It makes me so sad to type this. The end of an era (or at least 8 weeks) has come. Our beloved Evangelism Class is over with less of a bang than I thought. Because of unforeseen circumstances, we were not able to hold our last class (which would have been last night) where the dogs were let loose and would be encouraged to howl, bark and bay on the mean streets of West Hartford, sharing the true gospel message to anyone who would listen.
Recapping these last few weeks, there are many things to mention. The first is giving glory to God for the cross of Calvary. Without the sum total of all that the cross of Christ represents, this class would be moot at best.
Secondly, to say that I appreciate and am grateful for our godly hound dog trainers would be quite the understatement. Frank, an incredibly gifted teacher and loving pastor, formed a class that was thoughtful, intellectual, refreshing, challenging, humorous and unifying. My favorite part (although there were many) has to be when he took something like the word "gospel" and scripturally showed us where the unbiblical cliches were (i.e. personal savior, saved by a prayer, altar calls, etc.) His clear and precise manner in explaining imputation, atonement, true repentance, justification, and all of the heavyweight words that must be understood if we are to truly and deeply praise God for His saving work, was pure delight. There is something so personal about Frank. While he is intelligent, prepared and diligent in what he does; he does not lack in personable skills and it makes him easy to listen to and and easy to understand. Praise God for someone like Frank. Every church should have a "frank."
Then there is Dave. His training on the personhood of Jesus Christ was par excellence (accents are hard to type.) His accuracy and knowledge of scripture challenged me in areas that were much needed, starting with the laziness and distraction-filled weakness that I possess in studying the bible. He is so soft spoken, yet confident and bold in scripture, which gave him the perfect combination of a gifted teacher and expert conversationalist. Praise God for someone like Dave, whose godly training has helped me to fully appreciate the work and lordship of the master of all of us.
Each class we had was filled with delightful conversation and excellent exhortation. I hope that my pitiful summaries of what took place has inspired some of you out there to seek out such a class in your local area. While I readily admit that my experience in this class was unique because of the giftedness of the trainers; the lively discussion of my dogmates; and the hearts of servants like Lisa and Patria, who made the ambiance a learning environment, I would encourage everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ, so seek out such a class like this. A class that will revamp, gut and completely reshape what you thought evangelism was and will take old dogs like Scott and me, and teach us, not just old tricks, but true, eternal-value skills that will bring our Heavenly Father magnified glory.
I didn't think that this early on in my blogging career, I would be closing out a category so soon, but The Dog Pound jersey must be retired.
Thank you, Lord, for allowing me something that is so undeserved. Rubbing shoulders (or paws) with fellow dogsters that love and are committed to learning and serving and to learn how to accurately share the good news that could possibly bring those homeless and wandering strays into a forever home.
Showing posts with label The Evangelism Dog Pound. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Evangelism Dog Pound. Show all posts
Thursday, November 13, 2008
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....
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.]
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Taken For A Walk
So we did it. The dread of all dreads happened last night--dum, dum, dadum... roleplay. Here's how we started things.
Frank was back. This godly trainer is no schlep. He immediately made us jump through the ring of fire with an overview (pop quiz) of the outline. Thankfully, my awesome hubby made us drill before we got there so I was fully prepared for the show tricks that Frank made us jump through; and there were a lot. We went over the outlines, verses and stopped for a quick drink from scripture regarding why the resurrection is important.
He challenged us with the importance of never leaving that out. Why is it important? Because it puts the 'pow' in power. Without the resurrection, you have just another miserable prophet who made ridiculous claims of himself and his expectations without any possible way of achieving anything, but frustration, emptiness and self-abasement. But with the power of the resurrection, you have the one true God, majestically and mercifully displaying His omnipotence to us so that we could know for certain who holds the keys to death and hell. It is God. I Corinthians 15:55, "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH WHERE IS YOUR STING?
Can you hear me howlin'!? After a short break, he then leashed us and took us for the dreaded walk that no evangelism dog wants to tread. The roleplay sidewalk. Here's where the mutts are separated from the purebreds. The big dogs from the little ones. The Dalmatians from their spots. It is, without a doubt, the most nervous time in a young (hey!) pooch's life but I'm not sure why? Well, glory, glory, I was paired with my dear sister, Laura, a quiet and meek spirit. We took turns--one was the unbeliever and the other the believer, and then switched. Frank handed out assignments to each group and then we broke up into pairs and started to evangelize each other. hee, hee It makes me laugh just thinking about it.
Anyway, the first set, Laura was the unbeliever and I was the evangelizer. Laura was supposed to be an angry individual with no concept of God. We had about 6 minutes to get in our presentation while the unbeliever was to try and throw us with a preassigned curve. Laura and I laughed for about 3 minutes of it and the funny thing about my dear friend Laura is that evangelizing her was like evangelizing--well, a christian playing an unbeliever. She's just too sweet, kind, generous, thoughtful, and godly to really pull off an unbelieving shtick. And she's only been a believer for less than two years, but boy has she grown--leaps and bounds!! So while I had dreaded this whole role playing section in the evangelism class--it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences in my life. Sitting with my dear friend Laura, uninterrupted for 6 minutes, sharing the gospel. Pure doggone pleasure! I'm sure it won't fare as well next time.
After a quick review and an encouragement by Frank to ask more questions as we evangelize, we then switched roles. Now I was the unbeliever (definitely more believable than Laura) and Laura was the evangelizer. I was to play the friend who borrowed a car from the believer (Laura) and then proceeded to smash it to smithereens. I was to pretend like I had no background in church at all. She did great. She got tripped up a couple of times, but all-in-all, she has this background glow about her, so she was able to gain points on godly love and presence alone. :) Way to go Laura! She articulated a few good points before the buzzer went off and we had to return to the main kennel.
Well, why do I include this part? Because roleplaying, however uncomfortable and squeamish it makes me feel, ultimately helped tremendously in organizing and defining the strengths and weaknesses of what I do and don't know. Now all of us are more equipped to present the gospel again, with an increased clarity and preciseness that we would not have had if we hadn't gotten a chance to try it out. :)
All in all, it was a great, heart-pounding class that made for some great laughs and some serious conversations on what's needed in our own personal lives as we go about our Father's business. Take it from me--this pup is very thankful that the Hound of Heaven has me in this class to learn how to be a true street hound for Him.
Frank was back. This godly trainer is no schlep. He immediately made us jump through the ring of fire with an overview (pop quiz) of the outline. Thankfully, my awesome hubby made us drill before we got there so I was fully prepared for the show tricks that Frank made us jump through; and there were a lot. We went over the outlines, verses and stopped for a quick drink from scripture regarding why the resurrection is important.
He challenged us with the importance of never leaving that out. Why is it important? Because it puts the 'pow' in power. Without the resurrection, you have just another miserable prophet who made ridiculous claims of himself and his expectations without any possible way of achieving anything, but frustration, emptiness and self-abasement. But with the power of the resurrection, you have the one true God, majestically and mercifully displaying His omnipotence to us so that we could know for certain who holds the keys to death and hell. It is God. I Corinthians 15:55, "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH WHERE IS YOUR STING?
Can you hear me howlin'!? After a short break, he then leashed us and took us for the dreaded walk that no evangelism dog wants to tread. The roleplay sidewalk. Here's where the mutts are separated from the purebreds. The big dogs from the little ones. The Dalmatians from their spots. It is, without a doubt, the most nervous time in a young (hey!) pooch's life but I'm not sure why? Well, glory, glory, I was paired with my dear sister, Laura, a quiet and meek spirit. We took turns--one was the unbeliever and the other the believer, and then switched. Frank handed out assignments to each group and then we broke up into pairs and started to evangelize each other. hee, hee It makes me laugh just thinking about it.
Anyway, the first set, Laura was the unbeliever and I was the evangelizer. Laura was supposed to be an angry individual with no concept of God. We had about 6 minutes to get in our presentation while the unbeliever was to try and throw us with a preassigned curve. Laura and I laughed for about 3 minutes of it and the funny thing about my dear friend Laura is that evangelizing her was like evangelizing--well, a christian playing an unbeliever. She's just too sweet, kind, generous, thoughtful, and godly to really pull off an unbelieving shtick. And she's only been a believer for less than two years, but boy has she grown--leaps and bounds!! So while I had dreaded this whole role playing section in the evangelism class--it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences in my life. Sitting with my dear friend Laura, uninterrupted for 6 minutes, sharing the gospel. Pure doggone pleasure! I'm sure it won't fare as well next time.
After a quick review and an encouragement by Frank to ask more questions as we evangelize, we then switched roles. Now I was the unbeliever (definitely more believable than Laura) and Laura was the evangelizer. I was to play the friend who borrowed a car from the believer (Laura) and then proceeded to smash it to smithereens. I was to pretend like I had no background in church at all. She did great. She got tripped up a couple of times, but all-in-all, she has this background glow about her, so she was able to gain points on godly love and presence alone. :) Way to go Laura! She articulated a few good points before the buzzer went off and we had to return to the main kennel.
