2 Peter 1:3 "...seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
Admittedly, I've been sidetracked these last few weeks. I've been pursuing something that cannot be known...trying to know and understand a human's heart. Jeremiah 17:9 is very clear about that. I've been trying to do the work of God, and God, in His infinite care for me, sent a wonderful and godly human agent to set me on the right track again. So I apologize and keep pressing on, or keep blogging on much to the dismay of my reading audience (all two of you.) :)
I've been wanting to blog about this for quite awhile, as this is directly related to my active pursuit of becoming a Titus woman. As always, I want to give everyone background details so you can have a panoramic view of just how silly I really am and how God continually molds and reshapes my old clothes thinking.
Growing up, I was privileged to go to church. Although I am now far removed from many of the doctrines of my youth, I always have had the opportunity to read a fairly good translation of God's word. The problem was that I compartmentalized my life. I was a good little church goer in front of the churched. When living my life, say at school or with worldly friends, I left one compartment and went to another. I was not an influence, I was easily influenced. I was not salt or light, I was flavorless and dim. If I look back at my life now, I can remember questioning why that was. I guess I chalked it up to "noone's perfect."
It has taken me close to 35 years to really understand that the bible is not just a handy dandy compartment resource. It's not just a moral code with which we try our best to follow. It's not just a historical book of do's and don'ts. And it's certainly not a book of heroes and legends to follow (except for Jesus), although this is what I always thought. I actually thought all of these things were true about the bible. In the words of some dear friends...what a "nudge!" Here's the deal.
Foremost--the bible is everything. Without the bible, you have no truth, no light, no knowledge, no understanding... nothing. The bible is direct revelation from the Maker and Creator Himself and there is no other way to know or learn about Him apart from scripture.
What do we know about God's word as described by God Himself?
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
So how are we to act based on this information?
This is where I always get tripped up. Before 3 or 4 years ago, my m.o. was that as long as I lived a good, moral life, went to church, prayed and read my bible, I was following God. I would allot certain portions of my time for spiritual things and then go and live in the real world. This was wrong. Now I see that the bible is not to be interwoven into your every day life as a believer, but the bible IS your life and everything else is interwoven into it. Rarely, if ever, did I believe that the bible would actually help me with the day-to-day, moment-to-moment living. I felt like it was more of a mantra... or a badge. Something you put on or off at the appropriate time (e.g. church, prayer groups, emergency situations, etc.) and then in the in-between times, you just lived your life...ready for the bible to be there should you need it. Sort of like the fire extinguisher in the glass case. Break, if needed.
Talk about a wrong and utterly low view of scripture, and ultimately God.
2 Peter 1:3 "...seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
So what part of life is untouched by scripture? Nuthin'! It's like a V8 moment--I shoulda had one! Everything in this life--breathing, eating, sleeping, dreaming, living, growing, loving, hating, thinking, doing, being--is governed by scripture. As I read more and more, I realize that there is not one thing in the past, present or future that is not only addressed in scripture, but clearly detailed in scripture as it pertains to "life" and "godliness". As I grow more and more, I realize the constant and repetitive use of the words "all", "every", "everything", "wholly", etc. throughout the bible. I was so blind to them before and now I see them everywhere.
God's word is for all situations, in all times, in every circumstance regardless of gender, age, status, culture, background, or race. It is for the moment-to-moment parts of the day. There is nothing in your thought life or public life that scripture cannot pierce or judge.
So now, by His grace, I have re-adjusted my vision and hearing to tune into the word of God so that it is a streaming and continuous flow, knowing that it pertains and is relevant for the exact moment that I am in at that time and the next, and the next, and the next....
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Mark Driscoll is Evil--Follow-Up
Just to be clear...Mark Driscoll is not evil. That is my conclusion. I have listened to a number of his sermons, read his blog and googled his name. There's a lot to be said about a guy that pastors a church of 6,000 plus sheep in the most "unchurched city in America." There's a lot of information out there--some of it controversial. But I don't personally know the people on either side of the wall, so I won't take time to comment on the controversies.
