Easter's hope deals with shattered Utopia
Posted on March 4, 2010 by Pastor Tom
Utopia – “a condition, place or situation of social and political perfection.” Heading into the last century, many believed utopia was possible because of the advance of man. Man could create this world himself. Mankind needed no savior. We would save ourselves and create the ideal world.
It’s a great ideal. But there’s only one problem. It doesn’t deal with the biggest problem – what’s wrong with man. The 20th century shattered the Utopian dream.
I just finished reading a book called Armenian Golgotha. It was originally written in Armenian in 1922 by a survivor of the Armenian genocide. It has just been translated into English. The author was a priest in the Armenian Orthodox church in Constantinople (now Istanbul). He was arrested along with other Armenian intellectuals in 1915. He survived through nearly 4 years of deportations and death marches. Many were deported to northern Syria where it is claimed hundreds of thousands died. Some estimate 1.2 million Armenians were murdered or died during this time. Others claim the number was less and that many thousands of Muslims died.
His sole determination was to survive so he could tell the story. The author tells much of what he witnessed. He also recounts several stories he heard from other survivors.
But as I read this book, I kept asking how can humans do that to other humans? Here were apparently civilized people groups. Yet given the opportunity to act on ethnic tensions, they slaughter each other? How can this be?
Yet, we’ve seen the same story repeated over and over in the past 100 years: The Holocaust; Stalin and the murder of millions of his own people; Cambodia, Rwanda, Darfur. The past 100 years shattered the myth of utopia – an ideal world that humans can create themselves by living in harmony with each other.
But God stepped in 2000 years earlier to deal with this. He sent Jesus to die for man’s biggest problem – the sin inside us. That’s what Easter is all about. We no longer have to hope in the unattainable dream of utopia. We have the certain hope of a Savior who came into history.
An atheist believes Africa needs missionaries, not aid money
Posted on February 24, 2010 by Pastor Tom
I recently listened to a message by Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. In it, he mentions an article by Times of London columnist Matthew Parris. In the article he explains his African upbringing and recent observations. A devout philosophical atheist, his conclusions might surprise you.
From The Times
December 27, 2008
As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God
Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa’s biggest problem – the crushing passivity of the people’s mindset
Matthew Parris
Before Christmas I returned, after 45 years, to the country that as a boy I knew as Nyasaland. Today it’s Malawi, and The Times Christmas Appeal includes a small British charity working there. Pump Aid helps rural communities to install a simple pump, letting people keep their village wells sealed and clean. I went to see this work.
It inspired me, renewing my flagging faith in development charities. But travelling in Malawi refreshed another belief, too: one I’ve been trying to banish all my life, but an observation I’ve been unable to avoid since my African childhood. It confounds my ideological beliefs, stubbornly refuses to fit my world view, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God.
Now a confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.
I used to avoid this truth by applauding – as you can – the practical work of mission churches in Africa. It’s a pity, I would say, that salvation is part of the package, but Christians black and white, working in Africa, do heal the sick, do teach people to read and write; and only the severest kind of secularist could see a mission hospital or school and say the world would be better without it. I would allow that if faith was needed to motivate missionaries to help, then, fine: but what counted was the help, not the faith.
But this doesn’t fit the facts. Faith does more than support the missionary; it is also transferred to his flock. This is the effect that matters so immensely, and which I cannot help observing.
First, then, the observation. We had friends who were missionaries, and as a child I stayed often with them; I also stayed, alone with my little brother, in a traditional rural African village. In the city we had working for us Africans who had converted and were strong believers. The Christians were always different. Far from having cowed or confined its converts, their faith appeared to have liberated and relaxed them. There was a liveliness, a curiosity, an engagement with the world – a directness in their dealings with others – that seemed to be missing in traditional African life. They stood tall.
At 24, travelling by land across the continent reinforced this impression. From Algiers to Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and the Central African Republic, then right through the Congo to Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya, four student friends and I drove our old Land Rover to Nairobi.
We slept under the stars, so it was important as we reached the more populated and lawless parts of the sub-Sahara that every day we find somewhere safe by nightfall. Often near a mission.
Whenever we entered a territory worked by missionaries, we had to acknowledge that something changed in the faces of the people we passed and spoke to: something in their eyes, the way they approached you direct, man-to-man, without looking down or away. They had not become more deferential towards strangers – in some ways less so – but more open.
This time in Malawi it was the same. I met no missionaries. You do not encounter missionaries in the lobbies of expensive hotels discussing development strategy documents, as you do with the big NGOs. But instead I noticed that a handful of the most impressive African members of the Pump Aid team (largely from Zimbabwe) were, privately, strong Christians. “Privately” because the charity is entirely secular and I never heard any of its team so much as mention religion while working in the villages. But I picked up the Christian references in our conversations. One, I saw, was studying a devotional textbook in the car. One, on Sunday, went off to church at dawn for a two-hour service.
It would suit me to believe that their honesty, diligence and optimism in their work was unconnected with personal faith. Their work was secular, but surely affected by what they were. What they were was, in turn, influenced by a conception of man’s place in the Universe that Christianity had taught.
There’s long been a fashion among Western academic sociologists for placing tribal value systems within a ring fence, beyond critiques founded in our own culture: “theirs” and therefore best for “them”; authentic and of intrinsically equal worth to ours.
I don’t follow this. I observe that tribal belief is no more peaceable than ours; and that it suppresses individuality. People think collectively; first in terms of the community, extended family and tribe. This rural-traditional mindset feeds into the “big man” and gangster politics of the African city: the exaggerated respect for a swaggering leader, and the (literal) inability to understand the whole idea of loyal opposition.
Anxiety – fear of evil spirits, of ancestors, of nature and the wild, of a tribal hierarchy, of quite everyday things – strikes deep into the whole structure of rural African thought. Every man has his place and, call it fear or respect, a great weight grinds down the individual spirit, stunting curiosity. People won’t take the initiative, won’t take things into their own hands or on their own shoulders.
How can I, as someone with a foot in both camps, explain? When the philosophical tourist moves from one world view to another he finds – at the very moment of passing into the new – that he loses the language to describe the landscape to the old. But let me try an example: the answer given by Sir Edmund Hillary to the question: Why climb the mountain? “Because it’s there,” he said.
To the rural African mind, this is an explanation of why one would not climb the mountain. It’s… well, there. Just there. Why interfere? Nothing to be done about it, or with it. Hillary’s further explanation – that nobody else had climbed it – would stand as a second reason for passivity.
Christianity, post-Reformation and post-Luther, with its teaching of a direct, personal, two-way link between the individual and God, unmediated by the collective, and unsubordinate to any other human being, smashes straight through the philosphical/spiritual framework I’ve just described. It offers something to hold on to to those anxious to cast off a crushing tribal groupthink. That is why and how it liberates.
Those who want Africa to walk tall amid 21st-century global competition must not kid themselves that providing the material means or even the knowhow that accompanies what we call development will make the change. A whole belief system must first be supplanted.
And I’m afraid it has to be supplanted by another. Removing Christian evangelism from the African equation may leave the continent at the mercy of a malign fusion of Nike, the witch doctor, the mobile phone and the machete.”
Now that's an apology
Posted on February 19, 2010 by Pastor Tom
Tiger Woods apologized today for his behavior. So often in “apologies” we hear statements like “I’m sorry that people got hurt” or “If what I did caused hurt, I’m sorry.” Those statements don’t really take ownership for wrong behavior. It’s apparent he has received good counsel on the essence of a true apology – owning up to wrong behavior; not looking for others to blame; taking responsibility for one’s actions. I pray these are not mere words. I’m saddened he’s turned to Buddhism for strength. I pray someone leads him to the One who paid for sins like his. But for a first step, I applaud you Tiger.
The following is the complete transcipt of Tiger Woods Statement on Friday.
“Good morning, and thank you for joining me. Many of you in this room are my friends. Many of you in this room know me. Many of you have cheered for me or you’ve worked with me or you’ve supported me.
Now every one of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each of you, simply and directly, I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in.
I know people want to find out how I could be so selfish and so foolish. People want to know how I could have done these things to my wife Elin and to my children. And while I have always tried to be a private person, there are some things I want to say.
Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words; it will come from my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss; however, what we say to each other will remain between the two of us.
I am also aware of the pain my behavior has caused to those of you in this room. I have let you down, and I have let down my fans. For many of you, especially my friends, my behavior has been a personal disappointment. To those of you who work for me, I have let you down personally and professionally. My behavior has caused considerable worry to my business partners.
To everyone involved in my foundation, including my staff, board of directors, sponsors, and most importantly, the young students we reach, our work is more important than ever. Thirteen years ago, my dad and I envisioned helping young people achieve their dreams through education. This work remains unchanged and will continue to grow. From the Learning Center students in Southern California to the Earl Woods scholars in Washington, D.C., millions of kids have changed their lives, and I am dedicated to making sure that continues.
But still, I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you. I have made you question who I am and how I could have done the things I did. I am embarrassed that I have put you in this position.
For all that I have done, I am so sorry.
I have a lot to atone for, but there is one issue I really want to discuss. Some people have speculated that Elin somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night. It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that. Elin never hit me that night or any other night. There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage, ever. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame.
The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior. I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did is not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame.
I stopped living by the core values that I was taught to believe in. I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn’t apply. I never thought about who I was hurting. Instead, I thought only about myself. I ran straight through the boundaries that a married couple should live by. I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them.
I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules. The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to me. I brought this shame on myself. I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife’s family, my friends, my foundation, and kids all around the world who admired me.
I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I’ve done. My failures have made me look at myself in a way I never wanted to before. It’s now up to me to make amends, and that starts by never repeating the mistakes I’ve made. It’s up to me to start living a life of integrity.
I once heard, and I believe it’s true, it’s not what you achieve in life that matters; it’s what you overcome. Achievements on the golf course are only part of setting an example. Character and decency are what really count.
Parents used to point to me as a role model for their kids. I owe all those families a special apology. I want to say to them that I am truly sorry.
It’s hard to admit that I need help, but I do. For 45 days from the end of December to early February, I was in inpatient therapy receiving guidance for the issues I’m facing. I have a long way to go. But I’ve taken my first steps in the right direction.
As I proceed, I understand people have questions. I understand the press wants to ask me for the details and the times I was unfaithful. I understand people want to know whether Elin and I will remain together. Please know that as far as I’m concerned, every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me. These are issues between a husband and a wife.
Some people have made up things that never happened. They said I used performance-enhancing drugs. This is completely and utterly false. Some have written things about my family. Despite the damage I have done, I still believe it is right to shield my family from the public spotlight. They did not do these things; I did.
I have always tried to maintain a private space for my wife and children. They have been kept separate from my sponsors, my commercial endorsements. When my children were born, we only released photographs so that the paparazzi could not chase them. However, my behavior doesn’t make it right for the media to follow my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter to school and report the school’s location. They staked out my wife and they pursued my mom. Whatever my wrongdoings, for the sake of my family, please leave my wife and kids alone.
I recognize I have brought this on myself, and I know above all I am the one who needs to change. I owe it to my family to become a better person. I owe it to those closest to me to become a better man. That’s where my focus will be.
I have a lot of work to do, and I intend to dedicate myself to doing it. Part of following this path for me is Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age. People probably don’t realize it, but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood until I drifted away from it in recent years. Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously I lost track of what I was taught.
As I move forward, I will continue to receive help because I’ve learned that’s how people really do change. Starting tomorrow, I will leave for more treatment and more therapy. I would like to thank my friends at Accenture and the players in the field this week for understanding why I’m making these remarks today.
In therapy I’ve learned the importance of looking at my spiritual life and keeping in balance with my professional life. I need to regain my balance and be centered so I can save the things that are most important to me, my marriage and my children.
That also means relying on others for help. I’ve learned to seek support from my peers in therapy, and I hope someday to return that support to others who are seeking help. I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don’t know when that day will be.
