Here’s what happening with the Johns family and FBC.
Currently I am sitting at Chloe’s gymnastic practice. She is trying to make the level 4 competition team this summer. She seems to be built for gymnastics and I think she has the tools. We’ll have to see how hard she’s willing to work. She loves gymnastics and is constantly doing cartwheels, walkovers, handstands, and other tricks around the house.
I am so proud of how Dawson and Chloe performed in school this year. Dawson made straight A’s this year and received the Principal’s award for having made straight A’s his entire time at LBES. Chloe also made straight A’s all year except for 1 B during the 1st 9 wks. We will chalk that up to the transition from 1st grade to 2nd grade. I give thanks to God for the way He has blessed them both physically and academically.
Dawson recently completed the Book of Revelation and challenged me to Bible Trivia on Revelation. You better not try him unless you’re pretty current on the Apocalypse!
He is now reading the Book of Acts and has made it thru chapter 9.
I regret to say that I am not currently leading Chloe. She typically has a girls devotional book that she works thru, but I have not been leading her to do that recently. I have been talking with her about the gospel for quite some time and focusing a lot on the centrality of God, His person, His law, and his grace. However, I need to be much more structured in my discipleship of her. Nancy and I will have her at home by herself for the next few days so I hope for some quality time to impress God's word upon her heart.
Nancy is currently studying thru "A woman's walk with God" by Elizabeth George, and recently concluded a study by Priscilla Shirer “One in a million”
I am currently all over the place. I am reading portions of David Platt’s book “Radical”, “Praying Hyde”, “Too busy not too pray”, “The purpose of man” by A.W. Tozer, and others. I am preaching thru Hebrews, Mark, and I Timothy. I am going to take a brief break from I Timothy to preach on the Subject of Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage. I want to cover this before I tackle the phrase, “the husband of one wife” in I Tim. 3. My goal is to post my studies from this subject on the blog. I am also moved to memorize as much of Ps 119 as possible in the near future.
Nancy and I recently attended The Southern Baptist Annual Convention in Orlando and were very refreshed and renewed by the messages and the results of the Convention.
The Great Commission Resurgence Task Force brought forth 7 recommendations in the form of a motion that will revise and revitalize Southern Baptist’s commitment to fulfill The Great Commission and take the gospel to the nations. Hopefully more info. to come on this Historical vote. All the messages were great, but the messages from Steve Gaines, Tony Evans, Matt Chandler, CJ Mahaney, Russell Moore (Adoption), and Mac Brunson (convention sermon), specifically ministered to me. I have copies of each of these messages if you are interested in listening to or watching them.
On the church level, I am excited about evangelist Sujo John, a survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attack, being with us to share His testimony of survival and salvation.
He will be sharing his testimony of How God saved he and his wife from the 81st floor of the world trade center during the P.M. service and we will have refreshments and fireworks to follow.
Our youth choir is currently at SONPOWER with 800 other teenagers. Our teenagers, one the skit competition and will be performing on the final night. Go FBC!
VBS is right around the corner, Honduras Missions Trip in July and Student Ministry and College retreats.. Please be in prayer for the church to be edified and sanctified, sinners to be evangelized, and God to be glorified.
Final tidbits:
The Celtic’s really made me mad.
Georgia knocked Florida out of the Softball World Series
Florida lost their first game in the CWS (Go Bruins)
It’s taken Chad Rollins and I 3 days to paint one room.
Family Fun Nite was awesome. Wish more of the church would have come.
I need to lose 20 lbs. (Pray for me)
Bella is absolutely wonderful. I love that lil bucked tooth baby. Her Highness.
Brandon Saunders did a great job preaching for me 2 Sun. nights ago.
Can’t wait to baptize Kenny Johns and Cathy Willingham.
The Noles just knocked the Gators out of the CWS
Blessings Friends,
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Gospel centered insights on parenting and marriage
This is a link to a 2 hr. Q and A session with Paul Tripp, Author of "Age of Opportunity" and "Instruments in the Redeemers Hands"
I watched half of it last night and found his Gospel Centered approach to Parenting and Marriage very insightful and convicting.
I feel as though many parents and spouses today have never been taught how to parent and to be married from a grace-filled, Gospel centered, approach.
If you are looking to live out the gospel in every area of your life, especially parenting and marriage I encourage you to take time to watch this video.
P.S.
There will be some biographical info. in the beginning that you may or may not want to hear. It is brief and then they will move on into the Q and A
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2444_fulllength_streaming_video_of_ask_paul_tripp/
I watched half of it last night and found his Gospel Centered approach to Parenting and Marriage very insightful and convicting.
I feel as though many parents and spouses today have never been taught how to parent and to be married from a grace-filled, Gospel centered, approach.
If you are looking to live out the gospel in every area of your life, especially parenting and marriage I encourage you to take time to watch this video.
P.S.
There will be some biographical info. in the beginning that you may or may not want to hear. It is brief and then they will move on into the Q and A
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2444_fulllength_streaming_video_of_ask_paul_tripp/
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ghana West Africa
We recently were made aware of a need for Bibles in the rural Northern Region of Ghana West Africa.
This need was expressed by "Evangelist Ralph" who is seeking to minister in the rural village areas of the Country. We have been in connection w/ "Evangelist Ralph" thru James Croft Evangelistic Association since 2002. We made our congregation aware of this need and took up an offering of $1,110.00 to help w/ this need. This will supply 220 Bibles to these villages where people do not have access to the Word of God.
Thank God for "Evangelist Ralph" and the work He is doing. It is a joy to share in this ministry.
Here is the e-mail we received from Him upon receiving the news.
Jason,
I spoke with Evangelist Ralph (Raphael Adjei Kingbi) today and told him of the donation for Bibles. He was VERY excited!! I will be sending him the money next weekend, as he will be in the capitol city of Accra the next week preaching a crusade. He will then purchase the Bibles as he returns to the Northern Region. He will then begin a series of revival meetings in several villages and will distribute the Bibles at that time.
Here is an e-mail I received from him:
“Hi papa James, let me greet you in dagbani......anuwulaa... you will respond naaaa....which means good evening. Thank you so much for your concern for the Lord's work in Ghana and most importantly up here in the northern region. May the Good bless every member of the congregation who has contributed to the purchasing of Bibles for the people, and your pastor too I pray for the Lord's anointing over his life and ministry, and for you papa may the Lord heal you completely and grant you good health for you to continue His work. say Amen Amen Amen. For camera I don't have one but I will see with if I can get one. Boy am I excited and give you all the reports about the ministry and the bible distribution. Hope to hear from you soon.”
This need was expressed by "Evangelist Ralph" who is seeking to minister in the rural village areas of the Country. We have been in connection w/ "Evangelist Ralph" thru James Croft Evangelistic Association since 2002. We made our congregation aware of this need and took up an offering of $1,110.00 to help w/ this need. This will supply 220 Bibles to these villages where people do not have access to the Word of God.
Thank God for "Evangelist Ralph" and the work He is doing. It is a joy to share in this ministry.
Here is the e-mail we received from Him upon receiving the news.
Jason,
I spoke with Evangelist Ralph (Raphael Adjei Kingbi) today and told him of the donation for Bibles. He was VERY excited!! I will be sending him the money next weekend, as he will be in the capitol city of Accra the next week preaching a crusade. He will then purchase the Bibles as he returns to the Northern Region. He will then begin a series of revival meetings in several villages and will distribute the Bibles at that time.
Here is an e-mail I received from him:
“Hi papa James, let me greet you in dagbani......anuwulaa... you will respond naaaa....which means good evening. Thank you so much for your concern for the Lord's work in Ghana and most importantly up here in the northern region. May the Good bless every member of the congregation who has contributed to the purchasing of Bibles for the people, and your pastor too I pray for the Lord's anointing over his life and ministry, and for you papa may the Lord heal you completely and grant you good health for you to continue His work. say Amen Amen Amen. For camera I don't have one but I will see with if I can get one. Boy am I excited and give you all the reports about the ministry and the bible distribution. Hope to hear from you soon.”