How did this all get started? I received a YouTube video from a friend and the title was Mark Driscoll is Evil. This was in response to an ongoing conversation about the emerging church (reserved for a later post). In that, was a short clip of Pastor Driscoll telling his congregation about how God feels about sinners--which struck a cord in me. You see...I've been chewing this same thought over. "God hates the sin, but loves the sinner" (more on that later).
This is how I was introduced to Pastor Mark Driscoll. I started from the perspective that this guy must be way off base. As I kept watching, I was really puzzled as to why anyone thought this guy was "evil." I was getting confused and needed help.
There are strong supporters in his camp...some of whom I respect dearly, and others who have a strong dislike for him, some of whom I respect dearly. Then there are some who can't decide if they like or dislike him, which is where I come in.
I can't make up my mind. I don't agree with everything that he believes. I certainly don't agree with his philosophy or style, but I agree with (mostly) his theology that I've seen and read so far. The major differences, so far, are his views on the apostolic gifts.
Recently, he publicly apologized to his congregation for the lack of humility in his life, which gave him an ungodly edge. I noticed that not many people blogged or followed up about this apology--friends or critics. The apology appeared to be about as genuine as any public apology could be from a pastor to a congregation. This was back in November of 2007, so I'm curious to see if he's changed his style or presentation tactics at all. I haven't had time to check out to see if his apology is genuine.
When I posted the "Mark Driscoll is evil" question, it was suggested that I was trying to garner interest for conversation. While it may appear that way, I truly was asking the question as I was getting confused from what I was seeing and what I was hearing. So I was truly hoping that those smarter and more knowledgeable than I, could help me filter some of this through my pea-sized brain--which some of you did, and I thank you. I was sent some great information which helped me sort through some of the brain fuzz I have.
Why in the world does this all matter?! Well, back to my original thought which was while I was watching the video, I noticed that he was touching on a topic that I have been chewing over in my mind for some time now. Psalm 5:5 says that God "hates all who do iniquity." So not only does God hate the sin, but also hates all who do iniquity.
In March of this year, I asked one of our beloved Elders at Grace (East), this question. He was kind enough to E-mail me quite a lengthy response. In it, he said that although God extends common grace to all (i.e. Matthew 5:45), His love is different for those chosen (Ephesians 1:4-5). There are those who believe that John 3:16 proves differently, but those people are mistaken. Contextually, it doesn't make sense that God was talking about every single person in the world. The very next verse in John 3:17 says that "...the world might be saved through Him." Well, we obviously know that each and every person has not been saved and in fact, (sidebar) the more I read scripture, the more I realize that fewer and fewer people are going to heaven (but I need to save that for another post.) I am realizing that the bible isn't only about God's vast love (although immeasurable) the bible is about God's glory and His mercy in reserving a remnant for Him through the redemptive plan and work of Jesus Christ. But in moral Sunday School classes around the world, God's love is taught disproportionately with God's holiness so we are filling pews with people who are misguided about the work of Jesus Christ or the true gospel.
Kim! Please get to the point. Well, here's the point. There are many who teach and know truthful, sound doctrine. Scholars, teachers, women, men, professors, theologians and the like. But none of that matters if the presentation is given with strife, arrogance, antagonism and an argumentative heart. If the package of sound doctrine is wrapped in the paper of a haughty presentation and a life that reflects only a "hearing" attitude and not a "doing" attitude...then to whom should I listen? Why should I waste vaporous time with hearing sound doctrine from someone that doesn't fully practice (and subsequently believe) the bible in its entirety (including the submissive, humble and loving parts--the life of Jesus Christ). In fact, I would go as far to say that there may be someone that knows more bible, more theology, more church history and is the most scholarly person I know, but if he or she does not practice what they teach, then I would rather learn from someone who knows less, but passionately and with the highest of conviction, practices the scripture that he or she knows. I believe that is the person to follow and listen with all of my attention. Not the scholar (or pharisee/high priest to put it in biblical terms). And as in the disciples' case, they may have come in late on the academic scene as far as the pharisees were concerned, but they more than made up for it in practicing what their Teacher told them (however imperfectly) and eventually became greater works (including penning scholarly books of the bible) than any of the intellectual types of their day ever contributed.
