an unworthy, unacceptable, sin-sick person who will never amount to anything in God's eyes.
But we have the assurance of Christ Jesus that justifies and removes sin as far as the east is from the west!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Martin Luther and Prayer: The 4 Stranded Garland
I just learned about this last week in class and thought it was so cool I just had to share it. Let's face it, prayer is an essential part of the Christian life. At the same time, prayer is a weakness for many of us. Martin Luther addressing the same struggle close to 500 years ago came up with this nifty 4 Strand Garland as a method for prayer.
When Martin Luther’s barber (and friend) asked him how to pray, Martin Luther responded with a brief treatise published in the spring of 1535 under the title A Simple Way to Pray, for a Good Friend. Luther explained his own practices of prayer.
The following are some of the suggestions Luther gave to his barber:
There is need for concentration
Let prayer be the first business of the morning and last in the evening. Do not be sidetracked. Luther writes, “So, a good and attentive barber keeps his thoughts, attention, and eyes on the razor and hair and does not forget how far he has gotten with his shaving or cutting. If he wants to engage into much conversation or let his mind wander or look somewhere else he is likely to cut his customer’s mouth, nose, or even his throat. Thus if anything is to be done well, it requires the full attention of all one's senses and members. . .” (p. 32-33).
There is a sequence of prayer
Luther writes ". . .kneel or stand with your hands folded and your eyes toward heaven and speak or think as briefly as you can. . .” (p.20). Offer a brief prayer “O Heavenly Father, dear God, I am a poor unworthy sinner, I do not deserve to raise my eyes or hands toward thee or to pray. . .” (p. 21) Begin to pray one petition of the Lord’s Prayer or one of the Ten Commandments. Never doubt you are alone in your prayer. “Do not leave your prayer without having said or thought, ‘Very well, God has heard my prayer, this I know as a certainty and a truth.’ This is what Amen means” (p. 29).
The heart must be ready for prayer
Keep prayers meaningful. Unclutter your mind by focusing on one thought, perhaps one petition of the Lord’s Prayer or one of the Ten Commandments.
Prayer is like a garland of four twisted strands
This garland is especially true when using Holy Scripture, Lord’s Prayer, or Ten Commandments. Each strand can be posed as a question:
1) What is the (petition, commandment, etc) teaching/meaning for me?
2) What prayer of thanksgiving does this prompt?
3) What confession or lament does it evoke?
4) What is the prayer petition?
Luther said, “Nothing can be said here about the part of faith and Holy Scriptures [in prayer] because there would be no end to what could be said. With practice one can take the Ten Commandments on one day, a psalm or chapter of Holy Scripture the next day, and use them as flint and steel to kindle a flame in the heart” (p.56).
So the next time you are reading Scripture, try the 4 Stranded Garland and see how the Spirit speaks to you. Read a Scripture passage and ask yourself:
1) What is this passage meaning to me or teaching me?
2) What does this passage make me thankful for, or what blessings am I reminded of in this passage?
3) Confess to your Heavenly Father what you feel and what is weighing on your heart.
4) Lay all the petitions and requests in your heart at the feet of your Heavenly who knows what you need before you even ask.
Enjoy you time in prayer, there is nothing better!
--Quotes are from Martin Luther, A Simple Way to Pray, Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster Knox Press, 2000.
When Martin Luther’s barber (and friend) asked him how to pray, Martin Luther responded with a brief treatise published in the spring of 1535 under the title A Simple Way to Pray, for a Good Friend. Luther explained his own practices of prayer.
The following are some of the suggestions Luther gave to his barber:
There is need for concentration
Let prayer be the first business of the morning and last in the evening. Do not be sidetracked. Luther writes, “So, a good and attentive barber keeps his thoughts, attention, and eyes on the razor and hair and does not forget how far he has gotten with his shaving or cutting. If he wants to engage into much conversation or let his mind wander or look somewhere else he is likely to cut his customer’s mouth, nose, or even his throat. Thus if anything is to be done well, it requires the full attention of all one's senses and members. . .” (p. 32-33).
There is a sequence of prayer
Luther writes ". . .kneel or stand with your hands folded and your eyes toward heaven and speak or think as briefly as you can. . .” (p.20). Offer a brief prayer “O Heavenly Father, dear God, I am a poor unworthy sinner, I do not deserve to raise my eyes or hands toward thee or to pray. . .” (p. 21) Begin to pray one petition of the Lord’s Prayer or one of the Ten Commandments. Never doubt you are alone in your prayer. “Do not leave your prayer without having said or thought, ‘Very well, God has heard my prayer, this I know as a certainty and a truth.’ This is what Amen means” (p. 29).
The heart must be ready for prayer
Keep prayers meaningful. Unclutter your mind by focusing on one thought, perhaps one petition of the Lord’s Prayer or one of the Ten Commandments.
Prayer is like a garland of four twisted strands
This garland is especially true when using Holy Scripture, Lord’s Prayer, or Ten Commandments. Each strand can be posed as a question:
1) What is the (petition, commandment, etc) teaching/meaning for me?
2) What prayer of thanksgiving does this prompt?
3) What confession or lament does it evoke?
4) What is the prayer petition?
Luther said, “Nothing can be said here about the part of faith and Holy Scriptures [in prayer] because there would be no end to what could be said. With practice one can take the Ten Commandments on one day, a psalm or chapter of Holy Scripture the next day, and use them as flint and steel to kindle a flame in the heart” (p.56).
So the next time you are reading Scripture, try the 4 Stranded Garland and see how the Spirit speaks to you. Read a Scripture passage and ask yourself:
1) What is this passage meaning to me or teaching me?
2) What does this passage make me thankful for, or what blessings am I reminded of in this passage?
3) Confess to your Heavenly Father what you feel and what is weighing on your heart.
4) Lay all the petitions and requests in your heart at the feet of your Heavenly who knows what you need before you even ask.
Enjoy you time in prayer, there is nothing better!
--Quotes are from Martin Luther, A Simple Way to Pray, Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster Knox Press, 2000.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Being a Disciple means being a leader
Just wrapped up my class on Discipleship and Evangelism in the NT. Hard to believe, but after starting classes 3 years ago, I am now just 4 classes away from graduating! My topic for the final paper was on Leadership as an aspect of Discipleship. Here is an excerpt from my paper. If you want to read the whole thing let me know and I will forward on a copy:
What does it mean to be a Disciple, and not just a Disciple, but a Christian Disciple? The operative word for our purposes is Christian discipleship. The reality is that there are many different types of discipleship. One can refer to discipleship in the context of pop music or music instruction, a religious sect, a specific trade like an electrician or carpenter, and so on. But Christian discipleship is more than just showing the ropes or equipping someone for a task. “It also involves character training, which involves confrontations, corrections, and other aspects of caring that are Christ-focused, ultimately, for the purpose of honoring Christ.” (Kang, 2008)
A Disciple is many things and embodies multiple aspects of life. Jesus frequently referred to His followers as disciples (mathetai): over 65 times in Matthew, 44 times in Mark, 34 times in Luke, and over 70 times in John. Additionally, the followers of John the Baptist are referred to as disciples and the occurrence of the word appears frequently (over 25 times) in the Book of Acts. (Longenecker, 4) These disciples, these followers of Jesus were believers, workers, evangelists, administrators and martyrs, they covered the gamut for our Lord. They were teachers, shepherds, “fishers of men”, and they all fell under the umbrella of disciple.
Since a disciple can take on many roles and involve various different aspects or ministry calls, our objective for this brief paper will be focused on leadership, and on a disciple as a leader. Jesus was not only a teacher, He was not only a role model for those that followed Him, but He was a leader. As Richard Bauckham declares about Jesus, “His teaching is ancillary to His deeds. His mission is to do the works that His Father has given Him to do for the salvation of the world.” (Bauckham, 1337) In short, Jesus led and was a leader. He invested his all in leading His disciples and in turn expecting them to be leaders of others. The objective for this paper will be 3fold: to define and highlight the characteristics of leadership as a part of discipleship- including the effect of the spiritual gifts on the leadership call, to focus specifically on Paul’s example of leadership (through the Apostolic appointment of Jesus Christ) and the various roles he employed, and lastly to summarize my personal philosophy and approach to being a disciple of Christ through being a leader.
The reality is that as a Christian, a person called to serve as a leader is a disciple, because disciples are called to lead. Disciples follow and imitate Christ. And in imitating Christ, disciples become leaders; so inevitably disciples will be leaders in some varying capacity.
What does it mean to be a Disciple, and not just a Disciple, but a Christian Disciple? The operative word for our purposes is Christian discipleship. The reality is that there are many different types of discipleship. One can refer to discipleship in the context of pop music or music instruction, a religious sect, a specific trade like an electrician or carpenter, and so on. But Christian discipleship is more than just showing the ropes or equipping someone for a task. “It also involves character training, which involves confrontations, corrections, and other aspects of caring that are Christ-focused, ultimately, for the purpose of honoring Christ.” (Kang, 2008)
A Disciple is many things and embodies multiple aspects of life. Jesus frequently referred to His followers as disciples (mathetai): over 65 times in Matthew, 44 times in Mark, 34 times in Luke, and over 70 times in John. Additionally, the followers of John the Baptist are referred to as disciples and the occurrence of the word appears frequently (over 25 times) in the Book of Acts. (Longenecker, 4) These disciples, these followers of Jesus were believers, workers, evangelists, administrators and martyrs, they covered the gamut for our Lord. They were teachers, shepherds, “fishers of men”, and they all fell under the umbrella of disciple.
Since a disciple can take on many roles and involve various different aspects or ministry calls, our objective for this brief paper will be focused on leadership, and on a disciple as a leader. Jesus was not only a teacher, He was not only a role model for those that followed Him, but He was a leader. As Richard Bauckham declares about Jesus, “His teaching is ancillary to His deeds. His mission is to do the works that His Father has given Him to do for the salvation of the world.” (Bauckham, 1337) In short, Jesus led and was a leader. He invested his all in leading His disciples and in turn expecting them to be leaders of others. The objective for this paper will be 3fold: to define and highlight the characteristics of leadership as a part of discipleship- including the effect of the spiritual gifts on the leadership call, to focus specifically on Paul’s example of leadership (through the Apostolic appointment of Jesus Christ) and the various roles he employed, and lastly to summarize my personal philosophy and approach to being a disciple of Christ through being a leader.
The reality is that as a Christian, a person called to serve as a leader is a disciple, because disciples are called to lead. Disciples follow and imitate Christ. And in imitating Christ, disciples become leaders; so inevitably disciples will be leaders in some varying capacity.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Being a Disciple of Christ
Since my class this semester is on Discipleship in the New Testament, I came across this nifty little checklist on being a Disciple of Christ. So...are you a Disciple of Christ?
Are You A Disciple Of Jesus?
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of
the age."
INTRODUCTION
1. The above statement was made by Jesus to His apostles shortly before
He ascended to heaven - Mt 28:18-20
2. Commonly called "The Great Commission," notice the main thought of
Jesus' command...
a. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..."
b. To "make disciples," therefore, is the GOAL of evangelizing the
world for Christ
3. Are you a disciple of Jesus?
a. More than likely you believe in Jesus...
b. You might even be one to attend church services regularly
-- But is that what it means to be His disciple?
4. The purpose in this study is to make clear what is involved in
being a true disciple of Jesus Christ
[To begin, let's define the word "disciple"...]
I. THE DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE
A. THE WORD "DISCIPLE"...
1. The word "disciple" literally means A LEARNER
2. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary Of New Testament
Words, it denotes "one who follows another's teaching"
3. But a disciple was not only a learner, he was also AN ADHERENT
4. For this reason disciples were spoken of as IMITATORS of their
teachers.
B. THE GOAL IN BEING A DISCIPLE...
1. Stated by Jesus himself: to be like the teacher - Lk 6:40
2. To be Christ's disciple, then, is to strive to be like Him!
3. According to the apostle Paul, this coincides with God's goal
in the redemption of mankind, that they be conformed to the
image of His Son - Ro 8:29
[Do you have a strong desire to follow Jesus and become like Him?
Unless you do, it cannot be said that you are truly His disciple!