Friday, May 7, 2010
Tebow chooses principles over pocket book
I guess since I can officially "pull" for Tim Tebow now since he doesn't play for the "Gator's" anymore, but rather is a teammate of "Knowshon Moreno's" out at Denver. I cannot be ashamed to promote articles that have him sporting his gator attire.
I really enjoyed reading this. I'm thankful for the overwhelming faithfulness and integrity of Tim Tebow. He has truly shone as a light in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. (Phil. 2:15)
http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2010/04/20/tebow-chooses-principles-
I really enjoyed reading this. I'm thankful for the overwhelming faithfulness and integrity of Tim Tebow. He has truly shone as a light in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. (Phil. 2:15)
http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2010/04/20/tebow-chooses-principles-
Ministry Update
Wow! So sorry it's been so long since I have shared anything with you all thru the blog.
There have been many verses and truths that I have wanted to share, but simply have not had the time to sit down and write them down for you. Hopefully, I will be able to go back and revisit those truths for my own personal appropriation and continued application, as well as, sharing them with you as well that you might benefit from some wonderful truths God has shared with me.
Before I get back into regular blogging I want to share with you a ministry update for the purpose of:
1. Explaining why I have not been faithful to blog and that I do not intend to be an unfaithful blogger. I consider blogging a ministry whereby I can continue to personally disciple others by opening up my life for them to see my walk with God. I want to pass along to others everything I can that might help others grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as a Servant, a Parent, a Pastor, a Leader, a Soldier, a Christian. Therefore, I will continue to seek to be faithful to you that you may continue to grow up into Him, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
2. Expressing all of the things that have been going on in my life so that you can see the demands of ministry to the church and my family and that you would help me thru your prayers for me that I would be fruitful in every good work, not grow weary in well doing, and that I would minister according to the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ by His wonderful Grace.
3. Extending an invitation for you to join with me in serving others and praising God for what He has been doing in our church.
Okay, so, here's what I've been busy doing.
Preaching thru 3 different books of the Bible each week (a.m. Mark, p.m. I Tim., Wed. Hebrews)
Reading The Discipline of Grace, Prayer by Philip Yancey, and listening to a multitude of sermons for my own personal growth and devotion.
Personally Discipling: Kyle Parrish and Ryan Sellers
Evangelizing 3 men in our community
Serving: 2 homeless families in our community. Praise God both have places to live now and we are continuing to help them spiritually, financially, emotionally, and in every other way.
Ministering to the 3 precious people who are in the latter stages of terminal cancer and 2 other members who have recently become homebound.
lining up 4 different couples for premarital counseling
enlisting and equipping new youth workers and planning for graduate recognition, weekly services, summer camps and activities. (thanks Chad, Amber, Sheila, Pam, Celeste, and others for your help)
meeting, praying, and searching for new youth and family pastor...need to draft Job Description by May 16th our nexe meeting
Starting a new young married's class
working towards reestablishing Wee Praise choir (Thankful for those who have faithfully served and those who God is given a passion and vision for the future)
Getting prepared for Sr. adult trip May 11, SBC annual conv Jun 17, and D6 conf in Sept.
Working out the details of Son power, VBS, Homecoming, and a special July 4th emphasis.
Men's prayer at 6:00 a.m. on Thurs.
Meeting tonight to continue to develop our vision for missions in Honduras.
Collected money for 220 Bibles for unreached people groups in West Ghana Africa
While at home:
Attended 2 honor roll assemblies, 2 field days, and 2 field trips (Wild Adventures and Sea World) Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Celebrated Nancy's Bday and Chloe's Bday. (Disney on Ice in J-ville)
Mother's day coming up
Got the car fixed, got the lawn treated, working on addition to the house, and Nancy's getting ready to paint and replace carpets.
Bella's is Amazing, but is hyperactive and can't entertain herself. She's unstoppable and eat's 14 times a day.
Nancy and I have both been to the dentist for the first time in 3 yrs and they were so kind they invited me to come back 4 more times. (seriously)
Anyway, I won't continue to share all the details of our lives, but I want you as my friends to sincerely know what life is like right now because I need your prayers. Prayers that I will not lose my first love; prayers that I will be faithful to Pastor my wife and children; prayers that I will not be a Martha, but a Mary; prayers for strength and grace and wisdom. ( A big part of the reason for this post is to make that request for prayer.) This is a busy season and I need help. Be sure not to receive this as whining, complaining, or arrogance, but rather, this is my life and I could use your prayers and any other way you can help in serving the church.
I want to be found stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
I want to be busy about my Father's business.
I want to be laboring as much as anybody, but I want to be laboring in the grace of God and power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you to all of those who watch our kids, thanks to kp for mowing my grass, thanks to Randall who takes soooo much off of my hands and exemplifies true deacon ministry. Thanks to Stephen who adds so much to this ministry and serves this flock well. Thanks to my wife who is a faithful helper to me. Thanks to Vick and Clay who keep the grounds up and Mr. Bill who keeps the flowers up. Thanks to Karen who's been a tremendous blessing as Mrs. Preschool Director and to all the other many servants and teachers who make ministry happen every week.
Just a few more things to get to and I think things will return to normal.
David, we're going to jump on Men's Ministry soon
Get parsonages renovated
Have a leadership training and prep for the fall
work on a formal membership process / recovery of inactive members. (We recently had 7 people complete our membership class and were voted in as new members and we have approx. 15 about to go thru our next new members class)
I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but this will keep us busy.
Before I go, I want to thank the Lord for Graciously providing laborers for the Harvest, the baptism of Ryan and Will, Ralph's new s.s. class, our women's study that avg. 50 on Monday nights, The young married's new s.s. class, our new H.S. girls teacher, Our new M.S./H.S. boys teacher and Wed. night teacher, potential Wee praise directors, Barbara Riherds Baptism and teaching role in Preschool, our upcoming Children's Musical, our prayer times last night during Natl. day of prayer, The Bibles collected for Ghana, West Africa, and so much more....gotta go for now
Blessings to all and stay posted
There have been many verses and truths that I have wanted to share, but simply have not had the time to sit down and write them down for you. Hopefully, I will be able to go back and revisit those truths for my own personal appropriation and continued application, as well as, sharing them with you as well that you might benefit from some wonderful truths God has shared with me.
Before I get back into regular blogging I want to share with you a ministry update for the purpose of:
1. Explaining why I have not been faithful to blog and that I do not intend to be an unfaithful blogger. I consider blogging a ministry whereby I can continue to personally disciple others by opening up my life for them to see my walk with God. I want to pass along to others everything I can that might help others grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as a Servant, a Parent, a Pastor, a Leader, a Soldier, a Christian. Therefore, I will continue to seek to be faithful to you that you may continue to grow up into Him, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
2. Expressing all of the things that have been going on in my life so that you can see the demands of ministry to the church and my family and that you would help me thru your prayers for me that I would be fruitful in every good work, not grow weary in well doing, and that I would minister according to the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ by His wonderful Grace.
3. Extending an invitation for you to join with me in serving others and praising God for what He has been doing in our church.
Okay, so, here's what I've been busy doing.
Preaching thru 3 different books of the Bible each week (a.m. Mark, p.m. I Tim., Wed. Hebrews)
Reading The Discipline of Grace, Prayer by Philip Yancey, and listening to a multitude of sermons for my own personal growth and devotion.
Personally Discipling: Kyle Parrish and Ryan Sellers
Evangelizing 3 men in our community
Serving: 2 homeless families in our community. Praise God both have places to live now and we are continuing to help them spiritually, financially, emotionally, and in every other way.
Ministering to the 3 precious people who are in the latter stages of terminal cancer and 2 other members who have recently become homebound.
lining up 4 different couples for premarital counseling
enlisting and equipping new youth workers and planning for graduate recognition, weekly services, summer camps and activities. (thanks Chad, Amber, Sheila, Pam, Celeste, and others for your help)
meeting, praying, and searching for new youth and family pastor...need to draft Job Description by May 16th our nexe meeting
Starting a new young married's class
working towards reestablishing Wee Praise choir (Thankful for those who have faithfully served and those who God is given a passion and vision for the future)
Getting prepared for Sr. adult trip May 11, SBC annual conv Jun 17, and D6 conf in Sept.
