Mitchell Landress

How Do You Pray for Someone Who Is Suffering from a Prolonged Illness?

2012-02-02T10:39:00.002-05:00

The list is not exhaustive, but it is a good biblical start toward this kind of prayer.

1. Pray that God would extend his merciful hand and bring about complete healing in their body.

2. Pray that the doctors and nurses who are treating them would be instruments of God and filled with much wisdom.

3. Pray that they would not equate a lack of health with a lack of God’s love for them (Romans 8:31–39).

4. Pray that their uncertain circumstances would not diminish the reality of their most certain future (Romans 8:35).

5. Pray that their illness would cause further reliance on God and not less (2 Corinthians 1:8–9).

6. Pray that the brevity of their earthly bodies would not detract from the fullness of life within them (2 Corinthians 4:7–12).

7. Pray that their illness would become a platform of witness for the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:13–15).

8. Pray that their visible circumstances would not take their eyes off of their invisible hope (2 Corinthians 4:16–5:5).

9. Pray that they would be encouraged to live their lives to please God, whether by life or by death (2 Corinthians 5:6–10).

10. Pray that God would grant them the patience for both treatment and recovery.

The Cross of Jesus Christ

2011-10-13T11:50:00.001-05:00

The death of Jesus on the cross means many things. It is the greatest demonstration of God’s love for his creation. “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). It would also be true to say that the death of Jesus on the cross proves to us the hatred God has against sin, since the alternative is everlasting torment in hell. On the other hand, it would also be true to say that the cross proves to us our great worth and value, since God allowed his Son to suffer and die in order to redeem us. All of these are true in part.

But the greatest or highest meaning of the cross is the holiness and justice of God (Romans 3:23–26). In an act of God’s grace and mercy, he allowed the sins of his children to go unpunished (3:25). But this would mean that he was not keeping his word to punish all who sin. Is God a liar?

The reputation of God was at stake until the cross. By sending his own son—both God and man—he became just (punishing sin as he promised he would) and the justifier (the one who allows sinners to go unpunished).

Jesus upheld the righteous and holy character of God and bore the punishment of sinners that the law of God required. The highest or greatest meaning of the cross is the righteousness and holiness of God.

With his name now upheld as righteous and holy, he is free to demonstrate his good character in pouring out his love to us in the same way that he cleared his name and redeemed all of mankind. The cross is first and foremost about God and we have reaped the benefits of his greatness!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Mitch

Preach Like A Great Movie

2011-10-13T11:48:00.001-05:00

As of this year, Walt Disney Studios has produced fifty-one animated movies, beginning with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. Along the way, many of these films have become a part of American life and even part of a worldwide Disney culture. Who doesn’t know the story of Cinderella, Peter Pan, or the many adventures of Winnie the Pooh. These stories are captivating to the imagination of children (and adults!) around the world. We have watched these films times without number and know their stories inside and out.

But would you ever think of watching these Disney classics in clips? I mean, would these films be as captivating if you broke them down into categories and watched clips from these films by categories?

Take for instance, sword fighting. Would watching a montage of Disney sword fights—including classics like Peter Pan and Captain Hook—be as interesting as watching the movie in its entirety? Probably not.

Not to mention, we would lose sight of the real story if we did this. We would never be captivated by the story of Aladdin, as he learns to be himself, if we watched only the fight scenes, or only the love story, or only the comedic inserts of the Genie.

Films tell a story and are created to be watched from beginning to end, lest we miss the major point of the story. The Bible is much the same way. While we can learn some things by viewing it in clips or by categories, we are much better fed if we view it as it was written—a story; to be read from beginning to end. Let me encourage you to re-enter the story of the Bible, so that your heart might be captivated by the story of redemption.

Love in Christ,
Pastor Mitch

The Tithe, The Poor and Our Worship

2011-09-27T12:29:00.002-05:00

One of our college students asked a very good question last week. The question was this: Is giving to the poor the same as tithing? That is, if your tithe for the week is ten dollars and you have given five dollars to the poor, do you give the other five to the church? Or, if ten percent of your income is a hundred dollars, is it the same to give it to a local or national charity as it is to give it to the church? These are good questions and questions that deserve a solid answer from the Bible.

From the very beginning the tithe has been an expression of worship. The tithe belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30, 32) and was used to provide for the priests in the temple. But even the priests in the temple were not exempt from tithing, for of all people they were expected to give as a part of their worship (Numbers 18:26).

But isn’t all of life to be worship? In one sense the answer to that question is yes; all of life should be worship. So, is it acceptable to worship God by giving your tithe or a portion of it to the poor? Two passages will help us answer this question.

The first passage to consider is that of the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41–44. There, Jesus observes a poor widow giving all of her money —two small copper coins—to the temple treasury. Jesus watches her, praises her, but never stops her. Why? Because worship is more important than anything money can buy, including the food we need to live on.

Jesus teaches this same lesson to Judas. When Mary opens a jar of expensive perfume to pour out on Jesus in an act of worship, Judas complains that the money has been wasted and that it should have been used to help the poor. But Jesus says “Leave her alone…For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” (Luke 12:7–8). The worship of Jesus takes priority over all things, even over other good things.

Should we give to the poor? Absolutely! But not at the expense or as a substitute for our worship.

Love in Christ, Pastor Mitch

One More Encouragement

2011-09-15T08:35:00.002-05:00

In the sermon last week I tried to encourage our church to live lives of holiness. Holiness is no easy task. It does not come naturally and, unfortunately, sin does. So, any and all attempts to purify our thought life, our words, or our actions will be a fight.

Like any fight, the fight for holiness can get discouraging. You battle and battle against sin and it just seems to resurface when you are at your weakest. In those moments we need some encouragement to stay in the battle and not give up.

The greatest encouragement in my life to pursue holiness is the presence of God. The Holy Spirit lives inside everyone who has believed in Jesus for salvation. He is God and he is also a person. He can be saddened (Ephesians 4:30) and he can be enlivened (Ephesians 5:18b).

Because the Holy Spirit is a person and a person living inside us, we know when he has been grieved by our sin and we know when he is enlivened by our pursuit of a godly life.

My point is this, the pleasure and joy of knowing the Holy Spirit is pleased with my progress in holiness is more satisfying to me than the brief pleasure that sin may bring. When weighed in a scale, the pleasure of God is of more value to me than the pleasure of sin. This is my motivation and encouragement to pursue holiness.

And, in those times when I give into sin the Holy Spirit disciplines me for it. But even in those moments the grace of God is at work to further instill a distaste and dissatisfaction for all of sin. Why? Because the presence of God within us is far more satisfying than anything sin might offer.

Love in Christ,
Pastor Mitch

I Do Not Desire God! Now What?

2011-03-31T09:28:00.002-05:00

Love is the difference between faith and unbelief. Genuine faith loves God, brother, neighbor and enemy. Genuine faith also loves the Scriptures and the church. So, what do you do if you have no desire for these things?

A good place to start would be this question: Have you ever loved them? The answer may be no, especially if we are being completely honest.

Or, perhaps you are in a bit of a lull. You have loved God, church, Scripture – and in a very genuine way – yet the love seems to have fizzled out recently.

The more important question is this: Do you want to desire God more? Do you want to love both God and the things of God? If the answer to that question is “yes,” then we are in good shape, because the Bible holds a great promise for us.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8a)

“for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10b)

The hope in these two verses is tremendous, because Jesus said that “no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” (John 6:44, 65) So if you have even the slightest inkling that you want to desire God, fan that spark into a flame, because it is God who is seeking after you!!

Do not be discouraged if your faith is not all you want it to be. Seek hard after God. He will allow himself to be found by those who will genuinely seek him.

Love in Christ, Pastor Mitch

The Fruit of Patience

2011-03-17T09:23:00.001-05:00

There is a saying in church circles – mostly spoken in jest – that a Christian should “never pray for patience.” The reason being, if you pray for patience the Lord will bring circumstances into your life to teach you patience.

We understand the point of the joke. We are impatient people and wish to avoid any situation where we might have to be patient.

But we must see this as a joke and dismiss it as a joke, hoping that no one actually takes it seriously. The truth of the matter is we should pray for patience, practice patience, and desire to be patient people.

Why? Because patience is a fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a, ESV).

The fruit of the Spirit is not like the gifts of the Spirit. Spiritual gifts are given to believers by the Spirit for the work of the church. Every Christian has at least one.

But the fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of the Holy Spirit living inside of the believer. We do not bear one or two fruits of the Spirit, but all of them. Just as an apple tree produces apples and an orange tree produces oranges, so the Holy Spirit produces the characteristics of his divine nature within us.

Being patient is proof that we have been born again. We should both pray and desire to be patient people. And if we find some hindrance to our patience, we should seek to remove it quickly.

Love In Christ,
Pastor Mitch

"Trunk Loaded" Preaching

2011-02-28T09:21:00.003-05:00

As a young boy I was actively involved in the Boy Scouts. Our Troop was located in North-Central Georgia; a prime location for camping. Each summer held the promise of at least half a dozen campouts. But one in particular stands out in my mind.

On this particular campout the scouts were to take their dads with them. Well, my dad is no outdoorsman. So as we were packing up the car for a mid-summer campout I thought he was crazy to load the trunk with firewood. But no explanation of mine would faze him. The rear bumper of our Impala was almost dragging the ground as we left on our adventure.

We made it to the campground in the Northeast Georgia Mountains just before dusk, pitched our tents, and settled down for the night. As we zipped up our sleeping bags we heard the rain begin to fall. The light rain soon became a heavy down pour and continued until just before dawn.

As daylight broke, the battered scouts emerged from their tents to find a waterlogged campsite and an unuasually brisk chill in the air. Everyone was cold, wet, hungry, and unprepared.

As the scouts began to strike their flint rocks together it was easy to see that our situation was hopeless. But dad quietly disappeared down the trail that led to the car. He soon returned with an armload of firewood and a can of lighter fluid. In moments we had a roaring fire to rival the flames of hell, with an entire troop of scouts huddled around it.

My dad knew not to pack for the weather you have, but to pack for the weather you might get.

Preaching is the same way. Most of the sermons I preach are not designed for the day you are living in, but rather they are wood loaded in your trunk for an unexpected day in the future. It may be sunny and warm today, but a day of cold and rain are most likely on the not too distant horizon. I want us to be prepared for that day if and when it comes.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Mitch

The Fellowship of The Church

2011-01-06T10:05:00.000-05:00

Webster’s Dictionary defines fellowship as: “community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience.” The church is a community. As we talked about on Sunday night, the church is not a building; it is a group of people. But it is not just any group of people. The church shares a common bond that distinguishes us from all other communities, civic groups, clubs, or organizations.

In the First Epistle of John, the Apostle John gives us a good description of the Christian community. He says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). This verse speaks to our common bond. First, we are a people who have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, the Son of God. To be sure, this means that we share multiple bonds with each other. We are all sinners, all in need of a Savior, all professing faith in Jesus, and all experiencing the new birth that Jesus offers.

But the first part of the verse has the unstable word “if” in it. The “if” in that verse is the condition of our fellowship. If we walk with Christ, abide in his truth, our fellowship with one another in the church remains unbroken. But if we fail to walk in the light of Christ, our fellowship with the church is broken and our salvation comes under the suspicion of doubt. Abiding in Christ is the tie that binds us together, so hold on to it dearly. If you see a fellow Christian drifting into sin, call them back. Remind them of the fellowship of being in the church of Christ and the assurance of salvation and protection that it affords.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Mitch

Christmas, Atheists, and Honesty

2010-12-02T12:39:00.001-05:00

It is not often that I agree with an atheist. In fact, atheists are still a rare breed in our country and especially in our county. So any interaction with them is usually negative. But yesterday I agreed with an atheist.

Jeanne Moos, a reporter for CNN, ran a story this week about a billboard erected outside the Lincoln tunnel in New Jersey. The billboard was funded by a group called American Atheists and it reads, “You KNOW it’s a myth. This season, celebrate REASON!”

The billboard is in a prime viewing area, costing the atheist group $20,000 to put in place. But the question Jeanne Moos asked David Silverman, the President of American Atheists was this, “Why go to such expense to declare your message?” After all, only 7-15% of Americans claim to believe in nothing. The answer Silverman gave was the one thing in the interview with which I agreed.

David Silverman said, “We believe that there are a lot of “closet atheists” out there and we want them to come out of the closet.” Silverman gives a simple plea for honesty this Christmas season and I agree with him.

I wish everyone in the world would be as honest about what they believe as David Silverman. As I type this I cannot even imagine what that would look like, but I am certain that the outcome would cause those who do believe to worship like never before.

Love In Christ, Pastor Mitch

My Father Is A Snake

2010-11-15T09:09:00.000-05:00

My father is a snake. Not my biological father, but my real father – the one who raised me. He is a liar, a thief, and a murderer; evil in his innermost being. He always has been and always will be.

My biological Father is a good man; loving, generous, and honest. Unlike my real father, my biological father loves and cares for his children. He feeds them, clothes them, and even disciplines them for their good.

But my father is a snake. I have not always seen him for who he really is, but now I do. Now I understand. Before, he was all I knew. I didn’t know what good was, I didn’t know what love was, I didn’t know what freedom was. The house I was raised in was dark. My father gave me sugar when I needed milk, and candy when I needed nourishment. But that was all I knew.

How did such an evil man come to have legal guardianship over me? Well, the place where I was born was not a good place. The law was corrupt. So, on the day I was born I was taken from my biological father and given to my legal guardian. You know, he never even wanted me. Until the day my biological father sent his son to get me.

I will never forget that day. There was a knock at the door and when my father opened the door… Well, you would have thought that he had seen a ghost. He panicked; desperately trying to shut the door back. But the son, he was too strong for him.

The son called to me, “Run! Get out of here.” But I couldn’t run. In fact, I was so malnourished that I could barely move. And the light glaring through the door, it hurt my eyes so bad that I couldn’t even look at it. Part of me wanted to leave, but to be honest … I was simply too afraid. That dark house was all I had ever known.

The son could see my helpless state, so he came to me, picked me up off the floor and carried me out of that house. The light was painful and the fresh air almost made me sick. I cried as I left reaching back for that hellhole that I called home.

But now that I am living with my biological father I see things much more clearly. It took a while, but the milk, bread, and meat my brother feeds me have made me strong. My eyes have adjusted to the light, my stomach has adjusted to the diet, and I know for sure that this is where I truly belong. I even discovered that look like my dad!

My father is snake. He still calls to me every once in a while, begging me to come back home, reminding me how sweet the candy tasted. But my father is a snake – I see that now. So when he comes around – reminding me of my failures, pointing out bruises that haven’t healed yet, talking about all the things we still have in common – I remind him of the day my big brother came into his house, bound him up, and took whatever he wanted. He hates that story!

A Rumor I Heard About Gossip

2010-08-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

During the sermon last week I gave a brief definition of gossip. That definition was correct, but because I made the statement in passing it probably could use a little elaboration.

I defined gossip like this: Gossip is not a lie, but rather the truth spoken in a way that is neither loving nor helpful.

The word gossip comes from the Greek word psithyristas, which sounds a lot like a disease you need to get a shot to cure. It may be just as bad. The definition for that word is: derogatory information about someone that is offered in a tone of confidentiality; a rumormonger; a tale-bearer.

I also said that Christians sometimes couch their gossip in the form of a prayer request. This may be hard to discern, because we have to sense whether the person offering the prayer request truly cares about the person’s well being.

So here are a few questions that can help us avoid gossip:
• Do I really care about this person?
• Do I truly desire to see them helped and will the sharing of this information help them?
• Have I ventured beyond what is necessary to say in order for them to be helped?
• Do I simply want to share all I know so that people will like me?

These are not easy questions to ask ourselves. But they may help us to love one another better and that is how the world will know that we belong to Christ - when we love one another.

Love In Christ,
Pastor Mitch

Hope in God Soul, Hope in God

2010-08-05T09:16:00.000-05:00

Despair. That is the one word that bests describes the sentiments of David in the forty-second Psalm. He describes his soul as thirsty, his God as absent, and his enemies as mockers. It is hard to imagine a worse feeling.

In the midst of this despair David pens words that appear a bit peculiar. Twice in the psalm he says:

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? (Psalm 42:5a, 11a)

Essentially he is speaking to himself. In the midst of his despair he speaks to his own soul and instructs his own soul how to deal with despair. What are his instructions to himself?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:5b, 11b)

David tells himself to hope in God in the midst of despair, because God will not ultimately leave his child in despair. Eventually God works every situation for our good and for his glory. Have you ever felt despair? Speak to your own soul these words; Hope in God! Things will not always be as they are now.

Love In Christ,
Pastor Mitch

How Then Should We Dress?

2010-07-08T08:58:00.001-05:00

Last week we saw God do many great things through our week of VBS. The atmosphere of our church was changed for an entire week. It was refreshing and joyous. One comment that was repeated quite often concerned the relaxed dress code.

When we kicked off VBS two weeks ago we decided that it would be fun to wear shorts and Hawaiian shirts to church that week. Due to the heat outside, we had an easy time getting people on board with this idea. More than one person commented that we should dress casual throughout the summer. This sparks a much bigger question.

Can Christians come to church in shorts and Hawaiian shirts? Well, that is a small question. But the bigger question is, “Does the Bible give instructions on how a Christian should dress?” The answer to that question is, yes!

From the very beginning God has called his children to lives of holiness. Part of modeling holiness is modesty. The very fact that we wear clothing is a reflection of our fallen nature and shame. Our bodies are to be covered, because God covered them after the fall.

How then are they to be covered? Again, modesty is the answer. Can we be modest and reverent and still wear shorts, Hawaiian shirts and flip flops? Sure. The robes the Apostles wore came down there legs about as far as most men’s shorts do and first century sandals and flip flops look a lot alike.

Most of our “church clothes” resemble cultural fashions more than biblical mandates. I want the people of Northside to reflect biblical modesty in their clothing. But please do not feel like you have to “dress up” for church. Wear something casual and comfortable, be yourself, do not worry about the opinions of others, and concentrate on the inner person more than the outer person.

I hope these thoughts help!

Pastor Mitch

Predestination and Clarity

2010-06-10T10:34:00.000-05:00

I do not understand everything in the Bible. That thought alone bothers me, but it is a fact. It is a fact that I am certain will never go away. I am not, however, willing to use this fact as an excuse to never think about or attempt to understand hard things. That is called laziness.

Thinking about difficult things is good for the mind. Predestination is one such difficult item. This week it surfaced in my mind again, as it has dozens of times. I immediately threw the old arguments at it like I always do, hoping some new insight would break forth in the process. Usually it does not. On this day it did.

The word ‘predestined’ occurs five times in our Bible (Acts 4:28, Romans 8:29,30, Ephesians 1:5, 1:11). If it did not appear in the Bible I would avoid it. But it does, so I cannot. To say, “I do not believe in predestination” is to say “I do not believe the entire Bible is true.” I will never say that. I believe the Bible is without error and true in all that it affirms.

So if I were to be asked, “Do you believe in predestination?” I would have to answer, “Yes.” If it is affirmed in the Bible, I believe it – even if I do not understand it fully. That is as clear as it can be.

What the word means, however, is not totally clear. Then what do we do? Here is a good start to the answer. First, let the Bible define the term for itself and second, carry the term no further than the Bible carries it. That means that Christians can affirm God’s sovereign control over all things and still affirm the fact that humans have choices and that those choices matter.

What then was the insight? If God determines some things before hand, so that they cannot be any other way – how are we to know what things? The book of Revelation gave me my insight.

The book of Revelation is a good place to start because it is the end of the story. God tells us before hand how things will finally end. Jesus will return, the devil will be destroyed in the Lake of Fire, and the earth will be re-created to its original beauty and splendor. God has told us this. It cannot be any other way. That is predestination. From there we have to walk cautiously backwards. Is there anything else that could be no other way? Well, yes. Isaiah’s predictions of Jesus dying on the cross were that way. God said it would happen, so it had to happen.

Does this give us all the answers we have in our mind? No. But it is a good place to start. I hope this conversation has helped you to trust the Bible and believe it for all that it affirms – even the hard things.

Love In Christ,
Pastor Mitch

Plane Conversations

2010-06-03T09:10:00.001-05:00

Pastors are notorious for airplane stories. In college and in seminary visiting preachers would often introduce their sermons with a story about a conversation they had with the person seated next to them on the airplane. So predictable is this phenomenon that you might think it to be a class taught at seminary. It’s not by the way.

