Public Vows

Four months ago today Kenzie and I had the privilege of worshiping the Lord by making covenantal vows before both God and man. Marriage has been a blessing beyond what I can express. I am constantly reminded of the Bride of Christ, and how Christ pursued us to make us his Bride. It is a constant reminder to pursue my wife as Christ pursues the church.

Today I decided to come back and read the vows we made to each other four months ago. It is so easy to forget things in the past. It already feels like forever ago when we stood at our marriage ceremony. Marriage is a public event. Vows are made publicly. People come and celebrate from all over the place. I believe a reason vows are made publicly is so people can be held accountable to the vows they have made. Here are the vows we made to each other. May these be an encouragement to you, and may you help hold Kenzie and I accountable to our vows.

Kenzie, I love you, and I take you as my wedded wife for the purpose of glorifying God. For the purpose of seeking Christ and his kingdom above all things. For the purpose of declaring the gospel and making the name of Jesus Christ known. For the purpose of our sanctification. For the purpose of worship. And I promise to forsake my own needs in order to serve you with my life, even as Christ did for the church. I promise to be faithful, as Christ is faithful to the church. I promise that if the Lord blesses us with children, I will raise them in truth even as Christ has raised us in truth. I promise to hold to these vows no matter what trial we face on this earth.

Ben, I promise to continually strive to love Christ first, and you second. I take you as my husband for the purpose of glorifying the Lord, and seeking His kingdom above all things. I take you as my husband for the purpose of declaring the gospel and making the name of Jesus Christ known.  I promise to daily forsake my own needs and serve you with my life. I promise to submit to you as the head of our family, as Christ is head of the church. I promise to forsake all others and be faithful to you, as the Lord is faithful to us. I promise to be your companion, and support you, even in the difficult times. I promise to hold you accountable, and speak to you with respect and love. I promise if the Lord gives us children, that I will train them in the truth. I promise to hold these vows, no matter what, so that the Lord might be honored and glorified through us.  

I love you babe!

Revelation 19:7

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;

Christians and Gun Control

The tragedy in Connecticut is obscene and horrendous. No parent should ever have to bury a child, especially a young child, especially a murdered child. This revolting and horrifying event is heartbreaking.  Our prayers and condolences go out to the families and people involved in this terrible situation.

Amidst this tragedy, a political discussion has been pulled to the surface… again. Should the government ban guns? Should more people be armed and have guns? These are the two big questions being discussed. To be honest, I don’t know which of the two options is best (No one really knows because no one knows the future). But in saying this, I do know gun control is not the answer to prevent murder.

The first murder in history is recorded in Genesis 4. Cain is angry and jealous of his brother Abel and he murders him. The root issue with this first murder is the same issue at work in murderers today. They are sinful people. Sin is the issue here, not guns, not knives, not fists. Murder happens because people are sinful and are in desperate need of a Savior.

Gun control is not the answer, Jesus is.

The only way to eliminate sin is through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Guns, laws, and governments do not bring victory over sin. Christ alone gives victory over sin.

I am not convinced the topic of gun control is the best topic to be discussing right now among our Christian brothers and sisters. I have seen political debate over non-gospel issues divide people in the church. Emotional issues like this have the tendency to cause anger against our Christian family when different views are expressed. The ironic thing is that when we get angry and insult each other, we are committing just as serious a sin as murder.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.”

If you have gotten angry or insulted a brother in Christ over their political view on gun control (or any political view for that matter), then you are just as liable to death and hell as the murderer of the children in Connecticut.

Jesus is the answer to sin and death. Maybe we should be more focused on how to reach more people with the good news of Jesus Christ. Maybe we should be more focused on pursuing people out of love, and telling them that they no longer need to be slaves of sin.

Jesus has the power to defeat sin and death. Let’s be unified and spread the hope we have in Jesus Christ our Lord, Savior, and God.

To the Christian Voter

Some questions to consider.

If you voted for Obama, are you more excited to see him reelected than seeing someone come to Christ?

If you voted for Romney, are you more grieved to see Obama reelected than you’re grieved of every person who dies without knowing Christ?

Let’s be involved in our political process within the United States of America without making it an idol. Let’s also keep things in perspective. We should much rather see the salvation of many souls than a certain candidate voted into political office.

Amplifier

I am no musician, but I do have some understanding of what an amplifier is and what it does. The amp takes the sound of the guitar and makes it louder, clearer, and more noticeable. Some noises may not have been noticeable without the amp (even though they were still there) but are now expressed at a larger volume because of the amp. Other noises were very noticeable without the amp are made even more obvious and clear with the amp.

After two months and a few days of marriage I have learned that marriage is an amplifier. Our marriage has made my sin louder, clearer, and more noticeable. Some sin that was not as noticeable before marriage (even though it was still there) has become very noticeable. The selfish and self-centered heart I had before married life has become more evident in light of marriage.

I believe this is a good thing. It leaves me with two possible forms of action.