I don’t rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game. In recent weeks I have received many thousands of emails, letters and phone calls from people expressing good wishes. To everyone who has reached out to me and my family, thank you. Your encouragement means the world to Elin and me.
I want to thank the PGA TOUR, Commissioner Finchem, and the players for their patience and understanding while I work on my private life. I look forward to seeing my fellow players on the course.
Finally, there are many people in this room, and there are many people at home who believed in me. Today I want to ask for your help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again.”
What are key components in a loving relationship?
Posted on February 15, 2010 by Pastor Tom
Valentine’s Day raises the issue of love. So another important question is “What are key components in a loving relationship?
I just read your question asking what the 3 components to a loving relationship are, and I thought I’d respond.
Not in any order:
1. Honest communication
If there’s no communication in a relationship, there will be no shared joys, and no shared pains. There will be no opportunity for growth or forgiveness.
2. Self Sacrifice
Just as Christ teaches us to put to death the self nature, I believe it’s just as valuable in a human relationship as well.
3. Based on Truth (Christ’s truth)
Ultimately if a relationship isn’t based on Christ’s truth (Salvation, sanctification and the fruits of that process) then it will never reach the potential that God intends for us, or loves to see.
“trust, honesty, putting the other person’s needs ahead of your own (a relationship can be AMAZING if both parties are doing this!)”
Hey Tom… here are some thoughts on your status questions.
Along with a multitude of other qualities… trust, communication and humility are high on my list. One thought that I heard once that has always stuck with me is this… a perfect marriage (relationship) shouldn’t be 50/50 instead it should be more like 90/10… sometimes you’re the 90 and sometimes you’re the 10!
“Collaboration, respect, and laughing together. I like all of Catharine’s answers too!”
“All of the above…and deep friendship, trust and intimacy.”
“I’ll go with trust, intimacy and grace.
What do you think of Valentine's Day
Posted on February 13, 2010 by Pastor Tom
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. I saw Valentine’s decorations out in the stores about 2 days after New Years. Insane. Yet tomorrow it arrives.
So I thought it would be interesting to ask what people thought of Valentine’s
Day. Here are some full text responses.
“I am a man, and as such do not ‘feel’ anything. It lightens my wallet a little bit. And it brings up lunch.
Not what you were looking for?
It makes me feel that we have too many commercialized holidays that used to mean something, and it makes me more interested in the actual history of St Valentine. That kind of answers questions 2 and 3.”
“I think V Day is way over-rated and commercialized (as voiced above) However, it does make me stop and take stock of how blessed I am in my marriage and it amazes me when I realize just how God knew how perfectly we would fit together as a couple – despite all of our weaknesses and shortfalls as human beings.
” And – it doesn’t take chocolate or flowers or going out for dinner once a year to show your spouse how much they mean to you. Love should be communicated at a much deeper level than that and it should be a daily occurence!!!”
“It makes me feel sad, not for being single but for how commercialized love has become. Its sad to me that couples need a day to force them to be romantic and to share their love with one another. I dont think its very special to be receiving gifts on a certain day simply because the other party feels obligated.
As for what it does for me, not too much. I do remember really enjoying it as a kid, trading valentines with my classmates, but now that im older it seems like just another “Day” (like presidents day or victoria day)”
“I also think VDay is way overrated. Its so focused on the chocolate, flowers, dinners, and diamonds that nobody can see past the materialism and look at what love is really all about. Not that I know much about love being a single university student :) But in my opinion its about serving others before looking after ourselves, following Jesus’s example at the deepest level. ”
“To me it is simply a good reminder to reflect on the blessing of being loved – by God, my wife, my kids, my family, my friends and my brothers and sisters in Christ. Wow! It’s too bad that the commercialism of the day has often made it another reason to feel obligated to spend money we may not have. Spending time with the ones we love, and thinking of other ways to bless them, is so much more important. It’s great that VDay is on a Sunday this year – a great chance to spend time with the One and ones we love!”
“I tell my little students that Valentine’s Day is a special day where we get to tell our families how much we love them and tell our friends how much we like them. It is a day to be happy and spend time with our friends being extra nice and special to each other. We can tell people we love them or like them, we can show them we love them by giving hugs, being nice to our brothers and sisters and by making a special valentine’s for them, (and cleaning up after we make one!) haha!”
Re: Valentine’s Day
“It’s been too commercialized and I personally think it doesnt mean as much if you get the stereotypical valentines day gifts on a day that you expect to get something. It would be more meanig-ful if you got/gave something on a day that wasnt valentines day. umm… thats all I got for now, if I think of anything else I will post it.
P.S. I have been dumped for not doing anything on Valentines Day, even though I surprised her the day before. So FYI if you do something like that and then the lady dumps you…probably not the woman that your suppost to be with
“Hi Tom
Here’s a poll that was in the online edition of our local paper (Fort Frances Times).
Poll
Is Valentine’s Day an important occasion to you?
Yes
19%
No
81%
Total votes: 170
I would have to agree with the results. I see Valentines as a marketing scheme to get us to spend more money by making us feel guilty if we don’t do something for our sweethearts. I’d much rather make a big deal out of my wife’s birthday and our anniversary as they are much more personal than everybody having to do it. That being said, I’ll probably still give into the pressure and do something.”
“Valentine’s means cinnamon hearts, and I (with emphasis) get to pick the movie – so no zombies or spaceships.”
What authority did Paul have to talk about suffering?
Posted on February 6, 2010 by Pastor Tom
I find it risky talking about the purpose of suffering with someone else. I know when I’ve hurt, it doesn’t help for someone to explain why I’m suffering unless they’ve taken the time to try to understand what I’m going through. Or if they have a credible “resume of suffering,” I might be more inclined to listen.
Tomorrow, I’m talking again from Romans 8. Paul says quite a bit about suffering in this chapter. Perhaps his most outrageous verse (at first glance) is 18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed to us.”
It might seem like Paul hasn’t suffered much or minimizes other’s sufferings. But later in the chapter, he gives us a little glimpse of some of what he suffered. Thank goodness he shared.
Check out Justin Taylor’s piece today that talks further about the “treasures in jars of clay” and suffering passage from 2 Corinthians 4.
Thanks Lord for inspiring Paul to share his life with us!
Doubts about God
Posted on February 5, 2010 by Pastor Tom
This past week in the Edmonton area we saw another family tragedy. Two young boys are now dead because of an apparent domestic dispute.
(Check out the latest here -
When things like this happen, questions often arise about God. Where was God when this was happening?
Doubts about God can have a philosophical origin. (Does God exist?) They can arise because of circumstances like this tragedy in our city or in our own lives. (Is God for us). They can come from a bad experience with a Christian or church. Our enemy (the devil) loves to seed doubt about our Loving God. So what can we do?
When doubts about God come to me, I go to the One I’m doubting. I ask Him for His help, His wisdom and His understanding. I ask Him to bring people across my path who can help me. If you’re doubting Him today, turn to Him. And pray for that family.
Nothing too complicated for God
Posted on January 27, 2010 by Pastor Tom
Do you ever think that your situation or the challenges you face are too much for God? We probably wouldn’t actually say yes to that if we really thought about it. But I know I sometimes live like this. I run around and try to figure out things to the best of my ability. Then I come to the end of my knowledge or wisdom or ideas. Sometimes, its only then that I turn to God.
I read today about His amazing ability to accomplish His purposes despite man’s attempts to frustrate them. There was a king named Ahab who ruled northern Israel for over 20 years. He led them away from God into Baal worship (pagan stuff; lots of weirdness and crazy dancing before carved stones – not the Rolling Stones but there is crazy dancing before them too – hmm). Ahab decides to go to war against Syria. He wants affirmation so he calls in 400 yes prophets for encouragement.
His ally, Jehoshaphat, listens to the yes men. Then asks “Is there not another prophet of the Lord?” Ahab states flat out “I hate him. He never prophesies good.” But Jehoshaphat convinces Ahab to hear this prophet Micaiah.
The messenger bringing in Micaiah pleads with him to tow the party line. Say yes to the yes men. Micaiah at first plays along. But Ahab sees right through it. “What do you really think?”
Micaiah reveals that Ahab’s army is going to be wiped out and that God ordained the 400 yes men to encourage Ahab to go. You’d think Ahab would be smart enough to stay home. But he’s out to go to war and show God up. So he thinks he has the solution.
He and Jehoshaphat will go into battle. But Ahab will wear a disguise – perhaps just an ordinary soldiers outfit. He tells Jehoshaphat to wear his royal robes anyway. (Why did Jehoshaphat agree to this dumb suggestion?) The Syrians only want to get Ahab. But now he’s disguised. Ahab thinks he’s outsmarted God.
How would the Syrians get him? There’s no Google Earth to search for him on his palace grounds. They can’t do a Google image search on “Ahab.” They at first attack Jehoshaphat because he’s the only dude dressed like a king. But they somehow realize its not Ahab.
Then comes 1 Kings 22:34 – “But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate.”
At random! An ordinary archer. He picks out an ordinary looking soldier. The arrow strikes the tiny opening between the armor and breastplate. Ahab dies. God accomplished His ultimate purpose in spite of 400 yes men, a revelation of his plan in advance, a disguise and no Google image.
This is just one of hundreds of examples in Scripture where God accomplishes His purposes despite complex obstacles opposing Him.
So back to your life and mine. Too complex for God? Too challenging? Don’t think so. Know so.
Apology to Engineers and Scientists
Posted on January 22, 2010 by Pastor Tom
Hi everyone: I would like to make a sincere apology to all my engineering and scientific friends who were in attendance last week to hear the message. I said that just like the law of the Spirit and life replaces the law of sin and death, the law of aerodynamics replaces the law of gravity when a plane takes off and reaches a certain speed.
Several engineers and scientists in the crowd visibly twitched. I was later informed that the law of gravity still exists. But the lift force offsets it? Something about Bernouli’s (Bernie Ooley?) principle. So I apologize for causing your internal twitch.
However, I’m not sure I really said the law of aerodynamics “replaces” the law of gravity. I knew in drawing up the illustration that gravity still exists when a plane flies. So I think I said something like “it’s kind of like this.” But the Engineers and Scientists didn’t see it that way or hear it that way. (Or perhaps they were looking for an excuse just to rip me! :))
Anyway, that’s the price you pay for trying to connect Scripture to real life. I hope you still get the bigger point! Ha.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
PT
Going deep with God by having Him carry our loads
Posted on January 19, 2010 by Pastor Tom
This past weekend, my daughter broke her collar bone. This makes the basics of life more complicated (cutting a piece of toast, getting dressed, sleeping sitting up). Then we turn on the news and watch what the people of Haiti are going through. And I have heard of many friends bearing some similar load in their personal, family or professional life.
So please take some time to read, think and pray over this wisdom from John Piper.
Going Deep with God by Having Him Carry Our Loads
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2000/1163_Going_Deep_with_God_by_Having_Him_Carry_Our_Loads/
Download:
By John Piper October 31, 2000
One of the reasons we don’t know God deeply is that we don’t venture much on his pledge to carry things for us. Knowing God with a sense of authentic personal reality, is not merely a matter of study. It is a matter of walking with him through fire and not being burned. It is a matter of not being crushed under a load because he carries it for you at your side. What, then, does he carry?
1. God has carried our sins.
Isaiah 53:11, “By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities.” Hebrews 9:28, “Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many.” 1 Peter 2:24, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross.”
Believing this and experiencing its liberating effect is crucial. 1) It is crucial for life now. Guilt feelings do not have the last word! 2) It is crucial for the hour of our dying. The sting of death is sin, but thanks be to God, it was removed. 3) It is crucial for everlasting joy. Christ’s sin-bearing work secures for us never-ending compensation for every so-called “loss” in this life of sacrificial love. This confidence is the foundation of knowing God.
2. God pledges to carry our anxieties.
1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” The only other place this word for “cast on” occurs is in Luke 19:35 where the disciples threw their coats on the colt for Jesus to ride.