Well, why do I include this part? Because roleplaying, however uncomfortable and squeamish it makes me feel, ultimately helped tremendously in organizing and defining the strengths and weaknesses of what I do and don't know. Now all of us are more equipped to present the gospel again, with an increased clarity and preciseness that we would not have had if we hadn't gotten a chance to try it out. :)
All in all, it was a great, heart-pounding class that made for some great laughs and some serious conversations on what's needed in our own personal lives as we go about our Father's business. Take it from me--this pup is very thankful that the Hound of Heaven has me in this class to learn how to be a true street hound for Him.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Oh Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?
I confess! I am delinquent in following up on our delightful Evangelism Class held two weeks ago. Folks, I ask for your forgiveness. In part, it is because we had to cancel class due to scheduling conflicts and in part, I have just been plain busy--but as my dear father always says, "Kim, excuses are like belly buttons, everybody's got 'em." So with that fatherly advice in mind, I stop making my excuses and start with this post.
Two weeks ago, the class was awesome! No really!! Dave, our godly trainer, was back and better than ever. We covered The Work of Christ for the last class, which was a continuation of what Dave had started about a month ago. Grace evangelism was infused with such a glorious session on Christ and His amazing, beautiful and complete work.
Our godly trainer had us review Ephesians 1:3-14 and study what the passages meant to be "in Christ." These verses have such an intimate draw for me as they are one of the first verses that opened up my eyes toward sovereign grace. I'll have to save that for a later post, as this post is about The Work of Christ bent toward evangelism--focus, Kim--focus. We went through, verse by verse. It was such a rich time of discussion. I remember thinking during the discussion that I wish I could audiotape some of the comments. Some of them were so heartfelt and having a typical out-of-body experience when I'm in large groups like that, I found myself watching precious souls being reminded of that wonderful gift of grace--all under the humble and treasured leadership of Dave.
Verse 3 talks about being blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Verse 4 states very clearly who is the author of our faith--"predestined for salvation." Verse 5 talks about adoption. I want to camp here just for a minute.
If you know me...even a little bit...you know that I'm adopted. I used to hate being adopted. It was different and odd and not a lot of Korean adoptees in the good ol' plains of Iowa growing up. I used to hate being different, I could sense it. Everything about me was different--my hair, my eyes, my face, my height, my birth. In a world where conformity is expected and exalted and anything else outside of that was laughed at--it was difficult at times.
But now I am so thankful I could burst. I was so short-sighted as a child. First, I was adopted by people who loved me and wanted to see a poverty-stricken child have a better life. I was brought to America--and while America is not the perfect land as so many believe it is--I know that I am still privileged to call this place home. I was adopted into a Christian home, where the love of Christ was taught. I was given a good home, a good education, a good family. How could I have resented that for mere looks, mere popularity--a mere shallow focus that ended up driving me to a spiritual ruin of sorts. I look back now and have such an amazing appreciation for adoption. I think of so many children who are in need of adoption and while I wouldn't want to "deny" anyone "their own" child, I also would love to see more families adopt. I can not understand why people go through such trials and angsts to have their "own" when there are so many out in the world who are needing to be adopted. Talk to anyone from a poorer country and they can tell you what an orphanage is like (and the ones who end up in an orphanage are the "blessed" ones.) Besides, adoption is no cakewalk and talk to my Mom who has both adopted and given birth; she'll tell you that in some ways, you need much more fortified strength--spiritually, mentally and emotionally--to adopt than to have "your own."
So each time this topic of adoption comes up now, I am fully bursting with such joy and emotion...and now I am adopted again into the family of God--having brothers and sisters in Christ whom I would not trade for the most popular, beautiful station in life that the world could offer. Praise the Lord!
Talk to anyone who is adopted or has adopted and they can give you the clearest view of the adoption process and those who have never gone through it, I believe, have a slightly less understanding of adoption than those who have really gone through it. Want to know what it is like to be "grafted into the family of God?" (Romans 11) Do you want to know about adoption? How it feels to be an outsider and then to have a seamless transition into the kingdom of God? Do you want to know what it's like for the Heavenly Father to love someone so much that He does not distinguish between who are His "real" children and who are His adopted children. Talk to someone who has adopted or was adopted. If they are truthful and grateful, they will be able to tell you what it's like. While words limit the feeling, it is truly a gift to be able to share the immense gratitude you have inside.
In verse 6, we moved into "His grace." Grace, grace, marvelous grace. Is there any wonder why this was an excellent class? It is only by His grace that we can come into His family and yet it His grace this is lavished on us. I was thinking about this for a little bit. His grace is lavished on us. Lavished in such a way that speaks to the depravity of our sin. You see, we're so sinful that a slight bit, or a tiny bit of grace wouldn't do. Our depravity has to be washed by lavished grace so as to wash us thoroughly down into the depths of a mangled and perverse heart, soul and mind. And yet, I do believe that lavished grace, in sum total, speaks to the heights of our God and not the depths of our sin. IMHO, God's motive was not that His hand was forced, in quantity or quality, because of the depths of our sin; rather He who is an always good and loving God, lavished us because of His great love.
We talked of redemption through Christ's blood which was described as "paying of a price to get something." I found myself talking about it in such technical terms that as I now review, I am convicted at my lack of sensitivity toward the topic and must openly confess that I looked at this topic as one that needed to get a good grade and pass--not one that was immensely grateful and thankful for the work of Christ, which I believe, should be at the heart of every discussion and study of scripture. So I openly repent and move on.
The mystery of His will was bounced around. What was it? What did it refer to? A number of suggestions were brought forth, but Dave mentioned that he would do more work on it and get back to us on this subject. Admittedly, I have not worked on this myself, so I'm anxious to hear other people's comments.
Verse 11 talks about "obtaining an inheritance." So lavished grace includes an inheritance in Christ. An inheritance so valuable and immense, that there is no possible way to describe all of the untold and unknown waiting for us when we get to heaven, but let me try and name a few:
*Eternal life with God
*Singing and praising God forever
*No more tears or sadness
*No more sin
*Perfect minds, bodies and souls
*Perfect knowledge
*Perfect ambiance
*Continual presence of sisters and brothers in Christ
*Saints of old telling triumphs and victories
*The results of your seeding and watering
*And so much more
Finally, in verse 13, it was wrapped up with our promise of being sealed with the Holy Spirit. Our inheritance is secure because of the Holy Spirit. Our eternal lives are secure because we are sealed in Him--never to be plucked or grabbed, as some doctrines would teach.
We ended with the security of our salvation because of the calling, genuine repentance, regeneration, redemption, justification, adoption, sanctification and glorification. While we couldn't detail many of those beautiful doctrines, our godly trainer, Dave, provided us with a list of excellent scripture references to review.
I am excited about going to class tonight, and I truly hope and pray that those who are leading it are gaining as much from it as we students are. May God be praised and may I be more faithful to His word moment by moment.
I leave you with this beautiful hymn:
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Refrain
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Refrain
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Words by Julia H. Johnston
Music by Daniel B. Towner
Two weeks ago, the class was awesome! No really!! Dave, our godly trainer, was back and better than ever. We covered The Work of Christ for the last class, which was a continuation of what Dave had started about a month ago. Grace evangelism was infused with such a glorious session on Christ and His amazing, beautiful and complete work.
Our godly trainer had us review Ephesians 1:3-14 and study what the passages meant to be "in Christ." These verses have such an intimate draw for me as they are one of the first verses that opened up my eyes toward sovereign grace. I'll have to save that for a later post, as this post is about The Work of Christ bent toward evangelism--focus, Kim--focus. We went through, verse by verse. It was such a rich time of discussion. I remember thinking during the discussion that I wish I could audiotape some of the comments. Some of them were so heartfelt and having a typical out-of-body experience when I'm in large groups like that, I found myself watching precious souls being reminded of that wonderful gift of grace--all under the humble and treasured leadership of Dave.
Verse 3 talks about being blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Verse 4 states very clearly who is the author of our faith--"predestined for salvation." Verse 5 talks about adoption. I want to camp here just for a minute.
If you know me...even a little bit...you know that I'm adopted. I used to hate being adopted. It was different and odd and not a lot of Korean adoptees in the good ol' plains of Iowa growing up. I used to hate being different, I could sense it. Everything about me was different--my hair, my eyes, my face, my height, my birth. In a world where conformity is expected and exalted and anything else outside of that was laughed at--it was difficult at times.
But now I am so thankful I could burst. I was so short-sighted as a child. First, I was adopted by people who loved me and wanted to see a poverty-stricken child have a better life. I was brought to America--and while America is not the perfect land as so many believe it is--I know that I am still privileged to call this place home. I was adopted into a Christian home, where the love of Christ was taught. I was given a good home, a good education, a good family. How could I have resented that for mere looks, mere popularity--a mere shallow focus that ended up driving me to a spiritual ruin of sorts. I look back now and have such an amazing appreciation for adoption. I think of so many children who are in need of adoption and while I wouldn't want to "deny" anyone "their own" child, I also would love to see more families adopt. I can not understand why people go through such trials and angsts to have their "own" when there are so many out in the world who are needing to be adopted. Talk to anyone from a poorer country and they can tell you what an orphanage is like (and the ones who end up in an orphanage are the "blessed" ones.) Besides, adoption is no cakewalk and talk to my Mom who has both adopted and given birth; she'll tell you that in some ways, you need much more fortified strength--spiritually, mentally and emotionally--to adopt than to have "your own."
