Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Gospel-centered Obedience: Introduction
It seems as if the perennial battle in the mind of New
Testament readers and teachers is the relationship between faith and works. People
align themselves with Paul or James or Jesus (depending on how they understand
Jesus), and the whole thing tends to get quite messy at times. In my personal
quest to understand these two aspects to Christian belief, I came up with a
chart (dum, dum, dum - *ominous music) that has been helpful... to me.
Obviously, if God wanted us to reduce spiritual, yay, even mystical, truth
to mere charts, He could have inspired the biblical writers to draw a few stick
figures and graphs. The illustration below is not an attempt to oversimplify
deep passages that are more interested in forming us into the image Christ than
being formed into theological systems; but hopefully it will be helpful to you
as you think about and live out faith in Christ.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Sinful, God-honoring Children
Note: I know that I've only been a parent for six years,
and therefore I've never parented a teenager. So, I want to be honest up front
in admitting that I’m not claiming to be an expert. These are mere observations
based on my own parenting and my work with teenagers over the years.
Sometimes the worst thing we can do as parents is build our child’s self-esteem. Then, when they hear the truths of the gospel, they do not see their desperate need for a Savior. They think their pretty smart or cute or likeable or athletic or… good. The Bible teaches clearly against the self-righteousness that hinders us from seeing our brokenness and rebellion. Quoting Psalm 14, Paul reminds us in Romans 3:10-11 that, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one” (ESV).
Sometimes the worst thing we can do as parents is build our child’s self-esteem. Then, when they hear the truths of the gospel, they do not see their desperate need for a Savior. They think their pretty smart or cute or likeable or athletic or… good. The Bible teaches clearly against the self-righteousness that hinders us from seeing our brokenness and rebellion. Quoting Psalm 14, Paul reminds us in Romans 3:10-11 that, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one” (ESV).
The challenge
then is to balance the affirmation of the fallen nature of a child’s heart with
the truths that they are valuable as image-bearers and loved by God in
and through Jesus.
I am convinced that
no one can fully experience the grace of God without first being humbled…
without first
being broken by both the sinful nature that resides in them and the intentionally
rebellious acts that spring out of this sinful heart. We have to see the bad before we
can understand just how good the Good News is. And this is where so
many parents can initially short-circuit their child’s understanding (and even
acceptance) of the gospel. When a child is headed down the path to brokenness
(and, in turn, repentance), we see this; and we don’t want them to feel pain.
No good parent would want a child to feel pain. And so it takes a keenly
discerning spirit to know how to teach them about their need for a Savior while
at the same time pointing to the reality that they have One. We just want
to fix what’s broken; but if the child does not see that they are broken, they
cannot be fixed. This task of discernment is far too great for mere human
beings. It takes the work of the Spirit inside of us… giving us the words…
showing us how… which brings even the parent back around to dependence upon
God.
The
other side to this discussion was captured well in a statement a friend of mine
made recently: “Yeah, Andy, but I don’t want my kids growing up afraid to be righteous or do righteous
things.” In other words, does a biblical doctrine of depravity force us into passivity
(“Oh Johnny, do whatever you want! You’re lost and dead in your sins anyway!”)
or, even worse, an attitude that encourages sin. I can’t imagine a parent of
any child ever taking either one of these positions. Paul would say, “Are we to continue to sin that grace may
abound? By no means!” (Rom. 6:1-2).
As we’re
searching for this balance, it is helpful to understand what the Bible means by
righteousness. One can’t argue from the whole account of Scripture that there
has ever been a man (except for Jesus) who was righteous enough to save
themselves. In comparison to a holy God our “righteous
deeds are like a polluted garment” (Is. 64:6). I would never argue anything
to the contrary. But it is also an overcorrection and a misunderstanding of
Scripture to say that no one has ever pleased God because of their obedience or
righteous deeds done through faith. Works are the fruit of faith, and we do not
need to be afraid of encouraging our children to be obedient to God’s commands
through faith. We understand that such obedience can never save their eternal
souls, but this was never the purpose of God’s commands anyway. Rather, we use each
time they disobey as an opportunity to teach them about the righteousness of
Christ on their behalf and the grace and forgiveness of God in the gospel. Then
we encourage them to continue in righteousness.
