Continue to Pray for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

Pray for this Iranian pastor and his family.  May God give him grace to be faithful in the face of possible death and grant him deliverance from death.  This from Voice of the Martyrs.

After being ordered by the Iranian Supreme Court to review the apostasy charge against Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, the 11th branch of the Gilan Provincial Court has confirmed his conviction and again ordered him to recant his faith in Jesus Christ. On Monday, Sept. 26, the court ruled that because Pastor Youcef has Muslim ancestors, his faith in Christ makes him an apostate from Islam. When the judges asked Pastor Youcef to “repent,” he replied, “Repent means to return. What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?” The judges said, “To the religion of your ancestors, Islam.” Pastor Youcef then replied, “I can not.” Pastor Youcef will be brought before the court two more times, on Sept. 27 and 28, and ordered to recant his Christian faith. Sources in Iran report that although they have been told the case will return to the Supreme Court, they fear that the lower court may act on a law that would allow them to carry out Pastor Youcef’s execution. Please pray that God might turn the hearts of the Iranian judges in Pastor Youcef’s favor, and pray for his family.

Here is another article about how the mainstream media is not covering the story.

How to Get the Most out of Your Pastor's Preaching

Several months ago I wrote a series on listening to and reflecting on sermons.  Here is a very helpful article from Nancy Leigh DeMoss on the same subject.  Here are a few highlights (the whole thing is worth reading).  May God help us be better listeners so that we might be doers of His Word.

Before the Service:

• Prepare for public worship the night before. Turn off the TV, limit social activities, and instead do things that will cultivate your appetite for God’s Word.
• Ask God to prepare your heart for the preaching of the Word. Repent of any sin God reveals to you, and get rid of the things that are standing in the way of the Word of God in your life. 

During the Service

• Listen attentively to the reading and the preaching of the Word. Try to make eye contact with the pastor. Be a “yes face”! Not only does that help the pastor know people are listening and connecting, but it helps you stay alert and focused.
• Listen humbly to the preaching of the Word. Ask the Lord to make it fresh. If your heart is humble, your focus won’t be on evaluating the message or how it’s delivered; you will let the message evaluate you.
• Take notes. Jot down things the Lord speaks to you about; highlight points the Spirit applies to your heart and life. Take those notes home, and work through them later. 

After the Service:

• Ask God to give you at least one takeaway from the message—a key concept, phrase, or verse that you can review throughout the week. Jot it down so you don’t forget. 

Ways to make it personal

• Are you willing to let the message sit in judgment of you rather than you sitting in judgment of the message?
• Do you take the message personally (James 1:22)? Or are you more focused on how it applies to the people sitting near you?
• Do you pass on to others what you’ve learned from the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:2)? 

How to Make Decisions Biblically

Last night, at Bible study, we discussed biblical principles and a method for biblical decision making.  As I mentioned, this has been adapted from Dr. Stuart Scott (not original to me).  Remember, next Thursday we are going to go through some examples.  If you'd like to suggest examples to work through this decision making process, email me at ben@gcot.org.

Principles of Biblical Decision Making

1. Scripture has bearing on ALL decisions (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
   “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
2. Wisdom (Prov. 9:10)
   A God-centered way of life- fearing the Lord (Prov. 9:10). The ability to apply biblical truth to everyday life situations.
3. Prayer (James 1:5, Col. 1:9)
   Things we are to pray for in decision making:
1. Wisdom- able to understand how God’s Word applies to our situation and how we should live to glorify Him (James 1:5).
2. That we would obey things we know are His revealed will for us (Col 1:9).
4. Purposeful Freedom (Gal. 5:13)
   “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
5. Desire (Ps. 37:4)
   “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

A Method for Biblical Decision Making

1. Pray for and cultivate a dependent, humble attitude before God (Prov. 3:5-6) and a desire to please God above all else (i.e. be walking in the Spirit).  Pray God will give you ability to gather data you need. Prayer should be throughout the whole process.
2. Gather facts and data (Prov. 18:13)
3. Study proclamations of Scripture that would bear on this decision (roadmap- direct)
4. Study principles in Scripture related to the decision (compass- indirect)
5. Get godly counsel if needed (Prov. 12:15, 15:22, 19:20)
6. Weigh purposeful freedom
   If the Scripture doesn’t eliminate one of the choices, we have purposeful freedom. Use your liberty to love God and others.
   Good questions to help evaluate your use of freedom.
1. Is this sinful? Does it provide an opportunity for the flesh?
2. Is it self-serving at the expense of others?
3. Will it glorify God?
4. Is it something I can genuinely thank God for?
5. Is it worth others imitating? Is it an example of “walking in the Spirit?”
6. Will it affect others around me?  How? Will it make them stumble?
7. Is it beneficial to me spiritually? (not all things are profitable)
8. Is it something that over time will tend to master me?
7. Examine your desires
1. What do I want in this situation? 
2. Are my desires God honoring?
8. If you still can’t decide
1. Is it because of a troubled conscience? Holding Principle (Rom. 14:23).
2. Gather more data and start over.
9. Make a decision based on God’s revealed will and trust his decreed will.