So each time this topic of adoption comes up now, I am fully bursting with such joy and emotion...and now I am adopted again into the family of God--having brothers and sisters in Christ whom I would not trade for the most popular, beautiful station in life that the world could offer. Praise the Lord!
Talk to anyone who is adopted or has adopted and they can give you the clearest view of the adoption process and those who have never gone through it, I believe, have a slightly less understanding of adoption than those who have really gone through it. Want to know what it is like to be "grafted into the family of God?" (Romans 11) Do you want to know about adoption? How it feels to be an outsider and then to have a seamless transition into the kingdom of God? Do you want to know what it's like for the Heavenly Father to love someone so much that He does not distinguish between who are His "real" children and who are His adopted children. Talk to someone who has adopted or was adopted. If they are truthful and grateful, they will be able to tell you what it's like. While words limit the feeling, it is truly a gift to be able to share the immense gratitude you have inside.
In verse 6, we moved into "His grace." Grace, grace, marvelous grace. Is there any wonder why this was an excellent class? It is only by His grace that we can come into His family and yet it His grace this is lavished on us. I was thinking about this for a little bit. His grace is lavished on us. Lavished in such a way that speaks to the depravity of our sin. You see, we're so sinful that a slight bit, or a tiny bit of grace wouldn't do. Our depravity has to be washed by lavished grace so as to wash us thoroughly down into the depths of a mangled and perverse heart, soul and mind. And yet, I do believe that lavished grace, in sum total, speaks to the heights of our God and not the depths of our sin. IMHO, God's motive was not that His hand was forced, in quantity or quality, because of the depths of our sin; rather He who is an always good and loving God, lavished us because of His great love.
We talked of redemption through Christ's blood which was described as "paying of a price to get something." I found myself talking about it in such technical terms that as I now review, I am convicted at my lack of sensitivity toward the topic and must openly confess that I looked at this topic as one that needed to get a good grade and pass--not one that was immensely grateful and thankful for the work of Christ, which I believe, should be at the heart of every discussion and study of scripture. So I openly repent and move on.
The mystery of His will was bounced around. What was it? What did it refer to? A number of suggestions were brought forth, but Dave mentioned that he would do more work on it and get back to us on this subject. Admittedly, I have not worked on this myself, so I'm anxious to hear other people's comments.
Verse 11 talks about "obtaining an inheritance." So lavished grace includes an inheritance in Christ. An inheritance so valuable and immense, that there is no possible way to describe all of the untold and unknown waiting for us when we get to heaven, but let me try and name a few:
*Eternal life with God
*Singing and praising God forever
*No more tears or sadness
*No more sin
*Perfect minds, bodies and souls
*Perfect knowledge
*Perfect ambiance
*Continual presence of sisters and brothers in Christ
*Saints of old telling triumphs and victories
*The results of your seeding and watering
*And so much more
Finally, in verse 13, it was wrapped up with our promise of being sealed with the Holy Spirit. Our inheritance is secure because of the Holy Spirit. Our eternal lives are secure because we are sealed in Him--never to be plucked or grabbed, as some doctrines would teach.
We ended with the security of our salvation because of the calling, genuine repentance, regeneration, redemption, justification, adoption, sanctification and glorification. While we couldn't detail many of those beautiful doctrines, our godly trainer, Dave, provided us with a list of excellent scripture references to review.
I am excited about going to class tonight, and I truly hope and pray that those who are leading it are gaining as much from it as we students are. May God be praised and may I be more faithful to His word moment by moment.
I leave you with this beautiful hymn:
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Refrain
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Refrain
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Words by Julia H. Johnston
Music by Daniel B. Towner
Friday, August 22, 2008
Imputed Righteousness/Imparted Righteousness
Added on for your viewing pleasure is an aside that I think is an important one. This directly speaks to the way that I live my life now and relates to the desires that I have for the things of God.
On Wednesday evening, imputed righteousness (see previous post if you have no idea what I'm talking about) was mentioned. In the general discussion, I was concerned that we were all sitting around talking about imputed righteousness as only a declaration and not as having Christ's righteousness--or Christ's power (for lack of a better word) to fulfill all of the holiness and righteous behaviors, thoughts and attitudes that the bible calls us to (Matthew 5:48, I Peter 1:16.) I was concerned because I fall into the category that I believe many professing believers do which is:
(picture shoulders slumped and eyes drooped) I just can't do anything right. I'm glad that there's grace because I'm always stumbling and sinning. I believe that God has the power to help me, but for some reason I feel like He helps everyone else and I'm just left to deal with these pattern of sins on my own.
I believe that the "power" to live a righteous life comes when Christ's righteousness is given to us at the time of salvation. Note--not perfection but righteousness, very different when played out in humans. Very important to note as I am quite confident that anyone who has been around me will most definitely know just how imperfect I really am.
Which brings me to Frank. Frank, (*sigh*) has endless, fruit-filled patience. The man just won't not love me (yes, intended double negative there.) So I spent an hour of his time yesterday morning (the day after the class) drilling and pounding him with questions as to the effects of Christ's righteousness in our lives, not to mention wasted about 30 minutes of the Wednesday's class that night. But I was concerned over reconciling in my mind Romans 10:10 and I John 3:6-8 with what was being discussed in class, so I was being selfish (which is, indeed, an unrighteous act.)
I won't bore you with such details (or torture Frank with the nightmare-ish reminder of never getting back that hour of wasted time) but the bottom line is that I was incorrectly defining imputed righteousness and replacing it with imparted righteousness. Definitions at the end.
So now I'm set straight and am once again, back on track. As I ask Frank's forgiveness, I openly admit that I'm glad that he took the time with me as I was not only corrected in love, but also learned a very important distinction between some very important doctrines. And for that, I am so thankful for!!!
Praise God from whom all Frank-blessings flow!
Definition:
Imparted righteousness, in Methodist theology, is that gracious gift of God given at the moment of the new birth which enables a Christian disciple to strive for holiness and sanctification. John Wesley believed that imparted righteousness worked in tandem with imputed righteousness. Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus credited to the Christian, enabling the Christian to be justified; imparted righteousness is what God does in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit after justification, working in the Christian to enable and empower the process of sanctification.
On Wednesday evening, imputed righteousness (see previous post if you have no idea what I'm talking about) was mentioned. In the general discussion, I was concerned that we were all sitting around talking about imputed righteousness as only a declaration and not as having Christ's righteousness--or Christ's power (for lack of a better word) to fulfill all of the holiness and righteous behaviors, thoughts and attitudes that the bible calls us to (Matthew 5:48, I Peter 1:16.) I was concerned because I fall into the category that I believe many professing believers do which is:
(picture shoulders slumped and eyes drooped) I just can't do anything right. I'm glad that there's grace because I'm always stumbling and sinning. I believe that God has the power to help me, but for some reason I feel like He helps everyone else and I'm just left to deal with these pattern of sins on my own.
I believe that the "power" to live a righteous life comes when Christ's righteousness is given to us at the time of salvation. Note--not perfection but righteousness, very different when played out in humans. Very important to note as I am quite confident that anyone who has been around me will most definitely know just how imperfect I really am.
Which brings me to Frank. Frank, (*sigh*) has endless, fruit-filled patience. The man just won't not love me (yes, intended double negative there.) So I spent an hour of his time yesterday morning (the day after the class) drilling and pounding him with questions as to the effects of Christ's righteousness in our lives, not to mention wasted about 30 minutes of the Wednesday's class that night. But I was concerned over reconciling in my mind Romans 10:10 and I John 3:6-8 with what was being discussed in class, so I was being selfish (which is, indeed, an unrighteous act.)
I won't bore you with such details (or torture Frank with the nightmare-ish reminder of never getting back that hour of wasted time) but the bottom line is that I was incorrectly defining imputed righteousness and replacing it with imparted righteousness. Definitions at the end.
So now I'm set straight and am once again, back on track. As I ask Frank's forgiveness, I openly admit that I'm glad that he took the time with me as I was not only corrected in love, but also learned a very important distinction between some very important doctrines. And for that, I am so thankful for!!!
Praise God from whom all Frank-blessings flow!
Definition:
Imparted righteousness, in Methodist theology, is that gracious gift of God given at the moment of the new birth which enables a Christian disciple to strive for holiness and sanctification. John Wesley believed that imparted righteousness worked in tandem with imputed righteousness. Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus credited to the Christian, enabling the Christian to be justified; imparted righteousness is what God does in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit after justification, working in the Christian to enable and empower the process of sanctification.
True Repentance vs. False Repentance
**Warning--Super duper serious, but pivotal topic about to be blogged.**
If evangelism is the arm, then I believe that repentance is the elbow. If evangelism is the car, then I believe that repentance is the wheel. If evangelism is the Shakespearean play, then I believe that repentance is the loyal, but passed-over servant in King Lear. What does this mean? In my humble and often misdirected opinion, repentance is the key to which every other human action orbits and is often overlooked by other flashy aspects of evangelism.