While
our righteous deeds have no power to save us eternally, God has created the
world to work a certain way in which righteous actions usually result in
positive outcomes. I know a lot of folks will push back against this, but the
overwhelming testimony of Scripture stands with a “character-consequence” order
of things (Bartholomew 9). In other words, obedience brings blessing. Granted, blessing may, at times,
look a little different now than it did in the OT, but the principle still
stands. A great way of expressing this to your child may be: “God has promised
blessing for obedience and consequences for disobedience. That is why dad will
honor you when you are obedient and punish you when you are disobedient. God
and dad are pleased when you are obedient. But, son, we understand that our
obedience is not what gets us into heaven. Faith in Jesus does that,
and each time you disobey, I hope that you see just how much you need him to
change your heart and your actions. Isn’t it great to know that Jesus was
always obedient to His Father so that when we’re not obedient, we’re not
punished forever?” That’s probably getting a little theologically deep for my
6-year old, but hopefully the concept is clear.
Another
essential element to consider in this discussion is the concept of grace. While
there are usually consequences when one of my children sins… there is always
forgiveness. Sometimes consequences are passed over in favor of grace; but, we
have to be incredibly intentional about how we communicate this to our
children. When I decide to not impose consequences, it is not because they are
not deserved… but because I am being gracious. I pray that this is a small picture
of what God has done for us. Developing this further, God has not ignored our sin but
rather placed its eternal (and even some temporal) consequences on His Son. This
is undoubtedly difficult for one human being to model properly for another.
I want to reiterate the fact that even when sin is committed and consequences are enforced, forgiveness and
reconciliation are indispensable. This is another way for us to model God’s
grace for our children.
I’ll
finish up here with a story from the other day. Most of you know my son. He’s a
sweet kid, but he does have a bit of a strong will at times. I try to pray with
him each morning before I leave for work, and on this particular day he wanted
nothing to do with prayer time. He said he didn’t really like God anymore, and
he certainly didn’t like prayer. My initial instinct was to say, “Well, we’re
praying anyway, whether you like it or not,” and, most of the time, this is
still what I do. But in that moment I felt as if the Holy Spirit pricked my
heart to offer grace. I told Ethan that I loved him and, more importantly, God
loved him, even though he didn’t like or love God much today… even if he didn’t
want to talk to God today. I held him for a few more seconds and then put him
down and headed out the door.
I do not
want to set myself up as any kind of ideal example; but just as a testimony to
the work of the Spirit and the freedom we have received in Christ, I felt at
complete liberty to leave that morning having not prayed with Ethan for the
purpose of him understanding that his prayer (or lack thereof) does not change
God’s love for him. That is unconditional. I feel as if God gave me a great
opportunity to point out both Ethan’s depravity and God’s great love and grace.
I’m thankful for moments like this. I’m thankful for the moments I feel like I
get it right, moments that I can imagine God smiling. But I’m even more thankful that Jesus always got it right (on my
behalf) so that even when I don’t get right, His grace is still sufficient.
I hope
that this little discussion has been helpful for you. If I could sum things up
for you in one sentence: “Don’t be afraid to allow your kids to see their
sinful hearts; and don’t be afraid to encourage them to live God-honoring
lives.” They need both… we all need both.
In
Christ,
Andy
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
How will they hear unless someone tells them?
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" -Romans 10:13-15
A long-held debate among Christians is surrounding the question, "What will happen to those who never hear the gospel?" The purpose of this post is not to fully answer that question but rather to address a particular aspect of it.
