I am not one to rant (too much! I try to do it more subtly) in my blogs, but something I saw today really has touched a nerve. As most of you are aware, I live in a little place called Texarkana, which is supposed to be "Twice as Nice." We are a unique city in that in our downtown, there is a State Line and half of the city (approximately, you get the picture) is in Texas and half in Arkansas. There is a lot of silliness that goes on around town about the Texas side being better or the Arkansas side being better (and of course, being born and raised on the Texas side, I have some opinions on the issue, even if they are silly!!!). But today, I saw something that made me mad and sad at the same time.
In Texas, we have higher property taxes because we do not have a state income tax, so the property taxes kind of make up the difference. The Texas legislature has been giving property tax breaks recently, resulting in a decrease in property taxes. Accordingly, the school boards on the Texas side have taken full advantage of the decreased property taxes in order to pass bonds so that the schools get money. Smart move and the bonds pass because the Texas side prides themselves on taking care of the kids, schools, and sports teams (probably not the greatest example, but ... the truth). Renovations all around for many of the schools on the Texas side. Nice properties, nice playgrounds, new computers, flatscreens in many classrooms, lots of things to spread around town to say "come to our schools." I may not agree with all of it, but I am proud that they showed some initiative and that the people around town voted yes "for the kids."
On the Arkansas side, the property taxes are supposed to be lower because of the state income tax. The Supreme Court of Arkansas has also determined that too many of the schools are subpar and that something must be done about it. To do something about it, the schools need money. What better way to obtain funding and have the citizens invest in the schooling of the next generation than to pass a bond. Except that the Arkansas citizens do not want to pass the bond. I guess they do not understand how it works because all I hear is that the administration is making too much money (which is probably less than the football coach at T-High, but we won't go there) and the bond money will just result in larger salaries for the administration. What? That doesn't even make sense. Bond money goes to construction projects, materials, renovations, property, not salaries. I guess that indirectly it could affect salaries because there is more wiggle room in the budget. The other reason that Arkansas claims that it doesn't need to pass the bond is because it would make the property taxes too high and make the land on the Arkansas side unable to compete with the Texas side. I know that I did not want to move to the Arkansas side even if the taxes were lower because of personal preference. If I had kids, I really would not want to move to the Arkansas side. Which gets us to my point (finally!).
Today I was able to attend a pizza party for children at an Arkansas elementary school. As a young lawyer, I am periodically called upon to give back to the community and to go to schools to teach kids or just present to kids to let them know what kind of future they can have if they stay in school. I love to teach Junior Achievement, which is a program where professionals in the community go to teach for several weeks about community, and because of this program, I have had the opportunity to be in several elementary schools on the Texas side. At the Arkansas elementary school, I was surprised and disappointed at the facilities. To put it politely, major renovations need to be done. Major work on the interior of the building. Needed new technology upgrades, etc. From what I understand, most of the elementary schools on the AR side are this way. How sad that the citizens cannot see that the children need better facilities! The environment affects the moods of the teachers which, in turn, affects the moods of the kids. To the credit of the school itself, you can tell they have tried to improve what they have on their own (pond type thing as you walk in, self-paint jobs in some of the rooms and hallways, etc.), and we should be thankful that they care about the environment these kids are being educated in. At some point the community must step up. These people that vote against the bond are the same ones that will be complaining about the crime and attitudes of the teenagers in town a few years down the road, but will not see that they contributed to it by failing to take interest in the kids.
There is my rant for the day. If you have kids, please don't move to the Arkansas side and put them in the Arkansas education system, or if you must live in Arkansas, put them in private school. Texarkana, Arkansas clearly does not care about their kids as a community.
Disclaimer -- I am not proposing that I am an expert on the bond issue or what it was for or how well drafted it was. All I know is that Txk, AR is giving the appearance of not caring about kids to the Txk, TX side. I also do not believe that the only contributing factor to crime is the failure to have pretty buildings. I am only saying that when children already have some strikes against them at home, make the schools a true safe haven and pleasant place to be.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
God's Judgment
As I am reading through Joel in preparation for Sunday School on Sunday and beginning my Precept study of Jude, I am confronted with the reality of God's judgment. In previous studies of Amos and Romans, the reality of God's judgment is apparent. I think that only now am I realizing what some of the people that we think are crazy are saying when they label every tragedy that happens as God's judgment.