Craig, the beloved Grace Church (East) Elder mentioned above, is very smart. Whenever I come out of a service where he's taught, I want to ask how many seminary credits do I have now. I would imagine (I'm only assuming here now) that he knows less than Pastor Driscoll for a variety of reasons, but mainly because Craig has a full-time job that does not allow him the luxury of sitting in a study for 8 hours a day pouring over theological books. But I know his life and while, yes, he is an imperfect human being, appointed by God to oversee Christ's church, he presents the truth in such a way that does not dishonor the person of Christ. He represents the gospel that does not lower the scripture to my level, but requires me to rise to the authoritative and scholarly level of scripture.
So who would you rather listen to for this doctrine on God hating sinners?
How did this all get started? I received a YouTube video from a friend and the title was Mark Driscoll is Evil. This was in response to an ongoing conversation about the emerging church (reserved for a later post). In that, was a short clip of Pastor Driscoll telling his congregation about how God feels about sinners--which struck a cord in me. You see...I've been chewing this same thought over. "God hates the sin, but loves the sinner" (more on that later).
This is how I was introduced to Pastor Mark Driscoll. I started from the perspective that this guy must be way off base. As I kept watching, I was really puzzled as to why anyone thought this guy was "evil." I was getting confused and needed help.
There are strong supporters in his camp...some of whom I respect dearly, and others who have a strong dislike for him, some of whom I respect dearly. Then there are some who can't decide if they like or dislike him, which is where I come in.
I can't make up my mind. I don't agree with everything that he believes. I certainly don't agree with his philosophy or style, but I agree with (mostly) his theology that I've seen and read so far. The major differences, so far, are his views on the apostolic gifts.
Recently, he publicly apologized to his congregation for the lack of humility in his life, which gave him an ungodly edge. I noticed that not many people blogged or followed up about this apology--friends or critics. The apology appeared to be about as genuine as any public apology could be from a pastor to a congregation. This was back in November of 2007, so I'm curious to see if he's changed his style or presentation tactics at all. I haven't had time to check out to see if his apology is genuine.
When I posted the "Mark Driscoll is evil" question, it was suggested that I was trying to garner interest for conversation. While it may appear that way, I truly was asking the question as I was getting confused from what I was seeing and what I was hearing. So I was truly hoping that those smarter and more knowledgeable than I, could help me filter some of this through my pea-sized brain--which some of you did, and I thank you. I was sent some great information which helped me sort through some of the brain fuzz I have.
Why in the world does this all matter?! Well, back to my original thought which was while I was watching the video, I noticed that he was touching on a topic that I have been chewing over in my mind for some time now. Psalm 5:5 says that God "hates all who do iniquity." So not only does God hate the sin, but also hates all who do iniquity.
In March of this year, I asked one of our beloved Elders at Grace (East), this question. He was kind enough to E-mail me quite a lengthy response. In it, he said that although God extends common grace to all (i.e. Matthew 5:45), His love is different for those chosen (Ephesians 1:4-5). There are those who believe that John 3:16 proves differently, but those people are mistaken. Contextually, it doesn't make sense that God was talking about every single person in the world. The very next verse in John 3:17 says that "...the world might be saved through Him." Well, we obviously know that each and every person has not been saved and in fact, (sidebar) the more I read scripture, the more I realize that fewer and fewer people are going to heaven (but I need to save that for another post.) I am realizing that the bible isn't only about God's vast love (although immeasurable) the bible is about God's glory and His mercy in reserving a remnant for Him through the redemptive plan and work of Jesus Christ. But in moral Sunday School classes around the world, God's love is taught disproportionately with God's holiness so we are filling pews with people who are misguided about the work of Jesus Christ or the true gospel.