I have heard a bit recently about people around the world coming to faith in Christ because of dreams or visions. While there is zero doubt in my mind that people do have such experiences and that they are important to their conversion experience, I have doubts that these encounters are what we might call "full-package deals." In other words, I am not convinced that angels are going around preaching the gospel and offering invitations. While Paul's teaching in Galatians 1 seems to leave open the possibility that an angel could preach the gospel (or a gospel), this does not seem to be the pattern of Scripture as a whole.
First of all, the Great Commission commands us, His disciples, to go and make disciples, not pray for angels to go and preach for us. Secondly, the pattern in the book of Acts (which recounts the spread of the gospel throughout the world) is to use people/disciples to preach the gospel and offer the invitation. Picking two specific examples might be helpful.
Saul/Paul's conversion on the Damascus road would have been the most logical occasion for a vision to bring about conversion. I mean, Jesus Himself is talking; and Saul's salvation experience is pretty important to the rest of the church's story. But what does the resurrected Son of God tell Saul? After identifying Himself, He says, "Rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do" (Acts 9:6). This is a rather unsatisfying way for Jesus to end His conversation with Saul. But Jesus seems to prefer that Ananias (a disciple in Damascus) explain things to the bewildered Paul.
Another example is Cornelius in chapter 10 of Acts. Both Peter and Cornelius have visions from God that are intent on bringing the two of them together so that Peter may preach the gospel to Cornelius and his family and friends. This seems terribly impractical. Why not just tell Cornelius the good news in the vision and save a couple days' walk? I mean... surely Peter could have been doing more work in Joppa had he not been forced to leave to preach in Caesarea. But this seems to be the pattern of gospel proclamation.
Paul agrees in Romans 10 when he says that we can't believe until we've heard; and how can we hear unless someone is sent to preach to us? God is in the sending business, and he sends us... His people... His disciples. Even in the modern-day stories I've heard about visions that lead to conversion, it seems that such visions usually lead the seeker to a pastor, a missionary, or a local believer. Then the believer shares the gospel and offers the invitation.
We should not be content to wait for the lost to dream dreams or see visions before we open our mouths and give them good news. We are God's chosen instruments to make disciples of all nations. Let us not grow weary in fulfilling this eternally significant responsibility and opportunity.
In Christ,
Andy
A long-held debate among Christians is surrounding the question, "What will happen to those who never hear the gospel?" The purpose of this post is not to fully answer that question but rather to address a particular aspect of it.
I have heard a bit recently about people around the world coming to faith in Christ because of dreams or visions. While there is zero doubt in my mind that people do have such experiences and that they are important to their conversion experience, I have doubts that these encounters are what we might call "full-package deals." In other words, I am not convinced that angels are going around preaching the gospel and offering invitations. While Paul's teaching in Galatians 1 seems to leave open the possibility that an angel could preach the gospel (or a gospel), this does not seem to be the pattern of Scripture as a whole.
First of all, the Great Commission commands us, His disciples, to go and make disciples, not pray for angels to go and preach for us. Secondly, the pattern in the book of Acts (which recounts the spread of the gospel throughout the world) is to use people/disciples to preach the gospel and offer the invitation. Picking two specific examples might be helpful.
Saul/Paul's conversion on the Damascus road would have been the most logical occasion for a vision to bring about conversion. I mean, Jesus Himself is talking; and Saul's salvation experience is pretty important to the rest of the church's story. But what does the resurrected Son of God tell Saul? After identifying Himself, He says, "Rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do" (Acts 9:6). This is a rather unsatisfying way for Jesus to end His conversation with Saul. But Jesus seems to prefer that Ananias (a disciple in Damascus) explain things to the bewildered Paul.
Another example is Cornelius in chapter 10 of Acts. Both Peter and Cornelius have visions from God that are intent on bringing the two of them together so that Peter may preach the gospel to Cornelius and his family and friends. This seems terribly impractical. Why not just tell Cornelius the good news in the vision and save a couple days' walk? I mean... surely Peter could have been doing more work in Joppa had he not been forced to leave to preach in Caesarea. But this seems to be the pattern of gospel proclamation.