But this past week as I flew to Wake Forest for class, I felt compelled – almost obligated – to strike up a conversation with the people next to me on the plane. The first person was a well dressed young man from Atlanta, returning home. He was in the music business and wanted nothing more than for the guy beside him to stop asking him questions. When he put his headphones on I took it as a clue that he wanted me to shut up.

The next lady was a thin, gray haired great-grandmother from Indiana. She was headed to North Carolina to see her great-grandson graduate from college. She quickly picked up on the fact that I was a preacher (maybe because I was reading a book with “Preaching” in the title) and shouted a hearty “Amen” in response. No need to share Christ with her, she was gloriously saved. She shared Christ with me.

The last leg of my flight home was far more fruitful. I sat on the back row of the plane; in the special seat reserved for people who enjoy aroma of an overused lavatory. Right before we took off a young man sat beside me eating his chicken with ketchup. Since I too am a refined man I decided to strike up a conversation with him. He is in chiropractic school in Atlanta; a Muslim by birth with a Christian roommate. He had never heard the message of Christ crucified for the sins of the world, even though he had attended a Christian church frequently.

He listened intently and answered every question I had for him about Islamic beliefs. We talked for over an hour; about faith, family, and about my urgent need for a chiropractor.

When our journey was over we thanked each other for our politeness and wished that everyone could discuss faith in such a gentlemanly manner. But the conversation was indicative of the day in which we live. The message of the gospel was simply “interesting” to him and nothing more.

There are at least three lessons to learn from that experience. One, people really do not know the message of the gospel. Two, they are willing to listen. Three, it takes much more than casual conversation to bring someone to faith in Christ. It must be a work of God brought on by the Holy Spirit and our persistent prayers.

Love In Christ,
Pastor Mitch

Teaching Our Children To Pray

2010-03-11T10:01:00.001-05:00

This week a friend asked my wife a question about prayer. She prays with her children at bedtime and has taught them a simple prayer that they can memorize and repeat. This is a very good practice in my estimation. A friend of hers, however, said that she should not teach her children to repeat memorized prayers. Apparently, this friend believes that memorized or repeated prayers contradict Jesus’ instructions on how to pray. While I admire her friend’s desire to do what is right, I think she has reached an inaccurate conclusion.

It is true that Jesus taught his disciples not to “heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” (Matthew 6:7) The empty phrases here concerns prayer that is a string of many words such as, “bless me, bless me, bless me, bless me…” and so on; thinking that God will honor your work in prayer. It does not concern praying the same pray every night or even several times a day.

When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed the “not my will but yours be done” prayer repeatedly. Matthew tells us, “So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.” (Matthew 26:44) So we can and should teach our children to pray using prayers that they can remember and repeat. To be sure, we want them to mature in their praying as they mature spiritually, but grace gives us plenty of room to begin as we see fit.

I Hope This Is Helpful,

Pastor Mitch

The Lesson of The Lab Rat

2010-02-24T09:17:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen a laboratory rat learn to navigate a maze in order to get to the cheese at the other end? It is a fascinating thing to watch. In an effort to teach the rat to take the correct path the scientist will rig the maze with wires to give the rat electrical shocks if they go the wrong way. Eventually the rat learns that it is better to take the path directly to the cheese and avoid the uncomfortable shocks. It is amazing when a rat learns this lesson, but it should not be amazing when a human learns the same lesson.

Humans often do learn through trial and error. Eventually the pain of running contrary to laws and social norms will catch up with them and they will concede to a life of obedience. Sadly, many Christians will see this change in the life of a loved one and label it “getting right with the Lord.” It is not. It is a learned conformity that still seeks to please self, just by taking a different path than previously attempted.

It is very possible to adjust your life to the standards of society and never enter into a relationship with Jesus that produces salvation. You can hold down a job, maintain a healthy marriage, stay out of jail and have children that love and respect you – and die and go to hell. Atheists have done this for centuries.

So how do we know when the change is a change brought on by the will of God at the new birth? The answer is love. The person that has been born again has a love for God, his Word, and his church. To be sure, this person will serve gladly in their home, on the job, and in society, just as the unbeliever. But an inner compulsion to love God above all things is the difference. Love for God is the first fruit of the Spirit. It is the key to discerning between saints and lab rats.

Give Us Eyes To See What You Have Done, Oh Lord! Amen!
Pastor Mitch

Words to a Friend after Her Miscarriage

2010-01-14T10:09:00.000-05:00

Sometimes life is painful and there is no immediate explanation or reason for the pain. When pain sets in, our mind becomes a flurry of feelings and emotions. Doubts swirls in this storm. So, it is fitting, sometimes, for someone outside the storm to speak a word of truth – a simple ray of light – that can beacon us back to safe shores.

This week a friend of mine had a miscarriage. Many of you have gone through this same pain. There is hurt, a sense of loss, and circulating around all of this is the question, “Why?” My friend was grieving because she thought she had done something wrong, or maybe failed to do something right. These are my words to her:

You have done nothing wrong. We live in a world where sin, destruction, and pain rule the day. That day is drawing to a close and one day Jesus will right every wrong. So, trust him in the storm.

I build this faith on several passages of Scripture. Here is one: “And [Zechariah and Elizabeth] were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren…” (Luke 1:6-7)

There it is. They were both righteous and barren. That is, their inability to have children was no punishment from God. Instead, it was part of a delay. A long (and I am sure very painful) delay of God’s blessing. They would eventually have their son and Jesus would call him the greatest man ever born of a woman. (Matthew 11:11)

So I would say to her as I said to my wife after our miscarriage. Your child is in heaven, they are not lost, we will see him or her one day and I will walk beside you while the blessing is delayed.

I Love You My Dear Friend!

Pastor Mitch

Why Memorize Scripture?

2009-11-05T07:53:00.002-05:00

The following article is by Pastor John Piper and can be found at www.desiringgod.org. I found this article extremely helpful, so I thought I would pass it along.

First, a few testimonies: I have it third hand, that Dr. Howard Hendricks of Dallas Seminary once made the statement (and I paraphrase) that if it were his decision, every student graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary would be required to learn one thousand verses word perfect before they graduated.

Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, “Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization” (“Spiritual Formation in Christ for the Whole Life and Whole Person” in Vocatio, Vol. 12, no. 2, Spring, 2001, p. 7).

Chuck Swindoll wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], p. 61).
One of the reasons Martin Luther came to his great discovery in the Bible of justification by faith alone was that in his early years in the Augustinian monastery he was influenced to love Scripture by Johann Staupitz. Luther devoured the Bible in a day when people earned doctorates in theology without even reading the Bible. Luther said that his fellow professor, Andreas Karlstadt, did not even own a Bible when he earned his doctor of theology degree, nor did he until many years later (Richard Bucher, "Martin Luther's Love for the Bible"). Luther knew so much of the Bible from memory that when the Lord opened his eyes to see the truth of justification in Romans 1:17, he said, “Thereupon I ran through the Scriptures from memory,” in order to confirm what he had found.

So here are a few reasons why so many have viewed Scripture memorization as so essential to the Christian life.

1. Conformity to Christ
Paul wrote that “we all, . . . beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18)) If we would be changed into Christ likeness we must steadily see him. This happens in the word. “The Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord” (1 Samuel 3:21). Bible memorization has the effect of making our gaze on Jesus steadier and clearer.

2. Daily Triumph over Sin
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. . . . I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9, 11). Paul said that we must “by the Spirit . . . put to death the [sinful] deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13). The one piece of armor used to kill is the “sword of the Spirit” which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). As sin lures the body into sinful action, we call to mind a Christ-revealing word of Scripture and slay the temptation with the superior worth and beauty of Christ over what sin offers.

3. Daily Triumph over Satan
When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness he recited Scripture from memory and put Satan to flight (Matthew 4:1-11).

4. Comfort and Counsel for People You Love
The times when people need you to give them comfort and counsel do not always coincide with the times you have your Bible handy. Not only that, the very word of God spoken spontaneously from your heart has unusual power. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” That is a beautiful way of saying, When the heart full of God’s love can draw on the mind full of God’s word, timely blessings flow from the mouth.

5. Communicating the Gospel to Unbelievers
Opportunities to share the gospel come when we do not have the Bible in hand. Actual verses of the Bible have their own penetrating power. And when they come from our heart, as well as from the Book, the witness is given that they are precious enough to learn. We should all be able to sum up the gospel under four main headings (1) God’s holiness/law/glory; 2) man’s sin/rebellion/disobedience; 3) Christ’s death for sinners; 4) the free gift of life by faith. Learn a verse or two relating to each of these, and be ready in season and out of season to share them.

6. Communion with God in the Enjoyment of His Person and Ways
The way we commune with (that is, fellowship with) God is by meditating on his attributes and expressing to him our thanks and admiration and love, and seeking his help to live a life that reflects the value of these attributes. Therefore, storing texts in our minds about God helps us relate to him as he really is. For example, imagine being able to call this to mind through the day:
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:8-14)

I used the word “enjoyment” intentionally when I said, “communion with God in the enjoyment of his person and ways.” Most of us are emotionally crippled—all of us, really. We do not experience God in the fullness of our emotional potential. How will that change? One way is to memorize the emotional expressions of the Bible and speak them to the Lord and to each other until they become part of who we are. For example, in Psalm 103:1, we say, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” That is not a natural expression for many people. But if we memorize this and other emotional expressions from the Bible, and say them often, asking the Lord to make the emotion real in our hearts, we can actually grow into that emotion and expression. It will become part of who we are. We will be less emotionally crippled and more able to render proper praise and thanks to God.

There are other reasons for memorizing Scripture. I hope you find them in the actual practice.

A Heaven To Hope For

2009-10-07T13:48:00.000-05:00

Heaven is of some concern to a few people. Most of us just imagine being happy and do not give it another thought. But a few people have expressed concern with the eternality of it; specifically - what will be there and what will we be doing? This week at listened to a great discussion that involved this very issue and it shed some new light on the subject of heaven, so I thought I would pass a few of these along to you.

First, God’s original and very good design was God on the earth, living and walking amongst his creation and his creatures (Genesis 3:8). Revelation tells us that when all of history comes to a close there will be a new heaven and a new earth and that the Lord will once again live amongst his people (Revelation 21:1-4). We also know that the human body which God has given us will one day die, but the promise that comes to us through Jesus is that these same bodies will one day be raised from the dead to everlasting life, just like Jesus’ was.

These two things combined (a new earth and new body) should give us a good picture of heaven. The earth will return to its pristine state of beautiful rivers, mountains, waterfalls, etc and our bodies will return to their original state of wellness and life. So eternity in heaven will not only be living in the presence of Jesus, but will also include many of the same things we enjoy now – picnics by beautiful waterfalls, horseback riding through open fields, evenings of dinner and laughter with family and friends; all good things and all things to look forward to.

Love in Christ,
Pastor Mitch

Honor The Lord, Then The Emperor

2009-09-03T08:27:00.000-05:00

Recently in our Sunday School class we have entered into some discussion about our obedience to the Lord and our obedience to our government and the laws they set forth for the people. Most of the time their is little to no conflict between the two, but because the question was raised I will try to offer some biblical direction for the conversation.

We know that laws are good. In fact the Bible states that God puts governments and systems of law in place to restrain evil and lawlessness. (Romans 13:1-7) So it is both good and right that we have an allegiance to our country and government, because God, in His sovereignty, has put it in place. However, we must also understand that we have an allegiance to a much higher authority and law. Jesus makes it clear that the two greatest commandments (i.e. laws) we have are to (1) love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and (2) to love our neighbor as ourself. (Matthew 22:34-40)

These two "greatest" commandments should rule supreme in our hearts. 99% of the time they will never contradict the rule and laws of the land. But a day may come when they do. Sooner than that a moment may come in each of our lives where we are forced to choose between two allegiances. Our greatest allegiance must be to that of God Almighty. So in the mean time we will live as Peter instructs us in in 1 Peter 2:13-17; being subject to every human institution, but obeying the Lord God above even them.

Love In Christ,
Pastor Mitch

The Lesson of The Glow Stick

2009-08-17T08:33:00.000-05:00

This fourth of July our family went to Winter Garden to visit with Jennifer's family. Every year they have a spectacular fireworks show along the shores of Lake Apopka. You have to get there early to get a place on the lawn and so we did. We spread out our blanket and the kids were having a ball playing in the grass.

Then one of the vendors came by selling his assortment of junk...I mean, festive memorabilia. He had a colorful selection of glow sticks that you could make into loops for wearing or throwing, or whatever your desire might be. Noah and his cousin Cole had to have one, so off Jennifer went to run down this guy. She came back with two stiff and non-glowing plastic sticks. What a rip-off!! I had to ask, "Why aren't they glowing?" Apparently everyone knew but me as to why they were not glowing. "You have to break them first!", Jennifer said. So she took the small stick and bent it until I could hear something in it break.

Then, apparently, the two chemicals inside mixed together causing a chemical reaction and thus- glowing! It's pretty neat. Tonight we will be talking about the New Covenant that we have in Jesus. Jeremiah says that in order for us to take part in this promise God must give us a new heart and a new spirit. The old heart, he says, is hard, but the new heart, will be a heart of flesh - a heart that feels. How do we get this new heart? The Spirit takes the old heart and breaks it. He breaks the stone hard shell of sin that keeps us separate from knowing God and renders in us a heart that is open, feeling, listening, obeying, and glowing...glowing for the glory of Jesus Christ.

In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Mitch

Mission Statement for Northside Baptist Church

2009-07-28T09:26:00.000-05:00

Making Disciples; By His Word, For Their Joy, To His Glory!

In Matthew 28:19 Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” We at Northside understand these words to be an imperative for our church. If we are to live in obedience to the words of Jesus we must exist for the purpose of making disciples. This is how we believe it is to be done:

Making Disciples By His Word.
God’s Word is living and active and the truth by which we are conformed into the image of Jesus Christ, which is the very essence of being a disciple. The Christian life is sustained by the nourishment of God’s Word. We are nourished by the preaching of God’s Word to God’s church, by the interactive learning of a small group Bible study, and by personal meditation of the Scriptures in our own lives.

Making Disciples For Their Joy
As Augustine said, God created our hearts to be restless until they find their rest in Him. Many people seek to find happiness in every passing fad and diversion, but the human heart can never find true joy, true rest, and true peace until it fulfills the purpose for which it was created. Our hearts were created to worship and adore the Lord Jesus and this alone will fulfill the longings of our heart.

Making Disciples To His Glory
When the prophet Isaiah saw his vision of God the angels were crying out, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, the whole earth is full of his glory.” God’s glory is the overflow of his holiness, his purity. As Christians are modeled and shaped to have our hearts and minds be like that of Jesus Christ we reflect God’s glory in our lives. That is, His children become more and more like him with each passing week. This is pleasing to God, for this reveals to world just how great and loving He is.

The Ministries of Northside Baptist

Children’s Ministry: Building Faith
Children are a temporary gift to us from God. They are only children for a few short years and then they become adults. Our responsibility to them as parents and church leaders is two fold. First we want to protect them from harmful influences in their life. Their heart is a garden that must be protected, but, secondly, it must also have good things planted in it. Our role at Northside is to plant the seeds of faith in their heart at an early age, so that in God’s perfect timing He can call them to Himself for salvation.

Youth Ministry: Defending Faith
In the past several decades the church has left its young people void of the answers they need to the hard questions of the faith. Our focus at Northside is to give our students both the answers and the reasons for our faith, so that they will be able to boldly defend their faith at every turn in life. Our faith is strong and is supported biblically, historically, and philosophically. Young people can and even desire to know the answers to the questions of their faith.

Adult Ministry: Refining Faith
The Christian faith is never complete. There are always areas in our life where we can grow in Christian maturity and holiness. Our adult ministries seek to meet people where they are in their walk of faith and give them the teaching and encouragement they need to persevere. We seek to be neither judgmental nor condescending, but rather encourage others toward a life that is pleasing to God.

The Test of The Holy Spirit

2009-03-17T07:50:00.003-05:00

It often comes up in conversations at church, "How do you know someone is a Christian?" That is, how do you know whether they have really believed or not?

The Apostle Paul had to answer this same question when he was writing to the churches in Galatia. His answer is something like this, 'When did you receive the Spirit?' (Galatians 3:1-9) The identifying mark of someone who has believed (converted, been born again) is the presence of the Holy Spirit. No Holy Spirit, No Salvation.

But the Spirit is not something material that we can see with our eyes, so is this any help at all? Yes, because Paul goes on to say that if the Spirit is in you it will produce fruit. That is, visual works in your life that people can see and recognize.

The fruits of the Spirit are "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Galatians 5:22)

Do these things identify your life? It's a good time to stop and reflect isn't it? If the Holy Spirit lives in you - over time - he WILL produce in you love...he WILL produce joy...he WILL produce patience...and so on. Not just one or two, but all of these.

If we don't see it in our lives or in the lives of others, don't give up - instead pursue Jesus: The Giver of The Holy Spirit. Ask of him; he has promised to give.

Seeking The Kingdom Alongside You,
Pastor Mitch

The Way Jesus Loves His Bride

2009-02-05T09:23:00.000-05:00

Before we meet together next week we will have celebrated Valentine’s Day. Now I do not know how you have chosen to celebrate it in the past, but this year I would like for you to consider with me how Jesus shows his love for his bride – the church. Maybe this will help us show love to our spouses, family, and close friends.

1. Jesus Chose His Bride Before The Foundations of The Earth Were Laid. (Ephesians 1:4)
2. Jesus Fights For and Defends His Bride Because They Share A One Flesh Union Together. (Acts 9:4)
3. Jesus So Desires The Companionship of His Bride That He Promises To Be With Her Whenever She Gathers For Worship. (Matthew 18:20)
4. Jesus Demonstrates His Love For His Bride By Laying Down His Own Life For Her Redemption. (Ephesians 5:25)
5. Jesus Promises and Ensures That He Will Never Leave or Forsake His Bride. (Matthew 28:20b)

Jesus sets the standard when it comes to demonstrating love. So this year, whether you will be sending out valentines or not, rest assured that no one loves you the way Jesus loves you.

In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Mitch

Dr. John Piper Speaks To President Obama

2009-02-02T10:55:00.002-05:00

Letter To A Friend: Dealing With Jealousy

2009-01-14T13:04:00.002-05:00

When I was in my last year of seminary my wife and I began trying to have children. This had been our plan from the beginning; to finish school first and then start our families. We wanted the timing to be "perfect" and being as we were eager to have children we started trying to conceive nine months before graduation.

The first few months were disappointing, but we were assured by everyone that these things just take some time. Then (as it seemed to us) all of our friends began to announce that they were expecting. It seems that many of the students shared our same game plan. So we were happy for them, but began to be more and more impatient as time went on.

We began to resort to desperate thinking, like many people do. Maybe we have done something wrong, maybe God is made at us, maybe we are out of his will.

As we passed the "one year" mark we noticed that our hearts had taken on a new and more dangerous characteristic. We were jealous.

We would look down on other couples who we deemed as unfit parents and complain that we could do a much better job at parenting than they could. We were in a bit of despair.

Then God - acting out of his grace - gave us one verse while we were teaching our third and fourth grade Sunday School class.

Matthew 20:15b "Are you jealous, because I am generous?"

My wife and I cried at the light God had shed on our situation. We were both young, healthy, and in love with each other. We both came from great families and both of us had our Masters Degree. We had many things that a lot of people would desperately love to get. But we wanted more and went so far as to think that God had acted wrongly.

The truth is this; we don't deserve any of the good things that God gives to us, so we should look specifically at those things, tally them up and thank God individually for them all.

And if God chooses to leave a gift or two or all - out of our lives, then we must look to the God who has given us salvation in his son and say, "Thank you God, that You are generous!"

Going Beyond The Symptoms

2008-12-31T08:52:00.001-05:00

Winter is a time when many people get sick and my body usually keeps the schedule open for at least one illness that will ultimately find me in the doctor’s office. The onset of a cold usually starts slow –sniffles, sneezing, coughs – and then moves down into my chest affecting my voice, my energy level, and worst of all - my mood.

