In the morning, I have been reading through the Old Testament. It's been interesting, challenging and illuminating in a way that I never appreciated growing up in church. There are a variety of reasons for that, but mostly because I'm reading through a sovereign lens rather than a "free will" lens.
For the most part, the Old Testament has been quite a roller coaster ride for me. At times it makes me so perplexed, I want to beat my head against the wall; at times it brings me such pain because I see so much of myself as an Israelite; and sometimes, (confession mode) I laugh because some of it is just downright guttural to me in the way that God describes situations and some of the situations that happen (see just about any passages on dung.)
But this morning, there was no laughter. This morning II Chronicles 25:2 struck my heart and convicted my soul to it's very core. Here's the passage:
And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a loyal heart.
The context is concerning King Amaziah's life. You can read for yourself in II Chronicles. This passage is fairly clear and while I realize that exegeting the passage would bring a much deeper, non-subjectivism meaning... I don't think I'm far off from the practical application of this verse.
How much do I do that is right in the sight of God without having a loyal heart? Ahhh! Isn't that what the bible teaches over and over? The heart over the action. The heart always trumping the action. Why? Because counterfeiting is an ageless sin in the church. Why do so many people leave? Over their distaste of "these people" mentioned Mark 7:6--hypocrisy--not a good reason, but certainly a popular excuse.
Doing what is right in the sight of God is good and should be a practical goal in our lives, but if we are more concerned about actions than the heart--then we are hypocrites-in-training. It always starts with the heart.
Let's bring it closer to home. How many times have I cleaned my home without a loyal heart? How many times have I served at church without a loyal heart? How many times have I submitted to my husband without a loyal heart? And the list goes on and on.
Actions are so easily counterfeited and certainly the most preached on in wide evangelical arenas, because it is the most evident and easiest to monitor. It is most prevalent in the fundamental and legalistic circles. Mark 7:7, "...but in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men" is how this circle accomplishes such monitoring. They teach their traditions as doctrines of scripture. But plain and simple, traditions are not doctrines. Doctrines are doctrines. And where do we get them--in the scripture?
I've come to appreciate a church filled with non-churched people. While I love and am so thankful for my church background, I come at a huge disadvantage growing up in my childhood church. The church I now attend as an adult, Grace Church, (and I rarely mention my church name because I don't want people to ever believe that the bible is founded on Grace Church and not the other way around--meaning the bible is the ultimate authority and not Grace Church) contains a majority of mature believers that were saved as adults, not at an early age and certainly not growing up in church. They are at a huge advantage as they do not have unhealthy doctrine and precepts, taught as doctrines of holy scripture. Many are unhindered to learn what the bible says and they do it. They are godly, reverent, imperfect New Testament Christians. And then there's clumsy, awkward me. I have to relearn so much because of the tradition background, that I tend to be behind the eight ball in just about every practical application in the church. (I am thankful that it doesn't apply to home as much because of the wonderful example my dear Christian mother was and is to this day.) But I digress.
The point of all of this is loyalty. So what in the world do I do with II Chronicles 25:2? I have prayed that I will continually refocus my Luke 10:27 desire to be given by my Lord, a loyal heart in all things. Yes! In a Colossians 3:17 way (I know, I know--I just dogged this verse in a Book Nook post.) But I do pray that a loyal heart will proceed every thought, action and deed in each breath I take. And loyalty not just to my own whims and musings that I find and agree with at the time. But a loyalty to the precious and timeless God and His truths as found in the bible...nothing more and nothing less. The God of the bible who always calls me to the conviction of the heart first, and then the conviction of the action.
Lord, may whatever I do that is right in your eyes, proceed with the right attitude and above all--a loyal heart.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Mortification of Sin
In keeping with the dry theme of this blog, I've decided to start a new category called "Book Nook." This little cuddly corner of my blog will hopefully give you the opportunity to feel like we're sitting together next to a warm, cozy fire, sipping homemade hot chocolate (lots of marshmallows!) in the middle of January, discussing the most recent "great read" in our repertoire. A book review category for those without an imagination.
Honestly, I'm not well-read or at least not well-read in the theology department. To rectify that, I have started a reading campaign. I invite anyone who's interested to read my book reviews and comment in the comments section or via E-mail, their thoughts--especially if they have read the same book. A group book club would be ideal, with lots of titillating discussion, but I think I'm overshooting things a bit, so for right now, I would be completely content with any corrections or other summations of the book.
Upfront, I will give to you some patterned guidelines that I intend to follow for each review:
1) I'll personally rate each book from 1 to 5 stars (5= blow-your-socks-off-wow!)
2) I'll try to give a short, brief overview of the book. Probably plagiarized right from the book's jacket.
3) I'll try and give you a very biased, subjective opinion of what I thought about the book.
Book 2 of this newly created section ends up being another power-packed selection. I'm no math genius, but I would easily say that this book is power-packed times 2--double the pleasure, double the fun. Except worldly pleasure and fun is exactly what this book denounces.
Honestly, I'm not well-read or at least not well-read in the theology department. To rectify that, I have started a reading campaign. I invite anyone who's interested to read my book reviews and comment in the comments section or via E-mail, their thoughts--especially if they have read the same book. A group book club would be ideal, with lots of titillating discussion, but I think I'm overshooting things a bit, so for right now, I would be completely content with any corrections or other summations of the book.
Upfront, I will give to you some patterned guidelines that I intend to follow for each review:
1) I'll personally rate each book from 1 to 5 stars (5= blow-your-socks-off-wow!)
