These words, which I (God) am commanding you … shall be on your heart. You shall teach them … talk of them … when you walk … and when you lie down …(Deuteronomy 6:5-6, nasb).
Recently after church services several families met for lunch to surprise Margaret on her 63rd birthday. It was a wonderful time honoring this wonderful woman of God.
It was a large house and people visited throughout the afternoon in various rooms enjoying fellowship in Christ.
In the late afternoon I sat in a large chair to listen to a good friend discuss the Word of God with Dad Jespersen. My friend would read a passage from the Bible and Dad would explain and discuss it. This went on for quite some time, and as I was tired after a busy week, I fell asleep. It was great to not only fall asleep listening to God’s Word, but to wake up hearing it as well.
Moses in Deuteronomy teaches the importance of hearing the Word “all the time,” even when lying down. I thought later, What a great way to wake up!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
It Doesn’t Matter How You Act!
If it doesn’t matter how we act as believers, then why are there so many guidelines, rules, and instructions in the Word of God telling us how to act?
Recently in an early morning Bible study, we studied Romans 13. This chapter is filled with instruction for God’s people. The last part is very specific, “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy” (Romans 13:13, nasb). These are very specific “no no’s.”
The last verse of the chapter give the secret of how this can be done, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:14, nasb).
Recently in an early morning Bible study, we studied Romans 13. This chapter is filled with instruction for God’s people. The last part is very specific, “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy” (Romans 13:13, nasb). These are very specific “no no’s.”
The last verse of the chapter give the secret of how this can be done, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:14, nasb).
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
A Slap in the Face
A Slap in the Face!
Statistics should be like a slap in the face, they should get our attention! Then, we as Christians, need to do something about them.
For example:
There are 400,000 child slaves in Haiti, 1.2 million street children in the Philippines and 160 million worldwide. There are 13 million AIDS orphans in Africa and 143 million orphans worldwide.
This sheer number of needy children is just one reason why weare praying for hundreds of additional missionaries to take the gospel and compassionate care to needy children worldwide.
Statistics should be like a slap in the face, they should get our attention! Then, we as Christians, need to do something about them.
For example:
There are 400,000 child slaves in Haiti, 1.2 million street children in the Philippines and 160 million worldwide. There are 13 million AIDS orphans in Africa and 143 million orphans worldwide.
This sheer number of needy children is just one reason why weare praying for hundreds of additional missionaries to take the gospel and compassionate care to needy children worldwide.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Culture of the Congregation -- Celebrating Adoption
The Culture of the Congregation -- Celebrating Adoption
By Albert Mohler
The concept of adoption is nearly universal. In the classic sense it is the formal and legally recognized act of willingly receiving someone else's child as your own. In contrast to temporary guardianship or foster arrangements, adoption is permanent. Legally, adoption establishes a new identity for the child. In many cases around the world, adoption can mean the difference between life and death.
In the New Testament, adoption serves as a primary analogy of salvation. The sinner, who prior to faith in Christ is a rebel headed for destruction, is now adopted as a child of God. This new status is further defined as that of a joint-heir with Christ. By grace, the rebel child of the enemy is adopted as a child of the King. The former slave to sin is now a son or daughter of the heavenly Father.
As the Apostle Paul explains:
In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying,
Further:
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. [Romans 8:12-17, esv]
In recent years, American Christians have seen a recovery of adoption as a living concept -- and as a focus of congregational celebration.
Many evangelical congregations actively encourage families to adopt and offer support, education, and encouragement for international adoptions. This renewed interest among evangelicals attracted the attention of The Wall Street Journal. Naomi Schaefer Riley explains that adoption is now a "hot topic in the evangelical community" as Christians understand adoption to be a sanctity-of-human-life issue.
The article cites my colleague Russell Moore as a direct authority on the issue:
Russell Moore, the dean of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., is the author of a forthcoming book called
Given the vast number of at-risk orphans in the world -- now numbering in the millions -- this resurgence in adoption among American evangelicals should be a matter of public celebration. In the United States, 127,000 children are considered "unadoptable," and many of these are racial minorities. Shouldn't the adoption of these children be a priority for the church? It would seem so, but politics and political correctness often complicate the rescue of vulnerable children.
