The Luring Effect of a Cracker

The other day we were riding in the van as a family going to see our new niece (Jubilee Hope Andrews). We told our girls that we had some crackers they could eat after we were finished at their cousins' house. When we were finished, we loaded up into the van and noticed that it was nearly dinner time. In a quiet conversation, Faith and I decided that we would take the girls to McDonald's for dinner since we were so close. Just then, the girls began begging for the crackers we told them they could have. We told them that we had something even better for them if they would just wait. They continued to beg for the crackers and it finally ended with me telling the girls not to ask for the crackers anymore. They were upset. They felt entitled to their crackers and they wanted them now instead of waiting for Daddy's surprise which was supposed to be far better. As we pulled into MickeyD's our girl's faces brightened up and they suddenly forgot about the crackers. As we pulled into the parking lot and noticed the girls' expressions changing, I commented to Faith; "What an analogy!"
During this episode, I was thinking of a comment made by C. S. Lewis from The Weight of Glory ". . .if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desire, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased. "
God wants us completely satisfied in HIM, but how often we demand immediate satisfaction from far lesser things which only end up disappointing! In Jeremiah 2 (vv.12-14) God complains "Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters,and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water." You see my girls were sinning two-fold. They were demading lesser goods while rejecting the far better thing I was promising them.
Brothers and Sisters, we do this with every sin we commit against God. Sin is essentially believing the deceitful promises of sin over God's promises. When we sin, we reject God and His "living water" and we instead stuff our faces with cotton candy which tastes sweet for a short season but then is gone, leaving a still empty stomach. God alone satisfies the human heart with joy unspeakable and full of glory!
What God promises is always worth the wait and the forsaking all lesser promises from deceitful sources!
We need to see crackers for what they really are and trust God to give us the full meal!

Happy Birthday, Chad Mahaney!

For his son's thirteenth birthday, CJ Mahaney invited David Powlison to write a letter to his son, Chad. We all can benefit greatly from receiving the wisdom and encouragement of this letter. Thanks to the sweet ladies at the Girltalk blog for posting this!

What Would Jesus Do? . . . with the Sick and Demonized?

This is the question Sam Storms attempts to answer in a recent sermon delivered at the home pulpit of John Piper (Bethlehem Baptist Church). It is amazing how we want to see Jesus as an example of so many things, but what about Spirit-empowered ministry? How did Jesus do so many great works? Did He flip his "God-switch"? or was He demonstrating the fulness of life in the Spirit? And what does His example mean for every believer? How does our ministry to the sick and demonized stack up when compared with His? In the Great Commission, Jesus commanded us to teach all disciples to do all the things He has commanded. That definitely includes healing the sick and delivering those who are oppressed by demons (Matthew 10:8). What are your thoughts after hearing this message?

Convergence Seminar with Sam Storms

Since John Piper is on writing leave in England, Dr. Sam Storms of Enjoying God Ministries was invited to preach at Bethlehem Baptist Church and conduct a seminar (2 sessions + Q&A) based on his newest book "Convergence." The book is great and this seminar is a good introduction to the issues covered in the book. Enjoy!

*You'll need to scroll down to the block that says "Download fresh audio each week" on the right-hand side of the page, then scroll down to Sam Storms' sermons.

"Too Atonement-Centered"?

Mark Dever recently wrote an article for Christianity Today magazine discussing some current opposition to the Atonement and its centrality in the Christian life. It is well worth the read!

AdrianWarnock's Blog: Interview with Dr. Sam Storms

Adrian's Blog: Interview with Dr. Sam Storms

Who Am I?

