Considering Together for Adoption

One of the more neglected passages in Scripture is this:

27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

We hear alot about that last part, being undefiled from the world.  But we don’t hear much (if at all) about looking after orphans and widows.  The OT is filled with statements about God’s heart for the orphans and widows, those unable to take care of themselves.  They are the most vulnerable members of society.

If you’ve been here before, you probably know that we’ve adopted a son from China (CavWife’s trip is chronicled in January 2008).  We are pondering adopting again, and were recently approached about the possibility of adopting a mixed race child (you might want to join us in praying about that).  Adoption is the height of the gospel, as I’ve preached before.  It is the highest grace we receive upon justification.  Adopting orphans is a magnificent picture of the gospel.

Together for Adoption has announced their 2010 conference in Austin, TX this October.  I’d like to get over there, if possible.  They don’t limit the discussion to adoption, but calling to church to address the worldwide orphan crisis.  Caring for widows and orphans is one of the great legacies of the early church that we have neglected.  Together for Adoption wants to remind us of this high and holy calling.  For all you social justice types (I’m one of those, when rightly understood), this is, in part, a choice for social justice as well as compassion.

• Dan Cruver: Keeping the Gospel at the Center of Orphan Ministry
• Bryan Loritts: The Church as the Theater of Transracial Adoption
• Darrin Patrick: The Trinity as the Model and Motive for Church-Based Orphan Care
• Matt Carter: The Church as the Champion of Social Justice
• Karyn Purvis: Counting the Cost- Preparing the Church for the Adoption Journey
• Dave Gibbons: The Church as the Answer to the Foster Care Crisis

Looks to be some great stuff.  Maybe I’ll see you there.

Read Full Post »

Considering Improper Motives

I’ve been reading Paul Tripp’s War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles.  [It is also available in a video series with workbook]   One of the issues he addresses is improper motives for following Jesus.  It is not a modern problem, but one that we see even in the ministry of Jesus.  Tripp takes us to John 6.  The people followed Jesus because they wanted to be fed, again.  They failed to look past the miracle (John uses the term sign) to the thing is signified.  They were unhappy when Jesus didn’t meet their expectations.

Tripp asks about your great “if only.”  “If only  … I would be happy.”  That would be your dream- the fountain from which all happiness would flow.  But now all that flows is a steady stream of disappointment and bitterness.  We think that Jesus has let us down, because he has not fulfilled our dream.

“Their pursuit of Christ was born instead out of a love for self and the hope that Christ would be the one who would meet their felt needs.  … What moves and motivates everything we do is not a submission to God’s will and a burning desire for is glory, but our own set of personal desires and dreams.”

Sign of the Bread of Life

Our dreams motivate us.  Often into self-destruction.  Witness all those misguided people who end up on the first 2 episodes of American Idol.  They had a dream for themselves that was out of step with reality (and no one loved them enough to say ‘you can’t sing’- I’m not sure why since no one has a problem telling ME I can’t sing).

What is God’s dream for us?  If you are a Christian that is simple: that Christ would be your life, and that you’d have a deeper, stronger, more mature faith (self-abandoning trust as Packer says) in Christ.  Tripp develops this from John 6 and 1 Peter 1.

Any material blessings we experience are merely signs- and those signs point us to Jesus who is Life.  When they become the whole enchilada we lapse into idolatry.  When we don’t have them, watch out!  We will be filled with anger, bitterness, depression and a host of other vile things.

“In my opinion, in the heart of every sinner is a desire that life would be a resort.”

Probably, Las Vegas.  All you can eat buffets.  Lots of attractions to keep you occupied.  Comp rooms if you gamble (a lot).  Lots of eye candy, which really isn’t helpful.  But no mess, no fuss and party all the time.

But life is not like that.  And we take it out on others.  They may be blocking our desires, or merely ‘innocent’ bystanders.  Either way we become one of the thousands slain by hardship (though hundreds of thousands have been slain by affluence).