1.       Keep and revel in my sin and serve myself.

or

2.       Confess and repent of my sin and serve my wife.

Let me propose it would be best to take the second option instead of the first. Marriage creates opportunities for repentance. Marriage forces you to keep your sin, or confront your sin. Sin will be exposed in a godly marriage, but there will also be repentance. If sin is not being exposed in a marriage that is evidence the marriage is not centered on Christ.

Marriage being an amplifier is a very good thing not only because it makes obvious the sin I need to repent, but also because it amplifies my strengths and godly desires. Marriage has amplified my desire to follow Christ and make his name great. Marriage is a daily reminder of the Gospel. Marriage is a daily reminder to be like Christ. Marriage is a daily reminder that I am the bride of Christ.

                Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. Luke 3:8 ESV

Uneducated vs. Educated

I am considering seminary for a number of reasons. I want to further my understanding of the scriptures, receive insightful teaching, build strong relationships, meet older and wiser teachers, and gain a degree in some Biblical area that may help in a future ministry position. With thoughts of seminary in my mind, I am continually drawn to the importance of simply “being with Jesus.”

Acts 4:13 says, “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 had been with Jesus.”

Peter and John had just healed a man and preached the gospel to a large group of people. Peter called the people to repentance, and quoted two references from the scriptures (Deuteronomy 18:18-19 and Genesis 22:18). They were arrested and thrown into jail. The next day they came before the High Priest and the high-priestly family, the elders, scribes, and rulers. These uneducated men were questioned by the most educated people. I assure you that their answers would be analyzed. Peter responds by speaking of Jesus and quoting more scripture (Psalm 118:22).

They spoke confidently and boldly to the people who were educated. And here lies the interesting point. Ironically, it was the “uneducated” who were correct in understanding the scriptures and the “educated” who were misguided in their understanding of the scriptures.

Being with Jesus is better than education.

I would rather be “uneducated” and Christ centered than “educated” and self centered. I would rather be “uneducated” and bold than “educated” and judgmental. I would rather be “uneducated” and humble than “educated” and proud.

Please hear what I am saying. I am not saying education is bad or discouraging it.

I am simply saying that being with Christ is the best education there is. 

Fear & Tremble

Why is “fear and trembling” important to the Christian walk?

Being a Christian is a change of identity. We are made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:5). We are completely new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our mind changes to the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). Our diet changes (John 6:54-58). The purpose of our body changes (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Everything changes! What does this have to do with fear and trembling? Everything.

• Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)

Why does Paul say we should fear and tremble while “working out our own salvation?” Paul is calling believers to understand who we are and what has happened to us in Christ. Paul says, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Let’s think about this for a second. Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth, who spoke creation into existence, this God works in me! When I will to be in accordance with the will of God, and then work in response, it is not I, but Almighty God. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). Is that not something that merits fear and trembling? The very fact that God is who works in me to will and work for his own good pleasure is an incredibly awesome and terrifying fact! But it is a fact to rejoice in!  

• If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11 ESV)

If you have been saved by grace through faith, Almighty God dwells inside you! Inside you! Communion is a great symbol of this. When we eat the bread and drink the cup we are proclaiming the death of Christ until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). When we eat the bread and drink the cup they literally go inside our body and we become one literally. Our body breaks down the nutrients and uses it for energy to live and work. Just as we literally take in the bread and cup into our body, so God literally dwells in us and works in us. If this is not worthy of fear and trembling, then I don’t know what is. Fear and trembling come out of an understanding of who we are in Christ. May we all come to a fuller understanding of our Identity in Christ.

• Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” (John 6:54-58 ESV)

The Ultimate Goal

Preaching, teaching, and having theological discussion are all very important and should be valued. However, there are some serious questions we must ask ourselves when we are involved in preaching, teaching, or discussion. Here is one question to ask yourself that will then expose what the true motive of your heart is when engaging in any of these activities.

·         What is my ultimate goal in this?

Depending on how this question is answered, a few more questions may be helpful in exposing an idol in the heart.

·         What about this activity brings me the most joy?

·         Do I care if I look smart?

·         Do I want to prove people wrong to win the argument?

·         Am I inwardly hoping to hear feedback about how excellent my message was?

The ultimate goal of preaching, teaching, and theological discussion should be to point people towards Christ. If pointing people towards Christ is not foremost on our mind, then we need a serious heart check.  

The Gospel is not a Challenge

The Gospel is not a challenge, and it was never meant to be a challenge.

Using rhetoric like “challenge” induces the listener to feel as if they need to rise up and meet a certain standard. This is not the Gospel. The Gospel is not about us rising up to meet a standard or gain success. The Gospel has never been about challenging people to succeed in an area such as reading the Bible, Bible memorization, going to church, praying, daily devotions, or any other spiritual discipline. The Gospel is about Jesus reaching the highest standard, which is sinless perfection, and giving that righteousness to us free of charge. 

To use rhetoric like “challenge” is to move away from the Gospel. The Gospel has never been about my own work and success, but the work of Christ in my place.  The Gospel is an invitation to be saved because Christ has done everything, and I have done nothing.