What worries does God aim to take from our backs and carry for us? Every kind. For example, anxieties about 1) lacking necessities (Phil. 4:4–7); 2) being useless (Is. 55:11); 3) weakness (2 Cor. 12:9); 4) decisions (Psa. 32:8); 5) opponents (Rom. 8:31); 6) affliction (Psa 34:19; Rom. 5:3–5); 7) aging (Is. 46:4); 8) dying (Rom. 14:7–9); and 9) not persevering (Phil. 1:6; Heb. 7:25).
When George Mueller was asked how he could be so calm in the middle of a hectic day with so many uncertainties in the orphanage, he answered something like, “I rolled sixty things onto the Lord this morning.” When Hudson Taylor was told about missionaries in his charge being in trouble, he was heard soon after whistling his favorite hymn, “Jesus I Am Resting.”
3. God pledges to carry our burdens (= “our lot”).
Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” The word for “burden” here is “lot.” What is your lot in life today? What has providence brought you. This is finally of the Lord. And will carry it for you. It is not meant to crush you or carry you away. It is meant to test your trust in God to carry it for you. (See also Psa. 16:5; 63:8.)
For Amy Carmichael the “lot” was singleness. There were several chances to leave it, and take “the other life.” But she heard the inner voice, No, no, no. As Elisabeth Elliot tells the story in A Chance to Die.
4. God pledges to carry the cause of justice for us.
1 Peter 2:23, “While being reviled, [Jesus] did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept handing over to Him who judges justly.”
In almost every relationship of life you will be treated unjustly. “Jesus never called us to a fair fight” (George Otis). How will you not be embittered? By letting God carry your cause and settle accounts either on the cross or in hell. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (Rom. 12:19). Leave it to him. Prepare to be treated unjustly, whether it is someone breaking in front of you in line, or bearing false witness at the final trial of your life.
5. God pledges to carry you all your life.
Isaiah 46:3–4, “Hearken to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” (See also Ex. 19:4; Psa. 18:35; 94:18.)
In the end the Christian life is a life of being carried from beginning to end. We work. But it is not we, but God who works within us (1 Cor. 15:10).
Conclusion
So come to him, all you who labor and are heavy laden and find rest for your soul. Go deep with God and know him better by venturing more on his pledge to carry you and all your concerns.
Carried,
Pastor John
© Desiring God
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
Dad, why did God allow that earthquake in Haiti?
Posted on January 15, 2010 by Pastor Tom
“Dad, why did God allow that earthquake in Haiti,” my son asked while we watched news footage of the devastation. The amount of suffering and devastation on any given story was overwhelming. Then, the question.
How would you answer? Part of the answer is “I don’t know.” It’s not easy to figure out why things happen and we tread on shaky ground when we become amateur prophets. Another part is “to remind us that we’re not in control.” Sometimes we can go on thinking we’ve got the world by the tail. But actually we don’t. Events like this remind the world of that reality. Another part might be to show His amazing ability to bring good out of tragedy. God has done that over and over again in lives, people groups and nations.
But please pray and please give as you see opportunities to do so on the website. And for some deeper pondering on this I recommend this article on why Satan is left on Earth.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2003/1235_Why_Satan_Is_Left_on_Earth/
Lord bring hope and rescue to my surviving Haitian brothers and sisters.
A New Year - Oh No or Oh Yes!
Posted on January 5, 2010 by Pastor Tom
Back to school, back to work, back to bills, back to “reality.” As I look forward into 2010 I could get my heart rate up to 190 by piling on all I “need” to do or all the uncertainties before me. I then look at the New Year with an “oh no!” attitude.
But that won’t do me or those around me much good. Instead, I need to give this year and all its potential to the Lord. I need to trust Him to lead me. I need to stop and think about Psalm 99:1 – “The Lord reigns.”
Yes Lord. So what does that mean for me? Where do you want me to focus? Lead me and I’ll follow. You know so much better what I really need to do. You will unfold the uncertainties one step at a time. Thanks Lord that I don’t (we don’t) have to go into 2010 alone. A New Year – Oh Yes!
Christianity, Truth and Downward Mobility
Posted on December 17, 2009 by Pastor Tom
One of the temptations I face as a pastor is “selling” my faith with all its benefits. I could tell people that coming to Christ can help you make sense of your world. Or it will give you inner peace. Or it gives you morality. Or it’s something that will give you passion for life. All these “benefits” are possible in the Christian life.
But every other faith can claim the same benefits. So religion can simply become a polite competition for the spiritually seeking. It seems like our society has settled into that understanding of religion. “Whatever works for you is great.” “It’s all food,” I once heard. “Each faith is like a different section of the spiritual buffet.”
If this is the case, it’s no wonder that the “non-religious” get skeptical or apathetic. They can see each faith as simply another attempt to sell them something. Or the “spiritual buffet” image lessens any urgency or importance of faith.
However, if we raise the question of truth, the stakes become much higher. I am convinced by the evidence that Christianity and its claims are true. That frees me to be completely honest with someone about why I think they must seriously consider Christ. I’m not trying to sell something. I’m not trying to dress it up so it’s more attractive than the next religion. I don’t get a commission. I simply present the evidence and ask others to consider it.
This truth claim also protects them from false expectations or disappointment.
Following Christ does bring great benefits. But it doesn’t mean all problems go away. It doesn’t mean there will be no suffering. In fact it might increase suffering. It might mean losing a position of privilege. It might mean losing a life (as thousands of Christians did just that this past year around the world because of their faith).
If Christianity provides only a few mild benefits than can be found in any other faith, why do Christians endure suffering and downward mobility and even death? That’s a complete waste if you can find the same thing at the next religious store. But if Christianity is true, then it all might make sense and be worthwhile.
During this season, we Christians remember Christ’s coming. One of the Gospels
describes his coming this way – “The true light which enlightens every man was coming into the world.” The true, genuine, non-counterfeit, real light came into the world. This same Gospel claims He stepped into history at a specific point in time and became “flesh” or “human.” This is the mystery and wonder of the Christmas season.
We might think it so amazing and cute that Jesus came as a baby and was laid in a manger. But this was the ultimate act of downward mobility. He left the glories of heaven to be born into the frail state of an infant, in a little know city, in a nameless inn’s stable to parents in poverty. If true, then suffering for His name’s sake, losing a position of privilege and even dying for His name seems par for the course. I don’t want to sell you anything. I invite you to examine the evidence and claims of Jesus. Merry Christmas to you all!
I want no "only"
Posted on December 8, 2009 by Pastor Tom
I was reading today about the beginning of King Solomon’s reign. You know Solomon, the wisest king ever? Well here’s what 1 Kings 3:3 says “Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, ONLY (capitals mine) he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places.”
Right from the start, Solomon lived a compromised faith. Sacrificing at high places meant sacrificing to other gods. He did that right through his reign. It’s like the Lord was his God in Jerusalem but outside the city he served other gods.
Sometimes, I might live like Solomon. “I love you Lord, only let me have this part of my life for myself.” Lord, I want no “only” attached after my name. Please strengthen me!
Be strong men!
Posted on December 3, 2009 by Pastor Tom
The Tiger Woods scandal has rocked the Golf world and Sports world. A man who had it all admitted to some transgressions. One part of this sad story is that Tiger’s wife went through his cell phone and was going to call all the saved numbers on there. A magazine got a hold of Tiger allegedly asking a woman to change her display name to a number so his wife would not discover this woman.
As I listened to some of the fall out and reaction to his admission, a local sports radio talk show took up the topic. But they didn’t ask “how could this guy have done this?” Their key question was “what could he have done differently so he wouldn’t get caught.” One suggested he have two cell phones – a regular cellphone and a girlfriend cellphone. Another talked about how Tiger could have been more discreet.
How weak! Instead of calling for all men to be strong and faithful, we seek ways to more effectively hide “transgressions?” The “strong man” image this world portrays is actually pretty weak. The world’s strong man is rugged, independent, wealthy, powerful and has plenty of women. But that’s weakness!
It takes a lot of strength to be faithful in body, emotions and mind. In fact it can be difficult but not impossible. God’s Word calls men to be strong in difficult situations by asking Him for strength. “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go;” on business trips; on a guys night out; at the computer late at night; in your thoughts.
We must be strong and not invent ways of hiding weakness.
Pray for the Wood’s family.
Life is fragile. Cherish it!
Posted on December 2, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Its getting colder! My hands froze the other night while I was putting the final Christmas lights up on our house. I’ve got a lot to do. I’m behind on some things. And the Christmas rush is here. Am I just going to put my head down and push through this season? I could but I will certainly miss all the gifts life brings during these upcoming days.
A couple of events this week hit me again about the fragile nature of life. This past weekend, four police officers sat down for coffee in a coffee shop. It happens all over North America all the time. But this time, none of them came out alive. They were gunned down by someone who hated the police. The gunman was later shot and killed. So now the family members of all involved prepare for a very different Christmas season without their loved ones.
Last weekend, two teenagers were found dead in their Calgary home. Their father is now charged with their killing. Their mother and classmates now deal with the aftermath of two young lives ending.
So yes, its getting colder. My hands froze for a minute or so. I’ve got a lot to do. I am behind on some things. But I have this gift of life worth treasuring and investing.
Lord help me to keep perspective on life through the days to come!
Evangelism and Social Action
Posted on November 28, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Check out this comment by John Stott about the necessity of both Evangelism and Social Action in the church.
Evangelism and Social Action (cont’d.)
829. Polarization and specialization
I suggest the need for a threefold recognition about
evangelism and social action:
(a) A recognition that the two are partners in the
Christian mission… ‘distinct yet equal’ partners.
Neither is an excuse for the other, a cloak for the other,
or a means to the other. Each exists in its own right as
an expression of Christian love. Both should be included
to some degree in every local church’s programme.
(b) A recognition that both are also every individual
Christian’s responsibility. Every Christian is a witness,
and must take whatever opportunities he is given. Every
Christian is also a servant, and must respond to challenges
to service, without regarding them as merely occasions for
evangelism. Yet the existential situation will often
assign priority to one or the other of the two
responsibilities. For example, the good Samaritan’s
ministry to the brigand’s victim was not to stuff tracts
into his pockets but to pour oil into his wounds. For this
was what the situation demanded.
(c) A recognition that, although both are part of the
church’s and the Christian’s duties, yet God calls
different people to different ministries and endows them
with appropriate gifts. This is a necessary deduction from
the nature of the church as Christ’s body. Although we
should resist polarization between evangelism and social
action, we should not resist specialization. Everybody
cannot do everything. Some are called to be evangelists,
others to be social workers, others to be political
activists. Within each local church, which as the body of
Christ in the locality is committed to both evangelism and
social action, there is a proper place for individual
specialists and for specialist groups.
—From “Evangelism, Salvation and Social Justice”, by R. J.
Sider with a response by John Stott (2nd edn. Nottingham:
Grove Books, 1979), p. 22.
——————————————————————————
—Excerpted from “Authentic Christianity”, pp. 343–344, by
permission of InterVarsity Press.
A third way between Traditional and Emergent?
Posted on November 19, 2009 by Pastor Tom
A colleague of mine from my Wisconsin study group reviews the book “Deep Church.” Here are his thoughts.
Deep Church
from DashHouse.com by dsd@DashHouse.com (Darryl Dash)
My latest column at Christian Week:
Just when I thought the discussion on the emerging church had ended, Jim Belcher comes out with the best book on the topic so far. It turns out the discussion isn’t over, and there’s still lots that can be salvaged no matter who you are.
The book is Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional. It takes me back to the early days of the discussion before things got so polarized. Belcher describes the tensions that many of us felt in the early days. He is theologically conservative, and yet he was part of the early movement. He considers himself an insider and an outsider at the same time.
He’s written Deep Church for those of us caught in between, who “are unhappy with the present state of the evangelical church but are not sure where to turn for an answer.” It’s also useful for those who want to understand what the emerging church is all about, as well as for seminarians and pastors who want to sharpen how ministry is practiced in their context.
