Reflecting on the Sermon: 6/26/11

Rod preached from Romans 10:9-10 on "The Heart and Content of the Gospel."  These verses discuss how a person becomes a Christian- the content of the gospel.  The content of saving faith is confessing and believing.  It is knowing that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead.  It is not just knowing these facts.  It is believing them.  At the end he compared and contrasted incorrect understandings of "believing" with the Biblical teaching on what true believing is.

Incorrect Views:
Come as you are and stay as you are (just an assent to facts, but not a true trusting of Christ and submission to him)
Come get emotional peace (feel better, but not a true submission to Jesus as Lord)

Correct View:
True belief trusts Jesus (not just knowing facts) and this results in a transformed heart and changed life.

Theological Triage

Last Sunday I taught Sunday school on the issue of baptism.  At the end I discussed how we should think of those who differ from our view on baptism (our view being immersion of a believer instead of sprinkling an infant).  I read excerpts from an article by Albert Mohler entitled: "A call for theological triage and Christian maturity."  In this article, Mohler says,

Today’s Christian faces the daunting task of strategizing which Christian doctrines and theological issues are to be given highest priority in terms of our contemporary context. This applies both to the public defense of Christianity in face of the secular challenge and the internal responsibility of dealing with doctrinal disagreements. Neither is an easy task, but theological seriousness and maturity demand that we consider doctrinal issues in terms of their relative importance. God’s truth is to be defended at every point and in every detail, but responsible Christians must determine which issues deserve first-rank attention in a time of theological crisis.

The whole thing is worth reading.  Enjoy.

Tasting and Seeing the Gospel

Below is a guest post I did over at the Grace Church Youth blog for Doug.  He is going through the Heidelberg Catechism.  Enjoy.

Have you ever noticed how certain smells or tastes remind you of things from your past. They can even remind you of intangible realities. For example, maybe the smell of pumpkin pie reminds you of Thanksgiving celebrations from when you were a kid. You are caused to remember those events, but also the intangible things like the joy and excitement of the time with family (or the unpleasant feelings of dealing with socially awkward extended family). Our senses are powerful tools that can often stir us to remember and think about things.

In today's catechism questions, we learn about the sacraments1 (I know you are wondering how my introduction fits with this...just stick with me). What are the sacraments? Baptism and communion. And as the answer to question 66 says, "They were instituted by God so that by our use of them He might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel...". So, baptism and communion aren't just rituals or a way for us to get a bath and share some crackers and juice at the end of a service. They are visible testimonies to invisible grace. Both of them give a sensory lesson about our new life in union with Christ. God gave us these sacraments so that we might see, touch, smell, and taste gospel truths. What a great way to push the truths of these invisible realities deep into our hearts.

It is also a great way to teach our children the truths of the gospel. The next time there is a communion or baptism at church, take time after the service to ask your children what they saw and to explain the meaning of these visible testimonies to invisible grace. Don't overlook the power of the sacraments in your effort to communicate the gospel to your children or to your own heart for that matter.

I'll be back next week to talk about baptism - D.V. (100 points to anyone who remembers what D.V. stands for- and no it does not stand for cool Christian)

footnote 1 Perhaps the word "sacraments" seems a bit too Roman Catholic to you, but it isn't necessarily a bad word. The Roman Catholics developed a list of seven sacraments including baptism, confirmation, communion, confession/penance, marriage, ordination, and last rites (this official list of seven came around the time of Peter Lombard and Thomas Aquinas in the 11-1200's). In the Roman Catholic view, these were seen as conveying grace to those who received them by the simple act of receiving them (with or without faith). It was like a faucet of God's grace that you could stand under and receive God's favor, even if you didn't know God. Clearly, this is a problem. But, the word sacrament doesn't have to be used this way. The reformers took the word to refer to the two sacraments that could be found in the Bible: baptism and communion (which is what the Heidelberg refers to in these questions and answers). In their view, they did not help the person on towards justification, for we are justified by faith alone. Instead, as Augustine had said centuries prior, they are visible means of an invisible grace. They are a means of grace in that they encourage me in the faith and remind me of the gospel. If the word "sacrament" still bugs you, just call them ordinances (meaning they are ordained by Christ for His church to practice).
Lord’s Day 25

65. Q. IT IS BY FAITH ALONE THAT WE SHARE IN CHRIST AND ALL HIS BLESSING: WHERE THEN DOES THAT FAITH COME FROM?
A. The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts by the preaching of the holy gospel, and confirms it through our use of the holy sacraments.