As Naomi Schaefer Riley reports:
The command to
Russell Moore has offered a clear and compelling basis for celebrating and encouraging adoption, and for refuting the lies of this age with the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is, after all, a Gospel of adoption.
For Christians, this is thus a matter of adoption by the adopted. Such is the Kingdom of God.
Source: http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_print.php?id=1504
By Albert Mohler
The concept of adoption is nearly universal. In the classic sense it is the formal and legally recognized act of willingly receiving someone else's child as your own. In contrast to temporary guardianship or foster arrangements, adoption is permanent. Legally, adoption establishes a new identity for the child. In many cases around the world, adoption can mean the difference between life and death.
In the New Testament, adoption serves as a primary analogy of salvation. The sinner, who prior to faith in Christ is a rebel headed for destruction, is now adopted as a child of God. This new status is further defined as that of a joint-heir with Christ. By grace, the rebel child of the enemy is adopted as a child of the King. The former slave to sin is now a son or daughter of the heavenly Father.
As the Apostle Paul explains:
In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying,
“Abba! Father!”So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. [Galatians 4:3-7, esv]
Further:
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. [Romans 8:12-17, esv]
In recent years, American Christians have seen a recovery of adoption as a living concept -- and as a focus of congregational celebration.
Many evangelical congregations actively encourage families to adopt and offer support, education, and encouragement for international adoptions. This renewed interest among evangelicals attracted the attention of The Wall Street Journal. Naomi Schaefer Riley explains that adoption is now a "hot topic in the evangelical community" as Christians understand adoption to be a sanctity-of-human-life issue.
The article cites my colleague Russell Moore as a direct authority on the issue:
Russell Moore, the dean of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., is the author of a forthcoming book called
"Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches." A few years ago, Mr. Moore and his wife adopted two boys from Russia, and he notes that his church has posted a large map showing which countries member families have adopted children from.
"In any given church,"he notes,
"you rarely see only one family who has adopted. . . . It becomes part of the culture of the congregation."
Given the vast number of at-risk orphans in the world -- now numbering in the millions -- this resurgence in adoption among American evangelicals should be a matter of public celebration. In the United States, 127,000 children are considered "unadoptable," and many of these are racial minorities. Shouldn't the adoption of these children be a priority for the church? It would seem so, but politics and political correctness often complicate the rescue of vulnerable children.
As Naomi Schaefer Riley reports:
"There is much more openness to transracial adoption today," Ms. Rosati says. And Mr. Moore has been very vocal about this issue. Groups like the National Association of Black Social Workers have taken a strong stand against placing black children in the homes of white parents, a position that outrages Mr. Moore. He recently compared social workers who oppose transracial adoption to George Wallace. "Both are saying the same thing, 'Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.' And both pretend they're just being realistic about racial discrimination."
The command to
"defend the orphan" (Isaiah 1:16-17) has always been vital to the Christian message, Mr. Moore tells me. One thing that distinguished early Christians from their pagan neighbors was their treatment of unwanted children. And adoption is also the literal manifestation of a metaphor that Christians use to describe themselves all the time. "Every one of us who follows Christ was adopted into an already existing family,"says Mr. Moore.
Russell Moore has offered a clear and compelling basis for celebrating and encouraging adoption, and for refuting the lies of this age with the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is, after all, a Gospel of adoption.
For Christians, this is thus a matter of adoption by the adopted. Such is the Kingdom of God.
Source: http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_print.php?id=1504
Friday, September 12, 2008
The following is an article by Jim Ellif, of Christian Communicators Worldwide, entitled
Sincerely in Christ,
Doug Nichols
_________________________________________________________________
Check Your Guns at the Door: Responding Like Christians to Blogs and Web Forums
By Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide
Those of us who have a ministry of writing are usually pretty tough folks. Many of us have been in the combat zone for quite a while and can take almost anything that is said by readers of our articles. This short plea to blog and forum participants is more about my embarrassment for all of us who are web-interactive Christians than it is for my own hide. In short, I'm appealing for etiquette characteristic of believers in reader's responses to articles and blog entries.