Belcher begins by telling his story. In the 1990s, he began to crave the deep fellowship he had experienced as a Ph.D. student at Georgetown, or the kind that Francis Schaeffer had developed at L’Abri in Switzerland. He started by inviting a few friends to his apartment for a weekly discussion. Within a couple of years, the group grew to a couple of hundred young adults. Belcher first thought that this group was unique within the larger church world, but he soon discovered that similar groups were starting all across the country. They weren’t satisfied with how church was presently done. Belcher began to develop friendships with other leaders including Rob Bell, now pastor of Mars Hill church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Belcher still appreciates a lot about the emerging church. He likes that people are trying to rediscover what the church should be like and how it should impact culture, and what it means to be a Christian in a changing world. He thinks the emerging church has done a good job of assessing the problems in the traditional church. But he also has qualms about some of the answers the emerging church has offered to the questions they ask.
In the main section of the book, he takes us through seven areas of discussion: truth, evangelism, gospel, worship, preaching, ecclesiology, and culture. Belcher wants both sides to understand each other, finding agreement in areas of classic orthodoxy described in the ancient creeds while allowing second-tier differences. “Learning from traditional and emerging voices,” he writes, “I believe that deep church moves beyond them to a more excellent way – mere Christianity.”
To be honest, I’ve been disenfranchised lately with the direction of the emerging church. Belcher’s book reminded me of what I used to appreciate. I’ve been wrong to be too dismissive. I needed this correction.
But if you’re worried that Belcher will be either too sympathetic or too critical, you can relax. I thought he did a good job of presenting the positions of people in the best possible light, refusing to paint caricatures or to take cheap shots. The endorsements from emerging thinkers indicates that he succeeded. But he isn’t afraid to analyze these arguments and point out where he thinks they are wrong.
It’s not a perfect book. Belcher probably errs on the side of graciousness. He may be too optimistic about the possibility of a genuine third way when things seem so polarized. I sure like that he is trying.
The real strength of the book is that it poses the key issues asked by the emerging church, questions which, after all, still need to be answered. It pushes us to a holy dissatisfaction with the weaknesses of the traditional church and shows us that we can do better. At the same time, it avoids the excesses of some who criticize the traditional church, and emphasizes the need for classic orthodoxy.
“It is my hope that Deep Church will become a platform for working out a third way in the church.” It’s a tall order – but it’s sure worth a try.
The Pro Life Two Step
Posted on November 18, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Justin Taylor’s blog describes a helpful way to engage in discussions about abortion.
When thinking through the logic of life, it’s always good to get some good fog-clearing advice.
For example, Alan Shlemon recently gave a defense of the pro-life position at Central Michigan University and he focused on just two claims:
(1) the unborn is a distinct, living, and whole human being from the moment of conception;
(2) abortion is discrimination: it disqualifies a group of human beings (the unborn) from being valuable because of an arbitrary quality or characteristic.
He then fielded objections from the audience. The vast majority of objections against the pro-life view, he says, come in one of two forms.
They either assume the unborn is not a human being.
Or, they disqualify the unborn from being a valuable human being based on an arbitrary quality or characteristic.
When I hear a defense for abortion, I figure out which category it falls in.
Then, I can show them the misstep by appealing to one of the two claims I defended in my opening remarks.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/11/15/the-pro-life-two-step
No big deal?
Posted on November 17, 2009 by Pastor Tom
“It’s no big deal.” That’s what I hear in my head when I make a “little” choice that puts convenience over obedience. But these little choices seemingly insignificant choices can lead to Big Trouble.
Consider King David. He was ruler over a strong nation. He was a man after God’s own heart. God promised to keep a member of his family on the throne forever. Yet “in the spring, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent his army but David stayed home in Jerusalem.”
What was he thinking? “I’ve done my fair share of battle. It’s time to delegate.” Or “I never get to see spring in Jerusalem. I think I’ll just stay home.”
But he made one little choice that pointed his life on a trajectory of rebellion, distance from God and long term misery. One little choice – then came lust, adultery, cover up, murder, loss of intimacy with God for over a year, death of the child conceived and never ending strife in his immediate family.”
Yes David repented and the Lord forgave. But the consequences of a “no big deal” choice lasted long.
Lord, help me to say no to choosing convenience at the expense of obedience.
Love always trusts?
Posted on November 12, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Isn’t it naive to always trust in love? The stories I hear from people in broken relationships often reveal betrayal, deceit and long term consequences. But 1 Corinthians 13 talks about a love that “always trusts” or “believes all things.”
How can this be? Upon further study, it became clearer that this trusting love is more willing to believe the best about people than the worst. It is more willing to assume good motives rather than bad motives.
I don’t think it means we give up discernment. But this love fights back when an immediate negative thought about another jumps into our mind with no factual basis. It’s a hard balance to maintain – discernment and trust. But we need not project one negative experience in a relationship onto every other relationship in our lives.
That’s just one nugget in the deep mine known as 1 Corinthians 13.
Do our soldiers willingly give up their lives?
Posted on November 4, 2009 by Pastor Tom
“Today we want to remember those soldiers who willingly gave up their lives for us so,” I said at a Remembrance Sunday worship service. We read “In Flanders Fields.” We had a moment of silence.
But following the service an elderly couple approached me. They asked a question I’d never thought about before. “Do you think soldiers willingly give up their lives on the battlefield?”
He was a veteran of the Russian and German armies in World War 2. He lived in Russia but was of German descent. When the Germans invaded Russia, he was recruited to the Russian army. He was captured in the first weeks of that campaign.
Then when the Germans found out he was German, they “recruited” him into their army. He fought at Stalingrad. But later he was captured by the Russians. He survived the war and eventually found his way to Canada. She was a German living in Poland. She saw first hand the German invasion of Poland and then the Russian counter invasion. Eventually she spent 13 months in prison at the end of the war for being German.
I thought about their question. I assume that soldiers who volunteer do so willingly. So they agree to put their lives on the line. But do they give up their lives willingly? I’m not sure. I’m not a soldier but from what I’ve read, it seems soldiers try to avoid death as much as possible on the battlefield.
This couple then shared their perspective. He said that on the eastern front, you fought for your buddies. You fought the enemy and fought hard to survive. You might have your life taken from you. But few willingly gave up their lives to death.
I don’t know if there is an absolute answer to that question regarding soldiers. But I do know there is one who did give up his life willingly. The Bible tells us he resolutely set out for Jerusalem to die. The night before his death, his arresters led by Judas searched for him. The Bible tells us he went out to meet them. (John 18:1–11). He asked them “Whom do you seek?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
He didn’t deny his identity. He didn’t try to get out of it. He said, “I am he.” Then something remarkable happens. “When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” Judas and all the soldiers fell down. Perhaps they were struck by the resolute nature of the one who spoke.
Jesus could have maybe run away. But he asks them “Whom do you seek,” a second time. He again acknowledges his identity. It was like Jesus was helping his arresters arrest him. These are the actions of a man who is ready to willingly give up his life. That’s why His action is remembered as the great act of love.
On this Remembrance weekend we remember those who may not have willingly died but willingly put their lives on the line.
How Christ Alone Blows Away the Fatal Effects of Adam's Transgression
Posted on October 31, 2009 by Pastor Tom
I’m preaching on this text tomorrow. But for anyone interested in a verse by verse breakdown, here’s a message I did on the same text a year and a half ago. I hope this will fill in some of the blanks on some of its hard to understand parts.
PT
March 30, 2008 – Romans 5:12–21
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of a continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” English poet and pastor John Donne penned those words about 370 years ago. Ordained in 1615 after years in poverty he eventually became dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. His sermons attracted much attention. But the poems for which he is now famous were not published until 1633, two years after his death. “No man is an island” comes from Devotions upon Emergent Occasions.
Donne states that human beings are somehow interconnected. We are related to one another simply because we are part of the human race. Yet those famous words seem little more than the sentiment of a past age when you look around our society. “It’s all about me” seems to be our slogan. Advertisers have picked up on this. They accommodate by shouting “Its all about you.” Get personalized Easter Eggs for each one of your children. Decide which application you want or don’t want for your Facebook account. Get a personalized tattoo. Download ringtones of your favorite songs. And then there are the coffee shops. If a place only has one brand of coffee with cream and sugar, that’s not going to fit the “its all about me” world. We have to have at least four flavor choices along with Latte and Espresso options.
Now don’t get me wrong. I live in this “personalize it” world. I order a Tall Mild in a Grande Cup with three cream and three sugar when I go to Starbucks. But this individualistic world can lead us to believe that we all are islands. It can deceive us into thinking there is no community or collective responsibility. It can even creep in and distort our understanding of the Gospel with potentially fatal consequences.
If we believe that we’re all islands, the message of the Gospel changes. If we’re not connected to Adam; if we’re not stained by original sin; if we are essentially good, then the Gospel becomes Jesus came to save me from bad choices. Jesus came to unleash my full potential. Jesus only came to be an example I should follow. Such a Gospel requires no blood, no cross and no trust in someone other than us. But the Bible argues that somehow Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden affected all of us. Somehow we all sinned in that sin. Therefore, the devastating, universal, fatal effects of that sin must be dealt with if we are to be reconciled with God. That’s where the Biblical Gospel really becomes good news. The central truth I want you to see from the text today is Christ alone blows away Adam’s fatal, universally damaging transgression.
Through this Easter season we have been examining the Gospel. That’s what Easter is all about. We learned where we can find the Gospel – In Scripture Alone. Then we began answering the question “What is the Gospel?” So far we’ve discovered the answer is Justification Alone By Grace Alone Through Faith Alone I____ C___________ A___________.
The Gospel is good news because it announces the only way to be rescued from the penalty we deserved for our sin. God created everyone. He has Creator rights over us meaning He has the right to demand perfect obedience to His laws. His holy and pure nature requires Him to hate sin and punish it.
We are all sinners; we have all fallen short of the glory of God. We are lawbreakers living under the just wrath of God. The sentence pronounced upon mankind for our sin is guilty. But God, because of His great mercy reached out to provide a means to remedy this. We learned that when God justifies us he declares us righteous, clothes us with Christ’s righteousness and pronounces us not guilty forever. How could God do that without compromising His own justice? He put Christ Jesus forward as an atoning sacrifice by his blood. God poured out the wrath we deserved onto Jesus. So when a person receives Christ, God justifies them.
Then we can agree with Romans 8:1 – there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. He declares us not guilty forever. We are saved from God’s wrath and punishment when God justifies us.
Then we learned that The Gospel is Justification alone by grace alone. It is not based on anything we have done to earn justification. We did not make God turn His eyes towards us because of our good works. God’s grace is His goodness to us who deserved only punishment.
Then we learned how the Gospel with all its blessing comes into our lives; through faith alone. God justifies us through saving faith alone and then we continue to live by faith once we’re saved through faith. But who and what do we put our faith in? Christ alone. That is the final phrase of the definition of the Gospel; in Christ alone. By the end of our time together we should see why we must put our faith in Christ alone; how Christ alone blows away the universally damaging consequences of Adam’s one transgression. Finally, we’ll consider how to respond to this monumental Biblical truth. Our text today is Romans 5:12–21.
The text we will study today is complex. Why does God include hard texts in the Bible? Perhaps its because it forces us to call out to Him for help in understanding them. If we could easily understand everything in the Bible, God wouldn’t be much of a God would he? So today we need to cry out to God to help us persevere through this text so we can grasp more fully the deep truths found here. Let’s ask for His help now.
Romans 5:12–21 (English Standard Version)
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Christ alone blows away Adam’s fatal universally damaging transgression.
First let’s define our terms. Christ alone means Jesus Christ’s life, suffering, death and resurrection. Adam’s fatal, universally damaging transgression occurred when he listened to the serpent and his wife Eve, and tasted the forbidden fruit. You know men how we like to point out that it was Eve who took the fruit so that somehow a woman is responsible for all the sin in the world. Look who God lays the responsibility upon; Adam. God commissioned him as head of the human race. God holds him responsible. Adam’s transgression or violation of God’s law caused all the trouble.