Paul agrees in Romans 10 when he says that we can't believe until we've heard; and how can we hear unless someone is sent to preach to us? God is in the sending business, and he sends us... His people... His disciples. Even in the modern-day stories I've heard about visions that lead to conversion, it seems that such visions usually lead the seeker to a pastor, a missionary, or a local believer. Then the believer shares the gospel and offers the invitation.
We should not be content to wait for the lost to dream dreams or see visions before we open our mouths and give them good news. We are God's chosen instruments to make disciples of all nations. Let us not grow weary in fulfilling this eternally significant responsibility and opportunity.
In Christ,
Andy
Monday, November 28, 2011
Freedom from Devotions... to be Devoted
Preface: If you're a new believer, this post won't make as much sense to you because you practice what I am talking about more naturally than those of us who have allowed our relationship with God to be tamed by religiosity. Just keep preaching the gospel to yourself... and hopefully you won't ever need this post. :-)
So... you know how sometimes you know something... and then... you KNOW it? Like, you really, truly understand. Those are great moments.
I feel as if I'm really coming into one of those moments lately (though I'm certainly not there yet). I guess it would even be a contradiction to say that I'm coming into it, because the truth is that it (or He) has really come to me. It's hard to write about because I realize that for the million-plus times that I've heard it before, I didn't really hear it... but it's also something that I can't keep inside... it's just so great! ... and... well... that's the point.
Enough rambling.
The reality is that Jesus has set us free. Not somewhat free or mostly free, but completely free.
How free? So free that I'd audaciously claim His freedom is from every single weight that binds us.
Some of us have been chained to obvious sin. We're addicted to food or stuff or sex.
Some of us have been chained to less outwardly noticeable (but inwardly apparent) sin. We're ridiculously prideful and always seeking the approval of others. We're addicted to glory and pleasure.
But some of us have been chained by one of the most deceptively sly sins in existence. It is freedom from these chains which I am beginning to revel in tonight even as I write this.
This is freedom from one kind of piety (devotion)... that leads to true piety.
We see it all around us, and we believers experience it every day: Guilt because I didn't spend enough time in devotions (or do my devotions at all). I prayed without getting on my knees, or I listened to too much secular music. I didn't witness to enough people this week or go on a mission trip this year... and I certainly didn't make enough disciples... oh what will God think of me?
All the while... without even realizing it... we have created a righteousness for ourselves... a new standard of right-standing before God... a righteousness that has no need for real grace, a righteousness that only needs a few obvious, ugly, embarrassing, former things to be nailed to the cross... and a righteousness that only needs a future resurrection from the dead. It has no need for rebirth, new creation or the indwelling of the Spirit because it is self-sustaining.
Being in youth ministry gives me a particularly potent perspective on this type of piety. It is the yearly cycle of Summer Camp high, Fall kick-off with a vengeance, the mid-semester slump, somber Christmas reflection, first of the year "where'd everyone go?", Spring retreat reboost, graduation shuffle and start it all over again. Some have compared the spiritual life of a teenager in youth ministry to a roller coaster. I'd rather compare it to doing drugs. Those who stick around long enough to see graduation are getting a hit just often enough to make it to the next one. By the time we get to this next spiritual high, we feel near spiritual death. (please note the pejorative nature of this description... anyone who knows me knows that I wouldn't spend my life doing anything else besides navigating these timulutuous and wonderful, beautiful times with youth)
So, the answer I've always given students to break free of this madness is to develop their personal disciplines and become active in the church. This is SO RIGHT! ... but what I never truly understood was that those things are the result of something else... they are not the main thing.
Jesus says, "If you love me, you'll obey me." (John 14:15).
And so, love and obedience are inextricably related. If you love... you'll obey, and you can't obey if you don't love. Yeahp... you can get up at 4 AM and read the Bible and pray until you're blue in the face, but if you don't love the God You're seeking, you should've slept in.