Working out the details of Son power, VBS, Homecoming, and a special July 4th emphasis.
Men's prayer at 6:00 a.m. on Thurs.
Meeting tonight to continue to develop our vision for missions in Honduras.
Collected money for 220 Bibles for unreached people groups in West Ghana Africa
While at home:
Attended 2 honor roll assemblies, 2 field days, and 2 field trips (Wild Adventures and Sea World) Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Celebrated Nancy's Bday and Chloe's Bday. (Disney on Ice in J-ville)
Mother's day coming up
Got the car fixed, got the lawn treated, working on addition to the house, and Nancy's getting ready to paint and replace carpets.
Bella's is Amazing, but is hyperactive and can't entertain herself. She's unstoppable and eat's 14 times a day.
Nancy and I have both been to the dentist for the first time in 3 yrs and they were so kind they invited me to come back 4 more times. (seriously)
Anyway, I won't continue to share all the details of our lives, but I want you as my friends to sincerely know what life is like right now because I need your prayers. Prayers that I will not lose my first love; prayers that I will be faithful to Pastor my wife and children; prayers that I will not be a Martha, but a Mary; prayers for strength and grace and wisdom. ( A big part of the reason for this post is to make that request for prayer.) This is a busy season and I need help. Be sure not to receive this as whining, complaining, or arrogance, but rather, this is my life and I could use your prayers and any other way you can help in serving the church.
I want to be found stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
I want to be busy about my Father's business.
I want to be laboring as much as anybody, but I want to be laboring in the grace of God and power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you to all of those who watch our kids, thanks to kp for mowing my grass, thanks to Randall who takes soooo much off of my hands and exemplifies true deacon ministry. Thanks to Stephen who adds so much to this ministry and serves this flock well. Thanks to my wife who is a faithful helper to me. Thanks to Vick and Clay who keep the grounds up and Mr. Bill who keeps the flowers up. Thanks to Karen who's been a tremendous blessing as Mrs. Preschool Director and to all the other many servants and teachers who make ministry happen every week.
Just a few more things to get to and I think things will return to normal.
David, we're going to jump on Men's Ministry soon
Get parsonages renovated
Have a leadership training and prep for the fall
work on a formal membership process / recovery of inactive members. (We recently had 7 people complete our membership class and were voted in as new members and we have approx. 15 about to go thru our next new members class)
I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but this will keep us busy.
Before I go, I want to thank the Lord for Graciously providing laborers for the Harvest, the baptism of Ryan and Will, Ralph's new s.s. class, our women's study that avg. 50 on Monday nights, The young married's new s.s. class, our new H.S. girls teacher, Our new M.S./H.S. boys teacher and Wed. night teacher, potential Wee praise directors, Barbara Riherds Baptism and teaching role in Preschool, our upcoming Children's Musical, our prayer times last night during Natl. day of prayer, The Bibles collected for Ghana, West Africa, and so much more....gotta go for now
Blessings to all and stay posted
Monday, April 19, 2010
Middle School Shout out
I'm so excited about the work God is doing in and thru our M.S. ministry.
Here's a quick clip Sheila Andrews sent me from this past Wed. nights service Project.
Pastor Jason,
We had a total of 7 students and 3 leaders go tonight to the Parkside Assistant living facility in Starke. I think the students enjoyed it as much as the residents did they said they had fun and want to go back. Their was one 91 year old lady named Laura that had us all laughing like crazy. The girls got to polish one ladies toe nails, another ladies finger nails (in her favorite color hot pink) and fixed one ladies hair. We also met a gentleman named Mr. Wainright who grew up in Starke and at one time was the Sheriff and the park across the road from the facility was named after his mom. Our goal in tonights outreach (visit) was to share the LOVE OF CHRIST!
Next weeks outreach:
Pam knows a woman in Lake Butler that has always been there to help others but now has cancer, she is checking with her this week to see if we can visit her next week maybe taking her a meal or to just visit and let the students take her some baked goods that they make. We talked as a group when we got back tonight and we told the students that we will let them know the final details Sunday before sunday school.
This outreach is in putting to practice the truths they learned thru their recent small group Bible Study "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.
I am so thankful for Pam, Cindy, and Sheila, who are doing such a good job in leading our Middle School students.
I also want to thank our H.S. students who are also investing in the lives of our Middle School students on Wed. and Thurs. afternoon.
Praise God for what He's doing in this area of ministry.
Here's a quick clip Sheila Andrews sent me from this past Wed. nights service Project.
Pastor Jason,
We had a total of 7 students and 3 leaders go tonight to the Parkside Assistant living facility in Starke. I think the students enjoyed it as much as the residents did they said they had fun and want to go back. Their was one 91 year old lady named Laura that had us all laughing like crazy. The girls got to polish one ladies toe nails, another ladies finger nails (in her favorite color hot pink) and fixed one ladies hair. We also met a gentleman named Mr. Wainright who grew up in Starke and at one time was the Sheriff and the park across the road from the facility was named after his mom. Our goal in tonights outreach (visit) was to share the LOVE OF CHRIST!
Next weeks outreach:
Pam knows a woman in Lake Butler that has always been there to help others but now has cancer, she is checking with her this week to see if we can visit her next week maybe taking her a meal or to just visit and let the students take her some baked goods that they make. We talked as a group when we got back tonight and we told the students that we will let them know the final details Sunday before sunday school.
This outreach is in putting to practice the truths they learned thru their recent small group Bible Study "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.
I am so thankful for Pam, Cindy, and Sheila, who are doing such a good job in leading our Middle School students.
I also want to thank our H.S. students who are also investing in the lives of our Middle School students on Wed. and Thurs. afternoon.
Praise God for what He's doing in this area of ministry.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Power of God
I am writing down some of the thoughts from my devotions this morning out of the Book "Primal" by Mark Batterson.
I'm writing these in order to reflect, meditate, process, and digest them, and pray that these truths will ultimately bear fruit in my life.
Perhaps, they will serve as some benefit to you as well.
"A low view of God is the cause of a hundred lesser evils. A high view of God is the solution to ten thousand temporal problems" A.W. Tozer
When the atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima, Japan on, Aug. 6 1945, the bomb produced so much energy that the glare from the blast would have been visible from Jupiper, roughly 390 million miles away.
the energy produced by that bomb was the by-produce of a subatomic reaction that used only 1% of 2 lbs. of uranium. 1/3 of 1 oz. of uranium was translated into an explosion 2,000 times more powerful than that of any bomb in the history of warfare up to that time.
That's an awful lot of energy in a very, very, small amount of matter.
Question: If that small amount of energy is virtually inconceivable or what if it were 2/3 of 10 oz. of uranium can we even imagine what that blast, that power, that energy would be, and yet God is the master Creator of all energy in the Universe.
Our God...My GOD...My Savior, My Father, My Friend, then One I come to worship this morning, the One I will proclaim this morning, the One whom the choir will be singing about, the One whom my family and I will be worshipping this morning, is the sum of all energy, the creator of all energy, THE ALMIGHTY!
Do not stand in awe of the Atomic Bomb. Do not stand in awe of Nuclear power. Stand in all of the one who Created it!
To take it a step forward and personalize it, listen to Paul's prayer in Eph. 1
Eph 1:19-21
"The same Spirit that raised Him from the dead is at work within us."
"Without Him, we can do nothing. With Him, all things are possible."
"The quest for the lost soul of Christianity is about rediscovering the primal energy that sustained the first century Church"
"The word for "strength" that Paul used in his prayer is the same word that Jesus used in the Great Commandment. (Love the LORD thy God, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength) It refers to supernatural strength beyond your natural ability. The moment you put your faith in Christ the best you can do is no longer the best you can do. The best you can do is the best God can do."
John 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, NKJV
"Billions of Galaxies trace their origin to 4 words"
"If God can create billions of galaxies with 4 words, what can't he do?"