The Gospel is an invitation, not a challenge.

The Science of Eternity

I am convinced that all peoples in all times and cultures have longed to live forever. This desire to live forever has manifested in a variety of ways during the course of human history. Some examples are the search to find elixirs, the fountain of youth, medication, heart transplants, and religion. In all these things, the main desire is the same, to live forever.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”

Eternity is in our hearts. We desire it. We want it. We search for it, but in all the wrong places. John Mark Mcmillan sings, “Everybody is driven for a fountain of youth, but sometimes in these fountains they drown” in the song “Chemicals” from his album Economy.

In recent American culture I believe the desire to live forever has manifested in the environmental movement. Let me explain. I graduated with a bachelor degree in Environmental science. During my Junior year I came to a new understanding of what Environmental science really is at its root. Environmental science is the science of sustainability. Environmental science is all about making things last. This is seen in the movement to protect natural resources from abuse, and the desire to find clean sustainable energy. Whatever is sustainable will ultimately last forever because it will never run out. Environmental science is the science of eternity.

It hit me that I was getting a degree in the science of eternity, and Jesus is the only one who truly grants eternal sustainability in that he freely gives eternal life in himself! Jesus gives living water that quenches eternal thirst (John 4:10-14) but many people are focused upon physical water that won’t quench our desire for eternity. I believe the massive environmental movement is simply a sign that the field is ripe for harvest. Be encouraged! People are seeking after eternity! They are just looking in the wrong place. I pray that we may be faithful ambassadors and disciples of Christ during this time of harvest.

Quickness (Another nugget from pre-marital counseling)

Applying the Gospel to marriage is essential. After all, marriage is supposed to be like the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5). Without the Gospel there would be no relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 2).

I want to focus on two things the Gospel allows in marriage.

The Gospel allows you and your spouse to quickly confess sin. This is made possible because God has already forgiven that sin through Christ. Sin that hasn’t been confessed will fester and boil over into more sin and conflict in the marriage. Living in the grace we are given in the Gospel allows speedy confession.

The Gospel allows you and your spouse to quickly forgive each other of sin. We know the Lord has forgiven us and our spouse in Christ. Who am I to withhold forgiveness if the God of the universe is able to forgive?

Be quick to confess. Be quick to forgive.

Blaming the Battlefield for the Battle

A lesson learned while in the midst of premarital counseling, reading, and studying about marriage before our upcoming marriage.

There is no such thing as “marriage problems” but there is such thing as sin problems.

To say one has marriage problems is to blame the battlefield for the battle, which is illogical. It is not the grassy knoll that has a problem, but the issue resides between the two sides which are waging war.

Marriage is the battlefield; the war with sin is the battle. And this battle with sin is fought within you!

Galatians 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

The war is not with my spouse, but with sin.

Don’t blame circumstances for your behavior, and don’t use circumstances to justify your behavior. Be humble and look for the sin in your own life that needs to be repented of, and repent. 

The Character of Satan

On my previous post I asked some questions about joking around with friends. After thinking through the subject for a little longer I have come to a partial conclusion on the matter. The most influential verse I looked at in contemplating the issue of joking with friends is Proverbs 26:18-19 which says, “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I am only joking!"

Deceiving someone for the purpose of a laugh is an act of conformity to the character of Satan.

The madman described in the verse above is described as throwing “firebrands, arrows, and death” and this person also “deceives.” Do you know who else is described as throwing “flaming darts” and being a deceiver? That's right, Satan.

Ephesians 6:16 “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;”

John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Revelation 12:9 “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”

Proverbs 8:35-36 “For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

If I engage in deceiving someone, I am putting on the character of Satan instead of putting on the character of Christ.

We are commanded in scripture to put on our new self (Ephesians 4:20-24). I am not saying that we cannot joke around with friends and have a laugh. I am saying there are ways to joke around without deceiving someone. We should be careful about getting used to deceiving people for the purpose of a laugh because will become comfortable with embodying a characteristic of Satan. Let us be faithful ambassadors of the character of Christ, and may we continue to search the scriptures and remain faithful.

More of a Question Than an Answer

When it comes to joking around, what is ok? Where is the line of sinful joking and having fun with your friends? Is there a line at all? Is it ok to laugh at a friend who trips and falls down(laughing at the expense of others)? Is it ok to play a prank on a friend? These are just a few questions I am pondering and I don’t have a good answer for them.

Proverbs 26:18-19 says, “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”

I am not a sinner saved by grace

 “I am a sinner saved by grace.” Have you ever heard that phrase before? I certainly have. I’ve even said it myself. I have come to the conclusion that this is a theologically incorrect statement, and it is actually detrimental for the believer to believe this. How could I say such a thing? Aren’t we saved by grace? And if we are saved, then we were saved from our sinfulness, right? Yes. Then what’s the big deal?

When people say this phrase, they use it as a way to describe themselves. Let’s look at the first two words. “I am.” These words “I am” are a prerequisite for a statement of identity. The next two words are “a sinner.” This is a profound statement of identity. “I am a sinner.” Let me make this as loud and as clear as possible.

