Today is November 11th. It is a day when in this corner of the world, people will pay tribute to those who laid down their lives to serve our country as our country sacrificially offered up some of its most beloved sons to bring peace to friends and strangers in distant lands. A moment's thought ought to cause us to be grateful and amazed that so many of our nation's heroes quickly gave of themselves to end oppression and violence on distant shores when most of them had never seen these places before they set foot in battle. So much freedom, justice, and peace was secured because our own lives were not considered to be of greater worth than that of others who were being violated and downtrodden. Scores of biblical lessons can be illustrated from this monumental sacrifice granted for the liberty of others.
Having said that, there are a few things that we must keep in mind without losing an enormous and unyielding gratitude for what we enjoy because of the sacrifice of many. First, war is never to be taken lightly, or entered into carelessly, or supported unquestionably. War is brutal and ugly. It is the slaughter of lives made in the image of God . God is not indifferent to this violence, and if we are to dare to enter into war, we must be sure that it is because the cause is truly the furtherance of justice. God's hatred of bloodshed echoes through the Scriptures. Do you recall the words of our God when David wanted to build a temple unto the Lord? 1 Chronicles 22:8 reads "But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, "you have shed much blood, and have waged great wars; you shall not build a house to My name, because you have shed so much blood on the earth before Me." God loved David. God hated the bloodstains of David's record. It was that important to God that David was denied the privilege of building a temple for the Lord. I wonder how many Christians have ever wondered if the Lord might deny us in the West the privilege of building His new temple, the church, if our hands are stained by constant support of war and bloodshed in the nations? Is it at all possible that one reason for the shift of church growth to the Asian world and other corners of the planet may be a divine determination to distinguish God's name and reputation from that of those who are known for war? We need to at least be open to that question. We need to proceed carefully, reflectively, patiently and faithfully. Christian leaders must sober the minds and soften the hearts of God's people for the sake of the nations for whom Christ died rather than be a rallying voice for the government or carelessly preaching on the biblical foundations for a just war without due diligence to examine ourselves and our nation's cause. I agree with one of my heroes of the faith, Charles Spurgeon, that we need to be very careful to see war up close and personal and not theoretically from a distance. Spurgeon put it this way: "It is astonishing how distance blunts the keen edge of anything that is disagreeable. War is at all times a most fearful scourge. The thought of slain bodies and of murdered men must always harrow up the soul; but because we hear of these things in the distance, there are few Englishmen who can truly enter into their horrors. If we should hear the booming of cannon on the deep which girdles this island; if we should see at our doors the marks of carnage and bloodshed; then should we more thoroughly appreciate what war means. But distance takes away the horror, and we therefore speak of war with too much levity, and even read of it with an interest not sufficiently linked with pain ("A Present Religion," May 30, 1858, Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens). We also must keep in mind that war is not as clean and tidy as people might want us to believe. Listen to Dr. Timothy J. Demy, a commander with the Chaplain Corps of the U.S. Navy and a Dallas Theological Seminary grad. He writes "Yet, the definition and the experience of war are two vastly different things. In the first half of this decade, from 1990 to 1995, 70 international states were involved in 93 wars which killed five and a half million people. Most of the casualties were civilians, noncombatants. At the beginning of this century, most of the war casualties were military (85-90%). In World War II more than half of all war deaths were noncombatants. Today, at the end of the twentieth century, more than three-fourths of all war deaths are civilians" (http://www.leaderu.com/humanities/demy.html). We need keep in mind that the issue in going to War is not simply is this war considered to be just. It must also be "Will this war be fought in a just fashion?" Christians should never align themselves willingly with the slaughter of civilians in the nations. We should not be supportive or be silent if we are not sure the war is just or if it will be fought justly. We must speak for the most vulnerable. We cannot assume that because our sons are returning in flag-drapped coffins that we are the good guys and the others are the bad guys. God's people have often been wrong. History is blotted with the errors of Christians who slaughtered the nations believing that they were doing the will of God. When God sends Isaiah to Israel in Isaiah 5, there is this metaphor given, describing Israel as the vineyard planted by God. Isaiah 5:7 reads "For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His delightful plant. Thus He looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed. For righteousness, but behold a cry of distress."