Depending on His infinite power:
"I can't do what God has called me to do today. Not in my own strength. But God never calls us to do something we're capable of."
"Most of what God accomplishes through our lives isn't because of us. It's in spite of us"
Identify several, if not many things that you cannot do today. Identify those things that you do not have the strength, wisdom, ability, power, or control to do, and turn it over to God and pray that He will accomplish by His mighty power to the praise of the Glory of His name. In your weakness let His strength be made perfect.
"All of us love miracles. We just don't like being in situations where we need one. But that is a prerequisite. You will never experieince the power of God until you put yourself into a situation that necessitates it."
Let us be conduits of God's power by dependence and faith instead of obstacles to God's power through unbelief and self-dependence.
Question: How do you know if you're doing this or not? Your prayer life is the expression of your dependence on God.
G.K. Chesterton, "How much happier you would be, how much more of you there would be, if the hammer of a higher God could smash your small cosmos"
*Unless otherwise noted all quotes are by Mark Batterson from "Primal: The quest for the lost soul of Christianity"
I'm writing these in order to reflect, meditate, process, and digest them, and pray that these truths will ultimately bear fruit in my life.
Perhaps, they will serve as some benefit to you as well.
"A low view of God is the cause of a hundred lesser evils. A high view of God is the solution to ten thousand temporal problems" A.W. Tozer
When the atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima, Japan on, Aug. 6 1945, the bomb produced so much energy that the glare from the blast would have been visible from Jupiper, roughly 390 million miles away.
the energy produced by that bomb was the by-produce of a subatomic reaction that used only 1% of 2 lbs. of uranium. 1/3 of 1 oz. of uranium was translated into an explosion 2,000 times more powerful than that of any bomb in the history of warfare up to that time.
That's an awful lot of energy in a very, very, small amount of matter.
Question: If that small amount of energy is virtually inconceivable or what if it were 2/3 of 10 oz. of uranium can we even imagine what that blast, that power, that energy would be, and yet God is the master Creator of all energy in the Universe.
Our God...My GOD...My Savior, My Father, My Friend, then One I come to worship this morning, the One I will proclaim this morning, the One whom the choir will be singing about, the One whom my family and I will be worshipping this morning, is the sum of all energy, the creator of all energy, THE ALMIGHTY!
Do not stand in awe of the Atomic Bomb. Do not stand in awe of Nuclear power. Stand in all of the one who Created it!
To take it a step forward and personalize it, listen to Paul's prayer in Eph. 1
Eph 1:19-21
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
NKJV
"The same Spirit that raised Him from the dead is at work within us."
"Without Him, we can do nothing. With Him, all things are possible."
- Is this the truth we are living by today?
- Is this the God we are coming to worship today or is this who we are coming in expectation of today?
"The quest for the lost soul of Christianity is about rediscovering the primal energy that sustained the first century Church"
"The word for "strength" that Paul used in his prayer is the same word that Jesus used in the Great Commandment. (Love the LORD thy God, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength) It refers to supernatural strength beyond your natural ability. The moment you put your faith in Christ the best you can do is no longer the best you can do. The best you can do is the best God can do."
John 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, NKJV
"Billions of Galaxies trace their origin to 4 words"
"If God can create billions of galaxies with 4 words, what can't he do?"
- What are you expecting from God today?
- What are you expecting God could do in your situation today?
Depending on His infinite power:
"I can't do what God has called me to do today. Not in my own strength. But God never calls us to do something we're capable of."
"Most of what God accomplishes through our lives isn't because of us. It's in spite of us"
Identify several, if not many things that you cannot do today. Identify those things that you do not have the strength, wisdom, ability, power, or control to do, and turn it over to God and pray that He will accomplish by His mighty power to the praise of the Glory of His name. In your weakness let His strength be made perfect.
"All of us love miracles. We just don't like being in situations where we need one. But that is a prerequisite. You will never experieince the power of God until you put yourself into a situation that necessitates it."
Let us be conduits of God's power by dependence and faith instead of obstacles to God's power through unbelief and self-dependence.
Question: How do you know if you're doing this or not? Your prayer life is the expression of your dependence on God.
G.K. Chesterton, "How much happier you would be, how much more of you there would be, if the hammer of a higher God could smash your small cosmos"
*Unless otherwise noted all quotes are by Mark Batterson from "Primal: The quest for the lost soul of Christianity"
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Excerpts from a "Christian Atheist" part 1
A collection of underlined thoughts from Chapter 2 of "The Christian Atheist" by Craig Groeschel
Title: When you believe in God but not in prayer
"The truth is some Christian Atheists believe in God, but they don't believe n prayer. They might claim to believe prayer works, but their actsion say otherwise. Some rarely pray, and when they do, they don't expect anything to change"
"Admittedly, when prayer becomes an empty, meaningless ritual, it is boring. But when you remember who you're talking to---when you acknowledge that the God of the universe is honestly, truly excited to hear from you---that truth alone will change your attitude toward prayer. Move the focus from yourself onto God..."
"One more excuse for avoiding prayer---and this is the deal breaker for most of us Christian Atheists---is that we just aren't sure our prayers will make a difference. We've tried praying before and nothing seemed to happen. After several failed attempts, praying seems at best ineffective and at worse a waste of time."
Question: Does anyone ever feel this way at a typical church prayer meeting? Just a personal question. Is anyone really expecting something to happen in most church prayer meetings.
Story: "A pastor once asked his church to pray that God would shut down a neighborhood bar. The whole church gathered for an evening prayer meeting, pleading with God to rid the neighborhood of the evils of this bar. A few weeks later, lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground. having heard about the church's prayer crusade, the bar owner promptly sued the church. When the court date finally arrived, the bar owner passionately argued that God struck his bar with lightning because of the church members' prayers. The pastor backtracked, brushing off the accusations. He admitted the church prayed, but he also affirmed that no one in his congregation really expected anything to happen. (Ouch)
The judge leaned back in his chair, a mix of amusement and perplexity on his face. Finally he spoke: "I can't believe what I'm hearing. Right in front of me is a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer and a pastor who doesn't"
Mark 11:24 Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Of course there are certain biblical conditions to this, but do not miss the point)Heb. 11:6 "For without faith it is impossible to please God for He who comes to God MUST believe that He is; and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him"
Expect the presence of God, Expect the power of God...
Question: What is the difference between an atheist who doesn't pray and a Christian who doesn't pray?... Nothing.
May we all repent of our prayerless tendencies and glorify God thru strong faith demonstrated in confident, fervent, consistent, prayer.
Title: When you believe in God but not in prayer
"The truth is some Christian Atheists believe in God, but they don't believe n prayer. They might claim to believe prayer works, but their actsion say otherwise. Some rarely pray, and when they do, they don't expect anything to change"
"Admittedly, when prayer becomes an empty, meaningless ritual, it is boring. But when you remember who you're talking to---when you acknowledge that the God of the universe is honestly, truly excited to hear from you---that truth alone will change your attitude toward prayer. Move the focus from yourself onto God..."
"One more excuse for avoiding prayer---and this is the deal breaker for most of us Christian Atheists---is that we just aren't sure our prayers will make a difference. We've tried praying before and nothing seemed to happen. After several failed attempts, praying seems at best ineffective and at worse a waste of time."
Question: Does anyone ever feel this way at a typical church prayer meeting? Just a personal question. Is anyone really expecting something to happen in most church prayer meetings.
Story: "A pastor once asked his church to pray that God would shut down a neighborhood bar. The whole church gathered for an evening prayer meeting, pleading with God to rid the neighborhood of the evils of this bar. A few weeks later, lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground. having heard about the church's prayer crusade, the bar owner promptly sued the church. When the court date finally arrived, the bar owner passionately argued that God struck his bar with lightning because of the church members' prayers. The pastor backtracked, brushing off the accusations. He admitted the church prayed, but he also affirmed that no one in his congregation really expected anything to happen. (Ouch)
The judge leaned back in his chair, a mix of amusement and perplexity on his face. Finally he spoke: "I can't believe what I'm hearing. Right in front of me is a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer and a pastor who doesn't"
Mark 11:24 Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Of course there are certain biblical conditions to this, but do not miss the point)Heb. 11:6 "For without faith it is impossible to please God for He who comes to God MUST believe that He is; and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him"
Expect the presence of God, Expect the power of God...