9.      

"6 Reasons to Be a Faithful Member of a Local Church"

Here is a short article on the importance of church membership.  Also, remember there is a membership matters class this Sunday from 9:30-10:30am in the pastor's office.  If you are not a member and are interested in learning more about Grace Church or becoming a member, this is for you.  Email ben@gcot.org to sign up.

The Horrific Logic of Abortion

Here is an article by Al Mohler regarding a recent news story out of Canada in which a mother killed her infant and threw his body in her neighbor's yard.  She was eventually given a three year suspended sentence, and may serve more time in jail for throwing the infant over the fence than for killing him.  Mohler shows us, from the judge's own words, how this is simply the tragic results of the logic of abortion.

Reflecting on the Sermon: 9/18/11

Rod preached from Romans 11:11-15.  He began by discussing two major systems of biblical interpretation: Covenant and Dispensational.   The differences are most clearly seen in areas of ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church) and eschatology (the doctrine of last things). 

The main point of application I got from the sermon is that Israel's fall and hardening is temporary and serves the purpose of opening the gospel to Gentiles (me included!).  And if their stumbling means this good news for me...how much more will their future restoration be good news for Gentiles.  So, we should not pridefully look down on Israel, but seek to make them jealous (in a good way) to come to know Jesus Christ- the Messiah promised from long ago.

Reflecting on the Sermon: 9/15/11

Doug preached this week on the topic of spiritual forgetfulness.  He made an important point when he mentioned that "forgetfulness" in the Bible is not a mental lapse, but a deliberate turning away from the implications of who God is and what He has done.  Likewise, remembrance is not just a mental awareness of, but a correct response to what we are to know and believe about God.  We forget God by disobeying, entering into idolatry and/or being spiritually dull because of our familiarity with truths about God.  We remember by constantly thinking about the Lord's character and ways, passing on truth from generation to generation, studying God's holiness, delighting in the gospel, participating whole-heartedly in the ordinances of baptism and communion, and singing songs that help us remember God.

Decision Making Methods to Avoid or Be Cautious of

This is the list of 16 methods of decision making we discussed last night at Bible study that we should avoid all together or be cautious of.  

1. Using the Bible like a Magic 8 Ball- This is where I misuse the Bible in decision making (taking passages out of context and seeing them as special revelation from God about my particular decision).
2. Personal Advice- Counsel is only as helpful as it is biblical. If the counsel isn’t founded on Bible it won’t be wise counsel.  Ask the person what biblical principles come to mind that would address your situation.  Then let them share biblical counsel with you.
3. Assuming Good Results = a good choice- Just because get results doesn’t mean it is right. Think of Moses in the wilderness.  God tells him to speak to the rock and it will provide water.  Moses disobeys and strikes the rock.  It still gets good results (water comes).  However, it is clear he disobeyed God and was punished for it.
4. Laying out the Fleece (setting conditions & looking for signs)- We put God to the test instead of applying biblical decision making principles and moving forward in faith.
5. Opened and Closed Doors- Seeing opportunities or loss of them as a sign from God about what to do. God does providentially give us opportunities and take away opportunities, but we shouldn’t just assume because there is an open opportunity we should pursue it (unless Scripture commands it- ie. share the gospel).  And we shouldn’t always assume a bump in the road means we shouldn’t move forward. 
6. Inner Feelings, Desires, and Impressions- “God laid it on my heart…”  Desires and some subjectivity do come into the decision making process, especially in the area of non-moral issues (ex. what appetizer should we order).  But, never assume that your feelings and desires automatically are from God.  And don’t use this to be a copout for personal responsibility in decision making (ex. the Lord told me to end this relationship with you….). 
7. Hearing the Voice of God- “God told me to….”  Hebrews 1 indicates God has spoken to us in the last days by His Son.  We are not to be looking for new revelation from God.
8. Using Prayer or fasting like a rabbit’s foot- Prayer and fasting can be vital in decision making because they are an expression of our dependence on God (Prov. 3:5-6).  But, just because you prayed about it or fasted doesn’t mean your decision is automatically God’s will. 
   