But how? How do I conjure up this love?
I guess I can't absolutely tell you how to grow in your affections for Christ... there are many facets to this subject (like daily rehearsing the gospel and developing dependent humility)... but I can share with you something that has helped me.
Realizing that I'm free.
When I realized that I didn't have to read my Bible one more time for God not just to love me but to LIKE me, I started wanting to read my Bible more.
When I realized that I didn't have to pray like all of my heroes of the faith in order for God to be truly and utterly pleased with me... yes, to delight in me... I wanted to talk to Him and hear from Him more.
When I completely let go of my personal piety as a means to get any sort of approval from God... which actually lead me through a time when I intentionally neglected these disciplines for the sake of having my motivations reoriented... I think I found true devotion in freedom.
So... when I get up in the morning and my initial thought is, "I have to do my devotions this morning or God's gonna be mad at me or He's not gonna bless my day," I remind myself that I've, in some way, denied the very essense of grace. Then I say to myself, "I don't have to do anything because Jesus already did everything for me." And the cool thing is... many times it is at this point that you'd have to fight me to keep me away from the light and the life that is found in His Word and in communion with Him through prayer.
Yes, I'm convinced... this freedom from one kind of piety leads to true piety because true piety is always found in a true love for God.
I hope with all my heart that these thoughts are helpful to you.
I truly do believe that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16)... and the gospel is the reality that God the Son laid aside His privileges to become a man, live a sinless life, die a sacrificial death on our behalf, and rise from the dead to bring us live here and now and for eternity.
In Christ,
Andy
So... you know how sometimes you know something... and then... you KNOW it? Like, you really, truly understand. Those are great moments.
I feel as if I'm really coming into one of those moments lately (though I'm certainly not there yet). I guess it would even be a contradiction to say that I'm coming into it, because the truth is that it (or He) has really come to me. It's hard to write about because I realize that for the million-plus times that I've heard it before, I didn't really hear it... but it's also something that I can't keep inside... it's just so great! ... and... well... that's the point.
Enough rambling.
The reality is that Jesus has set us free. Not somewhat free or mostly free, but completely free.
How free? So free that I'd audaciously claim His freedom is from every single weight that binds us.
Some of us have been chained to obvious sin. We're addicted to food or stuff or sex.
Some of us have been chained to less outwardly noticeable (but inwardly apparent) sin. We're ridiculously prideful and always seeking the approval of others. We're addicted to glory and pleasure.
But some of us have been chained by one of the most deceptively sly sins in existence. It is freedom from these chains which I am beginning to revel in tonight even as I write this.
This is freedom from one kind of piety (devotion)... that leads to true piety.
We see it all around us, and we believers experience it every day: Guilt because I didn't spend enough time in devotions (or do my devotions at all). I prayed without getting on my knees, or I listened to too much secular music. I didn't witness to enough people this week or go on a mission trip this year... and I certainly didn't make enough disciples... oh what will God think of me?
All the while... without even realizing it... we have created a righteousness for ourselves... a new standard of right-standing before God... a righteousness that has no need for real grace, a righteousness that only needs a few obvious, ugly, embarrassing, former things to be nailed to the cross... and a righteousness that only needs a future resurrection from the dead. It has no need for rebirth, new creation or the indwelling of the Spirit because it is self-sustaining.
Being in youth ministry gives me a particularly potent perspective on this type of piety. It is the yearly cycle of Summer Camp high, Fall kick-off with a vengeance, the mid-semester slump, somber Christmas reflection, first of the year "where'd everyone go?", Spring retreat reboost, graduation shuffle and start it all over again. Some have compared the spiritual life of a teenager in youth ministry to a roller coaster. I'd rather compare it to doing drugs. Those who stick around long enough to see graduation are getting a hit just often enough to make it to the next one. By the time we get to this next spiritual high, we feel near spiritual death. (please note the pejorative nature of this description... anyone who knows me knows that I wouldn't spend my life doing anything else besides navigating these timulutuous and wonderful, beautiful times with youth)
So, the answer I've always given students to break free of this madness is to develop their personal disciplines and become active in the church. This is SO RIGHT! ... but what I never truly understood was that those things are the result of something else... they are not the main thing.