“If we are living for earthly bread and see it as our source of life, we are going to be in for big trouble when we don’t have it.  But if we are living for spiritual bread, for a deeper communion with Jesus Christ, then our lives (with all of their problems) become wonderful places to know and grow in fellowship with the One who is life. … If he is what your heart craves, there are wonderful opportunities to grow in grace and knowledge in the midst of all kinds of difficulty.”

Is that how you face difficulty?  Or are you miserable, whiny and petulant?  At that moment you are not craving Jesus, but something or someone else.  Your response to trouble matters.  It is a sign to the condition of your heart.

Read Full Post »

Considering Resources on Marriage

Being in the early chapters of Genesis, I’m covering the topic of marriage as instituted by God.  One of the things that stands out to me is that marriage is a means (so to speak) of mission.  As a metaphor of Christ’s relationship with His people, we see the reality of mission.  Jesus has a goal for his people- he redeems them and makes them holy.

In Genesis 2 we see it was not good for the man to be alone.  Why?  It is not just about companionship.  He can’t fulfill God’s mission alone.  All the other biblical  reasons for marriage are tied together with mission.  Apart from mission, they become self-serving.

Apart from mission, companionship becomes idolatry.  It is ingrown.  And once you get bored … you look for a new companion.

Apart from mission, sex becomes self-centered, and idolatrous.  Once the sex stops, or gets boring (which is what happens when it is just about sex), you look for a new sexual partner.

Apart from mission, having children is selfish.  It is more about your need to have kids, and have them “succeed” than it is about raising kids to build the kingdom.

Apart from mission, financial stability also becomes idolatrous.  If someone can no longer provide for you, you look for another money maker.

Here are some very good books that I recommend about marriage.

• When Sinners Say “I Do” by Dave Harvey.  This is one of my favorite books because it is so humbling.  Harvey keeps the gospel central in marriage.  This is important because every marriage includes 2 sinners.  Most of our problems in marriage are really rooted in our sinfulness.  Communication skills, while helpful, don’t get to the root of the problem.  I requires the application of the gospel.
• Intimate Allies by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman.  There is so much to appreciate about this book.  I’m not wild about the discussion about “mutual submission”.  That seems to depart from the biblical emphasis in Ephesians 5.  But I love their emphasis on enhancing the other’s dignity and restraining their dignity.  THAT is a clearly biblical emphasis when looking at marriage. They broke this down into  the Intimate Marriage series available on DVD, workbooks and leader’s guide.
• Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.  The subtitle says it all, what if God wants to make us holy more than to make us happy.  He’s focusing on part of Paul’s discussion of marriage in Ephesians 5.
• Redeeming Marriage by Douglas Wilson.  I read this when I appreciated Doug Wilson more than I do now.  But this is still a good book.  It is short and to the point.
• What Did You Expect?  Redeeming the Realities of Marriage by Paul David Tripp.  I haven’t read or watched this, but I want to.  I find great benefit in nearly everything he writes.  The DVD was released first, and then it was released in book form.
• Another book I have yet to read, but hope to is John Piper’s This Momentary Marriage: a Parable of Permanence.  I wish I had read it in preparation for my work on Genesis 2 & Ephesians 5.

I know there are some other good books.  But these are the ones the Cavman recommends.  They will help you develop a biblical understanding of  marriage.  May the Spirit work to make us an accurate picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Read Full Post »

Considering the Red Sox Thus Far

It has been a strange season.  And it is less than 2 months old.

We have yet to see the 2010 Red Sox.  In the next few days we’ll see something close to the 2010 Red Sox.  If you were to remove 2 starting outfielders from any MLB team, they would struggle.  When they are players like Ellsbury and Cameron, you can understand why the Red Sox have struggled this year.

The players roaming LF and CF in their stead, while driving in some runs, have given up quite a few runs with abysmal defense.  The game against the Yankees earlier this week was marred by missed plays that Ellsbury and Cameron would have made.

Scutaro has done reasonably well as the leadoff man, but Ellsbury adds a whole different dimension.  With the threat of the stolen base, he messes with a pitcher’s head.  The loss of Ellsbury for most of this season has been tremendous.  You take Crawford and Upton out of the Rays’ line up for over and month and they are tanking it.  The only significant injury, if you want to call it that, the Rays have endured is to the bullpen.  Not quite the same as 2 everyday guys.