66. Q. WHAT ARE SACRAMENTS?
A. Sacraments are holy signs and seals for us to see. They were instituted by God so that by our use of them He might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and might put His seal on that promise. And this is God’s gospel promise: to forgive our sins and give us eternal life by grace alone because of Christ’s one sacrifice finished on the cross.

67. Q. ARE BOTH THE WORD AND HE SACRAMENTS THEN INTENDED TO FOCUS OUR FAITH ON THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS AS THE ONLY GROUND OF OUR SALVATION?
A. Right! In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us and through the holy sacraments He assures us that our entire salvation rests on Christ’s one sacrifice for us on the cross.

68. Q. HOW MANY SACRAMENTS DID CHRIST INSTITUTE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT?
A. Two: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Reflecting on the Sermon: 6/19/11

Doug preached this week from James 4:13-16- a passage which speaks of those who are presumptive planners.  The problem is not in making plans or seeking to succeed, but there is a danger, he noted, that we will live as practical atheists.  Those who live as though God is not watching or is not in control of every detail of our lives (he began with tons of verses showing how God reigns supreme over every detail of life).  This comes to the surface when we pridefully make plans without an attitude of "Lord willing."  So, how do we plan for the glory of God (to not plan is not an option for that is laziness).  1. Acknowledge our frailty, foolishness, and dependence on God, 2. Make plans in humble submission to God's will by searching the Scriptures, seeking godly counsel, praying.  Then we must do something (not just sit passively).  It was a good sermon, especially for young adults who are faced with so many "big decisions" to make.

Modesty Survey Results

As another follow up to our study on clothing and modesty, the Grace Church College and Career men listed several specific examples of clothing that tempts us.  At the request of the ladies in the group we are posting the results of this "survey" to help you exercise your Christian liberty in a loving way (Gal. 5:13-14). BEFORE YOU SKIP DOWN TO READ THE SPECIFICS READ THE PARAGRAPHS BELOW.

Please remember that modesty is ultimately a heart issue. Our prayer is that God will use this list to help your modest heart make practical application. Just compiling a list of "do’s" and "don’ts," apart from cultivating a modest heart, won’t ultimately please God. This list is an effort to help you in practical ways as you seek to serve your brothers in Christ. 

We know that we are accountable to God for every lustful thought we allow into our minds. Our goal in this list isn’t to pass the blame for our sins. Instead it is to help women, who desire to live godly lives, avoid putting stumbling blocks in our paths- to keep you from accidentally becoming the “match” of temptation which might cause the” gunpowder” of lust in our hearts to ignite. So, godly women, continue to grow in modesty (which is to say humility in dress and action) so that you might shine as lights in our depraved generation. In so doing you will also serve your brothers in Christ, and for that we are grateful.

Know that we are praying for you as you also battle cultural temptations to dress like the world. We are praying for you as you patiently endure extra work to find clothing that is not only lovely but modest. The fashion industry doesn’t make it easy on you, but we pray that God will give you the grace to honor Him in your hearts and actions.

Realize that this list is not intended to tell you what God says about modesty. These are just ways that we are tempted when it comes to women and their clothing (so it isn’t an exhaustive list of how men are tempted in this area). With that said, the men of the college/career group are trying to defeat the sin of lust, and we ask for your help, as godly women, in these areas that we specifically struggle with:

General

• Clothing that brings unnecessary attention to private areas
• Clothes that show the exact dimensions of certain body parts

Tops/Shirts

• Loose tops /Shirts that expose your chest when you bend over
• Clothing that shows bra straps
• Low shirt tops that show cleavage /Any shirt or top that exposes any cleavage
• Strapless shirts/blouses
• See-through shirts/blouses that reveal undergarments

Skirts/Dresses/Pants

• Short skirts/dresses that show a majority of the thigh
• Tight pants/skirts

Swim Wear

• Bikinis are always a temptation(they are basically underwear labeled swimwear)
• Bathing suits that are cut high on the thigh/leg
• Suits that expose large amounts of skin on the back, chest, or stomach

Since we had a small sample group, and these represent only some of the ways men face temptation in this area, here is a link to a survey that consisted of about 1,600 Christian men and gets even more specific. Perhaps you will find it helpful as you look for ways to practically apply modesty.