- Consistent prayer: I Thes. 5:17 "Pray without Ceasing"
- Persistent prayer: Luke 18 "Men ought always to pray and not faint"
- Fervent prayer: James 5:16 "The effectual, fervent prayer, of a righteous man avails much"
- Confident prayer: I John 5:14-15 "This is the confidence that we have in Him; if we ask anything according to His will we know that He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, then we know that we have the petitions that we ask of Him
Question: What is the difference between an atheist who doesn't pray and a Christian who doesn't pray?... Nothing.
May we all repent of our prayerless tendencies and glorify God thru strong faith demonstrated in confident, fervent, consistent, prayer.
Do you ever wonder?
Reflections from "Primal" by Mark Batterson
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. Albert Einstein
"The very first revelation of God in Genesis is that of an Artist. And the very first reaction recorded is HIS reaction to HIS creation. Like an artist at the unveiling of his own masterpiece, God steps back at the end of each creation day to look at what He has made. His reaction? God saw that it was GOOD.
That simple refrain is repead each day until the sixth day. Then God steps way back to survey the full scope of creation. God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. His primal reaction is wonderment at His own work."
Do you still wonder? ...
"The sunrise is so consistent that we take it for granted, but few things are as miraculous as the celestial dance that takes place on a daily basis. Our planet spins around its axis at a speed of 1,000 mph. And while our planet does a 360 every 24 hrs., it is alos hurling through space at an unimaginable speed of 67,000 mph. You may not have any big plans for today, but you will travel 1.6 million miles in your annual lap around the sun. And to top it off, the Milky Way galaxy is spinning at approx. 490,000 mph. It takes the Milky Way 200 million yrs. to make one full revolution."
We do not have to go to Wild Adventures, Universal, or Six Flags to get a thrill. We simply need to behold the glory of God in every sunrise and sunset, every rotation of the earth, every starlit night, and every look into the Heavens and allow it to create in us the Primal state of Wonder and Worship.
The great commandment is to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and mind...Agreed?
Part of loving God with all of our soul (the seat of our emotions), is found in seeing the wonder of God; and stepping back and saying O God You are Good! You did a really, really, good job today. Bravo!
Do you ever Wonder?
Check out this passage of wonder in Psalm 29
Praise to God in His Holiness and Majesty
A Psalm of David.
1 Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones,
Give unto the LORD glory and strength.
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
The LORD is over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,
Yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes them also skip like a calf,
Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth,
And strips the forests bare;
And in His temple everyone says, "Glory!"
10 The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood,
And the LORD sits as King forever.
11 The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace.
NKJV
You may not understand some of the verbage, but it's not about understanding the pictures, it's about understanding the passion for God and His Glory and to stand in Awe of His greatness and respond with an overwhelming emotion of wonder and praise and love that joins in with all who are in His temple and Proclaim "Glory!" "Bravo!", The LORD is Good, the LORD is powerful, The LORD is my Lord!
"Nikola Tesla was one of history's most prodigious inventors. Tesla was granted more than 100 U.S. patents. His most famous---for alternating current---is the power system that supplies our homes with easy access to electrival power via aoutlets. Every time you flip a switch, you owe Tesla a thank you. Tesla had an idiosyncratic personality, but one ritual in particular is both revealing and inspiring. During thunderstorms, he would sit on a couch near a window in his home. Every time lightning struck and thunder claapped, Tesla would rise to his feet and applaud God.
Do you ever wonder?...
"For the record, there are approx. 2,000 thunderstoms somewhere on planet Earth at any given time. And there are appors. 100 lightning strikes per second, or 8.64 million lightning strikes per day! That is a lot of standing ovations. But according to the psalmist, the angels shout, "Encore!" after each one...
When was the last time you gave Him a standing ovation? "
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. Albert Einstein
"The very first revelation of God in Genesis is that of an Artist. And the very first reaction recorded is HIS reaction to HIS creation. Like an artist at the unveiling of his own masterpiece, God steps back at the end of each creation day to look at what He has made. His reaction? God saw that it was GOOD.
That simple refrain is repead each day until the sixth day. Then God steps way back to survey the full scope of creation. God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. His primal reaction is wonderment at His own work."
Do you still wonder? ...
"The sunrise is so consistent that we take it for granted, but few things are as miraculous as the celestial dance that takes place on a daily basis. Our planet spins around its axis at a speed of 1,000 mph. And while our planet does a 360 every 24 hrs., it is alos hurling through space at an unimaginable speed of 67,000 mph. You may not have any big plans for today, but you will travel 1.6 million miles in your annual lap around the sun. And to top it off, the Milky Way galaxy is spinning at approx. 490,000 mph. It takes the Milky Way 200 million yrs. to make one full revolution."
We do not have to go to Wild Adventures, Universal, or Six Flags to get a thrill. We simply need to behold the glory of God in every sunrise and sunset, every rotation of the earth, every starlit night, and every look into the Heavens and allow it to create in us the Primal state of Wonder and Worship.
The great commandment is to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and mind...Agreed?
Part of loving God with all of our soul (the seat of our emotions), is found in seeing the wonder of God; and stepping back and saying O God You are Good! You did a really, really, good job today. Bravo!
Do you ever Wonder?
Check out this passage of wonder in Psalm 29
Praise to God in His Holiness and Majesty
A Psalm of David.
1 Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones,
Give unto the LORD glory and strength.
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
The LORD is over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,
Yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes them also skip like a calf,
Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth,
And strips the forests bare;
And in His temple everyone says, "Glory!"
10 The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood,
And the LORD sits as King forever.
11 The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace.
NKJV
You may not understand some of the verbage, but it's not about understanding the pictures, it's about understanding the passion for God and His Glory and to stand in Awe of His greatness and respond with an overwhelming emotion of wonder and praise and love that joins in with all who are in His temple and Proclaim "Glory!" "Bravo!", The LORD is Good, the LORD is powerful, The LORD is my Lord!
"Nikola Tesla was one of history's most prodigious inventors. Tesla was granted more than 100 U.S. patents. His most famous---for alternating current---is the power system that supplies our homes with easy access to electrival power via aoutlets. Every time you flip a switch, you owe Tesla a thank you. Tesla had an idiosyncratic personality, but one ritual in particular is both revealing and inspiring. During thunderstorms, he would sit on a couch near a window in his home. Every time lightning struck and thunder claapped, Tesla would rise to his feet and applaud God.
Do you ever wonder?...
"For the record, there are approx. 2,000 thunderstoms somewhere on planet Earth at any given time. And there are appors. 100 lightning strikes per second, or 8.64 million lightning strikes per day! That is a lot of standing ovations. But according to the psalmist, the angels shout, "Encore!" after each one...
When was the last time you gave Him a standing ovation? "
Monday, April 12, 2010
Prayer and the Gospel, Part 1
On Sunday nights we have been studying thru the Book of I Timothy and last night we came to Ch. 2:1-8.
I want to write about this message because I know the emphasis that Paul placed on the truth in this passage has not yet taken root in my spirit and will not bear fruit in my life unless I continue to cultivate it in my life. I do not want to move forward this morning in another book or with another truth, but I want to grasp the heart of the Apostle as he communicates the priority of "Prayer and The Gospel"
1 Tim 2:1-7
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle -- I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying -- a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
NKJV
Background and Context: The Foundation for Paul's 1st letter to Timothy is found in chapter 3:15
1 Tim 3:14-16
These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
NKJV
Paul has left Timothy to serve as an apostolic authority in the organization and oversight of the Church in Ephesus. Timothy had serve with Paul for approx. 15 yrs. at this point and Paul felt there was no other disciple who shared his mind as did his true son in the faith, Timothy.
So, Paul is writing to instruct Timothy on the necessary conduct of the church of the living God who IS the pillar and ground of Truth.