Their loss put a big strain on the pitching staff.  Here’s hoping that the pitchers not named Lester, Clay and Bard benefit from that increased defensive presence.

So, I think the Red Sox will look very different from this point on.  They will look far more like we expected them to look (except the offense has been better than some people thought it would be).  They are in the running for the Wild Card as the Yankees start to deal with multiple injuries as well.

While we can’t push the reset button, I think we’ll see a much improved team in the weeks and months ahead.  Maybe joy will return to some of the unrealistic fans of Fenway.

Read Full Post »

Considering Trials and Grace

In one of his letters to Daniel West, John Newton talks about trials.  His friend had been in the “furnace” recently, and Newton addresses that.

“I hope you have much to say of the grace, care, and skill of the great Refiner, who watched over you; and that you have lost nothing but dross.”

If you have been in a trial recently, you may have trouble hearing that.  My family’s recent trials were far from pleasant.  As we went through the furnace it was had to see all the grace, care and skill of the Refiner.  But I can see it more clearly in retrospect.  Pain, physical or emotional, has a way of blinding your eyes.

This afternoon I was listening to Daniel Amos Live at Cornerstone 2000.  Terry Taylor, the lead singer and song writer of the band, shared that it had been a hard year.  But that is when it gets back to the main thing- intimacy with Jesus.

“Let this experience be treasured up in your hearts for the use of future times.”

Yesterday’s trials are meant to assist us in tomorrow’s trials.  “Remember” is a frequently used word in Deuteronomy 8.  Israel needed to remember their time in the wilderness, and God’s steadfast love there.  We can’t just move on, but take lessons with us.  We have to call His past faithfulness to mind when we begin to enter the furnace again.

Many of those trials have to do with our “weak spots”.  God is purifying us of habitual sin (which he first forgave in Christ).

“You know your weak side; endeavor to set a double guard of prayer there.”

Read Full Post »

Considering Complementarianism & the Gospel

I’m currently working my way through Genesis 2 for Sunday.  In his Epistles, Paul bases male headship in marriage & the church (aka complementarianism) in creation.  But there is more going on than that.

For those who aren’t familiar with the term, complementarianism teaches that men and women are equal in dignity but different in role or function in the home and the church.  This, sadly, is a relatively unpopular position.  But this shouldn’t surprise us since much of what the Bible teaches us offends the flesh.

Genesis 1 is the starting point with regard to our equal dignity.  “God created man (humanity) in his image; male and female he created them.”  Men and women are both made in God’s image, sharing in dignity.  Most people can accept the equal part (aside from those rejecting the notion we are made in God’s image).  The equality is not an issue.  This fundamental equality is also in view in Galatians with regard to salvation- “in Christ there is neither male nor female.”  He lists some other statuses that separate people.  The idea is that neither is more worthy of salvation than the other.  Neither has an advantage when it comes to Christ.  It does not mean that all distinctions disappear such that they cease to be men and women.

In Genesis 2-3 we see the following things which point us toward there being a complementary difference between men and women which includes male headship.

	Adam	Eve	NT Parallel Text(s)
Created first	X		1 Corinthians 11:8; 1 Timothy 2:13
Given the initial command	X
Created for the other		X	1 Corinthians 11:9
Sinned first		X	1 Timothy 2:14
Whose sin condemned humanity?	X		Romans 5:12ff
Addressed 1st by God after sinning	X
Cursed for “obeying/listening to” the other	X

We see that though they are equal, God held Adam accountable for obeying Eve.  He addressed Adam first because Adam was humanity’s representative.  Paul uses this to explain how all of humanity fell into sin, and how people are saved through the 2nd Adam, Jesus.

We see that Adam needed help to fulfill the Creation Mandate (Gen. 1).  He gave Adam a wife instead of a pet.  He gave Adam an equal to complement him, to do the things he could not do alone.  While both men and women share the Creation Mandate (to fill, subdue and rule the earth) they emphasize different roles.