Also, it is crucial for Christians to keep in mind when considering war - where your citizenship is and who your King is. We are not builders of earthly kingdoms. We do not serve an earthly King. Listen to Jesus and why He chose to suffer wrong than to retaliate. When standing before Pilate, Jesus was questioned about whether he was the King of the Jews. Jesus answers "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm"(John 18:36). That is our Saviour. He is not building an earthly kingdom therefore His servants are not fighting to spare Him from the wrong that was about to be executed against Him. You and I must always remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood. Our kingdom is won not by taking life but by laying down our lives. Yes, there is a governmental responsibility to wield the sword for the peace and protection of its citizens. Yet, we need to understand - that sword is not the path of Christ's kingdom. In fact, the sword may actually bring persecution on the church for something other than the gospel. It may make life increasingly miserable for our brethren in the nations and if the war is unjust, bring the nations to blaspheme the name of our God. Again, let me quote C.H. Spurgeon: "The church, we affirm, can neither be preserved nor can its interests be promoted by human armies. We have all thought otherwise in our time, and have foolishly said when a fresh territory was annexed to our empire, "Ah! what a providence that England has annexed Oude," – or taken to itself some other territory – "Now a door is opened for the Gospel. A Christian power will necessarily encourage Christianity, and seeing that a Christian power is at the head of the Government, it will be likely that the natives will be induced to search into the authenticity of our revelation, and so great results will follow. Who can tell but that, at the point of the British bayonet, the Gospel will be carried, and that, by the edge of the true sword of valiant men, Christ’s Gospel will be proclaimed?" I have said so myself; and now I know I am a fool for my pains, and that Christ’s church hath been also miserably befooled; for this I will assert, and prove too, that the progress of the arms of a Christian nation is not the progress of Christianity, and that the spread of our empire, so far from being advantageous to the Gospel, I will hold, and this day proclaim, hath been hostile to it...For my part, I conceive, that when an enterprise begins in martyrdom, it is none the less likely to succeed, but when conquerors begin to preach the gospel to those they have conquered, it will not succeed, God will teach us that it is not by might All swords that have ever flashed from scabbards have not aided Christ a single grain. Mahommedans’ religion might be sustained by scimitars, but Christians’ religion must be sustained by love. The great crime of war can never promote the religion of peace. The battle, and the garment rolled in blood, are not a fitting prelude to "peace on earth, goodwill to men." And I do firmly hold, that the slaughter of men, that bayonets, and swords, and guns, have never yet been, and never can be, promoters of the gospel. The gospel will proceed without them, but never through them. "Not by might." Now don’t be fooled again, if you hear of the English conquering in China, don’t go down on your knees and thank God for it, and say it’s such a heavenly thing for the spread of the gospel – it just is not. Experience teaches you that, and if you look upon the map you will find I have stated only the truth, that where our arms have been victorious, the gospel has been hindered rather than not; so that where South Sea Islanders have bowed their knees and cast their idols to the bats, British Hindoos have kept their idols, and where Bechuanas and Bushmen have turned unto the Lord, British Affairs have not been converted, not perhaps because they were British, but because the very fact of the missionary being a Briton, put him above them, and weakened their influence. Hush thy trump, O war; put away thy gaudy trappings and thy bloodstained drapery, if thou thinkest that the cannon with the cross upon it is really sanctified, and if thou imaginest that thy banner hath become holy, thou dreamest of a lie. God wanteth not thee to help his cause. "It is not by armies, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord" ("Independence of Christianity," August 31, 1857, Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens).
Remember the peace secured by the armies of men is never to be seen as the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. He gives us peace, but as He says, "not as the world gives it" (John 14:27). The gospel of the kingdom will advance in the nations not as the nations see us waging war against them but as we lay down our lives for them. The glory of Christ will be seen not as we defend ourselves from injustice but as we endure and love and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5). When we take communion, Jesus tells us to "Do this in remembrance of Me". We are not remembering the King who rode on a battle steed. We remember the Prince of Peace riding in on the foal of a donkey and Who laid down His life for His enemies. May the Lord bless us all on Remembrance Day as we give thanks for the freedom we possess but also for the freedom that no one can take away - secured by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
September
I have just returned from being away in August. The end of summer, especially here in the north, comes abruptly. The temperature starts dropping this week. Yet, I am grateful. I am grateful because my youngest daughter has returned from California and I love having my girls around. I am grateful because, despite the fun of no normal schedule and being free of the usual responsibilities, I like a routine to life and getting reconnected with my brothers and sisters in Christ here. I also love all the seasons. I can't wait to see the colours of the trees and to smell the autumn air as I try to find time to head out into the woods now and again. Maybe, we'll even get our annual visit from a black bear in the back yard.
As I return to life and to ministry here this fall, I thought I would share with you a passage of Scripture that is guiding my mind and helping my heart. It is 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18. I appreciate this because it helps me focus on what life as part of God's family ought to look like - when the temptation is either to fall back into an old routine mindlessly, or to jump energetically into a new system which can carry us along for a while, as an unfortunate substitute for genuine life in Christ.
Here is how it reads and I will break it up so you can hear the parts that make up the whole:
"We urge you, brethren,
admonish the unruly,
encourage the fainthearted,
help the weak,
be patient with everyone.
See that no one repays another with evil for evil,
but always seek after that which is good for one another
and for all people.
Rejoice always.
Pray without ceasing;
In everything give thanks;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
I find in this passage a helpful call to service - joyful service, grateful service, gracious service, service to others, service for Jesus.
One of my prayers is that God might make me a joyful pastor, husband, Dad, friend, and neighbour. May my mind be full of gratitude. May I be filled with grace... and not bent on returning evil for evil. May the life of Christ which is mine forever, by His grace, free me to serve him happily as I help others run the race. Pray for me please as I seek God's grace to serve this way.
As I return to life and to ministry here this fall, I thought I would share with you a passage of Scripture that is guiding my mind and helping my heart. It is 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18. I appreciate this because it helps me focus on what life as part of God's family ought to look like - when the temptation is either to fall back into an old routine mindlessly, or to jump energetically into a new system which can carry us along for a while, as an unfortunate substitute for genuine life in Christ.
Here is how it reads and I will break it up so you can hear the parts that make up the whole:
"We urge you, brethren,
admonish the unruly,
encourage the fainthearted,
help the weak,
be patient with everyone.
See that no one repays another with evil for evil,
but always seek after that which is good for one another
and for all people.
Rejoice always.
Pray without ceasing;
In everything give thanks;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
I find in this passage a helpful call to service - joyful service, grateful service, gracious service, service to others, service for Jesus.