Paul begins our passage by explaining that. Verse 12. “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man (Adam) and death through sin and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” Then we’d expect Paul to complete the thought with a completing thought. Just as THIS, so THIS. But he stops. Verse 12 contains an incomplete sentence.
What’s going on? Well what has he just said at the end of verse 12? “So death spread to all men because all sinned.” All of us sinned in Adam. But wait a minute. We weren’t there. We didn’t taste that fruit. We didn’t receive the command to not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Why should it matter what Adam did anyway? We need salvation and forgiveness from our sins, not his sin. What do you mean, all sinned Paul? Why would Adam’s transgression have anything to do with you and me?
It’s like Paul realized that what he’d just written might cause huge objections. So he stops to explain what he means. He’s just claimed that all sinned in Adam. We aren’t sure exactly what Paul means for he doesn’t explain the mechanics of how we all sinned. It could mean that Adam’s sin was the sin of the human race so that it spread to us. Or it could mean that in some real, profound, mysterious way we all sinned at that moment. John Piper puts it this way. “But the deepest problem is that behind all our depravity and all our guilt and all our sinning, there is a deep mysterious connection with Adam whose sin became our sin and whose judgment became our judgment.”
So Paul states death spread because all sinned. But Paul what proof do you have that all sinned – that all of us were somehow connected with that transgression in the garden? Verse 13 – “For sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin was not counted where there is no law.” God’s formal law, including the 10 commandments, was given to Moses at Mount Sinai around say 1300 B.C. That was generations after Adam. But even though there was no formal to transgress or violate, people certainly sinned and lived under the consequences of sin. Sin existed but was not counted or taken into account or noticed as much.
Say you live out in the country on a road where no speed limit has ever been posted. Some drive safely. Others drive recklessly and at high speeds. But who’s to really say high speed driving is wrong? There’s no law. Then one day a county official comes along and puts up a sign – Maximum 80 kmh. Many people drove 80 or less before the sign. Others drove way faster endangering lives. Now even before the sign was posted, driving at excessive dangerous speeds was wrong. But now with a sign there, every time someone blows by at 120, they know they’re breaking the law. Sin is now counted or paid more close attention to. But that doesn’t mean sin did not exist before.
Paul says in verse 13 that sin existed in the world before the law; before there were any legal transgressions of God’s law. But what proof does he offer? Verse 14. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression.” People died between that time when Adam transgressed the first law and God gave Moses the law at Mount Sinai. What penalty did God warn Adam and Eve would come if they transgressed that one commandment – death! So even though people between Adam and Moses weren’t physically in the garden when the transgression occurred, they suffered the consequences of that sin in the garden. Infants and children who may never have committed a conscious sin still died between Adam and Moses. How could this be except that all humans sinned in some mysterious way with Adam in the garden? So even though the people between Adam and Moses did not sin by directly transgressing God’s law, they still were guilty because all sinned in Adam.
Now this pause to clarify “all sinned” is critical to understand the argument that follows and to correcting false gospels floating around in our world. If we are guilty before God only because of our individual sins, then if we stop sinning and do good, we are no longer guilty. The Gospel and our salvation begins to depend on us. If we say “through one man sin and death entered the world and then death spread to everybody because we all sinned individually, the comparison with Jesus would then be “through one man, Jesus Christ, righteousness and life entered the world and life spread to us all because we did righteous acts individually. So our salvation would then be based on our righteous acts or good deeds. If we don’t clearly see our link to Adam and the implications of his trespass on all of us, then we won’t clearly see the need to put our trust in Christ alone. If we think we’re islands and have nothing to do with Adam, we miss the need for the Gospel.
Paul then proceeds to explain the fatal, universal damage done by Adam’s sin and the amazing provision of God to undue that damage through Christ.
What were the fatal, universal effects of Adam’s one transgression?
1. The many died through Adam’s trespass (5:15). The curse of death spread to all human beings. All of Adam’s descendents suffer death because of this original sin except for Enoch and Elijah.
2. Adam’s one trespass brought judgment and a guilty verdict upon all (5:16). Verse 16 – For the judgment following one (just one) trespass brought condemnation. The divine guilty verdict is pronounced upon all human beings because of this one massive transgression. Adam brought upon all of us this sentence for his one willful act of disobedience.
3. Through Adam’s transgression, death reigns (5:17). Verse 17 – If because of one man’s trespass death reigns. Adam’s sin brought universal death.
4. Through Adam’s one trespass came condemnation for all men. (Verse 18). Again Paul takes us back to the universal guilty verdict pronounced on all of humankind.
5. By Adam’s disobedience the many were made sinners. (5:19).
Now prepare yourself. I’m going to do a 57 word sentence here but I’ll do it slowly to see if I can pull the effects of original sin on us. Because of Adam’s one transgression and because we are connected to Adam as a member of the human race and because somehow we all sinned in the sin of Adam, the curse of death hangs over us, we are under judgment and the sentence is guilty, death reigns, condemnation is upon us and we were made sinners. We don’t become sinners because we sin. We sin because we’re made sinners. That’s the bad news.
How does Christ alone blow away the fatal damage done by Adam’s transgression?
1) The many received God’s overflowing grace and free gift through Jesus Christ (5:15).
Verse 15 again – “For if many died through one man’s trespass, how much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.” Instead of death, Jesus brings overflowing grace and a free gift of life. Notice the word many at the end of verse 15. Don’t we sometimes conclude that there’s going to be five or ten of us in heaven and the rest of humanity will be in hell? After all, there are hardly any Christians around. That may be true here. But the many implies a lot. In fact, one Bible commentator argues it means majority. FF Bruce says “The many” can by no means denote a minority: on the contrary, it follows from these words, as Calvin put it, “that the grace of Christ belongs to a greater number than the condemnation contracted by the first man.” Have you ever thought that there will be more people in heaven than in hell? Calvin knew, indeed, of some who imagined Christians (the elect) as a minority, and who accordingly argued that Paul was here “merely debating a point. But Calvin reasoned “that if Adam’s fall had the effect of producing the ruin of many, the grace of God is much more powerful in benefitting many, since Christ is much more powerful to save than Adam was to ruin.” Do you see the “much more” in verse 15?
That’s why I chose the verb phrase “blows away” for what Christ does to the consequences of Adam’s sin. It’s not like Christ barely compensates and we’re just breaking even. God’s grace is blowing away the competition. On our prayer list this week, we read this from Dieter’s corner “Charles Colson writes this week in “Breakpoint”: while only 3000 copies of the “Jesus” film where sold in Egypt in 1996, 600 000 copies were sold in the year 2 000. Increasing numbers of Muslims celebrated Jesus’ resurrection with us this Easter: Recent converts from Islam: in Russia: 2 million, in Turkey: 35 000, in Algeria: 80 000, in Sudan: 5 million, in France: 10 000. All these new Christians face threats, persecution and family pressures. As the world becomes involved in a clash of civilizations, God continues to bring people into His kingdom from the very heart of Islam.” In Christ Alone, God blows away the fatal damage of Adam’s transgression with overflowing grace and an abounding free gift.
2) In spite of many trespasses, God’s free gift through Christ brought justification (5:16).
Verse 16 again – “And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.” Instead of condemnation or a guilty verdict, Jesus brings justification. Remember that happens when we become Christians. God declares us to be right in His sight and not guilty forever. So instead of eternal condemnation Christ brings us eternal pardon.
3) Through Jesus Christ, believer’s reign (5:17).
Now this is an entirely unexpected comparison. Paul begins verse 17 by stating, “If, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned.” So we would expect the opposite to be “life reigned.” But what does he say? “Much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” In other words, those who trust Christ receive the abundance of grace, the free gift of Christ’s righteousness AND the privilege of reigning in life through Jesus. So we are not only delivered from death’s reign as a tyrant over us, we ourselves get to reign enjoying life now and eternally with Christ. Notice the “much more.” Again Christ alone blows away the effects of Adam’s transgression.
4) Christ’s one act of righteousness leads to justification and life (5:18).
He finally gets back to completing the though he started in verse 12. “Therefore as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.” So again, instead of condemnation, Christ provides justification and life. But there better be some alarm bells going off. Doesn’t this verse teach universalism? Doesn’t it say all men will be justified?
Well first, we must go back to verse 17. There he says “those who RECEIVE the abundance of grace and free gift of righteousness.” So its not all people. The two alls in verse 18 cannot refer to the same people. The first all means all who are in Adam. That truly is the whole human race. But the second all means all who are in Christ. So only those who are in Christ, who trust in Christ benefit from his act of righteousness leading to justification.
5) By Jesus’ obedience, many will be made righteous (5:19).
Verse 19 – “For as by one man’s disobedience, the many were made sinners, by one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” In other words, because of Christ’s obedience to the Father, those who receive Him will have their legal status before God changed. Instead of standing condemned, we stand justified because of Christ.
So the entire point of this passage is to show that the work of Christ far outweighs in blessing what the work of Adam did in misery and loss. The obedience of Christ is parallel but vastly superior to the disobedience of Adam. Christ alone blows away the fatal, universal damage of Adam’s transgression.
Now what difference does this complex theology make for your and my life this week?
Well if you’re not a Christian, the fatal, universally damaging consequences of Adam’s transgress still hang over you. On top of that, there’s your own sins that deepen your guilt before God. But there is a simple, free and profound solution. Trust Christ alone. Put your personal trust in the only one who can remedy the fatal universal damage done by Adam’s transgression. Through Faith Justification by grace will flow into your life. Then begin the living the Christian life in a community of believers where you will be taught and encouraged.
For Christians, we must guard against thinking the Gospel is only for non-Christians. We must resist concluding that grace and the Gospel was just great when we became Christians. And we’ll sure need it when we die to get into heaven. But between now and then, we’re on our own. We must recognize we need the Gospel and good news every day in our lives. We require constant conversion from hypocrisy, self-trust and love. We need to continually trust Christ alone to fight our old sin nature.
The fact that Christ alone blows away the fatal consequences of Adam’s transgression relieves us of thinking our justification somehow depends on our faithfulness or our good works. So many religions enslave their adherents by preaching be good and its all good. But how do you know when you’re good enough? How much is good enough? Sometimes people will say “God looks at our hearts and sees our sincerity.” I don’t know about you, but if I’m really honest with myself, I don’t want God to look at my heart to see if there is enough goodness there to justify Him saving me. I would far rather trust Christ and His perfect life than my often shady one. This truth strips away arrogance or unhealthy self-importance.
Our church must be all about magnifying and glorifying Christ. It’s not about us. We learned that in our worship series. Worship is not about whether we liked the music or our favorite song was sung. It’s about using the opportunity to come together and glorify Christ. When we invite people to check out this community, our focus must not be on our greatness. We’re not inviting people to a club where the cool people hang out. We’re a community of sinners who have seen Christ alone reconcile us with God.
All our ministries need to glorify and magnify Christ. The power for ministry comes from Christ. I remember at one pastor’s conference John Piper saying “We’ve got to find a way to do ministry so that God gets the glory for it.” But so often we’re tempted to crave attention and want people to praise us. Maybe we could consider something like this in the ministry we’re involved in. Would someone observing our ministry be more likely to say “Isn’t he or she amazing in what they’re doing? OR “Isn’t it amazing what God is doing?”
This truth that Christ alone blows away the effects of Adam’s transgression frees us from confusion about the “right” savior or that there can be many saviors. Moses, Buddha, Confucias, Madonna, Oprah, Dr. Phil and the Dalai Lama all talk about the need to love each other. But none of them actually dealt with the devastating consequences of Adam’s transgression. If all we need is love, then many “saviors” can claim legitimacy. But if what we need is someone to overwhelm Adam’s transgression, Christ alone accomplished that. We can be boldly to share this truth in a world where the uniqueness of Christ is denied. We are equipped to answer the perennial question “What’s wrong with this world.” Answer – We all sinned in Adam’s sin which has led to fatal, universal damage.