Both are needed to fill, but women (generally speaking) are more nurturing.  Moms stay home far more often than men because they are physically and emotional better suited for it.  Yes, they subdue and rule at home and outside the home.  Men are better suited physically and emotionally for subduing and ruling than filling.  Yes, men have parental responsibilities too.  But staying at home with children would drive me crazy far quicker than it does CavWife.  Struggling at work takes are greater toll on a man than struggling at relationships.  The opposite is true for women.  This is part of how we balance each other out.

One key passage is from Ephesians 5.  There we find that marriage is a picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church.  Marriage mirrors the gospel.  Husbands reflect Christ and wives reflect the Church.  Husbands lead- sacrificially!  Wives submit to their own husbands (not men in general) as the Church submits to Christ.  There is no role reversal.

This is a mystery, Paul says.  That means it is only something that we know because it has been revealed to us.  Marriage, including covenant headship, is was originally designed to be a picture of the gospel.  It was not societal construct for Paul, and certainly not oppressive.  It was a picture of the liberating, restorative gospel.

Covenant headship is not some out-moded way of thinking.  It is a biblical way of thinking, and a gospel-centered way of thinking.  Christian feminism and egalitarianism undermine the gospel by taking away God-given boundaries and roles.  In 1 Timothy 1:8-11 reveals the relationship between sound doctrine and sound living.  Sound (healthy) doctrine conforms to the gospel and produces healthy living.  Unsound doctrine departs from or distorts the gospel and leads to unsound living (sin).  When our marriages and churches no longer portray part of the gospel through male headship, the gospel is distorted and unsound living is the inevitable result.

As a result, complementarianism is not a non-essential doctrine.  It is a gospel-doctrine.  It should be believed and defended as rooted in creation and redemption that we might better understand the relationship between Christ and the Church which the gospel creates.

Read Full Post »

Considering One Story Curriculum

I got some mail from One Story Ministries about their new children’s SS curriculum.  My interest was piqued by the flyer.  Why?

• It is Christ-centered, helping the kids to see how all of Scripture points to Christ.
• It covers the whole Bible over the course of 7 years.
• It teaches kids to study the Scriptures for themselves.  Each lesson discusses the text and applies it.
• They also have weekly take home lessons.

It was developed by a PCA DCE who is an adjuct prof at RTS Jackson in CE.
In the short run it is more expensive, but the leader’s guides are made to be re-used.  Handouts are pdfs that can be copied.

Here is a brief video about the material.

Read Full Post »

Considering the Disease of Me

Over on Pats Pulpit (a New England Patriots blog I read most days), they also have links for other news that may interest Patriots fans.  One today has to do with the reality that winning makes working out contracts far more difficult.  Everyone wants their piece of the pie.

I saw this after the Red Sox won in 2004.  It is not particular to Boston, but is a problem for most organizations after a successful run.  The article notes how this problem is already in play down in NY.  That the Patriots (and, gulp, Colts and , double gulp, Yankees) have remained successful for extended periods of time in this climate is amazing.

Pats Pulpit defines it: the disease of me = the defeat of us.

The player (though this can take place in ANY kind of organization, including churches) puts self above team.  Here are some symptoms:

SIX DANGER SIGNALS OF THE DISEASE OF ME:

1. Chronic feelings of under appreciation – Focus on oneself.

2. Paranoia over being cheated out of one’s rightful share.

3. Leadership vacuum resulting from formation of cliques and rivalries.

4. Feelings of frustration even when the team performs successfully.

5. Personal effort mustered solely to outshine one’s teammate.

6. Resentment of the competence of another – Refuse to admit his contribution.

Photo by John Wilcox, Boston Herald file photo

The Patriots actually suffered from a minor case of the disease last season, if you read between the lines in recent interviews.  The Celtics suffered a bout around mid-season.  It becomes far clearer in contract negotiations.  I wonder if this is the problem with the Logan Mankins negotiations.  The team and player are very far apart.  Is it that Logan has forgotten it is a team sport?  I don’t know him, nor am I privy to the negotiations.  But offensive linemen usually don’t make a boatload of dough compared to QBs, RBs & wide receivers.  Fair?  Maybe not, but that is the reality.  It really isn’t fair that pro football players make far more than really important members of society like policemen, firemen etc.

