Redefining Marriage

I had no idea that so many of my Facebook friends were staunch proponents/opponents of gay marriage. I had a thought, and I don't think I've seen anywhere (which means that I'm probably off base). I think it's misguided to quote Scripture, etc. to those who are not in covenant with the Lord and don't respect the authority of the Bible. But it seems to me that we are giving a completely different definition to marriage. That NCAA tourney going on right now -- the game is called basketball. There are specific rules, equipment, allotted time, etc. that make basketball what it is. If we could get enough Americans and the SCOTUS to vote to call it football (and football is something entirely different in itself), would it really be football? Or is it still basketball, but we are now calling it football, even though it really isn't?

Say what?

I realize that I, like everyone else, tend to view the Bible through my own theological lens. Like Alexander Campbell, I have a simple answer to religious division – agree that I’m right, and then we will have unity in the church. Yes, that’s tongue-in-cheek (mostly). But still, I’m perplexed by the crowd that says baptism is “necessary, but not essential.” Recently I was at an event where the leader was promoting an upcoming baptism service (note: it was not a church affiliated with the Restoration Movement). He said, “Not that baptism has anything to do with one’s salvation, but we do it because Jesus commanded it.” It wasn't the first part of the sentence that threw me (I’m accustomed to that), but the second part doesn't make sense to me. Jesus commanded baptism three times in the gospels (John 3, Mark 16, Matthew 28) – and each time he gives the reason or purpose for that which is commanded (baptism). He tells Nicodemus that one cannot see the kingdom of God without it (John 3:5). He directly connects it to salvation (Mark 16:16) and becoming a disciple (Matt. 28:19). I just don’t see how you can separate the command from the purpose.  I’m reminded of something my friend John Mitchell is fond of saying, “It takes professional help to misunderstand these verses.”

What do you think?

Justification & Sanctification

I was doing some thinking today about why folks in my “tribe” (Independent Christian churches) don’t seem to be as serious about studying the Bible and growing in their faith. I asked a friend, “Why does the average member come to church on Sunday?” He gave many answers, but did not say, “They come because they are so grateful for what God has done for them, and they want to worship with other believers and be challenged/encouraged/taught from the Word.” He didn't say anything close to that. He mentioned things like habit, pleasing one’s parents, tradition, culture, etc. Granted, it was just one man’s opinion, but could he be right?

On the other hand, believers from other stripes (specifically, the young, restless, & reformed crowd) seem to be much more serious about the things I’m not observing so much among my peeps.

Then it dawned on me – the reformed crowd isn't as concerned about justification (in their theology, that’s entirely God’s job), so they are free to focus primarily on their sanctification. Whereas the Restoration Movement types tend to emphasize “getting saved”, to the neglect of figuring out “what do I do after I’m saved?”

What do you think?

I Liked This Band for About Half a Song, Then I Got Bored and Changed the Station

National Preaching Summit

I’m excited about attending the National Preaching Summit. Every year, hundreds of preachers gather in Indianapolis to fellowship and learn and hone their craft. It’s great to see old friends and meet new ones. This year, I’m especially looking forward to hearing one of my theological heroes, Dr. Jack Cottrell. As a rookie preacher, I took his class on the Doctrine of Grace. It had a profound impact on the trajectory of my ministry. I hope to see some of you at the Summit!

A Good Prayer

Recently I read a prayer that resonated with me:

Give me a pure heart -- that I may see Thee.
A humble heart -- that I may hear Thee.
A heart of love --- that I may serve Thee.
A heart of faith -- that I may abide in Thee.
      Dag Hammarskjold

First Impressions of The Bible on the History Channel

The History Channel premiered The Bible last night (the first of 5 episodes). Having heard the Director, Mark Burnett, interviewed several months ago, I had been looking forward to it. Telling the story of the Scriptures in 10 hours is an impossible task – obviously there are going to be some gaps and some significant fast-forwards. Burnett told a group of ministers, “My job is to give an overview, and I hope to funnel people into your churches where you can tell them the whole story.” Obviously some folks on Twitter didn’t get that message. The very small sample (meaning, those I follow on Twitter) I read last night was divided – some loved The Bible, others found lots of inaccuracies and reasons to complain.