2) I'll try to give a short, brief overview of the book. Probably plagiarized right from the book's jacket.
3) I'll try and give you a very biased, subjective opinion of what I thought about the book.
Book 2 of this newly created section ends up being another power-packed selection. I'm no math genius, but I would easily say that this book is power-packed times 2--double the pleasure, double the fun. Except worldly pleasure and fun is exactly what this book denounces.
The Mortification of Sin by John Owen: Abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing
I did not expect to come across a blow-your-socks-off book so soon, but this is it. The more I read and study scripture, the more I find that there are very (VERY) few books that I can honestly label as Christian essentials. But this, my friend, is a Christian essential. So overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars (and secretly, if I hadn't been so unbelieving as to think that the Lord would give me an opportunity to read other stellar books--I would have not limited the rating to a measly 5 stars for these types of books.)
In this abridgement of a classic work, the famous Puritan John Owen shows the need for Christians to engage in a life-long battle against the sinful tendencies that remain in them, despite their having been brought to faith and new life in Christ. Owen is very insistent that believers cannot hope to succeed in this battle in their own strength. He sees clearly that the fight can be won only through faith in Christ, and in the power of the Spirit. Fighting sin with human strength will produce only self-righteousness, superstition and anxiety of conscience. But with faith in Christ, and with the power of the Spirit, victory is certain. The temptations in times like Owen's and ours are obvious on every side; the remedy to them is clearly pointed out in this practical and helpful book.
Don't let the page count of 130 throw you. Don't let the small size of the book deceive you. And please don't let Richard Rushings wonderful attempt at making an "Abridged and made easy to read" paperback lull you into a false sense of security that this is, in fact, easy. It is all but easy. Obviously, those words are meant to give us layman a sort of non-intimidated approach toward such a book. I'm sure, that relative to the actual work of John Owen, it is "easy," but egads--this book was a well-worn hamster wheel for me. Starting with the fact that my sin was the spotlight of every page of this book.
If you're prone to underline every thought, sentence and paragraph that strike you so later on, you can easily reference the major points that hit you the most, be prepared with a large pen and lots of ink. As a dear sister of mine put it so succinctly, you'd be better off underlining the things that you'd rather not remember. I dare say, there would be few things underlined or noted. I know that there will be some who will disagree whether this is an easy read or not, but I would defy anyone to explain to me why each page is not filled with condensed mini, Calvary-exalting text that gives us a deeper understanding of God's work in our doctrinal learnings and practical lives. Yes! Boldly and confidently I declare that this is truly one of the best books I have ever read. It is solidly rooted in the scripture and for every point he makes, he roots it in contextual, well-grounded scripture references.
This is not a cliche read. You know the type of books. They use Colossians 3:17 and I Corinthians 10:31 as a mantra for everything in life. Those are excellent verses of the bible, but I get wearied when reading whimsical books where their only argument is founded under such a giant umbrella. If the bible is the scalpel used to cut and divide, then this book can be compared to the hook that holds the skin back while the bible does the cutting.
I dare say that this book dives deep into the heart of scripture and explains in plain, clear and precise terms, how the bible defines sin; the cause of sin; and the consequences of sin. He takes a word that is under-used and redefined by this culture and uses scripture to turn stiff necks back toward what scripture says sin really is. Dividing it out for us, I'm not sure that there is any major point of the scriptural study of sin, left untouched by John Owen.
If there is any one teensy weensy flaw, I would have to say that you may not agree with every minute detail of how Owen interprets scripture...but it would be few and far between times...if at all.
I'll leave you with this teaser from the book and hope that this will draw you in to either borrow it or pay the pitiful $9.00 from Banner. As stated before, I found it very difficult to find just one paragraph that could wrap up this book into a nice, neat advertising package. My only exhortation--please read this book!
"Suppose a man is a true believer, and yet finds in himself a powerful indwelling sin. This sin makes him captive to its power, and consumes his heart with trouble. It perplexes his thoughts, weakens his soul in communion with God, takes away his peace, defiles his conscience, and exposes him to hardening through the deceitfulness of sin. What shall he do? What course shall he take to mortify this sin, lust or corruption? How can he gain victory enough, even though it is not utterly destroyed, yet, in his contest with it, he may be enabled to maintain his power, strength and peace in communion with God?"
This book is a paperback series from Banner Publishing and God-willing, I look forward to more 5 star reading!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Earthly Reliefs--The Clymers
Definition of Earthly Reliefs: Earthly Reliefs are men and women (sometimes families, sometimes single) brought into believers' lives for the Proverbs 27:17 sharpening of a person for the glory of God. They help us breathe a little easier as we are called by our great God to travel and journey on this earth. While we are just pilgrims in a dusty and foreign land, Earthly Reliefs are the watering and feeding oases. In some ways, they minister to us and in some ways, we minister to them. But however God has called us to work on the privilege of becoming more Christlike--Earthly Reliefs are designed gifts from the Heavenly Father above to help sharpen and mold us into His image.