The Brief Synopsis of Chapter 1 is Paul's comforting and charging Timothy as he stands for the Truth of the Gospel. The heart of chapter 1 is connected to the theme that the church of the living God IS the pillar and ground of truth. Paul's exhortation to Timothy is Stand for the truth, Stand against false teachers, stand always for The Gospel. In v. 12-17 Paul pauses to praise God for the power of the Gospel in His own life. (Why not do that sometime today yourself?) In v.18-20 Paul commissions Timothy again with a charge to wage a good warfare for the truth. Holding on to "The Faith" and having a good conscience as it pertains to the truth.
Note: Before we transition into chapter 2 make sure you feel the heartbeat of Chapter 1. The church is the Pillar and Ground of truth and our message is the GOSPEL. Our Hope, our rejoicing, our glory, is in the Gospel! Paul's passion is rooted in the fact that the hope of the nations is found in the Gospel of the Glory of God in Jesus Christ.
Now read Chapter 2 in this context:
1 Tim 2:1-5
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
NKJV
Therefore: refers back to what was said in v.18-20. Paul is connecting the necessity of prayer as it relates to waging a war for the truth and the proclamation and progression of the Gospel.
I exhort: this is not a command that comes from from a king or a position of authority, rather Paul uses a word which means to plead. Paul is coming along side of Timothy and pleading with him to pray, pray, pray, for all men, kings, all who are in authority...for the sake of the Gospel.
first of all: The Priority of prayer and the Gospel. *This is where I have to stop and examine my heart and demonstrate repentance in my life.
Paul pleads with Timothy that above all things you pray, pray, pray, for all men that they would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Illustration: Notice how this truth is illustrated in the life of the Apostle Paul in Romans 9-10
Rom 9:1-4
I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,4 who are Israelites, NKJV
Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved NKJV
This is the account of Paul's passion in prayer for the Gospel and the Jews. However, he not only had this passion for the Jews, but he also labored in prayer for the salvation of the Gentiles to whom he was called to be a minister of the Gospel.
Application:
Do we have this kind of passion for the salvation of all men?
Does this passion express itself thru supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for ALL men (seeing that God desires [Greek: thelo "a wish or desire that arises from one's emotions] all men to be saved and come to the knowlege of the truth)?
Is prayer and the Gospel to all men "first of all" in my life?
The answer I regret to say is an overwhelming no. However, I do not plan to stay this way. I have seen the error of my way and repentance is in my heart that I might be found a faithful minister of the Gospel beginning "first of all" with prayer for all men.
Who will you be praying for today? (I would love to hear your responses to this question)
Today, my heart is for the black and hispanic community in Lake Butler. My hearts desire and prayer for them is that God would allow us to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that they would become disciples of Christ thru FBC Lake Butler.
I know this is but a small portion of Paul's exhortation, but this is my first step of repentance.
Please pray for me and with me as I seek to be obedient in this area.
I want to leave you with a quote from The Puritan Pastor Richard Baxter as we focus on developing a desire to see all men saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
O, if you have the hearts of Christians, let them yearn toward your poor ignorant ungodly neighbors. Alas, there is but a step betwixt them and death and hell. Many hundred diseases are waiting ready to seize on them, and if they die unregenerate, they are lost forever. Have you hearts of rock that cannot pity men in such a case as this? If you believe not the Word of God and the danger of sinners, why are you Christians yourselves? If you do believe it, why do you not bestir yourself to the helping of others? Do you not care who is damned as long as you are saved? If so, you have sufficient cause to pity yourselves, for it is a frame of spirit utterly inconsistent with grace. Dost thou live close by them...or meet them in the streets...or labor with them...or travel with them...or sit and talk with them and say nothing to them of their souls or the life to come? If their houses were on fire, thou wouldst run and help them and wilt thou not help them when their souls are almost at the fire of hell?
I want to write about this message because I know the emphasis that Paul placed on the truth in this passage has not yet taken root in my spirit and will not bear fruit in my life unless I continue to cultivate it in my life. I do not want to move forward this morning in another book or with another truth, but I want to grasp the heart of the Apostle as he communicates the priority of "Prayer and The Gospel"
1 Tim 2:1-7
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle -- I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying -- a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
NKJV
Background and Context: The Foundation for Paul's 1st letter to Timothy is found in chapter 3:15
1 Tim 3:14-16
These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
NKJV
Paul has left Timothy to serve as an apostolic authority in the organization and oversight of the Church in Ephesus. Timothy had serve with Paul for approx. 15 yrs. at this point and Paul felt there was no other disciple who shared his mind as did his true son in the faith, Timothy.
So, Paul is writing to instruct Timothy on the necessary conduct of the church of the living God who IS the pillar and ground of Truth.
The Brief Synopsis of Chapter 1 is Paul's comforting and charging Timothy as he stands for the Truth of the Gospel. The heart of chapter 1 is connected to the theme that the church of the living God IS the pillar and ground of truth. Paul's exhortation to Timothy is Stand for the truth, Stand against false teachers, stand always for The Gospel. In v. 12-17 Paul pauses to praise God for the power of the Gospel in His own life. (Why not do that sometime today yourself?) In v.18-20 Paul commissions Timothy again with a charge to wage a good warfare for the truth. Holding on to "The Faith" and having a good conscience as it pertains to the truth.
Note: Before we transition into chapter 2 make sure you feel the heartbeat of Chapter 1. The church is the Pillar and Ground of truth and our message is the GOSPEL. Our Hope, our rejoicing, our glory, is in the Gospel! Paul's passion is rooted in the fact that the hope of the nations is found in the Gospel of the Glory of God in Jesus Christ.
Now read Chapter 2 in this context:
1 Tim 2:1-5
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
NKJV
Therefore: refers back to what was said in v.18-20. Paul is connecting the necessity of prayer as it relates to waging a war for the truth and the proclamation and progression of the Gospel.
I exhort: this is not a command that comes from from a king or a position of authority, rather Paul uses a word which means to plead. Paul is coming along side of Timothy and pleading with him to pray, pray, pray, for all men, kings, all who are in authority...for the sake of the Gospel.
first of all: The Priority of prayer and the Gospel. *This is where I have to stop and examine my heart and demonstrate repentance in my life.
Paul pleads with Timothy that above all things you pray, pray, pray, for all men that they would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Illustration: Notice how this truth is illustrated in the life of the Apostle Paul in Romans 9-10
Rom 9:1-4
I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,4 who are Israelites, NKJV
Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved NKJV
This is the account of Paul's passion in prayer for the Gospel and the Jews. However, he not only had this passion for the Jews, but he also labored in prayer for the salvation of the Gentiles to whom he was called to be a minister of the Gospel.
Application:
Do we have this kind of passion for the salvation of all men?
Does this passion express itself thru supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for ALL men (seeing that God desires [Greek: thelo "a wish or desire that arises from one's emotions] all men to be saved and come to the knowlege of the truth)?
Is prayer and the Gospel to all men "first of all" in my life?
The answer I regret to say is an overwhelming no. However, I do not plan to stay this way. I have seen the error of my way and repentance is in my heart that I might be found a faithful minister of the Gospel beginning "first of all" with prayer for all men.
Who will you be praying for today? (I would love to hear your responses to this question)
Today, my heart is for the black and hispanic community in Lake Butler. My hearts desire and prayer for them is that God would allow us to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that they would become disciples of Christ thru FBC Lake Butler.
I know this is but a small portion of Paul's exhortation, but this is my first step of repentance.
Please pray for me and with me as I seek to be obedient in this area.