Sin is much like a virus or infection. That is, there is a problem on the inside, but the symptoms only show up on the outside. A runny nose or cough are not the real problem, but they are symptoms we can treat by ourselves through home remedies, over-the-counter medicine and cough drops. But in order to get to the source of the illness we usually need a trip to the physician.

Over the past several months I have been in at least four conversations with people who describe their life before Christ in terms of “drinking and smoking.” One man based his “goodness” on having never done either. But these two items are only minor symptoms of a much larger problem, but sometimes people think that if they can treat these two small symptoms they are basically good. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

Jesus described the two greatest commands like this “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:34-40) So if these are the two greatest commands, then breaking them would be the two greatest sins. You see, the things that we think are bad (i.e. drinking and smoking) are very minor, but we focus on them because we can treat them ourselves. Loving God whole heartedly and loving our neighbor requires a trip to the physician – The Great Physician, because only he can replace the source of our sin illness – our evil heart.

So Let Us All Return To The Great Physician That We So Desperately Need,
Pastor Mitch

Reflecting On Everyday Life

2008-11-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is a time to stop and reflect on all the wonderful ways that the Lord Jesus has extended grace to us in our lives. So this morning I wanted to just share a few things that I am thankful for: some serious and some not so serious. As the old song goes, “These are a few of my favorite things…”

· I love the relationship I have with my Lord Jesus Christ; nothing is more precious to me than feeling his presence with me as I go through my day.
· I really, really love preaching God’s word and I am thankful that Northside gives me both the time and the place to do what I truly enjoy.
· I love to hear Jennifer laugh. Even though she is amazingly intelligent and extremely beautiful, our time together in the evenings laughing with one another over what Noah and Levi did during the day is priceless and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
· I love the fellowship we have together here at Northside, especially during our Wednesday night suppers. The stories, the joking, and friendships are something I look forward to each week.
· College football, as you know is a favorite pass time of mine, but the part that I really love is when the quarterback drops way back in the pocket and stalls in the face of four defenders and then hurls the football down the sideline in perfect time for a well covered receiver to softly catch it and run it into the end zone. Go Gators!!
· Few things can compare to an open stretch of highway on a sunny day and your favorite song on the radio. It’s times like this that make living in the country worth it all.

I hope that all of you will take some time to reflect on all the things that God has given to us by his grace and when it comes to mind, be sure to give him the gratitude he deserves.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Pastor Mitch

Love Them Enough Not To Give Up

2008-11-13T09:29:00.001-05:00

Over the past several weeks I have been reading through the book of 1 Corinthians as my morning devotional time. The church at Corinth was unique to say the least, in fact there is no one word that I can use to describe this book of the Bible. As the book unfolds Paul has the task of addressing the issues there at the church. Many of the congregation are disagreeing over which minister they should follow - Paul, Apollos, Cephas or Christ. In other words they are divided when they should be united. Then we get to chapter five and Paul is amazed that there is a form of sexual immorality taking place in the church and no one is trying to deal with it. That is, they are united where they should be divided.

But the thing that amazes me most about this letter is this; Paul refuses to give up on the church at Corinth. They had heard the gospel, made a declaration of faith and were baptized. Sin, however, is a hard beast to fall. Paul knows this and refuses to give up on them. So he takes decisive action. He gives them very strong rebukes for their sin, he reminds them of the gospel, and he continues to teach them the truth of God's word.

The reason that I point this out to me and you as well is this; I do not want any of us to ever think that the gospel has lost its power. The gospel is very powerful, but the battle against sin will be intense. So let us as a church continue to pray for each other. In love, earnestly pray that they gospel will be at work and effective in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Don't give up on anybody! Instead, love them enough to rebuke them of their sin, love them enough to remind them of Christ's sacrifice for their sin, and love them enough to teach them what the truth is.

Wanting to see the power of the cross on display in all of us,

Pastor Mitch

Struggle In The Voting Booth

2008-10-23T12:26:00.002-05:00

As I approach my one year anniversary in December at Northside I hope that it has been abundantly clear that I am not a preacher who gets his sermon topics from the headlines of the daily newspapers and political columns. I do not in any way consider myself to be a political or social issues preacher. The reason for this, which I hope will be abundantly clear in the sermon this morning, is that I believe that our primary need today in every generation is not a new leader, but a new heart – brought on by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

But for the past couple of weeks I feel like I have been avoiding the elephant in the room by not speaking at least somewhat on the upcoming election. To be honest I am torn in many directions and what I really want to know is how does a Christian respond in times such as these?

On one hand I come from a long line of Democrats in my family and I must admit that the charisma and fresh ideas of Barack Obama are appealing to a certain extent. On the other hand I am committed , as strongly as I know how, to the belief that life begins at conception and that abortion is the taking of innocent life. On this single issue I have cast my vote on the Republican ticket for the past decade plus and may be left with this choice again this year. Neither Senator Obama, nor Senator McCain fulfills my expectations of what a President is to be.

My other option is to free my conscience and with a write in vote for a candidate that will most likely not recieve enough votes to recieve a mention on the evening news. Most people will say that this is throwing away my vote and ensuring that Obama will win.

None of these three options is an easy one.

I say all of that to say this; be wise in your decision making this November. Do not be swayed by outward appearances, slogans, or commercials, but be diligent to dig for the facts on the issues that are important to you. Ask God for guidance in the process and trust Him no matter the outcome.

Praying Through These Tough Times With You,
Pastor Mitch

Decide For The Future

2008-10-16T11:45:00.000-05:00

Over the past several weeks I have been having my personal devotional time in the book of Isaiah. On Tuesday morning my reading concluded with chapter thirty-nine. This is how the story goes: Isaiah was a prophet in Israel during the reign of King Hezekiah. Babylon was the threatening nation at the time and God had been merciful to Hezekiah by healing him and extending his life.

Then one day some envoys visited Jerusalem from Babylon and King Hezekiah gave them a tour of all storehouses in Israel, showing them their wealth and treasurers. For his foolishness God sent a word through Isaiah that a day would come when not only Israel would be plundered by the Babylonians, but Hezekiah’s sons would also be carried off to Babylon to serve the king there.

And what was Hezekiah’s response to God’s judgment? He said that it was a good word from the Lord. How could plundering and captivity be a good word from the Lord? King Hezekiah’s explanation was this; “There will be peace and security in my days.” (39:8) That is, he wasn’t concerned because it would be his sons and the next generation who would suffer for his sins and not him. He was selfish.

Our lives are not simply about us, but they are the platform on which our children and the next generation will have to stand. We should look to see the long term effects of our actions and not merely how our actions will play out within our life time. I say all of that to say this; use as much wisdom and foresight as possible in all your decision making. This is important everyday and every year, but especially important in an election year. Be informed on the issues and look to the future as best as you can and then pray that the Lord will guide you into all wisdom and understanding.

In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Mitch

Listening To and Praying God's Word

2008-10-09T12:00:00.002-05:00

For the past few months I have devoted many of my bulletin articles to issues concerning our personal time with the Lord, or what I usually call ‘my quiet time’ or ‘personal devotion time’. This morning I want to speak again to this issue to try and clear up one issue that I may have been vague on and to add a new element or aspect to the issue of quiet times.

First, I would like to draw a distinction between devotional time and Bible study. Both are great and both are needed for growth in your spiritual life. Bible study, however, usually involves writings about the Bible instead of the Bible itself alone. Let me give an example. Many of us own Study Bibles. They are great resources and the notes at the bottom of the page can be really helpful. But during my devotional time I use a Bible with no notes in it. That is, I simply read quietly and patiently waiting for the voice of God to echo in my heart. If I do not understand every single phrase or historical reference, it is ok – I simply keep reading in expectation. Notes are good, but they can distract our mind and give it a chance to leave behind the intended goal of the quiet time.

Secondly, I want to suggest as many others have in the past, that we keep our Bible open in front of us as we pray. This is especially true if we have been meditating on a passage of Scripture in order to battle a certain sin. As you pray you can read God’s word back to Him, confess your misunderstandings, ask forgiveness, and plead for clarity and answers. Twice this week I used verses of Scripture right in the middle of my prayers and both times I felt God’s peace wash over me while I prayed.

I sincerely hope that this adds to the richness of your devotional life,

Pastor Mitch

A Hero Who Will Never Die Again

2008-09-03T09:25:00.001-05:00

Tuesday began like every other day of the week and it turned out to be extremely productive. In fact I was almost to the point of being proud of myself for all that I had gotten accomplished in a single day. As I was packing up my things for the day to head home I decided to check the news headlines at CNN.com. About halfway down the page I saw the title “Bandit star Reed dead at 71.”

To most people this would have hardly even given cause for a second glance, but to me it was something so much more. Jerry Reed was the co-star of my favorite movie of all time, “Smokey and The Bandit.” I do not argue that the movie is great movie, by all rights it is not. It is filled with foul language and makes a mockery of police officers, neither of which I approve of. But the movie holds a special place in my heart.

When I was five years old my parents took me to see this movie while we were on vacation in Knoxville, TN. It was my first movie in an actual cinema. The images on the screen were captivating; the fast car, the big rig, and a hero (The Bandit) that no police officer could catch and whom every man, woman and child found to be awe inspiring. The Bandit’s sidekick was Cletus “Snowman” Snow. He was the one who drove the big eighteen wheeler with the stage coach robbery scene painted on the side of it. He was the faithful partner, the trusted ally, who stuck by Bandit “for the money, for the glory, and for the fun – mostly for the money!”

In my eyes the two of them made up a duo to stand the tests of time. Like The Lone Ranger and Tonto, Batman and Robin, Fred and Ginger, or Lester and Earl. And even though I knew as a young boy it would be impossible to be them when I grew up, their fearlessness and flair for adventure would captivate my mind for years to come.

So to look on the computer screen and read that one of my childhood heroes had died took a little wind out of my sails. On Saturday I turned 36 years old. Still very young in everyone’s eyes but the teenagers. Still, old enough to face one fact; I must now watch all of my heroes from childhood die. That is, if the usual progress of life carries out I will have to watch everyone of the people that I have looked up to in my life pass away.

It is a very sobering thought and a very present reminder that life is brief and no one is exempt from the day that God will call them into his presence and our time on earth will be finished.

As I made the very short stroll home from my office to the parsonage on Tuesday I was reflecting on the passing of Jerry Reed and my upcoming sermon series that I have not yet put a title on. My aim is to spend the next several weeks looking at Jesus Christ and the picture that the Scriptures display of him for us.

A picture of God coming to earth in the form of a little baby. Taking on human flesh and growing up in the midst of a people that he himself created in his likeness. Living with and teaching men and women who were so sinful that they did not deserve to walk in his presence and then giving up his life on a rugged cross for the payment of my sins. Another hero placed in the grave far too soon.

This story, however, has no sorrowful conclusion, because the grave had no power over the sinless man that was laid in it and three days after his crucified body was wrapped in burial clothes and placed in the cold damp tomb God spoke life giving words to him and what once was completely lifeless took on new and everlasting life! And walking out of the tomb early on the first day of the week Jesus took his stand forevermore as a hero – my hero – who will never die again.

Seeking The Greatness of Christ With You Daily,

Pastor Mitch

Under The Shelter of God's Blessing

2008-07-23T12:52:00.002-05:00

We have been going through the book of Ephesians on Sunday morning and for the past few weeks the Apostle Paul has been writing to the church in Ephesus telling them how to “walk” in the Christian life. That is, how do we, as Christians live; how do we talk, how do we act, how do we treat our family and our fellow believers in the faith?

But almost every person I speak to these days has one pressing question on their minds and that is the place of money in their day to day life. If we ask ourselves how we are to live the Christian life we would be wrong to skip over the place of money and possessions, because it is such a central part of our everyday lives.

The Lie About Tithing
One burning question needs to be dealt with right off the bat, because I was taught a lie and there is a chance that maybe you were taught that same lie. In the Old Testament the tithe (a giving of the first tenth of your income) is taught abundantly and in the New Testament the word tithe only appears 7 times as opposed to the 28 times in the OT.

The lie that I was taught is this; the tithe is Old Testament Law, but we live under the grace of the New Testament. And this makes no sense to me.

The Role of Keeping Sin Restrained
This is the way I see it. We know that the Law came through Moses as a temporary fix, to keep sin restrained, until the time of Christ when sin could be done away with. That is why in Matthew chapter 5 when Jesus teaches on the law he says “you have heard it was said, but I say to you.” some six times to clarify that the law has not changed, but the scribes and the Pharisees had relaxed the law to make themselves appear righteous. (5:19)

So the command to tithe was not a temporary law to pass away with the coming of grace, but was a temporary fix to keep the sin of greed, covetousness, self indulgence, and self sufficiency at bay until Christ could come and gives us hearts that would turn away from these things.

That is why the language of the New Testament speaks of possessions in this way:
· “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22)

· “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

This is the point: God wants our hearts to be wholly devoted to him and free from the love of earthly things. So in our age of grace, living under the blood of Calvary, we should not feel the restraint of a law, but the liberality to give freely and abundantly – knowing that our life here is temporary, but will be eternal in heaven.

God makes us a promise in Malachi chapter three. That if we will "put him to the test" and give the bare minimum of a tenth of our income, He will in turn open the windows of heaven to bless us and keep the devourer from us.

Open My Eyes...Please!!

2008-07-17T08:59:00.002-05:00

While visiting family this summer my wife, son and I was invited to lunch by some old friends. The food was great and the conversation was pleasant. Then, out of the blue, came the Bible question. Normally I love these questions - after all, one of the reasons that I enjoy ministry so much is seeing people grow in their knowledge of God's word.

The question struck me as odd right off the bat. She was questioning Moses' decision to marry Zipporah, a woman of Midian. At first I thought that she had picked up on the danger of marrying someone from a different religious background, but that was not it. Her next comment was this; "But Mitchell, she may have been black!"

In an instant I saw the problem. She assumed that Moses was a white person like her. I truthfully, but gently directed her mind back to the truth that Moses was a Hebrew, a middle eastern man, and most likely had skin almost as dark as Zipporah's. Then, I reminded her that their problems would not be related to the color of their skin, but who they believed God to be.

But back to the problem at hand, why would someone believe that the characters of the Bible (or God for that matter!) are just like them? It is because we are sinners and sin blinds us from the truth. That is why the psalmist prays "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." (Psalm 119:18). Why would David, a man after God's own heart, pray such a prayer as this? Because he, just like every one of us, comes to the Scriptures with eyes that have been covered by the deceitfulness of sin.

We all read the Bible like a child playing peek-a-boo while looking through their slightly opened fingers that are covering their eyes. So let us pray that God would remove our sin -one finger at a time - from our eyes that we might see the wonderful truth of God' sword and be liberated by it!

Humble Yourself Before His Word

2008-04-24T10:03:00.005-05:00

God demands humility of us and he will go to great lengths to teach us humility. Why? Because our sin nature, or the remnants of it, seek to fuel our pride. The sinful self will constantly tell us that we do not need God, that we are good enough - better in fact, than those around us, and smart - possessing the best knowledge. Just like Adam and Eve, we have eaten of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and we think that we are "like God."

Nowhere is this more evident than in our reading of the Bible. We have our minds fixed before we even open it's pages. Then, when and if we do decide to read the it - we comb through it looking for evidence that supports our own opinions. Because we think that God is surely like us. Surely he thinks like we think and surely he would act as we act. And this is pride, thinking that God is like us.

In Psalm 50 we read:

"For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you...These things you have done, and I kept silence; You thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you..." (NASB)

We must come to God's Word, the Bible, in a humble and lowly way - ready to receive his instruction. God is not like us, but we must become like him and that means letting His word teach us who God is and what we are to think about him and the world in which we live. We must humble ourselves if we are to ever draw near to God.

Jesus Is Gentle, Are You?

2008-04-02T13:29:00.001-05:00

On Sunday night I made a statement in my sermon that I would like to amplify a little bit. I stated that in our marriages we are to model Christ to our spouse. That is, we are to be a visual demonstration of who Christ is - in our homes. So that when our spouse looks at us and our children look at us they see someone who looks like the Jesus they read about in Scripture.

With that said, let me remind you of what Jesus said in Matthew 11:19; “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Did you catch that? You will find rest for your souls if you learn from Jesus to be gentle and lowly in heart. Let’s just take one of those for a second. Jesus is gentle. He is gentle in his words and he is gentle in his actions. So we must ask the question, “Are you gentle in your words and actions?”

Are you gentle with your spouse when they say something wrong or speak out of turn? Are you gentle when you speak to your children? Even if they are being…well, children? Do you model Jesus in your home? Do you visually display Jesus day in and day out in your household, so that when your spouse and your children look at you they can say, “My dad treats me like Jesus treated people.” or “My husband treats me with the same gentleness that Jesus treated his disciples with.” Is that correct? I really hope it is. If it is not, here is the good news…Jesus is still willing to be gentle with you, waiting on you to change.

Wanting To Display Christ For You,
Pastor Mitch

Taming The Flesh Through Suffering

2008-03-26T08:39:00.002-05:00

There are at least a dozen books in my pastoral library that deal with battling lust. It is true that this is a huge issue for men and a great source of stumbling to many men and many pastors for that matter - so on one hand I am glad they are there and I am grateful for the insight they have given to me.

But I was really struck by a verse of Scripture this morning from 1 Peter 4:1b-2.

"for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions, but for the will of God."

Simply put, I believe Peter is telling us that those who are suffering for Christ's sake have their mind on Christ and suffering and not on the passions of the flesh. The reason so many men battle with lust and fleshly temptations (and I include myself in that group) is that our minds are far from the things of Christ.

Suffering in the flesh is the direct opposite of indulging the flesh. The man who is getting lashes on his back in China is not thinking about the girl wearing a short skirt on the corner. The man who is risking his job by sharing his faith with his coworkers is probably not spending his work time watching pornography on his computer.

God's word cuts right to the heart of the issue - we sin, because we have not set our minds on the things of Christ, but on the things of the flesh - and the flesh does not want to suffer.

The Fruit of Self-Control

2008-03-06T15:55:00.001-05:00

Self control is an identifying mark of a Christian. When the Apostle Paul lists the nine fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 self-control is on the list. That is, if the Holy Spirit lives inside us (and He does for all those who have believed in Jesus Christ for salvation) then you WILL produce self-control. It is not a possibility that you might, you definitely should and must!

Self-control is not standard equipment on the human being. From our mother's womb we come forth screaming frantically until we get the things we need. Then in childhood our parents have to teach us to control our appetites, desires, and emotions - even if they cannot reach into our hearts they must attempt, as good parents, to at least govern our actions. But for the Christian this goes beyond simple behavior modification. If we have been born again by the Spirit of God, our heart is new and genuine self-control is possible. But it is not automatic.

Simon Peter writes to us in 2 Peter 1:5-8, "For this reason [us being partakers of a divine nature], make every effort to supplement your faith with...self-control...For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

This tells us at least three things. First, the self-control that we should be producing is going to take some serious effort on our part, that is why he says "make every effort." Secondly, this quality should be increasing. With every passing year we should be more self-controlled than we were in the last. Lastly, Peter tells us that if this quality and the others he lists in the passage are increasing - it will keep us from being ineffective.

Are you self-controlled? If you are not, you probably are not very effective in your witness and ministry. We need to make every effort to see that our lives are a visual display of self-control (and of Christ!) for all the world to see - then we will be effective in our witness.

Wanting To Display Christ For You,
Pastor Mitch

The Dwelling of God Is With Man

2008-02-21T14:05:00.005-05:00

On Wednesday night we concluded our Bible study at church with a brief discussion of heaven. I believe it is good and fitting for us to think about heaven for in those thoughts rest the fulfillment of all of God's promises. So I wanted to share a few verses of Scripture with you, so that we can think rightly about heaven. The following verses speak volumes:

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4)

First and foremost, the greatest thing about heaven is that we will live for all eternity in the presence of God. This is the treasure that was lost in the Garden of Eden that Jesus recovered for us. We can dwell in God’s presence. Only when Jesus was on earth did this temporarily take place since it did in the Garden of Eden. But in heaven we will enjoy constant fellowship with God. If this were all that heaven consisted of it would be more than gracious, but there is more. All pain, mourning, sadness, sickness and death will be forever removed.

Beyond this there will be no more robbery, rust, or decay – nothing but beauty, wholeness, peace, and security. And all of this will be provided for us by Jesus’ death on the cross, where sin and death were dealt their fatal blow. It’s good to think about heaven, because it makes us appreciate Jesus and His redeeming work even more!!