There are also some "identifying marks" of discipleship given by Jesus
which can help us to further identify a true disciple of Jesus...]
II. THE MARKS OF A DISCIPLE
A. A DISCIPLE IS "ONE WHO ABIDES IN JESUS' WORDS" - Jn 8:31
1. This would imply being a diligent student of the teachings of
Christ
2. It also requires one to be a "doer" of the Word - Mt 7:21-27;
Jm 1:21-25
3. In view of this, a true disciple would not...
a. Fail to study the Bible diligently
b. Willingly refrain from opportunities to study with others
(e.g., Bible classes, church services, gospel meetings).
B. A DISCIPLE IS ALSO "ONE WHO LOVES THE BRETHREN" - Jn 13:34-35
1. With a love patterned after the love of Jesus ("as I have
loved you")
2. With a love that is visible to the world ("by this all will
know")
3. Therefore, a true disciple would...
a. Make every effort to get to know his brethren
b. Take advantage of occasions to encourage and grow closer to
them (e.g., attending services on Sunday and Wednesday
nights)
4. Remember, a disciple is one who wants to become like his
teacher
a. Was Jesus willing to sacrifice time and effort for His
brethren?
b. Of course, and so will we... IF we are truly HIS disciples!
C. A DISCIPLE IS "ONE WHO BEARS MUCH FRUIT" - Jn 15:8
1. Notice the word "much" (also found in verse 5)
a. Jesus is not talking about an occasional good deed
b. But a lifestyle which prompts people to glorify God!
- Mt 5:16
2. This is so important, that failure to bear much fruit will
result in being severed from Christ - Jn 15:1-2
3. How can one be a disciple if he or she is cut off from Christ?
[The point should be clear: to be a disciple of Jesus Christ means
more that just a casual church member. It requires COMMITMENT,
especially in regards to:
The teachings of Christ
The love of brethren
Bearing fruit to the glory of God
The kind of commitment involved is seen further when we consider the
"high cost" of discipleship demanded by Jesus in Lk 14:25-33...]
III. THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE
A. JESUS MUST COME FIRST - Lk 14:26
1. Before anyone else, including members of our own family
- Mt 10:34-37
2. Even before one's own self - Lk 9:23-25
B. WE MUST BE WILLING TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST - Lk 14:27
1. Trying to live godly lives in an ungodly world, we may find
that following Christ sometimes involves ridicule and
persecution - 2Ti 3:12
2. Even if we are blessed to escape such things, we must still be
willing to expend time and effort in promoting the cause of
Christ in positive ways
C. PUTTING IT SIMPLY, WE MUST FORSAKE ALL TO FOLLOW CHRIST
- Lk 14:33
1. In other words, Jesus must be KING and LORD of our lives
2. Nothing can take precedent over Him and His Will for us
[This kind of "high cost" of discipleship demanded by Jesus caused
many people to turn away from following Him. But Jesus wasn't trying
to attract large crowds, He wanted disciples!
Is the COST worth it? I believe so, for consider some of the REWARDS
of discipleship...]
IV. THE REWARDS OF BEING A DISCIPLE
A. THERE IS THE PROMISE OF "FUTURE BLESSINGS"...
1. We shall be saved from the wrath of God which is yet to come
upon the world for its sins - Ro 5:9
2. We can look forward with joyful anticipation of eternity with
God, free from sorrow, pain and death - Re 21:1-8
B. THERE ARE ALSO "PRESENT BLESSINGS"...
1. Jesus offers a PEACE the world cannot give to calm the
troubled heart - Jn 14:27
2. His words inspire JOY to lift our spirits out of any
depression - Jn 15:11
3. He also offers to those who follow Him the ABIDING LOVE OF
GOD, which can cast out fear - Jn 15:9; 1Jn 4:18
4. And he makes it possible for us to be members of THE FAMILY OF
GOD, which is able if need be to replace our physical family
- Mk 10:28-30
[There are many other blessings we could mention that are enjoyed by
disciples of Jesus; but these suffice to demonstrate that though
discipleship is costly, the rewards far exceed the cost!
Now that we understand the nature of discipleship, its cost and
rewards, I hope that we want to be true disciples of Jesus Christ.
But how does one begin?
For the answer we return to our beginning text - Mt 28:19-20...]
V. THE BEGINNING OF A DISCIPLE
A. ACCORDING TO JESUS, IT INVOLVES BAPTISM - Mt 28:19
1. Why baptism?
a. Remember the goal of discipleship: to be like Jesus
b. He was holy and sinless, yet we are to be like Him
c. Fortunately, baptism is described as an act of faith which
puts us in contact with the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ
so we can be forgiven - Ac 2:38; 22:16; Ro 6:3-4
d. It is also the means by which one "puts on Christ"
- Ga 3:27
-- SO BAPTISM IS THE LOGICAL STARTING PLACE FOR TRUE
DISCIPLESHIP!
2. But what is baptism?
a. It is an act of submission which must be preceded by faith
in Jesus and repentance for our sins - Ac 2:36-38; 8:36-37
1) This precludes infant baptism
2) For infants are incapable of believing and repenting
b. It is also an act of submission which involves a burial in
water, in which one then rises to walk in newness of life
through the power of God - Ac 8:38; Ro 6:3-4; Col 2:12
1) This precludes sprinkling or pouring as a mode of
baptism
2) For neither of these involve a "burial" nor an immersion
(which is the meaning of the Greek word "baptidzo")
c. When done according to the Word of God, baptism then
becomes an act of faith on our part which results in a
wonderful working of God in our lives!
1) Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus
- Ac 22:16; Ep 5:25-27
2) We are "regenerated" and "renewed" by the Spirit of God
so we can now live for God! - Tit 3:5-6
3) It is truly a "rebirth" involving both water and the
Spirit - Jn 3:5
B. BUT BAPTISM IS ONLY THE BEGINNING, TEACHING AND OBEDIENCE MUST
FOLLOW - Mt 28:20
1. This brings us back to the very definition of discipleship
2. For Jesus clearly states:
a. We are to be TAUGHT (that is, to be LEARNERS)
b. We are to OBSERVE (that is, to be ADHERENTS or DOERS)
3. In this way we embark on a life devoted to learning and doing
all that Jesus has commanded us to do
CONCLUSION
1. Only those scripturally baptized and demonstrating the "marks" of
discipleship, despite the "costs," can truly be called disciples of
Jesus!
2. Only they can realistically look forward to the "rewards" of
discipleship, and take consolation in the promise of Jesus:
"and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age"
- Mt 28:20
If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then the prospects of "A
Closer Walk With God" and more fruitful service as a disciple should
be of great interest to you. I hope the lessons to follow will help
fulfill that interest.
Are You A Disciple Of Jesus?
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of
the age."
INTRODUCTION
1. The above statement was made by Jesus to His apostles shortly before
He ascended to heaven - Mt 28:18-20
2. Commonly called "The Great Commission," notice the main thought of
Jesus' command...
a. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..."
b. To "make disciples," therefore, is the GOAL of evangelizing the
world for Christ
3. Are you a disciple of Jesus?
a. More than likely you believe in Jesus...
b. You might even be one to attend church services regularly
-- But is that what it means to be His disciple?
4. The purpose in this study is to make clear what is involved in
being a true disciple of Jesus Christ
[To begin, let's define the word "disciple"...]
I. THE DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE
A. THE WORD "DISCIPLE"...
1. The word "disciple" literally means A LEARNER
2. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary Of New Testament
Words, it denotes "one who follows another's teaching"
3. But a disciple was not only a learner, he was also AN ADHERENT
4. For this reason disciples were spoken of as IMITATORS of their
teachers.
B. THE GOAL IN BEING A DISCIPLE...
1. Stated by Jesus himself: to be like the teacher - Lk 6:40
2. To be Christ's disciple, then, is to strive to be like Him!
3. According to the apostle Paul, this coincides with God's goal
in the redemption of mankind, that they be conformed to the
image of His Son - Ro 8:29
[Do you have a strong desire to follow Jesus and become like Him?
Unless you do, it cannot be said that you are truly His disciple!
There are also some "identifying marks" of discipleship given by Jesus
which can help us to further identify a true disciple of Jesus...]
II. THE MARKS OF A DISCIPLE
A. A DISCIPLE IS "ONE WHO ABIDES IN JESUS' WORDS" - Jn 8:31
1. This would imply being a diligent student of the teachings of
Christ
2. It also requires one to be a "doer" of the Word - Mt 7:21-27;
Jm 1:21-25
3. In view of this, a true disciple would not...
a. Fail to study the Bible diligently
b. Willingly refrain from opportunities to study with others
(e.g., Bible classes, church services, gospel meetings).
B. A DISCIPLE IS ALSO "ONE WHO LOVES THE BRETHREN" - Jn 13:34-35
1. With a love patterned after the love of Jesus ("as I have
loved you")
2. With a love that is visible to the world ("by this all will
know")
3. Therefore, a true disciple would...
a. Make every effort to get to know his brethren
b. Take advantage of occasions to encourage and grow closer to
them (e.g., attending services on Sunday and Wednesday
nights)
4. Remember, a disciple is one who wants to become like his
teacher
a. Was Jesus willing to sacrifice time and effort for His
brethren?
b. Of course, and so will we... IF we are truly HIS disciples!
C. A DISCIPLE IS "ONE WHO BEARS MUCH FRUIT" - Jn 15:8
1. Notice the word "much" (also found in verse 5)
a. Jesus is not talking about an occasional good deed
b. But a lifestyle which prompts people to glorify God!
- Mt 5:16
2. This is so important, that failure to bear much fruit will
result in being severed from Christ - Jn 15:1-2
3. How can one be a disciple if he or she is cut off from Christ?
[The point should be clear: to be a disciple of Jesus Christ means
more that just a casual church member. It requires COMMITMENT,
especially in regards to:
The teachings of Christ
The love of brethren
Bearing fruit to the glory of God
The kind of commitment involved is seen further when we consider the
"high cost" of discipleship demanded by Jesus in Lk 14:25-33...]
III. THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE
A. JESUS MUST COME FIRST - Lk 14:26
1. Before anyone else, including members of our own family
- Mt 10:34-37
2. Even before one's own self - Lk 9:23-25
B. WE MUST BE WILLING TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST - Lk 14:27
1. Trying to live godly lives in an ungodly world, we may find
that following Christ sometimes involves ridicule and
persecution - 2Ti 3:12
2. Even if we are blessed to escape such things, we must still be
willing to expend time and effort in promoting the cause of
Christ in positive ways
C. PUTTING IT SIMPLY, WE MUST FORSAKE ALL TO FOLLOW CHRIST
- Lk 14:33
1. In other words, Jesus must be KING and LORD of our lives
2. Nothing can take precedent over Him and His Will for us
[This kind of "high cost" of discipleship demanded by Jesus caused
many people to turn away from following Him. But Jesus wasn't trying
to attract large crowds, He wanted disciples!
Is the COST worth it? I believe so, for consider some of the REWARDS
of discipleship...]
IV. THE REWARDS OF BEING A DISCIPLE
A. THERE IS THE PROMISE OF "FUTURE BLESSINGS"...
1. We shall be saved from the wrath of God which is yet to come
upon the world for its sins - Ro 5:9
2. We can look forward with joyful anticipation of eternity with
God, free from sorrow, pain and death - Re 21:1-8
B. THERE ARE ALSO "PRESENT BLESSINGS"...
1. Jesus offers a PEACE the world cannot give to calm the
troubled heart - Jn 14:27
2. His words inspire JOY to lift our spirits out of any
depression - Jn 15:11
3. He also offers to those who follow Him the ABIDING LOVE OF
GOD, which can cast out fear - Jn 15:9; 1Jn 4:18
4. And he makes it possible for us to be members of THE FAMILY OF
GOD, which is able if need be to replace our physical family
- Mk 10:28-30
[There are many other blessings we could mention that are enjoyed by
disciples of Jesus; but these suffice to demonstrate that though
discipleship is costly, the rewards far exceed the cost!
Now that we understand the nature of discipleship, its cost and
rewards, I hope that we want to be true disciples of Jesus Christ.