If you are a born again Christian, your identity is no longer in your sin. Your identity is in Christ!

You have been bought by the blood of Christ and have been made alive in him (1 Corinthians 6:20, Ephesians 2:5). You are a child of God (John 1:12). You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). You have been set free from the slavery of sin (Galatians 5:1, Romans 6:18).

Why is this phrase a big deal? It’s a big deal because I am no longer a sinner; I have been made a saint. I am no longer enslaved to worldly desires, but have been given the mind of Christ. I am no longer dead, I am alive. My sin does not define me, Christ does! In the New Testament, the word “saint” or “saints” is used to describe the believing person, not the word “sinner.” So why do we use the word “sinner” to describe ourselves? Maybe it’s because we see the sin in our life and we cower in defeat rather than go to war.

We decide to identify ourselves with our sin rather than identify ourselves with our Savior.

Please do not hear me wrong. I am not saying that a believing Christian will never sin. I am saying it is wrong to identify ourselves in our sin rather than identify ourselves with Christ.

This is why the phrase is detrimental to a believer. If I see the word “sinner” and think to myself, “This is who I am” then I will be complacent in my sin rather than live in the grace of Christ who has set me free from sin. We do have victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). We do have freedom! We have everything we need to live a life of godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We must fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) rather than fixing our eyes on sin.

When we say we are a sinner, we refute the gospel as if the cross of Christ hasn't made us righteous.

I am not saying I am without sin (1 John 1:10), I am saying my identity is no longer in my sin.

Christ came to save sinners.

·         Romans 5:8 says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Christ died for sinners in order to make them righteous. 

·         Romans 5:17 “For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”

·         Romans 5:19 “For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.”

Maybe a more theologically correct way to say this phrase would be, “I was a sinner saved by grace.” But now I have been made into a saint! I have been graced with the imputed righteousness of Christ and have a holy standing before Almighty God because of the blood of Jesus!

Are there any other common phrases we use in the church that are not theologically sound?

I have made some pretty strong points. For those of you who are older and wiser than me and disagree, please let me know. If you disagree, show me scripture to support your thoughts, and we can have a good discussion.

Buried Staircase

Walking along the front of my yard, with the lake to my right and a modestly sized hill on my left, I noticed a rusted and weathered handrail which was attempting to hide itself among the foliage of the hillside. I had not noticed this railing before, and I approached for closer inspection. I took my left hand and placed it upon the worn metal and began to walk up the hill making sure to place my steps carefully to avoid the poison ivy which had found fertile soil to take root. The earth beneath my feet displayed no evidence of a staircase, but after further effort and scrutiny I found a faint glimpse of cement after digging the toe of my tennis shoes down into the matted leaves and soil while kicking aside the debris. The cumulative absence of work and care over the years had rendered the staircase not only invisible and buried beneath the earth, but also left it unemployed from its previous usefulness.

This is what struck me most. The previously useful staircase was now unnoticeable and was even the fertile ground for the repelling plant, poison ivy. The staircase which used to be the direct route from the top of the hill to the lakefront had not only melted into the hillside, but also drove people away because of the vile plants it grew upon its path.

We are told in scripture to be alert and sober-minded (1 Peter 1:15). To always be on guard against the enemy. The enemy wants to make us useless in furthering the kingdom of God. And not only does he want to make us useless, but he wants to keep the unsaved from being in contact with us. He desires that we would become fertile ground for worldly behavior and desires to grow that keep the unsaved away. He wants us to become a part of the world, and to fit in rather than being someone who lives a holy life. And not only that, but just as the staircase was buried under the earth, so Satan wants to put us in a grave under the earth.

·         John 10:10a The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

·         1 Peter 5:8b Be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring ion, seeking someone to devour.

But within this battle, we can take be encouraged. For the battle is the Lords! The Lord will not give up on you. He will never leave you or forsake you.

·         Philippians 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

·         1 John 5:4 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - - our faith.”

·         2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”

The buried staircase was a sobering reminder of the work I must put into my relationship with God. Not that I am saved by works, for we are saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8) But that I must not become complacent in my faith and forget to guard myself from the little bits of dirt and weeds that can be present in my life.

Lord, help us to be diligent in the pursuit of godliness and sanctification, that we would not become invisible to the world, but that we would be visible and have a Christ-like influence. I pray that we would not fit in with the world around us, but that we would live a holy life by the grace that God gives us. I pray that we would not be useless in the furthering of the kingdom of Christ.

Power in Christ

These are just some verses of encouragement. God is Almighty and All-powerful. God works within us with his own power, so we need not rely on our own strength, for the Lord is with us.

·         Ephesians 1:16-23 “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

·         Colossians 2:12 “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

The same power that brought Christ from the dead is working in us who believe.

·         Ephesians 3:7 “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.”

We are given grace and are able to follow through with our calling because of the working of his power.

·         Philippians 3:20-21 “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

·         Colossians 1:29 “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”

Living for the Lord can be a struggle and hard work, but God gives us energy and is able to powerfully work in us.

