A Lesson in Humility

I thought I would shift gears a little and get more personal in this log. I want this blog to simply by a journal of my spiritual journey which will be much about my time in the Word and what the Lord is teaching me through His Word. Yet, God also teaches us through circumstances and conforms us to His likeness through those experiences.

Ulcerative Colitis
In 1994 I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is one of two diseases classified as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); the other is Crohn's disease. In simple terms, UC is a disease causing significant inflammation of the large intestine resulting in loose stool, bleeding, cramping, fatigue, and more. UC is often divided into three types depending on the extent of the disease: lower, left-side, or entire colon. My UC is called pan-ulcerative colitis which means that my entire colon is diseased.

Of the 300 million people living in the US, about one million have UC. Presently, they (whoever they are) don't know what causes the disease nor do they have a cure for the disease outside of removing the colon. That is the one positive about UC - since it is localized to the colon, the disease can be eliminated by surgically removing the large intestine. People with Crohn's disease don't have this option as the disease can also affect the small intestine or other parts of the GI tract.

My Journey
When I was first diagnosed with UC, I was really struggling with uncontrollable symptoms. The above mentioned symptoms were occuring along with severe joint pain, vomitting, and periods of fever and chills. I jumped around from doctor to doctor running a battery of tests before finally zeroing in on the diagnosis.

For the next several years, I tried all kinds of things. I took various medications and even tried some drug tests. I experiemented with nutritional, dietery, and alternative doctors and plans. I have learned a great deal about all aspects of the disease and ways of dealing with it.

For the past several years, I've simply learned how to best manage UC in order to best carry on with my life and responsibilities. I've learned what I have to stay away from diet-wise and what I need to be doing to stay as healthy as possible (though this is always a battle). Basically, my symptoms, though present, are managable and tolerable. I visit the bathroom more often than most, have continual diarrhea, and struggle with fatigue. Yet, I can still do just about anything I want to do.

Drugs
One of the grinding things about UC is the drugs. As with all diseases, drugs are used to help control symptoms. The bad things about drugs is they also produce symptoms. For UC, there are various maintenance drugs that have minor side effects. I have taken these off and on over the years and have found little help with them.

At times when my UC is pretty active or "flaring," I usually have to be put on prednizone for a short time to control the inflammation. I hate taking prednizone as it has all kinds of side effects that drive me nuts. There are also side effects with prolonged use of prednizone. Though I only take it for a couple of months at a time, I usually have to be on it about every 12-18 months. Since I've had the disease for about 13 years, the prednisone is adding up. One of the biggest issues with prolonged use is calcium depletion in the bones. I don't want to end up with osteoporosis by the time I'm 50.

To try to curb the use of prednisone, I've started taking an immunosupressant drug about two years ago. It's the next level of drugs used when the maintenance drugs aren't doing enough. This drug also has side effects and potential long-term side effects though I haven't experienced any, particularly in comparison to the prednisone. I really haven't noticed any difference while taking the drug and wonder if it is doing anything at all.

My Options
In January, I had my yearly colonoscopy. I go in every year for the procedure now that I've had the disease for 10+ years. I'm at a higher risk for developing colon cancer. The doctor takes multiple biopsies and does a lot of blood work. All of my tests came back negative for pre-cancer and my blood work was all good. Yet the inflammation was very high as the disease significantly active. I've again gone on another prednisone pulse while still taking my immunosupressant drug. I've also been given a different maintenance drug to try.

This past week, Angela and I met with my GI to discuss where we are and where we're going. Here are the options that are before me:

One, if I feel like my symptoms are manageable and tolerable after the prednisone pulse, I can simply continue taking the immunosuppresant and see if the new maintenance drug will help.

Two, I can step into a new level of drugs in the immunosuppresant family. This is a drug called remicade and it given through IV. It has been very successful in treating the symptoms of IBD but the side effects can be more extreme and the long-term effects, though not fully known, are not very attractive. For one, there is an increased risk of lymphoma. Yet, there is an increased risk of developing cancer with long-term use of prednisone. There is also a greater risk of cancer with long-term active UC. Therefore, I feel a little like I'm flipping a coin.

Three, I can opt for surgery and be done with the disease. Yet, surgury also has its issues whether I choose to do a reconnect or go with an ileostomy.

A Lesson
A fourth option is for God to heal me. Diet, nutrition, exercise, alternative treatments, drugs, etc. have not fully dealth with my disease. All of these have helped and enabled me to carry on fairly normally. Yet, they are no cure and my disease is slowly progressing or at least getting to the point where the prolonged nature of the disease is becoming an issue.

I've prayed consistently and continually for God to take it away. My family and friends have prayed for me. Yet, God allows me to live with this thorn. I can honestly say that I've never been angry or disappointed with God at the seemingly silence to my request. I trust in His sovereign will and purpose in receiving glory through even my weakness.

As I consider the options above, I've been reminded of my place before God. He is my Lord and King and I will continually bow in humility before Him. My only option is to give Him glory through my infirmity and to praise Him for His sustaining work in my life.

I don't have all the answers when it come to God and my disease. In fact, I don't even have the right questions. I simply want to be a ceaseless worshiper; one who worships during times of health and times of sickness. In all things and at all times, may God receive the praise and glory.

A Reflection of Psalm 19

This Psalm seems to divide naturally into three sections with the last one (vs. 12-14) being voiced as a confession flowing out of the preceding two. The first section focuses on God’s general revelation through nature (vs. 1-6) and the second section focuses on God’s special revelation through Scripture (vs. 7-11). I will share my personal insights and applications based upon these three sections.

Declarational
At times I feel like we have given too much attention to the theme of God’s glory. With the influence of John Piper, this theme has echoed loudly in our churches and in our hearts. In a sense, it has been somewhat of a course correction as we may have swung a little too close to a man-centered theology or at minimum a man-centered emphasis. Returning to the preeminence of God’s glory keeps us in our proper place in comparison to the magnificence of God. As I reflected upon this first section, I have been reminded that I actually cannot give too much attention to the theme of God’s glory. In fact, I have a responsibility to declare the glory of God and to proclaim His handiwork. The heavens and the sky never cease to display the significance of God. The sun faithfully and joyfully exhibits God’s brilliance from horizon to horizon so that nothing is hidden from its influence. In the same way, I must earnestly and eagerly share and show the significance of my God. From the morning’s rise to the evening’s retirement, I must speak of and point people to God’s glory. Just as the sun is created to shine and pour forth heat, I have been created to reflect the image of God in my life and speech.

Incaranational
Not only does creation reflect God, His inspired Word mirrors His character and nature. The adjectives outlined in this second section are beautiful pictures: perfect, sure, right, radiant, pure, true, and righteous. I realize that there is a distinction between God and His Word, yet the two are intrinsically interrelated. Jesus Himself is referred to as the Word or the very speech of God in John’s gospel. To describe the law of the Lord with the above adjectives is to describe the very essence of God. He is perfect, trustworthy, pure, and true. Just as His Word is sure, radiant, and righteous, so is God. To seek after God and to treasure Him as for the finest of gold is the highest prize for the believer. Moreover, this seeking and finding is filled with reward and blessing. God’s Word revives the soul, makes wise the simple, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes, and warns the servant. Keeping the law of the Lord is not just reward; it is great reward.

Confessional
The third section reminded me of Isaiah when he saw the Lord high and exalted and realized his unworthiness and uncleanliness before the Almighty. Likewise, my heart has been pierced as I have contemplated upon the awesomeness of God’s glory and Word. Just as David cried out in mercy to God for his hidden and willful sins, I too, must humbly bow before the glorious, perfect, and righteous God seeking forgiveness for great transgression. I fully submit to God’s mercy and grace so that the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart would be an acceptable and continual offering of praise and worship for the glory of God. Yes, I have now come full circle. My earnest desire is for His glory to be declarational, incarnational, and confessional in my life.

A Reflection of Psalm 1

Psalm 1 is a song of promise both for the one who walks in righteousness before God and for the one who walks in rebellion against God. After meditating and reflecting upon this passage of Scripture for the past week, I have been encouraged and challenged to lift up the priority of God’s Word in my life, particularly through the spiritual discipline of continuous meditation of Scripture.

The Promises
There are five promises for the righteous outlined in this passage. God promises to bless (v. 1), to supply (v. 3), to sustain (v. 3), to prosper (v. 3), and to know the way of the righteous (v. 6). All of these promises are significant and powerful on their own, yet when packaged together as in this text, they display the magnitude of God’s infinite grace, love, and faithfulness to His followers. To live under God’s blessing, supply, sustenance, prosperity, and knowledge is humbling and overwhelming. Just realizing that I can be a recipient of such incredible goodness and mercy has deepened my desire to serve Him more fervently and reverently.