But how does one begin?
For the answer we return to our beginning text - Mt 28:19-20...]
V. THE BEGINNING OF A DISCIPLE
A. ACCORDING TO JESUS, IT INVOLVES BAPTISM - Mt 28:19
1. Why baptism?
a. Remember the goal of discipleship: to be like Jesus
b. He was holy and sinless, yet we are to be like Him
c. Fortunately, baptism is described as an act of faith which
puts us in contact with the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ
so we can be forgiven - Ac 2:38; 22:16; Ro 6:3-4
d. It is also the means by which one "puts on Christ"
- Ga 3:27
-- SO BAPTISM IS THE LOGICAL STARTING PLACE FOR TRUE
DISCIPLESHIP!
2. But what is baptism?
a. It is an act of submission which must be preceded by faith
in Jesus and repentance for our sins - Ac 2:36-38; 8:36-37
1) This precludes infant baptism
2) For infants are incapable of believing and repenting
b. It is also an act of submission which involves a burial in
water, in which one then rises to walk in newness of life
through the power of God - Ac 8:38; Ro 6:3-4; Col 2:12
1) This precludes sprinkling or pouring as a mode of
baptism
2) For neither of these involve a "burial" nor an immersion
(which is the meaning of the Greek word "baptidzo")
c. When done according to the Word of God, baptism then
becomes an act of faith on our part which results in a
wonderful working of God in our lives!
1) Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus
- Ac 22:16; Ep 5:25-27
2) We are "regenerated" and "renewed" by the Spirit of God
so we can now live for God! - Tit 3:5-6
3) It is truly a "rebirth" involving both water and the
Spirit - Jn 3:5
B. BUT BAPTISM IS ONLY THE BEGINNING, TEACHING AND OBEDIENCE MUST
FOLLOW - Mt 28:20
1. This brings us back to the very definition of discipleship
2. For Jesus clearly states:
a. We are to be TAUGHT (that is, to be LEARNERS)
b. We are to OBSERVE (that is, to be ADHERENTS or DOERS)
3. In this way we embark on a life devoted to learning and doing
all that Jesus has commanded us to do
CONCLUSION
1. Only those scripturally baptized and demonstrating the "marks" of
discipleship, despite the "costs," can truly be called disciples of
Jesus!
2. Only they can realistically look forward to the "rewards" of
discipleship, and take consolation in the promise of Jesus:
"and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age"
- Mt 28:20
If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then the prospects of "A
Closer Walk With God" and more fruitful service as a disciple should
be of great interest to you. I hope the lessons to follow will help
fulfill that interest.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Focusing on Jesus: Jesus Walks on Water
Jesus Walks on the Water
22(Q) Immediately he(R) made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds,(S) he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When(T) evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat by this time was a long way[b] from the land,[c] beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And(U) in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea,(V) they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, (W) "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and(X) walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind,[d] he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out,(Y) "Lord, save me." 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, (Z) "O you of little faith, why did you(AA) doubt?" 32And when they got into the boat,(AB) the wind ceased. 33And(AC) those in the boat(AD) worshiped him, saying,(AE) "Truly you are(AF) the Son of God." Mat 14:22-33
I changed the picture on my blog to reflect this powerful story. Think about it this way, right after feeding the 5000, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. Well into the night, a storm comes up on the Disciples. Jesus appears walking on the water. This terrifies the disciples and they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them in verse 27, "Take heart! It is I. Do not be afraid."
Peter replies, "Lord, if it's you, command me to come to you on the water." So Jesus invites Peter to come. Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Peter cries out to the Lord and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches Peter. As they climb into the boat together, the storm ceases. Then the disciples worship Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Some reflection:
• Jesus sends the disciples away so he can be alone on the mountainside to pray. With everything going on spending time with God is a priority for Jesus.
• The disciples, even though they have spent much time with Jesus, don't recognize him in the storm. Sometimes we don't recognize the Lord when he comes to us in the middle of our "storms." In fact, many times things that appear appear frightening to us are actually instances of Jesus "drawing near". It's not until we're extremely close to Jesus that we can actually recognize Him.
• Peter doesn't begin to sink until he starts looking around at the wind and the waves. Taking our eyes off Jesus, and focusing on the difficult circumstances in our lives will cause us to get under our problems- we start to sink. But when we focus on Jesus, he catches us by the hand and raises us above the seemingly impossible circumstances.
• Peter starts out with good intentions, but his faith falters. Sound familiar? This does not, however, end in failure. Peter, even in his fear, cries out to the Lord, the only one who can help him.
• When Jesus gets in the boat, the storm ceases. When we have Jesus "in our boat" (our life) the storms of life will be calmed and we can worship and be in relationship with Him.
22(Q) Immediately he(R) made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds,(S) he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When(T) evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat by this time was a long way[b] from the land,[c] beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And(U) in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea,(V) they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, (W) "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and(X) walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind,[d] he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out,(Y) "Lord, save me." 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, (Z) "O you of little faith, why did you(AA) doubt?" 32And when they got into the boat,(AB) the wind ceased. 33And(AC) those in the boat(AD) worshiped him, saying,(AE) "Truly you are(AF) the Son of God." Mat 14:22-33
I changed the picture on my blog to reflect this powerful story. Think about it this way, right after feeding the 5000, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. Well into the night, a storm comes up on the Disciples. Jesus appears walking on the water. This terrifies the disciples and they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them in verse 27, "Take heart! It is I. Do not be afraid."
Peter replies, "Lord, if it's you, command me to come to you on the water." So Jesus invites Peter to come. Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Peter cries out to the Lord and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches Peter. As they climb into the boat together, the storm ceases. Then the disciples worship Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Some reflection:
• Jesus sends the disciples away so he can be alone on the mountainside to pray. With everything going on spending time with God is a priority for Jesus.
• The disciples, even though they have spent much time with Jesus, don't recognize him in the storm. Sometimes we don't recognize the Lord when he comes to us in the middle of our "storms." In fact, many times things that appear appear frightening to us are actually instances of Jesus "drawing near". It's not until we're extremely close to Jesus that we can actually recognize Him.
• Peter doesn't begin to sink until he starts looking around at the wind and the waves. Taking our eyes off Jesus, and focusing on the difficult circumstances in our lives will cause us to get under our problems- we start to sink. But when we focus on Jesus, he catches us by the hand and raises us above the seemingly impossible circumstances.
• Peter starts out with good intentions, but his faith falters. Sound familiar? This does not, however, end in failure. Peter, even in his fear, cries out to the Lord, the only one who can help him.
• When Jesus gets in the boat, the storm ceases. When we have Jesus "in our boat" (our life) the storms of life will be calmed and we can worship and be in relationship with Him.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark
I am LOVING school so far, and in just 1 week I feel like I have already learned so much. Regarding Discipleship, looking at the Gospel of Mark, Disciples are:
- Servants in the Kingdom who think God's thoughts (8:31-33)
- Pursue the life of the cross (8:34-38)
- Through the message (9:1-18) and
- Example of Jesus (9:9-31)
- Rejecting status (9:33-37), exclusivism (9:38-10:16), and worldly treasure 10:17-31)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Haggai the Horrible? Not hardly!!
I am preaching Sunday and the Lord has led me to Haggai. Really good stuff in Haggai, and I am focusing on Chapter 2. In this chapter Haggai stands amid the ruins of the temple and asks the Israelites to remember their former glory and that they can rebuild and be restored. It is the reassurance that with God, all things are possible! This applies to all situations, and to us today. Here is a little excerpt:
The second question is, "How does the world look to you?" The Bible teaches us that God so loves this world that He gave His only Begotten Son so that the world, when it believes in Him, might have everlasting life (John 3:16). God sees the world as redeemable, & He sees each of us as channels through whom His redemptive message might travel.
So what do you feel when you look at the world? Do you feel anything at all? One of the crippling influences in the church today is that of apathy: an indifference that is so prevalent that it has affected the influence of many churches. "As long as my world is secure, as long as I am comfortable, then I don’t really give the world a second thought."
Hope to see you Sunday for the full message!
The second question is, "How does the world look to you?" The Bible teaches us that God so loves this world that He gave His only Begotten Son so that the world, when it believes in Him, might have everlasting life (John 3:16). God sees the world as redeemable, & He sees each of us as channels through whom His redemptive message might travel.
So what do you feel when you look at the world? Do you feel anything at all? One of the crippling influences in the church today is that of apathy: an indifference that is so prevalent that it has affected the influence of many churches. "As long as my world is secure, as long as I am comfortable, then I don’t really give the world a second thought."
Hope to see you Sunday for the full message!
Monday, August 30, 2010
First day of school
Well, tomorrow is the first day of school for my kids, and also for me! I am extremely excited to start back to school. I have 3 semester's left, just 5 classes to complete my Master's in Theology, woohoo! I'm really looking forward to this term's class. Term A I am taking , "New Testament Strategies for Evangelism and Discipleship". Picked up my books today and they both look like winners:
- "Patterns of Discipleship in the New Testament" by Richard Longenecker. This is a collection of essays by current leading theologians on the topic. Great looking stuff too. Some of the essay titles are as follow: Taking Up the Cross Daily, Becoming Like God Through Christ, They Believed in Him. I think this book is going to be awesome!
- "Evangelism in the Early Church" by Michael Green. This book starts with a quote from Billy Graham, "...It has given me great personal encouragement." Sounds like a great endorsement, right? This is a thoroughly deep dive in what the Evangel is. Great stuff.
Needless to say, I can't wait to get started and dig into class. In Term B, I'm taking Spiritual Development. More to follow on that as we get closer.
Here's praying for a great semester!!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
In the essentials...
There are some quotes that just stick with you, and for me this is one of them. This quote which is often attributed to St. Augustine is one of my favorites: “In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in omnibus caritas.” This famous motto appeared for the first time in Germany in AD 1627 and came originally, it is believed, from Rupertus Meldenius. It was utilized among the peaceful theologians of the Lutheran and German Reformed Churches, then found great welcome among the Anglicans. In English, it is translated most often as:
In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.
Anyone who listens to Hank Hannagraf, aka "The Bible Answer Man" hears him use this quote all the time. Great quote, and how true it really is.
In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.
Anyone who listens to Hank Hannagraf, aka "The Bible Answer Man" hears him use this quote all the time. Great quote, and how true it really is.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Christ is THE Creator!
VBS this week sure has been awesome. Our theme has been The Egypt File and dealing with creation. The reality is, as we learned in our theme verse Psalm 139:14, we are fearfully and wonderfully created by God!
To close VBS week, we'll be doing a VBS themed Sunday, where the kids will get to come in and sing all the songs they learned all week. It is going to be fun! Also, I get to deliver my first sermon as a part of the LifePointe family, and I am really excited. I'll be focusing on Heb 1:2, "...but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things,through whom also he created the world.", and wrap up the week with a message on Creation and why the Bible account of creation is fully trustworthy! I have really enjoyed researching and writing this message, and am almost complete. Here is a little snippet of the message:
God is relegated to a God of the Gaps
The Bible reveals God as the “a posteriori”: that is the “Prime Cause” of all things. As Christians we acknowledge that there is one God, the Father, from whom come all things; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. (1 Corinthians 8:6).
However, in theistic evolution the only place for God is that which evolution cannot “explain” or the designer working quietly, and very slowly, behind the scenes. In this way God is not the Prime Cause, He is reduced to being a god of the gaps, or a god of the “plan B’s”.
What this process does is that it undermines the trustworthiness of God’s Word. As Christians we believe that the Bible is the one and only source of truth given and inspired by God. (2 Tim 3:16)...
Hope to see many of you there Sunday!
To close VBS week, we'll be doing a VBS themed Sunday, where the kids will get to come in and sing all the songs they learned all week. It is going to be fun! Also, I get to deliver my first sermon as a part of the LifePointe family, and I am really excited. I'll be focusing on Heb 1:2, "...but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things,through whom also he created the world.", and wrap up the week with a message on Creation and why the Bible account of creation is fully trustworthy! I have really enjoyed researching and writing this message, and am almost complete. Here is a little snippet of the message:
God is relegated to a God of the Gaps
The Bible reveals God as the “a posteriori”: that is the “Prime Cause” of all things. As Christians we acknowledge that there is one God, the Father, from whom come all things; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. (1 Corinthians 8:6).