At work – Ask the Lord to help you see difficult people in light of the reality of the fatal universal damage done by Adam’s sin. Ask the Lord to give you His eyes and the way He is using your work to demonstrate or reveal Christ alone as the solution to the world’s biggest problem.
If you’re retired, don’t write off your friends and neighbors that they’ll never change because their seniors. Use the fact of Adam’s transgression and its universal implications as a starting point of discussion. Then offer Christ alone as the solution.
In our marriages and family relationships, we must acknowledge we all struggle with some of Adam’s nature and the effects of his transgression within us. So we need to confess perfectionist expectations we place on our spouses and children. We must take your eyes off our imperfect spouses, kids, jobs, self and focus on Christ. Then look at how to magnify and honor Him in the imperfect situations around you. Spur each other on to magnify Christ in your home and all He has done.
Men – We must fight to embrace and take hold of that for what God accomplished for us in Christ Alone. Continue to receive the Gospel to fight those temptations of apathy, lust, questionable ethics and finding greatest satisfaction in something other than God.
Women consider what God has done for you in Christ Alone; though your spouse may not appreciate you or your kids take you for granted, rejoice in the overflowing abounding grace you have received in Christ alone. Though none of those attitudes exhibited toward you are right, revel in the uniqueness of Christ and God’s free gift to you.
This truth brings comfort to those who have family members wandering from the Lord. Remember their justification depends on Christ alone not on their works. Parents, Continue to trust Christ alone to give strength to overcome anger in parenting and frustration with children. Continue to trust Christ alone for strength to persevere against the oppression our young people face.
When life looks dark, remember Christ did not just remedy the fatal damage of Adam’s transgression. He overwhelmed it and provided an abundance grace and life instead of condemnation and death. If He can overwhelm the deepest problem in the history of humanity, He can see you through your troubles today.
John Dunne was right when he wrote “no man is an island.” But its much deeper than a connection simply because we’re human. We are connected by the universal impact of Adam’s transgression. Yet when we receive Christ, we become connected to a community of the forgiven under Jesus Christ.
If God didn't control evil, the result would be evil uncontrolled.
Posted on October 29, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Have you ever wondered about how there can be evil and God’s Sovereignty. Here are some helpful thoughts from Joni Eareckson Tada today.
Permission Slips
‘Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’
—Luke 22:31–32
“Satan has asked…” observed Jesus. We can be certain that the old snake didn’t check in with God out of politeness or protocol. He had to get permission and this means the devil operates under constraints. He can’t do what he wants whenever he wishes. He has to clear it with God.
Don’t think this means God and the devil are in cahoots. No way. And don’t think that God is somehow on the side of darkness because he makes the devil come to him for permission. God must control evil. And he does so because he is good. Imagine a God who didn’t deliberately permit the smallest details of your particular sorrows. What if your trials weren’t screened by him? Think what this would mean. First, the devil would be without constraints, free to do whatever he pleased. This means the world would be much worse than it’s present state of war, violence, greed and misery. Left to his own, the devil would make “Jobs” of us all!
I breathe a great sigh of relief over today’s verse. It teaches me that evil can only raise its ugly head where God deliberately backs away for a specific and intentional reason – always for reasons that are wise and good, even if hidden from this present life.
If God didn’t control evil, the result would be evil uncontrolled. And so, God permits what he hates to achieve that which he loves – it’s just that most of us won’t always see it until the other side of eternity.
Think for a moment about the balance of painful and joyful things in your life. Think of how, by God’s grace, you are managing your problems. And now, consider how it could be worse. Were it not for God, it would be.
- * * * *
Lord, I praise you for making the devil operate under constraints.
No greater love
Posted on October 23, 2009 by Pastor Tom
This morning I was reading about Jesus’ last hours. So much happened on that Friday. The reading began with this: “Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him.” Somehow, I got stuck on that verse for awhile.
Sometimes I read too fast. But a measly 8 words describe one of the most horrific punishments Rome inflicted on its criminals. The scourge or whip was not a single strand like that used in old Westerns. The Roman whip often had multiple strands. Bone or metal fragments were attached to each strand. So the “whipper” would strike the flesh of the criminal and then rip out the whip to tear the flesh. Many criminals did not survive a flogging.
“Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him.” Then they put on the crown of thorns. Then they put on a purple robe which would cake to his body because of his dripping wounds. They they forced him to carry his cross. Jesus could have stopped it at any moment.
But he pressed on even ministering to another crucified criminal and his mother from the cross. Because of that great love, Christians have life eternal and life with God today. Thank you Lord for this unimaginable love.
From ordinary to life changing
Posted on October 22, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Yesterday, a gunmen entered the Workman’s Comp building in downtown Edmonton. He proceeded to the 8th floor and took 8 hostages. The standoff with police took 10 hours. Thankfully one by one he released the hostages. A half hour after the last hostage was released he gave himself up.
I was thinking about the workers and their families. Yesterday morning, it was an ordinary day where they expected to go to work, do their job, come home and be reunited with their families. But by the end of the day families throughout the city had to call a special emergency info hotline set up by the police to gain information about their loved ones.
I suspect many families were much more intentional about welcoming their loved ones home from work that day. Events like yesterday remind me again of the fragile nature of life. What a gift that can so quickly be whisked away.
One of the best life perspective books I’ve read in the past year is “Don’t Waste Your Life,” by John Piper. If yesterday’s events have you thinking about important things in life, it’s a great read. You can get the book for about $10 or read it online for free. Here’s the link
Thank God for life!
O to be understood!
Posted on October 14, 2009 by Pastor Tom
We all long to be understood. One definition of the word understand goes like this: “To know thoroughly by close contact with or long experience of.” Another states “to know and be tolerant or sympathetic toward the needs, feelings or views of another.” Does anyone understand you like that?
Our current culture may not contribute much to understanding even though we’re more “connected” than ever before. An email may be poorly written. A text message carries a threatening tone. A Facebook invite excludes.
I appreciate Dave Branon’s comments on understanding. It’s hard but it’s worth it!
“It’s feeble avoidance to say we can’t understand one another. We can and we must. It takes time – time spent in one another’s presence asking questions, listening intently, then asking again. It’s as simple and as difficult as that.
No one, of course, can fully plumb the mystery of another person’s heart, but we can learn something new every day. The wise man of Proverbs called understanding a “wellspring of life” (16:22), a deep source of wisdom to all who seek it.
Again, I say, understanding takes time – one of the most precious gifts we can give to others. How we choose to spend our time is the surest indicator of how much we care for those we love.”
If God is Good . . .
Posted on October 13, 2009 by Pastor Tom
I’m talking about suffering this Sunday from Romans 5:1–11. Here’s a resource that is likely helpful.
Randy Alcorn’s new big book on the problem of evil and suffering is now available: If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil (Multnomah).
You can read the table of contents and some excerpts at his Eternal Perspective Ministries page. http://www.epm.org/books/if-god-is-good.html.
Thankful for fleas?
Posted on October 9, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Thanksgiving weekend is here (in Canada!). It’s a time to reflect that for which I have to be thankful. It’s a pleasant exercise when things are going well. It’s a helpful practice when I take for granted many blessings.
But what about when things are going lousy? I know, I know. We can always find something to be thankful for in the middle of tough times. But what about the tough times themselves. Should we be thankful FOR them? Cancer? Work Stress? Death of a loved one? Loss of job? Relationship Problems?
The immediate answer is NO! And it is true; many of these trials were not part of God’s original creation. I also want to avoid fatalism and any sort of masochistic (enjoying self pain) tendencies.
I was pretty convinced I had the 100% correct answer to this until I read Ephesians 5:20 in the Bible – “always giving thanks FOR everything. And then I read “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom. She and her family hid Jews from the Nazis in World War 2 Holland. Eventually, they were betrayed. The Nazis arrested them. Her father died in a hospital hallway.
She and her sister Betsy ended up at the Ravensbruck concentration camp for women. Corrie was incredibly frustrated and anxious. She was sick of Betty’s positive attitude. Things got worse when they were moved to a barracks infested with fleas. Betty said they must always be thankful even for these fleas.
Corrie threw up her arms in frustration. “I will never be thankful for fleas.” But they also had smuggled a Bible in with them. They hosted a Bible Study whenever they could. But the guards avoided their barracks because of the fleas.
Corrie never forgot that. Even though Betsy died there, Corrie worked through that challenge of thanksgiving for something difficult for the rest of her days. May I capture something from her incredible story this weekend.
Unpacking Forgiveness:
Posted on October 7, 2009 by Pastor Tom
How do you respond when someone has hurt you? A friend of mine has spent a lot of time thinking about forgiveness. You can find out more about this in his book Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581349807/002–8214910-3156015?ie=UTF8&tag=abriintheval-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1581349807)
He also has a “forgiveness quiz” you can take at http://www.chrisbrauns.com/2009/10/07/take-a-new-forgiveness-quiz-and-win-a-book-or-a-flip-video-recorder/
Check out his blog if you find yourself struggling with forgiveness.
The Second Coming of Christ seems so Inconvenient!
Posted on September 30, 2009 by Pastor Tom
It is hard to think about the Second Coming of Christ because its so disruptive! I have so many things I want to accomplish, important errands to run and dreams I hope get realized. But the Second Coming of Christ interferes with all of that. Ha. I mean it puts everything into perspective. At that moment, life as we know it on this planet will be forever changed.
But for Christians it will be the realization of all our dreams and infinitely more! My “errands” will pale in comparison to what we see and become. Sometimes, when I think about the Second Coming, I only think about seeing Jesus in His glory. But I won’t only see His glory, I will share in it.
John Stott writes this in his commentary on 2 Thessalonians:
“The glory of Jesus Christ will not be objective only (so that we see it), but also in his people (so that we share it). We ourselves will be glorified. This will entail a complete transformation into Christ’s image. Our bodies will become at the Resurrection ‘like his glorious body’ (Phil.3:21). Our characters will become Christ-like. ‘What we will be has not yet been made known.’ But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him.’(1 Jn.3:2). Finally delivered from all sin and selfishness, we shall instead be filled to capacity with love for God and others. In consequence, we shall discover our true human identity. We, who all our lives have been pathetic apologies for human beings, will at last be fully human and fully free because fully Christ-like.”
Whoa. I think I can deal with that kind of interruption!
Company's staying . . . . forever!
Posted on September 29, 2009 by Pastor Tom
We have been preparing to host overnight company. You know the drill. Tidy areas that might not be so important to have tidy when its just the family. Ensure lots of things are in place. Prepare the guest room.
But what might we do different if we had to prepare space for permanent company? I was reading in John 14 this morning. There Jesus says “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him.” In other words, company’s coming and moving in, in the person of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Now this is both comforting and a little unsettling. It’s comforting because it means Jesus sees all my stuff and still loves me and lives in me. It’s not like I have to clean house in preparation for Sunday and then let things go until the next Sunday. Its unsettling because Jesus is not okay with the clutter/mess/sins remaining. He and the Father and Spirit are in us to bring wholesale transformation. The question is will I let Him into every area of my life or treat him as an unwelcome house guest when He approaches certain doors?
But there’s one more good thing about this permanent house guest. He loves me, wants the best for me and will never leave or forsake me. (I guess that’s three things). So I’ve got company staying for the rest of my life. Then I get to move in to His house!
Can God weep and rejoice at the same time?
Posted on September 23, 2009 by Pastor Tom
This week, we received news of the sudden passing of a 15 year old girl closely connected to some friends of ours. We also received news about the successful surgery and cancer free prognosis of one of our church member’s nieces. We sorrow and rejoice at the same time. How do we deal with these conflicted moments? We need to turn to God who does the same thing. Joni Eareckson Tada writes on this in today’s thought.
Man of Sorrows… Lord of Joy
”...I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”
—John 17:13
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering….