When reading through responses on various blogs and faith-based forums, I often wonder if those who are outside the faith are looking on. What do they think about the sometimes mean and vindictive words that are used? Or what do new believers think? When they read that tart, angry or demeaning language, are they really being helped toward Christ? If it doesn't smell good to us, it certainly is rancorous to the alert souls looking over our shoulders. At best they find comfort for their own acrimony in our unguarded words; at worst, they reject our beliefs as those which produce little change in a person.
Sadly, a collection of the extant blog and forum comments (which would fill up the Vatican and a Wal-Mart or two as well) is both a tribute to and an indictment of many of our more courageous late-night wordsmiths. With all the good that is being done, and all the spiritual gifts that are coming out through writing, much that is counter-Christian in tone spoils the pudding. The reality is that all our entries are extant to God.
When you read responses from professing believers, you expect a distinctively Christian tone to be heard in the words used. In most cases, we are not enemies but brothers, seeking to work out the truth. But, frankly, believers should not respond even to their enemies the way some do. You certainly should not write your comments to Christian writers or fellow bloggers like you intend to bruise them with your words. You should not write so as to put down the person. Rather, love for Christ and for brothers or sisters should be reflected in kindness and respect, even when you disagree. You should attempt to write with the spirit we expect in our children when they disagree with us.
I don't mean to say that you cannot be clever, but there is no excuse for being ruthless, even when you oppose. For one thing, you hardly win anybody over that way. If you intend to persuade, you must use, as Solomon told us, a little honey. Mary Poppins sang good practical theology in the words,
Don't expect that the author of the piece you are responding to intended to say everything that can be said about the subject. That's unrealistic. Nobody does that in short articles or blog entries. Realizing that authors must be selective is helpful when considering what needs to be pointed out to everyone in your responses. In most cases, you should keep your comments to what he or she has chosen to write about and not everything else that could have been said. Try to understand what he means and not just what was written, even if you could nail the author on a technicality.
It is certainly not courteous to be long and tedious with your observations and advice. Some quote volumes of verses one after another to make their points, pummeling the writer with text after text. I'm for the authority of Scripture, but this is not Christian water-boarding. Some rejoinders are even longer than the original piece under consideration. Perhaps they think they will overcome the writer with their many words, but when I see those long arguments, I usually skip over them. I'm sure most others do as well. Such lengthy pontifications are rarely read, in fact.
Some responders cover their own pet agenda time after time, and it almost makes no difference what the original article is about. When given a chance they make a bee-line for that one issue that most concerns them. On a certain website where my articles sometimes appear I can almost always count on two writers to press their warmed-over points. They've got them down pat and hope to wear everyone down so that we all will finally come over to their viewpoint. But, sadly, they often argue into the air. I don't believe most people even read their particular comments any more. But these two do read each other's. They sometimes carry on a spirited feud right in front of our eyes! It isn't thoughtful of them to use the response space for their favorite subjects, or for bloodbaths between them on issues that are not germane to the point at hand. I find myself almost always unappreciative of such deadening, spirit-killing, doctrinaire diatribes.
All of this does not mean that we should never disagree in writing, but we should do so thoughtfully, with respect. Before writing, read over the original piece once again and see if the author missed his point so obviously. If so, take the apostle Paul's lead and tell the writer something good about the article or entry first before probing into deeper waters. Think of how Paul begins most of his letters.
Finally, for those less verbal ones who read and benefit from what is written, try your hand at responding to the articles from time to time. Get into the conversation. Be specific about some helpful line or point made. Ask appropriate questions. Make sensitive points, if you disagree, with charity. Do it all to edify and to encourage others to love Christ more from what is being written. Seek the unity of believers and not their harm. You might even pray as you write. Disarm them with kindness. It will open many hearts and minds.
Some authors writing for various ministries might wish to entertain all reactions of any stripe, helpful or unhelpful, just as long as people are at least indicating that they are reading. The number of hits is paramount. I know what they are thinking, and there is some merit to the idea. In my view, no perceived value, however, is more imperative than being Christian in all that we do or say. As Paul taught us,
“Check Your Guns at the Door”for your information and action.