One of my prayers is that God might make me a joyful pastor, husband, Dad, friend, and neighbour. May my mind be full of gratitude. May I be filled with grace... and not bent on returning evil for evil. May the life of Christ which is mine forever, by His grace, free me to serve him happily as I help others run the race. Pray for me please as I seek God's grace to serve this way.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Helpful Resource
Just thought I'd encourage you to check out the resources on the website:
www.thegospelcoalition.com
Excellent list of sermons and subjects by good preachers/teachers.
www.thegospelcoalition.com
Excellent list of sermons and subjects by good preachers/teachers.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Incline My Heart
I have been trying to memorize Psalm 141:3-4 the past few days. These verses recognize that unless God helps us, our mouths will overflow with what our hearts possess. Without God's direct control over our hearts, what overflows will not be pleasing to God or good for others.
It may seem strange to hear David's words at first. He writes "Do not incline my heart to any evil thing." We might ask, "Why pray that? Surely, God would not need to be asked for that?! God wouldn't incline our hearts toward evil, would he?"
The answer is clearly "no!". James makes it clear in the first chapter that when we are tempted that we should never say that God is doing it - for "God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone." See James 1:13.
What David is acknowledging is what Jesus teaches us to pray in what we call the Lord's Prayer. Jesus taught us to pray to our heavenly Father, "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." David and Jesus both know that we as humans have a disposition to walk right into temptation. Unless God directs our hearts in a new and right path, we are, as an old hymn says, "prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God, I love."
Here is the thought that we all need to regularly keep in mind. If David needs to ask God to not let his heart go the way of wickedness and if Jesus teaches us to pray to God to not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil... we need to acknowledge that without God's help... we can get ourselves in deep doo-doo. We can allow our hearts to be focussed upon or filled with the wickedness which soon overflows not only in our speech but in our lives.
We need heart help. Christians need regular heart help. I am convinced that Jesus, who did not have any sin, maintained his sinlessness not because He was divine. Rather, as a fully human being, he continually looked to and leaned upon His heavenly Father - to keep Him and protect Him by the power of the Spirit. Remember, he taught his disciples to pray because He was a man of prayer. Even on the night before his crucifixion, he prayed. He also exhorted his disciples to pray so that they would not fall into temptation. Why did Jesus pray? He prayed for the strength to live faithfully in obedience to His heavenly Father whom He loved. He longed to do His Father's will.
We who have sinful struggles because of our own weakness in the flesh, because of the ways of the world, and the wiles of the devil, need to pray "Do not incline my heart to any evil thing." The emphasis is on the "any". May we look always for the grace that God gives to make us the people Christ Jesus died to make us and for whom Jesus now lives to make complete.
It may seem strange to hear David's words at first. He writes "Do not incline my heart to any evil thing." We might ask, "Why pray that? Surely, God would not need to be asked for that?! God wouldn't incline our hearts toward evil, would he?"
The answer is clearly "no!". James makes it clear in the first chapter that when we are tempted that we should never say that God is doing it - for "God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone." See James 1:13.
What David is acknowledging is what Jesus teaches us to pray in what we call the Lord's Prayer. Jesus taught us to pray to our heavenly Father, "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." David and Jesus both know that we as humans have a disposition to walk right into temptation. Unless God directs our hearts in a new and right path, we are, as an old hymn says, "prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God, I love."
Here is the thought that we all need to regularly keep in mind. If David needs to ask God to not let his heart go the way of wickedness and if Jesus teaches us to pray to God to not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil... we need to acknowledge that without God's help... we can get ourselves in deep doo-doo. We can allow our hearts to be focussed upon or filled with the wickedness which soon overflows not only in our speech but in our lives.
We need heart help. Christians need regular heart help. I am convinced that Jesus, who did not have any sin, maintained his sinlessness not because He was divine. Rather, as a fully human being, he continually looked to and leaned upon His heavenly Father - to keep Him and protect Him by the power of the Spirit. Remember, he taught his disciples to pray because He was a man of prayer. Even on the night before his crucifixion, he prayed. He also exhorted his disciples to pray so that they would not fall into temptation. Why did Jesus pray? He prayed for the strength to live faithfully in obedience to His heavenly Father whom He loved. He longed to do His Father's will.
We who have sinful struggles because of our own weakness in the flesh, because of the ways of the world, and the wiles of the devil, need to pray "Do not incline my heart to any evil thing." The emphasis is on the "any". May we look always for the grace that God gives to make us the people Christ Jesus died to make us and for whom Jesus now lives to make complete.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Doing Nothing to Discredit the Ministry
In the apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, he describes how he sees himself as working together (with God) in this great ministry of reconciliation. God is in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting men's sins against them (2 Corinthians5:19). So, Paul says, in 6:3, he is conscientiously seeking that he would do nothing to discredit the ministry or give offense in anything.
I just read in the introduction to Erwin Lutzer's book, "Who are you to judge?" (a book that actually is about why Christians need to be making judgements - distinguishing "the false from the true, or better, the false from the half true.") how Lutzer wondered aloud about how, at certain points in church history, a little more kindness might have made a difference in making people more receptive to the gospel. For example, Lutzer writes "I have often wondered what might have happened if John Knox had shown Mary, Queen of Scots a bit more courtesy and compassion during his dialogues with her. We can't know, of course, but maybe her heart would have softened to the Reformed faith and the bitter conflicts might have become more charitable."
I have often thought that myself - not about Knox in particular - but about Christian ministry specifically. The Bible does teach that the gospel is an offense to those that are perishing. Yet, I have wondered at times, on occasion when I have heard people boast of enduring persecution, or complain about some people's resistance to the gospel, whether or not it was the gospel that was offensive or the pride or harshness or lack of listening or respect shown by the messenger of the gospel.
In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul makes it clear that he goes out of his way to give "no cause for offense in anything..." (2 Cor. 6:3). Listen to those words carefully. That is an all-encompassing statement - "no cause"- "in anything".