However, in theistic evolution the only place for God is that which evolution cannot “explain” or the designer working quietly, and very slowly, behind the scenes. In this way God is not the Prime Cause, He is reduced to being a god of the gaps, or a god of the “plan B’s”.
What this process does is that it undermines the trustworthiness of God’s Word. As Christians we believe that the Bible is the one and only source of truth given and inspired by God. (2 Tim 3:16)...
Hope to see many of you there Sunday!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Wow, VBS the time is here!
Gideon’s Three Hundred Men - Judges 6
"1Then(A) Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside(B) the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them,(C) by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
2The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand,(D) lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' 3Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying,(E) 'Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'" Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.
4And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall not go with you,' shall not go." 5So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink." 6And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. 7And the LORD said to Gideon,(F) "With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home." 8So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him(G) in the valley. "
This is one of my favorite scripture passages. As you can see, Gideon goes to fight the Midianites with some 30,000 soldiers. But God knew that Gideon's victory would not glorify God if it were done with a mighty human army. So, God tests Gideon's faithfulness by paring back the army to just 300 men. The odds were awful, and no one in their right mind would think Gideon would stand a chance. But as the story goes, God delivered the victory to Gideon. Everybody glorified God because the victory was due to God alone.
I draw strength from this passage, as we all can, because 1 plus God equals a majority! Nothing is impossible for, or with, God. As I think about VBS, and how quickly it came upon us, and how much still seems left to do, I draw strength from the story of Gideon knowing that God will work it all out!
Hope to see many of you at LifePointe this week for VBS! Keep us in your prayers!
"1Then(A) Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside(B) the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them,(C) by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
2The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand,(D) lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' 3Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying,(E) 'Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'" Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.
4And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall not go with you,' shall not go." 5So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink." 6And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. 7And the LORD said to Gideon,(F) "With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home." 8So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him(G) in the valley. "
This is one of my favorite scripture passages. As you can see, Gideon goes to fight the Midianites with some 30,000 soldiers. But God knew that Gideon's victory would not glorify God if it were done with a mighty human army. So, God tests Gideon's faithfulness by paring back the army to just 300 men. The odds were awful, and no one in their right mind would think Gideon would stand a chance. But as the story goes, God delivered the victory to Gideon. Everybody glorified God because the victory was due to God alone.
I draw strength from this passage, as we all can, because 1 plus God equals a majority! Nothing is impossible for, or with, God. As I think about VBS, and how quickly it came upon us, and how much still seems left to do, I draw strength from the story of Gideon knowing that God will work it all out!
Hope to see many of you at LifePointe this week for VBS! Keep us in your prayers!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Egypt File- Vacation Bible School Baby!!
Hard to believe it, but our Vacation Bible School starts this coming Monday. It's about decoding the past, creation, God's creation, understanding that we (humans) do not come from apes, or monkeys, or lemurs, or fish. We are created in God's image. We are God's crowning achievement in creation. We are the object of God's love and affection, and the reason why he sent Jesus Christ to redeem us, to save us, or as the great quote goes, "Jesus was everything and became nothing, so that we who are nothing could become everything we were created for!"
But I do not want to write about what we're going to learn this week. If you want to learn more come join us at LifePointe. Just follow the links on this blog. What I want to talk about how truly wonderful the church (in a larger since) can be.
This VBS which starts Monday, came in a pack that tells the Director (me) that we need to start 6 months out to pull off this event. We at LifePointe started working on this VBS 5 weeks ago, but truly with God all thing are possible! What I am impressed by is the dedication of the church members. I won't mention specific names because I know they would rather have it that way. But the truth is, what I have seen is truly the church in action.
In the early church, those who had gave for the betterment of the church. Those who could, would, for the betterment of the church. Those who knew, shared for the betterment of the church. Seeing church member dedicate time, resources, and make sacrifices for the church...that is what it is all about.
Jesus served: He fed people, He healed, He washed feet, He bore burdens. He modeled church for us. He modeled community for us. It is a beautiful thing, and I am blessed to be a part of this ministry.
But I do not want to write about what we're going to learn this week. If you want to learn more come join us at LifePointe. Just follow the links on this blog. What I want to talk about how truly wonderful the church (in a larger since) can be.
This VBS which starts Monday, came in a pack that tells the Director (me) that we need to start 6 months out to pull off this event. We at LifePointe started working on this VBS 5 weeks ago, but truly with God all thing are possible! What I am impressed by is the dedication of the church members. I won't mention specific names because I know they would rather have it that way. But the truth is, what I have seen is truly the church in action.
In the early church, those who had gave for the betterment of the church. Those who could, would, for the betterment of the church. Those who knew, shared for the betterment of the church. Seeing church member dedicate time, resources, and make sacrifices for the church...that is what it is all about.
Jesus served: He fed people, He healed, He washed feet, He bore burdens. He modeled church for us. He modeled community for us. It is a beautiful thing, and I am blessed to be a part of this ministry.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Are you a committed Christian?
On 6/25 I have the opportunity to preach at Community Bible Church while my friend Pastor Scott is out of town. I have been working on my sermon and have decided on 2 Corinthians 11 as the chapter I'll be preaching out of. The theme of the message is: Do you have the credentials to be a Christian? Here is a small excerpt from the message:
III. STRESSFUL CONCERNS
V. 28 "Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches."
Concern for the churches. Talk about "stressful concern." To be concerned about just one church would be stressful enough, but Paul was concerned about all the churches where he had preached or served. One credential of a committed Christian is that he or she is concerned about their church.
ILL.- A known backslider told his preacher after the church service, "Wonderful sermon, Pastor. Everything you said reminds me of somebody or other I’ve known or met."
Brothers and sisters, we should have a concern for the church, but not a critical concern, not a condemning concern. Our concern should be discerning, but not damning. It should be perceptive, but not policing.
Rom. 14:1 "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters."
Rom. 14:19 "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
Rom. 15:1-3 "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself..."
Our concern for the Lord’s church should be to build up, not to tear down. It should be toleration for one another in the church, not torment of one another. It should be edification, encouragement, helpfulness, kindness, consideration, compassion, and sympathy...Much of the time in life we are only concerned about ourselves, but the credential of a true Christian is that he or she is concerned about others. The Christian is always watching out for others: carrying packages, helping with this or that, opening doors for others, running errands, attending to needs, looking for ways to serve others.
Brothers and sisters, a genuine concern for people makes the difference. It makes the difference in life and in the church. Concern for the church must mean concern for one another. And when this is evident, good things will happen. Genuine love, genuine concern will build a church and bless the world around it.
John 13:35 Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Genuine concern for the church, genuine concern for others is a credential of a committed Christian.
III. STRESSFUL CONCERNS
V. 28 "Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches."
Concern for the churches. Talk about "stressful concern." To be concerned about just one church would be stressful enough, but Paul was concerned about all the churches where he had preached or served. One credential of a committed Christian is that he or she is concerned about their church.
ILL.- A known backslider told his preacher after the church service, "Wonderful sermon, Pastor. Everything you said reminds me of somebody or other I’ve known or met."
Brothers and sisters, we should have a concern for the church, but not a critical concern, not a condemning concern. Our concern should be discerning, but not damning. It should be perceptive, but not policing.
Rom. 14:1 "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters."
Rom. 14:19 "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
Rom. 15:1-3 "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself..."
Our concern for the Lord’s church should be to build up, not to tear down. It should be toleration for one another in the church, not torment of one another. It should be edification, encouragement, helpfulness, kindness, consideration, compassion, and sympathy...Much of the time in life we are only concerned about ourselves, but the credential of a true Christian is that he or she is concerned about others. The Christian is always watching out for others: carrying packages, helping with this or that, opening doors for others, running errands, attending to needs, looking for ways to serve others.
Brothers and sisters, a genuine concern for people makes the difference. It makes the difference in life and in the church. Concern for the church must mean concern for one another. And when this is evident, good things will happen. Genuine love, genuine concern will build a church and bless the world around it.
John 13:35 Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Genuine concern for the church, genuine concern for others is a credential of a committed Christian.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Malone it is!
Again it has been some time since my last blog entry, and I am amazed at the way the Lord works in my life. This time, it's about my seminary studies. Where to start...
It was fall of 2008, I had just completed 21hrs of the 36hrs needed in my Master's in Christian Ministry program at Malone. Only 5 classes left! Even though I was so close, I decided to take a semester off because Laurie was expecting Luci and there was a lot to do in preparing for baby #4. The plan was to start back up in the spring.
But during my time off, I was starting to reflect on my degree, an I felt that I was not getting enough of what I was craving, which was theology. I expressed this concern to several professors at Malone. They told me that they were working on it, but it would probably not happen in time for me.
That said, I was still planning on going back in the Spring. But then, crazy stuff began happening with my work schedule so I ended up skipping Spring semester as well. As I missed spring semester I really started to question what I would do. I felt like I needed a real Theology based degree.
So, in fall of 2009, with the advice of my Sr. Pastor, I decided to enroll at Liberty University and complete my degree online. I was ecstatic! I was going to complete a degree in Biblical Interpretation in the same amount of time as I would have at Malone. All I could think about was all those cool theology and hermeneutics classes. But believe it or not, I missed registration deadlines in the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010.
Now I had had enough. I was absolutely, positively committed to starting in the fall of 2010. I was starting to feel like I would never finish this degree that I had already done so much for. I was not crazy about studying online, but I had to get it done.
So this week, as I called Malone for some unrelated transcript info, I had a conversation with the Dean of the School of Theology. He shares with me that they have just started offering a Masters in Theological Studies and if I wanted I could pick up in the program from where I was!! Seriously! So now I am registered starting in the fall to complete my MATS through Malone. I get my theology, my Greek and Hebrew, my hermeneutics, and I still get to graduate in just 3 semesters.
Looking back on it, what seemed like hurdles, frustrations, and setbacks was probably God telling me when and where was the right time to start and finish school. I pray this is it. I so want to complete school and move on with my ministry. I pray it all goes well and I cannot wait to get my new Malone student ID card!!
It was fall of 2008, I had just completed 21hrs of the 36hrs needed in my Master's in Christian Ministry program at Malone. Only 5 classes left! Even though I was so close, I decided to take a semester off because Laurie was expecting Luci and there was a lot to do in preparing for baby #4. The plan was to start back up in the spring.
But during my time off, I was starting to reflect on my degree, an I felt that I was not getting enough of what I was craving, which was theology. I expressed this concern to several professors at Malone. They told me that they were working on it, but it would probably not happen in time for me.
That said, I was still planning on going back in the Spring. But then, crazy stuff began happening with my work schedule so I ended up skipping Spring semester as well. As I missed spring semester I really started to question what I would do. I felt like I needed a real Theology based degree.
So, in fall of 2009, with the advice of my Sr. Pastor, I decided to enroll at Liberty University and complete my degree online. I was ecstatic! I was going to complete a degree in Biblical Interpretation in the same amount of time as I would have at Malone. All I could think about was all those cool theology and hermeneutics classes. But believe it or not, I missed registration deadlines in the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010.
Now I had had enough. I was absolutely, positively committed to starting in the fall of 2010. I was starting to feel like I would never finish this degree that I had already done so much for. I was not crazy about studying online, but I had to get it done.
So this week, as I called Malone for some unrelated transcript info, I had a conversation with the Dean of the School of Theology. He shares with me that they have just started offering a Masters in Theological Studies and if I wanted I could pick up in the program from where I was!! Seriously! So now I am registered starting in the fall to complete my MATS through Malone. I get my theology, my Greek and Hebrew, my hermeneutics, and I still get to graduate in just 3 semesters.