Kim! Please get to the point. Well, here's the point. There are many who teach and know truthful, sound doctrine. Scholars, teachers, women, men, professors, theologians and the like. But none of that matters if the presentation is given with strife, arrogance, antagonism and an argumentative heart. If the package of sound doctrine is wrapped in the paper of a haughty presentation and a life that reflects only a "hearing" attitude and not a "doing" attitude...then to whom should I listen? Why should I waste vaporous time with hearing sound doctrine from someone that doesn't fully practice (and subsequently believe) the bible in its entirety (including the submissive, humble and loving parts--the life of Jesus Christ). In fact, I would go as far to say that there may be someone that knows more bible, more theology, more church history and is the most scholarly person I know, but if he or she does not practice what they teach, then I would rather learn from someone who knows less, but passionately and with the highest of conviction, practices the scripture that he or she knows. I believe that is the person to follow and listen with all of my attention. Not the scholar (or pharisee/high priest to put it in biblical terms). And as in the disciples' case, they may have come in late on the academic scene as far as the pharisees were concerned, but they more than made up for it in practicing what their Teacher told them (however imperfectly) and eventually became greater works (including penning scholarly books of the bible) than any of the intellectual types of their day ever contributed.
Craig, the beloved Grace Church (East) Elder mentioned above, is very smart. Whenever I come out of a service where he's taught, I want to ask how many seminary credits do I have now. I would imagine (I'm only assuming here now) that he knows less than Pastor Driscoll for a variety of reasons, but mainly because Craig has a full-time job that does not allow him the luxury of sitting in a study for 8 hours a day pouring over theological books. But I know his life and while, yes, he is an imperfect human being, appointed by God to oversee Christ's church, he presents the truth in such a way that does not dishonor the person of Christ. He represents the gospel that does not lower the scripture to my level, but requires me to rise to the authoritative and scholarly level of scripture.
So who would you rather listen to for this doctrine on God hating sinners?
Friday, September 5, 2008
Earthly Reliefs -- The Hoyers
Definition of Earthly Reliefs: Earthly Reliefs are men and women (sometimes families, sometimes single) brought into believers' lives for the Proverbs 27:17 sharpening of a person for the glory of God. They help us breathe a little easier as we are called by our great God to travel and journey on this earth. While we are just pilgrims in a dusty and foreign land, Earthly Reliefs are the watering and feeding oases. In some ways, they minister to us and in some ways, we minister to them. But however God has called us to work on the privilege of becoming more Christlike--Earthly Reliefs are designed gifts from the Heavenly Father above to help sharpen and mold us into His image.I'm starting a feature on my blog called Earthly Reliefs. In my life, God has brought me much needed rest from the burden of being in this natural, wretched casing called human flesh through the wonderful pleasure of having Earthly Reliefs. As with all articles on my blog, I'm hoping that this new section will help to display God's glory by showing how Earthly Reliefs have righteously influenced us toward the kingdom of God. I'm hoping that they will encourage any reader of this tiny blog to look for Earthly Reliefs in their own lives. Search for patterns and markers in the people around them that will lead them to seek and befriend these Earthly Reliefs, be mentored by them, mentor and minister to them, and with their Earthly Relief companions, desire the exact same godly image of Christ in every thought, word and deed. And in so doing, by the grace of God, will cling to them, appreciate them and emulate them as earthly models of heavenly godliness. Just as Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:1--he called the church in Corinth to be like him because he imitated Christ. That's what Earthly Reliefs are. Imitators of Christ here on earth set before us to model and follow....to diligently seek their friendship in every way, thereby surrounding yourself with godly models of Christ for His glory and His alone.
I heart this part of blogging. Describing these Earthly Reliefs in black and white text has given me a huge opportunity to share the true depth and width of the gratitude of my heart toward God as He continually and richly blesses me. That's what true blessing has become to me as described in Malachi 3:10. I know it's refering to tithing here, but to me, Earthly Reliefs are far more precious and valuable than any fleeting, temporary benefit of actual paper money or even food (at times), though God continues to pour there also. Earthly Reliefs are the treasured blessings in direct porportion to God's goodness and mercy to whom He pours out on us unworthy types.