What did that mean for Paul? Here is a synopsis of what he says:
1. A willingness to suffer to bring that gospel to the world (vss. 4-5). One of the ways that we show that we do love people and that the gospel is life-saving, and that we truly believe that God is reconciling sinners to Himself in Christ, is that we are willing to serve people through the hardships of ministry. Paul's numerous words for suffering here describe almost every kind of hardship that comes in gospel ministry. It is hard for people to believe that we love them and want them to be reconciled to God if at the first stage of opposition, or first moment of hardship, we bail out and take our ball and go home. Suffering shows people that we believe our message is true and urgent, that God loves sinners sacrificially in Christ, and that people mean enough to us and to God that we would suffer for their sakes. Paul says in another New Testament letter that he "endures all things for the sake of the elect."
2. A carefulness with his Christian character (vs. 6). In verse 6, Paul is very careful to say that he guards himself from sin (purity), and that he is devoted to knowing the truth clearly, and to ministering patiently, kindly, in the strength of the Spirit, and in genuine love. Always ask the question, do the people who struggle with the gospel, believe that you love them. Have you treated them with respect? Have you been patient with their struggles? Have you shown immense kindness towards them? Don't strive to win the argument, especially if you aren't willing to love the person. Speak the truth in love.
3. A dependence solely upon God's power and resources, and not human means or abilities (vs. 7). Paul could have used his intellect. He could have attempted to use fear and intimidation. But, he had used those options in his pre-Christian days as a persecutor of the church. He, now, like Christ Jesus, uttered no threats. Rather, according to verse 7, he spoke the truth, depended on God's power to change people's hearts, and used righteous weapons (like prayer and faith) rather than worldly weapons (like human wisdon and manipulation). People can tell immediately when we are trusting in the God that we are calling them to trust in - or whether we are telling them to trust God while we are relying on ourselves to persuade them. Do nothing to give cause for offense, Paul says. Don't try to force faith.
4. Seeing His position from God's perspective and not an earthly perspective (vss. 8-10).
I love this section. There are two ways to look at your life - from a human perspective or from a divine perspective. The human perspective sees things according to what people are saying to you or about you. The divine perspective looks at it as God sees it. So, in verse 8, Paul is often shown dishonour -but in reality, he is sharing and will share in the glory of Christ. People are saying evil things about him and calling him a deciever, but he is more concerned about what God and those who love the truth know as true. He is "unknown" in many places where he travels but he is always known by God. In fact, many of us even feel "unknown" by people when they misunderstand our motives and suggest that we are false motives. But God knows us!
Paul has many sorrows and yet He always as solid reason for joy. He is poor from an earthly perspective yet he is sharing infinite riches with those who come to God through faith in Christ
Be very careful that you as a Christian servant don't spend all your time licking your wounds and whining about your troubles as if you can only see things from an earthly perspective. Faith is the God-given gift of being able to see things as they really are for you in Christ. You will hinder other people's understanding of the gospel if you complain about your troubles on your way to eternal reward. We discredit the gospel when we talk like God doesn't care for us when we teach people the promise of His unfailing love. Yes, we sorrow but that sorrow is healed, and limited, by the promise of God in Christ that He will wipe away every sorrow and make all things new. Our momentary and light afflictions are bringing an eternal weight of glory. The troubles are God's instruments and God's environments to show His sufficiency for those who trust in Him.
Are you making every effort to give "no cause for offense in everything."? Are you determined that the "ministry will not be discredited"? Then, be willing to endure whatever to lovingly take the gospel to people for whom Christ died. Keep your character like that of Christ Jesus. Use only the resources of God to fulfill your daily role as God's servant. See things always from an eternal perspective.
I just read in the introduction to Erwin Lutzer's book, "Who are you to judge?" (a book that actually is about why Christians need to be making judgements - distinguishing "the false from the true, or better, the false from the half true.") how Lutzer wondered aloud about how, at certain points in church history, a little more kindness might have made a difference in making people more receptive to the gospel. For example, Lutzer writes "I have often wondered what might have happened if John Knox had shown Mary, Queen of Scots a bit more courtesy and compassion during his dialogues with her. We can't know, of course, but maybe her heart would have softened to the Reformed faith and the bitter conflicts might have become more charitable."
I have often thought that myself - not about Knox in particular - but about Christian ministry specifically. The Bible does teach that the gospel is an offense to those that are perishing. Yet, I have wondered at times, on occasion when I have heard people boast of enduring persecution, or complain about some people's resistance to the gospel, whether or not it was the gospel that was offensive or the pride or harshness or lack of listening or respect shown by the messenger of the gospel.
In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul makes it clear that he goes out of his way to give "no cause for offense in anything..." (2 Cor. 6:3). Listen to those words carefully. That is an all-encompassing statement - "no cause"- "in anything".
What did that mean for Paul? Here is a synopsis of what he says:
1. A willingness to suffer to bring that gospel to the world (vss. 4-5). One of the ways that we show that we do love people and that the gospel is life-saving, and that we truly believe that God is reconciling sinners to Himself in Christ, is that we are willing to serve people through the hardships of ministry. Paul's numerous words for suffering here describe almost every kind of hardship that comes in gospel ministry. It is hard for people to believe that we love them and want them to be reconciled to God if at the first stage of opposition, or first moment of hardship, we bail out and take our ball and go home. Suffering shows people that we believe our message is true and urgent, that God loves sinners sacrificially in Christ, and that people mean enough to us and to God that we would suffer for their sakes. Paul says in another New Testament letter that he "endures all things for the sake of the elect."