—Isaiah 53:3
Can God laugh and weep at the same moment? Jesus himself was “full of joy” yet Isaiah called him “a man of sorrows.” We mortals know joy and pain together. A father stands at the altar and sighs deeply as he gives his daughter’s hand in marriage. A woman finally lands that long-coveted job, but in taking it must leave behind familiar friends and the town she loves. A mother watches her son languish behind prison bars, but sees the experience bring the rebellious young man to repentance and salvation. We are “sorrowful, but always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10).
This is understandable for humans, but how can God be sorrowful yet always rejoicing? My friend Steve Estes comments: “Perhaps the answer lies in his ability to know all things and to see the eternal picture. God does look down on this world and weep. But the world’s twistedness did not catch him by surprise. He knew that humans would fall into sin. He knew that immeasurable sorrow would be let loose. He knew the suffering it would cost his Son. But God decreed to permit man’s Fall because he knew how he would resolve it: that Jesus would die, that his church would eventually triumph through innumerable trials, that Satan’s fingers would be pried off the plant, that justice would be served at the final judgment, that heaven would make up for it all, and that God would receive more glory – and we would know more joy – than if the Fall had never happened.”
Jesus is “man of sorrows” and “Lord of joy” because, as the Son of God, he sees enough of the coming ecstasy to make up for the present agony. And God sees this glorious end as clearly as if it were today. This is why God can be truly and utterly happy and yet actually and really grieve.
- * * * *
Lord, help me to learn to live in you today, so that I may see the coming ecstasy and realize it makes up for my present hurt and heartache. Help me to be rejoicing while I am sorrowful.
Faith AND Intelligence
Posted on September 18, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Are faith and intelligence mutually exclusive? So often, I hear or read about people dismissing Christianity because it is so naive. “Thinking people know that the miracles aren’t true or that the Bible is mostly myth,” they say. It’s like they’re convinced rigorous thought and Christians cannot coexist.
Bill Crowder points this out: “David McCullough’s biography of John Adams, one of America’s founding fathers and early presidents, describes him as ‘both a devout Christian and an independent thinker, and he saw no conflict in that.’”
Crowder then says “I am struck by that statement, for it carries a note of surprise suggesting that Christians are somehow naive or unenlightened, and that the idea of a “thinking Christian” is a contradiction.”
I agree. Christianity was never meant to be an excuse to shut off our brains. In fact we are commanded to “love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls and MINDS.” (Matthew 22:37).
If someone presents an argument we can’t yet answer, we must not blow them off or plug our ears saying “La, La, La.” It’s okay to say “I’ll have to think about that.” That’s showing love for God and our questioner!
The blessing of hard Bible texts
Posted on September 17, 2009 by Pastor Tom
When something is hard, do we give up? I am working on a hard Bible text this week. Romans 1:18–3:20. It speaks against homosexual behavior, uses some difficult words and is very uncomfortable for 21st century readers. Why did God include a passage like this in the Bible.
Consider Pastor John Piper’s wisdom on this.
“Let me mention four things and then balance them with the less complex side of the gospel. Four things: desperation, supplication, cogitation and education.
1. Desperation (A sense of utter dependence on God’s enablement). I see this in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” The natural man (all of us without the Spirit’s work in our lives) should feel desperation before the revelation of God. He needs God’s help. Well the same thing is true of spiritual – but finite and fallible and sinful – people like me, when I meet difficult texts of God’s Word. I should feel desperation – a desperate dependence on God’s help. That is what God wants us to feel. That is something he has unleashed by inspiring difficult texts.
2. Supplication (Prayer to God for help). This follows from desperation. If you feel dependent on God to help you see the meaning of a text, then you will cry to him for help. I see this in Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.” Seven times in one psalm the psalmist prays, “Teach me your statutes” (119:12, 26, 64, 68,124, 135, 171). Or as Psalm 25:5 says, “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me.” By inspiring some things hard to understand, God has unleashed in the world desperation which leads to supplication – the crying out to God for help.
3. Cogitation (Thinking hard about Biblical texts). You might think, “No, no, you are confused, Pastor John. You just said that God wants us to pray for his help in understanding, not to think our way through to a solution.” But the answer to that concern is, No, praying and thinking are not alternatives. I learn this especially from 2 Timothy 2:7, where Paul says to Timothy, “Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.” Yes, it is the Lord who gives understanding. But he does it through our God-given thinking and the efforts we make, with prayer, to think hard about what the Bible says. So when God inspired texts like Romans 3:1–8, he unleashed in the world an impulse toward hard thinking. Alongside desperation and supplication there is cogitation. Which leads finally to . . .
4. Education (Training young people and adults to pray earnestly, read well and think hard). If God has inspired a Book as the foundation of the Christian faith, there is a massive impulse unleashed in the world to teach people how to read. And if God ordained for some of that precious, sacred, God-breathed Book to be hard to understand, then God unleashed in the world not only an impulse to teach people how to read, but how to think about what they read -how to read hard things and understand them, and how to use the mind in a rigorous way.”
(For the full text of this message see http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/1999/1074_Why_God_Inspired_Hard_Texts/)
Lord, help me not to shy away from the wealth of riches in difficult texts.
Anonymity is for cowards
Posted on September 16, 2009 by Pastor Tom
In one of my daily readings this AM I found this statement – “Anonymity is the last refuge for cowards.” I think that is a true statement. Take blogs, forums and discussion groups for example. They can be a great tool to facilitate discussion in our busy world. But people can hide behind false identities and screen names. So though they’re saying something, they might not have the courage to truly identify with that saying.
I sometimes read comments after sports articles. It’s quite humorous hearing fans from different teams blast each other or brag on their teams. Some of the comments are pretty outrageous. Some are funny. But some are downright rude. If these folks were face to face, the comments might be quite different.
Here’s a test this same article laid out – if I’m tempted to write something anonymously because I don’t really want to be identified with the words STOP! I need to read it again. Then I need to toss it or rewrite it in a way that would be helpful rather than hurtful.
The article concludes with this statement which is quite a dart to us Christians – “If you don’t want to be identified with your words, God probably doesn’t either.”
Lord, may the words of my mouth (and keyboard!) and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight!
How do you respond to hardship?
Posted on September 9, 2009 by Pastor Tom
None of us “likes” to go through hardship. By nature, we like being comfortable and enjoy easy things. But if I look back over my life, most of my growing came through hardship. However, I didn’t always grow through hardship. Sometimes I chose a negative response that hindered my growth.
I read this week about a man who asked some athletes how they normally responded to hardship. Their responses included fear, anger, self-pity, aggression, despair, abusive behavior, apathy and turning to God. As far as I can see, there’s only one positive response to hardship in that entire list.
But how easy it is to choose one of the other ones. Sometimes we have such an ingrained responses to hardship that we don’t even know our response is negative; like self-pity. Then we follow feeling sorry for ourselves with some self-comfort response like over eating, procrastinating or engaging in some escape activity like hours of TV or computer.
In turning to God, we find one who comforts us in the midst of trouble. Then He enables us to comfort others when they go through trouble. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). Whatever hardships this day or week brings, I need to go to the God of all comfort.
Fail Day
Posted on September 3, 2009 by Pastor Tom
I once read about a college professor who showed great patience with his students. There were three papers due during the semester. When the first paper was due several students came to class pleading for an extension. The compassionate professor believed all their excuses and allowed extensions. But he warned them to be better prepared for the next paper.
The second paper came due. More students appealed for mercy. It was mid-terms. They were behind in their reading. So he allowed further extension but warned this would not happen again.
Then the third term paper due date arrived. He observed the majority of the class strolling in without their papers and with no concern. They didn’t even appeal for an extension. They assumed they’d automatically get it. The professor then called the roll of the class.
“Susie Akins, do you have your paper?”
“Yes, here it is prof.” (She was always one of those keener types).
“Robert Anderson?”
“No prof. I didn’t have time to get it started. But I promise I’ll get it to you in a week.”
“That’s not necessary Mr. Anderson. You get an F on your paper.”
“What are you talking about?” the student yelled. “You gave us extensions in the past. I assumed that you’d give another one today.”
“You assumed wrong Mr. Anderson. I warned everyone here that this would not happen again.”
The roll continued. Out of 28 students, 17 received F’s that day because they assumed the professor’s patience and grace would go on indefinitely. It became the “Fail day” for many students.
God has incredible patience and grace. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” (2 Peter 3:8). But the Bible also says “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment.” (Ps. 2:12).
I am reminded not to take God’s amazing grace for granted today. Nor must I presume upon His grace and assume I’ll always have time to get things straightened out. The Big Fail day might arrive tomorrow.
Lost Friends
Posted on September 2, 2009 by Pastor Tom
I once had a friend I’ll call Jim. He was a missionary kid who had lots of great stories. He also seemed to have a great passion for Christ. But then things changed. I could sense a hardening towards God, Christians and the church. It seemed like the more he rejected all he grew up with, the happier he got. I eventually lost contact with him and do not know where he’s at today.
As a Christian who believes that in Christ we discover our greatest satisfaction and ultimate hope, it is hard to see friends turn away like that. Its hard when we see that happen in our families to those close to us. At times all we can do is pray. We hope for a gradual thawing.
But sometimes, God comes in with a 1000 degrees of heat to transform a heart that was ice cold to God into a white hot passion for Him. Such was the case with the woman at the well in John 4.
She came to the well at noon when none of the other women were there. She wanted to avoid them because of her reputation and her lifestyle. She had had 5 husbands and was now living with her boyfriend. Yet in a few minute encounter with Jesus she was transformed into a follower of Christ and boldly proclaimed it in her village.
When Jesus’ disciples returned from the town and were surprised to find him talking to a woman, they eventually get into a discussion. Jesus talks to them about harvest. “Four months more and then the harvest.”
Normal farming involves four months from sowing the seed to reaping the harvest. “Normal” thawing of a frozen heart might require 4 years or 40 years of prayer and patience. But then Jesus says “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may be glad together!”
In other words, God has the ability to shrink down the normal time of planting, watering, weeding and harvesting from 4 months to 4 minutes! If you’ve got a lost friend or family member, God might have you on the 40 or 4 year plan of prayer for a thawing. But don’t discount the reality that God can do it in 4 seconds!
I pray that for Jim today wherever he might be.
What if someone knew everything about you?
Posted on August 26, 2009 by Pastor Tom
If someone knew absolutely everything about you, do you think they’d change their opinion about you? I was studying that most famous love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13. You know “Love is patient, love is kind. .” But I was in the “unfamous part.” Near the end of the unfamous part, the author (Apostle Paul) writes this statement “Then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
“Then” refers to the end of time when Christ comes back and ushers in the new age. He points to some sort of greater knowing that will be given at that point. But the last phrase really got me – “even as I am fully known.” Who knew Paul fully, completely and totally? God!
How would you feel about someone who knew you fully? I mean, I don’t even know myself fully. I let other people know a little bit about me. My wife knows much more about me than most people (and still stays with me – thanks L!) But I spend a lot of time ensuring others see the best part of me and don’t see the worst side. I honestly don’t want others to know me fully.
Yet God already does. “Even as I am fully known.” Not “even as I one day will be known.” But “even as I am fully and completely known by God today!” And despite all that God knows about me, He continues to love me and do His good work in me.
Whoa! That’s scary, amazing and humbling. God can handle who we really are! And He still calls to us, invites us to Himself and loves us.
Multi-tasking - a good thing?
Posted on August 25, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Texting, Twittering, Facebook, Email, Talking on cellphones and driving. Do you admire someone who has the “ability” to do all this almost simultaneously? Is multitasking super-wonderful? Or might it actually detract from us really accomplishing anything?
Check out this link for some very interesting discoveries:
Gotta get back to my message, email, meeting, letters, study and voice mail now! :)
The Gift of Life
Posted on August 20, 2009 by Pastor Tom
In the past week, I have heard about the death of our former school president’s wife, the tragic accident taking the lives of a missionary father and daughter, the death of a nearly full term baby in the womb and the pending death of someone we’ve been praying for in our church family. These realities remind me to treasure each day of life.