A Joy To Be Shared

2008-02-11T14:39:00.000-05:00

As I have often shared with the people of our congregation, coming to church is a great joy for me. No matter how hard my day may have been or how tired I am it simply makes me feel better to be around the people of our congregation. We laugh together, cry together, share excitements and disappointments, pray for each other and help one another as we walk through this life together. They are great friends to me, part of my church family and in this they bring me great joy. Let me share a verse with you that helps to explain it.

“that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:3-4 ESV)

Did you notice the word joy? The Apostle John writes to those who have not seen or heard of Christ, so that they might have the same joy that the Christians are having. And the most striking thing of all is this - It is only when the unbelievers come to faith in Christ and find their joy in Christ that our joy will be complete. We need others to believe, to share in this joy that has been freely given to us -our joy. Their happiness will be the completion of and the fullness of our happiness. We have a joy that is intended to be shared.

Take that extra step today; extend the love of Christ to those who may be new to your congregation. Jesus Christ came into this world and gave His life so that we ALL could share in this joy. It is good news and good news is better when it is shared. It is what excites me about coming to church.

God Loves His Enemies, Even Me!

2008-01-15T12:18:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, January 20, 2008, is sanctity of human life Sunday. And all over our nation preachers will be preaching sermons filled with statistics and graphic descriptions of abortion and the underlying mindset of it all. But I for one, cannot bear the statistics and the descriptions of abortion. I cannot bear it. It may be my weakness to keep my head buried in the sand as it is, but it simply pains me too much to read.

The reason, I think, for the pain of it all is the heartache that my wife and I have had over having children. First, in the thirteen months that it took us to conceive our son, thinking that it would never happen. And then, through the pain of our miscarriage last year. The sheer value that I place on babies is much too enormous to even think about someone who would not want a child.

But, it would be very easy for me to look at someone who has had an abortion or to look at a doctor who has performed abortions and to say, “How could you?” and refuse to offer grace to them and refuse to extend to them the forgiveness that I have freely received in Jesus Christ. The fact of the matter is this; Jesus said,

21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 22But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. (Mt.5:21-22)

So as wrong as abortion is and as much as I would and do support efforts to reverse Roe vs. Wade, I cannot in good conscience look upon someone else who is guilty of murder and not sense the murder that lives in my own heart through anger. God has loved me, His enemy, when I was unlovable and extended grace to me in the cross of Jesus Christ and it is my prayer that I will learn to love my enemies as God has loved me. As it says in Luke 6:35-36, "But love your enemies ... for [God] is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

New Years, Old Cars, and Faithful Promises

2008-01-02T17:43:00.000-05:00

I grew up in a car family. We would eat, sleep, and breathe cars; talking about cars at the dinner table, dreaming about cars at night, and literally breathing the dust and paint fumes that constantly flowed from the body shop behind our house. Cars involve a lot of work, but the finished product can be very rewarding. Many cars entered our paint shop as old, dented, and often rusty pieces of junk. But on the day of their completion we would all stand outside the doors of the garage and listen as the car roared to life and slowly backed into the sunshine with fresh paint and shiny chrome glistening off every corner and smooth body surface. I can still close my eyes and smell the newness of the finished product.

What I remember most about those days in the body shop was my dad's ability to take what was damaged; worn by weather, owner abuse, and the effects of time - and restore it to its original state. The old became new right before our eyes in miracle like fashion.

It is no coincident that God puts this amazement in my heart and in the hearts of all mankind. Every year millions of people spend countless dollars on making themselves look new - new hair, new skin, face lifts, botox, etc. All because we want to be what we once were - new. God put this desire in us - I believe - so that we would get frustrated in our own efforts and look to Him for newness. And newness He will certainly bring about. One day, in the future, God will call His people from their graves and give them new life, new bodies, new health and all for eternity (Daniel 12:2).

It's a good time of year to remember that promise as we finish the first week of our New Year. Pray with me that this year God will work in our hearts to be satisfied in Him and the newness that only He can bring and not just the newness we try to provide for ourselves.

In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Mitch

A Love You May Not Know

2007-11-09T19:39:00.000-05:00

My father is a giver. That is the way he expresses his feelings toward those he loves. Whether it is buying you breakfast, a new shirt, filling your gas tank up before your long trip, or simply making sure that you have money in your all too empty wallet, he is a giver. For those who follow Gary Chapman, this is his "love language". Most of us either know someone like this or we have this trait in ourselves. So it is no small wonder that we would expect this out of heavenly father.

What we might not be ready for and what God may be ready to reveal to us is a love that we have not known - a love that takes away.

At first glance it almost seems backwards and down right cruel. Why would a God who loves us take away from us the things that we love? How is this an expression of love? Is it not cruel? Is it not hate? Indeed it is not!

God knows what we need most. God knows what will bring us more contentment and more satisfaction that anything and knowing this - if He really loves us - He will make sure we have. Above all things God knows that we must have Him as our absolute desire. We cannot love ourselves more than Him. We cannot love our jobs more than Him. We cannot love our spouse, our children, our money, our cars, our security, or any other thing more than we love Him.

To insure this God will take away the things that hold first place in our heart until He alone stands in that place.

To be sure, God is not against us, nor is He against us loving our spouses, children, jobs, or any other thing. But to love anything more than we love God is simple idolatry.

This we must do, when we suffer loss we must ask, "Is God removing this from my life because it held to high a place in my heart?" It may be, it may not. If it is we can know that our loss is really not loss at all, because God is seeing personally to the matter of our hearts affection and making sure that He and He alone remains as the greatest love of our hearts.

Prostitutes, Virgins, And Everybody In Between: All In The Family Of God

2007-10-24T18:10:00.000-05:00

Matthew 1:1-17

1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez was the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram. 4 Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon. 5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse. 6 Jesse was the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah. 7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa. 8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah. 9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah. 11 Josiah became the father of Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. 12 After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor.14 Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud. 15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob. 16 Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.

Main Point: God is more concern about where you are going (your future), than He is about where you have been (your past).

Introduction
Let me give you two examples to support this:

Listen to Jesus' words that He spoke to the crippled man after He had healed him by the Pool of Bethesda in John 5. "Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you." (John 5:14)

When a woman who had been caught in adultery is brought before Jesus in John 8, Jesus dismisses the crowd with the famous words, "Let him who has no sin cast the first stone." And after they are gone - Jesus speaks these words to the woman, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" 11 She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more." (John 8:10-11)

So here in Jesus' genealogy, his family tree, which is almost completely characterized by the names of men we find five women. Five extraordinary women, who through some of the worst circumstances that life can throw at you, are brought into the family of God.

5 Extraordinary Women

I.) Tamar: From Soap Opera To Blessing (Genesis 38)
After Judah was instrumental in selling his brother Joseph into slavery in Egypt, he left his brother to stay with a certain man named Hirah. There he took up with a Canaanite woman and had three children by her. His oldest son, Er, came to age and Judah arranged for him to marry Tamar. The Bible says that Er was evil in the sight of God and God killed him. According to Jewish Law, Judah's second son Onan was to take Tamar as his wife. He agreed, but knowing that the children would not be his he decided to not go through with it, this displeased God and God killed him as well. Now Judah does not want to give Tamar his third son because he fears that he will die too, so he tells her to go back to her father's house - an act that would be completely shameful to Tamar and her family. When Tamar hears that Judah is going out of town, because his wife had died, Tamar disguises herself like a prostitute and Judah has relations with him and becomes pregnant. When Judah hears of it he wants her burned, but then Tamar reveals to him that the child is his and Judah is shamed into repentance.

Tamar is unknowingly brought into a family that is completely characterized by deception and falsehood.
Tamar loses her first husband and is shamed publicly by her second husband and father-in-law.
Tamar, in desperation, resorts to wickedness in order to try and restore her good name.

In all these events, God uses Tamar's bad situation and bad decisions to accomplish his own good and His own glory. Tamar's son, Perez, becomes such an example of what a righteous man should be that the book of Ruth has this to say about him:

Ruth 4:11-12
11 All the people who were in the court, and the elders, said, "We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built the house of Israel; and may you achieve wealth in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem. 12 "Moreover, may your house be like the house of Perez whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring which the LORD will give you by this young woman."

Application: Your life might be a soap opera like Tamar's, but that doesn't mean that God does not have big plans for you.

II.) Rahab: From Prostitution To The Hall Of Faith
Rahab was a prostitute in the city of Jericho as the nation of Israel was about to attack it and over-take it. Because the Bible says she lived with her family, she either came from a family of prostitutes or a family with little to no moral compass. When she heard of all the mighty acts that the Lord accomplished through the exodus of Israel from Egypt, she turned from the gods of her nation and believed in The God of Israel. At risk to her own life and the life of her family, she hid the spies that Joshua sent to stake out Jericho before they overthrew it. The spies agreed to save her and her family if she would keep her allegiance to Israel. Rahab kept her word and when Jericho fell, hers was the only family to survive the attack and they remained with Israel for the rest of their lives.

Rahab was a prostitute in a prostitute family.
She lived in a wicked and evil town, where false religion was commonplace.

But when she heard of God's actions, she fled from all that she knew and trusted in God for salvation and even risked her own life to gain it. Hebrews speaks this way of Rahab:

Hebrews 11:31
31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

Application: From the worst environment that a person can be born into, Rahab was lifted by God to an example of how faith should look.

III.) Ruth: From Widowed Foreigner To Kinsman Redeemer (Ruth 1-4)
During the time when the judges ruled Israel there was a severe famine in the land. The book of Ruth records that a man named Elimelech and his wife Naomi, a couple from Bethlehem, fled to Moab with their two sons in order to survive. While in Moab Elimelech died and after this the two boys, Mahlon and Chilion, took wives for themselves from the Moabite women. After a period of 10 years, the two of them died and Naomi was left to live with her two daughters-in-law in a foreign land. Now about this time Naomi got word that the Lord had provided food in Israel and she was set to return home. Upon her leaving she tells her two daughters-in-law to return to their homes to take husbands from their own people. Orpah leaves, but the Bible states that Ruth clings to Naomi. Now the Bible seems to give two reasons for Ruth not wanting to leave Naomi's side.

Ruth felt obligated to provide for her mother-in-law and not leave her by herself.
Ruth had placed her faith in the God of Israel and did not want to return to the false gods of Moab.

Ruth does return to Bethlehem and extends her kindness to Naomi once more by not choosing to marry a young man, but an older man who is able to not only provide for her, but also to provide for Naomi as she is now a widow with much land to take care of. God honors Ruth's loyalty and self sacrificing attitude by giving her a child, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David.

Ruth lost her first husband without ever having a child by him.
But,
Ruth chose dedication through hard circumstances over an easy way out.
Ruth chose to leave home, so that she could follow the God she believed in.
Ruth chose a husband that was good for her family, beyond what her personal desires might have been.

For all of this God honored Ruth. Even though she once lived in a foreign land and worshipped false gods, she now would be an ancestor- not only to the great King David- but also to the King of Kings and The Lord of Lords - Jesus Christ.
Application: Through unknown circumstances many people spend large portions of their lives as widows or caregivers. Ruth was both, but God sees your loyalty and faithfulness and will honor it in His perfect time.

IV.) Bathsheba: From Simple Life To Mother Of The King
Bathsheba's life was a roller coaster. The beginning was very simple; she had a simple life as the wife of a soldier living in the city of Jerusalem. During the springtime her husband was off at battle as all the good soldiers were, but King David had decided to stay in the city - and this would prove to be the end of Bathsheba's simple life. David sees her bathing from the roof of the palace and sends guards to bring her back. David takes advantage of her and she ends up pregnant. Now David, knowing that his infidelity will be found out, looks for a way to cover up his sin. First, he brings Uriah back from war, so as to pass the child off as his own. When that strategy fails, David gives orders for Uriah to be killed in battle. After Uriah's death, David takes Bathsheba as his own wife, thinking that he had dodged a bullet - but there is no such thing as covering up a lie with a God who sees everything. God sends Nathan the prophet to convict David of his sin and informs him that the baby will die because he did not obey the words of his God.

From Bathsheba's vantage point things are different.
She is robbed of the simple life that she knew with her husband.
She must not only mourn the loss of the husband she loved, but now marry a man who has multiple wives and be just one in a number.
Her new husband, in his disobedience, will be put to shame - watching both his own family and his kingdom break apart.
Added to all this, her first son dies due to the sin of her new husband David.
But,
God will give her another son. And not just any son; Solomon will be the wisest and richest king that the world has ever known and on top of this Israel will be at piece for the very first time throughout his entire reign.
With this she will become not only the mother of an earthly king, but become an ancestor of the Messiah - The King of Kings.

Application: Even when the life you hoped for has been robbed from you by the sin of someone else, God can use that evil to accomplish His great good in your life.

V.) Mary: From Favored One To Grieving Widow
From all indications Mary was from a godly family. Her relatives, Zacharias and Elizabeth, were from the priestly tribe- Levi. Mary had a vast knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures (Luke 1:46-46; The Magnificat). Both Matthew and Luke go out of their way to make the point that Mary was a virgin and for this, as well as other things, God calls her "favored one" (Luke 1:28). The Bible gives every indication that Mary was seeking and godly life - and a godly life it would be. But Mary's greatness would not be seen by her generation. Her piety would be known by God alone and the world would view her completely different.

God's plans for Mary were indeed great. She would bear a child, the greatest child heaven and earth would ever know, but not in the way that most girls dream it. Mary would conceive her child before she was married. A child, conceived in her by the Holy Spirit - but the world had never seen such a miracle and who could even believe it was possible. The dreams that Mary had as a child, whatever they were, were no match for the greatness she would experience.

She would be the fulfillment of Scripture.
She and Joseph would receive blessings from both angels and prophets.
Old men would call her baby Lord and kings would bow down to worship him before He could even talk.
Her child would be perfect, faultless, and display wisdom that exceeded even the greatest teachers in Jerusalem.
Her son would heal the sick, give sight to the blind, raise the dead, walk on water, heal the crippled, walk on water, and cast demons away with a word.
But,
Her life would be shadowed by rumors of infidelity.
She would spend several years in the foreign land of Egypt, running from an evil king.
She would spend the majority of her life as a widow.
But worst of all - she watch her son die. Her perfect and blameless son. The one about whom prophecies had been made, the one of whom she was told that he would be the redemption of Israel.

Mary's life did not go as she would have planned it. Mary would surrender the desires of her own heart to follow the Lord's perfect will. Whatever the cost, her resolve would be "may it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38).

Application: Your life may not have gone the way you had planned it either. But God can do things in your life that would make your own plans pale in comparison.

Conclusion
All of these women were different; from different countries, different families, different problems - you name it. Each would experience their own brand of heartache and loss. But through all of these difficulties God used each one of them for his great purpose of redemption.

Mary's life did not end with her son being laid to rest in a tomb. For her sons death was the very thing that all of these women were living for. For in the death of this one righteous man, God has purchased salvation for everyone who believes. And just as Jesus was raised from the dead three days after he was put in the tomb, so do all of those who put their trust in Him look forward to the day when they will be raised to live eternally with the God who created them, loved them, and used five extraordinary women in the plan to save them!

Bible Study 101

2007-10-04T13:32:00.000-05:00

A student recently asked me to help her with the preparations of a Bible study. The answer I gave her was not the answer she was looking for, so it started me thinking. How do you teach a Bible study if you have never done it before and have no training. Here are a few basics that might get the beginner on the road, but are probably "old hat" to the seasoned teacher.

Should You Be Teaching?
This is a good place to start. Anyone who wants to lead in a meaningful Bible study needs to have some time carved out of their schedule to spend time in the Bible. This allotment of time will often come at a great price. Other items on the schedule will need to be sacrificed or scaled back. Also, the heart must have a spark of yearning in it to know more of Scripture, a thirst if you will. Without this, the Bible study will be bland at best. In my experience, few people have this desire - but they make for incredible Bible study leaders.

Meditate On Scripture
This is the key. Saturate your mind with the God's Word. Don't do all your preparations in one day, but read the passage you will be teaching well in advance and give the Holy Spirit time to brood over this text in your mind. God will work it into your heart and let you see the importance of it. For me, it is helpful to print the text of Scripture out on a piece of paper. Then I do a trace outline of the passage (see John Piper: Biblical Exegesis at desiringgod.org). This is where you relate every phrase of scripture to the phrase before and after it. I usually circle words that appear more than once, follow pronouns through the passage, ask questions of the text, and jot my notes off to the side. This takes time, but this is where it is at. This is where the fruit is.

Determine The Main Point
I feel that it is always best to pick a passage of Scripture and teach that passage. Topical lessons leave us skipping all over the bible and usually wasting time. Settle into a few verses or one chapter and try to determine what the author ( and the Holy Spirit!) were conveying in the passage. This is your main point. This is what the Bible study will revolve around, like the planets circling the sun. Every story or illustration should help undergird this point.

Draw Out A Few Sub Points
These will serve as steps to keep the Bible study trucking along. Once one sub point is finished, you move on to the next sub point. All of these sub points should support your main point and have a reference back to the text.

Shape It Up
This is where I try to put an introduction and a conclusion on the Bible study. It is simply a story that will help those in the bible study grasp the main point of the lesson. I try to make it interesting, relevant, and appealing to the heart. My method is usually like this:

Read entire passage
Pray
Introduction
1st point
2nd point
3rd point
Conclusion
Pray

It may sound overly simplified, but you really can't lose with this method. If it needs to be altered you most certainly can, no real rules about it. But this is a good place to start.

Pray It Hot
This may be the second most important part. Prayer is the spark that sets off the gunpowder of God's Word. Spend some time in prayer before you deliver the message or Bible study. Ask God to make it clear and to be a shining light or hot microphone of for His wonderful and perfect Word.

Even The Good Ol' Boys Aint Good Ol' Boys

2007-09-24T18:09:00.000-05:00

We have a saying in the South, actually we have many sayings in the South. Some of them make more sense than others. One that I am particularly fond of is "Good Ol' Boy." The term however is hard to place. It is definitely male, that much is obvious, but the "good" part is a little harder to define.

You don't exactly have to be of the greatest moral character to have the term "Good O'l Boy" ascribed to you. You can be a good ol' boy and drink, you can even drink to excess. You can smoke, cuss, chew, and date women who do - and still be a "good ol' boy." You can spend time in jail and be a "good ol' boy", in fact I have visited some of them there. You can lie and even steal and still be dubbed this way by all of southern royalty.

It makes you wonder though- is there anything that can get you disqualified from being a "good ol' boy"? As far as I know there are only a few things: selling government secrets to a communist nation, cussing your momma, or failing to say the pledge of allegiance immediately come to mind. The list cannot be much longer.

But we all know what we mean when we say it. We are making a short generalized statement about an individual, usually endorsing them to some extent. It is not a technical term at all. Sort of like saying you are doing fine when you are not. It's better than spilling the whole pail of slop out before someone.

The truth of the matter is- no one is good. No one. No matter how much you like them or how sweet they are to their momma. They simply are not good. And it's not just that they do bad things, they are bad. Bad people, not good. And I am one of them. The bad news is, so are you.

Psalm 14 says it like this:

1The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God "
They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds;
There is no one who does good.
2The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men
To see if there are any who understand,
Who seek after God.
3They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt;
There is no one who does good, not even one.
4Do all the workers of wickedness not know,
Who eat up my people as they eat bread,
And do not call upon the Lord?
5There they are in great dread,
For God is with the righteous generation.
6You would put to shame the counsel of the afflicted,
But the LORD is his refuge.
7Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When the LORD restores His captive people,
Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad.

We do bad things because we are bad people. That's who we are and we are in desperate need of a righteous man, just ONE righteous man to be good on our behalf. God knew we would need this and so He sent his son - JESUS - to be that one good man for us. To do good in our place, to keep the commandments for us, to live righteously for us, to commit good acts for us, so that we could be counted as good - as righteous- as "good ol' boys."

Thy Mercy by Caedmon's Call

2007-08-30T15:46:00.000-05:00

Few songs have been able to minister to me in the way this song has. Through the hardest times in my life this song has been a source of comfort, strength, and joy. I just wanted to share it with anyone who may need it as much as I have.