2. A carefulness with his Christian character (vs. 6). In verse 6, Paul is very careful to say that he guards himself from sin (purity), and that he is devoted to knowing the truth clearly, and to ministering patiently, kindly, in the strength of the Spirit, and in genuine love. Always ask the question, do the people who struggle with the gospel, believe that you love them. Have you treated them with respect? Have you been patient with their struggles? Have you shown immense kindness towards them? Don't strive to win the argument, especially if you aren't willing to love the person. Speak the truth in love.
3. A dependence solely upon God's power and resources, and not human means or abilities (vs. 7). Paul could have used his intellect. He could have attempted to use fear and intimidation. But, he had used those options in his pre-Christian days as a persecutor of the church. He, now, like Christ Jesus, uttered no threats. Rather, according to verse 7, he spoke the truth, depended on God's power to change people's hearts, and used righteous weapons (like prayer and faith) rather than worldly weapons (like human wisdon and manipulation). People can tell immediately when we are trusting in the God that we are calling them to trust in - or whether we are telling them to trust God while we are relying on ourselves to persuade them. Do nothing to give cause for offense, Paul says. Don't try to force faith.
4. Seeing His position from God's perspective and not an earthly perspective (vss. 8-10).
I love this section. There are two ways to look at your life - from a human perspective or from a divine perspective. The human perspective sees things according to what people are saying to you or about you. The divine perspective looks at it as God sees it. So, in verse 8, Paul is often shown dishonour -but in reality, he is sharing and will share in the glory of Christ. People are saying evil things about him and calling him a deciever, but he is more concerned about what God and those who love the truth know as true. He is "unknown" in many places where he travels but he is always known by God. In fact, many of us even feel "unknown" by people when they misunderstand our motives and suggest that we are false motives. But God knows us!
Paul has many sorrows and yet He always as solid reason for joy. He is poor from an earthly perspective yet he is sharing infinite riches with those who come to God through faith in Christ
Be very careful that you as a Christian servant don't spend all your time licking your wounds and whining about your troubles as if you can only see things from an earthly perspective. Faith is the God-given gift of being able to see things as they really are for you in Christ. You will hinder other people's understanding of the gospel if you complain about your troubles on your way to eternal reward. We discredit the gospel when we talk like God doesn't care for us when we teach people the promise of His unfailing love. Yes, we sorrow but that sorrow is healed, and limited, by the promise of God in Christ that He will wipe away every sorrow and make all things new. Our momentary and light afflictions are bringing an eternal weight of glory. The troubles are God's instruments and God's environments to show His sufficiency for those who trust in Him.
Are you making every effort to give "no cause for offense in everything."? Are you determined that the "ministry will not be discredited"? Then, be willing to endure whatever to lovingly take the gospel to people for whom Christ died. Keep your character like that of Christ Jesus. Use only the resources of God to fulfill your daily role as God's servant. See things always from an eternal perspective.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
The Righteousness of, and the Reason for, the Wrath of God
Sermon Outline for Romans 1:18-23 - The Righteousness of, and the Reason for the Wrath of God.
The wrath of God is God’s righteous or just anger against sin.
The question that probably arises in many people’s minds is this: Is it really ever right for God to be angry? Is it really ever good to talk about the wrath of God against sin?
We live in a culture where people often don’t like to talk about the subject of sin, let alone talk about the wrath of God against sin. I can remember a motivational psychology course that I took in university that started out the course by looking at Jonathon Edwards’ famous sermon: “Sinners in the hands of an angry God” and it was obvious that the professor and the majority of the class could not fathom that anyone could even preach that sermon, let alone listen to it and believe it.
What I am going to dare suggest to you today – is that not only should we be willing to listen to and accept the reality of the wrath of God, but we should also be willing to give thanks for the wrath of God. I say that carefully, but I do say it sincerely. We ought to give thanks to God for His wrath, because His wrath actually helps us realize His righteousness and goodness. This in turn, helps to fuel and focus our faith in God and His wonderful saving provision in Jesus Christ.
So, here is how understanding the wrath of God, helps to teach us to trust God.
A couple quick contextual thoughts:
1. Vs. 18 is an explanation of verse 16 and 17. Paul writes “ For the wrath of God.” Why is Paul not ashamed of the gospel? It is because the gospel does two things – It teaches us that the only way to be saved is to trust in God and for those who trust in God, they will continue to see and experience the revelation of the righteousness of God. If you trust God, you will see continually how right God is in all His ways and you will live on account of the fact that you have trusted in God.
2. Paul emphasizes the word “reveal” . In vs. 17, Paul says in the gospel “the righteousness of God is revealed.” In verse 18, Paul says “for the wrath of God is revealed.” What we need to see is that this is not a major subject change – but rather, Paul is arguing that the wrath of God is one of the ways that God reveals His righteousness. The gospel is the announcement that God is saving us from not just sin but the wrath of God that comes on account of sin. If you trust in God, and follow Him you will understand the absolute rightness of God’s ways. (Follow God and you will always discover how right and good He is and loving He is to direct you in His ways.)