I'm starting a feature on my blog called Earthly Reliefs. In my life, God has brought me much needed rest from the burden of being in this natural, wretched casing called human flesh through the wonderful pleasure of having Earthly Reliefs. As with all articles on my blog, I'm hoping that this new section will help to display God's glory by showing how Earthly Reliefs have righteously influenced us toward the kingdom of God. I'm hoping that they will encourage any reader of this tiny blog to look for Earthly Reliefs in their own lives. Search for patterns and markers in the people around them that will lead them to seek and befriend these Earthly Reliefs, be mentored by them, mentor and minister to them, and with their Earthly Relief companions, desire the exact same godly image of Christ in every thought, word and deed. And in so doing, by the grace of God, will cling to them, appreciate them and emulate them as earthly models of heavenly godliness. Just as Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:1--he called the church in Corinth to be like him because he imitated Christ. That's what Earthly Reliefs are. Imitators of Christ here on earth set before us to model and follow.... to diligently seek their friendship in every way, thereby surrounding yourself with godly models of Christ for His glory and His alone.
It is no great secret that this is my favorite part of blogging. Oft times, I feel a sense of obligation toward this project I have started--maintaining a blog. Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy sharing stories and silly poems, for the world to see...I'm just that type. But there are times when it's hard to tell who's running whom? I can blame most of that on the aforementioned babbling in my head that keeps me drawn toward blogging thoughts that I am grappling with by my lonesome. It helps to maintain a sense of chaotic order in this noggin' o' mine. But then there are times of great happiness and joy that come along, and my Earthly Relief section is one of them. Thus, this next family.
This is the Dave and Deb Clymer Family. At first glance, they look like an every day, all American family but the Lord has created them for far greater works than just being an average, ordinary family. They are extraordinary in every sense of the word.
I tried thinking of a verse to sum them up as I felt that was the only way to truly do this family the justice that is theirs to enjoy, by God's grace. There were a ton of verses on loving, serving, forgiving, etc., but none seemed to fully capture my feelings toward them. Then Luke 9:23 shot up like a flare--and that seemed most appropriate. "And He was saying to them all, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Initially, I didn't link it to Evangelism Class, but as I am typing just now, I realize that it is one of our class outline verses and so it seems even more appropriate than when I began typing. And that neatest of all is that Dave is one of the godly trainers mentioned in a few of the posts about my beloved Evangelism Class.
These people are no frills, no fluff--walking the walk people. Denying themselves, their comforts, their wants, their desires, themselves in general, seems to be their every day m.o. So much so that you hear of the Clymers serving in ways that seem unimaginable to the rest of us. Notice I said that "you hear of." Meaning, they don't tell you about it. You have to hear from someone else. They're not the type to slip service into conversation--how much they've served, or when they serve, or where they serve. They just do it and don't talk about it--period. They don't complain, they don't gripe--they just serve. Honestly, I've never met a family like them, we're talking family here. Not just Dave or just Deb, but the whole crew. They care not for their conveniences or what they can gain for themselves, they only care for the lost and the Kingdom of God. I've never met a family so pure in heart. Yes, they have faults, sins and issues they battle, but God has worked in them so those battles do not ever detract from His glorious work in their lives... and isn't that the way it should be?
On a personal note, Deb went through chemotherapy for cancer a few years back. If you ever get the chance to sit and talk with her about it--please do! Please! I encourage you. You will leave with the type of steel encouragement that can only come from Deb's desire to see her King glorified in all things. Her testimony is one of faith and trust in God. The sanctifying process for her has been honest and open, wrought with heartache and trial and she has showed me personally what type of God she serves. She is slight in frame, but large on glorifying God. She is reserved in personality, but outgoing in love.
Her husband, Dave, is an amazing, faithful man, who loves God and knows scripture. He is a gentle, quiet soul that when faced with a persecuting and slanderous situation--roars like a lion on behalf of the righteous. He does not sway, swerve and/or compromise the truth and anything less would be unthinkable to him.
Together they are formidable. There are those who serve with the pomp and showiness of a praying Pharisee (Luke 18). The Clymers are the exact opposite. They are the tax collector who never lift their eyes toward heaven in demands of what they think they deserve. They are in a continual state of humility that truly shows us lesser Christians, how we ought to act, if we truly believe what we profess.
Why do I praise God for the Clymers? Because without them, I would have very few people in my life who show me how biblical servanthood ought to look. How desiring the walk in Christ, denying one's own flesh and daily taking a cross can be achieved for an average American family with an extraordinary faith.
I love you Clymers! Thank you for being such a huge blessing in our lives. :)
I'm starting a feature on my blog called Earthly Reliefs. In my life, God has brought me much needed rest from the burden of being in this natural, wretched casing called human flesh through the wonderful pleasure of having Earthly Reliefs. As with all articles on my blog, I'm hoping that this new section will help to display God's glory by showing how Earthly Reliefs have righteously influenced us toward the kingdom of God. I'm hoping that they will encourage any reader of this tiny blog to look for Earthly Reliefs in their own lives. Search for patterns and markers in the people around them that will lead them to seek and befriend these Earthly Reliefs, be mentored by them, mentor and minister to them, and with their Earthly Relief companions, desire the exact same godly image of Christ in every thought, word and deed. And in so doing, by the grace of God, will cling to them, appreciate them and emulate them as earthly models of heavenly godliness. Just as Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:1--he called the church in Corinth to be like him because he imitated Christ. That's what Earthly Reliefs are. Imitators of Christ here on earth set before us to model and follow.... to diligently seek their friendship in every way, thereby surrounding yourself with godly models of Christ for His glory and His alone.