Thy Mercy

Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song
The joy of my heart and the boast of my tongue
Thy free grace alone from the first to the last
Hath won my affection and bound my soul fast

Without thy sweet mercy I could not live here
Sin would reduce me to utter despair
But through Thy free goodness my spirit's revived
And He that first made me still keeps me alive

Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart
Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart
Dissolved by Thy goodness I fall to the ground
And weep for the praise of the mercy I've found
Hallelujah!

Great Father of mercies Thy goodness I own
In the covenant love of Thy crucified Son
All praise to the Spirit whose whisper divine
Seals mercy and pardon and righteousness mine
All praise to the Spirit whose whisper divine
Seals mercy and pardon and righteousness mine

by Caedmon's Call
In The Company of Angels

The Lone Ranger And The Cross of Christ

2007-08-27T12:52:00.000-05:00

Colossians 2:13-15

13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,
14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us,

which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them,

having triumphed over them through Him.

My wife says that I am terrible "movie-picker-outer". It's not that the movies that I choose are full of violence or nudity or anything of that sort, it is just that some of my favorites movies tend to lack a few key elements; such as plot, direction, good actors, and so on and so forth. So I was greatly dismayed this week as I did some research on one of the films that I loved as a child.

In 1981 there was a remake of the 1952 classic The Legend of The Lone Ranger. This movie held a great place in my heart. I was 9 years old when I saw it for the first time and one particular scene stuck fast in my mind. But since it had been so long since I saw the film, I decided to go on line to get my facts straight. What I discovered was less than encouraging.

In 1981, the year in which The Legend of The Lone Ranger was released, the movie received two awards. First, it received Worst Actor, for the man who played The Lone Ranger and secondly, it received Worst Film of The Year. This is not the movie I remembered as a nine year old. To me the film was magnificent, one scene in particular.

At one point in the movie Tonto has been captured by the "bad guys" (on false charges I'm sure) and is slated to be hung on the gallows at noon. The day of his trial comes and his best friend, his sidekick, Kemosabe - is no where to be found. Tonto is taken in hand-cuffs to the gallows- still no Lone Ranger. The noose is put around his neck - still no Lone Ranger. And right before the lever is pulled to drop the floor out from under him one gunshot rings out loud as a cannon blast - the silver bullet snaps the rope above Tonto's head- The William Tell Overture starts -The Lone Ranger and Silver come flying into town as fast as lightening - Tonto leaps from the gallows onto the back of Silver and the two heroes go blazing into the distance! And all the bad guys are standing there, jaws dropped open - saying "Who was that masked man?"

And this is exactly the picture the Apostle Paul paints for us in the book of Colossians. As he writes to the church at Colossae he explains that all of mankind is in the same hopeless situation, with death imminent, as they had been for thousands of years. Until one weekend in A.D 30, when the Son of God who has come from heaven dies on a cross one Friday afternoon and then early that Sunday morning - POW!- all of heaven and earth shake as sin and death are ripped from the clutches of a defeated and humiliated devil.

John Piper On The Prosperity Gospel

2007-08-16T19:59:00.000-05:00

You simply must see this!! This is John Piper at his best and he is taking on the prosperity gospel and rightly calling it the lie that it is. It is an incredible message from a godly and holy man. Please take the time to watch this!

The Generation of Mark 13:30

2007-08-14T18:31:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of Mark chapter thirteen Jesus is leaving the temple area and one of his disciples points out the grandure of the temple buildings. Jesus' remark to that disciple concerns the fact that these buildings will one day be torn down. The disciples question Him further as to the times of these events, and so begins an extended teaching from Jesus on the end times.As Jesus' remarks are drawing to a close, He makes this comment in Mark 13:30:

"Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place." (NASB)

So the reader is left to wonder the meaning of this statement. Either our understanding of generation is wrong, or we are understanding what Jesus meant by "these things" wrong. I think there are at least two solutions.

The word for generation (genea: Greek) could mean, as some side column reference Bibles note, "the human race". This is possible, since the events have not all happened and the human race is still on earth. But this is not the most natural reading of the word generation. Typically, you would think of a generation as a time span of less than 100 years, or the maximum typical life span.
Another option, and the one I lean more in favor of is another understanding of the phrase "take place". In the Greek New Testament it is one word (genitai: a 2 Aorist Middle Subjunctive Verb, 3rd Person Singular). David Allen Black, in his book It's Still Greek To Me, lists a sense of the aorist verb as Ingressive Aorist. That is, it stresses the beginning of an action.

So if I am labelling this verb right, and I hope I am, then we could translate the verse, "Truly I say to you, that this generation will not pass away until these things begin to take place." This would mean that the events of the end time began with the persecution of the church and the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. If this is right, then Jesus' generation did most certainly live to see these things take place.

Lessons From The Threshing Floor

2007-08-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

Every once and a while The Lord will allow you to go through situations that you would never imagine could be beneficial. Jesus told Peter, on the night that He was betrayed, that Satan had demanded permission to sift him like wheat. Jesus told Peter that He had prayed for him and then instructed Peter that when he returns that he was to strengthen his brothers. (Luke 22:31-34)

I do not know what Peter felt during this time. I do know what his life was like after Christ was raised from the dead. Peter was changed. That is in fact putting it lightly. I want to share a few lessons I learned from the grace that God has shown to me as He allowed me to be sifted.

God will stop at nothing to humble his servants. He abhors arrogance and will seek it out to destroy it at all costs and will not tolerate any to remain.
Ministry is a privilege and not a right. No one deserves to be a minister, it is an honor and must be treated as such.
God's Word is the only thing that will heal some wounds. There are times when nothing else will bring peace to your heart but reading the Scriptures and even though it feels, at first, like pouring salt in a wound - the end effect is healing, deep healing.
You can't change another person or force them to tell the truth, you are responsible only to God and you must, YOU MUST allow God to issue justice according to His great wisdom and not succumb to the temptation to handle vengeance on your own.
God will permit the most ungodly events to occur in order to accomplish His good purposes. Learn the lesson of Joseph; what people intend for evil, God will use for good.
The Lord will usher in abundance of grace when He sees His children begin to walk in obedience. There is no end to God's grace and it is so overwhelming at times that it is almost unbelievable.
The Lord does give, but He still reserves the right to take away. He is still good, gracious and kind - and since we deserve nothing, we cannot complain of loss, though we can and do feel the pain that goes with that loss.

Predestination or Free Will?

2007-07-22T20:42:00.000-05:00

Which is true, predestination or free will? The answer is that both are true. They are both true because the Bible affirms that both are true. God does choose those who will be saved and it is settled, and those who follow Christ freely choose him as an act of their own free will or volition.Since the Bible affirms both, why then is there is still debate?

The debate comes when some choose to emphasize the one and not the other. If one is emphasized over the other, it should be because one has strong convictions that the Bible emphasizes one stronger than the other.Those who emphasize the predestination side of salvation are Calvinists, after the French Reformer John Calvin. Those who emphasize the free will aspect of salvation are typically referred to as Arminians, after Jacob Arminius.

It is however, impossible to answer this question without giving away my position. I am a Calvinist (5 points, if you are counting; and if you want to know what the five points are I will post that below). I believe that man does have free will, but I believe that it is wrong and unbiblical to say that God will not or could not over-ride man's free will in order to accomplish His good purposes.

Here is a simple explanation of the 5 points of Calvinism, so that everyone who does not know would have a simple reference for the conversation. I am in no way promoting this, though I believe it is an accurate summary of what Scripture teaches. It is only my desire that the readers of this blog would search the Scriptures in order to settle the matter in their own minds.

Calvinism can be summarized in 5 easy points, which are remembered by the word TULIP. Each point beginning with a letter from the word tulip. Though much more could be said about each point, I will try to keep the explanations as brief as possible.

T: Total Depravity
This does not mean that humans are as bad as they could possibly be, but that every aspect of the human being (visible and invisible) has been touched or tainted by the effect of the Fall. Sin effects all that we are and all that we do and our will is in bondage to that sin until God frees us through regeneration

U: Unconditional Election
That is, God chooses those who will inherit salvation as out of his own free will and not for any foreseen goodness or merit in that person. God doesn't pick out people because He can tell that one day they will make a good Christian, He elects people out of His grace.

L: Limited Atonement
Simply put, this means that when Jesus died he bore God's wrath for the sins of those who would ultimately be saved and not for those who would ultimately reject Him and go to hell. Or another way to say it is this; Christ shed his blood only for those who would be saved and not for the whole world.

I: Irresistible Grace
This means that once God has, by His Holy Spirit, regenerated someones heart they will follow Him in faith and will not turn away from the grace that has been shown to them.

P: Perseverance of The Saints
This means that once someone is saved, they will remain saved and will not lose their salvation, because God has saved them apart from their works and it is impossible to lose their salvation according to their works.

As a side note it must be said that Baptist usually hold to at least one of these points. Typically is is the last one (The Perseverance of The Saints). Once one gives up this last point they would typically follow more in line with the Methodist or Wesleyan tradition.

There Is Light And It Is Good

2007-06-27T11:31:00.000-05:00

I am a young earther. That means that I believe that The LORD created the heavens and the earth and all that they contain in six literal 24 hour periods. Those who hold that the evolutionary model is correct (billions and billions of years without a creator) often say that the six literal days is impossible because the sun (the basis for a 24 hour day) is not created until day four(Genesis 1:14-19). A good point to be sure, but what of the light that is spoken of in 1:3?

The famous line "Let there be light" is often equated with the sun. But if the sun is created 3 days later than the light, what could this first act of creation be? I believe the hint to what is happening is found at the polar opposite end of the Bible.

In Revelation 21:23 Scripture states: "And the city [New Jerusalem i.e., heaven] has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the lamb," and again in 22:5 it states; "And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of a light of a lamp nor the light of the sun; because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever."

So what does this teach us about God's first act of creation in Genesis? I beleieve that the point is this. God's first act of created was to display Himself. That's right. Before a sun or earth or ocean could reflect the beauty of a sovereign and holy God, God had to reflect Himself as the Creator of the creation: the Magnificent One, The One Above All Comparison; Jesus Christ Himself!

The connection is this: If the One who chose to display Himself as first and foremost above all creation chose to tell us that the rest of creation was measured by the word "day" and that since then what we know of day os a literal 24 hour period, then we must conclude that our thinking and reasoning must take a back seat to the One who chose to admire Himself above what He would soon create.

SBC 2007: San Antonio

2007-06-16T21:40:00.001-05:00

Having made it home from a week of travels to the SBC and tour of Texas (DFW area) and while still suffering from a minor case of jet-lag I felt the need to post a few reflections from the 2007 meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention while they were still fresh on my mind. These thoughts are neither in-depth, nor educated (which may mean inaccurate), but they are reflections from an observer and participant.

The Messengers
For the most part I was disappointed with the messengers of the SBC. They seem to be neither engaged in the serious matters of the SBC, nor caring that they are not. Many sit during the worship songs or make useless cell phone calls. I was also amazed by the number of empty seats. Where were you?

The Seminary Presidents
This was very encouraging. I thank God for men like R. Albert Mohler Jr., Daniel Akin, and Paige Patterson who will take a bold stand for the cause of the gospel, the high calling of the minister, and the innerancy of Scripture. They are "bold as a lion" and keep our seminaries refined with the truth of God's Word.

The Committee on Resolutions
I was disappointed with the resolutions brought to the SBC by this committee and the ones left unattended by them. Our bearing seems to backward and we neglect the weighty matters for those that waist time and breath. They encourage the messengers to promote themselves and neglect thinking. They did the SBC no service.

The Seminaries and Colleges
I was especially proud of the number of schools that are dedicated to the teaching and training of ministers. I appreciate the presence of seminary professors at the booths and the availability of journals and magazines produced by these institutions. I extend a word of gratitude to Dr. Jerry Johnson of Criswell College in Texas for not only having one of the finest booths at the convention, but also promoting theological thinking by hosting the two debates on 1) election and 2) private prayer languages. We were challenged and enriched through your work and I was encouraged.

A Proverbs 32 Woman

2007-05-09T07:55:00.000-05:00

Often lovers will speak of proclaiming their love from the mountain tops. Here in Gainesville, FL it loses a little punch, since mountains only appear in pictures. A greater voice might be to proclaim my love for my wife from the high mountain of cyberspace for many to hear.

Often in Christianity, and especially at Mother's Day, people are fond of quoting Proverbs 31. This is truly a picture of a godly woman and my wife would be all of these things. Or at least she would be if the opportunity availed her. Not much of a market for wool and flax these days, but if there were, I am sure that my wife would dominate the trade.

But here are a few things that I love about my wife that send her way beyond the greatness that is described in Proverbs 31, so I attempt (but not really) to write Proverbs 32.

She's the jewel that crowns her family and her smile is more bright than day, she's encouraging and sure each step along the way.
Her laughter is contagious and her house is safe and warm, her husband desires her protection - that none would bring her harm.
Her husband trusts her wisdom and lends his ear to hear her voice, her heart is pure from guile and and her sincerity is choice.
A teacher of the young and a giver to the old, a Calvinist by choice with conviction fierce and bold.
A reader of great books and a mind that is sharp and keen, a cuteness with maturity like none I have ever seen.
She trains her child the way he should go and teaches him to love, he will call her more than blessed, for they fit like hand and glove.
She endures her life's restrictions with gentleness and peace, trusting God above what is seen until He provides release.
She is loved much more than her husband could type, or feebly convey, for she is one of God's very best- much more than words could ever say.

I love you Sweetie. Happy Mother's Day.

The Coin Jar and The Bookshleves

2007-05-02T08:32:00.000-05:00

Fighting For Joy By Remembering Promises

In my bedroom there is a jar. It sits on top of my dresser right beside the television set. It is a small glass jar with a glass lid. It is only about five inches tall and equally as wide. Inside the jar is my loose change. Whatever is left in my pockets at the end of the day, that didn't make into the seat cushion or in the nearest Coke machine- goes in the jar. Not much change either. It is only about half full, or half empty depending on the level of your melancholy. Mine tends to be high.

I don't know exactly how much change is in their. In fact, I couldn't even guess. There are pennies, nickels, dimes, maybe a few quarters (but not too many quarters -remember the Coke machine, oh and gumball machines too, those will eat up your quarters). The point is, its just there. I don't know how much money is in it. I don't count this money and I don't depend on it for anything important. So, it is unimportant to me. If it were gone tomorrow- it would probably be a few weeks before I missed it. Just not that important.

In my office there are four bookshelves. On those books shelves are my books. Fitting right? Five hundred and five of them. I know this because I have a computer program that catalogues them for me. It gives me a summary at the end of each session and on that summary it tells me how many books I have. At last count there were 505. I love my books, they (unlike the loose change jar) are extremely important to me. I have them categorized by topic and arranged alphabetically (thanks to one diligent youth from the youth group, thank you Aimee!). I am proud of these books, they are mine and I use them frequently. Lots of hard work and moments of joy are represented by the books that set atop those shelves. Good, good memories! The point is - I know the details of those books because they are important to me. They are valuable, so I know them intimately. Just like our Heavenly Father knows us.

In the Gospel of Luke, the twelfth chapter Jesus teaches us how God views us. Here are a few conclusions:

God Remembers You.

In verse six of that chapter Jesus states that God has detailed knowledge of all the birds of the air and then he says that not one of them is forgotten by God. There are lots of birds in the air. Huge numbers of them and none of them are forgotten by God. I think the point is this- if God remembers the birds, will He not also remember you? Remember - like in the Old Testament when it says that God remembered Israel and heard their cry of slavery in Egypt. He did not forget His promise to them, His plan was not set on a shelf, nor did His promises fall by the wayside. He remembers us, to do good for us. And if He will remember the birds of the air, how much more will He remember those who bear His image, who have been redeemed by the blood of His only Son.

God Values You.

Twice in this passage Jesus says that we are more valuable than the birds (12.7, 12.24). He even goes as far as to say that we are more valuable than many birds. I think he is saying that creatures, who do not bear His image, are valuable to Him. How much more valuable is someone who has been created in His image and then redeemed by the blood of his one and only Son. Therefore, we are of great value to our Heavenly Father.

God Provides For You

The passage concludes with an admonition not to worry about what you will eat or what you will wear and not to seek after these things. The reason for all of this is that God knows what our needs are. He is not wondering what we need and anxiously waiting for us to ask, as if he needs a little insight to our situation. And beyond his knowledge of the situation is His promise to provide these things for us (12.24, 12.28). He has our best interest at heart and in the end He will ultimately give us what is best. Even if that means that our temporary life in the flesh is replaced by an eternal one.

These are good promises. They are truth and need to be ran through our mind over and over. Truth comes from God’s Word and truth brings healing. The repetition or remembering of this truth will transform our mind (Romans 12:2) and begin the healing that our soul desperately needs.

Wanting My Soul To Be Healed,

Mitch

Easy Chair

2007-04-19T08:08:00.000-05:00

Savoring The Easy Yoke of Salvation In Christ

I have this chair in my living room. The chair and its matching couch were given to me by my parents. In fact, all of the furniture in our apartment was given to us by some relative or another. Nothing really matches, it’s a hodge-podge of sorts – kind of like a garage sale. A well organized garage sale, but a garage sale nonetheless.

Anyway, back to this chair. I love to sit in this chair. You can sit in it very comfortably in the normal "seated" position, but that is rarely how I sit in it. You see, the chair is oversized. It has a low back and low arm rests and the cushions are really soft. So the best way for me to sit in this chair is to tuck myself back in one of its corners and then pull my feet up into the chair with me. I can then sling one arm over the back of the chair and nestle one elbow into the cushiony arm, completely ready for any task that is given to me. As long as those tasks include: TV watching, thinking, talking, coffee drinking, ice cream eating, or meditating. It is a low activity chair. Oh, I almost forgot, I can lead our small group Bible study from this chair and lead it very effectively I have found.

I simply love this chair. It is where I can rest and it is where I can relax. In the morning I kneel in front of this chair to pray. Not that I am worshipping the chair- it is just a good place to pray. I enjoy my time with this chair. It is comforting to me. Everything from its design, to its shape, the beach-sand color of it. I simply love that chair.

I once heard a sermon illustration about a chair. It concerned faith. The pastor pulled a chair onto the middle of the platform and said, "I have faith in this chair, that it can hold me up." Then he proceeded to sit in the chair. The point, I think, was that if we say we have faith in Christ we will trust ourselves to Him. We will sit in the "chair" or have faith in the "chair."

I guess the illustration is okay, but it seems a little introductory to me. Not very relational, not very personal. It lacks love, it lacks emotion, it lacks feeling. Not the relationship I have with my chair. I don’t even think about the chair in my living room holding me up. That is a given. I never doubted that chair. It never even gives this slightest squeak that it might not be able to bear the burden of me. I am way past trust in my chair. I am so into the enjoyment of my chair. I simply want to be there as much as possible. And I am in the business of promoting my chair too.

My wife sits there to read. She knows a good thing when she sees it. I like holding my son in this chair. We can read there, enjoy our morning milk there, play there, laugh ourselves to hysterics with zurburts before bedtime. It is just a good place to be and I want as many people to enjoy it as possible.

Just like Jesus. I am way beyond trust and I am really into the enjoyment of Him. I love to feed off of His Word. Not just in the morning, not just at work, but as much as possible. That is, anytime there is an available minute I want to be reading Scripture or thinking about Scripture. Letting my mind dwell on the things of Christ, letting my soul be satisfied with Him and His goodness. And I want you to have this enjoyment too. To be satisfied, to rest and be comforted. To live way beyond trust. Jesus said,

"Come to Me,
all who are weary and heavy-laden,
and I will give you rest.
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.
"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew11:28-30 (NASB)

I don’t think that Jesus wanted us to use Him like some sort of step or ladder to get into heaven. Not as some financial coach or happiness guru. I think He wanted us to find our rest and our satisfaction in Him. To be relational with Him, to love Him, and know Him, and need Him, seeking after Him with everything that is within us.

Come sit in my chair. It is what you need, it is the chair you crave. It’s so good, so relaxing, so restful, so peaceful. You will find the satisfaction of your soul there.

He Led Captive A Host Of Captives

2007-04-17T14:03:00.000-05:00

Letter To A Friend Concerning Ephesians 4:8

But to each one of us grace was given
according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Therefore it says, "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,
HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES,
AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN."
Ephesians 4:7-8 (NASB)

The context of this passage concerns the unity of the church. Paul states in verse three that the Ephesians are to "preserve the unity of the church and in verse thirteen he states "until we all attain to the unity of the faith." That much is settled, God wants Christians to be united.
The remarkable thing is that this unity comes to the church through the diversity of its people. Verse seven states that "But each one of us grace was given…" Verse 11 follows by saying "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers."