These promises are covenantal and dependent upon relationship with God expressed in obedience to His Word. To receive these blessings, one must not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers. The three verbs (walk, stand, and sit) basically cover places we could find ourselves in fellowship with others. Yet, as I thought more about these words, I believe they do not just speak to the present moment. To walk is to move in a direction, to go toward something, or to go down a path. My journey should lead to godliness, righteousness, and holiness. To stand with others implies that I am with them, supportive of them, agreeing with them, and will even defend them. My stance should reflect God’s desires and will. Lastly, to sit with others displays that I am not only comfortable with their behavior, beliefs, and worldview, but also that I am a part of that group representing those things I have grown comfortable with. My association should be God alone for His glory alone.

What makes the journey, stance, and association more appalling apart from God is the company of people involved as well as their influence. Only our sinful nature would attract us to connect with the wicked, the sinner, and the scoffer. Depravity alone would lead us down a path where the chaff is driven away by the wind (v. 4), where there is no place of real significance (v. 5), where there is no fellowship with the righteous (v. 5), and where there is only destruction (v. 6). By God’s grace, I will not walk in their counsel, stand in their way, nor sit in their seat.

God's Word
Then how is this covenantal relationship expressed? It is found by delighting and meditating in God’s Word. The word “but” that separates verses one and two, suggests that the verbs in verse one can be transposed to verse two. Thus, God’s blessing is given to those who walk in the counsel, stand in the way, and sit in the seat of the law of the Lord. My delight is found in my journey, stance, and alliance to His Word. Any other way leads to a departure of God’s promise and presence and ultimately to devastation. In fact, living in God’s Word should be such a significant aspect of my life, that I am consumed with it day and night. .

Before God I must confess that His Word has not been the type of consuming fire described in this passage. I am grateful that His Word has been daily and consistently before me over the past months. Nevertheless, God has challenged me to bring His living words to constant meditation, both day and night. I will do so by spending more time with Scripture cards and reflections such as this. I will do so not for the promises He makes, but for His glory and honor alone.

Our Unashamedness

Today I want to close out the trilogy of Paul's "I am" statements found in Romans 1:14-16. Paul begins by saying he is under obligation - he is indebted with the gospel by God for the those who have yet to hear. Secondly, Paul says that he is eager - he is passionate about preaching the gospel to the point that it was ready to boil out of him. In this last "I am," Paul says that he is not ashamed of the gospel.

The Gospel is Central
One thing that is obvious in these three statements is that the gospel is central. Paul is not just indebted to God; he's been indebted with the gospel. Paul is not just eager to share about life as a Christian; he's bursting from the seams to share the full saving message of the gospel. Paul is not just lightly walking in with the gospel; he's full of boldness and inextinguishable fervor for the gospel's sake.

Using the Negative
The first two "I am" are in the positive. This third statement takes the negative approach. Some would say that using a negative adds emphasis. To say to one of my children during a time of correction, "I am not pleased with your behavior or attitude" may tend to give more stress to how I'm feeling than by simply saying, "I am upset with your behavior or attitude." Yet, let's take this a little deeper. What if my children have heard me often speak of my pleasure and joy in their behavior or attitude? For example, "Son, your humble and selfish attitude toward your brother brings great delight and joy to my heart." If my son had experienced me responding to him in this way, the negative statement would have more significance and impact.

I think that may be the reason Paul is using the negative here. He has experienced the temptation of fear, rejection, ridicule, and even persecution. Remember, Paul had been laughed at in Athens, considered a fool in Corinth, called a blasphemer in Jerusalem, stoned in Lystra, and more. In spite of these experiences, Paul was emboldened with the gospel. He is not just saying, "I am proud of the gospel." He is saying "I am not ashamed of the gospel."

Be Not Unashamed
To the unbeliever, the message of the gospel can be unattractive, foolish, offensive, intimidating, and repulsive. Sadly, in many of our churches today, the message of the gospel has been watered down for these same purposes. We sure don't want to offend people or make them feel guilty. I like the way John MacArthur said it in his commentary on Romans, "An inoffensive gospel is also an inoperative gospel." The gospel is hell's enemy. Therefore, Satan is going to do everything in his power to distort the message and paint it in these "bad" terms. Yet, the gospel is "good" news for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. The gospel is freeing, it is redeeming, it is saving, it is life.

Therefore, I will not be ashamed; I must not be ashamed; I am not ashamed of the gospel.

I will boldly share it and show it. I will unashamedly tell it and testify of it. There is too much at stake for me to be passive or timid. People are not rejecting me, they are responding as those who have been brainwashed by the enemy of God and held captive by his lies and deception. Yet, the gospel is the power or dunamis of God. It is like dynamite that is the only thing able to break down a stone mountain. God's power is glorious, irresistible, unsearchable, might, great, incomparable, strong, everlasting, effectual, and sovereign. "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Our Eagerness

In my last post, I wrote about Paul's first "I am" statement found in Romans chapter 1. Today, I want to look at the second "I am" found in the very next verse. He first wrote, "I am under obligation." Now he writes, "I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome." (v. 15)

The word eager is a significant word. It is the Greek word prothumos which is translated eager in most translations. It means ready and willing. The root of the word, thumos, give us further insight. It means passion or heat boiling up and soon subsiding again.

As I chewed on this awhile, what came to my mind was spaghetti cooking on the stove. I've put on a big pot of spaghetti before, turned it on high, and walked away waiting for it to come to a boil. After forgetting about it, I was quickly reminded by the sound of water spilling over the rim of the pot and hitting the hot burner and instantly turning to steam. Well, I run to the stove and remove it from the heat in order for the boiling to subside.

That is the nature behind this word, eager. Paul was so passionate about preaching the gospel to those in Rome it was boiling out of him. The water wasn't just warming up, it was hot and cookin'. The gospel inside Paul was ready to spew out of him with hot intensity. It could not be contained much longer. The only way for his eagerness to be satisfied was for the gospel to be preached.

I am ashamed to admit that the gospel in me seems to be on simmer.

Oh Father, Your gospel is priceless, precious, and powerful; yet I treat it so casually. Forgive me for my lack of eagerness in preaching the gospel. I know that it can only come to a boil by being place upon the burner of Your Spirit. Fan to flame my eagerness for Your gospel that others might be saved for Your name's sake. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Our Indebtedness

Two posts ago I wrote about the centrality of the gospel as outlined in Paul's opening words of his letter to the Romans. Now, in the middle of this first chapter, he tells how this gospel is impacting him

In Romans 1:14-16, Paul shares three "I am" statements to which we can be encouraged. I'll seek to address these statements in my next couple of posts. The first of these is found in verse 14 where he writes, "I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish."

This phrase "under obligation" comes from the Greek word opheiletes which is used two other times in Romans and seven times altogether in the NT. It literally means one who is indebted to another or one who owes another and is bound to that debt. The root word opheilo means to owe another money or a debt. Thus, Paul could be saying "I am one indebted to you and bound until the debt is paid.

The next question is what does Paul owe the people (the Greeks to barbarians and wise to foolish) in Rome? Paul has never been to Rome. He has yet to meet any of the Roman Christians. There is no record or mention of any money being sent to Paul. So what debt does Paul owe?

There are two ways to be in debt. The type that we all know too well is when someone lends us money that we agree to pay back at another time. As noted above, this doesn't seem to be the kind of debt Paul is carrying. The other type of debt is when someone gives us money to give to someone else. In this case, we are actually indebted to both the giver and receiver until we make the exchange. In a sense, it is a double debt and responsibility. This is most likely the debt Paul is referring to.

God has given Paul the gift of the gospel unto salvation. Though he has partaken of it himself, he has been charged to give it to others. In this verse, we sense a desperate desire, an urgency, and an overwhelming obligation to deliver this gospel message to those in Rome.

God has also charged us with this responsibility and obligation. Here I must confess my sinfulness in the neglect of delivering this gift with the urgency and significance that it demands. First of all, I'm indebted to God. He has entrusted me with this priceless gift. I must make the delivery. I must not waste another breath. Secondly, I'm indebted to the lost. They are waiting to receive it. Without it, they will perish. Failure to carry out my responsibility has tragic consequences. Therefore, I am under obligation and will passionately complete my task.

There are numerous applications that can be made from this little passage, but let me outline just a few:

First, everything that we have is a gift from God. Not only is it all a gift, but it is also all meant to be passed on to others for His glory and the expansion of His kingdom. But how can everything we have be passed on to others? Case in point, how can you pass your children on to others? To this, I still say "yes" they have been entrusted to us to pass on to others. I have been blessed by God with three children. They are a gracious gift to Angela and me from the Father. We have been entrusted to pour Christ and His Word into their lives not that we would just have a wonderful family. It's much bigger than that. We seek to do that because God's glory is at stake. We want God to be represented well and reflected well through the lives of our children. We want their lives to impact other lives for His name's sake and the advancement of His kingdom throughout every nation. We want our children to impact their generation for Christ, to be involved in reaching the nations for Christ, and to multiply themselves as they make disciples of all the nations. God didn't give us our children so that we would be blessed and could enjoy their relationship. Those things are just bonuses. We are indebted to God to pass them on for His greater purposes and glory.