I. The Present and Ongoing Reality of the Wrath of God – God’s wrath “is revealed from heaven.” This is not a past tense act. This is a present reality. God’s wrath is being revealed right now in our time. The word “reveal” indicates that God is purposefully letting us see how He feels about our sin.
i. The reason for wrath – ungodliness and unrighteousness. What God is just angry about is the determined, continuous, and universal involvement in humanity in lifestyles characterized by dishonourable, unjust, sinful behaviour. The two words used by Paul are not that distinct but they do carry with them the notion of a lack of reverence towards God and a lack of justice towards one another. In other words, God’s wrath is towards the wickedness that exists amongst humanity when we act in a way that shows total disregard for God and for the good of one another.
ii. The source of God’s wrath – “from heaven”. It is a simple statement – but what we need to see is that in our days, we are observing God’s direct involvement from heaven in the lives of human beings on earth. Paul is about to point to the consequences of living a godless existence. However, we must acknowledge that this is more than simply a matter of “cause and effect.” This passage is not simply teaching that humanity is suffering the consequences of our sin. It is teaching that God has deliberately acted from heaven upon the affairs of men. How so?
iii. The scene of God’s wrath: Vs. 24 teaches that God’s wrath is expressed by God giving humanity over to its wickedness. In other words, in the normal affairs of God’s loving providence for humanity, God restrains evil. When God reveals His wrath, He removes His restraining hand.
Main Point: When you look at the world, and ask the question – how can God, if there is a God, permit such evil – the Bible answers and declares – God is deliberately removing His restraining hand from humanity so that we might see the consequences of our ungodliness and unrighteousness. God’s wrath demonstrates God’s righteousness. God’s wrath proves to us that God is good, wise, loving, and just when He tells us to trust Him and follow His ways obediently. When we fail to follow Him, we end up living in a very unmerciful world (see how things progress to Romans 1:31)
God’s wrath is a merciful demonstration to us of the consequences of not trusting in Him. He is showing how that when we don’t trust in Him, we die. When we do trust in Him, we are saved from the brutal world that we create for ourselves.
God is angry with sin because He knows without this demonstration how evil our sin actually is! He continually reveals this wrath so that we can see it for ourselves! So that we will realize that those who trust in God will truly live.
II. The Present and Ongoing Reason for the Display of God’s Wrath – We hate it when people knowingly suppress truth when it has disastrous effects on the lives of others (ie. environmental issues). It angers us when we know that they have knowingly done so for some evil selfish agenda. That is exactly what angers God. What angers God is that human beings deliberately refuse to trust Him, even though He has shown that He is pre-eminently trustworthy. It is the deliberate refusal (against all reason) to trust God and to follow God’s ways that has led God to reveal His anger.
The steps to suppression of truth –
1. Unequivocal Revelation of God’s righteousness: God has gone out of his way to make it known to human beings not simply that God exists but that God is good, wise, righteous, and therefore trustworthy (vs. 20-21).
a. An inward conviction – “is evident within them”
b. An outward display – “God made it evident to them.” Creation is an enormous display not just of the existence of God – but of His eternal power and divine nature.
2. A progressive Rejection of God
a. Stubborn refusal to honour God and to give Him thanks. Give God no place in our lives. Don’t honour Him by letting Him be who He is for us – our kind, benevolent Creator, Sustainer, and friend.
b. Silly alternative speculation – We deliberately attempt to explain what exists, why it exists, and how it works by our own conjecture rather than accepting divine revelation. We chose human postulation over clear revelation.
c. Inner Corruption – Our hearts are darkened. We become committed to what is wrong rather than embracing what is good and right. We actually become anti-God. Choose evil over good, our selfish ambition over God’s will.
d. Created Substitution – When we eventually make a mess of things by not trusting God, we then have to create things that we hope will rescue us from the destructive world that we have made. Idols can be carved objects of wood or stone or sophisticated theories like technology and scientific exploration. Technology and exploration are not evil in themselves. They become evil when we hope that they might save us instead of returning and simply trusting God and believing that He will give us life in His Son.
Application: God revealed His wrath because we intentionally ignored the revelation of His righteousness through the good things that He has made. God offers us in the gospel a path back to life –the good, abundant, and eternal life that comes through trusting Him. Jesus Christ fixes the mess not only of this world – but of our offence against a good, righteous, and deserving God.
The wrath of God is God’s righteous or just anger against sin.
The question that probably arises in many people’s minds is this: Is it really ever right for God to be angry? Is it really ever good to talk about the wrath of God against sin?
We live in a culture where people often don’t like to talk about the subject of sin, let alone talk about the wrath of God against sin. I can remember a motivational psychology course that I took in university that started out the course by looking at Jonathon Edwards’ famous sermon: “Sinners in the hands of an angry God” and it was obvious that the professor and the majority of the class could not fathom that anyone could even preach that sermon, let alone listen to it and believe it.
What I am going to dare suggest to you today – is that not only should we be willing to listen to and accept the reality of the wrath of God, but we should also be willing to give thanks for the wrath of God. I say that carefully, but I do say it sincerely. We ought to give thanks to God for His wrath, because His wrath actually helps us realize His righteousness and goodness. This in turn, helps to fuel and focus our faith in God and His wonderful saving provision in Jesus Christ.
So, here is how understanding the wrath of God, helps to teach us to trust God.
A couple quick contextual thoughts:
1. Vs. 18 is an explanation of verse 16 and 17. Paul writes “ For the wrath of God.” Why is Paul not ashamed of the gospel? It is because the gospel does two things – It teaches us that the only way to be saved is to trust in God and for those who trust in God, they will continue to see and experience the revelation of the righteousness of God. If you trust God, you will see continually how right God is in all His ways and you will live on account of the fact that you have trusted in God.
2. Paul emphasizes the word “reveal” . In vs. 17, Paul says in the gospel “the righteousness of God is revealed.” In verse 18, Paul says “for the wrath of God is revealed.” What we need to see is that this is not a major subject change – but rather, Paul is arguing that the wrath of God is one of the ways that God reveals His righteousness. The gospel is the announcement that God is saving us from not just sin but the wrath of God that comes on account of sin. If you trust in God, and follow Him you will understand the absolute rightness of God’s ways. (Follow God and you will always discover how right and good He is and loving He is to direct you in His ways.)