Jesus says, "If you love me, you'll obey me." (John 14:15).
And so, love and obedience are inextricably related. If you love... you'll obey, and you can't obey if you don't love. Yeahp... you can get up at 4 AM and read the Bible and pray until you're blue in the face, but if you don't love the God You're seeking, you should've slept in.
But how? How do I conjure up this love?
I guess I can't absolutely tell you how to grow in your affections for Christ... there are many facets to this subject (like daily rehearsing the gospel and developing dependent humility)... but I can share with you something that has helped me.
Realizing that I'm free.
When I realized that I didn't have to read my Bible one more time for God not just to love me but to LIKE me, I started wanting to read my Bible more.
When I realized that I didn't have to pray like all of my heroes of the faith in order for God to be truly and utterly pleased with me... yes, to delight in me... I wanted to talk to Him and hear from Him more.
When I completely let go of my personal piety as a means to get any sort of approval from God... which actually lead me through a time when I intentionally neglected these disciplines for the sake of having my motivations reoriented... I think I found true devotion in freedom.
So... when I get up in the morning and my initial thought is, "I have to do my devotions this morning or God's gonna be mad at me or He's not gonna bless my day," I remind myself that I've, in some way, denied the very essense of grace. Then I say to myself, "I don't have to do anything because Jesus already did everything for me." And the cool thing is... many times it is at this point that you'd have to fight me to keep me away from the light and the life that is found in His Word and in communion with Him through prayer.
Yes, I'm convinced... this freedom from one kind of piety leads to true piety because true piety is always found in a true love for God.
I hope with all my heart that these thoughts are helpful to you.
I truly do believe that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16)... and the gospel is the reality that God the Son laid aside His privileges to become a man, live a sinless life, die a sacrificial death on our behalf, and rise from the dead to bring us live here and now and for eternity.
In Christ,
Andy
Thursday, August 18, 2011
My Moldovan Journal: Part 3 - Babylon
On the second day of camp in Moldova we were discussing the topic of sin. In my devotion group we began to list sins that seem prevelant around us and sins that we struggle with. Our attention turned to TV, music, fashion, and movies. After I had beat up on these media outlets in a fairly self-righteous way for a few moments, one of the kids looked at me and said, “But all of this stuff comes from America.”
He could have just as well stood up and punched me in the gut.
Immediately I was reminded of Revelation 18: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! … For all the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
Has there ever been a time in history when it was possible for the whole world to look upon one nation and follow her into all kinds of sin? Has there ever been a nation in history that has spread sin so infectiously. Rome's influence was vast... as was Greece's and Persia's before it. But no nation on earth has ever had the impact that the US is having today. Almost the whole world desires to emulate Hollywood and NYC.
The point of this post is not to argue that the US is the Babylon of Revelation but rather that the spirit of Babylon which influences the entire earth is most certainly here. So, what are believers to do? The prophecy continues, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.”
In my opinion, this is not necessarily a physical coming out (at least not at this point) but rather a decision-making process by which we choose to flee from the influences of the spirit of Babylon. And while it would be just as simple for me to begin naming TV shows, songs on the radio, and movies that I believe are unrighteous, I think a question is more appropriate for this generation:
If you really believe that the Lord is OK with your intake of these influences, at what point is enough enough? How much immorality is too much? How much of the spirit of Babylon is ok to stay in?
I pray that His people will come out of her. In my personal walk with the Lord, I have found that there is a direct correlation between my joy and contentment in the Lord and my willingness to deny myself the pleasures of Babylon. So, when we come out of her, we're really not giving up anything at all! We're gaining the greatest joy in heaven and on earth! As Piper says, “We're like little children who are content to play in mud pies while a day in the beach awaits us” (paraphrase).
