Just wanted to share the bedtime prayers of our 5 year old tonight.
During the course of the day, Jude has at various times thanked God for his family, his friends, his cars, his socks, his Crocs, his pillow, his bunny, his swimsuit and Isaiah's swimsuit (?), his tomatoes that he didn't eat for dinner, God's wrath (!), Wonder Pets, Kaiden, and Keira, and "Popsicles, but not the lellow ones".
Lately, he has been adding little snips of Scripture into his prayers, which I love to hear! Tonight, he launched into a litany of thanksgiving, ending with this quote from Romans 12. "And thank you that if our enemy is hungry, we feed him. And if he is thirsty, we give him a drink and heap a coal on his head. Amen"
We will work on his understanding of the literal vs. figurative in the passages we read, but I am just so happy that he is hiding the Word in his little heart!
7.31.2012
7.17.2012
What makes Christianity so unique?
One of the issues that I struggled with greatly during the first few years after coming to faith in Christ was the fact of so many devout people of other faiths that would not go to heaven, at least according to the claims of the Bible. Although I have come to an acceptance of this "problem," the nagging concern has continually prompted me to carefully evaluate other religious teachings and worldviews. This has been in part to solidify my own belief, and also so that I can perhaps help other Christians, or skeptics, who struggle with the same concern.
It is with this background that an excerpt from a book I recently started reading made a particularly big impact on me. I am reading a book on being a spiritual leader in the home, written by Voddie Baucham (entitled Family Shepherds) and in one of the early chapters he takes some time to emphasize the need for a family leader to stay rooted and focused on the Gospel. But what, exactly, is the Gospel? I have read and heard messages preached on the definition of "the Gospel" many times before, but the summary he gives is so powerful and helps to clearly mark a distinction between Christianity and other religions. It is so clear and powerful that I wanted to share it here.
The key point of emphasis at the outset that Gospel is not man-centered. It is God centered, in that it originates in God and emanates from him. The word Gospel literally means "good news." Being news, it is therefore a message from one party (in this case, God) to another (humanity). Contrary to our "do it yourself", individualistic mindset, it is not a call for us to some kind of action, even a noble one. It is not a thing that we strive for or try to live out, it is simply a proclamation of good news.
A great many people, even those who profess to follow Christ, don't quite fully appreciate and embrace this key point. But it really is the critical axis on which true Christian belief turns, and a fundamental departure from all other religious belief systems. The following quote, taken from the book noted above, summarizes what the Gospel is and contrasts with other religious systems very well (Personally, I have found it helpful to read and re-read this slowly):
"It is interesting that the biblical writers chose the word "Gospel." The heart of most religions is good advice, good techniques, good programs, good ideas, and good support systems. These drive us deeper into ourselves, to find our inner light, inner goodness, inner voice, or inner resources. Nothing new can be found inside us. There is no inner rescuer deep down in my soul; I just hear echoes of my own voice telling me all sorts of crazy things to numb my sense of fear, anxiety, and boredom, the origins of which I cannot truly identify. But the heart of Christianity is Good News. It comes not as a task for us to fulfill, a mission for us to accomplish, a game plan for us to follow with the help of life coaches, but as a report that someone else has already fulfilled, accomplished, followed, and achieved everything for us. Good advice may help us in daily direction; the Good News concerning Jesus Christ saves us from sin's guilt and tyranny over our lives and the fear of death. Its Good News because it does not depend on us. It is about God and his faithfulness to his own purposes and promises." - by Michael Horton
How should this then affect the way a Christian lives? It is a critical question and getting the answer right is essential to living a victorious life for Christ. It is the genuine belief in, and acceptance of, what Christ has done FOR us that should then drive a change in personal attitudes and behaviors. It is not that a Christian is trying to be good to earn a relationship with God, but that in deep gratitude for what God has done that we endeavor to live FOR him, and no longer as slaves to our old ways. As Voddie puts it, "You can live in light of the news, or because of the news, but you cannot live the news." In short, our lives should change because we believe what Christ did on our behalf, not because we are trying to be worthy of it.
I pray that my life will be marked by a humble appreciation of this amazing gift, living more for him and less for me, and with a bold willingness to declare this amazing NEWS. News that is truly unique and distinct, and the only way to experience God's salvation.
Romans 1:16-17: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."