It is no great secret that this is my favorite part of blogging. Oft times, I feel a sense of obligation toward this project I have started--maintaining a blog. Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy sharing stories and silly poems, for the world to see...I'm just that type. But there are times when it's hard to tell who's running whom? I can blame most of that on the aforementioned babbling in my head that keeps me drawn toward blogging thoughts that I am grappling with by my lonesome. It helps to maintain a sense of chaotic order in this noggin' o' mine. But then there are times of great happiness and joy that come along, and my Earthly Relief section is one of them. Thus, this next family.
This is the Dave and Deb Clymer Family. At first glance, they look like an every day, all American family but the Lord has created them for far greater works than just being an average, ordinary family. They are extraordinary in every sense of the word.
I tried thinking of a verse to sum them up as I felt that was the only way to truly do this family the justice that is theirs to enjoy, by God's grace. There were a ton of verses on loving, serving, forgiving, etc., but none seemed to fully capture my feelings toward them. Then Luke 9:23 shot up like a flare--and that seemed most appropriate. "And He was saying to them all, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Initially, I didn't link it to Evangelism Class, but as I am typing just now, I realize that it is one of our class outline verses and so it seems even more appropriate than when I began typing. And that neatest of all is that Dave is one of the godly trainers mentioned in a few of the posts about my beloved Evangelism Class.
These people are no frills, no fluff--walking the walk people. Denying themselves, their comforts, their wants, their desires, themselves in general, seems to be their every day m.o. So much so that you hear of the Clymers serving in ways that seem unimaginable to the rest of us. Notice I said that "you hear of." Meaning, they don't tell you about it. You have to hear from someone else. They're not the type to slip service into conversation--how much they've served, or when they serve, or where they serve. They just do it and don't talk about it--period. They don't complain, they don't gripe--they just serve. Honestly, I've never met a family like them, we're talking family here. Not just Dave or just Deb, but the whole crew. They care not for their conveniences or what they can gain for themselves, they only care for the lost and the Kingdom of God. I've never met a family so pure in heart. Yes, they have faults, sins and issues they battle, but God has worked in them so those battles do not ever detract from His glorious work in their lives... and isn't that the way it should be?
On a personal note, Deb went through chemotherapy for cancer a few years back. If you ever get the chance to sit and talk with her about it--please do! Please! I encourage you. You will leave with the type of steel encouragement that can only come from Deb's desire to see her King glorified in all things. Her testimony is one of faith and trust in God. The sanctifying process for her has been honest and open, wrought with heartache and trial and she has showed me personally what type of God she serves. She is slight in frame, but large on glorifying God. She is reserved in personality, but outgoing in love.
Her husband, Dave, is an amazing, faithful man, who loves God and knows scripture. He is a gentle, quiet soul that when faced with a persecuting and slanderous situation--roars like a lion on behalf of the righteous. He does not sway, swerve and/or compromise the truth and anything less would be unthinkable to him.
Together they are formidable. There are those who serve with the pomp and showiness of a praying Pharisee (Luke 18). The Clymers are the exact opposite. They are the tax collector who never lift their eyes toward heaven in demands of what they think they deserve. They are in a continual state of humility that truly shows us lesser Christians, how we ought to act, if we truly believe what we profess.
Why do I praise God for the Clymers? Because without them, I would have very few people in my life who show me how biblical servanthood ought to look. How desiring the walk in Christ, denying one's own flesh and daily taking a cross can be achieved for an average American family with an extraordinary faith.
I love you Clymers! Thank you for being such a huge blessing in our lives. :)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The End Is Near...
Well, it's sad to even type it, but the end of our beloved evangelism class is near the end. We had a bit of a finale last night with a final outline review and then viewing Way of the Master DVDs.
For those of you who don't know what Way of the Master is--let me tell you, it's quite an organization.
Here's the good: They preach the gospel to the every day joe on the street. They witness and clearly define sin and its consequences. They are bold, confident and well-rehearsed. They know scripture backwards and forwards and can expertly lead a conversation toward just about any end goal of their choosing. They don't discriminate. They don't assume. They just preach.
Before I go on, I want to add a disclaimer that when watching their videos, it is obvious that they are edited. So I may not be giving them a fair shake and if anyone knows more about the organization (which should be just about everyone, because I know very little) then by all means--jump in!
Here's the bad: They're so well-rehearsed that it sometimes comes off a little too scripted. A little too method (for those with any acting experience.) While I think this can be good (I'm just thinking of myself who can tend to stumble and fumble around with my words when confronted with an evangelism opportunity,) they tend to come off as overly rehearsed and it appears to have a disingenuous effect to the viewing audience. Sort of like a Rogaine infomercial on steroids.
Here's the ugly: Their machine gun effect leads me to believe that their theology may not be well-grounded in the word of God that says salvation is from the Lord (Jonah 2:9). At times, they seem almost desperate to get every bit of rehearsed script out so as to get the whole, entire and complete version of their gospel in even though it seems that the person is no longer interested, could care less or has even gone into the irritation mode (Matthew 7:6). That kind of desperate pleading no longer shows the secure knowledge in sovereign grace (irresistible and perfect timing,) it seems to point to a more Arminian approach to things.
Another ugliness point is that their gospel version seemingly neglects a most important fact about God. That He is holy, perfectly holy and that is the standard by which every single person is judged. Every situation, every thought, every deed. They're heavy on sin, but light on holy, which means that people might walk away with a standard that is less than what the bible teaches. To me, if you're going to be heavy on something--the holiness and reverence of God should be right up there (Proverbs 1:7).