The disease of me is the sometimes silent killer of successful organizations.  Sometimes it is not so quiet.

Read Full Post »

Considering an Ambitious Sale

Dave Harvey (author of the gospel saturated When Sinners Say “I Do”) has a new book out called Rescuing Ambition.  It seeks to rescue ambition from sloth, and vain ambition (selfish ambition) that we might have a healthy (sound) biblical understanding and practice of ambition.

WTS Bookstore is being ambitious, and offering it for only $5 until Friday May 13, 2010 at 3 pm EDT.  That is 67% off- a fantastic deal.

Here are some sample pages.

Here are some ringing endorsements:

“In Rescuing Ambition, Dave Harvey distinguishes ambition for the glory of God, which is good, from ambition for the glory of self, which is bad. But godly ambition doesn’t exist in a vacuum, so Harvey helps us see how it is intertwined with humility, contentment, faith, and above all, the gospel. Dave Harvey is both an experienced pastor and a gifted writer, so you will find this book not only profitable but also hard to put down.”
– Jerry Bridges, author , The Pursuit of Holiness

“Thomas Watson said, ‘Selfish ambition is the mother of all schisms.’ But Dave Harvey shows us a better way in Rescuing Ambition. With wit and wisdom, Dave uncovers the truth in scripture to teach how God forms a gospel-driven ambition in us for use in his mission and for his glory. I hope every leader in the church today will read Rescuing Ambition.”
– Ed Stetzer, President, LifeWay Research

“Dave Harvey thinks well, writes well, tells good stories, and cites people of substance and insight. I have long appreciated Dave’s integrity, wisdom and perspective. Were I not afraid of feeding his ambition for greatness, or my ambition to write a memorable endorsement, I would add that Rescuing Ambition is biblical, honest, witty, and sometimes amusing. I’m happy to recommend this fine book on an important and overlooked subject.”
– Randy Alcorn, author , If God is Good and Heaven

“Rescuing Ambition is a book for all of us who were created by God, who strive to excel. It applies to every Christian. Dave Harvey brilliantly and accessibly answers the question, ‘Can Christians be humble and ambitious at the same time?’ He explains why and how we can, always rooting his presentation in Scripture. This is a book that has needed to be written. You will not be disappointed.”
– Jim Tebbe, Vice President of Missions; Director, Urbana Missions Conference, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

“Whether you’re on Main Street or Wall Street this book has something to say to you. No author has done a better job of helping me understand my heart, my motives, and my Savior. Harvey uses humor, Scripture, and real-life examples to help us balance our dreams and callings, while always reminding us that Jesus is the Christ.”
– Josh Deckard, Former Assistant Press Secretary to President Bush

“I’ve always been a pretty ambitious person. I don’t like ceilings or limits. I love thinking and dreaming about doing great things, about being a part of something great, something world-changing—and I’ve always felt guilty about this. I’ve wrestled with my motives and why I want to do great things. My struggle has been how to discern the difference in my own heart between selfish ambition and a God-centered drive in life. And to err on the safe side, I have at times tended to reduce the size of my dreams and lower my expectations. Under the banner of trying to be humble, I settle for less. I suppose I’ll struggle with this tension for the rest of my fallen life in this broken world, but, thanks to Dave Harvey, I now have a new tool in my toolbox to help me sort through these things in a gospel-drenched way. Thank you Dave!”
– Tullian Tchividjian, Pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church; author, Unfashionable: Making a Difference in the World by Being Different

“As the leader of an organization expressly dedicated to seeing the gospel deepen in our own lives as well as expand outward to the nations, I’m grateful for Dave Harvey’s recovery of the idea of ambition. Dave’s book is a powerful, plainspoken, Scripture-saturated reminder that when the gospel is the center of our identity and security, we can be freed from the petty dreams and small-minded motivations that often hamstring ministry. In the gospel, we find the freedom to be truly ambitious.”
– Bob Osborne, Executive Director, World Harvest Mission