This grace from God is the gifts that God gives to His children so that the church of the lord Jesus Christ might be fully equipped for every good work. Not everyone has the same gift, but everyone is needed.

Paul gives verse eight, a quotation from Psalm 68, as the Scripture that told of this giving of gifts. Psalm 68 pictures King David bringing the Ark of The Covenant back to Mt. Zion in victory. This ascension is paralleled to the ascension of Christ. This is what Paul leaves us with. That the giving of gifts was the prize or the spoils of a king that had plundered his enemies and was now flaunting this victory in a homecoming parade of sorts.

But what about the specific phrase "HE LEAD CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES," How are we to understand this? Maybe this should not be taken in a way that demands that we find a direct parallel to Psalm 68, but instead we should try to see the overarching point that – just as David brought back The Ark of The Covenant in triumph, so Christ too ascended to the Father in triumph -–having conquered all of His enemies- and sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to bring gifts to men.

Yearning With You To Understand Scripture Better,

Mitchell L. Landress

He Descended Not

2007-04-09T12:59:00.000-05:00

4 Reasons I Believe Jesus Did Not Descend Into Hell

Easter is a good time to contemplate Christ in the grave and throughout history many have debated as to just what happen during those three days. One view is that Christ descended into hell. Here are four reasons why I believe that this is not so.

1. Lack of Biblical Evidence

Those who hold that Jesus descended into hell after His death on Friday of the Passion Week typically point to four passages of Scripture: Acts 2:27, Romans 10:6-7, Ephesians 4:8-9, and 1 Peter 3:18-20. Vague would be the best description of these passages. Save the reference from 1 Peter, you would have to read a preconceived notion on top of these text in order to “see” a reference to Christ’s descending into hell.

But what of the reference from 1 Peter 3:18-20. The verse in question reads: “in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison.” (NASB). If Christ did not descend into hell, what could this possibly mean? In the context of suffering and the following verse relating to Noah during the building of the ark, I make this conclusion(as do many others): that the Spirit of Christ (God's Spirit) was preaching salvation through Noah (1 Peter 1:11, 2 Peter 2:5). Just as God's Spirit testified through the prophets of things yet to come. So, Christ was preaching to the world through God's servant Noah. The people who heard Noah and witnessed the building of the ark failed to believe Noah and in doing so failed to believe the message of Christ. They were disobedient and now are in prison (i.e. hell) because of their disobedience.

2. Early Versions of The Apostles Creed

The phrase “he descended into hell” first appeared in the Apostles Creed. The problem is that the earliest versions of the creed do not contain this phrase (see Grudem, p. 584-586). In fact, the document that dates back to as early as 200A.D. did not contain the phrase at all until around 650 A.D. The distancing of the phrase “he descended into hell” from the time of the apostles further shows that it was a latter addition and not part of the Apostles teaching.

3. Lack of Theological Reasoning

The question must be asked, if Christ did indeed descend into hell after his death, why? That is, what was the purpose of the descent? Those who hold to this belief say that the answer is suffering. But for what did he suffer? If He bore our sins on the cross, what was left to suffer for? If all of God’s wrath that was due to the sins of His elect was poured out on him while on the cross, then what further need did Christ have to suffer?

4. Testimony of Biblical Scholars

Though many wise and thoughtful theologians have argued for the descensus view (Calvin, MacArthur), the testimony of others still must be heard and have its place among those committed to sound exegesis. So a list is offered here of those who see no evidence from Scripture that Christ descended into hell. Each offers a good defense of the text and their own theological reasoning. Though each deserves to be read in its entirety, they are too vast to be included here.

St. Augustine of Hippo
Thomas Aquinas
Milliard Erickson (Christian Theology, 791-94)
Karen H. Jobes (1 Peter: BECNT, 235-50)*
Wayne Grudem (Systematic Theology, 584-94)
John Piper (desiringgod.org: “ Strengthened To Suffer: Christ, Noah, and Baptism”)
George Eldon Ladd (A Theology of the NT, 646-47)*

* Some scholars, though not believing that Christ descended into hell, interpret his ascension as a proclamation to “the spirits in prison”. A proclamation of victory, but no mention of suffering or actual spiritual presence in hell.

Will You Swallow Any Pill?

2007-04-08T06:41:00.000-05:00

Congregations Are Dying To Hear God's Word

It didn't take long to get sick of the media coverage of Anna Nicole Smith's death. One fact was amazing however. The autopsy revealed that she had eleven different drugs in her system at the time of her death. Eleven different pills. This can only mean one thing. Desperation.

I think the church is desperate too. A desperation born in thirst and hunger for what is real. But reality is not present. A child starving to death does not need cotton candy and a man suffering dehydration does not need Swiss mocha cappuccinos. Solid food and pure water will produce health. But we in church have settled for less.

Our desperation has driven us to the same place that it drove Ms. Smith. We, in frantic desperation, have swallowed the wrong pill. And not just one. Before one is digested we swallow another and another and another until our stomach is packed and we are at the point of death.

Only one thing satisfies and that is Jesus Christ.

All else is fluff; cotton candy and specialty drinks. Sweet in our mouth, but reaping death to our insides. God offers His Word and we settle for hype. God's offers His presence and we ingest fad after fad after fad. Programs on programs, and calender events on top of calender events. A new way, a new thing, another change, another emotional speech, more drama, and shallow charismatic flair.

We have forsaken the fountain of living waters and hewn our own cisterns that are incapable of holding water. But they are to the brim with cotton candy and the masses are dying in line to get it.

The Intent of The Spirit

2007-02-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

Why I Preach and Teach Expositional Messages

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (2 Peter 1:20-21)

When I make the comment that I believe Scripture is inspired, I do not mean in the same way that Willie Nelson was inspired to write Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain or that James Taylor was inspired to write Fire And Rain. This "inspiration" can be attributed to hard work, talent, focus, and moments of clear thinking (well, maybe not with Willie). This is not the definition I think of when I picture Moses or Matthew or John setting down with parchment and ink before them.

When I say that the biblical authors were inspired, I mean that the Spirit of God came on them in such a way as to change their very will. That is, what they would have never written before or could have ever written before they now did. The Holy Spirit grasping their personality, their vocabulary, their intellect, and forcing His will through them. So that the very words that fell on the paper were the words of God and not the words of man. The language that the writers would have used is theirs, still reflecting their personalities, and even their education. But the message was composed in such a way that the flow of thought, the clarity of truth, and the structure of the letter as a whole could never have been accomplished by the will of man.

The words we have in Scripture are there by the will of the Spirit, not man. Therefore, the message we have on the paper (in our Bibles today) is the message of God and not the message of man. It is perfect, without error, authoritative, and has a specific message that the Spirit of God desires to be communicated.

This message is communicated by individual words. These words connect to other words to form phrases and phrases string together to complete thoughts and ultimately the message as a whole. It is only by working through a passage word by word, and phrase by phrase that this message can be discovered. This is why I teach verse by verse, passage by passage, book by book.

The outcome is mind boggling. If a preacher or teacher labors to discover what the intent of the passage truly is (and it is a labor!), then the teacher will discover what the Spirit of God was intending to teach in that passage. So that when the teacher teaches and the preacher preaches, it is no longer the words of man, but the very words of God. The Spirit being pleased that what He has designed and intended is now being proclaimed!! In this moment the Spirit of God comes forth with power to let His message have it’s effect on the hearers of the message.

This is why I teach the way I do. I put no faith in adding psychology, or antidotal stories, or statistics to the message of God. It weakens the message, quenches the Spirit, and leaves a congregation thirsty, their faith now being starved and dying. It is not always the most popular or the most entertaining, but it is a conviction to put forth the message of God, for His glory, and for the edification of His people.

Listening For God

2007-02-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

Letter To A Friend On How To Listen To God

We are good at asking God for things. The answer is not always quick in coming though. So what do we do? Our depravity would tell us to give up, consider the matter hopeless, and try to make as good of a decision for ourselves as possible. Waiting for the answer, it seems, may be the hardest part of our relationship with God.

An all-inclusive answer on how to listen to God would take up much time and much space. Already, I have dwelt on this subject for three weeks. My friend needed an answer, from me as well as from God, this is a little of what I gave to her.

Psalm 4 describes the communicative relationship between man and God. The end of verse three says "The Lord hears when I call to Him." This much is for sure, but what to do when the answer from God tarries? Verse four continues, "Tremble and do not sin". That is, wait in fear of the Lord, depending on Him and not with the attitude of a "double-minded man" (James 1:6-7) – for that will accomplish nothing. But in reverence, not rushing into self-reliance.

Verse four continues, "Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still." I understand this to mean that the Christian is to have God’s Word committed to their memory and in the still of the night, when there is no other sound- while we seek for answers- we are to let God’s Scriptures saturate our thoughts. This gives the Holy Spirit the opportunity to mold and conform our mind to be like His, and in this we will gain understanding of God’s Word from which our answer comes.

Verse five goes on with the phrase "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness." Coupled with the phrase "and do not sin" from verse four draws us closer to understanding the psalmist. While we are waiting for God to answer our prayers, we need to make the most of the opportunity by getting rid of (sacrificing) everything in our life that would keep us from drawing near to God. This may cost us, but the pleasure of God’s presence should hearken us to sell all that we own to buy this "pearl of great price."

Verse five ends with "and trust in the Lord." This is the same as "and be still" in verse four. Our stillness is our trusting. To fret and scheme means that we are waiting on God to disappoint us. Stillness, is faith that the God who promised will come through for us, for our good, and for His glory.

I hope this helps and I pray that we would all be strengthened in our faith as we wait on God and listen for His voice.

Love Them Less

2007-01-18T14:16:00.000-05:00

Training Our Hearts To Love Christ Above All Else

There is a reason why the phrase True Love Waits is absent from our church this February. It is not because we do not value sexual purity among our youth- we most certainly do. It is the motive behind it that causes me to depart from the traditional phrase.

There are at least two mistakes that I want to avoid. First, I don’t want to spend too much time congratulating those who have held on to their virginity, for fear that those who have not may think themselves unfit to serve Christ with their lives. Secondly, there is a deeper heart issue at stake, namely a love and passion for Jesus Christ. This can be missed if we try to frighten abstinence into our teens with talk of AIDS and teen pregnancy.

Love Them Less takes a different approach. It is based on a poem by Dr. John Piper entitled "Love Her More and Love Her Less." The poem, originally written for his son’s wedding day, speaks to the fact that the spouse is to take the position of greatest love in your life, save that of Jesus Christ. I want the youth to understand that one day they will love their spouse more than their career, their friends, more than their parents, and even more than themselves. But even this great love must come second to the love that they have for Jesus Christ.

A Christ centered view of sexual purity calls everyone to repentance, both the chaste and the unchaste. It also keeps those who have remained sexually pure from thinking themselves better than those who have not. It removes pride, instills humility, and exalts the One who purifies us from our sins- The Lord Jesus Christ.

Net-Flix, iPods, and The Roaring Lion

2007-01-08T11:05:00.000-05:00

Fighting Against Isolationism

As I was scanning through the information for Net-Flix this weekend I was amazed at how easy it sounds. I simply sign up for the service and the movies come right to my door. I never have to leave home. Then I realized what never leaving home means. It simply means that I lose another area of accountability in my life.

As it is now, whenever I want to rent a movie, my wife and I go into the blockbuster store together and pick out our selection. Even though we have made a personal commitment never to watch a R-rated movie, I still find myself reading the back of the cases to see what the movies are about and of course to check the rating. What I have in the process is a means of accountability. I know that everyone in the store is potentially watching me and my conscience is telling me to stay above reproach in all that I look at.

When movies come to your door you loose this area of accountability. You can order anything you want and no one sees your choices. Simply, nobody knows! The same with the Internet. It gets piped into our homes and we watch it in seclusion from the rest of the world. Yet another area where we have lost accountability.

As if this were not enough I have one more woe to add to my list. This morning as I was leaving for work I saw two teenage girls waiting for the school bus. Both of them were standing by the road, silent, with ear phones in their ears, neither talking to the other. In public, yet in complete isolation from the world.

All of these things have one thing in common. They remove us from society – therefore, they eliminate all forms of interaction and accountability. The reason? The devil is roaming around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Who will he choose? He will choose the weakest of the herd, those who have wandered off on their own, and isolated themselves from the rest. And there he will devour them.

We must fight the good fight of keeping our families in tact and we do this through relationships and these are maintained through conversation and dialogue. Keep up the battle for our children, I am afraid we are loosing it!

One Small Child

2006-12-13T16:51:00.000-05:00

Basking In The Promise of The Incarnation

A promise is only good if someone keeps it. Great promises require great people. The greater the promise, the greater the need for the person making the promise to be great.

Long ago a man, a woman, and a serpent stood before God in the midst of a beautiful garden. Each cowering in shame before their Maker. Lawlessness had been unleashed, depravity now flooded into the hearts of mankind and the close presence of God was now removed. Hope was lost and death was imminent. Then God made a promise – a great promise. The serpent would be crushed, the power of death would be taken back and the rebellion that separated God and man would be atoned for. One would come forth from God to rule the nations with a rod of iron, to sit on the throne of an eternal kingdom, and bring everlasting peace to a world in turmoil.

Who could fulfill such a great promise? The world waited for an answer. They looked to altars of sacrifice, anointed priests in holy attire, and brave kings with the courage to slay giants. They sought for answers through prophets and judges, continually waiting on the fulfillment of God’s great promise. Then one day, away from the temple, away from the palace courts and religious leaders – God kept His promise. Nestled in the hay of a feeding trough, under the silver beams of one bright star lay the hope of all the ages. Man found the fulfillment to God’s greatest promise in the birth of one small child.

The Shadow of Tribulation

2006-11-30T08:34:00.000-05:00

Are We To Be Removed From Suffering?

Often the argument comes up, when the church is discussing the tribulation that is to come at the end of the age, that God will not allow those whom He loves to go through such tribulation. There are at least two reasons why we must proclaim this to be false.

First, there is no way to reconcile the presence of martyrs in the book of Revelation and the exalted status that they receive with the idea that Christians are removed from trouble. This would mean that some Christians received a preferred treatment. It is true that God is capable of keeping His own from tribulation (Rev. 3:10), but at the same time there is much to be gained from laying down your life for the gospel (Rev. 6:9-11).

There is also a second reason why we believe that God’s ultimate desire is not to keep us from trials and tribulations. The reason is that He is able to keep us safe through the tribulation. The idea here is paralleled to the way that God keeps us safe in death. When Jesus defeated sin and death on the cross, He removed the power of sin (Hebrews 2:14). Therefore, death is void of its sting – it is powerless. When Christians die, they do not get the brunt of death, only it’s shadow.

Since God is able to keep Christians safe at death, He is also able to protect them through trials and tribulations, even wrath. The story of Noah comes to mind here. Did God pour out His wrath on the earth to destroy it? Yes. Did He remove Noah from the earth? No. But He made provision for Him through the flood so that he was brought safely through. In the same way God will provide for the Christians who will go through the tribulation at the end of the age.

Ministers must teach their congregation to trust in the provision of God through trials and not to always expect to be removed from every tribulation. We must learn the hard lesson of trusting God and not leaning on human comfort.

What I Am Thankful For...

2006-11-20T10:27:00.000-05:00

Our secretary asked me this morning to write out a list of all the things that I am thankful for so that they could be published in our church's weekly Enewsletter. So I gave it some thought. I wanted to be specific, because true gratitude is specific. The list is numerous and goes from the very serious to the very silly. Still, it is all true of me and in writing out the list I found that I am a grateful person. I encourage you to write out your own. Here is mine.

The Spirit of Christ within me that both teaches me from His Word and disciplines my rebellion.
Numerous copies of the Scriptures that water my thirsty soul.
A beautiful wife who reminds me daily of the importance of laughter and still enjoys holding my hand.
A wonderful son whose smile is as constant as it is contagious.
Parents who are still giddy in love with each other.
The youth who refresh me weekly with their questions about Scripture and ability to laugh at me and themselves.
Those of the congregation who never cease to encourage me with their notes and kind words.
Being able to buy books online and have them delivered to me (Amen!)
Pumpkin pie
SEC college football, specifically - The Florida Gators!

These are my loves and I am grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ for all of them.

Thanksgiving By Faith Alone

2006-11-16T15:40:00.000-05:00

Can We Be Grateful When Life Is Too Good?

Thanksgiving is an act of faith. It is the response of a submissive creature to its Creator. In Leviticus, Israel is instructed to bring offerings of thanksgiving to God. Throughout Psalms David sings praises of thanksgiving to the Lord for His deliverance and protection. Isaiah gave thanks to God when he saw through revelation what the future of Israel would be. Jesus, on the night of His arrest, gave thanks as He shared the Passover with His disciples.

Thanksgiving is not about the comfort of our situation. Offerings were made by the Levites while they wandered through the wilderness. David wrote Psalms of thanksgiving in the midst of constant warfare. Isaiah gave thanks to God for the distant future, knowing that in the short-term his nation would be destroyed. Jesus ministered out of a thankful heart, knowing that His betrayal and crucifixion were imminent.

Thanksgiving is not the response of pleasant situation, it is the resolve and trust of a heart that has placed its faith in an all knowing and moment-by-moment foreordaining God! In our fatness and leisure we have missed the true faith of thanksgiving. This is no easy lesson to learn. This is no easy lesson to learn, but once again a loving God beckons us to return to Him and praise Him for His all-sufficient goodness, no matter the situation we are in.

Fear, Boredom, and Entertainment

2006-10-05T07:51:00.000-05:00

Reflection On How To Celebrate Halloween

Halloween is not what it used to be. Even in my generation we have seen the face of Halloween change from a child centered holiday that was characterized by candy and silly costumes to an event that is now centered on fear and gore. The focus has even reached the level of theme park events being centered on horror. Busch Gardens in Tampa will host their Howl-O-Scream event again this year. Curious as to what was involved (after seeing a disturbing television commercial) I looked on their website and to my surprise I found that you had to be 13 years old to log in due to violent content. The question that must be asked by Christians is this – Is it good to willingly subject ourselves to fear?

Fear is a very present reality in everyone’s life. Right or wrong we have enough real fear in our lives without subjecting ourselves to greater and false fears. As Christians we are commanded to fear God and God only (Proverbs 1:7. Matthew 10:26-28). As Jesus puts it in Matthew 10, the worst that man can do is to kill your body. Even though that may sound as bad as it gets, it is not. God has the power to destroy both body and soul. Therefore, we are not to be in fear of man, because in fearing man we fear death and if we fear death then we are enslaved to that fear. Jesus has defeated death and taken it’s power away (Hebrews 2:14). We need only fear God.

Since then we are in an effort to remove the fear from our lives and concentrate on the things of God, we need to pay close attention to what we allow in our lives and how we celebrate Halloween. As Christians we should not subject ourselves to things such as horror movies, haunted houses, and theme park events that promote false fears. Television also promotes these same feelings with evening dramas that depict the worst exploits of the criminal society. Every form of indecent act and immorality is before our eyes each evening. All of this comes to us the way of entertainment.

Christians are not called to a life of seclusion and boredom - not by any stretch of the imagination. I think the reason that we find excitement in these things (and I am guilty of this) is because we have neglected the more meaningful thing. If we were to live in our society with a reckless passion for the cross of Jesus Christ – then we would have all of the fear (real fear) and excitement (not to mention drama) that we could ever stand. And all of this to the glory of God.

Such Were Some Of You

2006-09-20T11:54:00.000-05:00

Do We Suffer The Problem Of The Corinthians?

Last weekend my wife and I went with some friends to Walt Disney World for their Annual Christian concert "Night of Joy" The concert was sold out and I was looking forward to spending a few hours in worship with several hundred believers. What I ran into was not at all what I expected to find.

One concert that Jennifer and I were most intent on seeing was David Crowder. He is known for his Christ centered lyrics and uplifting rhythms. As soon as we walked into the venue I realized that Disney had erred in their choice of location. The concert area was far too small and even though we were there forty minutes before it began, the crowd was pouring out of the room.