Second, this same principle applies to everything that we have materially. Our home has been given to us to pass on to others for His greater purposes and glory. All of our things and "wealth" belong to Him for others.

Thirdly, there is an obvious evangelistic and missional calling with this truth. It is the gospel that has been entrusted with. Yes, just like our relationship and possessions, we enjoy the benefits of them. But all of it is not for our selfish blessings. The world needs this "good news." It is God's plan - there is no other way. He has indebted us with the gospel and we must share it with our neighbor, our community, our state, our nation, and our world; particularly where it has yet to be proclaimed.

Father, forgive me for my silence and selfishness. You have entrusted me with something very costly, priceless. I am indebted to You and to those You have called to receive it. By Your grace, I will not be silent or selfish anymore. I seek to be faithful and not rest until my obligation is fulfilled.

Incarnation & Exaltation

I enjoy reading various blogs expressing different views and opinions concerning doctrine. Missiology and Soteriology are two hot topics today fueled by the growing emergent and reformed movements. I don't seek to enter into the debates on this blog, but rather seek to address their significant contributions as related to Romans 1:3-4.

In these verses we find both the incarnate and exalted Christ. First we find the Christ who came from the lineage of David according to the flesh as in His human nature. Next we find the Christ who came from the Father in power according to the Spirit as in His divine nature. Thus we have two lines: Christ-David-flesh-human nature-incarnation and Christ-God-Spirit-divine nature-exaltation.

Paul is expressing Christ as fully God and fully man. He is at the same time 100% God and 100% man. Now there is no way for my finite mind to comprehend this; I simply accept it as truth as expressed in His Word. Yet this Christological debate began in the early church and to some extend continues today to which I'll come to later.

I recently listened to a message by Mark Driscoll given at the Desiring God Conference 2006 entitled "The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World." In his message, he addressed the tendency of the emergent church movement to emphasize the human nature of Christ while deemphazing the divine nature of Christ. He goes on to say that the tendency of the reformed church movement is to emphasize the divine nature of Christ while deemphazing the human nature of Christ. The emergent leans toward a more incarnational Christ who is near to man. The reformed leans toward a more exaltational Christ who sits enthroned above all. I realize that this came be a little oversimplified, but I think he has a point.

The Incarnate Christ
Jesus came to earth and became fully man. He became a servant and walked on earth with us. He identified with us in every way except sin. He felt hunger, thirst, and pain. He felt and expressed emotion. He experienced temptation. He tasted death.

We can be encouraged knowing that Christ is a personal God, Savior, and Redeemer. He is not some distant, non-relational, unidentifiable God. He is God With Us. He knows our hurts, counts our tears, and rejoices over us with singing. He kingdom is among us.

The Incarnate Christ has incredible implications as we share Christ with world in need. He has incredible implications as we encourage other believers through the journey of faith.

Yet, we must be careful to balance the incarnate Christ with the exalted Christ lest we speak the Word too contextually leading to a weakened gospel. Identifying with a lost world, becoming all things to all people, understanding our culture, meeting felt needs, etc. are all good but not a full representation of Christ.

The Exalted Christ
Because Jesus conquered sin and death in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection, He is exalted above all. He has been given a name that is above all names all will bow to His authority as Lord. He is mighty, victorious, and the only One worthy of ceaseless power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.

We can be encouraged know that Christ is our supreme God, Victor, and King. He is not some puny, soft, man-centered God. He is God Almighty. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-ruling, and ever-reigning. His kingdom knows no end.

The exalted Christ has incredible implications as we share Christ with a world in sin. He has incredible implications as we hold fellow believers accountable to holiness.

Yet, we must be careful to balance the exalted Christ with the incarnate Christ lest we speak the Word too unapproachable leading to a weakened gospel. Proclaiming the supremacy of Christ, emphasizing the depravity of man, fleeing from cultural influence, helping people identify their greatest need, etc. are all good but not a full representation of Christ.

Jesus is the incarnate and exalted Christ. He should be known, proclaimed, and displayed as both fully God and fully man.

The Gospel

As I began my study of the book of Romans, I couldn't help but notice the centrality of the gospel. It is mentioned six times in the first chapter and two times within the first two verses. Let me share what I have gleaned from these first six verses concerning the gospel.

The Gospel of God (v. 1)
First of all, Paul says that he has been set apart for the "gospel of God." The gospel is God's good news for man. He is its source; He is its originator; He is it instigator. When the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ, it proclaimed to "bring good news of great joy" (Luke 2:10). It wasn't just announcing good news, it was bringing the good news from the Father. Because the gospel is God's gospel, I can be know it is sufficient, perfect, complete, holy, just, and faithful.

The Gospel According to the Scriptures (v.2)
God didn't just reveal the good news at the coming of Christ, it has been revealed through the prophets in the inspired writing of the Old Testament. Paul says that it was promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. Wouldn't you like to have walked with the two travelers going from Jerusalem to Emmaus when Jesus joined them and expounding upon the Scriptures? It must have been incredible. Luke records that Jesus started with the Law and worked His way through the Prophets explaining what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself (Luke 24:27). A same type occurance happened with the disciples. Jesus appeared to them and said, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." The Scripture then says that He opened their minds so that they could clearly understand what He was talking about concerning the Old Testament (Luke 24:44-45). Again, I would love to have been in the room with the disciples after Jesus opened their minds. From cover to cover, the Bible is God's recorded goods news to us.

The Gospel About Jesus (v.3-4)
As already alluded to in the previous paragraph, the gospel points to Christ. Jesus fulfills the gospel. It is God's gospel, according to the Scriptures, regarding His Son. The good news is Jesus Christ - period. All of God's promises are "yes" in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). The eternal beginning and end of the gospel is Jesus, the Alpha and Omega.

The Gospel for the Nations (v. 5)
The target of the gospel is the nations. Paul said that through the grace and authority of God he is calling people from among all the Gentiles to the gospel. Back in the mid 90s I went to a missions meeting here in NW Arkansas that greatly impacted my view of the gospel for the nations. I cannot remember the speaker or even the topic. The one thing that was branded upon my heart was when the speaker began sharing numerous passages throughout the Bible that related to the gospel for the nations. He then showed us his Bible that had every passage highlighted that focused upon this truth. I've now done the same thing with my Bible; in fact, as I read through the Bible again, I'm working on it a second time. Everytime I come across a passage that speaks of the inclusiveness of the gospel for all the nations, I highlight it. By fanning through the Bible, it is easy to then see that from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with this theme. The gospel is for every tongue, tribe, and nation.

The Gospel by Faith Unto Obedience (v. 5-6)
The gospel is through faith alone resulting in obedience. Paul will later say that we are justified and made righteous by faith alone. Some say that the gospel is a combination of faith and works. Pulling a few verses from the book of James may seem to support this faith plus works idea. Yet, James is emphasizing the point that genuine faith in Christ will produce a changed life and good works (James 2:20-26). Genuine faith results in good works. Paul says it similarly in this passage when speaking of "obedience that comes from faith." Therefore, the gospel is faith alone in Christ alone resulting in a life of faithful obedience.

The Gospel for His Name's Sake (v. 5)
Though this phrase is at the beginning of verse 5 in the NIV translation, it actually belongs to the end of the verse. The gospel's aim, goal, and ultimate purpose are the glory of God. The gospel begins with God and comes back to Him in endless glory and honor. Though man is in desperate need of the gospel, that isn't is whom it's for - it is for the fame, praise, exaltation, honor, blessing, and glory of His name. This truth keeps me humble and put God in His rightful place.

Let's summarize: The gospel is...

• of God
• about Christ
• according to the Scriptures
• for the nations
• by faith unto obedience
• for God's glory

New Year

Okay, I took an unannounced sabbatical from blogging. I hope to be a little more consistent beginning the new year. I would like to log at least one entry a week, but please don't hold me to it.

I've never been one to make resolutions at the beginning of the year. I've always felt that if the Lord challenged or convicted me in an area, I should respond in obedience right then and there. Of course, setting goals and striving to attain those goals is a good thing whether it is renewing a spiritual discipline, getting in better shape, eating more healthily, etc.

What I like to do with a new year is take the opportunity to pause, listen to God, and hear what He is calling me to pursue. This year, He has led me to two pursuits: one a character quality and another a book study.

Character Quality
Philippians 2:1-8 says,

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yoursleves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross?

What a powerful passage this is! Paul begins by encouraging the Philippian church to be like-minded and selfless. He then encourages each individual to put the interests of others above his/her own. Then he throws in the pinnacle of example - Jesus Christ.

He says that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Obviously, I have a long way to go here. Christ sets the perfect example of humility and humbleness by becoming a servant and dying on a cross.

By God's grace and the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I seek to pursue in my life the character of humility and humbleness. I will seek to live it out personally with my family and friends, but also to demonstrate it with my neighbors and those out of my circle of relationship.