I want to leave you with a quote from The Puritan Pastor Richard Baxter as we focus on developing a desire to see all men saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
O, if you have the hearts of Christians, let them yearn toward your poor ignorant ungodly neighbors. Alas, there is but a step betwixt them and death and hell. Many hundred diseases are waiting ready to seize on them, and if they die unregenerate, they are lost forever. Have you hearts of rock that cannot pity men in such a case as this? If you believe not the Word of God and the danger of sinners, why are you Christians yourselves? If you do believe it, why do you not bestir yourself to the helping of others? Do you not care who is damned as long as you are saved? If so, you have sufficient cause to pity yourselves, for it is a frame of spirit utterly inconsistent with grace. Dost thou live close by them...or meet them in the streets...or labor with them...or travel with them...or sit and talk with them and say nothing to them of their souls or the life to come? If their houses were on fire, thou wouldst run and help them and wilt thou not help them when their souls are almost at the fire of hell?
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday
Just keeping it short and simple I wanted to make a few comments about this weekend.
First of all I want to praise God who according to His infinite wisdom has created a master plan which included the creation of man for the purpose of knowing Him and glorifying Him forever. I thank God for ordaining that I be born into His world and for every good and perfect gift He has graciously allowed me to enjoy over these 36 yrs. (which are also a gift from Him). Though created in the image of God and for His glory because of "The Fall" every man is born an enemy of God, a sinner, a rebel, children of darkness, disobedience, and the devil, and abides under the Righteous, Just, wrath of God against criminals (lawbreakers, sinner, you and I!) However, God, according to the good pleasure of His will and to the praise of the glory of His grace, set forth His Son as a propitiation for my sins. He made Him who knew no sin to become sin for me, he placed my sins on Him and the sins of all His people and God poured out His wrath on His Son, that my sins would be forgiven and I could be declared "Not Guilty"/Justified in His sight and that I would be reconciled to Him. On the 3rd day he rose again for my Justification. He placed the blood on the mercy seat and Heaven and placated the wrath of God. The veil was torn, the access was given, and I have been raised w/ Him to sit in Heavenly places. O I could say so much more about the Glorious Gospel and the Glory of My precious God Jesus Christ. But this is the foundation of what this weekend means to me. So first and foremost I worship my Lord for the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ who died for my sins, according to the scripture, was buried, and rose again the third day.
Secondly, I want to praise God for His grace in our church in that we have a Worship Pastor, a Worship leading choir, Sound men, band, and an abundance of gifted singers for the purpose of making His Praise Glorious. I sincerely give thanks to God for this and do not take it for Granted. Thanks be to God for the garment of praise He has clothed us in and for the worshippers He has developed for His glory. I love worshipping with the family at FBC.
Thirdly, I thank God for all the people I didn't know today. I want all of my friends to know the joy I have as I think of all the people, especially in the second service that I didn't know, but I got to preach the GOSPEL, w/ all my heart, and plead with them this one time. Who knows what God might do. Please pray w/ me for the all the faces you have not seen or do not know that were here and heard the word of God. Pray that God would give the increase, that the word would bring forth fruit in their life, that they would be protected from the tempter, the Holy Spirit would be poured out on them, and they would be born again to the Glory of God. Let it be so, Lord Jesus, in Your name we pray. (Please pray God's will to pass, be a partaker in the work of God, and share in the Thanksgiving that will be offered by many)
I usually know most people, but I was know where close today.
I am very thankful that God graced us with around 460 in attendance.
Yes I am grateful for a great crowd. I love the privilege to minister to masses. It is a wonderful blessing that God allows us this kind of opportunity to share His Gospel and Glory. Lord, give us more.
It was a great day and I thank the Lord for such a blessed day.
Live in the reality of the resurrection!
Heb. 13:20-21
P.S.
I am not proof reading this so it may be rough. Out of time.
First of all I want to praise God who according to His infinite wisdom has created a master plan which included the creation of man for the purpose of knowing Him and glorifying Him forever. I thank God for ordaining that I be born into His world and for every good and perfect gift He has graciously allowed me to enjoy over these 36 yrs. (which are also a gift from Him). Though created in the image of God and for His glory because of "The Fall" every man is born an enemy of God, a sinner, a rebel, children of darkness, disobedience, and the devil, and abides under the Righteous, Just, wrath of God against criminals (lawbreakers, sinner, you and I!) However, God, according to the good pleasure of His will and to the praise of the glory of His grace, set forth His Son as a propitiation for my sins. He made Him who knew no sin to become sin for me, he placed my sins on Him and the sins of all His people and God poured out His wrath on His Son, that my sins would be forgiven and I could be declared "Not Guilty"/Justified in His sight and that I would be reconciled to Him. On the 3rd day he rose again for my Justification. He placed the blood on the mercy seat and Heaven and placated the wrath of God. The veil was torn, the access was given, and I have been raised w/ Him to sit in Heavenly places. O I could say so much more about the Glorious Gospel and the Glory of My precious God Jesus Christ. But this is the foundation of what this weekend means to me. So first and foremost I worship my Lord for the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ who died for my sins, according to the scripture, was buried, and rose again the third day.
Secondly, I want to praise God for His grace in our church in that we have a Worship Pastor, a Worship leading choir, Sound men, band, and an abundance of gifted singers for the purpose of making His Praise Glorious. I sincerely give thanks to God for this and do not take it for Granted. Thanks be to God for the garment of praise He has clothed us in and for the worshippers He has developed for His glory. I love worshipping with the family at FBC.
Thirdly, I thank God for all the people I didn't know today. I want all of my friends to know the joy I have as I think of all the people, especially in the second service that I didn't know, but I got to preach the GOSPEL, w/ all my heart, and plead with them this one time. Who knows what God might do. Please pray w/ me for the all the faces you have not seen or do not know that were here and heard the word of God. Pray that God would give the increase, that the word would bring forth fruit in their life, that they would be protected from the tempter, the Holy Spirit would be poured out on them, and they would be born again to the Glory of God. Let it be so, Lord Jesus, in Your name we pray. (Please pray God's will to pass, be a partaker in the work of God, and share in the Thanksgiving that will be offered by many)
I usually know most people, but I was know where close today.
I am very thankful that God graced us with around 460 in attendance.
Yes I am grateful for a great crowd. I love the privilege to minister to masses. It is a wonderful blessing that God allows us this kind of opportunity to share His Gospel and Glory. Lord, give us more.
It was a great day and I thank the Lord for such a blessed day.
Live in the reality of the resurrection!
Heb. 13:20-21
P.S.
I am not proof reading this so it may be rough. Out of time.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Trip to Lifeway
Last night while Nancy and I were having our date night I stopped by "Lifeway" to buy Nancy a new book for her devotional time. By the way, I would encourage husbands who are seeking to disciple your family to provide your wife with resources that you think would be helpful in her spiritual development. Nancy is definitely capable of selecting her own material, but she trusts me as the spiritual leader with suggesting material that I think would be beneficial to her. She told me she wanted to focus on prayer and so I went in for the purpose of finding a couple of good options on prayer. (If your anticipating a great story or testimony right now, stop, because that's not what happened). Rather, what happened is what almost always happens when I go into a Christian bookstore; I go in looking for one thing and come out with a bunch of things. Does anyone else seem to have this problem? I am a sucker for books! I lack self control. I confess! Is it okay to lack self control when it comes to buying Christian material for the feeding of your soul and your spiritual development? (Not that I already have many books from the last visits to the Christian Bookstore or websites that I haven't read yet, that I had to have the last time I justified the investment to the expansion of my personal library.)
So anyway, I did it, I broke down, I came out with more than I went in for and I just wanted to share my new purchases. If you really love reading, new books are like new toys, you want to tell people about them and take them all out...so anyway. Here's what I got.
A.W. Tozer: The Pursuit of Man
A.W. Tozer: The Purpose of Man
Jerry Bridges: "The Discipline of Grace" *Remember that one Brian! Remember the one I bought you that time; that you so enjoyed. (BTW, this will tell me if you are reading my blog posts...I expect a comment)
Francis Chan: Forgotten God (Bela has already snatched...Nancy was a little bitter about this, but I told her I would by her another one.)
Craig Groeschel: The Christian Atheist *I am so excited about this book. I hope I am not let down. I love the title and the subject matter. Caption: Believeing in God but living as If He doesn't Exist.
Philip Yancey: Prayer (Does it really make a difference)
Billy Hybels: Too busy not to pray
Jim Cymbala: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (I love this book on prayer!)