What I mean is that the Bible is very clear that all death and all natural disasters are God's judgment on sin. Please hear me out as I explain this more fully. The reason that natural disasters exist in the world is because man sinned. Before man sinned, this world was perfect. However, as a result of man's sin, even the ground was cursed. Later on we see how God judges the world by bringing a flood to destroy everyone but Noah. The minor prophets state how earthquakes, floods, plagues of locusts, drought, etc. are used by God to try to bring people and nations to repentence. This is still true today. The natural disasters are God's punishment on sin. Romans tells us that creation groans. This groaning is as a result of man's sin. When we see natural disasters occur, we should and need to preach the gospel of repentance to those suffering. Not only are these natural disasters an act of judgment, but they are also an act of God's mercy. God is warning us of His ultimate judgment for man's sin and giving mankind an opportunity to experience His grace. This is where I think that those "radicals" that you see on TV get it wrong (or at least the way that the media portrays them by failing to give the full message). We need to explain correctly the judgment of God and let people know that it is also an example of His grace because He is giving us every opportunity to repent and turn to Him. He is patient with man.
If we are honest, we realize that all death is judgment on sin. That is why Christ's resurrection and the hope of our resurrection is such a radical idea because the final punishment for sin, meaning death, is actually a victory for the believer! The whole reason that death exists is because of man's sin. Our bodies are dying from the moment we are born because of sin. For the believer, death is the final victory over sin because it is with our death that we are united with Christ completely in glorification. We no longer have the ability to sin. This is where the hope of the believer lies. We will finally be able to glorify God in all that we do without the problem of sin!
For those events that are not acts of nature, but acts of men, we need to realize that they are also God's punishment on sin. That does not mean that God authors sin or causes man to sin. What that means is that God is a sovereign God and gives men over in their depravity to act out their natural desires, but it all falls within God's plan. I can't fully understand it, so I know that my definition is an imperfect way of defining how the sovereignty of God fits in evil situations. I do know that Joseph had an understanding of this concept when he told his brothers, "What you meant for evil, God meant for good." In the midst of tragedy, many hearts turn towards God and His amazing grace.
So what do I want people to get out of all of this? If you are going to preach God's judgment, don't forget God's grace. On the other side, if you are going to preach God's grace, you need to teach about God's judgment. I don't understand my need for grace unless I understand that I deserve God's judgment. You can't say that Jesus died to save you unless you have first established what you need to be saved from. I feel that this is also why it is important to study the minor prophets because, although they painted a picture of God's judgment, they also painted a picture of His grace by giving the people an opportunity to repent. This is a hard message to give to the world, but it is part of the gospel. The world doesn't like to hear of a God of judgment, but has to if they are going to accept His grace.
What I mean is that the Bible is very clear that all death and all natural disasters are God's judgment on sin. Please hear me out as I explain this more fully. The reason that natural disasters exist in the world is because man sinned. Before man sinned, this world was perfect. However, as a result of man's sin, even the ground was cursed. Later on we see how God judges the world by bringing a flood to destroy everyone but Noah. The minor prophets state how earthquakes, floods, plagues of locusts, drought, etc. are used by God to try to bring people and nations to repentence. This is still true today. The natural disasters are God's punishment on sin. Romans tells us that creation groans. This groaning is as a result of man's sin. When we see natural disasters occur, we should and need to preach the gospel of repentance to those suffering. Not only are these natural disasters an act of judgment, but they are also an act of God's mercy. God is warning us of His ultimate judgment for man's sin and giving mankind an opportunity to experience His grace. This is where I think that those "radicals" that you see on TV get it wrong (or at least the way that the media portrays them by failing to give the full message). We need to explain correctly the judgment of God and let people know that it is also an example of His grace because He is giving us every opportunity to repent and turn to Him. He is patient with man.
If we are honest, we realize that all death is judgment on sin. That is why Christ's resurrection and the hope of our resurrection is such a radical idea because the final punishment for sin, meaning death, is actually a victory for the believer! The whole reason that death exists is because of man's sin. Our bodies are dying from the moment we are born because of sin. For the believer, death is the final victory over sin because it is with our death that we are united with Christ completely in glorification. We no longer have the ability to sin. This is where the hope of the believer lies. We will finally be able to glorify God in all that we do without the problem of sin!
For those events that are not acts of nature, but acts of men, we need to realize that they are also God's punishment on sin. That does not mean that God authors sin or causes man to sin. What that means is that God is a sovereign God and gives men over in their depravity to act out their natural desires, but it all falls within God's plan. I can't fully understand it, so I know that my definition is an imperfect way of defining how the sovereignty of God fits in evil situations. I do know that Joseph had an understanding of this concept when he told his brothers, "What you meant for evil, God meant for good." In the midst of tragedy, many hearts turn towards God and His amazing grace.