I was in that first group. I enjoyed it very much. The scene where Abraham was preparing to sacrifice Isaac was powerful, and it brought tears to my eyes. Moses was depicted in a way that made liberal use of artistic license, but the gist of the story was accurate. Obedience to the One True God was a dominant theme.

The thing I loved was that millions of viewers were seeing/hearing the truths of Scripture, perhaps for the very first time. I’m praying that God will use this series to draw many people to Him.

You Are Now Entering Post-Christian America

I have been following The Giglio Imbroglio. Whatever the truth is (did he withdraw or was he disinvited?), it reminded me of this quote from Carl Truman. I think he nails it:

You really do kid only yourselves if you think you can be an orthodox Christian and be at the same time cool enough and hip enough to cut it in the wider world. Frankly, in a couple of years it will not matter how much urban ink you sport, how much fair trade coffee you drink, how many craft brews you can name, how much urban gibberish you spout, how many art house movies you can find that redeemer figure in, and how much money you divert from gospel preaching to social justice: maintaining biblical sexual ethics will be the equivalent in our culture of being a white supremacist.

 

source

Sermonizing in St. Louis

I'm in St. Louis, MO for a couple of days. Third annual meeting with a couple of preacher friends. We meet for fellowship, and study, and encouragement. We challenge one another and brainstorm ideas for possible sermon series -- we usually end up preaching a couple of these together during the year (it's great writing together, even though we are in different states). Looking forward to getting a lot of prep/planning done for 2013.

Our New Dog, Cubbie

The Reality of Hell

Hell. It’s not a comfortable subject. It’s a topic that we don’t mention in polite company. It’s something that many folks like to pretend isn’t in the Bible. But Jesus talked about hell. A lot. He mentioned hell, judgment, and punishment numerous times in his teaching, especially in his parables. He talked about hell more than anyone else in all of Scripture.

Hell has fallen out of fashion in our culture. I fear that many Christians have not come to grips with the reality of this place. They are afraid to talk about it, or they dismiss it as a relic of the Puritan age. In 25 years of ministry, even with long-time Christians, my experience has been that while they give lip service to the biblical doctrine of hell, the predominant view of salvation is, “If you are a good person you will go to heaven.” They are, in effect, pratical universalists. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). At the final judgment, all will stand before Jesus. Jesus’ followers whose names are written in the Book of Life will be with him forever. The Bible could not be clearer: “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

Hell is a real place. The Bible affirms the existence of hell over 100 times. Even the demons do not deny its reality. Victor Knowles wrote, “Demons do not brush off the Bible's teaching on hell by saying, ‘Oh, that’s just your interpretation’ or ‘God is too good to let anyone go to hell.’ Because they swore allegiance to Satan long ago, they have bought their one-way ticket to hell. They realize, with horror, that there will literally be ‘hell to pay’ someday.” It is more than a condition or a swear word. It is not merely a figment of some theologian’s imagination. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Hell is a prepared place. It is a place that God made for the Devil and his angels. Satan will not reign there. It was never intended for man. The Lord told us this. “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels’” (Matthew 25:41). Jesus’ words about hell come in the context of the rest of Scripture, which says that God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Hell is a terrible place. The Bible does not give us a detailed exposition of hell, but there are many descriptions of the fate of its inhabitants in that place of eternal punishment. There is no possibility of amnesty or reprieve. Dante said a sign should be erected over the door of hell, ”Thou who enter this door, leave all hope behind.”  