Book Study
My heart has been drawn to the book of Romans over these past months and weeks. I have committed to throughouly studying this book throughout this year. I hope to read through the book numerous times as well as read multiple commentaries written from different perspectives. Just this week, I've purchased John Stott's commentary on the book and have already begun the verse-by-verse study that he provides. I'm trusting that this will be an exciting adventure.

My ultimate desire is that God would be glorified in and through my life through these two pursuits. My prayer is that it will enrich and bless my family, my friends, and each person that the Lord brings across my path. I also hope that it will spill over into my ministry at UBC and each unique facet of my life.

I will blog about my journey in these two areas throughout the year.

Christ, the One and Only

To contemplate the fathomlessness of God is a wonderful discipline. Another great discipline is to meditate upon the richness of who He is. Today, I simply want to be saturated in Christ. The following list is a good starting point.

Jesus Christ is . . .

• completely sufficient for all matters of life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4)
  
• completely sufficient for creation (Colossians 1:16-17)
  
• completely sufficient for salvation (Hebrews 10:10-12)
  
• completely sufficient for redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19)
  
• completely sufficient for propitiation (1 John 2:2)
  
• completely sufficient for purification (Hebrews 1:3)
  
• completely sufficient for sanctification (Ephesians 5:26-27)
  
• completely sufficient for righteousness (Philippians 3:8-9)
  
• completely sufficient for glorification (1 John 3:2)
  
• without defect or blemish (1 Peter 1:19)
  
• the fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2)
  
• the only God (Isaiah 45:5)
  
• the only begotten Son (John 1:14, 18; John 3:16)
  
• the fullness of all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3)
  
• the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily (Colossians 2:9)
  
• the heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2)
  
• the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16)
  
• the Beginning of creation (Revelation 3:14)
  
• the purpose of all things created (Colossians 1:16)
  
• before all things and holding all things together (Colossians 1:17)
  
• the sustainer all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3)
  
• the first-born of all creation (Colossians 1:15)
  
• the radiance of God’s glory (Hebrews 1:3)
  
• the exact representation of God’s nature (Hebrews 1:3)
  
• the only Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 1:5)
  
• the Head of every man (1 Corinthians 11:3)
  
• the Head of the body, the Church (Colossians 1:18)
  
• the Head over every power and authority (Colossians 2:10)
  
• the Physician that heals (Luke 4:23-24; 5:31)
  
• the Wall of Fire that defends (Exodus 13:21)
  
• the Friend that comforts (John 15:14-15)
  
• the Pearl that enriches (Matthew 13:45-46)
  
• the Ark that supports (Genesis 6:18; Revelation 11:19)
  
• the Rock to sustain under the heaviest of pressures (1 Corinthians 10:4)
  
• the Fortress that cannot be shaken (Psalm 18:2)
  
• the Mountain of refuge (Psalm 18:2)
  
• the Deliverer (Romans 11:26)
  
• the Shield and Horn of Salvation (Psalm 18:2)
  
• seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on high (Acts 2:34; Hebrews 1:3; 8:1)
  
• with us (Matthew 1:23)
  
• better than the angels (Hebrews 1:4-14)
  
• greater than Satan (Luke 4:1-12; John 14:30)
  
• stronger than death (1 Corinthians 15:55; Hebrews 2:14)
  
• the Lamb of God (John 1:29)
  
• our Peace (Ephesians 2:14)
  
• our Hope (1 Timothy 1:1)
  
• our Life (Colossians.3:4)
  
• our Advocate (1 John 2:1)
  
• our Intercessor (Job 16:20)
  
• the Refiner and Purifier (Malachi 3:3)
  
• the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
  
• the Strength of Israel (1 Samuel 15:29)
  
• the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)
  
• the Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11)
  
• the Faithful and True Witness (Revelation 3:14)
  
• the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2)
  
• the Captain of our Salvation (Hebrews 2:10)
  
• the Champion (Isaiah 19:20)
  
• the Servant and Chosen One (Isaiah 42:1)
  
• the Righteous Servant (Isaiah 53:11)
  
• the Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1)
  
• the Lord of Hosts, the Holy One of Israel our Redeemer, the God of the whole earth (Isaiah 54:5)
  
• the Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3)
  
• the Light of the World (John 8:12)
  
• the Son of Man (Matthew 20:28)
  
• the Son of God (Hebrews 4:14)
  
• the Vine (John 15:5)
  
• the Bread of Life (John 6:48)
  
• the Bread from heaven, the Bread of God (John 6:32-33)
  
• the Bread of God (John 6:33)
  
• the Door (John 10:7)
  
• the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20)
  
• the chosen and precious Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6)
  
• the Living Stone (1 Peter 2:4)
  
• the Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:10-13)
  
• the Lord of the Harvest (Matthew 9:38)
  
• the Bright Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)
  
• the Prophet, Priest, and King (Hebrews 1:1-3)
  
• the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14, 19:16)
  
• the King of the nations (Jeremiah 10:7; Revelation 15:3)
  
• the King of the ages (Revelation 15:3)
  
• crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9)
  
• our Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9)
  
• our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6; 1 Corinthians 1:30)
  
• the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
  
• the chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)
  
• the great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20)
  
• the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25)
  
• the Lord God of hosts (Isaiah 47:4)
  
• the Banner for the peoples (Isaiah 11:10)
  
• the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5)
  
• the Word of God (John 1:1; Revelation 19:13)
  
• the Word of Life (1 John 1:1)
  
• the Rock of Salvation (Psalm 62:2; 89:26; 95:1)
  
• the Rock of Israel (Isaiah 30:29)
  
• the Eternal Spirit (Hebrews 9:14)
  
• the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9)
  
• the Branch of the Lord (Isaiah 4:2)
  
• the Creator and Comforter (1 Peter 4:19; Isaiah 43:1; John 16:7)
  
• the Messiah (John 1:41)
  
• the Alpha and Omega, the First and Last, the Beginning and End (Revelation 1:17; 22:13)
  
• the great I AM (John 8:58)
  
• the Amen (Revelation 3:14)
  

The Fathomlessness of God

It has been way too long since my last entry. My schedule over the past few weeks has been crazy. The next couple of weeks may be as well as I finish up my two seminary classes and prepare for all our Christmas music not to mention welcoming our new pastor.

Around A.D. 500 some works were written by one whom many believed was Dionysius mentioned in Acts 17:34. Because he was a follower of Paul, these works were influential throughout the churches of the East and West during the Middle Ages. One incredible thing that came from these works is something called Negative Theology, Via Negativa (Latin for "Negative Way"), or Apophatic Theology.

According to Wikipedia, Negative Theology is the attempt to gain and express knowledge of God by describing what God is not (apophasis), rather than by describing what God is. In Negative Theology, it is recognized that we can never truly define God in words. All that can be done is to say, it isn't this, but also, it isn't that either. In the end, the student must transcend words to understand the nature of the Divine. In this sense, Negative Theology is not a denial. Rather, it is an assertion that whatever the Divine may be, when we attempt to capture it in human words, we must inevitably fall short.

In the church, it more common to seek to understand God according to the tangibles. God is good, faithful, and merciful. God is love. God is Shepherd, Present, Near, and Peace. God works in these kinds of ways and reveals Himself in these kinds of ways. You get the picture. Now all of this is good and vital for our growth in Christ and the magnification of God in and through our lives. Yet, if we only seek to fit God into our understanding, we may loose some of the transcendence of His nature.

Here are couple of examples of Negative Theology in writing. From Orthodox Faith by John of Damascus:

"No man hath seen God at any time: the only-begotton Son who is in
the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." The God-head, then, is ineffable and incomprehensible. For "no one knoweth the Father, but the Son: neither doth any one know the Son, but the Father." Furthermore, the Holy Spirit knows the things of God, just as the spirit of man knows what is in man. After the first blessed state of nature, no one has ever know God unless God Himself revealed it to him - not only no man, but not even any of the supramundane powers: the very Cherubim and Seraphim, I mean.

Therefore, we believe in on God: one principle, without beginning, uncreated, unbegotton, indestructible and immortal, eternal, unlimited, uncircumscribed, unbounded, infinite in power, simple, uncompounded, incorporeal, unchanging, unaffected, unchangeable, inalterate, invisible, source of goodness and justice, light intellectual and inaccessible; power which no measure can give any idea of but which is measured only by His own will, for He can do all things whatsoever he pleases; make of all things both visible and invisible, holding together all things and conserving them, provider for all, governing and dominating and ruling over all in unending immortal reign; withouy contradiction, filling all things, contained by nother, but Himself containing all things.

If you're like me, reading the above can be a little "out there" unless you bring it to a more simplified setting. Let me give it a try.

God displays His glory yet is invisible.
God is powerful yet His power has no limits.
God placed His creation in time yet has no beginning or end.
God is beautiful yet is indescribable.
God is Creator yet is uncreated.