The final ugly is this. Scott and I watched a few videos later on that night and none, that we could see (again, editing has its privileges and pains) point people to the local church. A key, key fact. These people, if interested or seemingly approachable, need to be pointed to a good, sound doctrine church in their area. There could be a whole post on this, but I'll refrain.
Before I sound like I'm totally dogging the program, please see the 'good' section in this post. I do think there are a lot of redeemable qualities of the program and I readily admit that they are doing way more evangelism then I could accomplish in three lifetimes. Praise God for Way of the Master!
And then for the capping of the evening. If many of you have been wondering where in the world have all of the children gone while we sit for two hours discussing holiness, depravity and repentance... well, wonder no more. Our dear Pastor's wife, Lisa, committed her time and resources toward teaching our precious ones, the 7-day creation points of the bible. They sang songs, wrote poems and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. At least, I know my kids did and from the look on the faces of every child presenting their work for us to see, they all had a great time and learned some invaluable truths during it.
That's Lisa's heart. Our kids would glean as much from the night as we did.
Well, notice I said that the end is near but not over. That's right, jolly reader. We are not done. We have one more crucial night to go. This is the ultimate in roleplaying. The plan is to go out on the mean streets of West Hartford Center and evangelize. The Pound let loose to run amok! Think of it! :)
It scares the bajeebers out of me to even think of it, but I'm so happy that we have committed to it. We're as ready as we're going to be. Frank and Dave, our trainers extraordinaire, have made us ready for the kind of showing that the AKC could never even begin to put on...or judge.
Please pray for our team this next week and a half. Please pray that God will soften the hearts of all of those who "happen" to be there. Please pray that we will be bold, confident and memorized. Please pray that while nerves will make us weak, God's power will show to be the perfection it is (II Corinthians 12:9). It's exciting for this pack of strays brought into the glorious pound by our dear Master, to be purchased, groomed and sent into all the world.
Please tune in two weeks for the grandest finaliest (silly, I know) of them all....
For those of you who don't know what Way of the Master is--let me tell you, it's quite an organization.
Here's the good: They preach the gospel to the every day joe on the street. They witness and clearly define sin and its consequences. They are bold, confident and well-rehearsed. They know scripture backwards and forwards and can expertly lead a conversation toward just about any end goal of their choosing. They don't discriminate. They don't assume. They just preach.
Before I go on, I want to add a disclaimer that when watching their videos, it is obvious that they are edited. So I may not be giving them a fair shake and if anyone knows more about the organization (which should be just about everyone, because I know very little) then by all means--jump in!
Here's the bad: They're so well-rehearsed that it sometimes comes off a little too scripted. A little too method (for those with any acting experience.) While I think this can be good (I'm just thinking of myself who can tend to stumble and fumble around with my words when confronted with an evangelism opportunity,) they tend to come off as overly rehearsed and it appears to have a disingenuous effect to the viewing audience. Sort of like a Rogaine infomercial on steroids.
Here's the ugly: Their machine gun effect leads me to believe that their theology may not be well-grounded in the word of God that says salvation is from the Lord (Jonah 2:9). At times, they seem almost desperate to get every bit of rehearsed script out so as to get the whole, entire and complete version of their gospel in even though it seems that the person is no longer interested, could care less or has even gone into the irritation mode (Matthew 7:6). That kind of desperate pleading no longer shows the secure knowledge in sovereign grace (irresistible and perfect timing,) it seems to point to a more Arminian approach to things.
Another ugliness point is that their gospel version seemingly neglects a most important fact about God. That He is holy, perfectly holy and that is the standard by which every single person is judged. Every situation, every thought, every deed. They're heavy on sin, but light on holy, which means that people might walk away with a standard that is less than what the bible teaches. To me, if you're going to be heavy on something--the holiness and reverence of God should be right up there (Proverbs 1:7).
The final ugly is this. Scott and I watched a few videos later on that night and none, that we could see (again, editing has its privileges and pains) point people to the local church. A key, key fact. These people, if interested or seemingly approachable, need to be pointed to a good, sound doctrine church in their area. There could be a whole post on this, but I'll refrain.
Before I sound like I'm totally dogging the program, please see the 'good' section in this post. I do think there are a lot of redeemable qualities of the program and I readily admit that they are doing way more evangelism then I could accomplish in three lifetimes. Praise God for Way of the Master!
And then for the capping of the evening. If many of you have been wondering where in the world have all of the children gone while we sit for two hours discussing holiness, depravity and repentance... well, wonder no more. Our dear Pastor's wife, Lisa, committed her time and resources toward teaching our precious ones, the 7-day creation points of the bible. They sang songs, wrote poems and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. At least, I know my kids did and from the look on the faces of every child presenting their work for us to see, they all had a great time and learned some invaluable truths during it.
That's Lisa's heart. Our kids would glean as much from the night as we did.
Well, notice I said that the end is near but not over. That's right, jolly reader. We are not done. We have one more crucial night to go. This is the ultimate in roleplaying. The plan is to go out on the mean streets of West Hartford Center and evangelize. The Pound let loose to run amok! Think of it! :)
It scares the bajeebers out of me to even think of it, but I'm so happy that we have committed to it. We're as ready as we're going to be. Frank and Dave, our trainers extraordinaire, have made us ready for the kind of showing that the AKC could never even begin to put on...or judge.
Please pray for our team this next week and a half. Please pray that God will soften the hearts of all of those who "happen" to be there. Please pray that we will be bold, confident and memorized. Please pray that while nerves will make us weak, God's power will show to be the perfection it is (II Corinthians 12:9). It's exciting for this pack of strays brought into the glorious pound by our dear Master, to be purchased, groomed and sent into all the world.