Frank, our godly trainer, continued to serve heaping mounds of doggy chow to our hungry pack as we gulped and wolfed down certified strips this past Wednesday night. We ended up skipping the second half of Christology because our substitute trainer was stuck somewhere, traveling for work, so if it seems that I'm back tracking in two weeks--well, I am. :)
In class, we reviewed what we've learned so far and had a pop quiz. Now, I'm not one to usually bomb pop quizzes, but I totally failed--in every miserable sense of the word--at this one. I realized how little I had retained from the outline of this evangelism class and while I've learned so much from other classes, I have set my mind that I want to retain as much as I can, as this has been the most fruitful class that I've taken on evangelism...to date. On a pleasant sidenote, my dear canine poochy friend, Peggy Jo, (I would be the drooling, lumbering mutt and she would be the classy, well-kept, beautiful pure bred) aced the pop quiz and took home (by a landslide) first prize, the blue ribbon and the clydesdale-sized trophy. She has been faithful to the homework and it beautifully showed. Why do I tell you this? Because I believe that out of all of the pop quizzes, standardized tests, and #2 pencil exams, this has to be one of the most important. I can't think, in all of my schooling years, where this would be a test you would want to fail at. So I'm thankful that I have a dear sister who takes this seriously and she has sharpened me to follow her example.
The quiz was on the outline of what we've learned so far. So here is the quiz (the answers will be found at the bottom of this post.)
I. How does the bible describe God?
a. _______________ and _________________
Scripture:
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c. __________________________________
Scripture:
II. What does the bible say about Man?
a. __________________________________
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c: __________________________________
III. What does the bible say about Christ?
a. __________________________________
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c. __________________________________
How did you fare? I'm sure you did far better than I did.
There was much discussion on the various aspects of true repentance and what that looks like but the bottom line was that if someone claims to have faith, but shows no repentance, then you have to question which repentance category they are in. (II Corinthians 7:10)
This whole topic is of great interest to me because of my personal testimony of how God drew me to Him. You see, the challenge with true repentance and false repentance is that true repentance can easily be counterfeited in various ways. Here's how I counterfeited before I got saved:
1) I was genuinely sorry...for getting caught.=false repentance
2) I hated the consequences of my actions which brought about genuine emotion.=false repentance
3) I was genuinely, emotionally sad at my pattern of sin.=false repentance
4) I justified my sin by doing good acts to those I sinned against.=false repentance
5) I found that I hated when people called what I was doing wrong sin and hated any religious talk that would use such words.=false repentance
6) I made excuses, covered up and disguised my sin, yet felt little peace or security from such acts.=false repentance
7) I avoided talking about my sin.=false repentance
8) I only partially and temporarily changed.=false repentance
9) I hated God more after I would pay restitution.=false repentance.
10) I was endlessly restless, for my conscience could find no peace, even after I would apologize.=false repentance.
11) I rejected anything the bible said as to how to repent.
12) I did not desire the things of the bible.
It's exhausting to even have to type all of that. I remember growing up and in my early twenties, how exhausted I would sometimes be lying in bed at night after a full day of the last twelve (and then some) undertakings of false repentance. It takes a lot of energy and time to skillfully hone such activities. Of course, I suppressed such things and did not find it to be tiresome then. I can only say it now as experiencing the merciful gift of genuine saving grace and realizing the exact and precise biblical peace and serenity as attributed to those who are no longer enemies of God (Romans 8:7, Ephesians 2:13-16) , though my life is probably busier and fuller than it ever has been.
So what path does one start on toward true repentance?
1) You must believe and repent. (key word, believe) Romans 10:9, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9. This is where it gets tricky. How does one believe? Of their own volition? No, you cannot believe without God planting faith in you. Hmmm...so one asks--has God planted faith in me? Do I care if He's planted faith in me? Do I care that I believe? If the answer is yes to the last question...then immediately pass go, do not collect $200 and land on Romans 10:13. AND E-mail, call, write, send your best pigeon and get a hold of me as quick as possible. BTW--the bible describes faith in Hebrews 11:1, if you're interested in the true definition.
2) Repent of all that dishonors God. II Corinthians 7:10-11. Biblical repentance will sprout an eagerness for righteousness according to the revealed will of God. (Isaiah 55:6-7, Luke 9:23) In Mark 10 we see Jesus masterfully bypassing all of what the rich young ruler treasured and getting to the heart of the matter which he was unwilling to admit that he had offended God, was a sinner, forsake all that he treasured and follow Christ. See the Grace Church webby for an amazing sermon on true repentance as taught this past Sunday morning by our fearless, godly trainer, Frank, who rightly divided the word in his most marvelous sermon thus far. (And that's saying a lot.)
3) Repentance involves confession of sin to God. Confession, in scripture, means "to say the same as." Being in agreement. So when we confess, we do not try to hide or skew the facts. We simply confess everything that comes to mind-starting with I'm a sinner a general and am in need of the specific Saviour, Jesus Christ, the God of the bible. Agreeing with everything that God has to say about who man is without Him. Understanding that the owner and creator of all sees us as if we were bum-naked before Him. Meaning my heart is laid bare and He sees every single layer of sin and suppression that I have built for myself as if it were as transparent as glass.
4) Forgiveness is to have complete purification from unrighteousness on the basis of Christ's righteousness freely imputed (applied to one's account.) (I John 1:9) (See more as this will have it's own post-oh joy! oh joy!)
So in conclusion--which repentance do you have and will you repent and believe in Jesus Christ?
If evangelism is the arm, then I believe that repentance is the elbow. If evangelism is the car, then I believe that repentance is the wheel. If evangelism is the Shakespearean play, then I believe that repentance is the loyal, but passed-over servant in King Lear. What does this mean? In my humble and often misdirected opinion, repentance is the key to which every other human action orbits and is often overlooked by other flashy aspects of evangelism.
Frank, our godly trainer, continued to serve heaping mounds of doggy chow to our hungry pack as we gulped and wolfed down certified strips this past Wednesday night. We ended up skipping the second half of Christology because our substitute trainer was stuck somewhere, traveling for work, so if it seems that I'm back tracking in two weeks--well, I am. :)
In class, we reviewed what we've learned so far and had a pop quiz. Now, I'm not one to usually bomb pop quizzes, but I totally failed--in every miserable sense of the word--at this one. I realized how little I had retained from the outline of this evangelism class and while I've learned so much from other classes, I have set my mind that I want to retain as much as I can, as this has been the most fruitful class that I've taken on evangelism...to date. On a pleasant sidenote, my dear canine poochy friend, Peggy Jo, (I would be the drooling, lumbering mutt and she would be the classy, well-kept, beautiful pure bred) aced the pop quiz and took home (by a landslide) first prize, the blue ribbon and the clydesdale-sized trophy. She has been faithful to the homework and it beautifully showed. Why do I tell you this? Because I believe that out of all of the pop quizzes, standardized tests, and #2 pencil exams, this has to be one of the most important. I can't think, in all of my schooling years, where this would be a test you would want to fail at. So I'm thankful that I have a dear sister who takes this seriously and she has sharpened me to follow her example.
The quiz was on the outline of what we've learned so far. So here is the quiz (the answers will be found at the bottom of this post.)
I. How does the bible describe God?
a. _______________ and _________________
Scripture:
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c. __________________________________
Scripture:
II. What does the bible say about Man?
a. __________________________________
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c: __________________________________
III. What does the bible say about Christ?
a. __________________________________
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c. __________________________________
How did you fare? I'm sure you did far better than I did.
There was much discussion on the various aspects of true repentance and what that looks like but the bottom line was that if someone claims to have faith, but shows no repentance, then you have to question which repentance category they are in. (II Corinthians 7:10)
This whole topic is of great interest to me because of my personal testimony of how God drew me to Him. You see, the challenge with true repentance and false repentance is that true repentance can easily be counterfeited in various ways. Here's how I counterfeited before I got saved:
1) I was genuinely sorry...for getting caught.=false repentance
2) I hated the consequences of my actions which brought about genuine emotion.=false repentance
3) I was genuinely, emotionally sad at my pattern of sin.=false repentance
4) I justified my sin by doing good acts to those I sinned against.=false repentance
5) I found that I hated when people called what I was doing wrong sin and hated any religious talk that would use such words.=false repentance
6) I made excuses, covered up and disguised my sin, yet felt little peace or security from such acts.=false repentance
7) I avoided talking about my sin.=false repentance
8) I only partially and temporarily changed.=false repentance
9) I hated God more after I would pay restitution.=false repentance.
10) I was endlessly restless, for my conscience could find no peace, even after I would apologize.=false repentance.
11) I rejected anything the bible said as to how to repent.
12) I did not desire the things of the bible.
Every single one of these, though, I did with a good church-girl cloak. A moral and spit-shined veneer.
It's exhausting to even have to type all of that. I remember growing up and in my early twenties, how exhausted I would sometimes be lying in bed at night after a full day of the last twelve (and then some) undertakings of false repentance. It takes a lot of energy and time to skillfully hone such activities. Of course, I suppressed such things and did not find it to be tiresome then. I can only say it now as experiencing the merciful gift of genuine saving grace and realizing the exact and precise biblical peace and serenity as attributed to those who are no longer enemies of God (Romans 8:7, Ephesians 2:13-16) , though my life is probably busier and fuller than it ever has been.