Be encouraged. The Lord is powerful, and he is powerful enough to work in you and through you.

Finishing Well

Today is Good Friday. I have been thinking about how Jesus finished well. Good Friday would not be Good Friday if Jesus decided to slack off and not finish what he started. I believe this is a temptation many of us face. The temptation is simple. Not honoring the Lord at the end of something in the same way as the beginning.

I believe this is a temptation Jesus faced. After all, he was tempted in every way as we are, and was without sin. Hebrews 4:15 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

I take “every way” as literally meaning “every way.” I believe that in the garden Jesus was being tempted to not finish well. Jesus prayed a prayer three times in a row while in the garden. What was the prayer?

Matthew 26:39 “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

This prayer shows the humanity of Christ. Jesus lived a solid 33 years or so without sinning and doing everything within the will of the Father. That is incredible! But without the cross and the resurrection there would be no Good Friday, there would be no redemption, there would be no regeneration, there would be no sanctification, there would be no salvation, and there would be no hope. All of this is because Jesus finished well. He set out to accomplish a task to bring glory to God, and he finished it in the same way he started, by honoring God above all things. In fact, the last words of Christ before he died were,

John 19:30 “It is finished.”

Today I am thanking Jesus for finishing well, and I am praying that I will learn from his example and finish things in my life well.

A Sign of a Healthy Relationship

I am in the last days of singleness and am preparing for a life of marriage. God has blessed me with a godly woman who is absolutely gorgeous! I am blessed beyond what I deserve! I started thinking about an important question when it comes to a dating, courting, engagement, or marriage relationship. How do you know if your relationship is spiritually healthy?

Something I have experienced in my relationship with my fiancée is that more of my sin has been exposed and brought into view. Why is this good and healthy? Being in a relationship where each of you expose sin in each other’s life is healthy because it means the focus of the relationship is on being obedient to Jesus Christ and living more like Christ. If a relationship does not expose any sin, then I would question whether the relationship is founded on Jesus Christ. Being in a relationship with Jesus Christ has made me holy and righteous in the sight of God. If marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church, then my relationship with my fiancée should be a catalyst for our sanctification.

A sign of a healthy and godly relationship is that sin is exposed, repented of, and both people live more holy and righteous because of the influence of Jesus.

2 Corinthians 7:1 “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”

How serious is sin?

How seriously do we take our sin? I know I have lived my life not taking my sin seriously enough. Why is this? Where did this begin? God makes a clear command in Genesis 2:16-17:

“And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

The command is as clear as it gets. Do not eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, if you do you will die. The treasonous act of sin deserves the justice of God. This is the clear message throughout the scriptures.

What happens when Adam and Eve eat the fruit? Many people say that Adam and Eve died spiritually. I would agree with this, but why didn’t they die physically as well? Adam and Eve deserved not just spiritual death, but physical death. The very fact that Adam and Eve were physically alive the moment after they sinned was an act of grace and mercy of God. This is where the beginning of my problem began. The problem of taking the grace of God for granted.

I contend that just about everyone on earth, including myself, have normalized the grace of God in our lives. This is why so many people believe they should live a long and healthy “normal” life. This belief is wrong, instead we deserve to be struck down dead after each individual sin. In Jonathan Edwards’s sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God he states, “There is nothing that keeps wicked men, at any one moment, out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God.” So why do we not take our sin seriously enough? We have become used to the grace of God in our lives. It is seen as normal to still be alive after telling a lie, having a lustful thought, having a prideful attitude, or any other host of sins. We don’t see the grace of God as something miraculous and wonderful; we simply don’t see it at all because we expect to live after sinning just as we always have. God’s grace has become so normal to us that we actually expect to live, and not only that, we believe we deserve a nice life! This can’t be farther from the truth. What we really deserve is instant justice after each and every sin.

The Old Testament has many accounts of God deciding to act out in justice over people. Numerous times in the Bible God acts justly to whole cities, nations, families, and individual people by destroying them. Many people look at God in the Old Testament as a non-loving and angry God. The truth is that the cities, nations, families, and individual people who God brought justice to deserved the death they received. Also, the people who did not get swallowed up by the ground or get burnt to death by fire from heaven deserved the same act of justice because they themselves were sinners. God decided to show them grace.

Why does God take sin so seriously? Sin is an act of submission to Satan. Every opportunity in life is an opportunity for worship. We can either worship the Lord, or disobey him, and in disobeying him we worship a false god, which is the worship of Satan. Sin is an attack on God’s character. It is to say to God, “I don’t believe that what you offer and say is true. So instead of being obedient to you, I will listen to myself and be obedient to me.” Sin is to call God a liar.

Thankfully God was abundantly gracious and provided a way for us to be restored back to Himself. Praise be to God who is willing to be gracious, merciful, and forgiving. I pray that I will no longer take the grace of God for granted. I pray that I will take my sin seriously. My sin and your sin are so serious that Jesus died to pay the penalty for it. May I never lose sight of the grace of God, and may I never lose appreciation for the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

Do you actually believe that…

Jesus said that with the power of the Holy Spirit we will be able to do the things he did, and even greater things!