Please tune in two weeks for the grandest finaliest (silly, I know) of them all....
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Lest I forget,
Lest I forget my humble beginnings,
Lest I forget my orphan status,
Lest I forget my American adoption,
Lest I forget my parent's sacrifice,
Lest I forget my night fevers,
Lest I forget my childhood fears,
Lest I forget my homecooked meals,
Lest I forget my safe, warm bed,
Lest I forget my doctor's visits,
Lest I forget my dental care,
Lest I forget my love for reading,
Lest I forget my nightly homework,
Lest I forget my expensive field trips,
Lest I forget my endless concerts, plays, choirs, youth events, camps, church functions, roller skating expeditions,
Lest I forget my telephone marathons,
Lest I forget my teenage drama,
Lest I forget my Mom's consolation,
Lest I forget my Dad's firm restraint,
Lest I forget my Christian upbringing,
Lest I forget my hearing the gospel,
Lest I forget my academic years,
Lest I forget my paying jobs,
Lest I forget my roommate antics,
Lest I forget my wayward ways,
Lest I forget my heart being drawn,
Lest I forget my peaceful solitude,
Lest I forget my dates with THE boy,
Lest I forget my receiving a ring,
Lest I forget my wedding day,
Lest I forget our apartment together
Lest I forget our Moody Church days,
Lest I forget our date nights out,
Lest I forget our first pregnancy test,
Lest I forget our 1st child, then #2, then #3,
Lest I forget our first home, then #2, then #3,
Lest I forget our friends and family,
Lest I forget our finding Calvary, then Grace,
Lest I forget our dear Pastor,
Lest I forget our Pastor's family,
Lest I forget our Pastor's passion and zeal for the inerrancy of scripture, sound doctrine and Lordship authority; and living it,
Lest I forget our spiritual growth,
Lest I forget our service opportunities,
Lest I forget our brothers and sisters in Christ,
Lest I forget our growth and maturity,
Lest I forget how wonderful the conviction of how far we have to go really is,
Lest I forget that in all of my complaining, grumbling, mumbling, bemoaning, clamorous, lamenting, bellyaching, bewailing, yelping, crabbing and otherwise, just downright sinful moments of my life...
There is HIS cross.
Lest I forget my orphan status,
Lest I forget my American adoption,
Lest I forget my parent's sacrifice,
Lest I forget my night fevers,
Lest I forget my childhood fears,
Lest I forget my homecooked meals,
Lest I forget my safe, warm bed,
Lest I forget my doctor's visits,
Lest I forget my dental care,
Lest I forget my love for reading,
Lest I forget my nightly homework,
Lest I forget my expensive field trips,
Lest I forget my endless concerts, plays, choirs, youth events, camps, church functions, roller skating expeditions,
Lest I forget my telephone marathons,
Lest I forget my teenage drama,
Lest I forget my Mom's consolation,
Lest I forget my Dad's firm restraint,
Lest I forget my Christian upbringing,
Lest I forget my hearing the gospel,
Lest I forget my academic years,
Lest I forget my paying jobs,
Lest I forget my roommate antics,
Lest I forget my wayward ways,
Lest I forget my heart being drawn,
Lest I forget my peaceful solitude,
Lest I forget my dates with THE boy,
Lest I forget my receiving a ring,
Lest I forget my wedding day,
Lest I forget our apartment together
Lest I forget our Moody Church days,
Lest I forget our date nights out,
Lest I forget our first pregnancy test,
Lest I forget our 1st child, then #2, then #3,
Lest I forget our first home, then #2, then #3,
Lest I forget our friends and family,
Lest I forget our finding Calvary, then Grace,
Lest I forget our dear Pastor,
Lest I forget our Pastor's family,
Lest I forget our Pastor's passion and zeal for the inerrancy of scripture, sound doctrine and Lordship authority; and living it,
Lest I forget our spiritual growth,
Lest I forget our service opportunities,
Lest I forget our brothers and sisters in Christ,
Lest I forget our growth and maturity,
Lest I forget how wonderful the conviction of how far we have to go really is,
Lest I forget that in all of my complaining, grumbling, mumbling, bemoaning, clamorous, lamenting, bellyaching, bewailing, yelping, crabbing and otherwise, just downright sinful moments of my life...
There is HIS cross.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Evangelim Dog Pound--(Wo)Man's Best Friend
There are times in your life when the Lord allows you a glimpse into dedication, loyalty and faithfulness...all attributed to man's best friend. Well, I have the best of it all--the ultimate Friend, Christ, who displays His awesome love for me through providing dear, wonderfully talented sisters-in-Christ. The type of sisters you wouldn't trade for a big, beautiful yacht, a fast, racy Jag....or all of the Twinkies in the world! One such sister is Peggy Jo--who has been the star pooch in our Evangelism Dog Pound class on... well, evangelism.
I missed last Wednesday night because one of my pup's was sick and she, in her graciousness, though her life is very full and busy now, wrote a blurb so this blog could maintain a faithful summary of the night's activities. I post this with much thanks and love for her!!
"I love you, dear friend and I do believe there'll be an extra doggy treat in heaven for you... better than rawhide! :) Love you, PJo!!!"