With that, I introduce to you our next Earthly Reliefs--Gustav and Nancy Hoyer. Now to be fair, anyone who knows these beloved must realize how hard it would be to try and blog a mere post about them. It is no small task. I tried to organize my thoughts, though, around what they would enjoy hearing about themselves--how they influence those around them for the kingdom of God.
Gustav and Nancy reside in the beautiful region of Southern California (thus, her posting signature "Nancy in SoCal"). They have 5 children--Nicholas, Gretchen, Lillian, Gabriel and Kurt. Their children are crazy smart (an endearing term now used liberally to describe really, really, really smart people). Posssibly the smartest children I know....all of them (well, minus Kurt, but there is a fair assumption made.) Nancy (who is crazy smart herself) is a homeschooling genius and one out of two resources that I turn to for continual guidance on all fronts. Gustav. Where do I start with him? He is the poster child for crazy smart. But beyond that he's a gifted teacher, composer, singer, pianist, recording artist, computer geek, cowboy, and all-around, saved, great guy. Did I mention he's smart too? My personal favorite is that they equally have a killer sense of humor that keeps their smarty, farty pants lifestyle in check.
Okay, by this time I'm sure they're thoroughly embarrassed, but that's not my intent. Those gifts, they all recognize, are directly from the Giver and Maker of all, so they boast not in themselves. So why did I give them this intro. Well, besides being accurate, I also wanted to set up the rest of this blog so you could potentially picture a more detailed view of some of the circumstances listed below. A view that will hopefully help you look for those in your own life that fulfill certain characteristics so that when you are gifted with the opportunity to learn and grow--you will learn and grow from those well-qualified. If you don't, then you have the potential hazard of being led astray.
So here's the part I think they'll appreciate. How have they influenced our tiny family for the kingdom of God? How has God displayed His glory before our very eyes, unbeknownst to them?
The first thing that comes to mind is the opposite reaction that the rich young ruler had as described in Mark 10. They are prepared to give everything away. And they have to us. The first time we lived here our car broke down and they loaned us their car for "as long as we needed it." We had known them for barely a monthy. The second time we lived here, we could not afford to carry a mortgage and have an apartment and yet, Scott wanted us here in CT with him (we had already been apart for about 6 weeks with no home sale in sight.) Enter the Hoyers. They were the first to offer us a place to stay. We lived in their home, drove their cars, ate their food, and played with their beloved (passed) pooch. It was the material goods that they treasured not. They only gave out of the well-spring of their hearts having been regenerated and changed into Christ's likeness. They gave no thought to their own comfort, their own way of life, their schedule and the inevitable disasters of having the Noble clumsies around. They sacrificially gave to our family, in our greatest time of need. So I do not point to the wonderful material sacrifices they gave (although great in number and value). They gave of their actual lives to allow us to be together as a family when we could not afford it. What kind of family does this outside of Christ?
Gustav, as a lovingly missed Elder of Grace Church is an incredibly gifted teacher and used his gifts by answering the many silly and milky questions of a newly saved christian (although at this time I still believed I had been saved all of my life.) He spent his valuable time mentoring and discipling me in the word and truths of God, including election, and for that I am eternally grateful. He challenged me to read through Romans and spent some time at night going over my questions. One particular exhausting (for him) but exhilarating (for me) night of discussion, I told him how much I appreciated him. He looked at me and with this ever-patient, godly expression, told me "Kim, there is no better way I would rather spend my time then going over the scriptures with you." You see--it's not that he sacrificed that time with me (although valued beyond description)--it was his heart attitude toward it. From his wellspring, he genuinely could say that he would rather go over scripture with a pathetic, dense soul like myself then doing the many other activities he so enjoyed, but probably missed while we lived with them.