Christ is enthroned in majesty yet enbodied in meekness.
Christ is God yet does not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
Christ is pure goodness yet willing to suffer evil.
Christ is eternal yet experienced death.

The Negative Way reinforces the fathomlessness of God. God cannot be placed in the box of our mind's comprehension.

Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens - what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave - what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. (John 11:7-9)

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one canfathom. (Psalm 145:3)

May we continually seek to know God while understanding our limits in knowing the fathomlessness of God.

A Heart Prepared, Opened, & Changed

In picking up from my last log, we find the Holy Spirit leading Paul and his missionary band to the city of Philippi. Paul’s method of evangelism was to first go to the Jewish synagogue of the city and reason with the Jewish congregation concerning the Scripture. In Thessalonica he spent three Sabbath days in the synagogue reasoning from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that Jesus was indeed the Messiah (Acts 17:2-3). In Berea he again proclaimed from the Scriptures in the synagogue and spent several days examining the Old Testament with the Jews as well as a number of Greeks (Acts 17:10-12). On his next visit to Athens, he used the same method - he first went to the synagogue and shared on the Sabbath, then spent several days in the town expounding on the Word and proclaiming that Jesus Christ was the Savior (Acts 17:16-17).

Backing up to his visit in Philippi, we assume that there was not a significant Jewish presence in the town for there was no synagogue; ten Jewish men were required to form a synagogue. On the Sabbath, he and his companions went outside the city along the Gangites River where he expected to find a place of prayer. A small group of women had gathered there for worship, some Jews and other probably proselytes. One of the women there was named Lydia, who sold purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, a city known for its purple-dyed, woolen fabrics. The Lord opened her heart to Paul’s message and she became the first European convert to Christ along with her entire family.

I just love this simple story of redemption. Let me share some of my thoughts:

• A heart prepared - Lydia was a “worshiper of God” (Acts 16:14). This doesn’t mean that she was a believer in Christ, but she was probably a converted Jew. I imagine that she spent every Sabbath and other days down by the river in prayer and worship. She had a relationship with God and lived a life of complete devotion even before encountering the power of the gospel. The soil of her heart was prepared.
  
  
• A heart opened - Outside of the grace of God, how do we move toward God? He opens our eyes to the truth and empowers us to respond. He breaks open our hearts for the message of salvation. God works and we respond.
  
  
• A heart changed - For Lydia, her worship would take on a whole new meaning and purpose. No longer would she worship the God of a promised Messiah, but rather the God of a promised fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

As we are faithful in sharing the gospel within our community, our state, our nation, and world, may we by God’s grace continually find hearts that are prepared, opened, and ready to be changed for the glory of God.

A Journey of Passion By Faith

Paul and Barnabas had just experienced a sharp disagreement that would result in this missionary band dividing into two groups: Barnabas would take John and travel to Cyprus and beyond; Paul would take Silas and travel through Syria, Cilicia, and to the west. On this particular journey, the Spirit kept him from preaching in Asia (Acts 16:6) so he traveled along the northern border of the country. He wanted to go north into Bithynia, but again the Spirit would not allow him. So, he went west until he reached Troas on the northwest coast of Mysia. It was in this town that Paul had the vision from God calling him to bring the gospel to Macedonia.

They traveled through the cities of Samothrace and Neapolis until they reached the town of Philippi where they would spend several days. The first question that comes to my mind is, “Why didn’t he evangelize in the two towns before Philippi?” In fact, it doesn’t seem that he evangelized in Troas at all during this journey. On his third missionary journey, Paul spent about a week in Troas. It was in this town that he raised a young man named Eutychus from the dead after he had fallen from the third floor of a building listening to Paul preach. Again, why would Paul pass through these towns without staying a few days to share the gospel and gather the believers together?

We don’t know whether Paul evangelized or not, at least on a personal level. I imagine that he did have opportunities to share his faith as he encountered people throughout the day and evening. When he was getting food and water, I’m quite sure that he wasn’t silent about His Savior. When he sought shelter for the evening, I’m quite sure that he probably had a probing question or two for the innkeeper. Yet, his greater evangelistic effort would be saved for another location - Philippi. Let me share some of my thoughts as to why he passed through some towns and heavily evangelized in others.

First of all, he was sensitive to the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. He didn’t go to Asia or Bithynia because the Holy Spirit was leading him elsewhere. The Scripture says that the Holy Spirit kept him from preaching in Asia (Acts 6:6). When he wanted to goes north and east to share the gospel, the Scripture says that the Spirit of Jesus would not allow him to enter the Bithynia (Acts 6:7) He packed up his bags and traveled to Macedonia the immediately after his vision from God because that was what God told him to do. He was obedient to the Spirit’s leading and to God’s command.

Secondly, he was sensitive to the open doors God provides. We get a picture of this on Paul’s third missionary journey at the city I already mentioned - Troas. In writing to the church in Corinth, he said, “I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me…” (2 Corinthians 2:12). The people were receptive to the gospel. God had prepared the way for the message of good news. Paul didn’t stay at this time as he was worried about his brother in Christ, Titus, whom he was probably planning on meeting in Troas. Since he didn’t find him there, he traveled to Macedonia and then later returned to Troas as described above.

Thirdly, he was sensitive to God’s strategic plan. Philippi was an important city. It is located along a range of hills which divides Europe from Asia, the east from the west. These hills dip to form a pass where Philippi is located thus controlling the road from the east to the west. One of the great decisive battles in Roman history was fought at Philippi where Antony defeated Brutus and Cassius to set forth the future of the Roman Empire. Philippi was established as a Roman colony a few decades before the birth of Christ. Rome would send large groups of veteran soldiers to these colonies to settle there and provide a strategic road center for the Empire. These colonies were also places of cultural influence. Roman language was spoken, Roman dress was worn, Roman customs were observed, the magistrates took Roman titles, and they observed the ceremonies of Rome. In a sense, Philippi was a mini-Rome whose influence would radiate throughout the region. To establish a church in Philippi would be incredibly strategic in the ultimate expansion of the gospel through the region and known world.

We can learn several things from Paul's journey to Macedonia:

• One must follow his passions and be aggressive in living out kingdom work. Paul and a few friends were not complacent and content with status quo Christianity. They were passionate and went to great extremes to live it out.
  
  
• One must be sensitive to the work and guidance of the Spirit. Paul tried to preach in Asia; he tried to cross the border of Mysia. Yet, the Holy Spirit intervened and guided them elsewhere. Our faith journey should be led by the Spirit of Christ. As we aggressively follow our passions, we must allow the Spirit to be our compass.
  
  
• One must respond immediately to the voice of God. After God gave the vision to Paul during the night, Paul and his companions got ready to leave for Macedonia at once. When God speaks to us in our hearts, through His Word, through someone else, through a circumstance, or some other way, we must get ready to respond at once.
  
  
• One must look for open doors. As we live out faithfulness to God, He will open doors of receptivity and anointing that we must respond to. We join God in what He is already doing in the hearts and lives of people for His name’s sake.
  
  
• One must trust in God’s strategic and sovereign plan. We don’t always see the big picture. I don’t image that Paul saw the significance of the city of Philippi in regards to the greater expansion of God’s kingdom. Our role is to serve fully where and when He plants us for ministry.

In my next log, I want to look at Paul’s first spiritual encounter in Philippi. Until then, may we aggressively live out our passions by faith under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we immediately obey His voice, look for open doors, respond to His work in people’s hearts, and trust in His sovereign plan for the glory of His name.

The "Yet" of Ceaseless Worship

This week, we took our family to see the movie, Facing the Giants. This is a must see! It’s a movie that shows how the power of God is more than enough when facing the giant and sometimes impossible situations of life. This movie presents the clear gospel message. It will be an incredible tool of evangelism for years to come.

One of the themes that was emphasized throughout the movie was praising God in both the good times and the bad times. When the football team won, they would praise God. When the football team lost, they would praise God.

I was reading Habakkuk’s prayer/song found in the third chapter of his prophetic book and saw this same theme addressed. He writes:

Though the fig tree does no bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Each of the food and drink items mentioned in this passage has tremendous significance. The fig tree was one of seven food producers mentioned in the description of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:8). The fig was an important food source in biblical days. Figs were eaten fresh or dried. The first fruit of the fig tree was a special delectable (Isaiah 28:4, Hosea 9:10, Nahum 3:12). Dried figs were used all year round and were invaluable in times of war. Oftentimes, the figs were dried into clumps or cakes. These caked figs were commonplace and provided a daily staple. Figs were also used medicinally (2 Kings 20:7, Isaiah 38:21).

Grapes were also a significant fruit. They were eaten fresh and also dried as raisins. Like the dried figs, they were often made into cakes (1 Samuel 25:18, 30:12, 2 Samuel 6:19, 16:1, 1 Chronicles 12:40, 16:3, Hosea 3:1). The most important use of grapes was the making of wine which was the most common drink of that day. Diluted wine was also a regular beverage. Wine was used medicinally and also as a disinfectant.