Resources on Modesty (A guest post)

Here is a guest post by my wife to serve the women in the group.

During book club this week, we discussed chapter five of Worldliness titled “God, My Heart, and Clothes.” We had a lot of good discussion on modesty and our hearts. To follow-up on those discussions, I wanted to provide you with some additional resources to help you think through what motivates your appearance, how we can practically apply 2 Timothy 1:9, and what we can learn from Jesus about modesty.  I pray you would find time this summer to reflect on modesty and God’s word.  “Make this your aim: that there be no contradiction between your gospel message and the clothes you wear.  May your modest dress be a humble witness to the One who gave himself as a ransom for all.” – CJ Mahaney, Wordliness page 138.

"What and What Not to Wear" by Mary Kassian

"Gentle Jesus Meek and…Modest" by Elyse Fitzpatrick

"Love and Modesty" by Sarah Bubar

Reflecting on the Sermon: 6/5/11

Rod preached from Romans 10:1-3 this past Sunday.  In chapter 9, Paul answers the question of why Israel is in unbelief by appealing to divine sovereignty (not all Israel is individually elected to salvation).  In chapter 10, Paul holds up the complementary truth of human responsibility. 

Two things stuck out to me in this sermon.  First, Paul had such a love and a passion to see his kinsmen, according to the flesh, saved.  It makes me ask myself, do I have such a love and compassion for the lost around me?  Second, God ordains the ends (salvation) and the means by which people are saved (prayer, sharing the gospel).  So, God is sovereign, yet this does not mean he doesn't use means.  We have a responsibility (and joy) to share the gospel and pray for the those who do not know Christ.  The doctrine of election should not result in a cold or callous outlook when it comes to evangelism.  Instead, we, like Paul, should affirm God's sovereignty in salvation and have a genuine compassion for those separated from Christ.  "You can say you care, but if you don't pray you don't care."

NEXT Conference Audio

Last week, Sean, Kara, Beth and I went to Orlando for the NEXT conference.  It was a great time of encouragement as we considered how Jesus reigns supreme over every aspect of this universe.  Topics included seeing the world through the biblical lens (think biblical theology), the role of reason in the life of faith, and dealing with attacks on Christianity (such as post-modernism, relativism, those who question the reliability of the Bible, etc.).  If you are looking for some good messages to listen to this summer to grow in the faith, I recommend checking out the audio from this conference here.

My top two recommendations are (though all the sessions were great- guys like DA Carson and RC Sproul are always wonderful):

• "Think or Believe" by Scott Oliphant
• "Who am I? Humanity in the eyes of the world and Christianity" by Kevin DeYoung.  

Also, they will be posting the "breakout sessions" soon.  When those are up I suggest checking out

• Kevin DeYoung's (Jesus and other religions) 
• Peter Williams (How can I trust my Bible)

I hope you are using your time this summer for the glory of God.  Don't waste your summer!

Thriving in College: A book recommendation

I recently read Alex Chediak's book Thriving in College.  For those of you in college or recently graduated, it is a very helpful book.  It is especially helpful for those just entering college (freshmen, sophomores), but I believe the issues he addresses are life, character, and theological issues that all young adults in our culture face.  He deals with theological challenges to our faith (post-modernism, relativism), relationship issues (relating to parents, friends, and dating), character issues, and issues related to academics. He provides wonderful insights and, most importantly, biblical wisdom to life and its challenges for young adults.

If you are interested in reading this book, you can purchase a kindle version (electronic) for $1.99 at amazon (not sure how long this promotion goes for).  Even if you don't own a kindle, you can download their free software to your computer and read it there.  Or, if you're old fashion like me, you can purchase the hard copy of the book (though you will spend more).  Either way, I hope you find some time to read it.