Nancy, a gifted teacher, has used her gifts to influence me in such a way that is not the brash and harsh--get-it-right attitude that I deserve. She has chosen the kind, compassionate, enduring route that gently, patiently and faithfully leads me to spiritual matters of the heart and a genuine homeschool knowledge that can only be described as full and complete. When I think of Nancy and all she does and shares, I think of the Prov. 31 woman in verse 11 where it talks about her husband does not lack. That is how I feel about Nancy and I'm sure anyone who knows her would concur. When you are her friend, you lack nothing out of a godly friendship. You never lack a knowledgeable, godly conversation; a spiritually, heart-filled mentoring encouragement; or a good laugh. I have observed her when she speaks and you can see her mind working as she filters her words so that she is in line with what scripture teaches. She has mad writing skills and uses them for the eternal purpose of blogging and encouraging her family. If there is an earthly Titus 2 model--she would have a picture posted.
This amazing family has (and continues to) influence those around them for the kingdom of God. They are holy and righteous; combining their natural gifted smarts with a godly heart and desire for Christ. They make a formidable pair that anyone within their radar would be naturally attracted. I would imagine it gives them many opportunities to share the truth they know, just like in my case. I count them a great blessing in my life as they are the first family for me, personally, who showed that the very merciful and kindness of God has personally touched me with accurate and biblical preciseness.
Seek a family like this. Bug them like we do. They are rare and costly because Christ has positioned a very few with such talents and gifts to befriend us peasants. I always think were it not for the grace of God actively working in the Hoyers and their utter submission to Christ, we would not be a blip on their screen...that's how different we are.
How do you say thank you to a family that has literally modeled the true and complete Christian philosophy as spelled out by Paul in the New Testament. The only way to say it is--TO GOD BE THE GLORY...GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Little Bundles of Depravity
Okay. So I can't take the credit for that. A beloved church member said that, but I thought it was completely appropriate--and more importantly--scriptural. I've wrestled with this gnawing in my gut for the last couple of years. My children are not saved. They are bundles of depravity sent by a loving, heavenly Father for me to train in the fear and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) But the fact still remains that they are sinners in need of a Savior and because of that, their words and actions (though sometimes so stinkin' cute) come from a depraved heart and soul. Their thoughts and intentions are daily about manipulation, rebellion, selfishness and evil--and those are on the good days. Don't believe me? Look up Genesis 6:5, Jeremiah 17:9. No matter how cute, nice, smart, good, generous, etc. that they appear--I must always keep in mind that until they are regenerated (Lord-willing), it is of no eternal value. So what, you ask? Well, I'm always interested in finding how God's glory is displayed in situations where there seems to be little, if at all, opportunity for a glory showcase (e.g. those not elect living their lives here on earth in unelect fashion). I realize that in the overall, umbrella of the course of time, God's glory will be known throughout, but until then, I know that as a desiring T2W, I want to set my mind toward finding and publicly sharing praise and thankfulness to God in seemingly godless situations and find where God's glory will fit, especially in my own home. If my little darlings, by God's mercy, become born again by the Spirit (i.e. regenerated) then woot, woot (in the words of dear FB friends.) I need not go on. But admittedly so, I have wrestled with the fact that what if they are never regenerated. If you have wrestled with the same, please read on.
Here are my chewed-over thoughts.
As someone who has come to see the true value, treasure and biblical accuracy in election, I have been forced to face some truths about my own dear bundles. The primary is--what if they aren't the elect? What if they are not chosen and instead, have been made for "vessels of wrath" as talked about in Romans 9. You have only to read through this entire chapter in the bible to understand it is God, and God alone, who does the making and the choosing. He has pre-ordered their steps before the foundations of this world were created. It is something, no matter how hard I kick and scream against, that I can't change. God, as creator and owner of all, saw every possible path that each moment would bring them and sovereignly chose the specific path they will walk. If that doesn't blow the mind, I'm not sure what will. But the ache is still there.
So what do I do with this leftover aching and gnawing? By the grace of God, I have set my mind to use this time for His glory by these few focused activities. Listed in no particular order.
1) I try and take nothing for granted. Every moment, every circumstance, every action must be a training ground for teaching and admonishing in the fear of the Lord. It is one of the main reasons we chose homeschooling. There is but a small allotment of time to influence them for the kingdom of God before they depart from home and are out of our immediate care. (Genesis 2:24)
2) I give them the benefit of the doubt and continually tell them they are not saved. (How would you like to be my child right about now--eh?)I continually pray out loud in our devotional time and nighttime prayers for God to "save their souls." And I pray in my own private time too.