I. The Present and Ongoing Reality of the Wrath of God – God’s wrath “is revealed from heaven.” This is not a past tense act. This is a present reality. God’s wrath is being revealed right now in our time. The word “reveal” indicates that God is purposefully letting us see how He feels about our sin.
i. The reason for wrath – ungodliness and unrighteousness. What God is just angry about is the determined, continuous, and universal involvement in humanity in lifestyles characterized by dishonourable, unjust, sinful behaviour. The two words used by Paul are not that distinct but they do carry with them the notion of a lack of reverence towards God and a lack of justice towards one another. In other words, God’s wrath is towards the wickedness that exists amongst humanity when we act in a way that shows total disregard for God and for the good of one another.
ii. The source of God’s wrath – “from heaven”. It is a simple statement – but what we need to see is that in our days, we are observing God’s direct involvement from heaven in the lives of human beings on earth. Paul is about to point to the consequences of living a godless existence. However, we must acknowledge that this is more than simply a matter of “cause and effect.” This passage is not simply teaching that humanity is suffering the consequences of our sin. It is teaching that God has deliberately acted from heaven upon the affairs of men. How so?
iii. The scene of God’s wrath: Vs. 24 teaches that God’s wrath is expressed by God giving humanity over to its wickedness. In other words, in the normal affairs of God’s loving providence for humanity, God restrains evil. When God reveals His wrath, He removes His restraining hand.
Main Point: When you look at the world, and ask the question – how can God, if there is a God, permit such evil – the Bible answers and declares – God is deliberately removing His restraining hand from humanity so that we might see the consequences of our ungodliness and unrighteousness. God’s wrath demonstrates God’s righteousness. God’s wrath proves to us that God is good, wise, loving, and just when He tells us to trust Him and follow His ways obediently. When we fail to follow Him, we end up living in a very unmerciful world (see how things progress to Romans 1:31)
God’s wrath is a merciful demonstration to us of the consequences of not trusting in Him. He is showing how that when we don’t trust in Him, we die. When we do trust in Him, we are saved from the brutal world that we create for ourselves.
God is angry with sin because He knows without this demonstration how evil our sin actually is! He continually reveals this wrath so that we can see it for ourselves! So that we will realize that those who trust in God will truly live.
II. The Present and Ongoing Reason for the Display of God’s Wrath – We hate it when people knowingly suppress truth when it has disastrous effects on the lives of others (ie. environmental issues). It angers us when we know that they have knowingly done so for some evil selfish agenda. That is exactly what angers God. What angers God is that human beings deliberately refuse to trust Him, even though He has shown that He is pre-eminently trustworthy. It is the deliberate refusal (against all reason) to trust God and to follow God’s ways that has led God to reveal His anger.
The steps to suppression of truth –
1. Unequivocal Revelation of God’s righteousness: God has gone out of his way to make it known to human beings not simply that God exists but that God is good, wise, righteous, and therefore trustworthy (vs. 20-21).
a. An inward conviction – “is evident within them”
b. An outward display – “God made it evident to them.” Creation is an enormous display not just of the existence of God – but of His eternal power and divine nature.
2. A progressive Rejection of God
a. Stubborn refusal to honour God and to give Him thanks. Give God no place in our lives. Don’t honour Him by letting Him be who He is for us – our kind, benevolent Creator, Sustainer, and friend.
b. Silly alternative speculation – We deliberately attempt to explain what exists, why it exists, and how it works by our own conjecture rather than accepting divine revelation. We chose human postulation over clear revelation.
c. Inner Corruption – Our hearts are darkened. We become committed to what is wrong rather than embracing what is good and right. We actually become anti-God. Choose evil over good, our selfish ambition over God’s will.
d. Created Substitution – When we eventually make a mess of things by not trusting God, we then have to create things that we hope will rescue us from the destructive world that we have made. Idols can be carved objects of wood or stone or sophisticated theories like technology and scientific exploration. Technology and exploration are not evil in themselves. They become evil when we hope that they might save us instead of returning and simply trusting God and believing that He will give us life in His Son.
Application: God revealed His wrath because we intentionally ignored the revelation of His righteousness through the good things that He has made. God offers us in the gospel a path back to life –the good, abundant, and eternal life that comes through trusting Him. Jesus Christ fixes the mess not only of this world – but of our offence against a good, righteous, and deserving God.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
How to Help Someone Who is Suddenly Grieving
This side of heaven, we will all have grief. Even Christians grieve – although we most certainly have an unshakeable hope! I thought that I might give a few pieces of advice when we are considering how to help others in the early days of grief.
Don’t underestimate the value of prayer. God hears what you say in secret and God blesses wounded and grieving people with the comfort of His Spirit in response to the prayers of His people. God cares far more than we do about His children and will supply grace according to the need. Pray without ceasing for God’s mercy on behalf of the hurting.
Be careful to allow those that are grieving to set the parameters of their grief. What I mean is that it can be incredibly tiring if everyone wants to help at once and the phone keeps ringing and the door knocks keep knocking. If you aren’t someone who would normally be in everyday communication with the family, then pause before you call or show up at the doorstep. Call a person who is normally actively involved in their lives and ask – what can we do to help? If you want to let them know that you are praying – write them a card. Cards are an enormous encouragement. They remind us that we aren’t alone. A promise of Scripture written in a note can wonderfully encourage the heart. Ask someone who does have regular access, like a very close family friend, a pastor or an elder, to drop the card off for you. If you are eager to make a visit, ask someone who is close to ask them if they desire to have visitors. Respect their wishes. What you are showing is that you are more concerned to help them however possible, without making it more tiring for them, and without needing to be acknowledged.