An indispensable commodity in biblical times for food, medicine, fuel, and ritual was olive oil. Olive oil, along with grain and wine, were considered a blessing given by God (Deuteronomy 11:14, Hosea 2:22, Joel 2:19, 24). Olive oil was used for cooking and for fueling lamps. It was used as medicine in the treatment of wounds (Isaiah 1:6, Luke 10:34). It was also used during religious acts and the preparation of a body for burial. Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil as well as the objects dedicated to God’s service.

After Habakkuk describes the loss of these three most significant items (figs, grapes, olives) which were not only sustainable food items but also symbols of God’s blessing and prosperity, he next focuses upon all crops and livestock. He says that all of the fields are barren and the pastures and pens are empty. What he is ultimately describing is utter desolation. With no fig, no vine, no olive, no crop, and no herd, there would be no hope, no future, and no life.

Then he puts forth the most important word of the passage - “yet.” Though there is no hope, no future, and only eminent death, yet will he rejoice and be joyful in the Lord God, his Savior. What a challenge for us today. No matter the circumstances, the pressures, the seeming hopelessness, the pain, the defeat, or whatever the Lord allows into our lives, the joy of praising God will not be affected or halted.

Job was another man who understood this truth. After losing his wealth, his family, and his health, he remained righteous before God. He said, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” (Job 13:15) Notice again the "yet."

Ceaseless worship is ascribing worth to God in both the good times and difficult times; it is ceaselessly focusing our mind’s attention and our heart’s affection upon God and not our circumstances. Ceaseless worship is saying "yet."

Father, may the fruit of my ceaseless worship be joy, praise, and hope both in the light of day and in the darkness of night. May You hear me say "yet" during the darkness.

Unified Worship

As a follow-up to my last post, I want to share my heart about unified worship. Though I’m presently in favor of multi-services in multi-languages, I still believe that we should continually seek to lay down our preferences and speak many worship languages. Again, when I mention worship language, I’m considering the numerous distinctions of style and cultural preferences. In our blended service at UBC, we incorporate hymns and contemporary choruses, choir and praise team, orchestra and rhythm, hymnbooks and screens. I realize that the term blended can mean many things, too. For some churches, a blended service might mean a blend of black gospel music with traditional choruses. For others, blended might mean southern gospel songs with hymns. Still others might blend CCM with contemporary praise and worship.

A couple of generations ago, a person could walk in to just about any SBC church and recognize the surroundings, the hymnal, and most if not all of the music. Today, SBC churches are like the big box of crayons that has the sharpener on the back; they come in multitudes of colors. They cover every spectrum of the scale from music, to programs, to theology, to size, to vision, and so much more.

Today as people move from place to place and become involved in new churches, they bring with them various backgrounds. As churches grow these Christian cultures merge. Also, as the younger generation has little if any denominational loyalty, they enter the mix with even a more diverse perspective. Lastly, add in the new believers and seekers to your church and you have a rainbow of cultures, experiences, perceptions, likes, dislikes, expectations, desires, needs, preferences, etc. The enlarging gaps between the generations further highlights these distinctions. How can you possibly engage each person even within a blended service?

In worship, the goal is the glory of God. He is the purpose of our gathering. He is the focus of our praise. To Him alone do we bring the offering of worship. Yet, there still is a need to provide the best vehicle for the body as a whole to truly engage in Spirit-filled and Truth-embodied worship. This brings us back to the question of how do we engage the heart of such a diverse group of people within a worship service?

First of all, there is no way to provide the perfect worship language for everyone. Even in the multi-worship service churches, there will still be gaps. Let me throw out a few of my thoughts that if practiced, would make our worship more unified.

• God alone must be the object of our worship. If we let our preferences, styles, likes, dislikes, expectations, etc. come before God, we’ve engaged in false worship. In fact, my preference for hymns or for choruses can become an idol. He alone is the only God! “Who among the gods is like You, O Lord? Who is like You - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" (Exodus 15:11)
  
  
• The supremacy of Christ and the Word must be the theme of our worship. When we gather seeking to exalt the Savior and praise the worth of the Lamb, our preferences don’t matter any more. When we gather to feast from the Word of God, our likes and dislikes are not even appetizing. The atoning work of Christ and the beauty of His Word is more than enough.
  
  
• The Spirit of God is the source of our worship. As we yield to the Spirit, He empowers us to worship God fully and completely. Our efforts will always fall short. But if we are being led by, if we are living by, and if we are keeping in step with the Spirit, He will empower and embolden our worship.
  
  
• The “one anothers” of God’s Word must be the fruit of our worship. Scriptures such as speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; submit to one another out of reverence for Christ; bear with one another; encourage one another; love one another deeply from the heart; live in harmony with one another; clothe yourselves with humility toward one another; and more, force us to lay down our differences and put the interests and needs of others above our own.

Only in heaven will we have truly unified worship - a worship where every tribe, tongue, people, and nation sing the new song (Revelation 5:9-10). So, whether we have one service or multiple services, may we strive to reflect the ceaseless worship of heaven.

Unity or Uniformity

I recently read an article written by Ralph D. Winter entitle “The Highest Priority: Cross Cultural Evangelism.” He submitted the paper to the Lausanne Conference of 1974. The Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization seeks to encourage and stimulate the involvement of churches, denominations, ministries, networks, and individuals in the cause of world evangelization. Their mission statement is: "The whole Church taking the whole Gospel to the whole world." To find out more about the Lausanne Committee you can go here. To see the other documents of Lausanne 1974 you can go here.

This article addresses specifically cross-cultural evangelism as it relates to the global mission field. As I read the paper, I first considered how it might apply to our church’s desire to bring the gospel to the Kuvi/Dongaria Khond people. Yet, as I reflected upon it more, I realized that it speaks directly to evangelism, ministry, and worship here in northwest Arkansas and even more specifically here at UBC.

Three Types of Evangelism

Winter outlines three different kinds of evangelism: E-1, E-2, and E-3 evangelism. E-1 evangelism occurs when an individual from the same cultural, linguistic, socio-economic, and other backgrounds shares the gospel with another individual/group from the same background. E-2 evangelism occurs when an individual shares the gospel with another individual/group from a similar but not the same background. The culture may be a little different; the linguistic dialect may be somewhat different, or the social structure may be a little unique. E-2 evangelism is a little more challenging and may require different techniques to effectively communicate the gospel. E-3 evangelism occurs when an individual shares the gospel with another individual/group from a totally different background. The culture, language, and economic status are usually different creating significant barriers to sharing the gospel effectively.

For example, on our trip to the Kuvi/Dongaria Khond (DK) this past April, I was given the opportunity to share the gospel with the village of Gorta. Obviously, they were a significantly different culture, social status, economic status, educational status, and language to name just a few. This would be E-3 evangelism. Before I shared the gospel with the villagers, we wanted the new DK covert to share the message of salvation with his own people. As I mentioned in a previous post, this experience will go down in my “most memorable moments” of my life. This type of evangelism would be E-1. Jetu was sharing with people from his own culture. He spoke the language and shared in terms that they could understand. Though he was from a different village, it was still a DK sharing with DK. Now let’s say that the village of Gorta came to Christ and began to evangelize the other nearby DK villages. This would still be E-1 evangelism. But, if they began to share with other tribal groups such as the Kutia, Sitar, Malua, or Desia, it would be E-2 evangelism. These tribes speak a little different dialect and have a little different cultural and social background. For example, the Sitar people are known as the weavers as they weave baskets, containers, hats, mats, etc. The DK are primarily agriculturalists and do very little weaving. The DK could possibly understand what the Sitar are saying but it would be a little more difficult as the dialect is unique. The Kutia people live in the hills like the DK but they are the most primitive of all the tribals or Khond people. The women are barely clothed and their villages are even less advanced than the DK. Yet, all of these tribal people are somewhat similar and the boundaries to cross are not that significant.

As we do E-3 evangelism among the Kuvi/DK, we hope to raise up new converts who will do E-1 evangelism among their own people. As a church planting movement begins, we will want to encourage the Kuvi/DK to do E-2 evangelism among their cousin tribes. E-1 evangelism is the most effective. E-2 is less effective and E-3 is the least effective. All three types of evangelism are necessary, though the goal is to bring E-1 evangelism to the people group as quickly as possible.

E-2 and E-3 in Our Community

So how does this relate to northwest Arkansas or to UBC? Do these three types of evangelism transfer to our individual or corporate ministry of evangelism? I believe that they do. UBC has its own unique background. Though we are a church that is open and welcoming to any and everyone who would like to be a part of the vision, mission, ministries, and relationships we call UBC, we have a unique identity or DNA. There are exceptions, but on the whole we are a Caucasian, middle-class, and well-educated group of believers. Overall, our family worship service is fairly traditional and our preaching is evangelical. We are a Southern Baptist Church that embraces other ministries and mission efforts. These descriptions are fairly broad but give enough of a fingerprint to distinguish us from other churches in the area.