3) When they do/act/say something that is perceived as a fruit of the Spirit, I try and pick and choose my words carefully. I try not to give them a false sense of security that they are "good" or "kind" or "loving." I try and tell them that they have showed "goodness", "kindness" or "love" toward someone or something (depending on the favorite toy in hand).
4) I try to make a point to never tell them "I'm proud of you." This is such a foreign concept to the world. I want to watch and guard my words carefully so as not to bring a worldly attitude and thought of "self-esteem" into the mix. Those type of psychological terms and concepts are extremely hard to get rid of as they get older. The world wants them to be "proud of themselves" but I find nowhere in scripture where that is true. I try to change those words to, "I am so thankful to God for.... ", depending on the situation.
5) I take every opportunity, for as long as the Lord allows, for them to have devotional time, prayer time and church time. Equal participation, equal time.
6) I will ask their forgiveness for true sin and mistakes that are wrong. In return, I truly try and forgive and forget (which true forgiveness has to "choose to forget") when they are called to repentance.
7) I pray that my 3rd generation christian home will be saturated with discernment and a knowing heart of how easy it will be for my children to parade behind a mask of their parent's faith, verses genuine saving faith. Anyone who has heard my testimony knows that God saved me from the ultimate deceit--believing I was saved and going to heaven--when I wasn't. This slippery slope is one of the biggest mountains and obstacles you will ever face as christian parents trying to influence your children for Christ. It is a truly sad event when christian parents bury their head in the sand, convinced (and subsequently convincing) their children that they are saved, when they are, in fact, not. Genuine love for your children will open discerning eyes and ears that leave no room for assumption.
8) I guard what they watch and read....praying for the kind of X-ray vision that sees through worldly disguises and my own laziness at times.
9) Equally, I guard with whom they are friends--for now.
10) I pray that my character is changed and molded into a non-hypocritical model of what I am preaching to them.
11) I try and remind myself every day that I am raising my children to leave the home. That is the goal. They must be less dependent on me, to become more dependent on Christ. I don't want them to have my faith. I want them to have independent-of-me, saving faith. If I become the overbearing, overprotective, super control freak Mom that I would like to be--I will suffocate and choke the very life they must live to point them to their all-dependency need of Christ.
12) I pray for every opportunity to share the gospel with them. My final point. I realized that when sharing the gospel, even to the unsaved, non-elect, vessels of wrath (as may be my children) I am glorifying God every time I publicly speak the true gospel. It glorifies Him. It doesn't have to be in a conversion situation. Every time the true gospel is publicly shared (whether on deaf ears or hearing ears) it glorifies God. It does not matter my earthly audience...it only matters my obedience and desire to glorify Him.
As I mature and grow in Christ, the gnawing in my gut is replaced by a biblical peace and knowing that the always good, always loving God will deal righteously and justly with my bundles of depraved blessings. He will never compromise His holy character for them, I can rest assured. So I need only ask myself one lingering question--Who do I love more, my children or my God? If I love God more, then I will leave the "elect" question to Him and be wholly obedient to Him in the life of my children; endlessly searching for ways to glorify God while I still have them as a captive audience. I am learning to rest more peacefully at night knowing that the answer is better left to the One who holds their eternal state in His hands anyway. And that, right there, is glorifying to God.
Here are my chewed-over thoughts.
As someone who has come to see the true value, treasure and biblical accuracy in election, I have been forced to face some truths about my own dear bundles. The primary is--what if they aren't the elect? What if they are not chosen and instead, have been made for "vessels of wrath" as talked about in Romans 9. You have only to read through this entire chapter in the bible to understand it is God, and God alone, who does the making and the choosing. He has pre-ordered their steps before the foundations of this world were created. It is something, no matter how hard I kick and scream against, that I can't change. God, as creator and owner of all, saw every possible path that each moment would bring them and sovereignly chose the specific path they will walk. If that doesn't blow the mind, I'm not sure what will. But the ache is still there.