So what path does one start on toward true repentance?
1) You must believe and repent. (key word, believe) Romans 10:9, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9. This is where it gets tricky. How does one believe? Of their own volition? No, you cannot believe without God planting faith in you. Hmmm...so one asks--has God planted faith in me? Do I care if He's planted faith in me? Do I care that I believe? If the answer is yes to the last question...then immediately pass go, do not collect $200 and land on Romans 10:13. AND E-mail, call, write, send your best pigeon and get a hold of me as quick as possible. BTW--the bible describes faith in Hebrews 11:1, if you're interested in the true definition.
2) Repent of all that dishonors God. II Corinthians 7:10-11. Biblical repentance will sprout an eagerness for righteousness according to the revealed will of God. (Isaiah 55:6-7, Luke 9:23) In Mark 10 we see Jesus masterfully bypassing all of what the rich young ruler treasured and getting to the heart of the matter which he was unwilling to admit that he had offended God, was a sinner, forsake all that he treasured and follow Christ. See the Grace Church webby for an amazing sermon on true repentance as taught this past Sunday morning by our fearless, godly trainer, Frank, who rightly divided the word in his most marvelous sermon thus far. (And that's saying a lot.)
3) Repentance involves confession of sin to God. Confession, in scripture, means "to say the same as." Being in agreement. So when we confess, we do not try to hide or skew the facts. We simply confess everything that comes to mind-starting with I'm a sinner a general and am in need of the specific Saviour, Jesus Christ, the God of the bible. Agreeing with everything that God has to say about who man is without Him. Understanding that the owner and creator of all sees us as if we were bum-naked before Him. Meaning my heart is laid bare and He sees every single layer of sin and suppression that I have built for myself as if it were as transparent as glass.
4) Forgiveness is to have complete purification from unrighteousness on the basis of Christ's righteousness freely imputed (applied to one's account.) (I John 1:9) (See more as this will have it's own post-oh joy! oh joy!)
So in conclusion--which repentance do you have and will you repent and believe in Jesus Christ?
Answers:
I. God is:
a. creator and owner of all.
Scripture: Psalm 24:1 and Genesis 1:1
b. holy
Scripture: Matthew 5:48
c. requires perfect obedience
Scripture: James 2:10
II. Man is:
a. totally depraved--broken God's law in every way.
Scripture: James 2:10, Romans 3:10
b. guilty so the consequence of sin is death.
Scripture: Romans 6:23
c. cannot earn by good works
Scripture: Titus 3:5
III. Christ is:
a. fully God and perfect, sinless man
Scripture: Colossians 2:9
b. a Saviour and demonstrates His love
Scripture: Romans 5:8, II Corinthians 5:21
c. the victor over death and is ressurected
Scripture: I Corinthians 15:4
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Doggone Excellence!
I plan on giving you two bones for the price of one today. Having driven over 2,000 miles in one week visiting my parents in Iowa--I am a little behind in my blogging. We rolled in last Tuesday evening and had our doggy evangelism training class the next night on Wednesday. It was a first class show that even the American Kennel Club would have to be crazy about.
The training started with a review of the last session and we handed in our homework, went over our verses and discussed the question posed--"Can anyone claim ignorance to God's holy/moral law?" There was some great discussion and some of my fellow canines came up with some great answers.
Here was my answer (Dog Bone #1). I'm hoping that this will spur some more discussion on it. A big shout out to my dear friend Nancy who took the time--all the way from Southern Cally to answer. You can see her answer in the comments section of the previous post. Here was my answer:
Can anyone claim ignorance to God's holy law?
PARTIAL ANSWER: Yes. I believe that they can. I believe that people can and are ignorant to God's holy law. Though written on every man's heart--it is not something that is clear, conscience and spelled out in people's minds as to the laws in the bible. For whatever reason, whether they do not have a bible or refuse to read the bible, they are ignorant. Furthermore, a spiritual, biblical true knowledge can only be obtained by God's grace, I feel like the bible is clear about that. (Romans 9:15, Ephesians 2:8)
As the great hymn, Amazing Grace is sung, I was blind, but now I see. Two kinds of blind/deaf people exist (II Corinthians 4:3-6 and Colossians 1:12-14). Those who do not have knowledge of the truth and those who know, but suppress it.
a) Those who are just ignorant, because they are dead-Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13. All of us fall into that category.
b) Those who suppress truth. Romans 1:18, II Peter 3:3-6 (KJV uses the words "they willingly are ignorant.") Everyone who does not accept the truth of scripture fall into this category.
Because of God's great grace and mercy, we need not just leave it at that nor can we if we are to have the full biblical view of what saves. Because His pre-ordained plan has conquered the laws of natural and human logic.
As we know there are two kinds of humans made 1) vessels of wrath and 2) vessels of mercy. The vessels of wrath are in the "b" category above. Those who "willingly" choose to suppress the truth. The "b" category are the suppressors of truth. Those who choose to ignore the very acts of creation and biblical knowledge that God, out of great pity on us, specifically gave to us in order to know He exists (Romans 1:20). There are many bible references for these people.
The "a" category is where I am going to concentrate. Those who God has mercy on are ignorant until He chooses to open their eyes and ears...give them life. They are now 'un'dead. These are responsibly ignorant. Whether by choice or natural location. While the bible makes clear that no one is without excuse (Romans 1:20), the bible also clearly states that no one seeks after God or understands Him--Psalm 14 and Romans 3.
So where is the reconciling point--God? God is the maker and creator and in Romans 9 it specifically says that He will show mercy where He pleases. Man's only responsibility (a fairly simple one) is to just believe.
FULL ANSWER: Yes, I believe that man can claim ignorance, but I also believe that ignorance is a sin...just like every other sin that denies God's complete and utter authority and ownership of everything. Webster's Dictionary says that ignorance is a lack of knowledge, education or awareness. There are many here that choose to be ignorant, remain ignorant and celebrate ignorance of God's holy law by their words and actions. In Hebrews 5:2--Jesus is said to "deal gently with the ignorant and misguided." The author of Hebrews has labeled humans ignorant and misguided. Everyone one of us are ignorant--we can claim that, but we can't rely on it and it will not save us (excuse us) in the end.
We are like this--ignorant--for two reasons--1) God has not opened up our eyes to spiritual truth yet (category "a) or 2) we willingly and willfully suppress the truth (category "b") of which God has complete control over anyway. The bible only describes two kinds of ignorance--what we need to ask to those being evangelized is which one are they?
So that was the homework that I did from the last session. I welcome any comments, questions, etc. either via comment section or via E-mail.
Now onto the main feeding (Dog Bone #2).
After Frank, our usual trainer reviewed everything with us, we were thrilled to see that Dave Clymer, a new trainer was taking over at this point. Dave is truly gifted by God for work far beyond my comprehension at times. He is immensely patient, kind and generous--some would say to a fault--but I say to the glory of God...always!
Dave led us right into who Jesus Christ is (I pointedly do not say "was" because He is still alive and victorious today.) Dave had just finished teaching a 5-day series on who Jesus Christ is to our young children in a wonderful venue called Backyard Bible Club. So he took what he taught there and deepened and widened it. Isn't that great!? I'm just thrilled knowing that my son was able to learn the heavy and weighty things that I'm learning in an adult class. No more Sunday School fluff for my blessings. Dave is canine excellence at its best. :)
As we went over the verses that we must learn for next week, we studied two of the most important facts in biblical history--Jesus came to earth as God and sinless man...He lived here on earth as fully God and fully man. Jesus Himself made the claims to be God (John 10:30), but others affirmed this also. John 1:1.
There were many signs and wonders that showed Jesus to be God here on earth. Healing ministries (Luke 4:17-21), Jesus was born of a virgin birth (Luke 1:26-35), Jesus raised the dead (John 11:1-46), Jesus forgave people's sins (Mark 2:5). Even others claimed Him to be God (John 20:28).
Jesus was also fully human. Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:15 make that clear.
Dave so kindly led us through the very definition and nature of Jesus Christ. Absolutely amazing!
We started to get into how Jesus demonstrated His vast and perfect love, but had to cut it short. Dave is planning to lead us through the next section of Jesus Christ which will include a further explanation of His demonstrative love.
Well, is it any wonder when we trot away from the beautiful Acosta home, we are so uplifted and continually thankful. How does God show us His kindness? It is truly through Godly trainers like Frank and Dave who sacrifice much time and money resources to lead us through the truth of scripture so that we might be trained in leading God honoring lives for this slice we call life.
The training started with a review of the last session and we handed in our homework, went over our verses and discussed the question posed--"Can anyone claim ignorance to God's holy/moral law?" There was some great discussion and some of my fellow canines came up with some great answers.
Here was my answer (Dog Bone #1). I'm hoping that this will spur some more discussion on it. A big shout out to my dear friend Nancy who took the time--all the way from Southern Cally to answer. You can see her answer in the comments section of the previous post. Here was my answer:
Can anyone claim ignorance to God's holy law?