So what do I want people to get out of all of this? If you are going to preach God's judgment, don't forget God's grace. On the other side, if you are going to preach God's grace, you need to teach about God's judgment. I don't understand my need for grace unless I understand that I deserve God's judgment. You can't say that Jesus died to save you unless you have first established what you need to be saved from. I feel that this is also why it is important to study the minor prophets because, although they painted a picture of God's judgment, they also painted a picture of His grace by giving the people an opportunity to repent. This is a hard message to give to the world, but it is part of the gospel. The world doesn't like to hear of a God of judgment, but has to if they are going to accept His grace.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Writer's Itch
I want to write. I have had a desire to write for the past few days. The problem is that I don't know what I want to write on. Basically, that means that I am now writing about wanting to write, which is writing about nothing at all. Writing for the sake of writing. I know this doesn't make sense, but I have titled my blog as Random Ramblings of Dia. This really lives up to the title.
Of course this also brings up the question of why write anyway? I mean, there is no new thought under the sun. Everything that can be said has already been said, and it is just regurgitated in another writer's style with another writer's words. What is the point? Yet, writing is one of the many ways that we can communicate our values, our morals, our theology, our doctrine to those around us. For me, writing can become a means of venting about things. Writing also gives me the opportunity to sort through what I believe. Sometimes what comes out on paper in my own words shows me areas that I need to refine or reevaluate in light of Scripture. Enough rambling for today!
Of course this also brings up the question of why write anyway? I mean, there is no new thought under the sun. Everything that can be said has already been said, and it is just regurgitated in another writer's style with another writer's words. What is the point? Yet, writing is one of the many ways that we can communicate our values, our morals, our theology, our doctrine to those around us. For me, writing can become a means of venting about things. Writing also gives me the opportunity to sort through what I believe. Sometimes what comes out on paper in my own words shows me areas that I need to refine or reevaluate in light of Scripture. Enough rambling for today!
Friday, May 25, 2007
New Haircut
Nothing profound in this blog. Just showing the new haircut for those of you that don't have Facebook and My Space! This is the shortest it has been since I started lawschool, and my bangs are the longest that they ever been since 6th grade. It will take me a while to get used to it!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Forgiveness
Last night a group of us had an interesting conversation about forgiveness. The main thing being discussed is whether someone can truly be forgiven, or if I can truly forgive someone, without that person repenting of the wrong done to me. Some felt that forgiveness is all within. Others felt that the statement was true. I tend to agree with the statement that full forgiveness happens when the party wronged has a forgiving heart and the party doing the wrong has a repentant heart. Only then can the parties experience true reconciliation that is a product of true forgiveness.
First, for God to forgive us fully, we must repent of our sins. All of us came to that conclusion. God's forgiveness and man's repentance leads to reconciliation wherein we experience a relationship with God.
Since we are to forgive as our Heavenly Father forgives, the same must be true for us as well. It is impossible for us to experience true forgiveness unless the one wrong has a heart of forgiveness and the one doing the wrong repents of the wrong done.
Now before some of you think that you are let off the hook because the person who wronged you isn't repenting (which I have to say is one of my first reactions), you as the person wronged must have a heart of forgiveness. In some situations, this takes time (and lots of it!) because the nature of the wrong cuts so deep. It takes a tremendous amount of dependence upon the Holy Spirit to change the heart. A heart of forgiveness is a much better heart than a heart of bitterness. I have often thought that I have "fully" forgiven someone, only to have the same feelings resurface the next time that I see them, most often because of their unrepentant heart. I think back on my broken relationships, and oftentimes, I have forgiven that person, but it is really just a heart of forgiveness because there is a lack of repentance.
In Matthew 18, you have the following teaching by Jesus:
21Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"
22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
23"For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.
24"When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.
25"But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.
26"So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.'
27"And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.
28"But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, 'Pay back what you owe.'
29"So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you.'
30"But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed.
31"So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened.
32"Then summoning him, his lord said to him, 'You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
33'Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?'
34"And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him.
35"My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart."
God forgives us fully and for debts that we can never repay. We are to do likewise to those who come before us with a repentant attitude and heart. Being able to do this results when we nurture a heart of forgiveness so that when those who have wronged us come before us, we are able to forgive. Remember that forgiveness is a process. Part of the fruit of our salvation should be a heart willing to forgive since it is filled with God's love.
Just some thoughts as a continuation of conversation.
First, for God to forgive us fully, we must repent of our sins. All of us came to that conclusion. God's forgiveness and man's repentance leads to reconciliation wherein we experience a relationship with God.
Since we are to forgive as our Heavenly Father forgives, the same must be true for us as well. It is impossible for us to experience true forgiveness unless the one wrong has a heart of forgiveness and the one doing the wrong repents of the wrong done.