~JDB
It is with this background that an excerpt from a book I recently started reading made a particularly big impact on me. I am reading a book on being a spiritual leader in the home, written by Voddie Baucham (entitled Family Shepherds) and in one of the early chapters he takes some time to emphasize the need for a family leader to stay rooted and focused on the Gospel. But what, exactly, is the Gospel? I have read and heard messages preached on the definition of "the Gospel" many times before, but the summary he gives is so powerful and helps to clearly mark a distinction between Christianity and other religions. It is so clear and powerful that I wanted to share it here.
The key point of emphasis at the outset that Gospel is not man-centered. It is God centered, in that it originates in God and emanates from him. The word Gospel literally means "good news." Being news, it is therefore a message from one party (in this case, God) to another (humanity). Contrary to our "do it yourself", individualistic mindset, it is not a call for us to some kind of action, even a noble one. It is not a thing that we strive for or try to live out, it is simply a proclamation of good news.
A great many people, even those who profess to follow Christ, don't quite fully appreciate and embrace this key point. But it really is the critical axis on which true Christian belief turns, and a fundamental departure from all other religious belief systems. The following quote, taken from the book noted above, summarizes what the Gospel is and contrasts with other religious systems very well (Personally, I have found it helpful to read and re-read this slowly):
"It is interesting that the biblical writers chose the word "Gospel." The heart of most religions is good advice, good techniques, good programs, good ideas, and good support systems. These drive us deeper into ourselves, to find our inner light, inner goodness, inner voice, or inner resources. Nothing new can be found inside us. There is no inner rescuer deep down in my soul; I just hear echoes of my own voice telling me all sorts of crazy things to numb my sense of fear, anxiety, and boredom, the origins of which I cannot truly identify. But the heart of Christianity is Good News. It comes not as a task for us to fulfill, a mission for us to accomplish, a game plan for us to follow with the help of life coaches, but as a report that someone else has already fulfilled, accomplished, followed, and achieved everything for us. Good advice may help us in daily direction; the Good News concerning Jesus Christ saves us from sin's guilt and tyranny over our lives and the fear of death. Its Good News because it does not depend on us. It is about God and his faithfulness to his own purposes and promises." - by Michael Horton
How should this then affect the way a Christian lives? It is a critical question and getting the answer right is essential to living a victorious life for Christ. It is the genuine belief in, and acceptance of, what Christ has done FOR us that should then drive a change in personal attitudes and behaviors. It is not that a Christian is trying to be good to earn a relationship with God, but that in deep gratitude for what God has done that we endeavor to live FOR him, and no longer as slaves to our old ways. As Voddie puts it, "You can live in light of the news, or because of the news, but you cannot live the news." In short, our lives should change because we believe what Christ did on our behalf, not because we are trying to be worthy of it.
I pray that my life will be marked by a humble appreciation of this amazing gift, living more for him and less for me, and with a bold willingness to declare this amazing NEWS. News that is truly unique and distinct, and the only way to experience God's salvation.
Romans 1:16-17: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."
~JDB
7.16.2012
Joyful grief
So I just got back from the funeral of a friend from my hometown.
Last Saturday, he was riding his bicycle with his wife when he accidentally veered into traffic and was hit and killed by a car.
The driver of that car just happened to be a dear friend of his and mine--a woman who spent 34 years as a missionary to Peru. She is woman who loves God and has served Him all her life, who has spent her life giving up dreams of marriage and a family, hopes of wealth, expectations of security and safety. She retired in obscurity, still continuing to minister in prayer and good deeds in our small town.
And this is how God repays her, some might ask?
The man who was killed spent his youth smuggling Bibles into the (then) Soviet Union, running Bible camps for youth in Finland, serving as a deacon in our church, raising two sons, being a faithful and godly husband, sharing the gospel with anyone and everyone who would listen, mentoring young people. He was strong and healthy, serving God in the community where I grew up.
And God allowed him to be hit by a car. By his friend. In front of his wife.
Yes. This is how God has chosen to honor His faithful missionary. This is how he brought His servant home. And I don't know why. And I probably never will.
But what I do know is that my friends--the one who died and the ones left behind-- are part of a bigger story. And that because of their faith in the Writer of all stories, Max's was the most beautiful funeral I have ever attended.
There was certainly sadness, and I know his loss will be felt for a long time, but there was also rejoicing of a kind that will never be understood by a world who hates God or views Him with suspicion or--worse-- paints Him as small and irrelevant.
The God who IS, who has revealed Himself in His word, is big enough to take every sin-scarred event and every tragedy and transform it into a work of redemption and glory--something that will bring growth to His children and praise to Himself.