PARTIAL ANSWER: Yes. I believe that they can. I believe that people can and are ignorant to God's holy law. Though written on every man's heart--it is not something that is clear, conscience and spelled out in people's minds as to the laws in the bible. For whatever reason, whether they do not have a bible or refuse to read the bible, they are ignorant. Furthermore, a spiritual, biblical true knowledge can only be obtained by God's grace, I feel like the bible is clear about that. (Romans 9:15, Ephesians 2:8)
As the great hymn, Amazing Grace is sung, I was blind, but now I see. Two kinds of blind/deaf people exist (II Corinthians 4:3-6 and Colossians 1:12-14). Those who do not have knowledge of the truth and those who know, but suppress it.
a) Those who are just ignorant, because they are dead-Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13. All of us fall into that category.
b) Those who suppress truth. Romans 1:18, II Peter 3:3-6 (KJV uses the words "they willingly are ignorant.") Everyone who does not accept the truth of scripture fall into this category.
Because of God's great grace and mercy, we need not just leave it at that nor can we if we are to have the full biblical view of what saves. Because His pre-ordained plan has conquered the laws of natural and human logic.
As we know there are two kinds of humans made 1) vessels of wrath and 2) vessels of mercy. The vessels of wrath are in the "b" category above. Those who "willingly" choose to suppress the truth. The "b" category are the suppressors of truth. Those who choose to ignore the very acts of creation and biblical knowledge that God, out of great pity on us, specifically gave to us in order to know He exists (Romans 1:20). There are many bible references for these people.
The "a" category is where I am going to concentrate. Those who God has mercy on are ignorant until He chooses to open their eyes and ears...give them life. They are now 'un'dead. These are responsibly ignorant. Whether by choice or natural location. While the bible makes clear that no one is without excuse (Romans 1:20), the bible also clearly states that no one seeks after God or understands Him--Psalm 14 and Romans 3.
So where is the reconciling point--God? God is the maker and creator and in Romans 9 it specifically says that He will show mercy where He pleases. Man's only responsibility (a fairly simple one) is to just believe.
FULL ANSWER: Yes, I believe that man can claim ignorance, but I also believe that ignorance is a sin...just like every other sin that denies God's complete and utter authority and ownership of everything. Webster's Dictionary says that ignorance is a lack of knowledge, education or awareness. There are many here that choose to be ignorant, remain ignorant and celebrate ignorance of God's holy law by their words and actions. In Hebrews 5:2--Jesus is said to "deal gently with the ignorant and misguided." The author of Hebrews has labeled humans ignorant and misguided. Everyone one of us are ignorant--we can claim that, but we can't rely on it and it will not save us (excuse us) in the end.
We are like this--ignorant--for two reasons--1) God has not opened up our eyes to spiritual truth yet (category "a) or 2) we willingly and willfully suppress the truth (category "b") of which God has complete control over anyway. The bible only describes two kinds of ignorance--what we need to ask to those being evangelized is which one are they?
So that was the homework that I did from the last session. I welcome any comments, questions, etc. either via comment section or via E-mail.
Now onto the main feeding (Dog Bone #2).
After Frank, our usual trainer reviewed everything with us, we were thrilled to see that Dave Clymer, a new trainer was taking over at this point. Dave is truly gifted by God for work far beyond my comprehension at times. He is immensely patient, kind and generous--some would say to a fault--but I say to the glory of God...always!
Dave led us right into who Jesus Christ is (I pointedly do not say "was" because He is still alive and victorious today.) Dave had just finished teaching a 5-day series on who Jesus Christ is to our young children in a wonderful venue called Backyard Bible Club. So he took what he taught there and deepened and widened it. Isn't that great!? I'm just thrilled knowing that my son was able to learn the heavy and weighty things that I'm learning in an adult class. No more Sunday School fluff for my blessings. Dave is canine excellence at its best. :)
As we went over the verses that we must learn for next week, we studied two of the most important facts in biblical history--Jesus came to earth as God and sinless man...He lived here on earth as fully God and fully man. Jesus Himself made the claims to be God (John 10:30), but others affirmed this also. John 1:1.
There were many signs and wonders that showed Jesus to be God here on earth. Healing ministries (Luke 4:17-21), Jesus was born of a virgin birth (Luke 1:26-35), Jesus raised the dead (John 11:1-46), Jesus forgave people's sins (Mark 2:5). Even others claimed Him to be God (John 20:28).
Jesus was also fully human. Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:15 make that clear.
Dave so kindly led us through the very definition and nature of Jesus Christ. Absolutely amazing!
We started to get into how Jesus demonstrated His vast and perfect love, but had to cut it short. Dave is planning to lead us through the next section of Jesus Christ which will include a further explanation of His demonstrative love.
Well, is it any wonder when we trot away from the beautiful Acosta home, we are so uplifted and continually thankful. How does God show us His kindness? It is truly through Godly trainers like Frank and Dave who sacrifice much time and money resources to lead us through the truth of scripture so that we might be trained in leading God honoring lives for this slice we call life.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Who Let The Dogs Out!!?? (Woof...woof...woof...woof)
Well, you know it had to happen. Ever since I started affectionately calling our evangelism class, The Evangelism Dog Pound, that goofy "song" has been ringing in my ears the whole time. For those of you who know me, it comes as no surprise.
There's really nothing like taking a totally secular and crass song and turning it to describe what might be one of my favorite bible teaching classes of all time; and we've only completed the second of six sessions.
Frank, our godly doggy trainer, has taken something I've grown up with and heard all of my life and presented it in such a way that has made me rethink and rework every preconceived notion I had about the gospel to begin with. Can we say the word "r.e.m.o.l.d?"
His starting trick was a great opening. "The gospel is not a plan--it's a person." If I'm understanding correctly, the intent was the personhood of God. How God has revealed Himself by condescending to our tiny, puny brains in creating things in which we can see Him. Not to take away from the marvel and beauty of a mere tree, but considering that He spoke these things into existence--I think the word "condescending" is in order here. But as with anything, I would like to take things a little further and also point out that God revealed His personhood in Jesus Christ. Everything about Jesus Christ clearly points to God in every way. Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:14). Who He was, is and every claim He made, Jesus could do this because He was God. Interestingly enough is the book, What Jesus Demands From the World by John Piper. In it, not only does Dr. Piper clearly state the claims that Jesus made, but goes as far as to say that Jesus actually has and more importantly can make demands on people's lives. Not just the ones who believe and follow Him, but also on the ones who reject and despise Him. Don't believe it. Read in the bible Matthew 28:18. His authority is over all.
But I digress and much to the dismay of my trainer, have rabbit trailed and should be duly scolded as he discouraged any rabbit trailing at all. With ears lowered and tail tucked, I press on.
We started with memory verse homework (which my dear hubby and other lovable pooches aced) and then was led into The Gospel Presentation, Part 1 in our training manual. God, as creator and owner of all, was the first point--and well He should be. :) Frank masterfully divided the word of God to us as He described God revealed in creation. Romans 1:20-23. He gave us complete definitions of eternal power and divine nature.
(Eternal Power: This is a specific statement of God's never-failing power over all things. This reflects His creation and preservation of the world (Colossians 1:16-17. Divine Nature: This is a general statement regarding God's kindness and grace to all men (Matthew 5:45). It summarizes the revealed attributes of God.)
Now we get to the interesting part and this may be where I lose some of my faithful readers. But I hope that you will stick with me to the end here and as Frank's dogmatic (cheap, I know) theme kept resounding like a sweet gentle breeze on a hot summer's day--we'll bring it all together. The law of God is revealed in the heart of every man. What!? That's right. Not just believer's hearts, but every heart--believer or unbeliever. His good and perfect law is imprinted on every man-person. Now how that plays out in our lives is another point entirely, but we can be assured that God, in His infinite grace and mercy, has made us in His image--Genesis 1:26, the likeness of Him--actually "them"--but that's another hip hoppity trail. So what do we do with all of that. We follow His will perfectly and never disobey the creator and owner of all. Woohoo!! See, I told you if you stuck to the end--there'd be a gentle breeze ablowin'. Well, actually, that's not the whole, entire truth.
There is one little sidebar. No one, and I mean nobody except Jesus Christ Himself, could, can or is going to keep God's moral, perfect and holy law--ever. Romans 3:10-11, and 23, Ecclesiastes 7:20 and Isaiah 53:6a spell that out in no uncertain terms. The only perfect human to ever (or is ever going to) walk the face of the earth, Jesus, taught in Matthew 5:21-28 about the breaking of God's law. To really heap it on, not only can we not, in our natural selves, lead sinless, morally perfect lives, but if we don't--a holy and righteous God has every right, privilege and prerogative to be judge, jury and executioner for every soul He made and that means the "d" word..."death." Romans 6:23. Now at this point, there are many who might be wondering if we could possibly do some good deeds. In other words, for every bitter thought or selfish action, we might possibly pay for some penance by being a do-gooder. In other words, right a wrong. A program not in the bible. In fact, just the total opposite. Nothing we can do or say can right a wrong. Only the creator and owner of everything can set those kinds of rules. In keeping with scripture, the more we work on our behalf, the more pewtred it is to a holy God. Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8-9 are pretty clear about that. Just to pose a perspective question to you--if our works could save...who would get the glory?