Now before some of you think that you are let off the hook because the person who wronged you isn't repenting (which I have to say is one of my first reactions), you as the person wronged must have a heart of forgiveness. In some situations, this takes time (and lots of it!) because the nature of the wrong cuts so deep. It takes a tremendous amount of dependence upon the Holy Spirit to change the heart. A heart of forgiveness is a much better heart than a heart of bitterness. I have often thought that I have "fully" forgiven someone, only to have the same feelings resurface the next time that I see them, most often because of their unrepentant heart. I think back on my broken relationships, and oftentimes, I have forgiven that person, but it is really just a heart of forgiveness because there is a lack of repentance.
In Matthew 18, you have the following teaching by Jesus:
21Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"
22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
23"For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.
24"When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.
25"But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.
26"So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.'
27"And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.
28"But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, 'Pay back what you owe.'
29"So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you.'
30"But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed.
31"So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened.
32"Then summoning him, his lord said to him, 'You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
33'Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?'
34"And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him.
35"My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart."
God forgives us fully and for debts that we can never repay. We are to do likewise to those who come before us with a repentant attitude and heart. Being able to do this results when we nurture a heart of forgiveness so that when those who have wronged us come before us, we are able to forgive. Remember that forgiveness is a process. Part of the fruit of our salvation should be a heart willing to forgive since it is filled with God's love.
Just some thoughts as a continuation of conversation.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Solus Christus!
I was able to complete the chapter on Christ Alone in one sitting (although I did read some parts twice) in the James Montgomery Boice book Whatever Happened to the Gospel of Grace. The center of the gospel has to be Christ and the cross. Since completing the chapter I have been stuck on the song In Christ Alone, which describes Solus Christus better than what I can.
Here is a link to a video that is a pretty good rendition of the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo
Here are the lyrics:
"In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
Here is a link to a video that is a pretty good rendition of the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo
Here are the lyrics:
"In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Another Old One
Here is another old blog from Facebook:
Although it isn't Christmas, I watched The Nativity Story last night. I meant to catch it while it was out in the theater, but was too busy around that time and next thing I know it is coming out on DVD. Here is my take on it.I liked how Mary and Joseph were portrayed so normal. Nothing special about them except that God called them to a special task. Since there isn't much information on them in the Bible except that they were righteous and chosen of God, the movie has to fictionalize many things throughout the movie. However, I think that the movie stayed true to the spirit of the Bible. You see the mercy that Joseph showed when he found out Mary was pregnant, but did not have her stoned. You see their righteousness played out in an understated way as the movie writer has them doing subtle things that Jesus would later do in His ministry on earth. There are parts of the movie that you could tell were made overdramatic to make a point. The wise men were almost comic relief (although in a very dry way, which is the best humor in my opinion!) and not quite biblical, but based more on church tradition. The movie shows Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt from the stable, forgetting that the Bible states that the wise men visited them in a house and that Baby Jesus was taken to the temple before going to Egypt. All in all, it was a decent portrayal because it was so humble and understated. One of the only improvements that I would have made was that there was no host of angels announcing the birth. I would have tried to capture that moment without inserting all of the Hollywood theatrics that can now be created through special effects. Overall, I would recommend this movie to everyone. It doesn't replace seeing the event take place in your mind as God's Word is read at Christmas, but it is an interesting portrayal of how the events may have occurred.
Although it isn't Christmas, I watched The Nativity Story last night. I meant to catch it while it was out in the theater, but was too busy around that time and next thing I know it is coming out on DVD. Here is my take on it.I liked how Mary and Joseph were portrayed so normal. Nothing special about them except that God called them to a special task. Since there isn't much information on them in the Bible except that they were righteous and chosen of God, the movie has to fictionalize many things throughout the movie. However, I think that the movie stayed true to the spirit of the Bible. You see the mercy that Joseph showed when he found out Mary was pregnant, but did not have her stoned. You see their righteousness played out in an understated way as the movie writer has them doing subtle things that Jesus would later do in His ministry on earth. There are parts of the movie that you could tell were made overdramatic to make a point. The wise men were almost comic relief (although in a very dry way, which is the best humor in my opinion!) and not quite biblical, but based more on church tradition. The movie shows Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt from the stable, forgetting that the Bible states that the wise men visited them in a house and that Baby Jesus was taken to the temple before going to Egypt. All in all, it was a decent portrayal because it was so humble and understated. One of the only improvements that I would have made was that there was no host of angels announcing the birth. I would have tried to capture that moment without inserting all of the Hollywood theatrics that can now be created through special effects. Overall, I would recommend this movie to everyone. It doesn't replace seeing the event take place in your mind as God's Word is read at Christmas, but it is an interesting portrayal of how the events may have occurred.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Sola Scriptura
I am finally getting around to writing this blog. It has been in my head the past several weeks as I keep reading and re-reading this one chapter in James Montgomery Boice's Whatever Happened to the Gospel of Grace. As some of you may know, and others of you are about to learn, this book is about the five solas of the Reformation, and how we need to review and rethink how the solas apply in our day. The chapter I have been parked on for the last few times that I have picked up the book is the chapter on Sola Scriptura.