“From page one, Dave’s writing style gripped me with his humor, humility, and down-to-earth, Bible-saturated style. I don’t think I have ever seen a book on ambition, but I have been trying to provoke men to find some ambition, borrow some, or if they were really ambitious, even steal some! Dave writes to those of us who aren’t ambitious enough to read (much less comprehend) a thick theological treatise, but are interested enough to read the words of someone who understands that we are often content to watch others with ambition as they ride up mountains, compose great music, and attempt the unthinkable—like homeschool three kids. This is not a self-help book that doesn’t really help; it is a wake-up alarm to rouse the good gifts specifically placed within us by God for his own glory.”
– Scott Thomas, Director, Acts 29 Network

“I didn’t know that my ambition was defective and in need of rescuing until I read this book. Harvey writes with such compelling insight and clarity that you’re left thinking the lack of godly ambition ranks alongside pragmatism and theological flimsiness as ailments afflicting the church today. Yet, at root, this book isn’t about problem-hunting nearly as much as it is about the gospel, salvation, and embracing the ambitious agenda Jesus sets for our lives. Those who want to live with high and glorious purpose for the Savior must read this book. So do those who don’t, and those who never thought about what godly ambition really involves. Rescuing Ambition calls us to live large, bold lives by swiping as much glory for Jesus as possible.”
– Thabiti M. Anyabwile, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman; author , What Is a Healthy Church Member?

“Dave Harvey teaches us that God wants ambition back in our understanding of godliness and spiritual health. As Christians, we are to be zealous for good works (Titus 2:13)—that is, ambitious for them. We are to be people who dream and do big things for the glory of God and the good of others. Let’s not be content with small dreams cloaked in a guise of humility. This is a critical book for the church today because it helps us recover the spirit of William Carey, who ambitiously said ‘Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.’”
– Matt Perman, Director of Strategy, Desiring God Ministries

“Dave Harvey has delivered a compelling case for developing God-ward ambition in the lives of men and women alike. This insightful book carries a timely message in our ‘whatever’ culture: we all have ambition, but where it is aimed and how it is used is worth serious consideration. With self-effacing humor, Dave reveals how being wired for glory can either corrupt us or lead us to a divine agenda. Highly recommended!”
– Carolyn McCulley, author , Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World and Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? Trusting God with a Hope Deferred.

“Proud people will benefit from reading this book and learning to bend their ambition towards God’s will. Those who are falsely humble will benefit even more by growing the godly ambition to pursue him with their whole life.”
– Mike Anderson, Director, the Resurgence

Read Full Post »

Considering Orders of Worship

Part of moving is sorting through all manner of stuff, some of it really old.  I was trying to organize my office at home this morning so my mind would be uncluttered enough to think (yes, there is a connection).  There was an old bulletin (I used that common term since it was a free/low style of worship), one from the church I used to pastor in 2006, one from a church I did pulpit supply for, and one from the church I now pastor.  Interesting to compare/contrast.

1991  Trinity Baptist Church (CBA) in Nashua, NH

• Come and Worship (we sang 4 songs of various styles)
• Come and Remember (Communion & 4 songs from the 60’s-80’s)
• Come and Give (Offering while we sang Give Thanks)
• Come and Listen (announcements)
• Come and Learn (sermon)

This was a fairly simple liturgy.  It lacked any traditional structure that pointed to the gospel.  There was no confession of sin, assurance of pardon etc. except that which may have been mentioned in the preparation for the Supper.

2006 Cornerstone Community Church  Winter Haven, FL

• Worship Begins (prelude, greeting, opening prayer and call to worship)
• Songs of Adoration (a hymn,  a responsive reading, 3 modern/contemporary songs
• Building Lives Through God’s Word (Old and New Testament Readings)
• Preaching of the Word
• Song of Response (a modern worship song)
• Celebrating Christ by Joyful & Grateful Giving w/ response singing the Gloria Patri
• Building Lives on Christ in the World (announcements , closing hymn and benediction)

There was not as obvious a gospel movement,  but it was more traditional in liturgy.  There was plenty of Scripture and a more conscious blend of music tied to the main message.  We tried to move people to mission as we dismissed them.