Who am I . . . theologically?
One of the problems of attempting to align more fully with Scripture than with the tradition (by that I mean denomination or group functioning as a denomination) one finds most comfortable, is that, eventually, one may begin to experience a "theological identity crisis" (TIC). Most traditions have much to be emulated, but no tradition perfectly embodies the balance and grace the Scriptures call for. A person in this place, can find critics in nearly every place who dislike his unwillingness to conform inspite of conscience and Scriptural convictions. Surely, not everything is a hill to die on, but some things are! The discomfort felt by anyone experiencing a TIC is exacerbated by the ubiquitous lack of charity toward anyone who disagrees in any way with the status quo.
For Example
I consider myself: Christian, Reformed, Charismatic, Presbyterian, Apostolic, and Paedo-baptist. What a mix! Where do I fit in? These terms are not nearly as univocally understood as I would hope, so let me clarify just a little.
By Christian, I mean one who banks his eternal destiny on the truth claims of Jesus Christ. I trust in His Obedience, as my Substitute, to have atoned for my sins and clothed me with infinite righteousness that is not my own. I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit Who testifies with my spirit that I am a son of God and He empowers me to gospel-motivated obedience.
By Reformed, I mean one who seeks to live all of life conscious of God's immediate presence; one who understands the Scriptures to be the infallible and inerrant Word of God; one who holds to the five points of Calvinism, not because of Calvin, but because I see them taught plainly in the Bible; and one who wants to continue testing everything against the standard of Scripture.
By Charismatic, I mean one who is not only open to but earnestly desiring and pursuing all the gifts of the Spirit (i.e., Tongues, Teaching, Prophecy, Administration, etc.). When I pray for someone to be healed, I truly expect God to heal them. Sometimes, in a worship service, God tells me something to say or shows me a picture to share in order to encourage, comfort, or edify. I pray in Tongues because I (along with the Apostle Paul) don't know what to pray for (Romans 8:26), but the Holy Spirit does. I know that when I am teaching or preaching or speaking wisdom into someone's life, that is just as much empowered by the Holy Spirit, and all His gifts are gracious!
By Presbyterian (elder-ruled), I mean one who sees in Scripture that God's design is that the local church be governed by a plurality and parity of Elders.
By Apostolic, I mean one who believes in present day apostles. I know that the first Apostles were unique and uniquely gifted, but the giftedness and function of the apostle is still very much in need today. The New Testament doesn't show missionaries being sent out, but Apostles sent out to plant and father local churches, creating a Gospel-presence in dark areas.
By Paedo-baptist, I mean one who sees Scriptural evidence requiring believing parents to baptize their infants in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; preferably by sprinkling or pouring, but not ruling out immersion and recognizing that this does not guarantee salvation. Since there is only one Covenant of Grace and several administrations of it, all building up to fulness in Christ, there is a built in unity to the entire Bible. In the Old Testament, the children of believers were required to receive a physical sign testifying to God's promises of Grace to all who repent and believe. This requirement was in force throughout the Old Testament and was never repealed by Christ and was the universal practice of the Christian Church at least up to a couple of hundred years past the death of the last of the original Apostles. According to Colossians 2:11-12, circumcision was replaced with the more widely applicable Baptism. Therefore, all new adult converts should be baptized and all children of at least one believing parent. I understand why credo-baptists stand where they do and I wouldn't question their sincerity, nor would I have a problem working side-by-side with them. The very clear and therefore, most binding thing, is that you are baptized if you profess faith in Jesus Christ.

TIC For Everyone, but not Schizophrenia!
I wonder if everyone should experience something of a TIC in pursuit of full submission to Christ. Is it healthy for one to belong to a certain tradition (no matter what it is) and never disagree with anything? Certainly, I've not seen every church, but my experience has led me to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a perfect church on planet Earth. Not that I'd know perfection if I saw it, but everywhere I've been other people are found critiquing something. Maybe its healthy to recognize the tension between the Christian's call to fully obey Scripture and the call to live in unity with other believers. It is not healthy, though, to reach a point of Schizophrenia where one never knows from moment to moment which way is up.
Belonging found in Christ
It is enough to be found in Christ when you feel isolated and miss belonging somewhere. Please don't misunderstand me! Christ wants every believer connected to a local church! We are saved to be part of a body of people together accomplishing a mission. But being a member of a church and agreeing with everything taught do not always go together. Usually discerning believers have to prioritize their convictions- which should be prioritized according to their weight and clarity in Scripture- and then become a part of the team in a church maintaining the essentials.
Nonetheless, lonlieness still finds you. It is then when you must remember that you are inseparably in Christ! You are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who is forever pouring the love of God into your heart! You are cherished by the Father! So, even if you feel like you don't belong where you are. . . remember, you belong with God! and that's what ultimately matters. Dive deeply into your relationship with Christ and find in Him enough power and love to fill you up and then overflow to those you are connected with for the sake of the gospel!
Keep up the journey!
If you find yourself in a TIC, keep up the journey! Keep pursuing full obedience to Christ and love everyone you come into contact with. We should never take on a superior attitude just because we disagree with something. Nor should we isolate ourselves from fellowship and co-labor with those with whom we disagree. May everyone who watches from the sidelines find us earnest in pursing Christ, humble, approachable, loving, and uncritical.