As JMB points out, in the Reformation Sola Scriptura was focused on the authority of scripture. The pope's words were often considered in authority over the Bible even if they were not in line with it. The common man did not have access to scripture, and was encouraged to just take the church's word. The leaders of the Reformation understood that God's word was written to men and that it had authority in every situation, including over the authority of the pope. In Protestant churches, we have pretty much accepted that the Bible is authority, or at least we claim to accept that. In our day, we don't necessarily need to promote Sola Scriptura as the authority of scripture, but instead need to realize the sufficiency of scripture.
What JMB is getting at on the sufficiency of scripture is that we seem to think in our churches that the scripture is not enough. We come up with gimmicks and acrostics and convincing ways of sharing the Gospel instead of using the Scriptures. We fill our teaching times and sermons with words of men and literature instead of depending upon God's word. As I thought about what he is saying, I realized the truth he is speaking about. Our churches are full of teachers that do not know how to teach God's word. What I mean by that is that they are great at teaching the words of men about God's word, but fail to study God's word in depth to prepare for each Sunday. I fall into this trap myself. I go to the extreme of reading more and more commentaries instead of more and more Bible. The other extreme is to not use the Bible as the main text at all, but just to support a theme or proposition. Expository preaching is rare in churches across America.
Here are the three things that JMB reminds us that the Scripture is sufficient for: (1) salvation; (2) sanctification; and (3) social reform. One thing to remember about the importance of the Bible is that the Holy Spirit works when the Bible is read and taught. That isn't the only way that the Holy Spirit has decided to act, but it is the main way that the Holy Spirit works. When we stop teaching God's word, in effect, we are quenching the Holy Spirit. We need to remember that the Holy Spirit inspired the words that are written in the Bible, so to turn away from the Bible is to turn our backs on the Holy Spirit.
First, JMB points out that the Bible is sufficient for salvation. We have lost this concept in our churches. We teach clever ways of presenting the gospel instead of memorizing scripture that can be used by the Holy Spirit to change hearts. Many in the church can tell you the ABC's of salvation, but cannot use the Beatitudes or the outline of the book of Romans to teach a correct understanding of repentence and God's grace. In case you think that I am out of line here, I will support my statements with scripture from Romans 10:
12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;
13for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
14How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
15How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"
16However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?"
17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
We need to remember that Christ is the living word and the Bible is the written word of God. The Holy Spirit rewards those who hear His word and respond.
Second, JMB points out that the Bible is sufficient for sanctification. Unfortunately, many in our churches wanted a how-to book written by men instead of dealing with the root problem pointed out by God in the Bible. It is sickening to see how many "Christian" how-to books there are on the market, and how many people replace the Bible for these books. You can read books on how to deal with anger and that give you a 5-step or 10-step process of dealing with anger, but those cannot replace God's word that states anger starts within the heart. For those of you who may question my belief about how-to books, trust me, I have read them. Some by good authors, some by not so good authors. The problem is that I never dealt with the real issue until I started studying God's word. The Bible is like a magnifying mirror with the Holy Spirit pointing out things I did not even realize were sins like imperfections on my soul. All the self-help books could not do that. Yes, they might have pointed out some attitudes, but many fail to point out the root sins, which are lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:16). Many of the books also fail to point out that we need to realize how holy God is and how unrighteous we are before change can result (just take a look at the Sermon on the Mount to come to that conclusion).
On a more personal note for me, the Bible speaks to all people. What I mean by that is that most of the literature out there is written for a particular ethnic group or social class, either intentionally or inadvertently because of the author's experiences. If you don't believe me, try teaching literature that children from your ethnic group and experience enjoy to another group of children from a different ethnic group and experience. It is hard. However, if you depend upon the Bible, you will not have the same problem because the Bible was written to all men of all experiences. All men can listen to good sermons by any preacher that preaches the Bible and you can really see the Holy Spirit begin to work.
Third, JMB points out that the Bible is sufficient for social reform. Again, this goes along with what I was saying about the Bible speaking to all people. If we focused more on God and His word, there would be less conflict in our homes, our churches, our cities, our states, our nation, and our world. I am not suggesting that we end the separation of church and state or anything like that. We have to remember that we are not a chosen nation (although we may be a blessed nation) because God has chosen for His nation and kingdom to be made up of the invisible church (see the book of Ephesians for that mystery revealed).