John 14:12-17 says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

Is this something we actually believe? The Bible speaks of some amazing things the Spirit has done through people. Here are some crazy things that people did by the power of the Spirit, and some other actions of the Spirit.

• The Spirit of God is active in creation. (Genesis 1:2)
• People prophesy. (Numbers 11:26, 1 Samuel 10:6, Luke 1:67)
• Elijah runs faster than a horse drawn chariot. (1 Kings 18:46)
• Samson breaks out of his bonds and kills 1,000 men with a jawbone! He also rips apart a lion with his bare hands! (Judges 15:14-16, Judges 14:6)
• There is judgment, and wars are won by the power of the Spirit. (Judges 3:10)
• The Spirit of the Lord is able to clothe people. (Judges 6:34, 2 Chronicles 24:20)
• Mary conceived as a virgin. (Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:35)
• The Spirit transported Philip away. (Acts 8:39)
• People teach accurately. (Acts 18:25)
• People are washed, sanctified, and justified by the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:11)
• The Spirit of the Lord provides freedom by its presence. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
• The Holy Spirit teaches and helps us remember things. (John 14:26)
• People spoke in tongues by the power of the Spirit. (Acts 2:4)
• Peter, through the Holy Spirit, is able to heal a man. (Acts 3:6)
• Peter preached by the Power of the Spirit and about three thousand people were saved! (Acts 2:41)
• Believers speak boldly by the power of the Spirit. (Acts 4:8, Acts 4:31)
• The Spirit spoke to people. (Acts 13:2)
• We are washed and renewed by the Spirit. (Titus 3:5)
• Jesus lived his sinless life filled with the Spirit. (Luke 4:1)

Am I saying that we will be able to run super fast, rip apart lions with our bare hands, and be transported away? No. But do we actually believe these things happened? To recognize that these things really did happen to normal sinful people like us is mind blowing! I would encourage you to not limit God with what He can do in your life. Whether you encourage somebody by the power of the Spirit, or are used by God to reach thousands of people for Christ, do not limit God. We have Him, the Holy Spirit indwelling us. He is more than able to do incredible things through us.

How did Christ Love the Church?

What does it mean to love as Christ loved the church?

As an engaged man, I am looking into this very important question. How did Christ love the Church? Ephesians 5:25 explicitly gives the command to love your wife as Christ loved the church. But what does this mean? How did, and how does Christ love the Church? Even if you are not married or engaged you can learn how Christ has loved you and how to prepare yourself to love a future spouse. Here are some ways Christ loved and loves the church.

Jesus loved and loves the church by…

Considering the churches needs above his own: Jesus considered our need for a Savior and decided to meet that need. (Philippians 2:4) Be aware of what your wife needs, and meet those needs before you meet your own needs.

Intentionally pursuing: Jesus left his throne in heaven and came to earth intentionally. His pursuit of us was not an accident. (Philippians 2:6-7) Intentionally pursue your wife.

Sacrificing: Jesus sacrificed his life for the church. (Philippians 2:8) What do you need to sacrifice to better love your wife?

Being willing to die: Jesus died for his Bride. (Philippians 2:8) Are you willing to do whatever it takes to love your wife?

Giving good gifts: God gives the best gifts. (Matthew 7:11, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8) What do you give to your wife?

Taking responsibility: Jesus took the responsibility for our sin and received the wrath of God because of it. (1 Peter 2:24) Do you take responsibility for your wife? If there is a problem, are you the first to step up and change?

Paying the price: Jesus paid the ultimate price for us. The price was not something financial, it was his life. (1 Corinthians 6:20) What in your life do you need to give up and “pay the price” to be with your wife more?

Being humble: Jesus humbled himself to the point of death. (Philippians 2:8) Does your pride get in the way of anything? What areas of your life do you need to be more humble?

Being understanding: Jesus understands what it is like to be tempted, and is willing to help. (Hebrews 4:15-16, 1 Peter 3:7) Do you take the time to listen to your wife and understand what she is feeling and thinking?

Nourishing and cherishing: Jesus offers spiritual food and drink to the believer which promotes a life filled with joy. (Ephesians 5:29, John 4:14, John 6:35, John 10:10) In what ways do you nourish and cherish your wife? Is her life filled with joy?

Cleansing and sanctifying: Jesus washes us with his blood, and the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. (Ephesians 5:26) Does your wife live a more Christ-like life because of your influence on her? Why or why not?

Not being harsh: Jesus is not harsh with us, but gives us everything we need to live a life of godliness. (2 Peter 1:3, Colossians 3:19) Have you been harsh with your words or tone when speaking to your wife? Do you provide everything she needs to live a more Christ-like life?

Not condemning: Jesus does not condemn anyone who is a believer. (Romans 8:1) No man who loves his wife like Christ loves the church will be condemning towards his wife.