He lifts our eyes off the painful, scratching, searing drudgery of our existence with magnificent transformations. Revelations of Himself. Miracles born of pain. Supernatural visions of a reality that flows over and under and through what we can see with our earthly eyes.
How else could I describe a church packed to overflowing with people who loved Max, who will never see him again on earth, singing praise to God for his life and for the expectation of seeing him alive in heaven?
This was not the crippling grief of the hopeless. These were dear friends, nodding and saying "Amen! Let it be!" as the pastor preached on the joy set before us, exhorting us from favorite passages in Max's well-worn Bible.
How else could I explain a widow who is able to sing hymns in a strong, unwavering voice as her husband's body is lowered into the ground? Is it not proof of the promise that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"?
"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" ? (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
How can it be that a widow's first concern would be for the woman whose car took her husband's life? Is it not a working out of John 13:35? "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
The beauty of the promises of God comes out in the hardships of life more than at any other time. "I will never leave you or forsake you" means more in the dark than it does in the light of day. (Hebrews 13:15)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" is proven when the bottom falls out of your life and you find yourself sustained in impossible ways. (John 14:27)
The ultimate answer to how God could allow these things in the lives of His children is answered by Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
He didn't say "easy".
Or "fun".
Or even "pleasant".
But "good".
And who better to know what that looks like than the One who made us and all things.
Who better to trust with the outcome than the One who can see the ending.
Who better to live for than the One who loves us enough to die for us.
I WILL see you again, my friend! Hallelujah and Amen!
Last Saturday, he was riding his bicycle with his wife when he accidentally veered into traffic and was hit and killed by a car.
The driver of that car just happened to be a dear friend of his and mine--a woman who spent 34 years as a missionary to Peru. She is woman who loves God and has served Him all her life, who has spent her life giving up dreams of marriage and a family, hopes of wealth, expectations of security and safety. She retired in obscurity, still continuing to minister in prayer and good deeds in our small town.
And this is how God repays her, some might ask?
The man who was killed spent his youth smuggling Bibles into the (then) Soviet Union, running Bible camps for youth in Finland, serving as a deacon in our church, raising two sons, being a faithful and godly husband, sharing the gospel with anyone and everyone who would listen, mentoring young people. He was strong and healthy, serving God in the community where I grew up.
And God allowed him to be hit by a car. By his friend. In front of his wife.
Yes. This is how God has chosen to honor His faithful missionary. This is how he brought His servant home. And I don't know why. And I probably never will.
But what I do know is that my friends--the one who died and the ones left behind-- are part of a bigger story. And that because of their faith in the Writer of all stories, Max's was the most beautiful funeral I have ever attended.
There was certainly sadness, and I know his loss will be felt for a long time, but there was also rejoicing of a kind that will never be understood by a world who hates God or views Him with suspicion or--worse-- paints Him as small and irrelevant.
The God who IS, who has revealed Himself in His word, is big enough to take every sin-scarred event and every tragedy and transform it into a work of redemption and glory--something that will bring growth to His children and praise to Himself.
He lifts our eyes off the painful, scratching, searing drudgery of our existence with magnificent transformations. Revelations of Himself. Miracles born of pain. Supernatural visions of a reality that flows over and under and through what we can see with our earthly eyes.
JUDE
17 "But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “ In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."How else could I describe a church packed to overflowing with people who loved Max, who will never see him again on earth, singing praise to God for his life and for the expectation of seeing him alive in heaven?
This was not the crippling grief of the hopeless. These were dear friends, nodding and saying "Amen! Let it be!" as the pastor preached on the joy set before us, exhorting us from favorite passages in Max's well-worn Bible.
How else could I explain a widow who is able to sing hymns in a strong, unwavering voice as her husband's body is lowered into the ground? Is it not proof of the promise that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"?
"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" ? (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
How can it be that a widow's first concern would be for the woman whose car took her husband's life? Is it not a working out of John 13:35? "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
The beauty of the promises of God comes out in the hardships of life more than at any other time. "I will never leave you or forsake you" means more in the dark than it does in the light of day. (Hebrews 13:15)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" is proven when the bottom falls out of your life and you find yourself sustained in impossible ways. (John 14:27)
The ultimate answer to how God could allow these things in the lives of His children is answered by Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
He didn't say "easy".
Or "fun".
Or even "pleasant".
But "good".
And who better to know what that looks like than the One who made us and all things.
Who better to trust with the outcome than the One who can see the ending.
Who better to live for than the One who loves us enough to die for us.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. "I WILL see you again, my friend! Hallelujah and Amen!
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