I want to encourage everyone to stop quenching the Spirit by failing to read God's word or to teach God's word. It is time that we start to recognize the power of the Holy Spirit by allowing Him to teach through us by proclaiming the word revealed. I also encourage you to supplement your study by reading books by great men of God who point to God's glory and God's word instead of their own. These books do not replace the Bible or the work of the Holy Spirit, but do provide godly counsel on issues such as the sufficiency of scripture. All of this should be done to the glory of God!
As JMB points out, in the Reformation Sola Scriptura was focused on the authority of scripture. The pope's words were often considered in authority over the Bible even if they were not in line with it. The common man did not have access to scripture, and was encouraged to just take the church's word. The leaders of the Reformation understood that God's word was written to men and that it had authority in every situation, including over the authority of the pope. In Protestant churches, we have pretty much accepted that the Bible is authority, or at least we claim to accept that. In our day, we don't necessarily need to promote Sola Scriptura as the authority of scripture, but instead need to realize the sufficiency of scripture.
What JMB is getting at on the sufficiency of scripture is that we seem to think in our churches that the scripture is not enough. We come up with gimmicks and acrostics and convincing ways of sharing the Gospel instead of using the Scriptures. We fill our teaching times and sermons with words of men and literature instead of depending upon God's word. As I thought about what he is saying, I realized the truth he is speaking about. Our churches are full of teachers that do not know how to teach God's word. What I mean by that is that they are great at teaching the words of men about God's word, but fail to study God's word in depth to prepare for each Sunday. I fall into this trap myself. I go to the extreme of reading more and more commentaries instead of more and more Bible. The other extreme is to not use the Bible as the main text at all, but just to support a theme or proposition. Expository preaching is rare in churches across America.
Here are the three things that JMB reminds us that the Scripture is sufficient for: (1) salvation; (2) sanctification; and (3) social reform. One thing to remember about the importance of the Bible is that the Holy Spirit works when the Bible is read and taught. That isn't the only way that the Holy Spirit has decided to act, but it is the main way that the Holy Spirit works. When we stop teaching God's word, in effect, we are quenching the Holy Spirit. We need to remember that the Holy Spirit inspired the words that are written in the Bible, so to turn away from the Bible is to turn our backs on the Holy Spirit.
First, JMB points out that the Bible is sufficient for salvation. We have lost this concept in our churches. We teach clever ways of presenting the gospel instead of memorizing scripture that can be used by the Holy Spirit to change hearts. Many in the church can tell you the ABC's of salvation, but cannot use the Beatitudes or the outline of the book of Romans to teach a correct understanding of repentence and God's grace. In case you think that I am out of line here, I will support my statements with scripture from Romans 10:
12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;
13for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
14How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
15How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"
16However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?"
17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
We need to remember that Christ is the living word and the Bible is the written word of God. The Holy Spirit rewards those who hear His word and respond.
Second, JMB points out that the Bible is sufficient for sanctification. Unfortunately, many in our churches wanted a how-to book written by men instead of dealing with the root problem pointed out by God in the Bible. It is sickening to see how many "Christian" how-to books there are on the market, and how many people replace the Bible for these books. You can read books on how to deal with anger and that give you a 5-step or 10-step process of dealing with anger, but those cannot replace God's word that states anger starts within the heart. For those of you who may question my belief about how-to books, trust me, I have read them. Some by good authors, some by not so good authors. The problem is that I never dealt with the real issue until I started studying God's word. The Bible is like a magnifying mirror with the Holy Spirit pointing out things I did not even realize were sins like imperfections on my soul. All the self-help books could not do that. Yes, they might have pointed out some attitudes, but many fail to point out the root sins, which are lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:16). Many of the books also fail to point out that we need to realize how holy God is and how unrighteous we are before change can result (just take a look at the Sermon on the Mount to come to that conclusion).
On a more personal note for me, the Bible speaks to all people. What I mean by that is that most of the literature out there is written for a particular ethnic group or social class, either intentionally or inadvertently because of the author's experiences. If you don't believe me, try teaching literature that children from your ethnic group and experience enjoy to another group of children from a different ethnic group and experience. It is hard. However, if you depend upon the Bible, you will not have the same problem because the Bible was written to all men of all experiences. All men can listen to good sermons by any preacher that preaches the Bible and you can really see the Holy Spirit begin to work.
Third, JMB points out that the Bible is sufficient for social reform. Again, this goes along with what I was saying about the Bible speaking to all people. If we focused more on God and His word, there would be less conflict in our homes, our churches, our cities, our states, our nation, and our world. I am not suggesting that we end the separation of church and state or anything like that. We have to remember that we are not a chosen nation (although we may be a blessed nation) because God has chosen for His nation and kingdom to be made up of the invisible church (see the book of Ephesians for that mystery revealed).