Looking back on it, what seemed like hurdles, frustrations, and setbacks was probably God telling me when and where was the right time to start and finish school. I pray this is it. I so want to complete school and move on with my ministry. I pray it all goes well and I cannot wait to get my new Malone student ID card!!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Sin and the Image of God
I haven't written in my blog for a while, what with summer vacation, kids sports, work and church I have found it hard to get time. But since I just registered for classes this fall I started brushing up on my reading and preparation again and I came across this paper that I wrote on "Sin and the Image of God". Interesting stuff!! I am including an excerpt below. What do you think? Enjoy:
According to Hoekma, sin is a perverse way of using God given gifts and powers. (Hoekma, 113-132). This is a way of looking at sin as the taking of God’s good creation and disrupting that image. Much like what we see happen prior to and then after Gen 3:15; pre curse and post curse creation. Nothing is the same afterwards. Plantinga also has an interesting definition of sin; the willful breaking of shalom. (Plantinga, 10) Shalom in the Bible means “universal flourishing, wholeness and delight- a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts are fruitfully employed.” (Plantinga, 10) In other words, shalom is the way things are supposed to be. Sin is then the breaking of shalom willfully, which is a result of the stain of the image of God in men to begin with. Plantinga goes on to say that, “sin outstrips other human troubles by perverting special human excellences.” (Plantinga, 3) I think that last statement gets to the heart of the affect on our imago Deo; our excellences in God’s image are perverted. Still present, but perverted. This is much like a giant Maple tree that has grown crooked, still a Maple but not as useful for shade as it otherwise would have been. We still reflect our God image, but is has been stained.
But sin does not have to defeat us, we know what sin is. And our gracious and loving God sent His son to save us from ourselves. 1 John 4:10 states, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His son to be a propitiation for our sins.” God does not want us to be defeated, although we are stained from birth through original sin. God not only sent his son, but we are also able through scripture and study to assess sin and assign it characteristics that allow us to comprehend and avoid it. Hoekema lists the multiple facets of the nature of Sin in chapter 9. I feel that an understanding of sin’s nature is valuable in learning how to deal with it. First, sin does not have an independent existence. This stresses that sin in actuality is the perversion of something which was good, a defect. Augustine called it the deprivation of that which is good. The reason that sin cannot be independent is evident in that it can be conquered. If sin were actually a substance, an actual part of the essence of man, then how would we be able to conquer it? It is this understanding that allows man, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ to break free from sin and to change course. Sin is not a physical aspect of man, it is a perversion of the direction of man.(Hoekma, 169)
Secondly, sin is an essence that is related to God and the will of God. If there is no God, there is no sin. As we see all through scripture, it is the law (the Law of God) that brings consciousness to sin. Rom 3:20 declares that “…through the law we become conscious of sin.” Rom 7:7 states it as follows, “Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what it was to covet if the law had not said ‘Do not covet’”. (Hoekma, 171) The law gives us understanding, knowledge that at the end of the day, all is sin acted out by us and is against God.
Third, sin has at its source in the heart. (Hoekma, 171) I understand the implication here. Sin is essence, not physical. What is the heart? It is the emotion of man. The spring of both the good and evil that man is capable of. Mat 15:19 states. “For out of the heart comes evil thoughts, murders, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony and slander.” This also leads to the 4th and most interrelated point on sin, sin includes actions and thoughts. The “lust of the flesh” that it spoken of in Galatians 5:16 encapsulates in the word ‘flesh” the entire human nature. (Hoekma, 172) It is our innermost being that is marred, that is perverted. Plantinga reinforces sinful thoughts as sin by delineating further that just assuming that you are offending God in some way is evidence of sin. (Plantinga, 22)
Lastly, at the root of all sin is pride. In some fashion we want to be like God. (Hoekma, 173) That was the overriding impulse in Gen 3:5 with the fall of man. Augustine sums it up in this manner:
And what is the origin of our evil will but pride? For “pride is the beginning of sin.”(Eccl 10:13) And what is pride but the craving for undue exaltation? And this undue exaltation, when the soul abandons Him to whom it ought to cleave as its end, and becomes a kind of end to itself.” (Hoekma, 173)
Plantinga sums it up very nicely, going on to paraphrase Niebuhr and the idea of security. This also is a version of pride as we (man) are looking to gain what we want when we want it:
In the end, says Reinhold Niebuhr, we human beings want security. We feel restless and anxious in the world because we are both finite and free, both limited and unlimited. We are persons of seemingly endless possibilities and of immense power, but we are also creatures utterly dependent on the good offices of our Creator. So we live on the edge of finitude and freedom, anxious lest we miss opportunities and anxious anew when we have exploited them…but our anxiety as Niebuhr observes, is only the context for sin, not its cause. Out base problem is unbelief. Failing to trust in the infinite God, we live anxiously, restlessly, always trying to secure and extend ourselves with finite goods that can’t take the weight we put on them…Unbelief says Niebuhr, yields anxiety, which yields alternating pride and sensuality. (Plantinga, 61)
This is the base and I agree with this assessment. We, man, want to secure for ourselves with a degree of certainty, what we can gain for ourselves. While God wants us to live dependent on him for all things, like the Israelites as they wandered the dessert getting food only daily, or the sparrow which neither reaps nor sows, God wants us to rely on him for life and our daily needs. We, however, sin marred as we are and prideful, want to usurp that power from God to ourselves. In essence, that is what I believe is the issue....
Thoughts?
According to Hoekma, sin is a perverse way of using God given gifts and powers. (Hoekma, 113-132). This is a way of looking at sin as the taking of God’s good creation and disrupting that image. Much like what we see happen prior to and then after Gen 3:15; pre curse and post curse creation. Nothing is the same afterwards. Plantinga also has an interesting definition of sin; the willful breaking of shalom. (Plantinga, 10) Shalom in the Bible means “universal flourishing, wholeness and delight- a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts are fruitfully employed.” (Plantinga, 10) In other words, shalom is the way things are supposed to be. Sin is then the breaking of shalom willfully, which is a result of the stain of the image of God in men to begin with. Plantinga goes on to say that, “sin outstrips other human troubles by perverting special human excellences.” (Plantinga, 3) I think that last statement gets to the heart of the affect on our imago Deo; our excellences in God’s image are perverted. Still present, but perverted. This is much like a giant Maple tree that has grown crooked, still a Maple but not as useful for shade as it otherwise would have been. We still reflect our God image, but is has been stained.
But sin does not have to defeat us, we know what sin is. And our gracious and loving God sent His son to save us from ourselves. 1 John 4:10 states, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His son to be a propitiation for our sins.” God does not want us to be defeated, although we are stained from birth through original sin. God not only sent his son, but we are also able through scripture and study to assess sin and assign it characteristics that allow us to comprehend and avoid it. Hoekema lists the multiple facets of the nature of Sin in chapter 9. I feel that an understanding of sin’s nature is valuable in learning how to deal with it. First, sin does not have an independent existence. This stresses that sin in actuality is the perversion of something which was good, a defect. Augustine called it the deprivation of that which is good. The reason that sin cannot be independent is evident in that it can be conquered. If sin were actually a substance, an actual part of the essence of man, then how would we be able to conquer it? It is this understanding that allows man, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ to break free from sin and to change course. Sin is not a physical aspect of man, it is a perversion of the direction of man.(Hoekma, 169)
Secondly, sin is an essence that is related to God and the will of God. If there is no God, there is no sin. As we see all through scripture, it is the law (the Law of God) that brings consciousness to sin. Rom 3:20 declares that “…through the law we become conscious of sin.” Rom 7:7 states it as follows, “Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what it was to covet if the law had not said ‘Do not covet’”. (Hoekma, 171) The law gives us understanding, knowledge that at the end of the day, all is sin acted out by us and is against God.
Third, sin has at its source in the heart. (Hoekma, 171) I understand the implication here. Sin is essence, not physical. What is the heart? It is the emotion of man. The spring of both the good and evil that man is capable of. Mat 15:19 states. “For out of the heart comes evil thoughts, murders, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony and slander.” This also leads to the 4th and most interrelated point on sin, sin includes actions and thoughts. The “lust of the flesh” that it spoken of in Galatians 5:16 encapsulates in the word ‘flesh” the entire human nature. (Hoekma, 172) It is our innermost being that is marred, that is perverted. Plantinga reinforces sinful thoughts as sin by delineating further that just assuming that you are offending God in some way is evidence of sin. (Plantinga, 22)
Lastly, at the root of all sin is pride. In some fashion we want to be like God. (Hoekma, 173) That was the overriding impulse in Gen 3:5 with the fall of man. Augustine sums it up in this manner:
And what is the origin of our evil will but pride? For “pride is the beginning of sin.”(Eccl 10:13) And what is pride but the craving for undue exaltation? And this undue exaltation, when the soul abandons Him to whom it ought to cleave as its end, and becomes a kind of end to itself.” (Hoekma, 173)
Plantinga sums it up very nicely, going on to paraphrase Niebuhr and the idea of security. This also is a version of pride as we (man) are looking to gain what we want when we want it:
In the end, says Reinhold Niebuhr, we human beings want security. We feel restless and anxious in the world because we are both finite and free, both limited and unlimited. We are persons of seemingly endless possibilities and of immense power, but we are also creatures utterly dependent on the good offices of our Creator. So we live on the edge of finitude and freedom, anxious lest we miss opportunities and anxious anew when we have exploited them…but our anxiety as Niebuhr observes, is only the context for sin, not its cause. Out base problem is unbelief. Failing to trust in the infinite God, we live anxiously, restlessly, always trying to secure and extend ourselves with finite goods that can’t take the weight we put on them…Unbelief says Niebuhr, yields anxiety, which yields alternating pride and sensuality. (Plantinga, 61)
This is the base and I agree with this assessment. We, man, want to secure for ourselves with a degree of certainty, what we can gain for ourselves. While God wants us to live dependent on him for all things, like the Israelites as they wandered the dessert getting food only daily, or the sparrow which neither reaps nor sows, God wants us to rely on him for life and our daily needs. We, however, sin marred as we are and prideful, want to usurp that power from God to ourselves. In essence, that is what I believe is the issue....
Thoughts?
Sunday, June 13, 2010
How quickly things change!
"Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come." Eccl 8:7
Solomon's words have sounded so true in my ears today, and actually the last several days as I've pondered on and thought about all of the events in my life: old and new.
Today I celebrate 12 years of marriage with my wonderful wife Laurie. 12 years, absolutely unreal. Feels like they went by in the blink of an eye. I met Laurie at Kent State in 1992. We were married in 1998. What's happened in 10 years:
Solomon's words have sounded so true in my ears today, and actually the last several days as I've pondered on and thought about all of the events in my life: old and new.
Today I celebrate 12 years of marriage with my wonderful wife Laurie. 12 years, absolutely unreal. Feels like they went by in the blink of an eye. I met Laurie at Kent State in 1992. We were married in 1998. What's happened in 10 years:
- A little house on North Hill
- Trips to Aruba, Vegas, Niagara Falls, Florida, Roscoe Village, York and Reading PA, and others.
- For me, jobs at Smucker's, Sterling, Shearer's and GOJO
- For Laurie, jobs at Mr. Coffee, Sunbeam, Camelot, Bear-Pelland, and the hardest one at home!
- A Sentra, Protege, Focus, Taurus, Sable, Grand Caravan, and Town and Country
- Our house in Rootstown
- Sally in 2000
- CJ in 2002
- Dale in 2005
- Luci in 2008
- Soccer, Softball, T-Ball, Baseball, Cub Scouts, VBS, and yatta, yatta, yatta
- Most importantly, 7 years ago after much praying and praying, and praying by Laurie, I was saved and turned my life over to Jesus Christ.
- And now, Seminary and church
A lot has changed in the last 12 years. Laurie has been a Saint, and I sometimes have not. The Lord could not have given me a better wife, mother, or friend.
Today on our Anniversary, we also celebrated our first service as a part of LifePointe Church, where I was introduced as the new Associate Pastor. A wonderful service where we met a lot of wonderful people as we were totally surrounded by God's love and our new family in Christ.
But looking back, it is unreal what has occurred over the last 12 years. Solomon was correct, no man knows the future and know man knows what is to come. But I know this, the Lord has blessed me richly with my wife, my kids, and our ministry.
I pray my focus remains on Christ, and am open and ready to see what changes lie ahead over the next 12 years!!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
A change is a coming!