Blessings on you as we learn together what it means to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus!
In Christ,
Andy
He could have just as well stood up and punched me in the gut.
Immediately I was reminded of Revelation 18: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! … For all the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
Has there ever been a time in history when it was possible for the whole world to look upon one nation and follow her into all kinds of sin? Has there ever been a nation in history that has spread sin so infectiously. Rome's influence was vast... as was Greece's and Persia's before it. But no nation on earth has ever had the impact that the US is having today. Almost the whole world desires to emulate Hollywood and NYC.
The point of this post is not to argue that the US is the Babylon of Revelation but rather that the spirit of Babylon which influences the entire earth is most certainly here. So, what are believers to do? The prophecy continues, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.”
In my opinion, this is not necessarily a physical coming out (at least not at this point) but rather a decision-making process by which we choose to flee from the influences of the spirit of Babylon. And while it would be just as simple for me to begin naming TV shows, songs on the radio, and movies that I believe are unrighteous, I think a question is more appropriate for this generation:
If you really believe that the Lord is OK with your intake of these influences, at what point is enough enough? How much immorality is too much? How much of the spirit of Babylon is ok to stay in?
I pray that His people will come out of her. In my personal walk with the Lord, I have found that there is a direct correlation between my joy and contentment in the Lord and my willingness to deny myself the pleasures of Babylon. So, when we come out of her, we're really not giving up anything at all! We're gaining the greatest joy in heaven and on earth! As Piper says, “We're like little children who are content to play in mud pies while a day in the beach awaits us” (paraphrase).
Blessings on you as we learn together what it means to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus!
In Christ,
Andy
Monday, August 8, 2011
My Son's First Communion
Last night was my son's first experience in "Big Church." We had a time of testimony about the missions efforts of our church this summer, and we thought it would be good to have him be a part. I was so proud of how well he sat and listened, sang the songs that he knew, and bowed his head during the prayer time.
Half-way through the service we took communion; and while we had discussed this ordinance with Ethan a few weeks ago, we neglected to give him a pre-game refresher. As the bread was passed I motioned to the deacon to skip my son (for he has not yet made a profession of faith). He was devastated. He immediately began crying, and I could tell he was also embarrassed. Everyone else around him was getting a piece of bread… why wasn’t he?
It was a difficult moment for me as a parent. Part of me thinks, “What could it hurt?” But, then I remember how valuable this teachable moment really is. You see, reserving communion for the regenerate alone is a beautiful witness to those among us who have not yet received the body of Christ broken for them the blood of Christ poured out for them. It symbolizes in a very real way their spiritual need.
Modern parenting experts would say that my actions most likely caused psychological trauma to my son, but I would have to disagree… depending on what they mean. If they mean that our Father, in his grace, provided my son an opportunity early on in life to see his state of lostness, perhaps they are correct. If they (or you) are worried about my son feeling affirmed in spite of his being denied communion… worry not. This was also a wonderful time for me to pull him to my side and kiss his head and whisper, “I promise we’ll talk about this later. I’ll explain why you couldn’t have a piece of bread.” Now comes another opportunity provided by my Father to bring my son along in his discipleship process.
Thank you Father for these holy moments. May I have eyes to see them each and every day, especially with the precious children you’ve entrusted to me.
In Christ,
Andy
Half-way through the service we took communion; and while we had discussed this ordinance with Ethan a few weeks ago, we neglected to give him a pre-game refresher. As the bread was passed I motioned to the deacon to skip my son (for he has not yet made a profession of faith). He was devastated. He immediately began crying, and I could tell he was also embarrassed. Everyone else around him was getting a piece of bread… why wasn’t he?
It was a difficult moment for me as a parent. Part of me thinks, “What could it hurt?” But, then I remember how valuable this teachable moment really is. You see, reserving communion for the regenerate alone is a beautiful witness to those among us who have not yet received the body of Christ broken for them the blood of Christ poured out for them. It symbolizes in a very real way their spiritual need.