I want to encourage everyone to stop quenching the Spirit by failing to read God's word or to teach God's word. It is time that we start to recognize the power of the Holy Spirit by allowing Him to teach through us by proclaiming the word revealed. I also encourage you to supplement your study by reading books by great men of God who point to God's glory and God's word instead of their own. These books do not replace the Bible or the work of the Holy Spirit, but do provide godly counsel on issues such as the sufficiency of scripture. All of this should be done to the glory of God!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Life
I have been really busy the past few weeks. Snowed under at work, busy building relationships with the youth and college students at church. I am tired! But it is a good tired. Although it seems difficult to really build relationships, and takes time and investment, the relationships that have been built are such a blessing to me! How awesome is it that we can lean on each other and depend on each other during times of trial! I think that many of the people I come in contact with do not even realize that they are encouraging me or that the words they are sharing are encouragement. Many outsiders listening in probably do not hear the encouragement that I hear. I can see how small investments of time can reap many rewards in deepening relationships.
Just as our relationships with each other take time, our relationship with God takes an investment of time. It requires the sacrifice of minutes and hours. It takes being proactive and intentional in the relationship. It takes perseverance. However, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. What seems like a sacrifice becomes a blessing! What seems painful at the time ends up strengthening our relationship with God! I just want to encourage all of you to take some time with God. Sacrifice a few hours of TV or Internet to really focus on who He is and what He is doing in your life. Blessings will result!
Just as our relationships with each other take time, our relationship with God takes an investment of time. It requires the sacrifice of minutes and hours. It takes being proactive and intentional in the relationship. It takes perseverance. However, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. What seems like a sacrifice becomes a blessing! What seems painful at the time ends up strengthening our relationship with God! I just want to encourage all of you to take some time with God. Sacrifice a few hours of TV or Internet to really focus on who He is and what He is doing in your life. Blessings will result!
How Sad is Unforgiveness
Last night I was listening to something on my iPod, and heard one of the saddest things in a while. There is a man who bought his tombstone already as part of a pre-needs funeral package. Now that isn't sad or odd, just smart if you want to control what is on it. Not uncommon. But what is odd and sad is what he wanted on his tombstone. He started out normal. Picture of himself. Date of birth and date of death. Father, brother, friend. He also wanted the names and pictures of his two sons added to the tombstone. He also wanted a specific date for their dates of death. The person selling him the pre-need expressed his condolences upon the loss of his sons and inquired how they died. The man responded that they weren't dead, he just considered them dead to him. The man then gets excited at this point in the story to the pre-needs seller. He has a plan. His sons stole some money from him. He wants to get his revenge at his death so that he can have the last word. He wants for his sons to be sad and attending the funeral grieving, then arrive at the gravesite and see this tombstone with their names, pictures, and the date that they stole the money. They can't respond to his last word because he is dead. He will complete his plan of revenge. As if that is not sad enough, the man makes a regular habit of going out to the gravesite every 5-6 days to polish the tombstone, make sure the pictures aren't fading, imagining the looks on his sons faces when they attend the graveside, and basically walking deeper and deeper down the path of bitterness.
How sad is it that we tend to hold grudges. Although we may not go as far as this man, we always want to be the one to have the last word. I am so guilty of this. I have to have the last word, and it must be much more hurtful than the original wrong. Often I am right that I have been wronged, but I forget that God requires us to forgive and suffer in silence. I hold a grudge thinking that will hurt the person more. Unfortunately, that usually results in broken relationships and neither party is able to grow in Christ. This morning I read Spurgeon's Morning and Evening for today, and he reminded us that for the Christian, our sin should cause us more heartbreak than our suffering. My own sin of wanting and enacting a plan of revenge or holding onto my grudge should result in more sorrow than the pain I have suffered at the hands of someone else. I can literally count on my fingers the number of times that I have taken this attitude, and it would probably all fit on one hand. Why should this be so? At the cross, Jesus's greatest sorrow came from the weight of our sins that He took on for us. He asked the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him instead of calling out for revenge, but suffered under the pain of knowing that He who knew no sin was becoming sin for us. Yet He was willing to endure because His eyes were set on the prize before Him - redemption of the saints. We need to also focus on the prize before us - becoming more Christ-like each and every day by allowing Him through the Holy Spirit to change our mind about sin, including the sins of failing to forgive.