Excellence in teaching? There it was. Right there at the dog pound. First rate angus beefy scripture thrown to us hungry pack of hounds. Frank then wrapped it up by "bringing it all together." Presuppositional apologetics was used. The word "presupposition" is defined in dictionary.com as the act of presupposing; a supposition made prior to having knowledge (as for the purpose of argument). So in opportunities to share the gospel (I Peter 3:15) we, as believers in Christ, are called to precisely and accurately share the hope that we have in Christ with others. The starting point is a presupposition of who God is and who man is as defined by God Himself in His holy word.
Now admittedly there are were two points of yapping for me that I need a little more guidance on. I'll take the last one before the first.
Toward the end of the training, Frank mentioned that when evangelizing, we must go for the heart and bypass the intellect. That made me yelp. Growing up in a charismatic setting...heart was the leader and intellect was completely bypassed. Engage the heart, the intellect was for those who were not at the mature level of the Holy Spirit's guidance. It was the way that the Holy Spirit led...not through the mind, but through the "heart." I sat there flashbacking to this higher, gnostic form of religion that one could only be saved if they "felt" like they were saved. Since the heart is such a central way of "feeling", popularly used today in the Valentine's Day culture that we live in, I questioned. But Frank, in his great desire for godliness, exhibited much restraint and great patience (as he continually has with me in the past) and plainly and simply defined what was meant by this-which, by the way, I was the only one who was misunderstanding this tidbit, so it was obviously all me and not Frank. When Jesus shared with those who had listening ears, He went for the heart. He did not engage in a match for match wits with them. He would not be led down the many rabbit trails that were thrown at Him. References? In Mark 10, Jesus addresses the heart of a rich young ruler and we find out where exactly his heart is. John 3 starts with a man named Nicodemus who comes to Jesus at night, asking Him about how to be saved. John 4-The woman at the well. Jesus talks to her about living water. That is what he (Frank) meant by going for the heart and not the intellect. Herein we can add another freedom to the previous session's list. The freedom in not having to match wits with someone else. It's not about trying to outsmart them or have enough evidence to combat every single objection someone has. It's about the freedom to freely talk about the heart issues that every single person faces in any given race, culture, and social status.
Here's the second yelp-filled question. This happened earlier in the night. Another fellow canine asked, what I thought, was a great question. In the context of man's sin and ability to understand his depravity before a holy God--can anyone claim ignorance? In other words, can someone just flat out truly believe that they didn't know--they had no idea about the moral and holy law. Now, to be fair, I may have misunderstood his question and completely distorted and perverted the original intent of what he was trying to ask. Anyone who knows me is, at this point, not surprised. But his question spurred my own thoughts and questions toward what the bible says man's responsibility is before God.
Romans 1:20 clearly states that man is without excuse. Because He (God) clearly wrote Himself on every person's heart, there will be no man that will be able to stand before His judgement throne and give an excuse of ignorance. Ephesians 2:5 says that we are dead in our transgressions. Colossians 2:13 says that we were dead in our transgressions. II Corinthians talks about spiritual blindness. So how do we reconcile all of this? We are fully responsible and without excuse, yet those who are dead--how can they see? How can they hear? They're doornail dead-right? Ultimately, I put it under the wonderful and gracious heading of God's sovereignty. But in the quietness of my own heart, I still pray that I will better understand it more to be able to give an answer for those who ask--realizing the limitations of my feeble and wimpy intellect.
So, because of all of this unruly yapping, our trainer wisely posed the question back to us as homework. Over the next two weeks we are to figure out the following question:
Can anyone claim ignorance when it comes to God's holy law? As with any seasoned cheater, cheater pumpkin eater--I am posing the question to you, the reader of this bloggy. Please respond in the comments section (or feel free to E-mail me) as I would love to hear what you have to say. It will ultimately help me with my homework and hopefully get me out of the doghouse I'm in with all of my fellow dogsters. Any in-context, biblical support gets their very own pigs ear doggy treat.
Thank you for letting me share and I'm already looking forward to the next session, should the Lord allow. Blessings, dear Frank, for your incredible leadership and guidance as this wild dingo gets muzzled in truth! Woof!
There's really nothing like taking a totally secular and crass song and turning it to describe what might be one of my favorite bible teaching classes of all time; and we've only completed the second of six sessions.
Frank, our godly doggy trainer, has taken something I've grown up with and heard all of my life and presented it in such a way that has made me rethink and rework every preconceived notion I had about the gospel to begin with. Can we say the word "r.e.m.o.l.d?"
His starting trick was a great opening. "The gospel is not a plan--it's a person." If I'm understanding correctly, the intent was the personhood of God. How God has revealed Himself by condescending to our tiny, puny brains in creating things in which we can see Him. Not to take away from the marvel and beauty of a mere tree, but considering that He spoke these things into existence--I think the word "condescending" is in order here. But as with anything, I would like to take things a little further and also point out that God revealed His personhood in Jesus Christ. Everything about Jesus Christ clearly points to God in every way. Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:14). Who He was, is and every claim He made, Jesus could do this because He was God. Interestingly enough is the book, What Jesus Demands From the World by John Piper. In it, not only does Dr. Piper clearly state the claims that Jesus made, but goes as far as to say that Jesus actually has and more importantly can make demands on people's lives. Not just the ones who believe and follow Him, but also on the ones who reject and despise Him. Don't believe it. Read in the bible Matthew 28:18. His authority is over all.
But I digress and much to the dismay of my trainer, have rabbit trailed and should be duly scolded as he discouraged any rabbit trailing at all. With ears lowered and tail tucked, I press on.
We started with memory verse homework (which my dear hubby and other lovable pooches aced) and then was led into The Gospel Presentation, Part 1 in our training manual. God, as creator and owner of all, was the first point--and well He should be. :) Frank masterfully divided the word of God to us as He described God revealed in creation. Romans 1:20-23. He gave us complete definitions of eternal power and divine nature.
(Eternal Power: This is a specific statement of God's never-failing power over all things. This reflects His creation and preservation of the world (Colossians 1:16-17. Divine Nature: This is a general statement regarding God's kindness and grace to all men (Matthew 5:45). It summarizes the revealed attributes of God.)
Now we get to the interesting part and this may be where I lose some of my faithful readers. But I hope that you will stick with me to the end here and as Frank's dogmatic (cheap, I know) theme kept resounding like a sweet gentle breeze on a hot summer's day--we'll bring it all together. The law of God is revealed in the heart of every man. What!? That's right. Not just believer's hearts, but every heart--believer or unbeliever. His good and perfect law is imprinted on every man-person. Now how that plays out in our lives is another point entirely, but we can be assured that God, in His infinite grace and mercy, has made us in His image--Genesis 1:26, the likeness of Him--actually "them"--but that's another hip hoppity trail. So what do we do with all of that. We follow His will perfectly and never disobey the creator and owner of all. Woohoo!! See, I told you if you stuck to the end--there'd be a gentle breeze ablowin'. Well, actually, that's not the whole, entire truth.
There is one little sidebar. No one, and I mean nobody except Jesus Christ Himself, could, can or is going to keep God's moral, perfect and holy law--ever. Romans 3:10-11, and 23, Ecclesiastes 7:20 and Isaiah 53:6a spell that out in no uncertain terms. The only perfect human to ever (or is ever going to) walk the face of the earth, Jesus, taught in Matthew 5:21-28 about the breaking of God's law. To really heap it on, not only can we not, in our natural selves, lead sinless, morally perfect lives, but if we don't--a holy and righteous God has every right, privilege and prerogative to be judge, jury and executioner for every soul He made and that means the "d" word..."death." Romans 6:23. Now at this point, there are many who might be wondering if we could possibly do some good deeds. In other words, for every bitter thought or selfish action, we might possibly pay for some penance by being a do-gooder. In other words, right a wrong. A program not in the bible. In fact, just the total opposite. Nothing we can do or say can right a wrong. Only the creator and owner of everything can set those kinds of rules. In keeping with scripture, the more we work on our behalf, the more pewtred it is to a holy God. Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8-9 are pretty clear about that. Just to pose a perspective question to you--if our works could save...who would get the glory?
Excellence in teaching? There it was. Right there at the dog pound. First rate angus beefy scripture thrown to us hungry pack of hounds. Frank then wrapped it up by "bringing it all together." Presuppositional apologetics was used. The word "presupposition" is defined in dictionary.com as the act of presupposing; a supposition made prior to having knowledge (as for the purpose of argument). So in opportunities to share the gospel (I Peter 3:15) we, as believers in Christ, are called to precisely and accurately share the hope that we have in Christ with others. The starting point is a presupposition of who God is and who man is as defined by God Himself in His holy word.
Now admittedly there are were two points of yapping for me that I need a little more guidance on. I'll take the last one before the first.