Sincerely in Christ,
Doug Nichols
_________________________________________________________________
Check Your Guns at the Door: Responding Like Christians to Blogs and Web Forums
By Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide
Those of us who have a ministry of writing are usually pretty tough folks. Many of us have been in the combat zone for quite a while and can take almost anything that is said by readers of our articles. This short plea to blog and forum participants is more about my embarrassment for all of us who are web-interactive Christians than it is for my own hide. In short, I'm appealing for etiquette characteristic of believers in reader's responses to articles and blog entries.
When reading through responses on various blogs and faith-based forums, I often wonder if those who are outside the faith are looking on. What do they think about the sometimes mean and vindictive words that are used? Or what do new believers think? When they read that tart, angry or demeaning language, are they really being helped toward Christ? If it doesn't smell good to us, it certainly is rancorous to the alert souls looking over our shoulders. At best they find comfort for their own acrimony in our unguarded words; at worst, they reject our beliefs as those which produce little change in a person.
Sadly, a collection of the extant blog and forum comments (which would fill up the Vatican and a Wal-Mart or two as well) is both a tribute to and an indictment of many of our more courageous late-night wordsmiths. With all the good that is being done, and all the spiritual gifts that are coming out through writing, much that is counter-Christian in tone spoils the pudding. The reality is that all our entries are extant to God.
When you read responses from professing believers, you expect a distinctively Christian tone to be heard in the words used. In most cases, we are not enemies but brothers, seeking to work out the truth. But, frankly, believers should not respond even to their enemies the way some do. You certainly should not write your comments to Christian writers or fellow bloggers like you intend to bruise them with your words. You should not write so as to put down the person. Rather, love for Christ and for brothers or sisters should be reflected in kindness and respect, even when you disagree. You should attempt to write with the spirit we expect in our children when they disagree with us.
I don't mean to say that you cannot be clever, but there is no excuse for being ruthless, even when you oppose. For one thing, you hardly win anybody over that way. If you intend to persuade, you must use, as Solomon told us, a little honey. Mary Poppins sang good practical theology in the words,
"A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down."
Don't expect that the author of the piece you are responding to intended to say everything that can be said about the subject. That's unrealistic. Nobody does that in short articles or blog entries. Realizing that authors must be selective is helpful when considering what needs to be pointed out to everyone in your responses. In most cases, you should keep your comments to what he or she has chosen to write about and not everything else that could have been said. Try to understand what he means and not just what was written, even if you could nail the author on a technicality.
It is certainly not courteous to be long and tedious with your observations and advice. Some quote volumes of verses one after another to make their points, pummeling the writer with text after text. I'm for the authority of Scripture, but this is not Christian water-boarding. Some rejoinders are even longer than the original piece under consideration. Perhaps they think they will overcome the writer with their many words, but when I see those long arguments, I usually skip over them. I'm sure most others do as well. Such lengthy pontifications are rarely read, in fact.
Some responders cover their own pet agenda time after time, and it almost makes no difference what the original article is about. When given a chance they make a bee-line for that one issue that most concerns them. On a certain website where my articles sometimes appear I can almost always count on two writers to press their warmed-over points. They've got them down pat and hope to wear everyone down so that we all will finally come over to their viewpoint. But, sadly, they often argue into the air. I don't believe most people even read their particular comments any more. But these two do read each other's. They sometimes carry on a spirited feud right in front of our eyes! It isn't thoughtful of them to use the response space for their favorite subjects, or for bloodbaths between them on issues that are not germane to the point at hand. I find myself almost always unappreciative of such deadening, spirit-killing, doctrinaire diatribes.
All of this does not mean that we should never disagree in writing, but we should do so thoughtfully, with respect. Before writing, read over the original piece once again and see if the author missed his point so obviously. If so, take the apostle Paul's lead and tell the writer something good about the article or entry first before probing into deeper waters. Think of how Paul begins most of his letters.
Finally, for those less verbal ones who read and benefit from what is written, try your hand at responding to the articles from time to time. Get into the conversation. Be specific about some helpful line or point made. Ask appropriate questions. Make sensitive points, if you disagree, with charity. Do it all to edify and to encourage others to love Christ more from what is being written. Seek the unity of believers and not their harm. You might even pray as you write. Disarm them with kindness. It will open many hearts and minds.