The security immediately roped off the area and would not allow anyone else to enter. This was not the problem. The problem came when other people who had been in the concert and had left to go to the bathroom or to get drinks tried to return. The security would not let them back in.

The crowd began to press in around us and attitudes began to surface. Jennifer, a huge Crowder fan in her own rite, was at the front of the security line. Beside her a woman was making a spectacle of herself as she attempted again and again to make her way into the concert area. To our amazement she went as far as using harsh profanity with the security guard.

Jennifer would not stand for this. I should also mention that by this point I had been forced backwards by the crowd and could not even hear my wife’s comments, but she related them to me and so I bring you what she said – in her boldness and glory! She said, loudly and in the hearing of this insane woman- that she would like to apologize for the actions of the people around her. She went on to say to the security guard that she did not know if he was a Christian or not, but if he isn’t she would hope that the actions of the "so-called Christians" around us would not deter him from the truth of Jesus Christ.

Apparently not all who were in the crowd were Christians. Some had made it through the gates, not to worship the glory of the risen Savior, but simply to hear the sounds of the music. The church in Corinth had this same problem.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth he was indeed writing to believers as we can clearly see in chapter one (1:2, 4-9). But the Corinthians had let the influences of their society leave its image on the congregation. That is, they were acting more like the world that they were acting like the church.

They seemed to have gotten a little mixed up in their thinking and the Apostle Paul starts to correct them. Their first problem was that they were divided where they should have been united. They were bragging about themselves based on whom they followed and who baptized them. Secondly, they were united where they should have been divided. When it came to the issue of sexual immorality they went as far as boasting about it in their church. Paul quickly renders his verdict of guilty and tells them that they are the cast this man out of the church. Thirdly, they had decided to let the secular courts decide the issues of the church. Paul instructs them that the wisdom of this world has no place in the church and that they are neglecting the spirit of God in them that is a gift for making such judgments. This section of 1 Corinthians ends with this passage:

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

In this passage Paul draws a clear line between believers and unbelievers and gives us a stern warning and a reminder of where we are at and where we have come from.
Lessons To Remember, Lest We Make The Mistake Of The Corinthians

Remember How Loudly Your Actions Speak (v9-10)

Your actions say more to an unbelieving world about who Jesus is than anything that you can ever say. That is, how you act in a restaurant or a grocery store or a shopping mall will display to the entire world what you believe the gospel to be.

Notice the ten tiles that Paul uses. These descriptors have at least two things in common. First, they emphasize the sexual (fornicators, adulterers, effeminate, homosexuals, (maybe) idolaters) and secondly they emphasize possessions (thieves, covetous, swindlers). Both are the result of the desires of the flesh being completely unrestrained. Paul describes the unbelievers in a similar way in the Epistle to the Philippians.

For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly
thing.
Philippians 3:18-19.

Paul describes Christians in this way:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control.
Galatians 5:22

Remember Where You Came From (v11)

It is helpful for us to remember where we come from if we can avoid these two errors. First, we need to avoid the error of self-righteousness. That is, thinking that we were somehow born into the family of God or that we did not come from a sinful past. Paul makes it more than clear that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Secondly, we need to avoid the error of self-loathing. That is, never seeing the victory over sin that has been given to us in Christ and living our lives in a constant state of defeat. I believe the right way to balance this is to live a life that is constantly in the shadow of the cross. Realizing that God has displayed both our sinfulness and His righteousness in the cross.

Remember How You Got To Where You Are (v11b)

Last of all we need to remember that we did not come to Christ on our own accord or based on our own merit. We came to grace by grace alone and the action, shown in the passive tense of the three words used here, was God’s alone. We were washed by God, we were sanctified by God, and we were justified by God. Not ourselves!

So the next time that we see a homosexual, the next time we see a thief, the next time we see an adulterer, or the next time we look in the mirror and the image that is starring back at us looks all too Corinthian, just remember….such were some of you.

Is That A Bible I See Before Me?

2006-09-05T12:42:00.000-05:00

The Weakness of Islamic Evangelism

Lately I have been struck by the testimony of those who have suffered at the hands of kidnappers in Iraq. One issue that comes to the front of my mind is Islamic evangelism. Christian Science Monitor reporter Jill Carroll spoke to ABC News of her captors holding her at gunpoint and forcing her to read the Koran, which she did.

After several days they asked why she had not yet converted to their beliefs. Explaining that she needed more time she continued to read. Again the question came to her about conversion. Finally and saddest of all, she told them that she would convert because she feared for her life. But this leaves us with a strange view of the Koran and the way that Islam chooses to do their evangelism.

If the Koran were powerful in and of itself, those who seek to convert Christians to Islamic beliefs would not need to use guns in the process. That is, you should automatically appeal to your most powerful source. The fact that they use guns shows that they are more confident in the power of the gun than in the power of the Koran. This "holy book" is displayed as weak and powerless by those who hold most strongly to its beliefs.

Christians should have a different outlook concerning evangelism. When we approach someone to share the gospel of Jesus Christ we present Scripture and Scripture alone. It is the living and active Word of God and is "sharper than any two edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12) and more powerful than any machine gun that man can contrive. We need to go boldly in the power of the Scriptures and never rely on the arsenal of mankind- it is far too weak for our purposes.

Give Paul A Chance

2006-08-21T19:13:00.000-05:00

Reflections On Biblical Wisdom And Cooperate Ideology

I have a friend, who some would consider young, who pastors a moderate size church in, well ...we will just call it a large state. Paul graduated High School on time and went straight to College. After college Paul went to Seminary with no break in between. He finished both college and seminary in a timely manner. It also needs to be said that his academic achievements were outstanding in both college and seminary. Paul, however, finished seminary at the age of 26.

By most peoples standards Paul is a young man. He is not immature. He married and has one child. Most importantly, he is a man of strong convictions, all of which are grounded in the truth of God’s Word. Worldly experience is not on his resume, neither is any bad church experience. So why do so many men like Paul have a hard time gaining trust for leadership in their church? More than this, why are so many churches reluctant to hire young men as their pastors?

The answer may be spill over from the corporate world. Our culture places high esteem on the gray haired men in their dark three piece suits. That is, those who have worked their way up the corporate ladder and now hold the title of CEO. Many churches have the desire to see this same sort of man behind their pulpits. But are we thinking biblically or just failing to put our trust in an Almighty God. Therefore, I give you a list of examples to help prove my case. And to gain credibility, we will not begin our list with Jesus. It is impossible to set God as your standard in an argument. Nevertheless, here we go!

King David began to rule as King of Judah at the age of thirty. (2 Samuel 5:4).

Solomon was most likely in his twenties when he began to rule (1 Kings 3:7)

Martin Luther was 34 when the Reformation began. He had been pastoring for some time before.

John Calvin was 27 when he began to pastor the church at Geneva.

Charles Spurgeon was 20 years when he began to pastor New Park Street Church in London.

Billy Graham had already pastored a church and held the office of college president when he began his Los Angles crusade at the age of 38.

Adrian Rogers began pastoring Bellevue Baptist Church (not his first pastorate) at the age of 41.

Charles Stanley began his pastorate at FBC Atlanta when he was 39 years old.

This list is only a small sampling of those who had been used by God to accomplish great things at an early age. Wisdom does not come from a long sequence of years. The experiences within those years may be all bad. Wisdom comes from a heart that has been shaped by the truth of God’s Word. All I’m saying is ……give Paul a chance!!

Big Prayers for Big Days

2006-08-10T14:28:00.000-05:00

Reflections on Sending Our Students Back To School

Each August brings a big day for many of our students. The first day of school yeilds feelings of both excitement and anxiety. Several of our students are entering into their last year of public school before they go off to college. They are excited about senior privileges; parking spaces, graduation photos, college applications, and completing the work that will lead them to their graduation day. Others are starting over at a new school with all of the fears and expectations that accompany that process. Part of me wants to go with them, not just because I enjoyed my days in school, but because I genuinely want what is best for them. While I cannot get on the school bus with them (nor would they want me to) that faithful morning, my prayers will go with them.

When the Apostle Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus, from his prison cell, he had this same sort of concern. He wanted to be there with the congregation, but could not. So he wrote to them the prayer that he had prayed over that small congregation. The prayer that is found in Ephesians 1:17-19 points out three things from Paul’s heart that he desires for the Ephesians.

First, he prays that God would grant to them a "spirit of wisdom." Wisdom is of short supply in our culture, because it does not come from textbooks, television, or sound moral advice. This wisdom comes only from God through His Word. It is precious - in that it is received from the Holy Spirit as we allow the truth of Scripture to settle into our minds and change the way we think. I have great confidence and expectations that our students will carry this sort of wisdom with them into the classrooms tomorrow.

Along with this, Paul prays that they would gain "revelation in the knowledge of [God]". That is, a clearer picture of who God really is. This is the fuel that feeds true worship. I hope that they will see God at work in the environment that He has placed them in and that this will cause our students to worship God with more fervor than ever before.

Lastly, the prayer includes the phrase that "the eyes of your heart may be enlightened." I think this is Paul’s way of praying that the Ephesians will begin to have a heart for the same things that God does. I have seen this in our students already, that they have begun to see their friends as God sees them and will in turn carry the love of the cross to them so that they too may know, as Paul says, "the riches of His inheritance." Back to school consists of more than books and the smell of new clothes – it is a mission field…and my heart goes with them.

The Renewing of Your Mind

2006-07-28T16:11:00.000-05:00

Reflections on Scripture Memorization

Most spiritual disciplines can be accounted for by the budgeting of your time. Taking time to read your Bible, time to pray, time to witness to other people, but one spiritual discipline stands out from the rest.

This is the discipline of Scripture memorization. It seems that it is easy to remember all sorts of things. I can remember my wife’s cell phone number, countless user names and passwords, and my personal favorite – song lyrics. I have countless songs stuck in my brain from the not-so-fabulous 80’s. Oh, that my brain were a hard drive that I could go in a delete out all the junk and then defragment for extra space. No such luck!

Scripture memorization is so much harder to remember than any of these. Why? I really do not know for sure, but I have an idea. I think it is due to the fact that Scripture is living and active. So it just doesn’t go in peacefully. It goes in cleaning house and the flesh fights against it. In essence, Scripture memory starts a war. A war for the control of your mind. Will you give it to Christ or will you give it over to the enemy?

If you read this, pray for me and pray for my mind. Pray that Christ will raise His flag of possession in my mind and label it as conquered territory. If you like specific prayers – pray that Hebrews 1 would firmly rest in my mind and take a permanent spot there.

To those who are in our small group memorizing Scripture with me, here is my prayer for you:

May the Lord battle for the renewing of your mind
Sanctifying you through His perfect Word
That you may be holy and blameless
Conformed into the image of Christ Jesus
And equipped for every spiritual battle
Amen!

Desires, Sorrow, and Victory

2006-07-12T11:03:00.000-05:00

Reflection on Attempting To Make Godly Decisions

A brief overview of 2 Samuel gives us a peculiar insight into the mind of God, at least I think it does. This is why I doubt myself. Jeremiah tells us that "the heart is more deceitful than anything else and desperately sick – who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:8-10, HSB). Therefore, I cannot judge right and wrong simply on my feelings, though I do find myself following them too often. Since my heart is sick it must stand in judgment of something else –God, and how He has spoken through Scripture.

Now back to David in 2 Samuel. David had a desire to build God a house and the reason appears to be that David’s palace was nicer than the tabernacle. Man’s judgment was wrong, but it did not sound wrong. Even Nathan told David to proceed with his plans – that was before the Lord spoke to him (2 Samuel 7:4vv).

The Lord would not allow David to build the temple, which seems to be a rejection of David as a person or at least as a king. God goes on to make a wonderful promise to David that his heir would build this temple and that David’s throne would be established forever. Those are blessings that no one else would receive. Still, we hear sorrow in David’s voice as he submits his will to God’s (2 Samuel 7:18vv).

David would go on to more victories and even through adultery God kept his promise to David and brought the Christ through the Davidic line.

Just one last thought, when David’s last words are recorded in 2 Samuel 23:1-7 David seems satisfied. He even comments that the God will "bring about …my every desire." (2 Samuel 23: 5). It seems God changed his heart’s desires to fall in line with His. This is not where David started (in desiring to build the temple), but this is where God took him. My prayer is that God will do the same for me- to change the desires of my sick heart and morph them until the are the desires of His holy and pure heart.

And to the Nathan’s that told me my desires were not those of God I thank God for you. Not without sorrow, not without remorse – but with hope that God will build His house through someone else and that I may receive a different promise that is just as sweet.

Blessed Are The Poor

2006-07-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

Reflections On A Week In Mexico

When Matthew records Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter five, the first of the beatitudes is recorded like this – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. Luke shortens this phrase and leaves it simply as “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20). Now it could be that Luke means exactly the same thing and has taken “in spirit” as an assumed part of the phrase, but it could be more. In fact Luke gives great attention to the poor in his gospel and frequently brings them to the forefront. The question is left for us though – is there anything great about being poor?

It is hard to imagine, especially living in such a materially saturated society that being poor could have a blessing to it. Often the poor of society receive the worst of public education, the least of health care and live life entirely in the day with no security of tomorrow. So what is it that God could possibly have for them?

I spent last week in Mexico, in the state of Sinaloa and the city of Los Mochis. On the outskirts of this fairly rich town is a small colony called Santa Alicia. If all you ever were to see of the town were a few photos of the roads, houses, and businesses you would probably feel sorry for them. But if you took the time to step into their culture and live amongst them your view would most likely change. Mine definitely did. I no longer feel sorry for these people, but rather I feel sorry for us – especially when it comes to church life.

During our week in Los Mochis we held a VBS for about seventy children of this small community. A community smaller than most American neighborhoods. I could not believe how many children could come from such a small area. But is this the blessing? No, but it gets us close.

Two things were apparent as the week went on. One, the children had no place else to be. If they had come from wealthy families they may have been in a million other areas – Disney World, soccer camp, vacation, etc. But they were not. All they had was church and that is where they went. And there they heard the gospel, daily, and in fun ways. Not so here in Florida. Church tries to compete with a million other activities (which we usually do not have the funding to do, or at least do well) and end up taking last place to every other event on the calendar.

Secondly, there is a greater emphasis on family. No one seems to be chasing career dreams. For certain, those careers are not there to chase. Job opportunities are small and business is not booming by any stretch of the imagination. People find great joy in their children and they are in abundant supply. Again, what seems to be a curse is a blessing. The people have church as the heart of the community and it is the central focus of their social activities.

We need to be careful how we pray for our mission teams when they go out from our church. We need to pray that they will see as God sees and not as our culture sees. The poor are blessed and God is in their midst doing many wonderful things. When we go to our own churches this week we will look at the empty pews and the vacant nursery beds and realize again that indeed the poor are blessed and that a culture bent on the gaining of wealth has sent our children from our church rooms and into the streets.

Pop Music, Aliens, and Sanctification

2006-06-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

Is it ok to blend in with pop culture's music?

Driving back from the Southern Baptist Convention gave me a lot of time to think. With my wife and son in the back seat asleep and with the cruise control set on the speed limit, sternly fixed in the slow lane, the mind wanders to the deep truths of Scripture.

One thing occurred to me in my long trek home- my taste in music has definitely changed. I remember when I became a Christian. The music that I listened to felt wrong for the first time and so I quickly found “Christian” music that sounded a lot like the secular music that enjoyed. I found it of course, it is not hard when I look back, it seems that most CCM artist today make new Christians their target audience. Unfortunately, many Christians never get beyond this point- which brings me to my point ... and I do have one.

Being conformed into the image of Christ is a process, brought on by the work of the Spirit inside of us. He does this by giving us a progressively purer image of Jesus Christ. After a while the things of the world become “yucky”, for lack of a better term. Anything that leaves the least little hint of sin in your mouth (or ear as the case may be) becomes distasteful.

The music I listen to today is nothing like the music I listened to as a new Christian. I believe this is a good sign, a sign of health. Now I want my Christian music to lift up the Lord Jesus Christ and praise His glory over all the things He rules, owns, and judges. I no longer care what the sound is like ( not as a priority anyway), because I am no longer seeking the approval of the culture that I am in. To put it more harshly, I even prefer that it sound odd to the unconverted- it should. The cross should seem foolish to those who are perishing.

I am grateful to artists like Derek Webb for putting music to Christ centered verses that are as strong theologically as they are artistic. Mr. Webb, you have a gift! And I issue a challenge to all other Christian artists- on the off chance that one of them may read this- to fill their songs with the hope of Jesus Christ and not even display a hint of wanting to become a “crossover artist.” Make a bold stand, because we need you.

We do reside as aliens and strangers in this world and the music that we make and the lives that we live ought to reflect that. Every song we write and every verse we pen should be for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ to whom we bow. Let them know that we are different and sing it at the top of your lungs!

Can Church Be Boring?

2006-06-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

Meditation on Mark 1:21-28

It must seem peculiar to some that church can be so boring to so many people far so long a period of time. What is amazing is that so many people are comfortable with "boring church." When Jesus went into the synagogue at Capernaum in Mark chapter one- things were anything but boring. Why?-that would be a great place to start asking our questions.

Two things stand at the forefront. One, Jesus taught with authority. Too much teaching in church is done in a spirit of weakness and lack of confidence in the text of Scripture. When we gain confidence in God's Word as innerant, infallable, and inspired our preaching cannot be without authority. How could they be - the words are straight from the mind of God. Therefore, they must be both authoritative and bold.

Secondly, we see Jesus confront a man with an unclean spirit. What is a man with an unclean spirit doing in the synagogue you might ask? Another good question, but we see uncleaness scattered throughout our pews every week. Our minds are filled with the trash that television pours out at us and we are a by-product of what our culture has fed us. Therefore, we stand in the same place as the demon possessed man. Jesus was not passive in his confrontation with the unclean and neither should we be. He met the devil head on and the confrontation was- well, not boring.

Our churches can break from boredom as well. I think a good start would be to see God's Word as authoritative and see His church as holy. We must recover at least these two things. A right view of Scripture and a cleansing of God's house will be no easy battle to wage, but easy was never the goal to begin with. The journey will be hard and for those who have already begun the task the least of their testimony will be - it was not boring!

Fatherhood, God Help Us

2006-06-08T09:07:00.000-05:00

Being a father is no small matter. Daily I am confronted with seeing the fruit of bad parenting. When I leave my home in the morning the students at the bus stop reflect it. As I pass by the local high schools I see it in greater numbers. Even in the church I work at I see it. Children are rebellious against authority, angry in their speech, mean to their peers, and constantly ready to fight. If not this, the opposite is true. Students are often withdrawn, separate- living in a constant state of hopelessness. Why? This is something I need to know and I need the answer soon. If there is any way that I can avoid seeing my son end up this way I will take any and every measure to do so.

The Apostle Paul makes two comments that read almost the same and taken together they seem to function as a whole. In Ephesians 6:4 he says:

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

In Colossians 3:21 the phrasing is almost the same:

Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

A few things need to be observed from these two verses while they are beside each other. In Ephesians we see a negative and a positive. First Paul, gives us the negative- do not provoke your children to anger. That is, do not make them angry or resentful. In the Greek this is one word [parorgidzete]. Unfortunately it is only used twice in the New Testament, so a definitive meaning is alluding me. The word is made up of two smaller Greek words though and even though this is not an accurate form of exegesis I think it will draw us closer to a proper definition if we see these two words. The first is para, like parallel – meaning with, beside, etc. and the second is orge- meaning wrath or anger. It may help us to see this rare word with the idea of "with wrath" in the back of our minds. So if we do not bring our children to anger, what is the opposite of bringing them to anger? Paul tells us in the second half of the verse.

The opposite of provoking to anger is to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Literally, to nourish them in discipline and instruction. The two words for discipline and instruction seem to be close in meaning. Both carry with them a very positive aspect- making negative punishment secondary.

From these two verses I believe we can draw a few elementary conclusions that will draw us closer to the goal of being biblical parents.

We need to make our expectations known to our children in advance. That is, we need to teach what is right before our children demonstrate to us what is wrong. This means we are to be on the offensive and not in a constant state of picking up the slack.
Whenever possible our teaching needs to come to our children in a positive way. This does not mean that they should not be punished for rebellion, but only that the majority of our time should be spent in teaching the positive expectations we have for them.
On the heals of the first two, we need to make it clear what the punishment will be when and if rebellion occurs. We do not need to make decisions on punishment in the heat of the situation. If we do, our judgments will eventually be unfair and our children will not know what to expect from us.