The vast majority of those who visit UBC fit into these categories. Is this a bad thing? No, it is a natural thing. We naturally invite people to our church that are within our spheres of influence and relationship. The majority of those led to Christ who plug into our church usually fit into these categories.

One of the most significant helps and evangelistic ministries of our church is Second Mile. They administer the grace of God by helping people who are in desperate need. They also faithfully share the gospel with everyone who comes through the doors for help and as a result, many decisions for Christ are made. What ever happens with those new believers? Why do so few ever plug into our church body?

Angela and I have become friends with an individual who has been ministered to through Second Mile. We have invited her to church on numerous occasions. She lives just a few blocks away but has yet to ever come to a worship service. She shared with us one day why she could not attend UBC. She first said that she didn’t have anything appropriate to wear. We told her that it doesn’t matter what you wear to church, but it really mattered to her. She also said that she wouldn’t fit in with all of us rich folks. I’m not sure what the definition of rich is, but when you’re living from welfare check to welfare check trying to raise four children alone, it doesn’t take muck to be called rich. She also said that our church was just too big. As we shared with her, I realized that it wasn’t E-3 sharing, but it was definitely not E-1. Our church was a different culture to her - a different socio-economic status that she could not relate to.

At this point, there are a couple of choices. First, we can just right her off. Her excuses for not being involved with a church fellowship will be nullified before a holy God. Secondly, we can help her find a church that is more “culturally” relevant to her situation. Thirdly, we can seek out new methods of providing ministry and worship opportunities that she can relate to here at UBC. Actually, the later did take place at UBC for awhile. There was a member who had a burden for the new Second Mile believers. He formed a Bible Study for them on Sunday mornings meeting in the Second Mile building. The potential for a ministry like this is enormous. What would happen if God’s Spirit came down mightily upon such a ministry to the point where we were having 100-150 people show up on Sunday morning? Would we have to insist that they filter into our regular worship service or eventually combine with our regular service? I would say no. This new body of believers will be able to do E-1 evangelism and reach a far greater number of people from similar backgrounds that our regular ministries and worship service could through E-2 relationships.

Let me touch on another hot topic that continually circulates among our church. Should the college students continue to have their own worship service and ministries or should they be combined into one unified ministry? It sounds wonderful for all of the different groups being together in unity. To worship and minister together is surely what God intends for the church to do and be. Yet, I’m afraid that we’re sometimes more concerned with uniformity and than with unity.

We have a Chinese Bible study that meets in our facilities on Friday night. They don’t join with us on Sunday morning and we wouldn’t expect them to as the cultural divide is probably too wide. We might even realize that new Second Mile believers will seldom enter our worship center and it would be a great thing to offer a unique setting for those believers so that they can grow and flourish in their faith and more effectively reach others within their particular sphere of influence and background. Yet, with the college, we see them more as E-1 relationship rather than E-2. Sure, there are some college students who come to our regular worship service and prefer it above our more progressive college service. Sure, there are some who want to be more integrated or at least have the opportunity to rub shoulders with families and older adults. Yet, the vast majority of college students have difficulty making the “cultural” leap to our service. In fact, if they college student is totally unchurched, it may feel more like E-3.

Unity or Uniformity

Is it a matter of method or a matter of biblical principle? Is it more about unity in Christ or about uniformity in UBC? Is it kingdom mindedness or kingdom building? Well, I’m still struggling with this issue, but you can tell where I’m leaning. I’d love to be a part of a church that doesn’t define unity by the single type of worship service or ministry it offers. I think it would be awesome to have multiple worship and ministry settings that reach out into many different cultural settings of our community. I would love to be a part of a church involved in E-1, E-2, and E-3 evangelism, missions, ministry, and relationship. I think it would be incredible to have Hispanic, Chinese, Second Mile, College, Traditional, Contemporary, Blue Grass, etc. gatherings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all giving glory in their setting and worship language. May the glory of God be the uniting theme of our worship, our ministries, our evangelism, our missions, our relationships, and our all.

The Mysteries of God

I’m taking a seminary class on church history from the establishment of the Church to the time of the Reformation. In my years at Baylor and Southwestern Seminary, I studied church history from the perspective of music and worship. We broadly touched on the theological issues; usually when these issues influenced church music and worship form. The class that I’m presently taking focuses on the historical and theological aspects of the church.

It has been so interesting looking at the early church fathers and apologists wrestle with and defend both the humanity and divinity of Christ. In the early 4th century, the debate mainly focused upon the deity of Christ. After A.D. 360, the divinity of the Holy Spirit became a target for heretics. The Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381 drove a stake into the heart of heretical teaching concerning the divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit and helped define what we call today the doctrine of the Trinity.

As I read a good deal of the writings of these early church fathers and apologists, it is fascinating to see them try to verbalize the doctrine of the Trinity. After the Council of Constantinople, the wording was God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are “one in substance/essence and three persons/beings/hypostases to which we today speak of one God in three Persons. Yet the early writers struggled with describing one God in three Persons much like we do today. We use descriptions like water in three different forms, a pie cut in three pieces, or a man being a husband, father, and son. All of these descriptions fall so short. How can we truly begin to explain in human terms the Trinity?

There are others aspects about God that are almost impossible to understand or explain. Try explaining some of these mysteries:

How does God eternally exist?
How vast is God’s presence?
How great is God’s greatness?
How does Christ, the hope of glory, exist in man?
How is my body a temple and place of residence for the Holy Spirit?
How can God love someone like me?

Here are my answers:
He just does.
Vast.
The greatest.
By His grace.
By His grace.
By His grace.

To truly think about and meditate upon God is to realize that He is mysterious. He cannot be fathomed. Consider some of these passages from the Word:

Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? (Job 11:7)

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. (Psalms 145:3)

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. (Isaiah 40:28)

One of the newer worship songs that I enjoy today speaks to this theme, especially in the choruses. I’ll close out today’s thought with this song by Laura Story and Jesse Reeves calld "Indescribable."

Indescribable! Uncontainable!
You place the stars in the sky,
And You know them by name;
You are amazing, God!

All powerful! Untameable!
Awestruck, we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim:
You are amazing, God!

Incomparable! Unchangeable!
You see the depths of my heart
And You love me the same;
You are amazing, God!

God's Glory Among the Kuvi

This past week, our church, our missions committee, our 2006 India mission team, numerous individuals, and our family had the opportunity to visit with Samanta Naik. Samanta, or Brother Sam, is from India and helps oversee a ministry in the state of Orissa called Happy Valley. Happy Valley provides a Christian boarding school for about 40-50 children and a Bible College to train young pastors and evangelists. On our trip to minister among the Kuvi/Dongaria Khond (DK) this past April, our mission team spent several days at Happy Valley and grew to love Sam, Bano, and Philos - his wife and son.

Before I proceed with the present, I must go back to the roots of how India and the Kuvi/DK people have been branded upon our hearts. I humbly recognize that there are many who have contributed much more significantly to the expansion of the kingdom of God among this people group than I have. I’m grateful for the small contribution that I’ve been able to make so far and the opportunities that the Lord has given me to bring light to this overwhelmingly dark area of the world. As I hold my little flashlight among the Kuvi/DK alongside other lightbearers, I pray that the Lord continues to add flashlights, floodlights, lighthouses, lighting towers, lighting grids, and more for the glory of God.

The Beginning of a Vision in Our Hearts

Angela and I met at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1989. I need another log to share about God’s providence and grace in bringing us together. She came to seminary believing that God was going to send her to the mission field, possibly working in China at a children’s orphanage. The Lord would alter and fulfill this calling in the years to come, but in a totally unexpected way.

We were married in June of 1991 and graduated from seminary the next year. The Lord brought us to Farmington, Arkansas to serve in our first full-time ministry. A few years later we were involved in a church plant launched from our church in Farmington in cooperation with the association and another local pastor named Clark Lasse.

In 1995, a class entitles Perspectives on the World Christian Movement was offered in our area. Angela had always wanted to take the class while in seminary but didn’t get the opportunity. She wanted take this class, so we decided to enroll together. The class had a dramatic impact upon our lives. I shared with Clark, Wayne Summers, and Kevin McCollum what God was doing in my heart. Wayne had already taken the class, Clark grew up on the mission field, and Kevin had just returned from a short-term mission assignment with the IMB. God ignited a vision in our hearts to become involved in adopting an unreached people group. Without going into all the incredible details, God led us to the Kuvi of India. Our church, Life Change Community Fellowship, formally adopted this unreached people group seeking to help instigate a church planting movement among them.

The First Trip to KuviLand

We formed a missions team to pray, prepare, and plan. In 1997, I had the privilege of being a part of the first team from our church to walk among the Kuvi. Our simple objective was to engage this people with the love and kindness of Christ. We prayerwalked among various villages, laid hands on and prayed for the sick, fellowshipped with them, and gathered a great deal of video, pictures, and information that we could bring back to our church. This precious people were deeply planted into our hearts and into the hearts of our church body.