Seek someone who is either a representative of the church family or a good friend of the grieving family to help to organize meals. If everyone drops off food on the first night, that may be too much help. Then again, if no one does, it also might be discouraging. Therefore, call and ask, a close and involved friend or pastor, “Would it be okay, if I dropped off something?” Or, ask “Can I get you to drop things off?” If you are asking the right person, they will be able to help you genuinely help the family.
Guard against the need to be “in the loop.” It may sound strange but all of us do like to be needed and we do like to be involved in times of significance in people’s lives. We need to be careful that our help is really about the people in need of help and not some need in our own hearts for significance. Always remember that if you do care, there will be plenty of opportunity for the weeks and months ahead to show someone that you truly care. Therefore, be content to take the role of a humble servant and avoid the temptation to be a “significant player” in a time of crisis. Be careful that you aren’t a person who thrives on crisis but is absent in the ordinary affairs of life.
Gather people together to pray – apart from those that are hurting. Send a message and tell them that you are praying for them at such and such a time. Let them know that people love them.
Find your peace in God’s sovereignty, goodness, and wisdom. It is the confidence of others in Christ that ministers most to the wounded. Sometimes, people who are grieving find that they spend most of their time ministering to people who they don’t know well, who sit there and say “why, why, why?” God often does use the wounded to declare God’s praises to a watching world, but if you are struggling – at least in the early days – seek the help of Christian friends and leaders who you can count on. Don’t go with the idea of helping but then place emotional demands on those that are in the midst of trials.
If you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you to do something or say something, confirm that with mature Christian believers and leaders. God may indeed be moving you to minister in some particular or unique way. If that is true, then God will also confirm that through those who are aware of the needs of those who are grieving. Remember, we always need the counsel and wisdom of fellow believers.
I am sure that there are other thoughts that could be shared. I know that when our family was going through a time of deep grief that we were so glad for the family of God and for those who loved us, walked with us, and cared for us not just in those first days but for the long period of growth and recovery that followed for the months and years ahead. May God allow all of us to serve God by helping those with grief and do so with pure intentions and faithfulness – to show God’s love in a way that brings honour to God’s name, and His name alone.
Don’t underestimate the value of prayer. God hears what you say in secret and God blesses wounded and grieving people with the comfort of His Spirit in response to the prayers of His people. God cares far more than we do about His children and will supply grace according to the need. Pray without ceasing for God’s mercy on behalf of the hurting.
Be careful to allow those that are grieving to set the parameters of their grief. What I mean is that it can be incredibly tiring if everyone wants to help at once and the phone keeps ringing and the door knocks keep knocking. If you aren’t someone who would normally be in everyday communication with the family, then pause before you call or show up at the doorstep. Call a person who is normally actively involved in their lives and ask – what can we do to help? If you want to let them know that you are praying – write them a card. Cards are an enormous encouragement. They remind us that we aren’t alone. A promise of Scripture written in a note can wonderfully encourage the heart. Ask someone who does have regular access, like a very close family friend, a pastor or an elder, to drop the card off for you. If you are eager to make a visit, ask someone who is close to ask them if they desire to have visitors. Respect their wishes. What you are showing is that you are more concerned to help them however possible, without making it more tiring for them, and without needing to be acknowledged.
Seek someone who is either a representative of the church family or a good friend of the grieving family to help to organize meals. If everyone drops off food on the first night, that may be too much help. Then again, if no one does, it also might be discouraging. Therefore, call and ask, a close and involved friend or pastor, “Would it be okay, if I dropped off something?” Or, ask “Can I get you to drop things off?” If you are asking the right person, they will be able to help you genuinely help the family.
Guard against the need to be “in the loop.” It may sound strange but all of us do like to be needed and we do like to be involved in times of significance in people’s lives. We need to be careful that our help is really about the people in need of help and not some need in our own hearts for significance. Always remember that if you do care, there will be plenty of opportunity for the weeks and months ahead to show someone that you truly care. Therefore, be content to take the role of a humble servant and avoid the temptation to be a “significant player” in a time of crisis. Be careful that you aren’t a person who thrives on crisis but is absent in the ordinary affairs of life.
Gather people together to pray – apart from those that are hurting. Send a message and tell them that you are praying for them at such and such a time. Let them know that people love them.
Find your peace in God’s sovereignty, goodness, and wisdom. It is the confidence of others in Christ that ministers most to the wounded. Sometimes, people who are grieving find that they spend most of their time ministering to people who they don’t know well, who sit there and say “why, why, why?” God often does use the wounded to declare God’s praises to a watching world, but if you are struggling – at least in the early days – seek the help of Christian friends and leaders who you can count on. Don’t go with the idea of helping but then place emotional demands on those that are in the midst of trials.
If you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you to do something or say something, confirm that with mature Christian believers and leaders. God may indeed be moving you to minister in some particular or unique way. If that is true, then God will also confirm that through those who are aware of the needs of those who are grieving. Remember, we always need the counsel and wisdom of fellow believers.
I am sure that there are other thoughts that could be shared. I know that when our family was going through a time of deep grief that we were so glad for the family of God and for those who loved us, walked with us, and cared for us not just in those first days but for the long period of growth and recovery that followed for the months and years ahead. May God allow all of us to serve God by helping those with grief and do so with pure intentions and faithfulness – to show God’s love in a way that brings honour to God’s name, and His name alone.
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