Yes, I have troubles. But I also have life, health, strength, family, clean water, cars that work, food in my fridge and choices about the use of my time today. I was born into a family and country where I wouldn’t have to haul water 6 hours a day to keep my family going. Instead I could expend all that energy on development, education and other activities. I earned none of this!
And my greatest treasure is the Lord. He has shown me a love far beyond my comprehension. Jesus sacrificed Himself for me so that I might not only have physical life but spiritual life.
Life is no small gift. May you (re)discover the treasures in your life today!
Life ain't easy
Posted on August 19, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Sometimes I get mad when I suffer. I look around and see others who apparently aren’t suffering anything. I wonder what I have done to “deserve” this? But I need to constantly challenge my unrealistic expectation of a “suffering-free existence.” I subscribe to Joni Earekson’s daily thought. She comes from a very different perspective. She’s been a quadriplegic since she was 17. She needs someone to turn her at night, dress her and do her hair. She helps me regain perspective during the tough times. Here’s her thought for today.
Life Ain’t Easy
We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.
—Acts 14:22
Everyone who takes the Bible seriously, and many who don’t, agree that God hates suffering. Jesus spent much of his short life relieving it. Scores of passages tell us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, visit inmates, and speak up for the helpless. When we feel compassion for people in distress, we know that God felt it first. He shows this by raising sick people from their beds—sometimes to the wonder of doctors, in answer to prayer. Every day he grants childless women babies, pulls small-business owners out of financial pits, protects Alzheimer’s patients crossing the street, and writes happy endings to sad situations. Even when he has to punish sin, he says it gives him no pleasure (Ezekiel 18:32). In heaven, Eden’s curse will be canceled. Sighs and longings will be historical curiosities. Tears will evaporate. Tissue companies will go broke.
But it simply doesn’t follow that God’s only relationship to suffering is to relieve it. He specifically says that all who follow him can expect hardship. But didn’t Jesus hang on a cross so we wouldn’t have to suffer hell? Yes, but not so we wouldn’t have to suffer here—on earth. Listen to the Bible on this:
“I will show [Paul] how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16).
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ… to suffer for him… ” (Philippians 1:29).
- * * * *
The Bible goes even further. After calling Christians “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” it adds—“if indeed we share in his sufferings.” In other words, no one goes to Christ’s heaven who doesn’t first share Christ’s sufferings. Do you think you should be exempt from suffering? Listen to this final word from Hebrews 5:8, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered…” This week, purpose in your heart to be no greater than your Master. If he suffered, you can expect it too.
May I learn obedience through the hard thing I’m going through right now, God.
Why a "private Christian faith" is a contradiction
Posted on August 18, 2009 by Pastor Tom
It is very common today for people to affirm our faith if we keep it private or for us to think we’re doing pretty good if we prayed once today. But the Christian faith was never meant to be kept private. That’s because the Gospel was to have world transforming impact. Rich Stearns, in his book “The Hole in our Gospel” makes this plain.
“Being a Christian, or follower of Jesus Christ requires much more than just having a personal and transforming relationship with God. It also entails a public and transforming relationship with the world.”
“We are the carriers of the gospel – the good news that was meant to change the world. Belief is not enough. Worship is not enough. Personal morality is not enough. And Christian community is not enough. God has always demanded more.”
“When we committed ourselves to following Christ, we also committed to living out lives in such a way that a watching world would catch a glimpse of God’s character – His love, justice and mercy – through our words, actions and behavior. . . . God chose us to be His representatives. He called us to go out and proclaim the “good news” – to be the “good news” – and to change the world. Living out our faith privately was never meant to be an option.”
Thoughts?
The Gospel for non-Christians AND Christians
Posted on August 17, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Check out this article on the Christian’s continual need for the Gospel.
Tullian Tchividjian on The Gospel for Everyday Life. http://www.crpc.org/blog/?p=708
A colleague of mine from my Wisconsin study group says
“The best post I’ve read in the past couple of weeks: Tullian Tchividjian on The Gospel for Everyday Life.”
This is what I’ve been trying to get across in the “Love” series. We can’t just pick up and love. We need Christ and the Holy Spirit to empower and enable us to love this way.
PT
The Lost Art of Reading
Posted on August 15, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Blogger Justin Taylor quotes an article on the decline in reading.
The Lost Art of Reading
from Between Two Worlds by JT
David Ulin, book editor at the LA Times, has an important article that articulates something I have been feeling recently, namely the slow erosion of “the ability to still my mind long enough to inhabit someone else’s world, and to let that someone else inhabit mine.” He writes:
Reading is an act of contemplation, perhaps the only act in which we allow ourselves to merge with the consciousness of another human being. We possess the books we read, animating the waiting stillness of their language, but they possess us also, filling us with thoughts and observations, asking us to make them part of ourselves. This is what Conroy was hinting at in his account of adolescence, the way books enlarge us by giving direct access to experiences not our own. In order for this to work, however, we need a certain type of silence, an ability to filter out the noise.
Such a state is increasingly elusive in our over-networked culture, in which every rumor and mundanity is blogged and tweeted. Today, it seems it is not contemplation we seek but an odd sort of distraction masquerading as being in the know. Why? Because of the illusion that illumination is based on speed, that it is more important to react than to think, that we live in a culture in which something is attached to every bit of time.
. . . What I’m struggling with is the encroachment of the buzz, the sense that there is something out there that merits my attention, when in fact it’s mostly just a series of disconnected riffs and fragments that add up to the anxiety of the age.
Are others out there experiencing something similar? If so, what are you doing to swim against the information stream?
When life gets overwhelming
Posted on August 14, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Sometimes, my desk is overloaded with things to do and my mind is overwhelmed with people in need or decisions to make. In times like that, I need to go to Psalm 131.
“My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child (me) with its mother (God),
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel (Tom), put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore.”
May God grant you His wisdom today to know your part and the “too wonderful” things you need to leave in His hands.
Why we need protection from God.
Posted on August 12, 2009 by Pastor Tom
God is certainly my protector. I seldom thought about my need for protection FROM Him. But God is holy, pure and all-powerful. I cannot just enter His presence on our own. I learned this by reading about close encounters humans had with God in the Bible. Ezekiel was given a special glimpse of God’s glory and presence. But at the end of his encounter with God, Ezekiel 3:15 tells us “I sat for seven days, overwhelmed.” After Daniel encountered God, he “was exhausted and lay ill for several days,” (Daniel 8:27)
God is so far beyond me, so deep in holiness, so awesome in power that I cannot bear His presence on my own because of my own sinfulness and frailty. But He didn’t leave it like that. He poured out His just wrath for my sin onto Jesus on the cross. So when I put all my trust in Jesus, God not only saved me from hell, He took off my filthy rags of a sinful life and clothed me with the perfect robe of Jesus’ life. So when I talk with God now, I won’t be sick for days because I’m covered!
When I do see Him face to face, somehow I’ll be able to bear His presence. (But I think I’ll still be pretty overwhelmed!).
The son of man and THE SON OF MAN
Posted on August 11, 2009 by Pastor Tom
I was reading in Ezekiel 2 this morning. The Lord says to Ezekiel “Son of man, stand on your feet and I will speak to you.” That must have been a scary moment for Ezekiel. In fact, he reveals that God’s Spirit entered him and set him on his feet. Perhaps he was so weak in the presence of God, He needed God’s help to stand up.
When God calls Ezekiel “son of man,” it means “person, human being” and emphasizes the prophet’s frailty and humanity compared to the Glorious God. But in the Gospels, Jesus is called “son of man” 81 times. However, Jesus was not calling attention to His frailty. He was the Son of Man who came from heaven to earth and then ascended back to heaven. That glorious moment is described in Daniel 7:13–14. Today, Jesus, in a resurrected human body, the Son of Man, rules the universe from the right hand of God.
This is incredible news for us. We weak sons and daughters of man have THE SON OF MAN on our side. He prays for us, watches over us and empowers us through the Spirit to live and act in ways honoring to God. In those moments when our weakness is especially apparent we can turn to the all powerful SON OF MAN with whatever troubles us today.
Recapturing the Vision
Posted on August 5, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Sometimes life’s troubles blur our vision of God. A devastating diagnosis; a phone call bearing bad news; restructuring at the office; a visit from the police; a call from the principal; all can dominate our thinking and field of vision. We can become consumed with that bit of news or that problem before us. During those times it is critical to spend time recapturing a clear vision of who God is. One way I do this is to visit Bible passages where people saw something of God like Isaiah 6, Daniel 7, Revelation 1 and Revelation 4.
This morning I read Ezekiel 1. Ezekiel says he saw “visions of God.” After describing four living creatures, he gets to God in v. 22–28. Her writes “I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.” Ezekiel had a hard time describing whom he saw. Yet he did his best.
Our God is that one full of fire and surrounded by brilliant light. He continues to reign and rule even in troubles. If you’re vision of God has been blocked by something today, you can recapture some of it by going to Ezekiel 1. Then look back at your troubles knowing this same God is in control.
Demolishing Strongholds Inside!
Posted on July 9, 2009 by Pastor Tom
We are talking about “Becoming a church that lives on the Jericho Road in St. Albert and the World.” This assumes our complete dependece on Christ. In John 15:5, Jesus says “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bring forth much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing!” Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, authorities and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.” Yet we need not fear because God entrusts us with weapons that have divine power to demolish strongholds – 2 Corinthians 10:3–4. I believe these weapons to be God’s Word, the Holy Spirit and prayer.
When I think of strongholds, I think about the community and what areas Satan has held for a long time. But I came across this piece today by Joni Eareckson Tada that reminds us of strongholds in our hearts. Enjoy!
Strongholds Demolished!
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
—2 Corinthians 10:4
Fantasies. Silly thoughts. Vain imaginations. Useless daydreams. These will
puff themselves up so high in your head that you would swear they were true. A
furtive thought lingers in your mind and begins to wear a rut, repeating
itself time and again. It could be a false hope, an unfounded fear. Whatever
it is, it doesn’t belong in your head. It’s a vain imagination.
I know from experience that if you let vain imaginations grab hold of you, they become powerful strongholds. Every time you re-play that daydream it’s like laying more bricks, making the stronghold higher. Then, when you want to kick the thoughts out of your head, you can’t. You try the turning-over-a-new-leaf routine: “I’m not going to think those thoughts. I’m not going to waste any more time daydreaming.” Trying to single-handedly dismantle strongholds in your mind that way, doesn’t work. That’s why I am so grateful “the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.”
Christians have divine power. That’s the key, divine power, to tear down every vain imagination. It’s possible. You really can make your thoughts obedient to Christ. It may take some time, but by God’s grace, that high tower can be toppled.
- * * *
“Grace… teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions…” (Titus 2:11,12). After the stronghold is knocked down, the rubble still needs to be cleared. Every time I say “No” to some tempting thought, a few more bricks lying around are smashed to bits. But every time I let something linger in my mind that I shouldn’t, I can almost see that stronghold begin to build itself again.
Is there some vain imagination, some stronghold in your mind? Don’t rehearse those daydreams or entertain wrong thoughts. Demolish the stronghold with divine demolition.
Jesus Christ, Conqueror of our weaknesses, teach me not to let fantasies and wrong thinking build great edifices in my mind. Give me the power to demolish those thoughts and to replace them with obedience to You.
Taken from More Precious Than Silver. Copyright © 1998 by Joni Eareckson Tada. Used by permission. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530
Hello!
Posted on June 19, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Hello!
Welcome to Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church’s new website. We hope it will be one which furthers greater connection within our community and with Christ Himself. I was a little scared when I saw “Pastor’s Blog” on the website. I wondered if I could do it.
After all, there are some pretty amazing blogs out there. But I’m not going to try to compete. I see this as an opportunity to connect with you more of you in a different way. I would love to talk more about the messages or what’s happening in the world. I would love to hear from you about what God has said to you through a Bible text.
I want to share with you some of the things God has provided for me to keep on going through 38 years of the Christian life and 20 years in the ministry. So I look forward to seeing what God might do through this forum of interaction.
Sincerely,
PT