2009  Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church

• Prelude, Welcome & Announcements, Greeting
• Call to Worship (responsive), Opening Song & Invocation
• God Cleanses Us from Our Sin (confession of sin, assurance of pardon, song of response, )
• God Consecrates Us by His Word (affirmation of faith, Scripture reading, Psalm, Prayer, Offering, Preparatory Song by Ensemble, Sermon
• God Commissions Us to Service (hymn & benediction)

They had a more clear gospel-centered flow.  I really liked their use of styles.

2009 Desert Springs Presbyterian Church  Tucson, AZ

• Reflection, Prelude, Welcome & Announcements, singing of the Doxology
• God’s Exaltation (Call to Worship, singing of a Psalm & hymn, Invocation)
• God’s Reformation (Confession of Sin, Assurance of Forgiveness, Contemporary Hymn of Response, Confession of Faith)
• God’s Grace (Congregational Prayer, Scripture Reading, Offering, Hymn of Preparation & Sermon)
• Hymn of Celebration
• Communion
• God’s Blessing (Hymn of Hope, Charge & Benediction)

Again you see a clear flow thru the gospel to commission.

Read Full Post »

Considering Our Continued Sinfulness

Treasure trove of counsel

I am still slowly making my way through The Letters of John Newton (you can read the Introduction here).  In his letters to Lord Dartmouth, he opens up his life a little with regard to the reality of our continuing struggle with sin and sinfulness.  Even in this he is guarded in some ways.  We could write it off to him being a Brit, but I suspect there is some wisdom to it as well.

“Permit me to tell your lordship a little part, (for some things must not, cannot be told,) not of what I have read, but of what I have felt, in illustration of this passage.”

He is referring to Galatians 5:17.  He focuses on the experiential side of Christianity here, not just some book learning.  He unveils his heart o so briefly.  He wants Lord Dartmouth to know the reality of his struggle, but not necessarily the specifics of his struggle.  This is the wisdom, lest his sins be used against him at some later date.  It does not matter what sins Newton is struggling with (since this is not a James 5 moment of confessing his sins to another).  He is attempting to console him, and this should be enough.

He begins with allusions to the Proverbs:

“I would not be the sport and prey of wild, vain, foolish, and worse imaginations; but this evil is present with me: my heart is like a highway, like a city without walls or gates.  Nothing so false, so frivolous, so absurd, so impossible, or so horrid, but it can obtain access, and that at any time, or in any place: neither the study, the pulpit, nor even the Lord’s table, exempt me from their intrusion.”

I know of what he speaks.  I’ve had too many of those moments, in the unlikeliest of moments.  “Where did THAT come from?” since it seemed so disconnected to my task or circumstances.  One evidence of our continuing sinfulness is our thought life.  Particular the spontaneous thoughts, and what they reveal about us.

“In defiance of my best judgment and best wishes, I find something within me, which cherishes and cleaves to those evils, from which I ought to start and flee, as I should as if a toad or serpent was put in my food or in my bed.”

Read Full Post »

Considering Jennifer Knapp

Is it me or does she look profoundly sad?

My experience with Jennifer Knapp’s music is pretty minimal.  CavWife played some for me while traveling from FL to NJ eons ago when we were engaged.  It was okay, but didn’t really hit me.  That’s okay.  Her music resonated with some other people I know including my now sister-in-law.

Then she (Jennifer) disappeared.  Because of my sister-in-law I took note of her recent re-emergence and impending album.  Then came the CT interview, and I was pretty shocked (here’s another on from Relevant).  Not being a fan of Knappy’s I was not aware of the rumors (which is perfectly fine by me).  Like many, I was confused but for different reasons.  Here were some of my thoughts:

• How does this issue sneak up on a 30 year-old woman?  She talks like it wasn’t really an issue before aside from perhaps some overly dependent, non-sexual relationships with women in college (her comments were fairly cryptic).
• Why does she expect a love fest from people who don’t really know her?  Yet she didn’t seem to trust her own community with the truth.  To be fair, she’s been traveling the world so I don’t know if she even has a community.
• Why did she seem to think “me and Jesus” was enough when Jesus calls us into that community called the church to help one another in our battles with sin?  Maybe she did, but the article gave me the other impression.