Don't Waste Your Cancer!- John Piper and David Powlison

If you, or anyone you know, is facing the stark reality of cancer, please read/forward the following article written by two faithful men who were recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer- John Piper and David Powlison.
http://www.desiringgod.org/library/fresh_words/2006/021506.html

Calvinist Virus?

If you're a Calvinist and need a good laugh . . . follow this link!
http://natenotes.blogspot.com/2006/02/combating-calvinist-virus.html
Enjoy!

The Best Way to Hear a Horse . . .

A Selective Bibliography for Evangelicals Seriously Considering Charismatic Theology

"Packer's Proverb, however, is that the reaction of man worketh not the righteousness of God. If you are walking backward away from something you think is a mistake, you may be right in supposing it is a mistake, but for you to be walking backward is never right. You know what happens to people who walk backward in the physical sense. Eventually they stumble over some obstacle behind them they never saw, because they fixed their minds and eyes on what they were trying to get away from, and then they fall. We are meant to walk forward, not backward, and reaction is always a matter of walking backward.
I believe the reformers' reaction against the supernatural in the lives of God's people in this age of the Holy Spirit was, frankly, more wrong than right- as have been many subsequent attempts to rule out the present-day reality of the supernatural."
J.I. Packer, The Kingdom and the Power, p. 211

The best way to hear what a horse has to say, is to listen to the horse himself! So, I offer this list of titles which I think any Evangelical truly seeking to understand Charismatic teaching ought to read and prayerfully consider. Not all will be convinced, but all will be edified.
Much poor scholarship, from both sides of this issue, has been published and popluarized- shaping the landscape of Cessationsim/Continuationsim Discussion as that of a war-zone. Reaction has characterized this discussion for far too long! It behooves any honest student, though, to hear the most responsible spokespersons for a view and then listen to the most responsible spokespersons for the opposing view rather than pitting extremist against extremist. Christian Charity does not dissolve doctrinal differences, but it does call us to listen respectfully to others to disagree. The Reformation Spirit calls us to weigh everything, even our long held views, against the Scriptures, and sometimes it takes opposition to expose error and clarify Scriptural teachings.

1. Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? edited by Wayne Grudem
2. Joy Unspeakable by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
3. The Sovereign Spirit by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
4. The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts by Sam Storms
5. The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts: Then and Now by Max Turner
6. Fire in the Fire Place by Charles Hummel
7. The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today by Wayne Grudem
8. Surprised by the Power of the Spirit by Jack Deere
9. God's Empowering Presence by Gordon Fee
10. Surprised by the Voice of God by Jack Deere
11. When the Spirit Comes with Power by John White
12. The Kingdom and the Power edited by Gary Greig & Kevin Springer
13. Showing the Spirit by D. A. Carson
14. Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan & Ken Wilson
15. The Word and Spirit Church by Doug Bannister

From the Cessationist viewpoint, I recommend considering the following:
1. Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? edited by Wayne Grudem
2. Perspectives on Pentacost by Richard Gaffin
3. Signs of the Apostles by Walter Chantry
4. Charismatics and the Word of God by Victor Budgen
5. A New Systematic of the Christian Faith by Robert Reymond
6. Keep in Step With the Spirit by J. I. Packer
7. Pentacost Today? by Ian Murray

If you know of other titles, which you feel simply must be included in these lists, please email me or leave it in a comment. Thank you!

Growing Gospel?!

"Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing--as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, . . . ." Colossians 1:5b,6

In this passage, the Gospel is spoken of as "bearing fruit" and"growing." Now this might be confusing if you only think of the Gospel as a set of teachings which one must believe in order to be saved. In the Bible, the Gospel is so much more! Now the Gospel has definite content! There are certain truths which one simply must believe or spend eternity in Hell. For example: One must believe that the One True God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; one must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, born of a virgin, lived a perfect life of obedience to His Father, died on the cross as a substitute for everyone who would ever believe on Him, He rose from the dead and now is seated at the right hand of His Father reigning; One must believe that God accepts only those who turn from their sin and trust wholly on Jesus for their acceptance and not on their actions or performance. But the Gospel is more than a list of teachings. Before we can understand something of what this verse means by the growth of the gospel, we must first explore a little into the nature of the gospel.

The Gospel is of first importance.
I am sure we would all agree that the Gospel is important, but how important would you say it is in the life of the Believer and the Local body? In 1 Corinthians 5:2-4, the Apostle Paul says"By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,. . ." Now, when the Apostle Paul says that he delivered the Gospel as of first importance, he means that the Gospel is both elemental and priority in the Christian life. We enter the Christian community and communion with Christ by believing the Gospel, therefore, it is elemental- you cannot be a Christian without it! Also, once a person professes faith in Christ, great care ought to be given to making sure that that person properly understands the gospel enough to articulate it to themselves and to others.
The Gospel also has priority among the body of truth which the Church is to believe, teach, and guard. That is, the Gospel is more important than any thing else the Church teaches- more important than: Spiritual Gifts, who should be baptized and why, end times, etc. . Because the Gospel has priority, my conviction is that it also should have prominence. How often do we reherse the Gospel for ourselves and our churches? Does the Gospel have first place with us?

The Gospel is a power plant which empowers holiness.
Romans 12:1 "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Notice the relationship between the "mercies of God" and the appeal for the whole person presentation to God. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, uses the declaration of the "mercies of God"(i.e., all that has been told prior to ch. 12 of Romans) as the appeal to holiness.
I can't remember who is was who said that "there are a mulitude of angles at which one may fall, but only one angle at which one may stand." This is also true when it comes to holiness. There are too many programs out there which promise a "foot-up" for sanctification, but end up in legalism and self-righteousness or even licentiousness. Only by keeping the Gospel central as our appeal to holiness can we avoid encouraging self-righteousness. The Gospel tells us to look first at who we really are (transgressors, rebels, hell-deserving, dead in sins, at war against God from birth, etc.) and, then look to Jesus who has perfectly fulfilled the Law on our behalf (earning the righteousness we needed to stand in right relationship to God) and has died in our place(totally satisfying the Father's wrath against our sin) and has risen again proving the truth of all He said was true. When we see (the the grace and help of the Holy Spirit) our true selves and the grace of Jesus Christ which more than answers our guilt, the result is energy to holiness [Psalm 132:19 "I run in the path of your commands. . .(NIV)] without the pull to self-righteousness because the whole basis is the righteousness of Jesus. (For further consideration, I recommend Holiness By Grace by Bryan Chapell and Future Grace by John Piper)
The Gospel also promises the power to do what it calls us to. The Gospel promise is that when the most defiled person in the universe turns from sin to faith in Jesus alone, God has sent His Holy Spirit to indwell and empower that Believer (John 7:38). Therefore, the Believer is not called on to muster up stregnth that is his own, but, instead, is called to work hard knowing Who is really working (Phil. 2:13This is grace-motivated, grace-empowered holiness.

The Gospel is a measuring rod for Christian living.
Listen carefully to this incredible verse from Scripture: "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, . . ." Philippians 1:27 (see also Galatians 2:14 and Ephesians 4:1) The imagery behind the phrase "worthy of the Gospel of Christ" is of a set of scales, old time scales, with the Gospel on one side and our lives on the other. The call is to balance out the scales with the beauty of a holy life.