A new DVD on the story of Ruth (Family Night)
DVD's on the Case for Christ and the Case for Faith (I want the kids to watch these with me)
Bringing your kids to Christ and 20 things I need to tell my wife (2 small books)
So there you have it, a typical trip to Lifeway for me.
BTW...I did achieve my purpose, I did offer Nancy several books on prayer. She has chosen to begin with "The Pursuit of Man" and "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire"
If you have read any of these books and would like to comment I would love to hear what you have to say. I will try to share with you my thoughts about these materials as I go thru them.
Hope your finding time to give attendance to reading and to apply your heart to knowledge and instruction. Prov. 23:23 "Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding."
So anyway, I did it, I broke down, I came out with more than I went in for and I just wanted to share my new purchases. If you really love reading, new books are like new toys, you want to tell people about them and take them all out...so anyway. Here's what I got.
A.W. Tozer: The Pursuit of Man
A.W. Tozer: The Purpose of Man
Jerry Bridges: "The Discipline of Grace" *Remember that one Brian! Remember the one I bought you that time; that you so enjoyed. (BTW, this will tell me if you are reading my blog posts...I expect a comment)
Francis Chan: Forgotten God (Bela has already snatched...Nancy was a little bitter about this, but I told her I would by her another one.)
Craig Groeschel: The Christian Atheist *I am so excited about this book. I hope I am not let down. I love the title and the subject matter. Caption: Believeing in God but living as If He doesn't Exist.
Philip Yancey: Prayer (Does it really make a difference)
Billy Hybels: Too busy not to pray
Jim Cymbala: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (I love this book on prayer!)
A new DVD on the story of Ruth (Family Night)
DVD's on the Case for Christ and the Case for Faith (I want the kids to watch these with me)
Bringing your kids to Christ and 20 things I need to tell my wife (2 small books)
So there you have it, a typical trip to Lifeway for me.
BTW...I did achieve my purpose, I did offer Nancy several books on prayer. She has chosen to begin with "The Pursuit of Man" and "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire"
If you have read any of these books and would like to comment I would love to hear what you have to say. I will try to share with you my thoughts about these materials as I go thru them.
Hope your finding time to give attendance to reading and to apply your heart to knowledge and instruction. Prov. 23:23 "Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding."
Saturday, March 27, 2010
How to fight the battle against sin in our lives
This is a video clip used to provoke thoughts concerning the intense battle we have with indwelling sin.
I have posted below the video a link to the 2 full-length messages preached by John Piper on "How to make war against sin" These messages can be read or listened to on-line. If you are serious about Holiness and victory over sin, or if you need to get serious about a life of holiness then I encourage you to listen to these messages.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2002/
I have posted below the video a link to the 2 full-length messages preached by John Piper on "How to make war against sin" These messages can be read or listened to on-line. If you are serious about Holiness and victory over sin, or if you need to get serious about a life of holiness then I encourage you to listen to these messages.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2002/
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
This message might change your life!
I listened to this message this morning by the grace of God. I pass it along to you because of it's foundational message concerning the Purpose of God for the universe, His church, and especially YOUR LIFE.
This message should change your life. I must admit that in order for it to bring forth its full fruit in my life I must spend more time in meditation, examination, and supplication concerning the truths it contained.
Dear friends, I implore you to set aside all potential for distraction and pray for God to reveal and develop this truth in you for the glory of God.
David Platt: Extravagant Grace, Extravagant Glory: Psalm 67
http://www.chbcaudio.org/audio/2010/03-14-10.mp3
This message should change your life. I must admit that in order for it to bring forth its full fruit in my life I must spend more time in meditation, examination, and supplication concerning the truths it contained.
Dear friends, I implore you to set aside all potential for distraction and pray for God to reveal and develop this truth in you for the glory of God.
David Platt: Extravagant Grace, Extravagant Glory: Psalm 67
http://www.chbcaudio.org/audio/2010/03-14-10.mp3
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lessons from Peter and John on Witnessing
Acts 4:5-22
And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes,6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked,"By what power or by what name have you done this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.11 This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,16 saying,"What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.19 But Peter and John answered and said to them,"Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
NKJV
I want to pull a few thoughts out of this text that I heard in a message last week for your meditation.
What can we learn from Peter and John on how to faithfully proclaim the Gospel?
I. The Empowerment for sharing the Gospel.
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
The word of God specifically notes before Peter shares with boldness that there was a significant factor contributing to His ability to share; He was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus told His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until you are endued with Power from on High.
Acts 1:8 "And you shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses"
Witnessing is dependent upon the filling and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Are you filled with the Holy Spirit today? Could that be the reason for your inability to share your faith?
Peter certainly struggled to Testify of Christ before he was filled with the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact he was so weak and afraid in His flesh that He denied that he even knew Him. Let this be a reminder of our need for the filling of the Holy Spirit each moment for the purpose of sharing Christ with the world.
II. The Evidence for Sharing the Gospel.
If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
In this passage the healing of a lame man gave evidence to the power of Christ and set the stage for Peter and John to bear witness that Jesus was the Risen Christ.
Question: What evidence is on display in our lives and in our churches today that give us the opportunity to share the testimony of Christ?
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
The text says that the hearers marveled at the way Peter and John gave witness because they were uneducated and untrained men. Then without knowing the referenced where the source of their testimony came from..."they had been with Jesus"
In this verse we see that it is not instruction that you need to share Jesus with others, but Intimacy.
It is not more education that is necessary for us to be effective in sharing Jesus with others, it is more experience with the Lord Jesus.
This goes all the way back to the invitation Jesus gave some young fishermen on the shore of Galilee.
"Follow ME and I will make you to become fishers of men"
And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes,6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked,"By what power or by what name have you done this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.11 This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,16 saying,"What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.19 But Peter and John answered and said to them,"Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
NKJV
I want to pull a few thoughts out of this text that I heard in a message last week for your meditation.
What can we learn from Peter and John on how to faithfully proclaim the Gospel?
I. The Empowerment for sharing the Gospel.
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
The word of God specifically notes before Peter shares with boldness that there was a significant factor contributing to His ability to share; He was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus told His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until you are endued with Power from on High.
Acts 1:8 "And you shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses"
Witnessing is dependent upon the filling and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Are you filled with the Holy Spirit today? Could that be the reason for your inability to share your faith?
Peter certainly struggled to Testify of Christ before he was filled with the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact he was so weak and afraid in His flesh that He denied that he even knew Him. Let this be a reminder of our need for the filling of the Holy Spirit each moment for the purpose of sharing Christ with the world.
II. The Evidence for Sharing the Gospel.
If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
In this passage the healing of a lame man gave evidence to the power of Christ and set the stage for Peter and John to bear witness that Jesus was the Risen Christ.
Question: What evidence is on display in our lives and in our churches today that give us the opportunity to share the testimony of Christ?
- The scripture speaks that we give evidence of the power of the Gospel and the risen Christ through the power of God in our lives producing love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodnees, faithfulness, and self-control.
- The scripture teaches that men will see our good works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven. What evidence would be found in your life, in your family, in your church, that would give you an opportunity to let it be known to all, that what you see is the result of the power of Jesus Christ.
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
The text says that the hearers marveled at the way Peter and John gave witness because they were uneducated and untrained men. Then without knowing the referenced where the source of their testimony came from..."they had been with Jesus"
In this verse we see that it is not instruction that you need to share Jesus with others, but Intimacy.
It is not more education that is necessary for us to be effective in sharing Jesus with others, it is more experience with the Lord Jesus.
This goes all the way back to the invitation Jesus gave some young fishermen on the shore of Galilee.
"Follow ME and I will make you to become fishers of men"
- Are you filled with the Holy Spirit today? If not, Why? Eph. 5:18 "Be being filled with the Spirit"
- Is there evidence of God at work in your life that will afford you the opportunity to share with others what Jesus has done in your life?
- Do you have a story to tell others because you have been with Jesus? All anyone needs in order to share Jesus is a personal experience that comes from a personal walk with Him.
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