Peggy Jo Style:
This past Wednesday evening, Grace Evangelism covered the issue of conviction when presenting the Gospel. Frank used the three elements of the Law: moral, ceremonial and civil, to show the importance of pointing the hearer to their sin through the conviction of breaking God's Laws, the 10 commandments. (Romans 3:20b). This lesson was a natural outflow of the last class, when most found that while role playing, it was more natural to begin with a discussion of sin, in explaining the gospel. But the question that arose was how to deal with a hearer that has no idea of what sin is or whether they are a sinner.
We discussed the need to use God's Moral Laws or the 10 Commandments, to speak directly to the conscience of the person to whom we are witnessing. (Romans 2:15), the purpose of the Law, to leave the sinner speechless and without excuse, and accountable to God. Through Christ's being the fulfillment of the Law Frank noted that we no longer have a need to practice ceremonial laws like cleansing rituals, nor do we have to practice Jewish Old Testament Law, like the rules for gleaning the fields. (Ephesians 2:11-19). Yet, Frank pointed out that the practice of the Moral Law endures. Frank stated that in Romans 2, under the Law of God the Jew is without excuse because of God's written Law and the Gentile is without excuse because God's Law is written upon his heart. If the hearer then shuts his mouth before God's Law and admits his guilt, the Grace of the Gospel is at work. At this point Frank introduced a method of questioning the hearer about God's Laws, in order to show them their sin. You can google "The Way of the Master," and check this out in more detail.
In short, you ask the hearer if they consider themselves a good person, then begin to ask them if they have kept the 10 Commandments, listing the commandments one by one. You bring the hearer to the point of having to admit that they are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart. You then ask the hearer if they would be innocent or guilty, if judged according to the 10 Commandments. And, then ask if they would go to heaven or hell. Once the hearer admits their guilt and realizes God's judgement, it is then a natural progression to continue with what the class has already learned about Christ as Savior and the need for the hearer to repent and believe.
We watched some video footage of The Way of the Master, with the interviewers questioning people in this manner. I thought it was very helpful to see the different reactions and answers that people gave, and how the interviewer handled the responses. As always, this course continues to give me more and more confidence, excitement and compassion in sharing God's revealed Word with other people, knowing that God's Word is being sewn and that God will do the watering.
"Just one remaining question, when will you be getting your own blog!?"
[Editor's Note: If you have ever wondered what true Christian sisterhood is...follow this. Get married, have three children, move to CT, go to a new church plant, hang out for a year, meet a new family, have them over for the occasional lunch and homeschool fun, exchange witty, engaging E-mails, pray for each other, love each other, converse with each other, laugh with each other, start a blog, attend a church class on evangelism, blog about the class, have a child get sick, miss the class....enter true sisterhood.]
I missed last Wednesday night because one of my pup's was sick and she, in her graciousness, though her life is very full and busy now, wrote a blurb so this blog could maintain a faithful summary of the night's activities. I post this with much thanks and love for her!!
"I love you, dear friend and I do believe there'll be an extra doggy treat in heaven for you... better than rawhide! :) Love you, PJo!!!"
Peggy Jo Style:
This past Wednesday evening, Grace Evangelism covered the issue of conviction when presenting the Gospel. Frank used the three elements of the Law: moral, ceremonial and civil, to show the importance of pointing the hearer to their sin through the conviction of breaking God's Laws, the 10 commandments. (Romans 3:20b). This lesson was a natural outflow of the last class, when most found that while role playing, it was more natural to begin with a discussion of sin, in explaining the gospel. But the question that arose was how to deal with a hearer that has no idea of what sin is or whether they are a sinner.
We discussed the need to use God's Moral Laws or the 10 Commandments, to speak directly to the conscience of the person to whom we are witnessing. (Romans 2:15), the purpose of the Law, to leave the sinner speechless and without excuse, and accountable to God. Through Christ's being the fulfillment of the Law Frank noted that we no longer have a need to practice ceremonial laws like cleansing rituals, nor do we have to practice Jewish Old Testament Law, like the rules for gleaning the fields. (Ephesians 2:11-19). Yet, Frank pointed out that the practice of the Moral Law endures. Frank stated that in Romans 2, under the Law of God the Jew is without excuse because of God's written Law and the Gentile is without excuse because God's Law is written upon his heart. If the hearer then shuts his mouth before God's Law and admits his guilt, the Grace of the Gospel is at work. At this point Frank introduced a method of questioning the hearer about God's Laws, in order to show them their sin. You can google "The Way of the Master," and check this out in more detail.
In short, you ask the hearer if they consider themselves a good person, then begin to ask them if they have kept the 10 Commandments, listing the commandments one by one. You bring the hearer to the point of having to admit that they are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart. You then ask the hearer if they would be innocent or guilty, if judged according to the 10 Commandments. And, then ask if they would go to heaven or hell. Once the hearer admits their guilt and realizes God's judgement, it is then a natural progression to continue with what the class has already learned about Christ as Savior and the need for the hearer to repent and believe.
We watched some video footage of The Way of the Master, with the interviewers questioning people in this manner. I thought it was very helpful to see the different reactions and answers that people gave, and how the interviewer handled the responses. As always, this course continues to give me more and more confidence, excitement and compassion in sharing God's revealed Word with other people, knowing that God's Word is being sewn and that God will do the watering.
"Just one remaining question, when will you be getting your own blog!?"