How sad is it that we tend to hold grudges. Although we may not go as far as this man, we always want to be the one to have the last word. I am so guilty of this. I have to have the last word, and it must be much more hurtful than the original wrong. Often I am right that I have been wronged, but I forget that God requires us to forgive and suffer in silence. I hold a grudge thinking that will hurt the person more. Unfortunately, that usually results in broken relationships and neither party is able to grow in Christ. This morning I read Spurgeon's Morning and Evening for today, and he reminded us that for the Christian, our sin should cause us more heartbreak than our suffering. My own sin of wanting and enacting a plan of revenge or holding onto my grudge should result in more sorrow than the pain I have suffered at the hands of someone else. I can literally count on my fingers the number of times that I have taken this attitude, and it would probably all fit on one hand. Why should this be so? At the cross, Jesus's greatest sorrow came from the weight of our sins that He took on for us. He asked the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him instead of calling out for revenge, but suffered under the pain of knowing that He who knew no sin was becoming sin for us. Yet He was willing to endure because His eyes were set on the prize before Him - redemption of the saints. We need to also focus on the prize before us - becoming more Christ-like each and every day by allowing Him through the Holy Spirit to change our mind about sin, including the sins of failing to forgive.
Good Book!
I decided I am going to post some of my favorite blogs from My Space and Facebook on here, so there will probably be several posts for today!
I just finished reading a good book that I would recommend to all of you. It is called God's Pursuit of Man by A.W. Tozer. Just a warning -- be ready to be convicted as you read it. It is amazing how the Holy Spirit can use the words of men to stir up thoughts that result in conviction. I have to say that I really did not give my lack of worship and reverence to the Holy Spirit a second thought until I read some of the chapters in this book. Unfortunately, we are guilty so often of giving the Holy Spirit less attention and worship than He, as a person of the Trinity, should receive. We are so scared of the images that come to mind when people are considered "Spirit-filled" or get caught up in false worship of the Holy Spirit, that we tend to neglect this important Person of the Trinity.
I encourage you this week to incorporate into your prayer life prayers that are directed to the Holy Spirit. When you sing, sing songs directed to the Holy Spirit. When you read the Bible, remember that it is the Holy Spirit that is teaching you. We need to realize that the Person of the Trinity that we have the most intimate relationship with is the Holy Spirit. It is this Person of the Trinity that indwells the believer. The Holy Spirit is the One who brings comfort. The Holy Spirit is the One who teaches. The Holy Spirit is the One who prays for us when we don't know what to pray. The Holy Spirit is the One who confirms our prayers, "Thy will be done." The Holy Spirit is the One who gives us assurance of our salvation by producing fruit. The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts us of our sin. The Holy Spirit is the One who disciplines us. The Holy Spirit is the One who creates in us a new heart and writes God's law on our hearts. This list just scratches the surface! It is time for us to unleash the power of the Holy Spirit by giving Him the reverence and worship and attention that is due. After all, He is God.
This book is perspective changing, which results in God's power being unleashed in other areas of life. Above all, it doesn't make you crave more words of this author, but instead makes you crave the Word of God!
I just finished reading a good book that I would recommend to all of you. It is called God's Pursuit of Man by A.W. Tozer. Just a warning -- be ready to be convicted as you read it. It is amazing how the Holy Spirit can use the words of men to stir up thoughts that result in conviction. I have to say that I really did not give my lack of worship and reverence to the Holy Spirit a second thought until I read some of the chapters in this book. Unfortunately, we are guilty so often of giving the Holy Spirit less attention and worship than He, as a person of the Trinity, should receive. We are so scared of the images that come to mind when people are considered "Spirit-filled" or get caught up in false worship of the Holy Spirit, that we tend to neglect this important Person of the Trinity.
I encourage you this week to incorporate into your prayer life prayers that are directed to the Holy Spirit. When you sing, sing songs directed to the Holy Spirit. When you read the Bible, remember that it is the Holy Spirit that is teaching you. We need to realize that the Person of the Trinity that we have the most intimate relationship with is the Holy Spirit. It is this Person of the Trinity that indwells the believer. The Holy Spirit is the One who brings comfort. The Holy Spirit is the One who teaches. The Holy Spirit is the One who prays for us when we don't know what to pray. The Holy Spirit is the One who confirms our prayers, "Thy will be done." The Holy Spirit is the One who gives us assurance of our salvation by producing fruit. The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts us of our sin. The Holy Spirit is the One who disciplines us. The Holy Spirit is the One who creates in us a new heart and writes God's law on our hearts. This list just scratches the surface! It is time for us to unleash the power of the Holy Spirit by giving Him the reverence and worship and attention that is due. After all, He is God.
This book is perspective changing, which results in God's power being unleashed in other areas of life. Above all, it doesn't make you crave more words of this author, but instead makes you crave the Word of God!
Yet Another One of These!
I have decided to go ahead and start a blog here. I will probably just be posting what I post on My Space and Facebook, but some people don't have either so this will be a way for them to be entertained by my ramblings! We shall see how this goes!
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