Lastly, Paul states the reason why it is so important to for us to parent this way. The reason is so that our children do not lose heart. Children thrive when given the proper environment. If we set before them all of our expectations then they will know what to expect from, they will have the tools they need to succeed and when they rebel they will have themselves to blame and not us. This gives them control of their situation and the freedom to both please themselves and their parents.

Fatherhood is no small task and it seems to get harder with each passing decade. God knows what children need- He designed them. His promises will not fail if we seek after them with a heart that wants to please God.

Honesty, Prayer and Purity

2006-06-05T10:16:00.000-05:00

Church should be a place of refuge and healing. After a long week out in the midst of the world we should come in the doors of our local church and enjoy the fellowship and refreshing that God’s people can share. Unfortunately, we tend to make it a place where we put on our best show. If we are not careful we will begin to dress like those around us, talk like those around us, and even pray like those around us. We do this out of a feeling that maybe we would not be accepted if people saw us for who we really are.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes our prayers are more directed to the people beside us than the God who is among us? We mention upcoming events, troubles, and situations as if God needed to be informed by our knowledge. It is a great revelation and comfort to know that God knows the things that we need before we even ask Him (Luke 12:30). So how should we pray?

I believe that a God honoring prayer should first and foremost be directed personally to God. Not just the opening address, but every word- realizing that we are speaking directly to a sovereign God. Secondly, I believe we need to be completely honest and true during our prayers. That is, not using words or phrases because others use those phrases when they pray and not pretending to be someone we are not. God knows the evil in our hearts (all of it, and its specifics!) and knows when we are praying in a manner of hypocrisy. It is the heart that needs to be cleansed first, because it is the heart and the things that come out of it that defile us (Matthew 15:18-19). So confess these things to God and ask Him for a heart that seeks to please Him and a heart that loves purity. This will take care of the outside actions. Jesus states that a clean heart will produce actions that are pure and righteous (Matthew 23:26).

The problem comes when we try to reverse the process- thinking that if we act right or pray right, our heart will begin to purify itself. The reverse is true. We need to start with cleaning the heart and then in due time God will purify the rest of us, including our actions and our prayers.

One Word Will Not Do

2006-06-05T08:38:00.000-05:00

**The following was a thank you note written to pastor Ken Westbrook to go in the Sunday Bulletin on the weekend of His retirement.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi he expressed his appreciation for them with these words. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you." (Philippians 1:3) Literally, "on" or "upon" every remembrance. That is, every time that the church at Philippi crossed his mind it caused his heart to give thanks back to God for all the church had done for him.

Every once in a while God will send someone into your life who will do just this. A simply thank you will not do, but for the rest of your life you will be grateful to God for what that one person has meant. I think I understand what Paul was expressing in these words. It was one year ago that I first received a phone call from Ken Westbrook. He talked fast, thought fast, and did not seem to be too impressed with me. For some reason, that I may never know, he called me again.

Over the past year Ken has been willing to be my guide, my teacher, answer my endless questions, and supply me with the resources that I need to do ministry. So I must try in some way to express my appreciation. I thank you for what you have given me- from your time, from your vast knowledge and experience, from your library, and from the art of your craftsmanship. To say a simple thank you is not enough. But this I know for sure, that for the rest of my ministry I will hold tight to my remembrances of you. I will look at the box on my desk that you crafted to hold my ordination Bible, I will remember your prayers for me in your office during my early struggles, and I will remember the evening we made my bookshelves in your backyard. For these things and many more I will give thanks back to God when my mind recalls the riches that He has given me in you. This is what I can offer, because one word simply will not do.

Parenting and The Gospel

2006-06-05T08:35:00.000-05:00

Originally written on April 16, 2006

Each morning during my prayer time I pray that the Lord will give Noah two things. First, I pray that God will give him the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ and secondly I pray that the Lord will provide for him a wife to love him for the rest of his life. A good wife is essential to understanding the importance of church- we are the bride of Christ. The issue of salvation, however, is more pressing and reverberates through my mind all the day.

There are at least two errors that I could make if am not careful and I try to keep myself aware of these constantly. First, there is the possibility that I (and the rest of the church as well) would forget that my son has inherited a sinful nature like the rest of mankind. He has and this is already evident. Therefore he is to be treated like every other child. Secondly, is the great possibility that I would try to force him to accept the message of the gospel. Ministers and parents alike fall into this trap often. So what is the biblical manner for handling the issue of salvation with your children? This is a most important question and there is no better time than Easter to think on these things. Here are a few of the resolutions that I have made for myself.

First, I will constantly recognize that Noah has a soul that will live forever and above all of his other needs salvation is the greatest. This must be pinnacle in his life. Secondly, I must make sure that he has every exposure to the message of the gospel. That is, I am not God and salvation is not up to me. Therefore, it is my responsibility to teach him the truths of Scripture, make sure that he is in church, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is always before him. Third and most importantly, is allowing the Spirit of God to woo his heart. Salvation that is forced is no salvation at all. God must do the work of salvation and I must realize that it is in His hands. Lastly, is to wait on the Lord. Certainly there will be expectations that a minister’s child would come to Christ very early and I pray that this is so. This prayer is for his sake and that he might be kept from the damaging effects of sin, not that I might be kept from embarrassment. The list is short and certainly could be expanded, but I hope this helps.

Let this Easter season be a time when we as parents renew our resolve to pray for our children and keep the gospel ever before them. This is what God requires of us and then we must trust Him to bring fruition to our labor.

Martin Luther and True Love Waits

2006-06-05T08:29:00.000-05:00

Originally written on February19, 2006

What does Martin Luther have to do with a True Love Waits Weekend? Good question! The question came after I skipped through the powerpoint of my sermon on the Sunday of True Love Waits. One of the slides that I skipped over had a reference to Martin Luther. I had to get my powerpoint presentation caught up with my talking. The reference to Martin Luther had a point. Actually, it was a good point and I wish that I had mentioned it.

When Dr. Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church at Wittenburg in 1517, the first point on the document was that Jesus Christ meant for the entire Christian life to be lived as an act of repentance. The Catholic Church at the time was practicing penance occasionally and Luther took issue with this. So what does that have to do with True Love Waits?

As sinful people we are all guilty of falling short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). There is no area of our lives that this rings true than in the area of sexual purity. We have all stumbled, even if only with our eyes. Luther would tell us that we must respond to our sins in repentance. When the world tells us to love ourselves and accept our selves as our "authentic self", Jesus Christ tells us to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Him. Instead of making the mistake of trying to live where our sins leave us, we are called back to God’s original plan and purpose.

If Luther were alive today he would tell our students to take a bold stand on repentance, not just as a one-time act, but to live a life of repentance. This is a great truth and it needs to be nailed to the doors of our high schools-even today!!

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

2006-06-05T08:24:00.000-05:00

Originally written on 12-18-2005

On December 9th Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media released The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This movie, based on a series of children’s books by the late C.S. Lewis, has already proven to be a financial success with a weekend worldwide income of over $107 million. How the movie will set with both Christians and non-Christians is still yet to be seen.

The Christian imagery in this movie is readily apparent to any believer, especially to those well-versed in Scripture. However, these images may not be as visible to those who do not come from a church background. We would do well to ask- was this Lewis’ intent? Though many people call the Chronicles of Narnia a Christian allegory, Lewis himself described them in a different fashion. Lewis refers to this tale as a "supposal." In his own words he states, "Supposing there was a world like Narnia, and supposing, like ours, it needed redemption, let us imagine what sort of Incarnation and Passion and Resurrection Christ would have there."

There is no doubt that this story is born out an imagination that can only be described as genius. This is how Lewis states that the idea for the books came into his mind. Not by making an effort to represent the Christian story in a different way, but by creating a different world altogether with images and wonders that appeal to the mind of a child. And that it does!

The world of Narnia is a magical and mysterious place that operates under the deep magic wrought in it by the emperor who lives beyond the sea. The land of Narnia is ruled by a great and powerful lion by the name of Aslan, but has temporarily come under the spell of the White Witch. The land awaits four descendants of Adam and Eve who will rescue the land of Narnia back from the everlasting winter.

What Walt Disney does, it does well. The quality of the film is fantastic at every point and the film’s depiction of the original stories is far closer than one would have supposed. Though some of the book’s dialogue is lost in the translation, it remains true to its original intent. Images from the book come to life with the help of modern digital animation and graphics. The film itself received a rating of PG for its battle sequences and frightening moments. Wolves leap from the shadows at one point to send the audience into a unanimous gasp.

Parents need to use sound wisdom in allowing their younger children to view this film. I would recommend parents viewing the film with their children, so that the film can be used to answer questions that arise in response to the movie. Still, I would have to say that it is a "must see" this Christmas season. In a new and refreshing way it tells the story of man and his need for redemption, the triumph of good over evil, and the selfless sacrifice of one almighty and wise judge.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a wonderful illustration of the great gospel message that is found repeated throughout Scripture. Wisdom would state that we should make the most of it. It is an easy conversation starter and a friendly introduction to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We as Christians need to understand that the film was not created for the purposes of evangelism and will not stand to do this job on its own. It is, however, a most excellent bridge to the gospel of Jesus Christ and we as Christians should thank God that He still uses the hands of men to exalt Himself in our day and age.

A Man After God's Own Heart

2006-06-05T08:21:00.000-05:00

Originally written on October 16, 2005

In I Samuel 13:14, after Saul had acted in foolishness by sacrificing to the Lord, Samuel comes to him and tells him that his kingdom will not endure forever. Following this, he states that Saul will be replaced by a man who is "after [God’s] own Heart." What exactly does this mean?

Saul had one overarching problem. He was afraid. He was afraid of people, he was afraid of giants, and he was afraid of a young boy who had the admiration of the people. He should not have been this way. The Bible states that he was tall and extremely handsome. Great qualifications for a king by this worlds standards- but not by God’s.

Often when we think about David being labeled a man after God’s own heart we tend to think about a shepherd boy writing songs and playing a harp in the field and certainly this is a part of it. But I believe that the Bible calls David a man after God’s own heart because he refused to be afraid in the face of the enemy. He stood on God’s Word despite what everyone else was doing. His most shining moment (at least in my eyes) is when he walks out of the valley with Goliath’s sword in one hand and Goliath’s head in the other. He takes these immediately to the king who is cowering in his tent- a most humiliating moment for Saul I am sure!

God’s anointed is not the one with the crown on his head, but with the Word of God welded fast in his heart. Fearless in the face of danger and bold before giants and kings. This is the man I want to be and this is the sort of men we need in our churches today. Let’s take our stand firm on God’s Word and face every battle as men after God’s own heart.

Children, Forgive Your Parents

2006-06-05T08:15:00.000-05:00

Originally written on August 7, 2005

I remember the first time my father spoke to me as an adult. I was thirty. I had always looked up to my dad because he has many characteristics that are larger than life. Our relationship had always been that of a father and child. It did not change as I became a teenager and as I entered adulthood this unchanging relationship was the cause of much strain. So I was caught off guard as my dad began to speak to me over lunch one day at Chik-fil-a.

As he spoke to me he began to confess the things that he had done wrong in raising my brother and me. It was a remarkable moment. Mainly because I noticed very few of his mistakes. He always worked to provide for us, loved my mother with all his heart, gave us plenty of hugs and kisses, and told us that he loved us everyday. So why would he admit to making mistakes in raising his children? After all, he had done a pretty exceptional job.

The truth of the matter is that no matter how good we do as parents and children, we will make mistakes. We are sinful people with a sinful nature. At any moment we may choose to look out for ourselves rather than look out for our children or parents. If we do not confess our mistakes to one another there can never be restoration in our relationships.

Many parents I see have gone years and years without acknowledging this fact to their children. This does not mean that you cease to be the parent, but rather you admit that parents are not flawless. In Colossians 3:20-21 the Apostle Paul gives us two interesting instructions. First, for children to be obedient to their parents. This is a must. Second, is for parents not to exasperate their children, that is- provoke them to anger. Why would Paul tell us not to provoke our children to anger unless it is our tendency to do so? So many rules are bound to make us look like hypocrites at least once in our lives.

I believe the answer is confession. Let your children know that you have made mistakes and that you want to be a better parent than you have been in the past. State the areas where you believe you have fallen short and tell how you want that area to change. Children are still commanded to obey their parents’ decisions, because this pleases the Lord. So children, when and if your parents gain the humility to confess their mistakes to you, forgive them. You too will need this same forgiveness one-day.

Poem: The Gracious Gift of Motherhood

2006-06-03T06:28:00.000-05:00

Written for the Mothers of Northwest Baptist Church

Formed by the hands of God you were
And taken from man’s side
The crowning act of God’s creation
And with you did abide
The hope of earth’s redeemer
The promise of a child

In each and every young girls heart
A desire to receive
Grace from her Creator
And not what can be achieved

And grace it was from God’s own heart
The joy of a babies smile
Though labors brought this prize to her
It was worth it all the while

And grace it is and not reward
Your Word has taught so clear
The many women counted righteous
Still shed their childless tears

But for these many God did send
One last child all His own
To wash away the sins and pain
Of wasted years unknown

That sin did take its toll on us
And now did come the cure
From a virgin’s womb -a Son
With blood that was so pure

A gift to her and to us
That all the world may know
The greatness of a mother’s day
When to the cross we go

So we bring to all our moms
A rose from all of us
The greatest gift that God gave man
A mother brought to us.

Poem: The Foundation Of Our Elders

2006-06-03T06:25:00.000-05:00

Written for the Senior Adults at Northwest Baptist Church

A Word God spoke and by it made
The earth and ocean’s wave
A Word to keep and treasure for
A generations sake

A Word of promise, hope, and love
And to the weak gives strength
And if a man would keep this word
His days would gather length

And so a few did choose to seek
This word of life from God
And many days he granted them
On this earth to trod

The children follow these faithful guides
And listen to their lore
For in their heart they knew so well
Their God they did adore

A foundation strong and sure to stand
God has built upon these wise
And crowned them with a silver crown
The Proverbs call a prize

And so today with God we stand
To honor and acclaim
Your faithful service to the Word
And treasure of His Name

For what we carry you gave to us
And on this foundation stand
These faithful words you brought to us
Are from our God’s Own hand

Confession: An Old Principle Revisited

2006-06-02T07:22:00.000-05:00

Originally written on July 24, 2005

On Tuesday The Oprah Winfrey Show aired an episode devoted to people who had suffered tremendous loss at the hands of other individuals. These parties were brought together under the pressure of extreme emotional scaring and anger. When these individuals were in front of each other they were asked to retell their side of the story, recall all of their feelings, admit their wrong doing, and ultimately ask for forgiveness from the individual that they had harmed.

This so-called new approach has been labeled as "restorative justice." Oprah called it a radical new approach to emotional healing and was in awe at the success people found who took part in the exercise. What was not brought to the light was the fact that this approach is radical, but it is by no means new.

In the New Testament James understood this principle very well. In James 5:16 he states "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed." (HCSB)

Confession does more than relieve our own heart of guilt, though it does that as well. Confession brings the truth into the light. This works because we live in a world that was created and governed by a God who is truth and delights in truth. When we confess our sins to one another we identify ourselves with Christ, making a firm proclamation to the world that the gospel of Jesus Christ is alive and well.

We as Christians much set the bench mark for such practices and not merely because Oprah has discovered it, but because our God designed it and commands it. Oprah has turned to confession for her own sake and healing. It is a good idea, but it is not new. Now might be a good time for us to confess that we have neglected our responsibility to uphold biblical commands- starting with confession.

Parents, Tell Your Children

2006-06-02T07:19:00.000-05:00

Originally written on July 17, 2005

Anyone who has ever read through the book of Exodus cannot help but notice the many commands of God to the people of Israel. These many commands can at times feel burdensome, especially when we don’t have a good idea as to why many of the commands were given to Israel.

If we look carefully into the text we can find the occasional glimpse into what the Spirit intended when these Scriptures were written. As I look at the ministry of Youth and Children, all new verses leap out at me as I read through the Bible again this year. The other day I could not help but notice a few verses out of Exodus 12 and 13 that specifically speak to Youth Ministry and parenting.

After God had told Moses what to do for the exodus and the preparation of the Passover (before the event actually occurred) he told them the reason why they must reenact this event yearly. In Exodus 12:26 God tells Moses "When your children ask you, ‘What does this ritual mean to you?’ you are to reply ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for He has passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and spared our homes.’"

God has designed children to be "question askers." When our children ask these important questions, especially why we do the things that we do in church, we need to be ready with an explanation for them. Since our events at church can all too often seem like a ritual, especially to our children, let’s remember that they are not without reason.

We go to church each Sunday, the Lord’s Day, to remember that on the first day of the week two thousand years ago, the Lord Jesus arose from the dead to proclaim that death again will pass over all those who are covered in the blood of the Passover Lamb. Our rituals are not without reason and if we take the time to explain what we do to our children, they will put their trust in Him. Let’s remember that God gave us these inquisitive minds for a purpose and that we should take the time out of our busy schedule to answer them. For in doing this we will bring glory to our God.

The Cookie Monster and Original Sin

2006-06-02T07:14:00.000-05:00

Originally written on June 30, 2005

Being one of the few remaining families in the world who do not have some form of cable or satellite for their televisions, it is no surprise that the Landress home receives only one channel really well. So on Saturday morning I found myself in a place that I had not been in a long time. Enjoying the childhood pleasures of Sesame Street.

Sesame Street is a place where you expect to hear songs that help you remember your numbers, alphabet, and colors. Most of which I am happy to say I still remember really well. What I did not expect to find was a lesson in Theology as I slowly sipped my coffee at 7 a.m.

My theology lesson came to me via Cookie Monster. In typical fashion he was expounding on the wonderfulness that only a cookie can bring- a feeling that I share with this warm fuzzy creature. Then he made a comment that I will try to quote for you the best that I can. He said "Normally I would say that I am not going to eat cookie, but let’s face fact. I am going to eat this cookie!"

This little statement had more punch than I am sure the writers intended for it to have. The fact of the matter is that the people who write for Sesame Street understand what we seldom understand. The lesson that Cookie Monster is teaching is one we all need a refresher course on and that is the Doctrine of Sin and Depravity.

Just like our blue fuzzy companion we are born with a nature that is helpless when it comes to sin. Like the Cookie Monster we will all break down at the sight of a "good cookie." It is the nature that we are born with and it is the nature that we so desperately need to be delivered from.

The apostle Paul understood this when he wrote in Philippians 3: 17-19 of those people that he labeled as "enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is their shame…." This is where we are apart from Christ and this is why we are so desperate for the regenerating power of the cross.

Let us examine our own lives this week and seek to live our life with only the cross of Christ to boast in and nothing else. We know that Cookie Monster is only "make believe." But we also know that we are born with the same appetites and nature. The answer is Christ Jesus, but I never would have imagined that the teacher would be Cookie Monster.

By This Time You Ought To Be Teachers

2006-06-01T15:20:00.000-05:00

June 1, 2006

Sin has a way of crippling us and it is not as obvious as we might think. Sin is subtle and comes to us in the most gentle of ways. When the writer of Hebrews attempts to encourage the church to remain diligent to the faith he does it by writing a letter filled with warnings. One of those warnings has to do with the connection between disobedience and unbelief (3:18-19).

Disobedience is equated with unbelief in these two verses, because Israel did not enter the land of rest by disobeying God, rather they failed to believe that God would keep His word to them. Disobedience is the fruit of failing to hear God’s word. At first this does not seem to apply to us at all. We hear God’s word all week long. Or do we? When sin settles into our hearts it begins to harden our senses (3:13). We do not hear God’s word like we used to and preaching, as well as Bible lessons, begin to sound more like traffic noise from the freeway than words spoken to us from God.

The writer of Hebrews recognized this in his church and tells them that “by this time they ought to be teachers” (5:12). They are not teachers however, because sin has hardened their hearing and this has resulted in a sin laden and disabled church. The reason churches are slack on workers and teachers is because they have failed to hear God’s word. Why? Because sin has lured them away from God and a myriad of other things seem more appealing than God’s word.

Let me encourage you this week to press on toward a life of holiness and remove the sin from your life that “so easily entangles” you. Open God’s word anew with a heart of repentance and be refreshed when the Spirit of God comes alive inside you at the hearing of His Word.