I’m writing this blog entry from a rather interesting place in my life. Many changes are in store for my ministry, and the sense of excitement and anticipation, along with a little anxiety are almost impossible to contain.
It is true that as the Lord closes some doors He opens others. We have recently announced that within a few days Turning Point Christian Ministry of Northeast Ohio will be joining LifePointe Church (formerly Atwater Baptist Church). We will then no longer be a separate ministry, but form one body as LifePointe Church. This means a new family with brothers and sisters in Christ, a new home, new and exciting opportunities to impact our surrounding communities, and new roles and responsibilities for myself and our current Sr. Pastor Ron.
As we join LifePointe, Pastor Lee who is the current Pastor of LifePointe Church will remain in the role of Lead Pastor. I am just getting to really know Lee and his family. He is a dynamic and spiritual man with a wonderful enthusiasm for the Lord and a heart for the ministry. He has a great young family and is doing much already to grow LifePointe Church and impact the community. He truly shares the vision that Ron and I had at Turning Point to be a voice for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and an impactful and integral part of the community. I am looking forward to a long future and deep friendship with Lee.
Our current Sr. Pastor Ron will be moving into the role of Life Development Pastor. In this role Ron will be leading Discipleship classes, continue to grow the Pulpit Fill ministry we had started, develop a counseling ministry, and also serve as a voice of advice and counsel with his many years of experience in starting, growing and leading a congregation. I have been tremendously blessed to have had Ron come into my life. His mentorship, friendship, and leadership have been an invaluable source of comfort and growth for me and my family. Ron and his family are now a part my family and I look forward to working and growing with him for many, many years.
I will move into the role of Student and Family Connection Pastor. In this role I’ll work closely and oversee the student and youth programs in the areas of Sunday School, VBS, Bible Studies and other activities. The potential here is HUGE!! This is an area of particular excitement for me as 1) I have always had a passion for teaching and evangelism, 2) I have always had a desire to challenge and grow students to their potential for all ages: Elementary, Middle, High School and College, and 3) While I am still finishing my Seminary work this gives me an opportunity to quickly put into action some of the things I will be learning in school.
This is an exciting time and there will be a lot of combined growth for all of us since Lee, Ron and myself will all be in relatively new positions with new responsibilities. Some of us have little experience in the things we will be doing in the weeks, months and years to come. But think about it this way:
It is true that as the Lord closes some doors He opens others. We have recently announced that within a few days Turning Point Christian Ministry of Northeast Ohio will be joining LifePointe Church (formerly Atwater Baptist Church). We will then no longer be a separate ministry, but form one body as LifePointe Church. This means a new family with brothers and sisters in Christ, a new home, new and exciting opportunities to impact our surrounding communities, and new roles and responsibilities for myself and our current Sr. Pastor Ron.
As we join LifePointe, Pastor Lee who is the current Pastor of LifePointe Church will remain in the role of Lead Pastor. I am just getting to really know Lee and his family. He is a dynamic and spiritual man with a wonderful enthusiasm for the Lord and a heart for the ministry. He has a great young family and is doing much already to grow LifePointe Church and impact the community. He truly shares the vision that Ron and I had at Turning Point to be a voice for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and an impactful and integral part of the community. I am looking forward to a long future and deep friendship with Lee.
Our current Sr. Pastor Ron will be moving into the role of Life Development Pastor. In this role Ron will be leading Discipleship classes, continue to grow the Pulpit Fill ministry we had started, develop a counseling ministry, and also serve as a voice of advice and counsel with his many years of experience in starting, growing and leading a congregation. I have been tremendously blessed to have had Ron come into my life. His mentorship, friendship, and leadership have been an invaluable source of comfort and growth for me and my family. Ron and his family are now a part my family and I look forward to working and growing with him for many, many years.
I will move into the role of Student and Family Connection Pastor. In this role I’ll work closely and oversee the student and youth programs in the areas of Sunday School, VBS, Bible Studies and other activities. The potential here is HUGE!! This is an area of particular excitement for me as 1) I have always had a passion for teaching and evangelism, 2) I have always had a desire to challenge and grow students to their potential for all ages: Elementary, Middle, High School and College, and 3) While I am still finishing my Seminary work this gives me an opportunity to quickly put into action some of the things I will be learning in school.
This is an exciting time and there will be a lot of combined growth for all of us since Lee, Ron and myself will all be in relatively new positions with new responsibilities. Some of us have little experience in the things we will be doing in the weeks, months and years to come. But think about it this way:
-When Abraham was enjoying his rich and plentiful life did he ever think he would be called to go to the Promised Land?
-When Moses was enjoying the splendors of Pharaoh’s court did he ever think he would be called to lead the Israelites -slaves- out of Egypt?
-When David was guarding his father’s sheep as a boy against lions and bears did he ever think he would have to fight Goliath?
-When a bunch of fisherman were working on their boats and nets did they ever think the Son of God would call them to spread the Gospel to a needy world?
-When Saul of Tarsus was trained under the best rabbinical teacher in the land and was zealously entrusted to eradicate the early Christians did he ever think he would become the Apostle Paul?
Obviously the answer to all of these is no. But then came God the Father, then came Jesus Christ, then came the Holy Spirit and made these men something other than what they were. What these men did possess was a sincere and humble heart that allowed them to submit to the Lord Almighty and be used as the “potter’s clay”…to be molded into what the Creator had in mind for them to be.
As we start on our journey as a part of LifePointe Church, it is well to remember that we must be humble enough to allow Jesus Christ to mold us into the image he wants us to be, and then to be bold and enthusiastic enough to spread the Gospel as strongly, and as joyously, and as effectively as we can!
God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! May the Lord bless LifePointe Church, it’s leaders, and it’s members and may we always focus first and foremost on Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Let the adventure begin...- Amen.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Lazy, crazy hazy days of summer...I don't think so!
Wow, I can’t believe how long it has been since my last blog update. Couple reasons for that: 1) My kid’s activity schedule is totally out of control! I coach my daughter’s softball team, I am the den leader for my son’s Cub Scout den, and my other son plays T-Ball. 2) I am not taking summer classes, so I am really not reading or writing a lot of in-depth material that would require me to ponder and dispute different perspectives and notions. And 3) My responsibilities at church have changed a little (the real reason for this blog entry).
I was preaching every other week, and used my blog often as a sounding board or a place to share an advanced clip of the week’s message. I LOVE preaching, and I think part of my calling and my heart as an evangelist is in preaching and rightly dividing God’s word.
But lately, both the Sr. Pastor and I have noticed an encouraging sign at Turning Point. For even though we are very new, and still relatively small, we have a huge number of kids (primarily K-5th) coming to church. This is wonderful for the church and a responsibility that needs attended to. So, after some good discussion with the Sr. Pastor, I am going to preach a little less frequently and take over the children’s Sunday Church.
The reality is this: our children are a blessing. They are a gift from a God and as such they must looked after. Jesus reminds us in scripture to not inhibit the little children from coming to Him; He reminds us that we should believe in Him with the Faith of a child; He raised a little girl from the dead for her parents, he cured the blind son, he healed the Roman’s daughter, and on and on. It is clear that is a priority when you become a parent.
That said, I’ll be moving back to the role of leading Sunday school for the children. We need to teach them the basics of the faith. Actually, do you know the basics:
The 10 Commandments
The Golden Rule
The Beatitudes
The Great Commission
The Roman Road to Salvation
The Sacraments
And many, many more…
If you know these, odds are you have your parents or your Sunday school teacher to thank!
I was preaching every other week, and used my blog often as a sounding board or a place to share an advanced clip of the week’s message. I LOVE preaching, and I think part of my calling and my heart as an evangelist is in preaching and rightly dividing God’s word.
But lately, both the Sr. Pastor and I have noticed an encouraging sign at Turning Point. For even though we are very new, and still relatively small, we have a huge number of kids (primarily K-5th) coming to church. This is wonderful for the church and a responsibility that needs attended to. So, after some good discussion with the Sr. Pastor, I am going to preach a little less frequently and take over the children’s Sunday Church.
The reality is this: our children are a blessing. They are a gift from a God and as such they must looked after. Jesus reminds us in scripture to not inhibit the little children from coming to Him; He reminds us that we should believe in Him with the Faith of a child; He raised a little girl from the dead for her parents, he cured the blind son, he healed the Roman’s daughter, and on and on. It is clear that is a priority when you become a parent.
That said, I’ll be moving back to the role of leading Sunday school for the children. We need to teach them the basics of the faith. Actually, do you know the basics:
The 10 Commandments
The Golden Rule
The Beatitudes
The Great Commission
The Roman Road to Salvation
The Sacraments
And many, many more…
If you know these, odds are you have your parents or your Sunday school teacher to thank!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Want to know the Lord? Then, fear the Lord!!
I have been so busy this week between National Day of Prayer and prepping for this week's sermon, but I think the Lord really has led me to a great place. I have really enjoyed all of the activities of this week and the direction the sermon is taking, here is a sneak peak:
Psalm 25: 14 “the Lord confides in those who fear Him, He makes His covenants known to them.”
...So then I contend that as long as our greatest fear is how we will meet the bills next month or when we will be married, or if we have enough groceries for tomorrow, or if we are popular, or how we look, then those things will dictate how we live our lives. It is not until our chief fear is the Fear of the LORD that we will live our lives fully for God.
Some people think that to fear God simply means to respect Him but it is clear through scripture that this idea of respecting God undermines the true meaning and depth of what it means to fear God. Jonah 1:17, "But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights."
Do you think it was respect Jonah had for God when he was swallowed up by the great fish. Think about this story for a moment. You have heathen sailors harboring Jonah, a man who is fleeing the living God. God brings a great storm up on the waters and begins to dash this boat to pieces. Eventually the men are told by Jonah that they should throw him overboard. When they do the waters become calm and the storm dissipates. The heathen men then bow down and worship God! They even offer sacrifices to Him. This is not a result of respect but of Holy Fear! Jonah meanwhile is in the great deep in the belly of a fish. Do you think that Jonah was thinking to himself "man, I sure have a lot of respect for that God." No. I believe rather that Jonah had a Holy Fear of the Lord God.
Or consider the passage in Exodus 20:18-21- 18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
The people believe that if they go near the mountain of God they will die, this is not simply respect. It is not only a respect that they hold for God but rather a Holy Fear....
For the whole thing come join us on Sunday, or check out our FB page next week. Be blessed!
Psalm 25: 14 “the Lord confides in those who fear Him, He makes His covenants known to them.”
...So then I contend that as long as our greatest fear is how we will meet the bills next month or when we will be married, or if we have enough groceries for tomorrow, or if we are popular, or how we look, then those things will dictate how we live our lives. It is not until our chief fear is the Fear of the LORD that we will live our lives fully for God.
Some people think that to fear God simply means to respect Him but it is clear through scripture that this idea of respecting God undermines the true meaning and depth of what it means to fear God. Jonah 1:17, "But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights."
Do you think it was respect Jonah had for God when he was swallowed up by the great fish. Think about this story for a moment. You have heathen sailors harboring Jonah, a man who is fleeing the living God. God brings a great storm up on the waters and begins to dash this boat to pieces. Eventually the men are told by Jonah that they should throw him overboard. When they do the waters become calm and the storm dissipates. The heathen men then bow down and worship God! They even offer sacrifices to Him. This is not a result of respect but of Holy Fear! Jonah meanwhile is in the great deep in the belly of a fish. Do you think that Jonah was thinking to himself "man, I sure have a lot of respect for that God." No. I believe rather that Jonah had a Holy Fear of the Lord God.
Or consider the passage in Exodus 20:18-21- 18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
The people believe that if they go near the mountain of God they will die, this is not simply respect. It is not only a respect that they hold for God but rather a Holy Fear....
For the whole thing come join us on Sunday, or check out our FB page next week. Be blessed!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
How great is Providence!!
While normally I blog about sermon and school related or religious topics, I felt like I had to write a little about a couple day trip I took to Providence, Rhode Island last week. I spent 2 day there, and praise God what awesome place. I will say that of all the places I have visited in the USA, Rhode Island is quite possibly my favorite state!