Therefore, holiness of life is judged by the Gospel and not by successful completion of a certain group's list of do's an don'ts. This is why in Galatians 2:14, Paul says that he confronted Peter publicly regarding actions which were not "in step with the Gospel." Peter's claim to be owned by the Gospel was being contradicted by his actions. Do you know of someone who is really struggling with worldliness? INUNDATE them with the Gospel and beg the Holy Spirit to make it all make life changing sense. This is what Paul does in 1 Corinthians 6:19b and 20. He says "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." Fathers, do you want to see your wife and children walk in holiness? Wash them with the Gospel constantly and show them how the Gospel lays claim on them in every area of life. Wash them with the gospel until it is what they eat and breathe and think and FEEL!

The Gospel is a blossoming flower enriching every aspect of the Christian's life. (v.6)

When we are so gripped with the Gospel of Christ that it is our very heart-beat, we begin to see illustrations and reminders of it every where we look. When we are reminded of the love of God in Christ for us, our hearts will respond with gratefull faith, love, worship, and obedience. This effect redeems even the ordinary things in our lives. Seeing a homeless man on the side of the road reminds us of our condition before Christ saved us (though ours was actually much worse) and we are reminded of how God took initiative to not only meet our needs, but lavish us with lovingkindness and so we are moved to do the same for that homeless man who stinks and may get our car's carpet dirty. Buying groceries will remind us of how God daily and generously meets every need according to the riches of His grace. So, instead of feeling entitled to a steak dinner because I worked so hard for the money, I wonder how I can bless others with this lovingkindness and show the nature and goodness of the Father who is meeting my needs and so many of my wants! A walk in the park becomes a fresh revelation of God's love for you because you see the marvelous colors and intricate design of the flowers and you remember that God loves you so much that he beautified this world for your enjoyment and so you give Him thanks and worship Him for His creativity and love (see Psalm 29). Every area of life is claimed,redeemed, and enriched by the Gospel Reality. This happens progressively and that is why I made the connection with a blossoming flower. The beauty starts small and then increases exponentially! Eventually, the beauty is emanating from the flower so that all who pass by are struck with its effect. May it be, Lord Jesus!

The Gospel preached and demonstrated is the way in which the Kingdom of God advances in the Earth.
In John 18:36, Jesus plainly declared that His "kingdom is not of this world. If [His] kingdom were of this world,[His] servants would have been fighting." The Kingdom of God is not advanced by sword or threats! The Kingdom of God is advanced in the earth as the Gospel message is preached with the annointing of the Holy Spirit and believed and lives are transformed by it. When the Gospel is preached and demonstrated in the power of the Holy Spirit, the reign of Christ is expanded. The gracious influence of the gospel and the gospel-defined community is multiplied. So, as the Gospel is preached to more people and believed by more people, the Gospel is having a "growing" influence.

When God raises up men to preach His message of redeeming love, he also sends out His Holy Spirit to use what is preached to make alive those who are dead in sin (Romans 10:17). When the Spirit makes them alive, they become willing love-slaves to King Jesus and spread His reign throughout their lives. But the Gospel is meant also to be demonstrated according to 1 Corinthians 2:4,5. That is the grace and compassion of Christ should be demonstrated by His messengers through sacrificial service and prayer for healing and deliverance for the afflicted (Isaiah 61:1-3), and in these ways, the Gospel grows! the Kingdom of God grows/advances!

The Growth of the Gospel in individuals and in the World

When we speak of the growth of the Gospel in individuals, we are speaking of the process by which more and more of a person is brought to love-generated submission to the gracious reign of God. As this process progresses in individuals, more and more people are brought into loving submission to King Jesus and when large numbers are brought into this relationship, cities change, whole states change, nations change, even the world changes.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. . ." Romans 1:16

Grow, Gospel, Grow! Grow, Gospel, Grow! Grow, Gospel, Grow!

Our cry, then, is "Grow, Gospel, Grow!" Oh, God, let me see more and more of the wonder of your redeeming grace. Let me not only see it, but be gripped by it! May my life be worthy of the Gospel. May I adorn the gospel of Christ with my life. And not just me! May the city of Senoia, GA see much more of the wonder of your redeeming love and be transformed by it. The whole state of GA, Lord, love to submission to King Jesus!

Our calling, then, is to make our lives "greenhouses" which maximize the growth of the gospel in our own lives and in the lives of others! May it be, Holy Spirit!

Pursuing gospel growth with you,

Daniel