Some authors writing for various ministries might wish to entertain all reactions of any stripe, helpful or unhelpful, just as long as people are at least indicating that they are reading. The number of hits is paramount. I know what they are thinking, and there is some merit to the idea. In my view, no perceived value, however, is more imperative than being Christian in all that we do or say. As Paul taught us,
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God."
“Check Your Guns at the Door”by Jim Elliff. Christian Communicators Worldwide. 6 March 2008. www.ccwonline.org/guns.html.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
$7 for a Glass of Wine
Recently, my wife and I were on a Washington State Ferry, and as I was getting a bag of popcorn, two ladies in front of me were buying a glass of wine. I was shocked to hear the price, and asked, “What was the cost of the small plastic cup of wine you bought?” They answered, “$7”. I replied, “$7!”
Later I thought, “Wow! I am sure glad I do not drink anymore. Look at all the money I save!”
I guess people can drink if they want to and spend their money how they want; it is all relative isn’t it?
But, what does $7 pay for? I can buy Dad Jespersen his favorite Thai or Chinese dinner for only $7 or a beautiful bouquet of flowers for Margaret.
As far as ministry is concerned, ACTION will have a camp in Malawi, Africa, for 1000 children in October. The camp is two days and the cost is only $3 per child! This small amount includes meals, materials, facilities, the gospel and compassionate care – all for only $3 or two children for less than $7!
So, I guess if some people want to sip a little wine, fine, but wouldn’t it be great to send two orphans to camp for two days instead, especially if they might hear the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Later I thought, “Wow! I am sure glad I do not drink anymore. Look at all the money I save!”
I guess people can drink if they want to and spend their money how they want; it is all relative isn’t it?
But, what does $7 pay for? I can buy Dad Jespersen his favorite Thai or Chinese dinner for only $7 or a beautiful bouquet of flowers for Margaret.
As far as ministry is concerned, ACTION will have a camp in Malawi, Africa, for 1000 children in October. The camp is two days and the cost is only $3 per child! This small amount includes meals, materials, facilities, the gospel and compassionate care – all for only $3 or two children for less than $7!
So, I guess if some people want to sip a little wine, fine, but wouldn’t it be great to send two orphans to camp for two days instead, especially if they might hear the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Are You into Fads?
A special study in Copenhagen found that there are no more vitamins or minerals in organic foods than in non-organic foods. They are no healthier than foods that are grown with insecticides, yet they cost at least 30% more!
It was reported in Seattle, Washington, that the water straight from the faucet is better and more pure than bottled water. Yet, you still see people buying bottled water, which in some places is more expensive than gas.
We also have fads in the church and in Christian missions, don’t we? A new method for evangelism; the key way to reach Hindus or Muslims; six laws for spiritual success; three ways of guaranteeing church growth – dress sloppy to reach the youth, louder music, and other faddish secrets.
These fads seem to run their course in several months or a couple of years, and then there is something else new.
The problem with these fads in the church is that people almost sell their body and soul to new fads – a certain method, book and style – to the point that relationships are broken. There are splits in churches and organizations, and many of God’s people become discouraged.
Instead of following a fad, let’s follow Christ and the teachings that He has left for us in His Word regarding our relationship with Him and obedience to His commands for life and ministry.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). The Apostle John in his epistle said, “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3b).
So dear friend, let’s trust, obey and live!
It was reported in Seattle, Washington, that the water straight from the faucet is better and more pure than bottled water. Yet, you still see people buying bottled water, which in some places is more expensive than gas.
We also have fads in the church and in Christian missions, don’t we? A new method for evangelism; the key way to reach Hindus or Muslims; six laws for spiritual success; three ways of guaranteeing church growth – dress sloppy to reach the youth, louder music, and other faddish secrets.
These fads seem to run their course in several months or a couple of years, and then there is something else new.
The problem with these fads in the church is that people almost sell their body and soul to new fads – a certain method, book and style – to the point that relationships are broken. There are splits in churches and organizations, and many of God’s people become discouraged.
Instead of following a fad, let’s follow Christ and the teachings that He has left for us in His Word regarding our relationship with Him and obedience to His commands for life and ministry.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). The Apostle John in his epistle said, “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3b).
So dear friend, let’s trust, obey and live!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)