[Editor's Note: If you have ever wondered what true Christian sisterhood is...follow this. Get married, have three children, move to CT, go to a new church plant, hang out for a year, meet a new family, have them over for the occasional lunch and homeschool fun, exchange witty, engaging E-mails, pray for each other, love each other, converse with each other, laugh with each other, start a blog, attend a church class on evangelism, blog about the class, have a child get sick, miss the class....enter true sisterhood.]
Friday, October 17, 2008
Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce
In keeping with the dry theme of this blog, I've decided to start a new category called "Book Nook." This little cuddly corner of my blog will hopefully give you the opportunity to feel like we're sitting together next to a warm, cozy fire, sipping homemade hot chocolate (lots of marshmallows!) in the middle of January, discussing the most recent "great read" in our repertoire. A book review category for those without an imagination.
Honestly, I'm not well-read or at least not well-read in the theology department. To rectify that, I have started a reading campaign. I invite anyone who's interested to read my book reviews and comment in the comments section or via E-mail, their thoughts...especially if they have read the same book. A group book club would be ideal, with lots of titillating discussion, but I think I'm overshooting things a bit, so for right now, I would be completely content with any corrections or other summations of the book.
Upfront, I will give to you some patterned guidelines that I intend to follow for each review:
1) I'll personally rate each book from 1 to 5 stars (5= blow-your-socks-off-wow!)
2) I'll try to give a short, brief overview of the book. Probably plagiarized right from the book's jacket.
3) I'll try and give you a very biased, subjective opinion of what I thought about the book.
This first book choice is fairly easy because of the size of this book, although power-packed, nonetheless.
Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce by John Piper
Overall I give this book a 4-star rating.
Honestly, I'm not well-read or at least not well-read in the theology department. To rectify that, I have started a reading campaign. I invite anyone who's interested to read my book reviews and comment in the comments section or via E-mail, their thoughts...especially if they have read the same book. A group book club would be ideal, with lots of titillating discussion, but I think I'm overshooting things a bit, so for right now, I would be completely content with any corrections or other summations of the book.
Upfront, I will give to you some patterned guidelines that I intend to follow for each review:
1) I'll personally rate each book from 1 to 5 stars (5= blow-your-socks-off-wow!)
2) I'll try to give a short, brief overview of the book. Probably plagiarized right from the book's jacket.
3) I'll try and give you a very biased, subjective opinion of what I thought about the book.
This first book choice is fairly easy because of the size of this book, although power-packed, nonetheless.
Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce by John Piper
Overall I give this book a 4-star rating.
Many are aware of Wilberforce's role in bringing an end to slavery in Great Britain, but few have taken the time to examine the beliefs and motivations that spurred him on for decades. In this concise volume, John Piper tells the story of how Wilberforce was transformed from an unbelieving, young politician into a radically God-centered Christian, and how his deep spirituality helped to change the moral outlook of a nation.As world leaders debate over how to deal with a host of social justice and humanitarian crises, a closer look at Wilberforce's life and faith serves as an encouragement and example to all believers.
(Foreword by Jonathan Aitken)
Against great obstacles William Wilberforce, an evangelical member of Parliament, fought for the abolition of the African slave trade and against slavery itself until they were both illegal in the British Empire. Many are aware of Wilberforce’s role in bringing an end to slavery in Great Britain, but few have taken the time to examine his beliefs and motivations that spurred him on for decades. In this concise volume, John Piper tells the story of Wilberforce’s transformation from an unbelieving young politician into a radically God-centered Christian and how his deep spirituality helped to change the moral outlook of a nation.
As world leaders debate over how to deal with a host of social justice and humanitarian crises, a closer look at Wilberforce’s life and faith serves as an encouragement and an example to all believers.
Against great obstacles William Wilberforce, an evangelical member of Parliament, fought for the abolition of the African slave trade and against slavery itself until they were both illegal in the British Empire. Many are aware of Wilberforce’s role in bringing an end to slavery in Great Britain, but few have taken the time to examine his beliefs and motivations that spurred him on for decades. In this concise volume, John Piper tells the story of Wilberforce’s transformation from an unbelieving young politician into a radically God-centered Christian and how his deep spirituality helped to change the moral outlook of a nation.
As world leaders debate over how to deal with a host of social justice and humanitarian crises, a closer look at Wilberforce’s life and faith serves as an encouragement and an example to all believers.
As a fairly quick, comprehensive reader, I was able to read this book in about 3-4 days...without much effort. It's only about 75 pages, so even without the boastful announcement, I think it's safe to say that it can be viewed as an easy read. Dr. Piper is one of my favorite authors and he did not fail me here. In this book, Wilberforce's life was portrayed in a full array of colors that any professing believer should find interesting. Piper paints a wonderful portrait of a man wrought with trials, struggles and the occasional sin (yes! even our heroes are sinful.) Wilberforce used Christianity as a basis for all that he did; not the other way around, like those with a political agenda and use Christianity as a means to an end. He showed Wilberforce's struggles within himself and clearly writes how this affected and permeated his life, family and political aspirations. He weaves a great story of facts and historical events without the usual yawn effect those types of factoids have on me.
This would be a great read, I think, for teenagers as well as adults. I would toy with the idea of having our homeschool children write a paper on this book as they get older. Oh joy!
Just a warning, though. If you are looking for an all-consuming biography on Wilberforce, then you will be sorely disappointed. I don't think that was Piper's intent, as I'm fairly sure, if it was, he would have written as such. But if your intent is to read a book that enlightens you on the highlights of Wilberforce's life; while glorifying God in the process... then this is your book.
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