My trip started with a bang last Thursday. I forgot a Swiss Army knife in my back pack from 6 months ago. That said, once security found it at the airport, they tossed the entire contents of my back pack and carry on. Oh well, and inconvenience yes...but safe and secure is what I prefer. I do miss my knife though. Also, about an hour after we landed, out of no where we had a straight up 2012 type storm: lightening, heavy rain, and hail that literally covered every square inch of ground. 20 minutes later it was sunny. How odd?
So this was a work trip, but besides multiple meetings and appointments, Providence and Newport are absolutely spectacular!! Roger Williams founded Rhode Island as he left Boston in search of religious freedom. And that legacy can be seen with spectacular old churches, great early colonial architecture everywhere, and extremely friendly people.
From a food standpoint, this was the best travel I have ever had. Our hotel was located at the entrance of Federal Hill, which is Providence's Little Italy. We had lunch at Angelo's Civita Farnese. I had Calamari as an appetizer and Tripe as my entree. Th Calamari was good, but the tripe was absolutely the bomb. It was just like eating at my mom's. Capped it off with a home made Zeppole and an espresso.
Providence also has a HUGE Greek population, which was news to me. That night we at nearly on campus at Brown University at a Greek eatery called Andreas. Absolutely a great meal!! For appetizer's we had Sopetika (which is flam bayed mozzarella cheese in brandy), Baked Feta, and grilled octopus. For my main course I had Greek Souvlaki, and capped it off with a Greek coffee. Really good stuff.
On Friday we were in Newport, which is a port city, and I was ready for some seafood. We went to place near the fish market called Chopmist Charlie's. No lie, I think I ate the greatest meal of my entire life in this place. I had a cup of clear broth Rhode Island Clam Chowder, probably the best soup I have ever had; followed by homemade clam cakes (which are basically hush puppies loaded up with fresh clams); and for my main meal I had fried fully belly clams. I have never had a fully belly clam. The best way to describe it is as a clam strip on steroids. Huge, full clams loaded with fresh flavor. Seriously outstanding.
We left later that afternoon, but what a nice place to visit. I plan on going back very soon. To tie this in somewhat to my faith. It is amazing how we live in the USA, all the same country, but you can go to Las Vegas, or Dallas, or Minneappolis, or New York, or Providence and experience in each a different aspect of the creation of God. Wonderful, wonderful stuff.
My trip started with a bang last Thursday. I forgot a Swiss Army knife in my back pack from 6 months ago. That said, once security found it at the airport, they tossed the entire contents of my back pack and carry on. Oh well, and inconvenience yes...but safe and secure is what I prefer. I do miss my knife though. Also, about an hour after we landed, out of no where we had a straight up 2012 type storm: lightening, heavy rain, and hail that literally covered every square inch of ground. 20 minutes later it was sunny. How odd?
So this was a work trip, but besides multiple meetings and appointments, Providence and Newport are absolutely spectacular!! Roger Williams founded Rhode Island as he left Boston in search of religious freedom. And that legacy can be seen with spectacular old churches, great early colonial architecture everywhere, and extremely friendly people.
From a food standpoint, this was the best travel I have ever had. Our hotel was located at the entrance of Federal Hill, which is Providence's Little Italy. We had lunch at Angelo's Civita Farnese. I had Calamari as an appetizer and Tripe as my entree. Th Calamari was good, but the tripe was absolutely the bomb. It was just like eating at my mom's. Capped it off with a home made Zeppole and an espresso.
Providence also has a HUGE Greek population, which was news to me. That night we at nearly on campus at Brown University at a Greek eatery called Andreas. Absolutely a great meal!! For appetizer's we had Sopetika (which is flam bayed mozzarella cheese in brandy), Baked Feta, and grilled octopus. For my main course I had Greek Souvlaki, and capped it off with a Greek coffee. Really good stuff.
On Friday we were in Newport, which is a port city, and I was ready for some seafood. We went to place near the fish market called Chopmist Charlie's. No lie, I think I ate the greatest meal of my entire life in this place. I had a cup of clear broth Rhode Island Clam Chowder, probably the best soup I have ever had; followed by homemade clam cakes (which are basically hush puppies loaded up with fresh clams); and for my main meal I had fried fully belly clams. I have never had a fully belly clam. The best way to describe it is as a clam strip on steroids. Huge, full clams loaded with fresh flavor. Seriously outstanding.
We left later that afternoon, but what a nice place to visit. I plan on going back very soon. To tie this in somewhat to my faith. It is amazing how we live in the USA, all the same country, but you can go to Las Vegas, or Dallas, or Minneappolis, or New York, or Providence and experience in each a different aspect of the creation of God. Wonderful, wonderful stuff.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Credentials of a Committed Christian
I have been working on my sermon for this week and found it to be very enjoyable and Spirit led. Below is a little snippet from the sermon, I'll be preaching out of II Corinthians 11.
...Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager and baseball great Tommy Lasorda, a great Italian-American by the way, describes his battle with bad habits: "I took a pack of cigarettes from my pocket, stared at it and said, ‘Who’s stronger, you or me?’ The answer was me. I stopped smoking.
"Then I took a vodka martini and said to it, ‘Who’s stronger, you or me?’ Again the answer was me. I quit drinking.
"Then I went on a diet. I looked at a big plate of linguini with clam sauce and said, ‘Who’s stronger, you or me?’ And a little clam looked up at me and answered, ‘I am.’ I can’t beat linguini."
Brothers and sisters, it’s hard to hide who we are and what we are. Our habits, actions, behavior tell on us. We think we are this and that, but others see us as we really are. It’s hard to hide who we really are.
I came across a poem titled "You Tell On Yourself"
You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,By the very manner in which you speak,By the way you employ your leisure time, By the use you make of dollar and dime.
You tell what you are by the things you wear, By the spirit in which you your burdens bear.By the kind of things at which you laugh.By the records you play on the phonograph.
You tell what you are by the way you walk,By the things of which you delight to talk,By the manner in which you bear defeat,By so simple a thing as how you eat.
By the books you choose from the well-filled shelf,By these ways and more, you tell on yourself.So there’s really no particle of sense In an effort to keep up false pretense.
You see, everything about us, tells about us. But the good thing is this: no matter who we are or what we are, the Lord can change us and make us better! Amen!!II Cor. 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old has gone, the new has come!"In our text, let’s examine some credentials of a committed Christian and see how we stack up.
1- Honest dealings
2- Painful sacrifices
3- Stressful concerns
...Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager and baseball great Tommy Lasorda, a great Italian-American by the way, describes his battle with bad habits: "I took a pack of cigarettes from my pocket, stared at it and said, ‘Who’s stronger, you or me?’ The answer was me. I stopped smoking.
"Then I took a vodka martini and said to it, ‘Who’s stronger, you or me?’ Again the answer was me. I quit drinking.
"Then I went on a diet. I looked at a big plate of linguini with clam sauce and said, ‘Who’s stronger, you or me?’ And a little clam looked up at me and answered, ‘I am.’ I can’t beat linguini."
Brothers and sisters, it’s hard to hide who we are and what we are. Our habits, actions, behavior tell on us. We think we are this and that, but others see us as we really are. It’s hard to hide who we really are.
I came across a poem titled "You Tell On Yourself"
You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,By the very manner in which you speak,By the way you employ your leisure time, By the use you make of dollar and dime.
You tell what you are by the things you wear, By the spirit in which you your burdens bear.By the kind of things at which you laugh.By the records you play on the phonograph.
You tell what you are by the way you walk,By the things of which you delight to talk,By the manner in which you bear defeat,By so simple a thing as how you eat.
By the books you choose from the well-filled shelf,By these ways and more, you tell on yourself.So there’s really no particle of sense In an effort to keep up false pretense.
You see, everything about us, tells about us. But the good thing is this: no matter who we are or what we are, the Lord can change us and make us better! Amen!!II Cor. 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old has gone, the new has come!"In our text, let’s examine some credentials of a committed Christian and see how we stack up.
1- Honest dealings
2- Painful sacrifices
3- Stressful concerns
Monday, April 19, 2010
I have a busy schedule, but...
I haven’t written in my blog lately, and no wonder…I have an extremely busy schedule, which leads to my thoughts for today. I have been blessed with much in my life: a great wife, 4 wonderful children, a challenging and rewarding job, and a ministry that is in it’s infancy. I do a lot, no question. Besides my full-time and part-time jobs, and being an Assistant Pastor, I also: coach my daughter’s soccer and softball teams, I am a Cub Scout Den Leader, and I am in school finishing up my seminary program. I tend to my yard and flowerbeds, and I also have a large garden I plant and tend too. It’s a lot right? But consider this, Luke 12:48 states that “to whom much is given, much is expected”. So, how can I do any less.
· My wife and children are a tremendous blessing. I owe it to them to do all that I can, whenever I can, for them. I have been given much.
· My job is a tremendous blessing. I have been given much.
· Our ministry at Turning Point and my seminary work is a tremendous blessing. I have been given much.
Many people say to me “I don’t know how you do it.” , or “When do you sleep?”, or “When do you have time for yourself?”. All good questions, but in light of my blessings and of the direct command from Jesus in scripture my answer back to that is: how can I do any less if I accept God’s Word as the authority in my life?
Don’t get me wrong, I have my hobbies and I do try to make a little time for myself wherever I can squeeze it in. But I cannot imagine the selfishness needed to say, “Thanks for my blessings Lord, but I really need to worry about my needs first.” The Lord did not do this for me or you. Just like the story in Luke 12, the Lord wants us to take our blessing and multiply them. Why would I have a great family, or a great job, or a great home and squander the opportunity before me by placing myself first? Would I rather go golfing on the weekends, or target shooting, or on weekend trips, or to ball games... absolutely, who wouldn't? But lets continue to understand scripture on this topic.
In 2 Cor 4:7, Paul reminds us that we hold our treasure (the Light of Christ) in clay vessels. That is somewhat pourus, somewhat cracked. That light must shine through us. Paul goes on in Philippians 2 to state that we who have the light of Christ should shine like stars in the darkness.
Think back to your history books and old movies to when all portable lights were candles and torches. In order to be effective they were carried out in front, and up high, in order to light the way. The fire they gave, that light, led the way into the darkness. That is the way we should be with our light, our blessings: out in front, up high, an example to be followed. Any less does a disservice to the blessings given to us by Christ.
I am at the point with the kids activities that I only have Tuesday nights and some Sunday afternoons with any free. Yes, I have been given much and much is expected. I pray for strength, I pray for rest, I pray for the enthusiasm needed to carry out my responsibilities. Knowing that at the end of the day, tired as I may be, the words “I love you daddy” or “Well done good and faithful servant” will more than make up for the time I missed golfing.
· My wife and children are a tremendous blessing. I owe it to them to do all that I can, whenever I can, for them. I have been given much.
· My job is a tremendous blessing. I have been given much.
· Our ministry at Turning Point and my seminary work is a tremendous blessing. I have been given much.
Many people say to me “I don’t know how you do it.” , or “When do you sleep?”, or “When do you have time for yourself?”. All good questions, but in light of my blessings and of the direct command from Jesus in scripture my answer back to that is: how can I do any less if I accept God’s Word as the authority in my life?
Don’t get me wrong, I have my hobbies and I do try to make a little time for myself wherever I can squeeze it in. But I cannot imagine the selfishness needed to say, “Thanks for my blessings Lord, but I really need to worry about my needs first.” The Lord did not do this for me or you. Just like the story in Luke 12, the Lord wants us to take our blessing and multiply them. Why would I have a great family, or a great job, or a great home and squander the opportunity before me by placing myself first? Would I rather go golfing on the weekends, or target shooting, or on weekend trips, or to ball games... absolutely, who wouldn't? But lets continue to understand scripture on this topic.
In 2 Cor 4:7, Paul reminds us that we hold our treasure (the Light of Christ) in clay vessels. That is somewhat pourus, somewhat cracked. That light must shine through us. Paul goes on in Philippians 2 to state that we who have the light of Christ should shine like stars in the darkness.
Think back to your history books and old movies to when all portable lights were candles and torches. In order to be effective they were carried out in front, and up high, in order to light the way. The fire they gave, that light, led the way into the darkness. That is the way we should be with our light, our blessings: out in front, up high, an example to be followed. Any less does a disservice to the blessings given to us by Christ.