9. It Feels so right - Inner Peace- Interpreting a feeling or lack of feeling of peace as God telling you yes or no to something. The Bible never uses a feeling of peace as a way to make decisions (it is used of peace with God, peace with other believers, and as the opposite of worry).  There are times the right decision is one that leaves you feeling unsettled (ex. confronting a best friend over a clear sin issue).  God does give us a “peace that passes understanding” instead of worry, but this is not used in decision making- rather in trusting God.
10. Casting Lots (and other “devices”)- Flipping a coin, casting a lot, rock paper scissors.  This was done in the Old Testament.  It is even used in Acts 1:26 when the Apostles choose a replacement for Judas.  But in the Epistles (later NT books), it is not depicted or commanded. When you choose leaders, Paul says, look at their character and giftedness.  Nothing about casting lots.
11. “Waiting” on the Lord- “I’m just waiting on the Lord” – in other words I’m not making a decision until the Lord reveals clearly to me what to do. This is an unbiblical use of the Psalms.  The  Psalms speak of waiting on the Lord (Ps. 25:5, 21; 22:20), but the Hebrew word is the idea of active trust, not inactivity.  If you are waiting for special revelation from God, that is not biblical.
12. Letting your Conscience be your guide- Your conscience is not a guide, it is a guard. God has given it as a moral warning system that excuses or condemns us as we make moral choices
    
13. Relying on Reason Alone- Just using my mind to figure it out. We are to use our mind, but we are to have it informed by the Scripture (our reason is fallen- we need God’s word to tell us how to think rightly).  We are to trust in the Lord ultimately (Prov. 3:5-6).
14. An Unbiblical Understanding of Faith- Seeing it is a leap into the unknown as if that pleases God. Instead, faith in Bible, is active obedience to what he has told us.
15. The “Call”- A call into ministry involves: 1) Having the character required in Titus & First Timothy.  2) Abilities/gifts for ministry, 3) Desire to be in ministry (as stated in 1 Timothy), 4) Confirmation by the church that you fit the bill.
16. Small Group (“where two or three are gathered…”)- If two or three of us agree, must be God’s plan for us. This is a misuse of Matt 18.  This passage is on church discipline not Christian decision making.

Meaning in the Mundane: Sovereignty and Providence

God directs every detail of life (providence) and through those everyday details accomplishes all His plans (sovereignty) which are for our good and his glory.

These doctrines really make the everyday details of life much more meaningful.  It is in the everyday elements of life that God is "working all things for the good of those who love him" (Rom.8:28). May God help us to see that the mundane is meaningful.

Mohler on God's Will

Last night at Bible study we listened to a sermon from Dr. Al Mohler on the will of God (you can find it here).  Below are a list of the 15 points he gave on things we know to be the will of God (numbers 1-2, 4 all are God's sovereign will that we can look back and see is true, the rest are God's commanded will- things we are called to do).

1 – that you were born
2 – that you will die
3 – that you will grow, especially spiritually
4 – that you are made male or female
5 – that you believe in Christ
6 – that you submit Jesus Christ as your Lord
7 – that you trust and obey God's Word
8 – that you obey all authorities
9 – that you be married (he gave caveats regarding singleness...for more on singleness listen to my lesson on the subject by clicking here or see the biblical principles on singleness here)
10 – that married couples should desire and welcome the gift of children
11 – that you develop and exercise God’s gifts to serve others
12 – that you are highly invested and actively involved in the Local Church
13 – that you lead others (by office, example, etc.)
14 – that you share the gospel
15 – that you do everything for the glory of God


Next week we will begin looking at biblical decision making.

Reflecting on the Sermon: 9/4/11

The sermon covered Romans 11:1-10. Rod began with four things we should learn from Romans 11 (which deals with God's promises to Israel).

1. The need for a genuine relationship with God.  Israel was extremely religious and yet most of them missed what mattered most.
2. The trustworthiness of God.  He won't go back on His promises to Israel, so we can be confident He will keep His promises to us.
3. We need to have a desire to see Israel embrace the gospel.
4. We need to see the big picture plan of God.

One more thing that stuck out to me.  As we looked at the truth that salvation is by grace, we were reminded that the quality of  our faith and repentance is not the basis of God's grace to us.  It is God's grace that produces the impulses in us in me to repent and trust.