So what do I do with this leftover aching and gnawing? By the grace of God, I have set my mind to use this time for His glory by these few focused activities. Listed in no particular order.
1) I try and take nothing for granted. Every moment, every circumstance, every action must be a training ground for teaching and admonishing in the fear of the Lord. It is one of the main reasons we chose homeschooling. There is but a small allotment of time to influence them for the kingdom of God before they depart from home and are out of our immediate care. (Genesis 2:24)
2) I give them the benefit of the doubt and continually tell them they are not saved. (How would you like to be my child right about now--eh?)I continually pray out loud in our devotional time and nighttime prayers for God to "save their souls." And I pray in my own private time too.
3) When they do/act/say something that is perceived as a fruit of the Spirit, I try and pick and choose my words carefully. I try not to give them a false sense of security that they are "good" or "kind" or "loving." I try and tell them that they have showed "goodness", "kindness" or "love" toward someone or something (depending on the favorite toy in hand).
4) I try to make a point to never tell them "I'm proud of you." This is such a foreign concept to the world. I want to watch and guard my words carefully so as not to bring a worldly attitude and thought of "self-esteem" into the mix. Those type of psychological terms and concepts are extremely hard to get rid of as they get older. The world wants them to be "proud of themselves" but I find nowhere in scripture where that is true. I try to change those words to, "I am so thankful to God for.... ", depending on the situation.
5) I take every opportunity, for as long as the Lord allows, for them to have devotional time, prayer time and church time. Equal participation, equal time.
6) I will ask their forgiveness for true sin and mistakes that are wrong. In return, I truly try and forgive and forget (which true forgiveness has to "choose to forget") when they are called to repentance.
7) I pray that my 3rd generation christian home will be saturated with discernment and a knowing heart of how easy it will be for my children to parade behind a mask of their parent's faith, verses genuine saving faith. Anyone who has heard my testimony knows that God saved me from the ultimate deceit--believing I was saved and going to heaven--when I wasn't. This slippery slope is one of the biggest mountains and obstacles you will ever face as christian parents trying to influence your children for Christ. It is a truly sad event when christian parents bury their head in the sand, convinced (and subsequently convincing) their children that they are saved, when they are, in fact, not. Genuine love for your children will open discerning eyes and ears that leave no room for assumption.
8) I guard what they watch and read....praying for the kind of X-ray vision that sees through worldly disguises and my own laziness at times.
9) Equally, I guard with whom they are friends--for now.
10) I pray that my character is changed and molded into a non-hypocritical model of what I am preaching to them.
11) I try and remind myself every day that I am raising my children to leave the home. That is the goal. They must be less dependent on me, to become more dependent on Christ. I don't want them to have my faith. I want them to have independent-of-me, saving faith. If I become the overbearing, overprotective, super control freak Mom that I would like to be--I will suffocate and choke the very life they must live to point them to their all-dependency need of Christ.
12) I pray for every opportunity to share the gospel with them. My final point. I realized that when sharing the gospel, even to the unsaved, non-elect, vessels of wrath (as may be my children) I am glorifying God every time I publicly speak the true gospel. It glorifies Him. It doesn't have to be in a conversion situation. Every time the true gospel is publicly shared (whether on deaf ears or hearing ears) it glorifies God. It does not matter my earthly audience...it only matters my obedience and desire to glorify Him.
As I mature and grow in Christ, the gnawing in my gut is replaced by a biblical peace and knowing that the always good, always loving God will deal righteously and justly with my bundles of depraved blessings. He will never compromise His holy character for them, I can rest assured. So I need only ask myself one lingering question--Who do I love more, my children or my God? If I love God more, then I will leave the "elect" question to Him and be wholly obedient to Him in the life of my children; endlessly searching for ways to glorify God while I still have them as a captive audience. I am learning to rest more peacefully at night knowing that the answer is better left to the One who holds their eternal state in His hands anyway. And that, right there, is glorifying to God.
Mark Driscoll Is Evil
Can anyone out there explain to me why Mark Driscoll is evil? You can post in the comments or E-mail me. Thank you.
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