Modern parenting experts would say that my actions most likely caused psychological trauma to my son, but I would have to disagree… depending on what they mean. If they mean that our Father, in his grace, provided my son an opportunity early on in life to see his state of lostness, perhaps they are correct. If they (or you) are worried about my son feeling affirmed in spite of his being denied communion… worry not. This was also a wonderful time for me to pull him to my side and kiss his head and whisper, “I promise we’ll talk about this later. I’ll explain why you couldn’t have a piece of bread.” Now comes another opportunity provided by my Father to bring my son along in his discipleship process.
Thank you Father for these holy moments. May I have eyes to see them each and every day, especially with the precious children you’ve entrusted to me.
In Christ,
Andy
Thursday, August 4, 2011
My Moldovan Journal: Part 2 - Walking
"Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." -John 9:25 (ESV)
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they have been with Jesus." -Acts 4:13 (ESV)
There's something about going to a country and culture far from home. A place where routine and comfort are removed. It is in this place that I have seen the Holy Spirit move most mightily in and through me. I have often asked myself "why?" Why does it take such circumstances to bring me to a place of great usefulness to my Lord? I am thoroughly convinced that God only uses those who realize their desperate need for Him.
Oh, it's not as if I can't recite the theological truth or sing the hymn declaring my need for Him each hour, but when human energy is spent, resources are few, and desire is focused (on the gospel alone), GREAT things happen.
I am certain that this is the case because God alone receives the glory in such situations. When I have much to bring to the table, He allows me to do my thing... in my own power, unfortunately. When I realize that anything of any eternal value is impossible to accomplish short of a divine act of grace, then I am ready to see Him work.
I want to walk with Jesus like this all the time. Not just in the big youth events where I am begging for a great move of the Holy Spirit. Not just in the crises where I suddenly see my inadequacy. But every day. I want to say with the man born blind that, "He has made me see." Not just once when I was nine years old... but every single day. Lord, help me to see with Your eyes and trust in Your strength.
I want others to look at my life and take note that I have been with Jesus, not because it's a nice boost to the ego but because things are happening around me that can only be explained by an Almighty God... things that bring Him glory alone!
I want to walk with Jesus today, and every day... in utter dependence upon Him. There is nothing so important on my list of things to do this day that should keep me from communing with Him. Lord, help me remember these things.
In Christ,
Andy
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they have been with Jesus." -Acts 4:13 (ESV)
There's something about going to a country and culture far from home. A place where routine and comfort are removed. It is in this place that I have seen the Holy Spirit move most mightily in and through me. I have often asked myself "why?" Why does it take such circumstances to bring me to a place of great usefulness to my Lord? I am thoroughly convinced that God only uses those who realize their desperate need for Him.
Oh, it's not as if I can't recite the theological truth or sing the hymn declaring my need for Him each hour, but when human energy is spent, resources are few, and desire is focused (on the gospel alone), GREAT things happen.
I am certain that this is the case because God alone receives the glory in such situations. When I have much to bring to the table, He allows me to do my thing... in my own power, unfortunately. When I realize that anything of any eternal value is impossible to accomplish short of a divine act of grace, then I am ready to see Him work.
I want to walk with Jesus like this all the time. Not just in the big youth events where I am begging for a great move of the Holy Spirit. Not just in the crises where I suddenly see my inadequacy. But every day. I want to say with the man born blind that, "He has made me see." Not just once when I was nine years old... but every single day. Lord, help me to see with Your eyes and trust in Your strength.
I want others to look at my life and take note that I have been with Jesus, not because it's a nice boost to the ego but because things are happening around me that can only be explained by an Almighty God... things that bring Him glory alone!
I want to walk with Jesus today, and every day... in utter dependence upon Him. There is nothing so important on my list of things to do this day that should keep me from communing with Him. Lord, help me remember these things.
In Christ,
Andy
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