Hell is an avoidable place. Death is not normal or natural, but an enemy, the consequence of sin.  The body goes to the grave and the spirit goes into an afterlife to face judgment. The Bible is clear that there will one day be a bodily resurrection for everyone to either eternal life with God or eternal condemnation apart from him in hell. Christianity differs from all religions in that the Bible teaches that our eternal status depends on our relationship with Jesus. I like the way Aaron Brockett puts it: “God, through His Word, is not threatening us with hell, but warning us. And when we communicate the reality of hell and judgment with others, we do so honestly but with a broken heart.”  We really believe that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Spirit of the Marathon - Marathon Movie Trailer

Watched this last night. Inspiring!

Spirit of the Marathon - Marathon Movie Trailer

Celebrating 25 Years of Ministry

Today is a milestone day for me. 25 years ago I was ordained into the Christian ministry by the elders of my home church. I am grateful to the Lord that He has allowed me to serve Him and His people all these years. I am humbled by the opportunities He has given me to preach and teach and tell people about Jesus. I still sense a very strong calling to this work. I am thankful for the people who have influenced and mentored and encouraged me.

Through the years people have asked me what I would be doing if I were not in full-time ministry. I honestly don’t know. It’s not that I can’t do anything else, but I cannot imagine doing anything else. I love it! Like Paul… “I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Like Jeremiah…”his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot” (Jeremiah 20:9).

I feel like it’s halftime now. If the Lord tarries, I would love to serve at least another 25 years. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. To God be the glory!

I Love My Church!

Yesterday, the elders and church family surprised me with a special recognition of the 25^th anniversary of my ordination (May 24, 1987). They surprised me with a gift of an iPad. They also presented Tracy with some beautiful roses. And there was a reception with cake and coffee after the worship services. I was humbled and honored by their kindness. I am blessed.

Happy Birthday Luke!

My boy turns 17 today. Happy birthday buddy!

I Think I Have Had That Dream

What a Day!

Yesterday was a banner day in the life of Cedar Creek. I am still excited and thrilled about how the Lord moved among us. At the conclusion of the second service, 23 people “crossed the line”, declaring their desire to be completely committed followers of Jesus (rededications, transfers, and a couple of soon-to-take-place baptisms). Praise the Lord! There were many tears, cheers, hugs, and prayers. What a day! I learned later that many others stepped over that sideline (after both services), doing business in their hearts with the Lord: some as couples, others as individuals. I believe the Lord is calling all of us to examine our hearts. Are we fans or followers?

This next Sunday, we will dig into God’s Word once again. The message is Choosing Intimacy. The focus is on knowing God, not simply knowing about God, with an emphasis on the heart of the Father towards His children. If you want to read ahead, we will be using the parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32.

T4G Recap

This week I had the privilege of attending the Together for the Gospel Conference for the second time. It did not disappoint, and what made it extra special was that my son Luke accompanied me. We had a good time and some spiritually rich father/son discussions.  When I’m at T4G and The Gospel Coalition (a similar conference) I have mixed feelings. I’m thrilled and challenged by the Bible exposition and the seriousness with which attendees approach Scripture and worship and study. Interestingly, in the informal assessment of attendees (done by Mark Dever at the opening session) it would appear that 80% of those gathered were in the 20s-30s age bracket – aka, the Young, Restless, and Reformed. I find myself asking, “Where is this group among my tribe?” (Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ). Where are the young people (or older folks, for that matter) who really want to get closer to the Lord, study/know His word, and learn from those in church history who have walked the path before us? I wrote about this after returning from the last T4G. I still feel the same way.

The book giveaways were great (listed here), and the offerings in the bookstore were tremendous. Noticeably absent were the latest pragmatic church growth books and lightweight Christian self-help titles. 

The messages were good, but I think David Platt’s message was one of the best messages on missions I have ever heard.  

Together for the Gospel

I will be attending the Together for the Gospel conference in Louisville this week with my son Luke. The speakers and the breakout sessions look to be outstanding. These are not the guys I usually hang out with (most are from a Reformed/Calvinist tradition), but I have learned a lot through the years from them, and my previous experiences at t4g (and The Gospel Coalition) have been wonderful.