Doing the dirty job: Jesus was willing to do anything to serve those around him. (John 13:5) What are things that you don’t like to do that you know your wife appreciates? Do them.

Protecting: We have been given the armor of God, and nothing can separate us from Christ’s love. (Ephesians 6:11, Romans 8:38-39) Do you protect your wife physically, emotionally, verbally, spiritually?

Not divorcing: Imagine if Jesus filed for a divorce against the church. We would all be going to hell! Thankfully he loves us and keeps us in his love. (John 6:37-39, Malachi 2:16) Don’t be quick to quit on your wife, but lovingly work through problems.

Not sinning in anger: Jesus never sinned in anger. (Ephesians 4:26, 1 Peter 2:22) When you are angry is it easier to sin against your wife?

Loving unconditionally: God loved us even when we were in rebellion against him. (Romans 5:8) Do you love your wife no matter what?

I know this looks like an impossible list. That’s because it is. Unlike Christ, we are sinful people. We will need to ask for forgiveness and humble ourselves before our spouse when we sin against them. I pray that I will be a husband who loves my wife like Christ loves the Church.

In what other ways does Christ love the Church? What are your thoughts?

The Engagement of Salvation

Engagement for marriage is one of the biggest desires of young people today. Recently, I stepped into this wonderful season of life known as engagement. Along with the thrilled anticipation of knowing I am going to marry the most wonderful, beautiful, and godly woman in the world, I have also learned a lot about how I should view my relationship with Jesus Christ.

As an engaged man, I am obviously super excited! I am not ashamed to tell people about how Kenzie and I met, how I proposed, and how we are living our lives in preparation for marriage. In fact, I find it a joy to tell people about these things in my life. It would be crazy if I was too ashamed to tell people that I love Kenzie and am marrying her! Sadly, many Christians, including myself, have not always shown our faith and love for Jesus the way we should. We should not be ashamed to tell people about how we met Jesus, what he has done for us, and how we are living our lives differently because of him.

The Bible talks about how the church (those who believe in Jesus as their Savior) is the bride of Christ. If there is a bride, doesn’t that mean there is going to be a marriage? Yes! Here are some verses talking about the bride and marriage.

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

Revelation 19:7-9 “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God."

Revelation 21:9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

Isaiah 62:5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

Ephesians 5:31-32 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Here is the truth. If you are a Christian, you are engaged to Christ! There is going to be a marriage supper and everything! If you are a Christian who is waiting to get married, the question is not, “Will I ever get engaged and married?” The question is, “When are you going to start living like you are engaged to be married to Christ?”

Since I am now engaged, I am realizing how this new framework of thinking would change my relationship with Christ. Kenzie and I are looking forward to our day of marriage with great joy. Christians also look forward to the coming of Jesus and the marriage supper we will have with him. I am not ashamed to tell people about my relationship with Kenzie. Christians also should not be ashamed to tell people about our relationship with Jesus. Kenzie and I are preparing for the wedding day. Christians should be preparing for the wedding day by being obedient to the commands of Christ. Be excited about your relationship with Jesus just as you would be excited about your relationship with your fiancée!

The moment you were saved by Jesus you immediately entered into engagement with Christ. What would happen if we lived our lives with the excitement of engagement? How would this change our perspective about telling the world about Jesus? 

Working with Wood

For the last couple days I have been praying for the Spirit to convict me of sin in my life. He answered my prayer very quickly and I know I have a lot of work to do by the grace of God to be more like Christ.

I was reading through 1 Corinthians 3 when I came upon verses 10-15.

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”

There are times I fool myself into thinking I am completely blameless in my actions because what I am doing outwardly lines up with scripture. But isn’t this exactly what the Pharisees did? They saw themselves as holding to the law perfectly, but they ignored the evil motivations of their heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."

I can “work with wood” by doing the commandments of the Lord with the wrong attitude and motivation. If my attitude or motivation is ever about bringing glory to myself rather than Christ, then I am prideful. My attitude should be the same as that of Christ (Philippians 2:5) and my motivation should be to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Constructing a building with wood requires hard work. This is why I fool myself so often. I associate my hard work of living the Christian life as automatically being right and good because I work hard at it. Working hard does not automatically mean working right. My prayer is that I will be obedient to Jesus while having the attitude of Jesus for the glory of Jesus.

Equally Yoked?

Imagine entering yourself and a partner into a three legged race. This isn’t just any three legged race because there are obstacles to climb over and tasks to accomplish in order to progress. The different obstacles include things like crossing over monkey bars together, climbing up a rock wall, climbing a cargo net, walking across a balance beam, and other tasks requiring teamwork for success. The time has come to line up for the race. Most everyone at the starting line is excited because they know how hard the race is going to be, but they also know how much fun it is going to be to work together with their partner through the obstacles. You are feeling just as excited as everyone else as the referees come around and tie everybody’s legs together for the race. In a moment of enthusiasm and anticipation you look over to talk to your partner about how to deal with the upcoming obstacles together, but he/she is lying on the ground next to you as a pale, cold, and stiff corpse. Your partner is dead! Then reality hits you, and you remember that this is the partner you CHOSE! Your legs are already tied together, the whistle has already blown, and the race will go on.