Toward the end of the training, Frank mentioned that when evangelizing, we must go for the heart and bypass the intellect. That made me yelp. Growing up in a charismatic setting...heart was the leader and intellect was completely bypassed. Engage the heart, the intellect was for those who were not at the mature level of the Holy Spirit's guidance. It was the way that the Holy Spirit led...not through the mind, but through the "heart." I sat there flashbacking to this higher, gnostic form of religion that one could only be saved if they "felt" like they were saved. Since the heart is such a central way of "feeling", popularly used today in the Valentine's Day culture that we live in, I questioned. But Frank, in his great desire for godliness, exhibited much restraint and great patience (as he continually has with me in the past) and plainly and simply defined what was meant by this-which, by the way, I was the only one who was misunderstanding this tidbit, so it was obviously all me and not Frank. When Jesus shared with those who had listening ears, He went for the heart. He did not engage in a match for match wits with them. He would not be led down the many rabbit trails that were thrown at Him. References? In Mark 10, Jesus addresses the heart of a rich young ruler and we find out where exactly his heart is. John 3 starts with a man named Nicodemus who comes to Jesus at night, asking Him about how to be saved. John 4-The woman at the well. Jesus talks to her about living water. That is what he (Frank) meant by going for the heart and not the intellect. Herein we can add another freedom to the previous session's list. The freedom in not having to match wits with someone else. It's not about trying to outsmart them or have enough evidence to combat every single objection someone has. It's about the freedom to freely talk about the heart issues that every single person faces in any given race, culture, and social status.
Here's the second yelp-filled question. This happened earlier in the night. Another fellow canine asked, what I thought, was a great question. In the context of man's sin and ability to understand his depravity before a holy God--can anyone claim ignorance? In other words, can someone just flat out truly believe that they didn't know--they had no idea about the moral and holy law. Now, to be fair, I may have misunderstood his question and completely distorted and perverted the original intent of what he was trying to ask. Anyone who knows me is, at this point, not surprised. But his question spurred my own thoughts and questions toward what the bible says man's responsibility is before God.
Romans 1:20 clearly states that man is without excuse. Because He (God) clearly wrote Himself on every person's heart, there will be no man that will be able to stand before His judgement throne and give an excuse of ignorance. Ephesians 2:5 says that we are dead in our transgressions. Colossians 2:13 says that we were dead in our transgressions. II Corinthians talks about spiritual blindness. So how do we reconcile all of this? We are fully responsible and without excuse, yet those who are dead--how can they see? How can they hear? They're doornail dead-right? Ultimately, I put it under the wonderful and gracious heading of God's sovereignty. But in the quietness of my own heart, I still pray that I will better understand it more to be able to give an answer for those who ask--realizing the limitations of my feeble and wimpy intellect.
So, because of all of this unruly yapping, our trainer wisely posed the question back to us as homework. Over the next two weeks we are to figure out the following question:
Can anyone claim ignorance when it comes to God's holy law? As with any seasoned cheater, cheater pumpkin eater--I am posing the question to you, the reader of this bloggy. Please respond in the comments section (or feel free to E-mail me) as I would love to hear what you have to say. It will ultimately help me with my homework and hopefully get me out of the doghouse I'm in with all of my fellow dogsters. Any in-context, biblical support gets their very own pigs ear doggy treat.
Thank you for letting me share and I'm already looking forward to the next session, should the Lord allow. Blessings, dear Frank, for your incredible leadership and guidance as this wild dingo gets muzzled in truth! Woof!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Is It Possible to Teach An Old Dog New Tricks?
Scott and I are living proof that it is possible. The caveat? There are a few. Let me explain.
Scott and I have grown up in church. We've grown up in homes that have professed Christ and while that has manifested itself in various ways, the bottom line is that we have been privileged to have such backgrounds. The challenging issue is that we also come with some preconceived notions about various doctrines of our faith. We tend to purport tradition or style as truth, instead of completely leaning on the entire word of God to guide and protect. We are old dogs acting out hypocritical tricks.
Enter our evangelism class. It is feeding us old pups some new Purina--the good stuff. Mainly, what the truth of the word says about evangelism, witnessing and living our lives for the God to which we are joyful slaves. We are extremely excited to be taking this evangelism class taught by our new trainer (Associate Pastor), Frank Judson. The Judson family have righteously influenced our lives in such an extreme way it would be hard to explain with mere words, but we are forever grateful that the Lord saw fit to bring such a precious family to us and it is impossible (not that we try very hard) to remember life without them.
In our first class, we were reminded of some amazing truths about what God's word teaches us; about who God is; who man is; and how we are completely free from any man-made restriction to share the truth of the word because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. I think the biggest doggy treat that we will treasure was when Frank taught from the handout about the many freedom from restrictions that we have to proclaiming the gospel message.
Let me share:
Based in Matthew 28:18-20--16
But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.
When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Vs. 18 contains unrestricted right through Jesus Christ.
Vs. 19 contains unrestricted scope and unrestricted access
Vs. 20 contains unrestricted age or spiritual protection.
The other freedom or unrestriction we have is from results. It is God that does the saving...not us. So we need not guilt, emote, beg, plead, manipulate, strong-arm, etc. anyone with methodology or tactics. Romans 1:16 states plainly and clearly that it is the word of God that holds the power...not gimmicks, tactics, eloquent speeches, heart-wrenching testimonies...but the word of God. Matthew 9:37-38 is very clear about who is Lord of the harvest. In fact, I'd like to take it one step further and proclaim that not only is it God who saves, but it is God who is sending the workers.
So a word to those who are being evangelized. Call upon the name of Jesus Christ for salvation from sin; believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and you will be saved (Romans 10:13.)
Those who are evangelizing. Be thankful that we are but workers in His field and we do not even go except the Lord sends us. That is how dependent we are on the Lord. (Look at vs. 38 carefully as it says who exactly sends the workers.) Therefore, we are completely and utterly free from anything, but being workers in His field. Lest we work in vain (I Cor. 3:12-15), let's pray that we work under His authority and calling and not go or "do" when not sent. I know people who work and toil all in the name of the Lord, but not under the authority of His complete word. What will become of their toiling in the day of judgement?
Caveat-time:
1) Truth muzzles
2) Godly trainer
3) Biblical treats
4) Daily walks
5) Sunday dog house meetings
These are the new doggy activities.
Well, to end on a light note--Scott and I are so excited for the next class already. We have much homework to do and are looking forward to it.
Stay tuned as you will hopefully see old dogs put off the old tricks and learn new biblical skills. We love the evangelism dog pound!
Scott and I have grown up in church. We've grown up in homes that have professed Christ and while that has manifested itself in various ways, the bottom line is that we have been privileged to have such backgrounds. The challenging issue is that we also come with some preconceived notions about various doctrines of our faith. We tend to purport tradition or style as truth, instead of completely leaning on the entire word of God to guide and protect. We are old dogs acting out hypocritical tricks.
Enter our evangelism class. It is feeding us old pups some new Purina--the good stuff. Mainly, what the truth of the word says about evangelism, witnessing and living our lives for the God to which we are joyful slaves. We are extremely excited to be taking this evangelism class taught by our new trainer (Associate Pastor), Frank Judson. The Judson family have righteously influenced our lives in such an extreme way it would be hard to explain with mere words, but we are forever grateful that the Lord saw fit to bring such a precious family to us and it is impossible (not that we try very hard) to remember life without them.
In our first class, we were reminded of some amazing truths about what God's word teaches us; about who God is; who man is; and how we are completely free from any man-made restriction to share the truth of the word because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. I think the biggest doggy treat that we will treasure was when Frank taught from the handout about the many freedom from restrictions that we have to proclaiming the gospel message.
Let me share:
Based in Matthew 28:18-20--16
But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.
When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Vs. 18 contains unrestricted right through Jesus Christ.
Vs. 19 contains unrestricted scope and unrestricted access
Vs. 20 contains unrestricted age or spiritual protection.
The other freedom or unrestriction we have is from results. It is God that does the saving...not us. So we need not guilt, emote, beg, plead, manipulate, strong-arm, etc. anyone with methodology or tactics. Romans 1:16 states plainly and clearly that it is the word of God that holds the power...not gimmicks, tactics, eloquent speeches, heart-wrenching testimonies...but the word of God. Matthew 9:37-38 is very clear about who is Lord of the harvest. In fact, I'd like to take it one step further and proclaim that not only is it God who saves, but it is God who is sending the workers.
So a word to those who are being evangelized. Call upon the name of Jesus Christ for salvation from sin; believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and you will be saved (Romans 10:13.)
Those who are evangelizing. Be thankful that we are but workers in His field and we do not even go except the Lord sends us. That is how dependent we are on the Lord. (Look at vs. 38 carefully as it says who exactly sends the workers.) Therefore, we are completely and utterly free from anything, but being workers in His field. Lest we work in vain (I Cor. 3:12-15), let's pray that we work under His authority and calling and not go or "do" when not sent. I know people who work and toil all in the name of the Lord, but not under the authority of His complete word. What will become of their toiling in the day of judgement?
Caveat-time:
1) Truth muzzles
2) Godly trainer
3) Biblical treats
4) Daily walks
5) Sunday dog house meetings
These are the new doggy activities.
Well, to end on a light note--Scott and I are so excited for the next class already. We have much homework to do and are looking forward to it.
Stay tuned as you will hopefully see old dogs put off the old tricks and learn new biblical skills. We love the evangelism dog pound!
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