Jennifer’s admission is a good thing in many ways.  Though necessary, it was bold of her to finally admit to the struggle going on in her heart.  I don’t agree with the path she’s taking.  Like all of have been (and may be) she appears to be blinded by the deceitfulness of sin.  She hides behind lots of words.  Maybe because she doesn’t want to be a spokesperson or public advocate.  Maybe she’s just really confused as she sorts out what the Bible says about her longings.  We can all fall into that trap.

Read Full Post »

Considering Creation and Change

In my study of the issues surrounding Genesis 1 I just completed a book by one of my former professors, Doug Kelly.  His book Creation and Change: Genesis 1:1-2:4 in Light of Changing Scientific Paradigms is not very long (about 200 pages) but wrestles with many of the issues regarding our understanding of the text and interacting with science on them.

Unlike Dr. Bruce Waltke, who merely decided that since he’s not a scientist he shouldn’t really disagree with them, Dr. Kelly put his mind to work and did enormous research.  He did not fall into the trap of thinking “I’m a theologian, not a scientist” therefore they know better.  At this point some may say Dr. Kelly should have taken the same approach.  I, for one, am glad he didn’t.

There should not be this separation of faith and science that often reigns today.  We are trying to understand the same thing- this world we live in.  Dr. Kelly tackled many of the things I’ve pondered in days past.  Only he spent more time thinking them through and researching them.

Long ago some scientists attacked the presuppositions of the creation account.  Sadly, few if any ever evaluated the presuppositions of the scientists or their methods.  What we find here is that process of evaluating their presuppositions and methods.

This book was originally conceived as he taught a SS class at church.  But it is no lightweight book.  It demands much of the reader as you weig the arguments of a variety of positions and think things through.  To assist, each chapter has a Technical and Bibliographical Notes section.  Each also has study or group questions to help process the material.

Cutting to the chase, Kelly ends up defending the traditional view of creation ex nihilo, and a young earth.  He views the Framework Hypothesis as an irrational capitulation to modernism since it gives science too much credit and power to misinterpret parts of the text.  He does provide exegetical reasons to reject their views.  He also rains on Dr. Hugh Ross’ parade at times.

Read Full Post »

Considering Slumdog Millionaire

CavWife and I have been wanting to see Slumdog Millionaire for quite some time.  Saturday we finally had an opportunity.  Let’s just say it was not what I expected.  I’m not precisely sure what I expected, but this was not it.

The movie is filled with time shifts, which initially is slightly confusing.  But once you realize what is going on, it all makes sense.  Much of the movie takes place while the young contestant for the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” is being interrogated after being accused of cheating.

As an aside, we Americans really don’t grasp how unusual our legal system is.  This is obviously a story, and may be quite unrealistic (I don’t know, I’ve never been accused of a crime in India).  We are so concerned with our civil rights, yet never think of how this sounds to people in other countries were you are presumed to be guilty until proven innocent, or how dangerous it can be to fall into the hands of police.

Okay, the movie.  The movie keeps flashing back to explain why he knew the answers to the various questions.  It tells the story of 2 Muslim brothers who are orphaned and the orphan girl who joins them as they try to survive in a brutal world.  Much of what they experienced is so far beyond the experience of Americans.  It has a Dickens-like industrial revolution feel to it.  Add to that the caste system and religious persecution, these boys had a difficult, confusing, existence.

The movie evolves into a love story.  The only reason he is a contestant on the show is to find the girl, the missing love of his life.  She is being held by a gangster as an unwilling mistress or wife (we really aren’t sure).  She refuses to live on love, so he’s also trying to get them money necessary to run away.

Read Full Post »