Disgusting, right?  Who would ever make such an unwise decision? Actually, this choice is made all the time. I am talking about a marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian. People who have been saved by the grace of God through faith have been brought back to life by Christ (Ephesians 2:5). The non-Christian is still dead in their sin (Ephesians 2:1). The three legged race is just an illustration of what it would be like for a Christian to go through the difficulties of marriage with a non-Christian spouse. The Bible speaks to this issue and gives a variety of different circumstances about how this could happen (1 Corinthians 7).

Before getting married it is typical to have a dating or courting relationship. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, the mindset of a dating/courting relationship should be a mindset focused on Jesus and marriage (Hebrews 12:1-2). If Jesus is not at the center of the relationship, then that means something else is. Removing Jesus from the center and replacing him with something or someone else is an act of idolatry. If a Christian is dating a non-Christian, it is impossible for both of them to have Jesus as the center of their relationship because one of them does not even believe in Jesus.

A lot of times this is called “missionary dating.” Here is the truth; a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship is not a prerequisite for sharing the gospel. In fact, if the only time someone would ever tell a friend about Jesus is if they are dating them, then there is a major fear of man issue that needs to be dealt with. Don’t hear me wrong, being friends with non-Christians is a good thing. Jesus hung out with “sinners” while the religious people would not even consider eating lunch with them. Be a good friend, and show love by presenting them the most loving gift of all, salvation through Christ.

A common verse used to talk about this issue of dating/marrying a non-Christian is 2 Corinthians 6:14-16a “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols?”

The ESV Study Bible states, “To be ‘unequally yoked’ is to be ‘hitched up’ or even crossbred with another animal who is not the same.” Animals’ being “yoked” or “hitched” together was a common practice. Deuteronomy 22:10 says, “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.” Latching an ox and a donkey to a plow would pose some problems. They have different personalities and work ethics. They are not the same size and would move at different paces. It is much better to use two oxen to pull the plow. This symbolism is relevant to the dating/marriage relationship between a Christian and non-Christian. Different life goals, different desires, and different objects of worship are some of the issues that are present in this situation. Being “yoked” together portrays a sense of influence on the course direction of the plow. The same is true with the course direction of life in the unequally yoked relationship. Marriage is a partnership and friendship through life, through raising children, through ministering the gospel, through the good, through the bad, through worshiping God, and based upon the mutual relationship with Jesus Christ. An unequally yoke relationship is not capable of this partnership or friendship.

Ephesians 5:7-10 “Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”

As Christians we believe marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church. The Church is made up of people who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior and are made alive in him. The Church is righteous in the sight of God because of Christ’s finished work on the cross. Non-Christians are not righteous in the sight of God; in fact the Old Testament calls people who worship other gods “whores”. Anyone who does not worship the true God is “whoring” (to use the language of the Bible) themselves to other gods.

Judges 2:17 “Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the LORD, and they did not do so. “

This is a very intense analogy the Bible uses about people who worship other gods. But it brings in some big implications to the Christian who wants to date or marry a non-Christian. If people who do not believe in the true God are whoring themselves to other gods, then why would a Christian want to unite with them? Why would someone want to unite the body of Christ with a whore?

 1 Corinthians 6:15-16 “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two will become one flesh."

I would encourage every believer to stay away from dating/marrying an unbeliever, because I believe the Bible is very clear on this subject. 

Blogolatry: The Idolatry of Blogging

I recently decided to start submitting some of my writings to a blog. Since there are many good reasons to write and blog, I went for it. After creating the blog I was amazed to see the depth of statistics provided for the blogger. 

There are many statistics made available to the blogger. I am able to see a graph of how many people have viewed my blog page. I can see page views today, page views yesterday, page views last month, and page views for the history of the blog. I am able to see how many hits each individual blog entry has accrued. I can see the source of where this traffic is coming from, and even the countries where people are viewing the blog. Not only that, but as of writing this blog right now, I know 51% of people viewing my blog used Firefox, 20% used Chrome, 14% used internet explorer, 14% used safari, and 1% used mobile safari. Along with the browser information I also know what operating systems the viewers use, 56% use Windows, 42% use Macintosh, 1% Android, and 1% use Linux.  

The first time I saw all this data I knew I needed to protect myself from a potential problem. What’s the big deal? Aren’t these statistics helpful in understanding your audience and what kind of impact you are having? Absolutely yes! But, in saying these statistics are helpful, they can also be harmful. There is a fine line to walk between wanting to make an impact for Christ by having people read what I have learned and idolizing how many views/comments the blog receives. 

If I feel a sense of pride or am satisfied in seeing how many people view my blog page rather than being fully satisfied in Christ, then I am idolizing my blog and the viewers of my blog. John 12:43 “for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”

My joy and hope needs to be based upon Christ and his work, not on anything else. Even if nobody ever reads this post or any other blog I write, it ultimately doesn't matter. Jesus matters.