I am at the point with the kids activities that I only have Tuesday nights and some Sunday afternoons with any free. Yes, I have been given much and much is expected. I pray for strength, I pray for rest, I pray for the enthusiasm needed to carry out my responsibilities. Knowing that at the end of the day, tired as I may be, the words “I love you daddy” or “Well done good and faithful servant” will more than make up for the time I missed golfing.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
This week's sermon: 1 Tim 4- Being Spiritually Fit!
Here is a little snippet from the sermon I have been working on this week:
First Timothy 4:7-8 says:7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Tim. 4:7-8
I like how the Phillips translation states verse seven:“Take the time and the trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.”1 Timothy 4:7 (Phillips Translation)
In other words, it’s good to be physically fit, and it’s even better to be spiritually fit. But just how do you get spiritually fit? Funny, but I haven’t seen too many “infomercials” on spiritual fitness. Hey, who knows? Maybe we’re on to something here! We could develop some training videos on spiritual fitness: · “Real World/Lord Rules Challenge”· “Dance Your Sin Off”What does it mean to be “Spiritually Fit”? And how do you get there? Well, I don’t think it’s that difficult. In fact, I would like to suggest a very simple approach. And although I don’t plan on developing an “infomercial” any time soon, I think the following 3 steps can help you get spiritually fit.
Three Steps to Spiritual Fitness
(1) Spiritual Fitness Requires the proper Spiritual Nutrition.Just as the body needs the proper daily nourishment of food, spiritual fitness requires the proper daily nourishment of spiritual food. In Matthew 4:4 Jesus stated:4 "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4In other words, man is more than just a physical being. He is a spiritual being as well as a physical being. And just as the physical side of him needs nourishment, so does the spiritual nature.In the Old Testament there is a story about how God miraculously provided food for the Israelites during their forty year journey from their slavery in Egypt to their entering the promised land.
11The LORD said to Moses, 12"I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, 'At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.' " 13That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. 15When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was.Moses said to them, "It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat. 16This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Each one is to gather as much as he needs. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.' " 17The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. 18And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. 19Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning." 20However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them. 21Each morning everyone gathered as much as he needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. 22On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much--two omers for each person--and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. 23He said to them, "This is what the LORD commanded: 'Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.' " 24So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. 25"Eat it today," Moses said, "because today is a Sabbath to the LORD. You will not find any of it on the ground today. 26Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any." 27Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. 28Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? 29Bear in mind that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out." 30So the people rested on the seventh day. 31The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. Exodus 16:11-35
Notice some of the stipulations on the Manna or the “Bread of God that came down from heaven”:(1) It was to be gathered once a day.(2) It was to be consumed for that day and not to be kept over … it would spoil if kept.(3) On the sixth day, they were to gather twice as much for the Sabbath.In the New Testament, Jesus referred to this manna while talking to some religious leaders:
This is still a work in progress, but this is the way the Lord has been leading me this week. Hope to see some of you Sunday for the full sermon!!
First Timothy 4:7-8 says:7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Tim. 4:7-8
I like how the Phillips translation states verse seven:“Take the time and the trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.”1 Timothy 4:7 (Phillips Translation)
In other words, it’s good to be physically fit, and it’s even better to be spiritually fit. But just how do you get spiritually fit? Funny, but I haven’t seen too many “infomercials” on spiritual fitness. Hey, who knows? Maybe we’re on to something here! We could develop some training videos on spiritual fitness: · “Real World/Lord Rules Challenge”· “Dance Your Sin Off”What does it mean to be “Spiritually Fit”? And how do you get there? Well, I don’t think it’s that difficult. In fact, I would like to suggest a very simple approach. And although I don’t plan on developing an “infomercial” any time soon, I think the following 3 steps can help you get spiritually fit.
Three Steps to Spiritual Fitness
(1) Spiritual Fitness Requires the proper Spiritual Nutrition.Just as the body needs the proper daily nourishment of food, spiritual fitness requires the proper daily nourishment of spiritual food. In Matthew 4:4 Jesus stated:4 "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4In other words, man is more than just a physical being. He is a spiritual being as well as a physical being. And just as the physical side of him needs nourishment, so does the spiritual nature.In the Old Testament there is a story about how God miraculously provided food for the Israelites during their forty year journey from their slavery in Egypt to their entering the promised land.
11The LORD said to Moses, 12"I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, 'At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.' " 13That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. 15When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was.Moses said to them, "It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat. 16This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Each one is to gather as much as he needs. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.' " 17The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. 18And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. 19Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning." 20However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them. 21Each morning everyone gathered as much as he needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. 22On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much--two omers for each person--and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. 23He said to them, "This is what the LORD commanded: 'Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.' " 24So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. 25"Eat it today," Moses said, "because today is a Sabbath to the LORD. You will not find any of it on the ground today. 26Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any." 27Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. 28Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? 29Bear in mind that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out." 30So the people rested on the seventh day. 31The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. Exodus 16:11-35
Notice some of the stipulations on the Manna or the “Bread of God that came down from heaven”:(1) It was to be gathered once a day.(2) It was to be consumed for that day and not to be kept over … it would spoil if kept.(3) On the sixth day, they were to gather twice as much for the Sabbath.In the New Testament, Jesus referred to this manna while talking to some religious leaders:
This is still a work in progress, but this is the way the Lord has been leading me this week. Hope to see some of you Sunday for the full sermon!!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Reflections on my Good Friday trip to COSI
I spent a wonderful couple of days in Columbus with my family. Sally turned 10 on Friday, and since the kids were on break we decided to take a couple days and go to COSI. I took some time off of work and we went.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time off to rest and refresh. It was nice too to be able to share with the kids the meaning the Good Friday as we enjoyed our time together at the hotel and at COSI. A couple of random thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed the time off to rest and refresh. It was nice too to be able to share with the kids the meaning the Good Friday as we enjoyed our time together at the hotel and at COSI. A couple of random thoughts:
- COSI is an absolutely marvelous Science Center. Probably the best I have ever seen. We were there nearly the entire time they were open and only saw about half of the attractions.
- The Titanic exhibit is one of the best done and touching exhibits I have ever seen. What a feeling to see parts of the ship, items off of the ship, the actual clothes some of the victims and survivors were wearing. Touching, really.
- Why is it that every time we take the kids somewhere there is always and older woman (50ish), wearing a fanny pack and lots of silver and turquoise jewelery that is really uptight and cranky standing right near us? I mean really...I see this EVERYWHERE we go. What gives?
- The 7 story movie was unreal. We saw a 3D movie on Whales and Dolphins. Excellent. The kids were reaching out to touch the animals it was so good. Which leads to my last point.
- Why do environmental activists have to ruin everything? Throughout the whole movie I heard the voice of Darryl Hannah talking about how man has destroyed and and is wiping out all of the creatures in the sea. It ends with this, and I quote, "We can stop vandalizing and plundering the oceans, it's not too late." Really? This is the message my kids need to get that man is destroying the oceans. Come on, there is a time and a place for everything, and this is not it (in my opinion). Plus, does Darryl Hannah's roles on "Roxanne" and "Splash" qualify her to lecture me about the oceans?
Overall, and absolutely awesome day. I got our family the yearly membership, so we will be going back soon. For those who want to see it, God has blessed us with a tremendous world and a beautiful creation to be in charge of. To that end, it is wonderful to see what man has been able to do (good and bad) with the facilities that the Lord has provided.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
"Life"- a poem by Mudcat Grant
I cam across this poem yesterday by Jim "Mudcat" Grant, a famous Baseball player. As I read it yesterday it impressed me how this rather simple poem stayed with me for the day. I love illustrations and examples of applying biblical, or life learning's, in a way that they are readily understood. And looking at a baseball game in a way that shows a life lesson is something that I really enjoyed. I hope you enjoy this as well:
Life is like a game of baseball,You play it every day.It isn't just the breaks you get,But the kind of game you play.
So stop and look your whole team over,And you'll find dedication there.You're bound to be a winner,With men who really care.
Your pitcher's name is courage,You need him in the game.For faith and trust your keystone men,The grounders they will tame.
Your center fielder is very fast,Though small and hard to see.So watch him, son, when he gets,The ball he's opportunity.
In left field there's ambition,Never let him shirk.For in right field there's a husky man,I'm told his name is work.
At first base there's religion,He's stood the test of time.At third base there's brotherhood,The stalwart of the nine.
Your catcher's name is humor,He's important to the scheme.For with honor warming in the bull pen,The game is always clean.
With love on the bench,You've perfection no less.With a winning team,And joy and happiness.
Your other team is strong, son,Greed, hatred, envy and defeat.Are four strong infielders,You'll have to buck to make your game complete.
Deceitfulness and a man called waste,Are always playing hard.Selfishness and jealousy,None can you disregard.
Carelessness and falsehood,Are the big boys in the pen.You'll have to swing hard, son,When you come up to them.
There's one more man you'll have to watch,He's always very near.He's the pitcher on that team,And I'm told his name is fear.
This game will not be easy,There'll be trouble, there'll be strife.To make the winning runs, my boy,For this game is played on the field of life.
So stand behind your team, my boy,There'll be many who'll applaud.Just remember that you're the player,And the umpire here is God.
Life is like a game of baseball,You play it every day.It isn't just the breaks you get,But the kind of game you play.
So stop and look your whole team over,And you'll find dedication there.You're bound to be a winner,With men who really care.
Your pitcher's name is courage,You need him in the game.For faith and trust your keystone men,The grounders they will tame.
Your center fielder is very fast,Though small and hard to see.So watch him, son, when he gets,The ball he's opportunity.
In left field there's ambition,Never let him shirk.For in right field there's a husky man,I'm told his name is work.
At first base there's religion,He's stood the test of time.At third base there's brotherhood,The stalwart of the nine.
Your catcher's name is humor,He's important to the scheme.For with honor warming in the bull pen,The game is always clean.
With love on the bench,You've perfection no less.With a winning team,And joy and happiness.
Your other team is strong, son,Greed, hatred, envy and defeat.Are four strong infielders,You'll have to buck to make your game complete.
Deceitfulness and a man called waste,Are always playing hard.Selfishness and jealousy,None can you disregard.
Carelessness and falsehood,Are the big boys in the pen.You'll have to swing hard, son,When you come up to them.
There's one more man you'll have to watch,He's always very near.He's the pitcher on that team,And I'm told his name is fear.
This game will not be easy,There'll be trouble, there'll be strife.To make the winning runs, my boy,For this game is played on the field of life.
So stand behind your team, my boy,There'll be many who'll applaud.Just remember that you're the player,And the umpire here is God.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Christ and Culture Revisited
Now that I am not starting school until the fall I decided to stop being academically lazy and take advantage of the time to catch up on some long overdue reading. I started reading this book called "Christ and Culture Revisited" by DA Carson. Great read so far as I am about 40 pages in. Came across something that made me think: "Sin is in us, Grace is in God".
I think at times we fail to realize just how corrupted we are by our sin nature. Nothing in us is good, everything is marred by sin. Even our greatest achievements: great building, medical breakthroughs, works of art and culture, all pail in comparison the the Grace that is in God.
Psalm 8:4 reads "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?"
Luke 18:19 reads "Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone."
Mt 6:19 reads about our treasures, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal"
The best we can do is Titus 2:13, "while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,"
I think we can too easily take what we do and think, this is good. But we're not. Our hope is not in ourselves, our hope is only in Jesus.
Some thoughts I've had as I start through this book. More to come.
I think at times we fail to realize just how corrupted we are by our sin nature. Nothing in us is good, everything is marred by sin. Even our greatest achievements: great building, medical breakthroughs, works of art and culture, all pail in comparison the the Grace that is in God.
Psalm 8:4 reads "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?"
Luke 18:19 reads "Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone."
Mt 6:19 reads about our treasures, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal"
The best we can do is Titus 2:13, "while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,"
I think we can too easily take what we do and think, this is good. But we're not. Our hope is not in ourselves, our hope is only in Jesus.
Some thoughts I've had as I start through this book. More to come.
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