Our Second Trip to KuviLand

In 1999, Clark, Wayne, Kevin, myself, and a friend of mine named Mike Delancey made another trip to India. This trip involved a week of teaching to pastors who were working among the Kuvi. One of our translators was completing a degree and Hindustan Bible Institute (HBI) where we were teaching. Our hearts quickly bonded with this student/translator not knowing that this relationship would continue to grow over the years. Our new friend’s name was Samanta Naik.

Another key relationship was with a man who was running a children’s orphanage there at HBI. His name was Louis, and he would join us on our second week as we traveled from Chennai in south India to G.Udayagiri in east central India to spend a week with Calvin Fox, an IMB missionary working among the Kui people, a cousin group of the Kuvi. Our desire was to learn some of the agricultural, evangelistic storytelling, and medical methods used in reaching his target people to see how they might be implemented among the Kuvi. Calvin passed away several years ago and his work in G.Udayagiri has discontinued.

Next Steps

Let me fast forward a bit, not to overshadow other significant trips and progress, but to bring this story to its present climax. Life Change Community Fellowship metamorphosized into Life Change International (LCI), a mission organization whose major focus and support is channeled to reaching the Kuvi for Christ. LCI purchased land at the base of the Kuvi/DK foothills in Muniguda with the plan of establishing an agricultural and evangelistic training center similar to Calvin Fox’s about four hours away. Louis would live at the training center and oversee this initial phase of evangelism to the Kuvi/DK. He would be helped in the agricultural techniques by a man named Tuna who was Calvin’s main assistant.

In October of 2005, UBC formally adopted the Kuvi people. When UBC sent its first mission team to KuviLand this past April, we met and/or worked alongside Tuna, Samanta, and Louis. Each man is gifted in distinctly different ways. Tuna is obviously gifted in the agricultural techniques and how to improve food and cash crops. Louis is blessed with mercy and humanitarian gifts that work well with his heart for people. Louis and his wife Visanthi were wonderful hosts for our team and guided us throughout the various Kuvi/DK villages. Samantha is a natural leader and visionary that wants to establish a boarding school, medical clinic, and Bible college about an hour away from Louis’ training center. Samantha went up into the hills with us and served as a translator.

As UBC prays and considers its next steps for our work among the Kuvi/DK, I can’t help but believe that each of these three men will play a more significant role as we seek to coordinate our efforts. Our focus now seems to be upon four specific areas of ministry: evangelism, agriculture, education, and mercy.

Evangelism, Agriculture, Education, and Mercy

We must continually engage the Kuvi/DK with the gospel. We must share the message in every means possible whether it be storytelling, one-on-one evangelism, village evangelism, crusades, and more. We must go ourselves and share the gospel. We must send national evangelists into the hills. We must support the seven new DK Christians and continually encourage them to share the gospel with their people. Samanta could possibly be a key person in this area as his ministry helps equip pastors and evangelists.

Agriculture is the means by which the ministry can become independent from Western support. The goal is also to take many of the techniques into the villages in order to improve the crops thus improving their health and income. Tuna could possibly be a key person in this area.

The Kuvi/DK are a primitive, tribal group. They are uneducated and illiterate. They have knowledge of the hills and have learned to adopt to the harsh conditions of life in these villages. Yet, with the caste system and their uneducated status, they are in bondage and enslaved to stay in their present condition from generation to generation. Something must be done! We are beginning to discuss the possibility of putting Kuvi/DK children in a boarding school where they will be provided the basics for living, and education, and the gospel. At the same time, we need to send qualified teachers into the villages to begin teaching the other children, youth, and families to read and write. Again, Samanta could possibly be a key person in this area with the establishment of his boarding school. Louis is also a key person as he presently has several assistants working in the villages. Louis also has a before/after school teaching program at the training center for the area children.

Mercy ministries such as medical, sanitation, clothing, etc. open doors into the villages and provide a legitimizing purpose for our ultimate goal of evangelism. Louis is possibly the key person to oversee these types of ministries. As already mentioned, Samanta is preparing to build a medical clinic and is also planning on acquiring a minibus that will be converted into a mobile medical unit.

Conclusion

God is up to something big here. He is continually expanding the vision into hearts and churches. He is lining up significant relationships that will play key roles among the Kuvi/DK. Prayer networks continue to be advanced. I’m humbled and grateful to be a part of making Christ known among the Kuvi/DK.

For our family, the vision began with my wife’s heart for missions. If it were not for her influence upon my life in this area, I’m not sure that I would have ever taken the Perspectives class, or at least not in 1995. I would not have shared so passionately with our church staff or personally become involved with the Kuvi/DK. Who knows, the Kuvi/DK might still be an unheard of people group still waiting for the first chance to hear the name “Jesus.”

I’m grateful for my wife, for my partners in ministry, for the various teams that have gone to India, for the churches and mission organizations who have joined the cause, for those national leaders on the frontier, and for those who continually champion the cause of Christ for the Kuvi/DK.

I look forward to the day when the glory of God shines brightly among this precious people group known as the Kuvi/Dongaria Khond.

Knowledge and Reflection of God

This morning I read the short book of Jonah. It’s only four chapters long, but it paints a beautiful picture of the grace, compassion, love, and mercy of God. It also challenges the believer to put knowledge into action.

God had called Jonah to preach against the city of Nineveh because of its wickedness. In disobedience, Jonah ran from God and from His call to preach repentance. He tried to get as far away from God as possible. In fact, he fled to the west border of Israel on the Mediterranean Sea where he boarded a ship headed for Spain. He wasn’t just jumping on his camel and going to the next city or even country, he was going as far away as he possibly could.

Why did he run from God? Why did he choose such drastic disobedience? Some suggest that because he was a Jew, he was appalled at the idea of God offering forgiveness to a “heathen” people. Nineveh was located in Assyria along the east bank of the Tigris River in modern day Iraq. The city was known for the cultic worship of the goddess Ishtar. How could God show grace, compassion, love, and mercy upon an idolatrous nation - a nation that was not chosen by God to carry His blessing? We get a hint of Job’s feelings after God showed compassion to the people of Nineveh. Jonah 4:1-2 says, “But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the LORD, ‘O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.’” These verses don’t reveal the root of Jonah’s disobedience but they do show us that Jonah wanted God to unleash His wrath upon the Ninevites.

Maybe Jonah was prejudice against the Assyrians. Maybe he believed all idolatrous nations should be destroyed. Maybe he was prideful of His status as a Jew and position as one of God’s chosen people. There could be any number of root issues that could be considered and possibly should be explored. Yet, to me, there is a greater tragedy to be found in this account.

As indicated in the verses above, it is clear that Jonah knew God. He knew His character - gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love, and merciful. He knew how God would respond to a repenting people - forgiveness. Yet, Jonah displayed godless character and action in his own life. He had a knowledge of God without a reflection of God. Let me sidetrack for a minute and focus on God’s character.

God demonstrated His grace, compassion, love, and mercy to everyone mentioned in this story. First of all, He demonstrated His character to the sailors. When they agreed to throw Jonah overboard during the storm, they knew that would be committing murder. In fact, they cried out to God asking Him not to hold them accountable for taking an innocent man’s life. God was gracious to them. When the sea calmed, the men bowed in worship before God. Secondly, He demonstrated His character to the Ninevites. When they repented from their evil ways, the Scripture says that “He had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction He had threatened” (Jonah 3:10). Lastly, He demonstrated His character to Jonah. He provided a great fish to swallow him rather than allow him to drown in the raging sea. When Jonah cried out to the Lord from inside the fish, God heard Him and had the fish spit him out on dry ground. God even pursued Jonah when he was angry. He came to Jonah when he was angry at God’s forgiveness poured out to the Ninevites. He came to Jonah again when he was angry about the withered vine. What an incredible God we serve. He shows grace, compassion, love, and mercy in our desperateness (sailors), in our wickedness (Ninevites), and in our carnality (Jonah).

Now let me get back to my main subject - knowledge without reflection. Jonah knew God’s character and even saw it demonstrated, yet he wouldn’t reflect or demonstrate God’s character in his own life. This is where the rubber meets the road; this is where faith is lived out. I may have incredible knowledge of God, I may attend every Bible study offered at church, I may read the Bible daily, I may have large portions of the Word memorized, I may even lead a Bible study. Yet, if the character and nature of God are not reflected and demonstrated in my life, I’m like smoke blowing in the wind. God reveals His character and nature in His Word and demonstrates them in our everyday lives. He calls us to reveal and demonstrate His character and nature in our daily lives.

Father, thank You for revealing and demonstrating Your compassion, grace, love, and mercy to me in my desperateness, my wickedness, and my carnality. Thank You for continually pursuing me even when I run from You in disobedience. Oh, forgive me for not immediately responding to Your voice. May my knowledge of You always be reflected and demonstrated in my life. May Your Holy Spirit empower me to receive and incarnate Your Word.